Grand Temple of Vabamot
When I visited the temple of Vabamot in Potavoli I at first thought I had instead entered some kind of shop selling religious items. The whole entrance area was filled with statues in different sizes and materials, small paintings, incense, candles, and more. A young priest, flanked by two burly guards, stood ready nearby, eagerly waiting for the next customer. Of course I shouldn't have expected anything else from the temple of the God of Wealth and Trade, especially considering how the outside of the temple looked.
The Grand Temple of Vabamot is Potavoli's temple to the God of Wealth and Trade. Vabamot, as the God is known locally, is the most worshiped God in Potavoli. Rich and poor, merchant and slave, all are welcome in the Grand Temple. Money is naturally important in the temple, and the wealthier you are the easier it is to get the attention of the clergy, and of Vabamot himself if you ask the priests.
Architecture
The Grand Temple is one of the most opulent buildings in Potavoli. Even though it features the same whitewashed walls as most other buildings in the city, the wealth of the temple is clear. At regular intervals are niches in which stand life-sized marble statues with gold trimmings that are protected by spells preventing theft or vandalism. The statues depict influential and wealthy men and women from the history of Potavoli such as revered High-Priests and the current heads of the Great Families. Above these are a row of large stained glass windows imported from Selighorst. A large tower rises to a height of 70 meters at the far end, topped by a solid gold spire in the form a a gold dragon. The whole building is roofed in gold edged silver tiles that are prevented from tarnishing via magic.
Inside the temple is even more lavishly decorated. The benches are carved from expensive hardwoods and almost excessively gilded. Numerous statues that are typically inlaid with both gold and gems stand in various niches and on pedestals. The central room is lit by three large chandeliers of carved crystal enchanted with continual light. The alter itself is carved from a single large piece of marble and set with a number of large gems and many smaller ones.
History
The first temple to Vabamot was built shortly after the Merchant Scism. This temple was slowly expanded over the next centuries as the worship of Vabamot gained increasing prominence in the city. Following the defeat of the Barberan family in 359 AtB it was decided to build a new, grander temple. The old temple was torn down and over the next 60 years the current temple was built.
Religious Rites
Prayers to Vabamot are held each day at sunrise. On Godsday the prayers are led by the High Priest, while the other priests takes turns during the rest of the week. The prayers during the four feats weeks are very well attended, but during the rest of the year it is more sparse. The Grand Temple has two private prayer rooms that can be rented along with a priest to guide the prayers if that is desired.
Services
The Grand Temple offer a large range of services but they are also quite expensive. Discounts are given to those who have performed a service for the temple, with a greater service granting a larger discount. The Great Families give tithe frequently and are of course afforded the largest discount. A number of the priests at the temple are able to cast spells of lower levels and happily do so for the right price. More powerful magic is only available to the High Priest and convincing him to assist is much more difficult.
Game Rules| Items | |
|---|---|
| Potion of Healing | 100 gp |
| Holy Water | 50 gp |
| Incense | 2 sp |
| Blessed Candle | 5 sp |
| Gold-painted wood statue of Vabamot | 10 gp |
| Silver statue of Vabamot | 25 gp |
| Gold statue of Vabamot | 100 gp |
| Small painting of Vabamot | 50 gp |
| Spellcasting | |
|---|---|
| Mending | 25 gp |
| Ceremony | 75 gp |
| Cure wounds (1st lvl) | 50 gp |
| Continual Flame | 200 gp |
| Lesser Restoration | 150 gp |
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