Red Cathedral

There's an odd beauty to knowing something was different before and seeing for your very own eyes what has changed. I remember when the Cathedral was draped in gold as clearly as I remember the first drops of crimson spill.

— unnamed visitor, suspected to be some kind of dragon in human guise

The Red Cathedral is perhaps one of the Medimian Empire's most prized victories over what once stood in their lands. Formerly a cathedral to Iomedaean worship, it has since been redecorated and sanctified as the centre of religious power in Medimia - and now focuses solely on approved gods, like the Prince of Hell himself.

Purpose / Function

The Red Cathedral is both where the Ruby of Religion resides, and the centre of religious worship across the Medimian Empire. Vast libraries of sacred and profane works are kept in the cathedral alongside divine artifacts from numerous faiths, often only accessed for the purposes of ceremony.
Much of the cathedral is only open to high-ranking members of the Empire's religious orders - to limit the spread of unapproved information and to grant the illusion of greatness - but pilgrims are welcome to travel to it and attend services in the grand hall, or to seek religious awakening in the smaller altar rooms.
Notably, the Order of the Crimson Axe utilises the Red Cathedral as its training location for the warpriests and divine blades of its ranks. It is not uncommon to encounter practice battles within the Cathedral's grounds, nor to find trainees sparring in the cloisters. The Cathedral is also where many of the nation's oracles are kept: if the rumours are correct, the five spires function as their quarters (and prisons).

Votive Candles on Table by Michael Scott

Architecture

The Red Cathedral has had a number of architectural upgrades over the years, and currently stands as a marvel of infused styles. Pillars in the ancient style of Medimia's forebears line the inside and mark the transept, whilst windows of intricate Ordanian glass glitter in gothic frames of ornate stone. The mausoleum beneath the cathedral's main section is considered to be the most ancient section and features numerous hallmarks of the pre-Medimian styles, including its longsword-shaped hallway, golden floor, and simple arched roofing, which runs contrary to the intricate roof patterns seen above.
On the exterior, the cathedral's five spires tower above many levels of stonework. They are newer additions, constructed around the central dome, and their many stone indentations, crenellations, and gargoyles mark them as gothic and Hellish in nature. Iron spikes and impossibly large rubies serve to improve that intent: supposedly, Mephistopheles whispered the secret of the spires' construction to the architect in charge of the cathedral's design.

History

I must say, I much prefer the wine involved in the services quite literally anywhere else. Perhaps we could pray to Asmodeus to lift that divine curse - at least, for his own ceremonies?

— malcontent worshipper

The Red Cathedral was previously known as the Cathedral of Blades and stood as one of the centres of Iomedaean worship before a group of rebels, followers of Iomedae's brother-god Cayden, took shelter in its lower depths. The Medimian Emperor at the time was furious and called for the Cathedral's destruction; his Ruby of Religion took the matter into her own hands, and instead saw to the end of mass Iomedaean faith in the Empire. All within the Cathedral were given the option to surrender; few obeyed. A minor civil uprising broke out in the local area as those within the cathedral called desperately for help - even going so far as to summon in help from the heavens - but after weeks of fighting, Medimia's superior numbers and organisation had triumphed. The rebels, both Iomedaean and Caydenite, were thrown into a mass grave and burned.
As the Cathedral was too beautiful to simply destroy, it was instead redecorated. The bodies of Iomedae's most faithful and revered were reburied deep below the cathedral, though were kept in their stone coffins to avoid angering the goddess. Artworks and tapestries were locked away within the fabled Vault of Celatus. New decorations and ceremonies were held to dedicate the Cathedral to Asmodeus, with no response from the deity - taking this as a sign of his displeasure, the Ruby of Religion instead moved to place all of Medimia's revered deities within the Cathedral. This garnered a far more positive response from certain quarters, and so it remains this way to this day.
However, the Cathedral's desecration would have long-lasting ramifications for those choosing to reside there. No divine light can be brought into the area, even now, without it beginning to flicker and die, and weapons shatter far easier in the hands of Medimian loyalists. All gold and silver still tarnishes rapidly, with anything placed in the Cathedral's sanctum tarnishing instantly. Longswords and rapiers tend to injure their wielders more easily, and alcoholic drinks cannot be brought in without spoiling. These lasting effects are no magic that can be dispelled: they linger as the permanent displeasure of both Iomedae and Cayden Cailean.
Interestingly, despite the lack of involvement by their ascended sibling, common rumour about the Cathedral is that Norgorber's displeasure also marks its grounds. They suggest that shadows sometimes hold traps that none remember leaving, and that those who enter with intent to dethrone the Cathedral's masters find the building willing to aid them in small ways. Obviously, this rumour is disapproved of by the Empire and any purporting it are punished for its spread - but after centuries of oppression, it still lingers.

Unholy Symbol of Asmodeus by Hugo Solis © 2013, Paizo Publishing, LLC

Type

Cathedral / Great temple

Parent Location

Coruscia

Ruling/Owning Rank

Rubies Regnant

Owning Organization

Medimian Empire