OVERVIEW
Overlooking the village from the top of Mount Thikon,
the main temple for the inhabitants of Phaela
honors all the gods equally. In fact it honors effigies
of gods even unknown today. Its structure is simi
lar to that of any other temple in Meletis, but its
decoration is archaic and strange to any foreigner.
Internally the temple is organized as a wide corri
dor between its north and south doors. On both
sides of this colonnaded corridor are open recesses
where there are representations of twenty gods,
all surrounded by candles, incense and offerings.
Many of them can be clearly recognized as those of
Heliod or Erebos, but others cannot be more than
slightly associated with any of the gods. Karametra
has here a different appearance and her sculpture is
always covered with blood. Neither Iroas nor Mogis
can be associated with either, and Ephara hardly
with any of the goddess images. A golden bull ador
ned with garlands of flowers can be worshipped
and honored as well. The walls inside the great hall
are covered with badly deteriorated paintings and
engravings with as yet undeciphered writings from
ancient times. The temple priestess, Narkissa, seems
to be as old as the temple. Elderly and enigmatic,
she celebrates the rites pertinent to the gods in
unclear languages. In spite of everything, and the
doubts that the temple causes in the visitors, the in
habitants of Phaela do not hesitate to honor here all
the gods with offerings and rites with subtle varia
tions of what is usual in the rest of the peninsula.
Location Description
Outside
Perched atop Mount Thikon, the temple looms, its archaic decorations standing in stark contrast to the vibrant village below. The wind carries the faint scent of incense, and the weathered stones of its columns seem to whisper tales of forgotten gods. The golden glint of a bull statue adorned with garlands catches your eye from within the temple.
Inside
The air grows heavy with the mingled aromas of incense and ancient stone. Flickering candlelight illuminates recesses in the walls, each holding strange and varied effigies surrounded by offerings. The hall feels timeless, with its faint, undeciphered carvings and hauntingly unfamiliar depictions of gods, some barely recognisable from what you have grown accustomed to in Theros.
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