Temple of Unity

The Temple of Unity stands as one of the most sacred and revered locations in Tanaria, serving as the spiritual heart of the Order of Arelian. Nestled within the Zandari mountain range, above the city of Kha'zadun, the temple is a testament to the ideals of balance and harmony that the Order strives to uphold. It is here that the divine threads of fate are woven into bonds, uniting Sahar and Guardians through the sacred Bonding Ceremony.
Beyond its role in forging these partnerships, the Temple of Unity is a symbol of the Order’s commitment to safeguarding the realm. Its hallowed halls resonate with the echoes of countless ceremonies and prayers, embodying the principles of trust, unity, and the eternal struggle to maintain balance in a world fraught with chaos.
Shrouded in mystery and protected by the most loyal members of the Order, the temple’s secrets are known only to those who have walked its halls and felt the presence of Velmorra, the Goddess of Fate. For the Order, the Temple of Unity is more than a building—it is a beacon of their mission and the enduring hope of Tanaria.

Purpose / Function

The Temple of Unity serves as a divine gift and sacred structure, embodying the vision of Aurelian and Leohran, gods of harmony and strength. Their purpose for the temple was twofold: to create a sanctuary of balance where the realms of magic and might could converge, and to safeguard the threads of fate entrusted to mortals by Velmorra, the Goddess of Fate and Death.
Carved into the Zandari Mountains, the temple exists to:

• Forge Unbreakable Bonds: The temple is the only place where the sacred Bonding Ceremony between Sahar and Guardians can occur. This divine ritual, gifted by Velmorra herself, solidifies their connection, weaving the threads of their fates into a singular, inseparable bond.


• Train the Order's Future: The temple is a hub of learning and preparation. Prospective Sahar and Guardians are rigorously trained in its open terraces and sacred halls, mastering their craft through combat, magic, and the philosophies of unity. The temple’s training grounds reflect its dual purpose, blending the mystical with the martial.


• Preserve the Threads of Fate: As the spiritual heart of the Order, the temple houses the Chamber of Threads, a sanctum said to be directly touched by Velmorra. Here, the threads of fate are seen, read, and woven during bonding rituals, ensuring balance in the world.


• Anchor the Mortal and Divine Realms: Beyond its physical presence, the Temple of Unity symbolizes the connection between gods and mortals. Aurelian and Leohran’s influence is deeply felt here, with their ideals of strength, wisdom, and harmony shaping every stone and ritual. Pilgrims and members of the Order believe the temple is a place where mortal prayers and divine guidance converge.

While the temple’s creation was driven by divine purpose, it has evolved to become a beacon of protection and balance for Tanaria, its influence stretching far beyond the mountains. Those who train, bond, or seek solace within its walls carry the weight of its purpose into the world, upholding the legacy of its godly founders.

Architecture

The Temple of Unity is an awe-inspiring marvel of stone and purpose, nestled deep within the Zandari Mountains, overlooking the vibrant city of Kha’zadun below. Carved into the mountainside itself, the temple blends seamlessly with its natural surroundings, as though it was born from the stone rather than built. Its towering spires stretch toward the heavens, while its fortified walls root it to the earth, reflecting the balance between divine connection and mortal resolve.
At the base of the mountain, Kha’zadun thrives under the protection and influence of the Order. The city benefits not only from the Order’s unmatched defense but also from trade, scholarly pursuits, and the economic boon of pilgrims and travelers seeking the temple’s guidance. Merchants, artisans, and dignitaries alike flock to the city, contributing to its reputation as a hub of prosperity and cultural exchange.
One of the temple's greatest hidden treasures is a natural rejuvenating hot spring, tucked within the mountain's depths. This spring, said to be blessed by Velmorra herself, is known for its restorative properties—both physical and spiritual. Accessible only to members of the Order, the hot spring is used to cleanse and heal Sahar and Guardians before their Bonding Ceremony, ensuring they are pure in body and mind.
Inside, the temple is a labyrinth of sacred spaces. At its heart lies the Chamber of Threads, the most closely guarded location in all of Tanaria. Here, the threads of fate are woven and strengthened during the Bonding Ceremony, under the watchful eyes of the Threadmasters. The walls of the chamber are etched with glowing runes and thread-like carvings, said to shimmer with Velmorra’s divine presence during rituals.
Other notable spaces include the Meditation Sanctuaries, where Sahar and Guardians prepare for their trials, and the Vault of Relics, where the Order safeguards its most sacred artifacts. Hallways adorned with intricate tapestries and stone carvings weave stories of the Order’s history, a constant reminder of its divine purpose.
The Temple of Unity stands as a beacon of balance and harmony, a place where the spiritual and physical meet. It is not simply a fortress or a temple—it is a living legacy, a testament to the vision of Aurelian and Leohran and the divine guidance of Velmorra. It is the heart of the Order, where threads are bound, destinies are forged, and the balance of Tanaria is preserved.

Defenses

Given its sacred importance and the treasures it guards, the Temple of Unity employs a combination of natural and architectural defenses to ensure its protection:

• Strategic Location: Built high into the cliffs of the Zandari Mountains, the temple is naturally protected by its rugged terrain. The steep cliffs and narrow winding paths make direct assaults difficult, requiring attackers to navigate treacherous and exposed routes.


• Fortified Walls and Spires: The temple's stone architecture includes thick outer walls and towering spires, reinforced with enchantments. The entrances are narrow and well-guarded, limiting how many attackers can engage at once.


• Watchtowers: Several high vantage points allow for early detection of intruders. These towers provide panoramic views of the surrounding desert and mountain paths, ensuring the Order has ample warning of approaching threats.


• Guarded Entrances: The temple has only a few access points, all heavily guarded by trained warriors of the Order, including Guardians. Each entryway is designed to bottleneck attackers into defensible chokepoints.


• Magical Wards: Powerful magical wards and runes, laid by the Order’s most skilled Sahar, protect the temple from magical intrusion. These wards can detect and repel dark forces, summon protective barriers, and disorient attackers.


• Hidden Defenses: Within the temple are a series of hidden traps and defensive mechanisms, including collapsing passageways, spike-lined pits, and mechanisms designed to flood certain sections of the temple in emergencies. These defenses are activated only by senior members of the Order in times of dire need.


• Defensive Courtyards: The temple’s terraces double as defensive positions, offering elevated platforms for archers and Sahar to defend the structure. Their layout provides cover and clear sightlines over the paths below.


• The Guardian Force: The Order maintains a permanent garrison of Guardians at the temple, ensuring it is always protected. These warriors are trained specifically for mountain warfare, capable of defending the temple under any conditions.

Founding Date

27 HE

Type

Cathedral / Great temple

Parent Location

Kha'zadun

Owning Organization

Order of Arelian

Related Tradition (Primary)

• Bonding Ceremony