Thana's Shrine

Despite the shallow nature of the caves in the Western Stonelands, very few structures were built above ground (except for towns along the coast). In defiance of the history that forced the Earthen Dhara to cower beneath the surface, Thana’s Shrine is constructed above ground. The modest Temple was built in a rare patch of semi-fertile ground amidst the barren, harsh stone lands. It was here that the Gravesingers congregated and where Thana herself lay in rest.

Shrine Exterior

Thana’s Shrine was located atop and within 3 stone terraces carved directly into a gentle rise in the Stonelands. Either inherently more fertile than the surrounding areas or divinely blessed, various weeds, shrubs, and scraggly bushes grew atop the stone and their roots broke the stone over time, creating a shattered, mosaic pattern on the terraces. While growth on the terraces was generally left untended, shrine Acolytes meticulously cared for the neat rows of black-bark trees. When Thana’s sleep was true and deep, the trees were covered in bundles of deep, rich maroon flowers. It was also said that if the flowers died overnight, Tamasvi was soon to rise.

A set of stone stairs was carved on one side of the terraces, leading directly to the Shrine’s entrance. A row of stone pedestals sat on each side of the stairs. These pedestals were the resting place for some of the Obsidian Company. While Thana prevailed, the pedestals each features a statue-like figure donning full obsidian armor. When Tamasvi rose, some or all the pedestals were vacant, as the Obsidian Company fell in behind their commander.

Atop the three stone terraces was a small stone building, painted in monochrome with hints of red scattered throughout. Shards of obsidian were inlaid throughout the walls and in the pillars. Murals depicted graves, Gravesingers, and members of the Obsidian Company. The most ornate feature of the actual shrine was the obsidian door.

The Shrine Now:

The stone terraces remain cracked but are devoid of plant life.
There is no trace of the black-bark trees.
The murals have been defaced and only bits of them still remain.
The Obsidian door remains, the one half is cracked and shattered… shards of obsidian scattered about.

Shrine Interior

The Entrance Hall occupied the entire top floor and featured multiple alcoves around the room with depictions of either Thana or Tamasvi. Obsidian offering bowls and places to light incense were placed beneath each depiction. The floor was made of polished stone and the ceiling inlaid with shards of obsidian. A bronze and gold chandelier – decorated with shards of obsidian – hung from the center of the ceiling. The chandelier was fashioned to reflect the Gates of Malachor. Within the chandelier, an enchanted orb of light was held. When Thana was at rest, the light was white. When Tamasvi awoke, the light oscillated between black and red. A set of stairs across from the obsidian door led down further into the Shrine.
The Entrance Hall Now:

The depictions of Thana and Tamasvi are harder to make out, though bits of gray skin and obsidian armor are still visible.
No incense burns and many of the obsidian offering bowls are shattered.
The chandelier lies broken, bent, and warped in the center of the room.
Obsidian shards have been sent down the stairs.

Halfway down, the stairs split – one path going left and right – though both lead to the same large, 2-story chamber. Additional stairs off the side lead to the second-story balconies that ran along the left and right walls. The balconies are supported by stone pillars depicting Earthen Dhara men and women. A stone pedestal was placed in front of each statue, a resting spot reserved for the oldest of the Obsidian Company. In the center of the room, was a large stone bed. Although the top of the stone bed is devoid of decoration, the sides were carved with strange symbols – arcane runes meant to invoke sleep, to hold, and to bind. Sconces scattered about the room were enchanted to provide light, often casting dancing shadows across the chamber. The far wall was covered in a massive mural that depicted Thana, a 16-year old Earthen Dhara boy (her son), and a middle-aged Earthen Dhara man (her husband). Behind the trio was the fully armored figure of Tamasvi, her eyes glowing red. Behind her was the silhouette of Malachor, with one arm reaching around Tamasvi such that his hand was over her heart. For it was Malachor who held Tamasvi back.
Thana's Bedchamber Now:

The stairs are cracked and covered with shards of obsidian from the floor above.
Portions of the balconies and the pillars have chipped. The details on the statues have been worn away with time. There is evidence of something large ripping and tearing into the stone.
The stone bed has been shattered and broken.
Suits of obsidian armor are missing.
Massive claw-like marks go through the image of Thana and Tamasvi in the mural.

RUINED SETTLEMENT
450 - 400 YAR

Related Reports (Primary)

Session 29 - A Prince, a Gravesinger, and a Book

Shrine Exterior

The Promenade

Multiple roads led to Thana’s Shrine, but the most notable was the massive, formal promenade that travelled from the Shrine, across the Stonelands to Mal Korvian. The Promenade was maintained by the wealth of the Temple of Malachor. The roadway was perfectly smooth and was enchanted to reform itself after the passing of earth elementals. The promenade was lined, on both sides, by statues and pedestals. The statues often depicted Malachor on one side and Thana on the other. The pedestals were often resting places for members of the Obsidian Company (those who did not rest at Thana’s shrine).