The Grand Temple
The Grand Unified Temple is arguably the foundation stone of the empire. It brought together all the gods and sought to give them equal weight thereby respecting all the religions and cultures that existed within the borders of the empire. One of the first acts and some would say the reason for the temple's creation was the organising of a new calendar. Empress Ber'ho herself oversaw the work, aware of how important it was to the administration of her lands.
Architecture
Symmetry is a hard thing to find in the Grand Temple. Four towers support the various domes, each one large enough to house each of the official sects that make up the unified temple. Stone from across the empire was used in the construction, including a shipment of obsidian from the Jennarian Desert.
Temple engineers are constantly tinkering with the building, using it as a test ground for their latest innovations. The most popular with the public is the water fountain and its light show, but their crowning achievment is the platform before the dais. Using magic to power the mechanism it can be raised and lowered, giving access to the crypt.
Show spoiler
During the funeral of Emperor Kow'ho, the platform malfunctioned, leaving the casket stuck half way. A demon trapped in the imperial jewel known as Dromae's Eye, consumed the magic needed to operate the platform. Once it was defeated the platform finished its decent.
Defenses
The temple precinct is protected by a small company of temple guard, bolstered by acolytes and the warrior clerics of Eren. The city guard and serving legionaries are banned from stepping foot in the precinct without permission from The Temple Guardian.
History
When Emperor Herri'ha crossed the Garen channel and climbed the opposite slope he did so alone, leaving his guards and advisors behind. At the top was a ruined temple, its roof rotted away and walls crumbling. A holy man lived there alone and in silence but when the emperor walked into his home, he found his voice and shared his visions. The holy man prophecies were shared with the emperor alone and his closest advisors. Some say they told of the coming war with the Dragon Kingdom, others that the holy man shared the secrets of existence. If a written record survives it is kept in the safest of vaults in the palace.
Tourism
Pilgrims come from all over the empire to pray at the temple. Those that arrive by boat take the Pilgrim's Way from the dock to the wooded area to the west of the temple. Shrines line the way, along with rest stops and inns.
Despite what its name implies, Admiralty Square, falls under the authority of the temple. It's a popular site for celebrations and festivals, with citizens coming from all over the city and far away. The Naval Academy, situated just down the hill, uses the square on a regular basis, especially on graduation day.
Founding Date
The first stone was laid 15 years before the Unified Calendar
Type
Cathedral / Great temple
Parent Location
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