The Cathedral of Eternal Frost

In the heart of the city founded by Aranys himself, stands the awe-inspiring Cathedral of Eternal Frost. A marvel of Gothic architecture fused with a somber elegance, the cathedral is dedicated to the worship of Aranys, the Black Owl, deity of death, winter, and darkness. It is a place where life's final journey is celebrated as an integral part of the natural order, and the serene beauty of the seasons of darkness and cold are revered.
Exterior:
The exterior of the cathedral is a testament to both the divinity of Aranys and the majestic force of nature he represents. Its towering spires reach toward the sky like skeletal fingers, and the stone facade is adorned with intricate carvings that depict scenes of wintery landscapes, nocturnal creatures, and the cycle of life and death. The main entrance is guarded by massive obsidian statues of vigilant owls, their eyes glowing with an ethereal light.
At night, the cathedral becomes a breathtaking sight, as the obsidian statues emit a soft, eerie glow that bathes the courtyard in a haunting radiance. The cathedral's silhouette stands stark against the night sky, its dark beauty mirroring the aspects of death and darkness that Aranys holds dear.
Interior:
Upon entering the cathedral, visitors are greeted by an expansive hall that stretches toward the heavens, adorned with intricate stained glass windows depicting scenes of winter landscapes, the phases of the moon, and the embrace of darkness. The windows shimmer with a subdued, frosty light, casting an otherworldly ambiance within the hall.
A central nave leads to the sanctuary, where a colossal statue of Aranys in the form of a black owl stands as the centerpiece. His obsidian eyes seem to hold the wisdom of the ages, and his wings are spread in a protective gesture over the worshipers. Beneath the statue lies the Whispering Pool, a shallow basin filled with icy water that reflects the glimmering lights of candles placed around it.
Chambers:
The cathedral encompasses various chambers dedicated to different aspects of Aranys' domains:
Hall of Reflection: A serene chamber where visitors can meditate and contemplate the nature of death, darkness, and the transient beauty of life. The walls are adorned with elegantly framed mirrors that capture and refract the light, creating an illusion of countless stars suspended in the room.
Crypt of Memories: A subterranean space where the remains of the city's founders are interred. The crypt is bathed in a gentle, bluish light that emanates from enchanted sconces along the walls. Intricately carved reliefs narrate the history of the city and Aranys' journey to godhood.
Chapel of Winter's Embrace: A small chapel dedicated to the worship of winter. Crystalline sculptures of snowflakes and frost decorate the walls, and an exquisite mural portrays Aranys guiding a soul into the embrace of the winter landscape.
Shrine of Eternal Night: A hidden chamber with an open ceiling, allowing worshipers to gaze upon the night sky. This chamber houses a mysterious, ancient telescope believed to allow glimpses into the realm of Aranys and his celestial owl companions.
Rituals and Ceremonies:
The cathedral hosts a variety of rituals and ceremonies that celebrate the philosophies of Aranys:
Solstice Celebrations: During the winter and summer solstices, the cathedral hosts grand celebrations to honor the transitions between light and darkness, life and death. Eclipsed Communion: During solar and lunar eclipses, worshipers gather to meditate on the profound interplay between light and shadow, as well as the duality of existence. Eternal Frost Festival: An annual festival celebrating the beauty of winter, complete with frost-themed art installations, performances, and a grand masquerade ball. The Cathedral of Eternal Frost stands as a tribute to the wisdom and grace of Aranys, the Black Owl, embodying his beliefs in the natural elegance of death, winter, and darkness. It is a sanctuary where mortals and deities alike can contemplate the mysteries of existence, finding solace in the embrace of the eternal night.

Location under

The Temple District - Aethos

Included Organizations

• The Church of Aranys

Owner/Ruler

Aranys, The Dark Shepard

Owning Organization

The Church of Aranys