Old Temple District
Named for its many large temples (most now defunct), this small district was once the heart of the city. But many of the older gods (such as Thyr) fell from favor and their temples declined in favor of the gods of truth and craft whose temples were located elsewhere in the City. Today, many of the old temples stand empty and some have been taken over by new cults or other occupants.
Infrastructure
The Forum
An open-air amphitheater near the center of the Old Temple District, the Forum features free public performances throughout the spring, summer and fall. Performances held at the forum often have an air of political or social satire, and play up to the mood of the people who gather there for the entertainment and a good laugh at the political ambitions of the powers that be within Westden.House of the Ever Vigilant Guard
This structure, better known as the Temple of Muir, is presided over by High Guardian Elissa Perinor (female human) and four Protectors of Muir (female human). A brotherhood of 75 acolytes called Praesidiati Initiatum lives in this fortress-like building. This temple is instrumental in the defense of Westden, as priests of Muir ride on patrols with the Free Defenders and Lyreguard, providing clerical magic and healing. Like other temples in this district, the House of the Ever Vigilant Guard is home to a faith in decline. The faith of Muir is rigid and unyielding, appealing to those who wish to live lives of ascetic denial, contemplation, and martial perfection. A moat surrounds the temple proper, which is accessible through a gatehouse and drawbridge. Stone statues of Muir, a stern-looking woman in armor, flank the main gates, and squads of 8 acolytes normally stand guard at all hours, watching the gate and patrolling the 30ft tall stone walls.The Exalted Temple of Thyr the Lawgiver
The Exalted Temple of Thyr the Lawgiver is larger replica of the faith’s original basilica to the north. High priest Bofred the Just leads the faith’s survivors — a mere 8 priests and 21 acolytes. He is constantly watched by 10 exalted guardians (male human). Inside the temple, rows of wooden benches face the high alter of Thyr. Tall, stained glass windows line the walls behind a regal statue of the deity, a stern warrior armed with a mighty sword. Bofred is a dedicated cleric, named for the famous priest Bofred who disappeared in the caverns beneath Rappan Athuk years ago. The destruction of his main temple still rankles him, and Bofred is determined one day to lead a crusade to liberate and rebuild the old basilica. To this end, Bofred has joined with Barahil the Faithful, a knight of Muir, and Barahil’s 12 brother knights to form the Order of the Sword of Retribution, a union of paladins, lawful good clerics, and fighters, who hope to one day reclaim Thyr to the Valley of the Shrines and Burial Halls of Thyr and Muir for the faiths. As a dedicated cleric of Thyr, Bofred is a stern and unyielding man who preaches loudly against evil and corruption. His oratorical style is not terribly popular in Westden, where the population is a bit more urbane and less interested in the eternal struggle between good and evil, and the congregation at the temple remains relatively small. He often recruits good-aligned parties to help him in his quest — scouting the northern valley, seeking out prominent enemies of the temple, and retrieving lost treasures or artifacts. His uncompromising struggle against evil has earned him many enemies, but Bofred relies on his faith to keep him safe.Temple of the Bird Goddess
This strange temple is built in the shape of a dark, 60ft obelisk, topped with a gold statue of a four-armed, winged woman with the claws of a raptor. The Temple of Rhiaan, the Bird Goddess, is one of the oldest temples in Westden. Raptors such as hawks and falcons constantly fly about the obelisk, and by tradition no one can harm a bird within sight of the temple, lest he call down the wrath of the Bird Goddess herself. Inside the temple, the main chamber is decorated with beautiful sculptures of various avians. Temple acolytes lead services while clad in feathered capes, bearing the bird goddess’ holy symbol, a soaring bird cast in gold. A pair of giant owls make their homes inside the upper rafters of the temple, and it is said that they are intelligent and impart wisdom to the priesthood. The Bird Goddesses’ followers are few, though it is whispered that many who live in Westden make sacrifice to her, or at least treat her with respect. Long ago, it is said that the original founders of Westden did not pay homage to the Bird Goddess, and were consequently punished by flocks of disease-bearing pigeons and scavenger birds. When windstorms destroyed several buildings, the city founders performed divinations, revealing that Westden stood on ground sacred to the Bird Goddess, the ancient protector of the region. The temple was built to honor this ancient deity, and soon afterwards the plagues ended. The city has lived at peace with the Bird Goddess ever since. The temple’s high priestess, Danya Darkfeather (female elf) is a druidess charged by the goddess to care for the birds of the region. She and her priestesses have been known to approach wizards with bird familiars, demanding tithes for the temple to honor the Bird Goddess for sending her creature to serve the arcanist.Temple of Valeresh
To an outside observer, this area seems more like a public park along the riverbank, filled with ancient cedar trees, and decorated with free-standing marble columns and elven statuary. Those who visit the glade claim to feel a sense of otherworldly calm and are able to leave their mortal woes behind for a time. Near the center of the glade, hidden in the trees, is the temple itself, cunningly crafted from natural stone, under the shade of a huge, ancient oak tree. This is the center of worship on Lados for the elven god Valeresh. The temple is administrated by the elven high priest Ginivarin Krandolve (male elf). He has the ability to raise elven followers of Valeresh or Holda from the dead, if the proper donations and sacrifices are made, but may require a quest or service in exchange for these rituals. He is assisted by four lesser priests, two of whom serve Valeresh and two of Holda. Religious services are casual, held on equinoxes and solstices. At these times, numerous elves and half-elves come from all over the city and nearby lands to sing ancient songs of praise to Valeresh, as well as Holda, their children Yarila & Porevit, and the elven Summer Lands. During the rest of the year, worship is a private matter, with individual visitors praying and offering tribute in their own ways. A hidden clearing not far from the temple itself holds a sacred shrine to Holda. A pool in the center of the shrine is said to hold the tears of those elves who still wander in search of their lost kin.Temple of Moccavallo
The temple of a trickster god of chaos and disorder, this structure looks suitably random, as if made of a hodge-podge pile of stones, equipped with a peaked roof made of huge timbers. The building doesn’t look as if it could even stand on its own, which Moccavallo’s worshippers say proves how powerful their god truly is. The front door is extremely small, admitting only one worshipper at a time. It is carved from stone and covered in gold leaf, portraying a grotesque mask wreathed in flames. The temple’s interior is similarly bizarre, randomly set with wooden pillars carved in the likeness of dragons, devils, and other strange beasts. Tapestries hang from the wall, showing forest fires, ships lost at sea, jesters, dancers, and other performers. In the center of the main chamber, a 20ft wide pit holds an eternal flame that gives the entire hall a reddish glow. Moccavallo’s followers in Westden are “led” (if that is the correct word for such a chaotic group) by Fanr Flameson (male human). Their creed is to live in opposition to whatever is expected of them, and to act in conflict with the natural order of things. Fanr is no exception to this rule, and behaves in a manner that other priests find most unbecoming, enjoying carousing and drinking even more than his parishioners, and making a living as a teller of tales and performer, in addition to his skills as a priest. His best-known tale is called The Fortunate Fool, and tells, with many variations, of a man who made only foolish choices, and yet became a wealthy and powerful man.The Bed of Grapes
This inn was once a small temple to a god whose name has long been forgotten. Today, it is a popular destination for visitors to the district. A covered space outside is filled with tables; serving maids hurry about constantly, and the place always seems packed. Inside, the building has been divided into 20 rooms, available for 1gp per night. The rooms are small but clean, and a plate of grapes is left outside each room every morning. Torin Heweth (male human) runs an efficient business and is said to be a tyrant to his employees.The Pink Feathers
This cabaret house is one of the more upscale “relaxation houses” managed by the Harlots’ Guild. It is run by Sister Jenny (female human), and frequented by adventurers and tradesmen. The food is good, the drinks are strong, entertainment by talented bards and dancers is enjoyable, and “companionship” is readily available for a price. Gambling also takes place here in the evening hours, and the games are known to be scrupulously honest, despite Sister Jenny’s highly flexible sense of morality. Priests of Muir and Thyr dislike having this establishment so close to their temples, but have so far been unable to do much about it. Bofred often rants about the lax morality of the place, and of the Old Temple District in general, but few here take him seriously. The Pink Feathers maintains a strong security presence at all times, and 6 bouncer thugs are in the main hall at all times. The head of security is Mr. Frown (male halfling), an irrepressible halfling who never stops smiling, even when an unruly patron is being beaten or ejected. He is especially good at ending fights before they begin, usually with an accurately-hurled mug. Rumor has it that Mr. Frown (his real name is the subject of much speculation) is a deserter from some distant army, where he specialized in missile combat.Gantry’s Tea House
Off the market square and up a flight of stairs, this former priest’s home features a wooden balcony that provides a fine view of the area. Small but well-kept, the tea house has eight small tables, where guests are served by Narya (female human commoner) and Freyn (female human), twin daughters of the owner, Mistress Gantry (female human). Despite its name, the tea house also serves wine, beer and excellent meat pies bought fresh each day from Lasker.The Lion’s Lair
This tall, narrow building was once a shrine to Sefagreth, the god of merchants and moneylenders. Today, a glazed tile in the form of a lion mask that sits above the entrance is all that denotes its former purpose. Inside, a somewhat cramped dining room contains a half-dozen tables, and patrons can consume good meals and flagons of strong, bitter ale. Four rooms are available for rent upstairs for 2sp per night. Odof Lionsmane (male human) is a former mercenary who has settled down to a life of relative ease. He loves his work, but sometimes yeans to return to the bloody battlefield just once more, and keeps his old battleaxe handy behind the bar should it ever be needed. His wife Sanya (female human) thinks such talk is foolish and boxes his ears if he gets too serious.The Lowlander Inn
Built in the style of an old country inn, this structure was once a private home during the glory days of the Temple District. Today, it is a bit rundown, its thatch roof somewhat tattered, and its interior in some disrepair. Bolo Histan (male human) is an indifferent owner at best, doing only minimal maintenance and serving very basic food. In exchange for this, rooms are a mere 2sp a night, which includes meals.The Mill Stone
This structure has seen better days, and once housed the shrine of the local agricultural goddess Ceres, now largely supplanted within the city by worship of Pekko (though she still enjoys a great deal of popularity out in the Plains of Mayfurrow). Today, a cracked millstone serves as a marker, and the interior, filled with mismatched tables, chairs and makeshift stools, is always crowded with idle apprentices, bored young nobles, and naughty serving wenches (Gilant hires his help based on their skill at flirtation, knowing that this brings in more customers). There is usually someone playing music, or at least a close approximation, at any time, but the roar of conversation is usually so loud as to drown it out. Gilant Narvess (male human) enjoys the wild life and started the inn with money that he stole from his employer, a Westden nobleman. The place remains popular, but Gilant squanders his money gambling and pursuing older women.Seven Trees
This small inn boasts a pleasant, tiled courtyard garden where seven small trees grow in large glazed pots. Spouts from the roof empty into a central pool where frogs and small fish live, giving the place a surprisingly natural feel. There are six rooms available, three of which open on to the garden. Normal rooms are 1gp per night, garden rooms are 2gp. Simple meals are included with the cost of the rooms. Drasil Narben (male halfling) is a keen gardener and a pleasant host.Visseli’s Vault
Entirely underground, this establishment was originally a water tank that fed a nobleman’s fountains. The nobleman’s estate is long since vanished, and the tank’s interior is supported by several pillars looted from an abandoned temple. Inside, the chamber is dim, lit only by candles, and diners are entertained by minstrels who play softly on lutes, harps and other stringed instruments. Meals are expensive (1gp per person, 1sp per person for wine), but well-prepared by owner Sventz Borsi (male dwarf) and his staff.Temple of Dwerfater
This temple is built to resemble a mountain, and is devoted to the spiritual well-being of Westden’s dwarves, who gather here to pray and sing sad lamentations for their lost Krazzadak homeland on the Shengotha Plateau, which was overrun by the cursed minions of Vardesain centuries ago. The interior is dark and cave-like, and features a huge statue of Dwerfater, sitting on a golden throne, a great warhammer across his knees. Forgemaster Gruden Greybeard (male dwarf) leads the congregation, and sees to the needs of any dwarf who asks for aid. He is assisted by a number of acolytes of Dwerfater. Gruden seeks to recruit dwarves to retake the dwarven homeland buried under the Wending Ice and place the King Under the Glacier upon his rightful throne once more. Dwarves who perish in this quest are restored to life here if possible, though Gruden often requires a task from any dwarves whom he raises. Non-dwarves are not welcome here, and are turned away at the doors, even if they come offering aid.Temple of Pekko
This temple is home to the worship of Pekko, God of Ales. Pekko has many followers among brewers, tavern keepers and bakers. Worship day is popular as the priests hand out free beer samples and slices of earthy wheat bread to any who are willing to attend services. Many of Pekko’s faithful are halflings, gnomes, and dwarves, though all are welcome here. Hadro Full-Pint (male halfling) is the chief cleric of Pekko in Westden. He sees it as his duty to remind folks of the good things in life, and to offer a saner alternative to the wild worship of Baccho. He is assisted by 9 halfling acolytes.Wicked Sisters
This eatery is one of the most lucrative examples of the urban renewal happening in the Old Temple District. Run by sisters Ewa and Tessa (female human), these former members of the Harlot’s Guild decided to take the near-fortune they made in their former profession and invest in a more long-term business. To this end they bought a run-down, abandoned temple to Baccho and refurbished it as a café. Staffed almost exclusively by ex-harlots, this restaurant is extremely popular with the “college crowd”. Absolutely no abusive or derogatory comments are tolerated from the customer base, and regulars help to keep any newcomers from being disrespectful to the staff. Bussers (male human) clean tables and gather dishes; they also drag unruly customers out the door and politely ask them never to return. Despite the name, the sisters have tried very hard to make this a decent and respectable establishment. It is quickly becoming a beloved spot for district locals. Food prices typically run from 3sp for snacks and appetizers, to 1gp simple entrees.Shrine of Old Widemouth
This shrine of Kamien occupies a weather-beaten stone building, two stories tall, with a wooden sign over the door depicting a largemouth bass riding upon three waves, painted on a green background. Inside, the main feature of the shrine is a huge well, 10ft in diameter, in the center of the ground floor’s only room. The statue of a fish arches over the top of the well, its wide mouth open to reveal a deep hollow inside the statue. The great fish is coated with a thin veneer of silver, and the low wall of the well is encased in green copper, but the metal has been rubbed away in several spots from both the well and the statue, revealing the ancient stone beneath. There are 2 priests and 2 priestesses of Kamien’s Faithful living in the rooms of the second floor, proprietors of the shrine. Despite the run-down appearance of the building, statue, and well, the shrine is actually a thriving center for Kamien’s cult. The River Goddess is, for obvious reasons, quite important in this city dependent on its river trade. The shrine actually receives a considerable tithe each year from those seeking the goddess’s favor, but keeps little of it; Kamien seeks no political influence here, nor does she desire any great showing of wealth or power. A great quantity of the shrine’s money is spent on the midsummer Rising Festival, when thousands upon thousands of flowers and seeds are set afloat in baskets on the river, to find their way to shore downriver where they can take root and decorate the riverside with their wild blossoms. The ancient shrine is a place of considerable power, despite its looks. After nightfall a heavy mist rises from the well, filling the entire ground floor of the shrine from floor to ceiling. The mist has the same consistency and breathability as water, protecting the shrine from intruders. The clerics of Kamien are not affected by the mist; they are able to breathe it and move through it as if it were normal air. Others are not so lucky; more than one would-be thief has been discovered here at dawn, drowned during the night.Excriptory of Jamboor
The Excriptory of Jamboor is a four-story stone building marked with the sign of an eclipsed sun, a magical glow emanating from behind a large black disk, on the temple frontage over the double doors. Several strange and complex weather vanes are installed on the rooftop, together with a number of rune-marked windmills that turn lazily in the breeze. Within, only two areas are open to the public. The first is a small shrine room, with a statue of Jamboor holding an eclipsed sun and an iron box to receive monetary donations. A priest of Jamboor (male human) is always in this room to provide minor counsel to those seeking advice and information to those with enough money to pay for it. The second public room is a small library of common reference books. It is well-known that the librarian, Numbus Parch (male gnome), has access to several rare books as well, but these are not available without a relatively large donation to the temple. The Excriptory is under the auspices of two clerics of Jamboor: the High Priest, Yun Jassail (male human), and the High Excriptor, Lizaila Brand (female human). Yun Jassail’s body is laced with the ritual scars of the Order of Corollaries, the omen-readers of the cult. No longer a member of this specialized order, Jassail is responsible for the day-to-day operations of the temple, including the management of ordinary priests and the organization of holy days. Lizaila Brand is the chief information-gathering officer of the temple, tasked with the job of assembling information for the Order of Corollaries and receiving it from the temple’s holy spies, the excriptors. The city contains only three excriptors, but each one has a small network of informants. The excriptors do not stay in the temple, having rooms elsewhere. There is a small burial catacomb below the temple, but only the priests are allowed into it. It does not connect with the city catacombs.
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