The Burning Cathedral of Aluhad

“This temple shall create new life to this city, as the divine have brought life to us all. It shall serve as a father, protecting us from all who wish us harm. It shall serve as a mother, nurturing our spirits. It shall stand against all enemies, as the church does. It shall lead us all home”

-Father Zalán Szilágyi 602.

History

In 598, a large force of dragons and goblins raided the city. They destroyed much of Aluhad. This attack killed most of the inhabitants. The Priest of Aluhad was among them. Upon hearing of this, Father Zalán Szilágyi volunteered to be the next priest of Aluhad. The Bishop granted his request in early 599. First Father Szilágyi set to work finding an architect to build a temple that would bring hope back to Aluhad. One candidate who appeared early on was August Varis. Varis was a brilliant architect from Kotsahia. He was well known for combining architecture of his homeland with the architecture of Coswyk Enys. Varis arrived at Aluhad late in the year. Varis and Father Szilágyi drew up plans for the temple. It wasn’t long before the project had grown in scale. They planned the building of a grand cathedral that would be the light against all evil.
I was around this time that Father Szilágyi would receive visions. These visions showed him how to create a powerful artifact. The Flame of Aluhad. The flame would set in the enormous dome above the chapel. It would protect all of Aluhad from any dragon attacks.
These plans would far exceed the resources granted to Father Szilágyi originally. Varis would pledge much of his own fortune to the project. Father Szilágyi would also patition to recieve more resources from the church. They would grant this request in 600. They would spend most of the next two years gathering resources and manpower.
In late 602 construction began on the cathedral. It would take 24 years to complete. At this time many of the workers settled in the city. No deaths occurred during the construction. In 613 August Varis would die in his sleep. Because of his devotion to the church, he would receive the title Blessed. His son and apprentice Voitto Varis would become the lead architect from this point onward. Before this he was responsible for the design of defensive structures around the city. He would design the 638 expansions.
In 626, construction finished. With this, the cathedral received the title of Blessed August Varis’s Cathedral. On the morning of the first service was being held. The Flame of Aluhad was lit. The Flame overtook the dome of the cathedral. This great flame would not burn or be extinguished.
It was not a month later when the dragon known as Erredas would attack. He flew low over the bay. Most of the city grew into a panic as the Terrible beast grew nearer. He flew up and over the Cathedral. With a great shout and a blinding torrent of flame, he attacked. His flame did no damage, it was absorbed by the dome. Several ballista bolts pierced Erredas and he came crashing to the ground. He had crushed some trees, but that was the most damage he did that day.
Aluhad would come to be known as the city that could not burn. Many Meynsilists will make pilgrimages to the city. Even today they consider the cathedral to be one of the most beautiful building in the world.
Aluhad would be the target of several Draconic raids in the coming decades, but all would fail. In 638 they created a special guard for the city of Aluhad. This guard would be made of some of the most powerful mages and knights the church offered. The Aluhad guard would become one of the most prestigious positions within the church. Members of the guard would wear maroon and gold uniforms. Former members of the guard will wear these colors until their retirement.
638 saw several additions to the cathedral itself. They also built a citadel during this time to house the newly created guard.

Founding Date

602

Alternative Names

Blessed August Varis’s Cathedral

Type

Temple / Religious complex