Temples of Nylea and Pharika

The mountains to the south of the city are practically a high and steep cliff that turns them into a natural wall. Between the less rugged ledges of the hillside overlooking the city lie the temples of Nylea and Pharika, side by side. The temple of Nylea sits on a ledge, overlooking the city from the heights. The temple is an enclosure of limited access to which the priests of Nylea do not let just anyone enter. A centaur by the name of Criton serves as the head of the temple. Criton is also the oracle of the goddess and pilgrims come from afar to consult his opinion and that of Nylea herself through the mouth of the centaur. To access the temple, among other things, a purification in the pool of the Altar of Pharika is required. The altar of the goddess has a pair of priestesses who pour different herbs into the pool and cover the pilgrims with ointments. The effects of the ritual on the pilgrims after immersing themselves in the pool determine whether they are fit to continue or, if not, the disease spreads across their skin. This makes the temple a relatively quiet place where only those very sure of their good deed with Nylea in the eyes of the goddess Pharika come.