The Mushar of Naktolata

The Mushar of Naktolata is the world oldest man made structure. While the outside has had additions as recent as 50 years ago, the inner core of the structure is believed to date back to -3000 AUC. The whole complex is build atop an eroded impact crater, which has led archaeologists to believe that human activity in the area might even predate the current temple structure.

Meaning of the name

Mushar (sometimes written as Mushalar, Mushlar, Uslar) is a commonly used term in South-East Esteria, meaning 'site'. While it can be used to denote any area or location of habitation, it usually implies a religious context.

Naktolata. is a bit of an linguistic oddity. Naktol is a known Etruvian godess representing the all-mother, the first and bearer of all life. However Etruvian culture has never been shown to reach so far east.
Ata is a honorific suffix, implying a maternal link to a great leader or deity. With it, it also carries the declaration that this figure enjoys the same or even a greater level of authority or worship.

Historians are stumped at the implication that the name means 'Mother Of Naktol", since Naktol is presume to be the one before all.

The Central Core

The Central Core is the oldest part of the complex, with the Temple of Naktolata being the most ancient and original part. The area is heavily guarded by one of the 5 central sects. These sects operate much like their own citystates, with their own rules and regulations. To reach the temple, one must have the agreement of all 5. Illicit attempts to access it, will result in being detained and immediate expulsion. There are also reports of executions, but it is unclear if these concerned trespassers or grave-robbers.

The Jungle Sprawl

Outside the Central Core each philosophical school, religious sect or self-professed prophet who are drawn to the place, have erected their own little religious domains. Most recent estimations believe there are currently 526 different religious or philosophical groups who have settled in the area.

Worship Of Naktolata

As is expected from such a concentration of different schools of thought, the worshipping has no unified ritual.

Type

Temple / Religious complex

Map of the inner parts. The oldest part of the complex is shown near the upper center.

by Fluofish