OVERVIEW
Erebos has one of the most important cult centers of Theros here, and the sinister and respected priests of the temple always seem busy. The temple of black marble, slate tiles and covered with small golden images of the god, rests clinging to a hillside with part of its structure embedded in the stone. The entire temple is dotted with precious stones and metals giving shape to friezes depicting the different punishments that mortals suffer in Erebos's domain.
Its interior sinks deeper and deeper into the earth, in a labyrinth of catacombs after the first level. The main hall shows Erebos seated as a judge on a golden throne completely covered with jewels, dressed soberly in cloth and holding his whip in his right hand and dropping assorted riches from the left in a cascade created with magic. The room is always in semi-darkness, slightly illuminated by the fire of smoking braziers of assorted incense. Columns of black marble are lost to the sides in the darkness. On each side of the throne opens a door with a brilliant carved marker imitating punished souls. These enter the Halls of Erebos, where the corpses of the faithful are prepared in the proper rites to pass to the other side.
Many of the most prestigious leaders of the city have been buried in these catacombs that can only be entered accompanied by a priest of the temple after an offering to the god and with the permission of the Archon, the highest authority of the temple. Miclaudes the Blind has held the position for some years by specific decision of Erebos himself, who appointed him as such by taking away his sight as a sign of his blessing. The catacombs hold the most varied secrets and riches. The priests act in pairs of master and apprentice and investigate techniques of preservation of corpses, incineration rites and forms of burial that most please their inflexible lord.
Location Description
Outside
The Temple of Erebos Chthonios, an imposing structure of black marble and slate, clings ominously to the hillside. As you near, the temple’s sinister beauty becomes evident—its walls are adorned with small golden images of the god and precious stones that form friezes depicting the torments of Erebos's realm. The air around the temple is cool and still, with a subtle undertone of incense carried on the breeze. The faint sound of solemn chants can be heard, echoing from within. The touch of the cold, smooth marble and the sight of the temple, half-embedded in the hillside, invoke a sense of awe and apprehension.
Inside
Inside the Temple of Erebos Chthonios, the atmosphere is heavy with a sacred, somber air. The main hall descends into the earth, leading into a labyrinth of catacombs. The central figure is a statue of Erebos, seated on a jewel-encrusted golden throne, his whip in hand and a cascade of riches flowing magically from his other hand. The room is bathed in semi-darkness, with only the flickering light of smoking braziers casting dancing shadows on the black marble columns. The scent of assorted incense fills the air, adding to the temple's mystic ambiance. The sound of muted footsteps and whispered incantations resonates through the hall. On either side of the throne, doors lead to the Halls of Erebos, where the deceased are prepared for their journey to the afterlife. The presence of Miclaudes the Blind, the temple’s sightless Archon chosen by Erebos himself, adds to the temple's enigmatic and solemn atmosphere.
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