The Bright Pale

Far from civilisation, perched upon Mount Askarov, is the largest monastery in Isturoth. While other temples and monasteries may be in service of one particular god or sect, the Bright Pale acts as a monument to the faith of all Isturians.

Purpose / Function

In the early ages of Isturoth, when it was composed of individual provinces, competition drove these kingdoms to build the biggest and best facilities. The nation of Tamash sought to do this by constructing the largest and most comprehensive collection of religious wisdom and knowledge in the Ironstone Mountains. Looking to create a tourist trap, the striking silhouette of the monastery created a sight seen for miles.

Architecture

The layout of the multi-tiered structure, which has remained largely unchanged over the centuries, cuts a very recognisable silhouette. Its square terraces and towers are symmetrical and obelisks pierce the sky. The unaltered parts of the structure are surprisingly sparse in detail, instead reminiscent of early Isturian architecture with its strong, simple shapes and sharp angles. Inside the monastery, modern refurbishments made over the years are more obvious.

History

Less than a century after its construction, cracks had begun to show in the monastery walls, both literally and figuratively. The site did indeed drew people from neighboring kingdoms to come and worship or just to visit the architectural marvel. After so long a time, however, constant traffic had left it worn and battered. Tourists did not care for such a significant religious site as they should and the rule of Tamash had gone through troubles of its own, so maintaining and safeguarding the monastery fell low on its list of priorities.
After a long period of slow decline, there was little written knowledge left and much of the temple had either fallen to disrepair or defacement. For a time, the monastery was only maintained with a skeleton crew of priests that sought the meager benefits of the dying tourism to the temple.
By the time of the War of Ashes, there was little left of the once-grand monastery, save for the main structure itself. During the war, there was a brief period in which the rulers of Tamash would garrison at the ruined monastery for use as a fortress. It was this act that brought it back into the attention of the Isturian people. In time, the kingdom of Tamash was conquered and absorbed into what would become Kur'Taloth.

Reclamation

When the dust and ashes had settled, the monastery was recognised for the wonder that it once was. While it served well as an outpost for military forces, a particularly devout group of Kur'Taloth nobility saw fit to restore the monastery to its former glory, and once again make it a monument to the faith of Isturoth. By now, however, the orientation of roads and settlements had changed significantly due to time and warfare, and it was no long an easy task to visit such a place.
Restoration of the monastery took many years and much of the nobility's resources. When it was finally complete in approximately 8050, it was not as a tourist attraction as it had originally been. Instead, a decision was made to maintain the reverence of the site. The monastery would be maintained and operated by a carefully-selected cloister of monks. They would begin again in collecting texts of religious significance, handling them with great care and protecting them against the elements and the greater public.

Tourism

In light of the temple's restoration, many again seek to make the pilgrimage to the Bright Pale, to worship at the largest functioning place of worship in all of Isturoth. Stringent procedures must be adhered if travellers wish to gain admittance.

Founding Date

~7,500

Alternative Names

Sanctum of the Gods

Type

Monastery