Temple of Wonaurri

No, you don't get it. If you go up there without being asked, or getting approved, Wonaurri will goddamn eat you! Or, or the guardians will kick your down the mountain like a landslide! There's a tower, just go there and look at it from a distance, I don't want to have to collect your bones!

— Distressed Ovükayo spouse

The Temple of Wonaurri is a structure devoted to the titular dragon, who holds a special place in the Duchy of Ovük as its "patron". A deeply sacred location, it is nonetheless feared for Wonaurri's presence and the ferocity of the temple's guardians.

History

Wonaurri's position of reverence within Ovükayo society goes back over a thousand years, beginning with him saving the warrior Ovüken during a battle. Ovüken travelled high into the mountains to thank Wonaurri for his help, bringing with him gifts from his village and fellow soldiers, which he piled high on a large flat stone outside his cave.
As Ovüken's village grew into a powerful part of the Kingdom of Zdärrözadh, Wonaurri was seen as being ultimately responsible for its success, and subsequent leaders made sure to deliver tributes to his cave regularly. When more disrespectful members of their community found themselves on the wrong end of the dragon's sharp claws and teeth, efforts were put in place to defend both them and the dragon from further incidents.
These defences began as simply stationing people at a perimeter around the cave to prevent unruly individuals from getting closer, but when the bitter cold of the high mountains resulted in numerous injuries, small shelters and guard posts were built. This hodgepodge of structures slowly evolved into a wall which encircled Wonaurri's cave at some distance, with grand gates guarded by tall towers and private areas within for the guardians to live in.
This 'temple' or 'fortress' now serves multiple purposes. In addition to the original objective of protecting people from Wonaurri, and Wonaurri from them, it also acts as an important location in the training of Ovükayo Dragon Lancers, with pairs of riders and dragons making sure to come to the temple to gain knowledge from the powerful dragon in the cave. Ovükayo history is also chronicled in the temple, ranging from copies of historical documents to artistic piece depicting major events. Wonaurri himself rarely exits the temple, seeking to spend his old age in the calm.

Alternative Names

Fortress of Dragons

Type

Temple / Church

Owning Organization

Ovük

Guardian

Why Wonaurri, a powerful dragon with a demonstrable lack of affection for most mortals, stepped in to save the warrior Ovüken is something that confounds scholars to this day. The lack of records written down during Ovüken's life make this all the more difficult, as he only begins to be discussed a few years after his death.
As far as anyone knows - and as far as Wonaurri is willing to divulge - the battlefield incident was not the first time Ovüken had met his realm's future patron dragon, with stories ranging from Ovüken helping free the dragon from a landslide to having offered his plumpest cow in exchange to strength in the upcoming battle.

Burning Book by Movidagrafica