Delphi

Overview

The Oracle at Delphi seems to have originally been held by Gaia (Aeschylus, Eumenides 1-8). According to some accounts, Gaia had a snake or dragon, named the Python, that guarded her oracle. When Apollo came to take over the oracle, he first had to kill the dragon in order to take possession of it. Apollo’s priestess got her title, The Pythia, from the Python.

This is the most prestigious of Oracles. This results in an extensive waiting time for the Oracle to be seen, often 1D4 Months. The consultation times of the Oracle are only during the Non-Winter Months - so the last months of the year are not critical to Delphi operations.

The consultation cost is very expensive, with several expensive sacrifices required. Therefore the individuals consulting the Oracle at Delphi are the wealthiest individuals and the leaders of the Atlantis nations.

Site Protections

The first protection on the site is the presence of a Preservation Teleport over the entire site.

At sea a huge Pod of Dolphins patrol the area and are known to follow the commands of the local Pythian Clergy. This has kept the area clear of all non-demihuman sea dwellers.

Site Location

Delphi sits between the Phaidriades (Shining) Rocks of Mount Parnassus.

Mount Parnassus

The nearby Mountain of Parnassus is the twin mountain of Parnassian Mountain on the East Coast of Gadeira, that mountain is dedicated to Artemis, this mountain is dedicated to Apollo and the Muses, it is also the shrine of the Demigod Pegasus.

First Sighted Structure

The sanctuary of Athena Pronaia (Athena who is before the temple (of Apollo)) is the first building seen by the visitors to the site. This sanctuary has within it the Tholos - a circular building with a conical roof supported by a ring of outer columns - which acts as a defense against evil influences entering the precincts of the main Temple.

The Sacred Way

This is the approach road to the Temple proper. As the path to the sanctuary of Apollo it is lined with treasuries and votive monuments. All of the city-states have constructed treasuries as offerings to Apollo, but have done so to also display their power and wealth. As such the Sacred Way is lined with Treasure Dens. The Treasure Den is a form of Hekaden dedicated to Apollo and using similar magical technology - in appearance, each Treasure Den is a form of Temple Room or Temple House.

The Omphalos Rock

The Omphalos Rock stands to the East of the Temple of Apollo - situating the Temple exactly in alignment with the central ley line nexus of this part of the planet.

Consultation Procedure

First you must purchase and make a preliminary sacrifice of a goat.

Second, the individual must purify himself in the nearby Castilian Spring.

Third, the individual must present himself for receiving the Oracle Judgement.

The Full Delphi Complex

Type

Temple / Religious complex

Parent Location

Bow Reach

Included Locations

• Phaidriades Shining Rocks

The Omphalos