Temple of Ruins
The Island of Tod is, and of itself, a very holy and spiritual land; this is especially true for the portion known as 'Middle Ground' by the natives, which is a large mountain range that divides the island into the two nations of Auferetu and Veritas. Middle Ground is said to have been home to the final battle amongst mythical beings in the old world, and that the mountains are the result of titans fighting. Whether this is true or not, the tome found from off the coast of Vorsk seem to mention these mountains a lot, especially a certain temple hidden amongst them, which is what myself and two fellow professors will be basing our work on.
History
Revelation
There is a lady in the stars who watches us all, she sees what we do and she does not approve. The world is losing its balance and we are going under, I fear the end is set in motion. But here she takes notice, here she talks to us, here we have a chance to put some good into the world. It calms my heart to know I'm not the only one who sees her, and who hears her, here gathers observers of the night skies; young and eager to do what it takes to please her. Here gathers, the order of the Paragons, in the Temple of Velo.The carving of the temple took just under 900 years to complete, with the tower of light, the high tower, and many other buildings fit to accommodate the growing order. The Temple was originally a sacred gathering place for devoted followers of the goddess of creation herself, Velo. These devotees were said to build the very foundation for religious and spiritual identities as they exist in the world now. However, fate is a mistress with a cruel sense of humor; and after a worldwide devastating phenomenon occurred and the Temple was buried, along with all those who knew of it.
Recovery
Shortly after a new Era had begun a group which contained three major adventurers and roughly fifteen workers started to uncover articles of stories that hinted at an old and important cave ontop the Middle Ground mountains. None of them took it seriously, as there were no stories or other historical entries that described the same place, but after some days the crew had decided it was at least worth a look into. So they traveled to the spot described in the articles, and sure enough, they found a set of crumbled stairs carved into the mountainside and overtaken by wildlife.Restoration
After the excitement of recovering the ruins had died down, the three professors who led the exploration to the ruins returned. They began to feel a connection to the ruins and the word of the deity it was dedicated to and designed a several year plan to fully restore the Temple to a mirror image of its former glory. This process took longer than originally planned, and so the professors, along with new supporters, moved into the Temple and gradually worked on the restoration as they studied the walls and history of the ruins. About halfway through this project, the professors started to refer to each other as Paragons, which was a reference to stories of powerful figures who would directly communicate to Velo in ancient tomes. It didn't take long for the titles to stick and for these new 'Paragons' to gradually introduce the ideas of the old Temple Order with the new members and supporters, this was the jump start of the New Paragon Organization.Main Mountain
The whole of the ruins take over three or four mountain peaks, but the main building and important rooms are located on a single mountain, with less important portions covering the rest of the peaks. This main mountain is home to the main temple, where all important and sacred practices take place.Tower of Light(temporary name)
The Tower of Light was a tremendous feat in architecture, even in modern perspectives, with a soaring collection of spirals that seems to touch the sky.The High Temple
The High Temple was said to host the goddess Velo herself because, despite its constant place in sunlight, those who would enter the temple noted how dark and unnatural the room felt.Od Temple
In sketch depictions of the Temple, primarily found in tomes about the old world, showed the Temple as tall and carved with the skill of a master sculptor; with a flurry of galaxies and solar systems throughout the walls and ceilings.Temple Ruins
After the worldwide phenomenon that set the transitional period into a new era, and the excavation of the ruins began, it was discovered that the toppling spirals and High Temple had broken off the peak of the mountains, almost like a strong force had collided with it.Fallen Remnants
It is rumored the missing spirals and temple lay in the lake of Middle Ground, though this cannot be confirmed as it has been deemed too dangerous to venture down the valley of Middle Ground.Training Grounds
The training grounds are a portion of flattened and stretch land rested along the mountainside with various rings and columns of carved benches to the right of the main temple.Meditation Caverns
The meditation caverns are popularly sought after for their calming atmospheres and unique auras. These caverns are home to a rare and pure crystal that is said to destroy negative and harmful energies, as well as help in making life-changing decisions and will bring a bounty of opportunities to all those who visit them.Lesser Areas
Simply put, areas that aren't directly in the portion of the mountain range as the main temple.Common Rooms
Common rooms can be found on any level and practically around every corner, the organization believes it is important for there to be enough space for anyone who wishes to practice, pray, and offer respects to the monastery and the goddess. These common rooms each have a unique statue depicting Velo in any number of scenes written in old tomes and legends; including the creation of Uni, the growth of Ultimus, and the war of the gods.Recreational Sites
These sites are similar to training areas, with flattened surfaces and carved benches, but are reserved for more playful sports and activities than the serious training that happens elsewhere. It is not uncommon for Seraphim and Thrones to host tournaments with prizes such as a week off of studies, a week of no chores, shopping cash for ventures to the cities and settlements, and even a spot on a mission crew off of the island.Range Peaks
Buildings and other important features dealing with the ranges and, more specifically, the peaks of the ranges.Barracks
The Barracks are elongated halls carved from the steep sides of the peaks of the mountain range, which provide sufficient sunlight and outlooks over the land of Veritas.Paragons
The Paragons' barracks sit closest to the main temple, right up against and even connecting to the westernmost hallways. This set of barracks are arguably the most luxurious, with each Paragon owning their own prayer pool (a water-filled cavern in which the water holds special healing and illuminating properties), a large courtyard, master bedroom, and balcony.Seraphim
The Seraphim are the elders of the organization, and as such are placed near the Paragons and the second closest to the main temple. These barracks half softer interiors, with many candles and burning incense; an abundance of sitting areas, pillows, and plants are scattered throughout as well.Thrones
Thrones are higher, more experienced mentees of the Paragons who are tasked to overlook and guide the Powers and assist Seraphim whenever needed. So their barracks are nestled between the two sections with interlocking passageways and conjoined commons.Powers
Powers are new, amateur mentees and whose barracks are separated into various levels for each discipline and proficiency. Typically, the barracks are filled with scars of magic practice and many small gardens hang from windows, where individual rooms can hold anywhere from two to four individuals, depending on preference.Stairways
The stairway hidden along the base of the mountains is said to be hundreds, maybe even thousands, of years old; even dating back before the Temple was originally founded. No one is certain as the origin of the staircase, or what the purpose was, what is known that its many years makes for moss covered and slippery steps that have slowly been eroded from weather and runoff. Despite the effort to upkeep the stairs, it doesn't take long for the wilderness to eagerly climb over the steps once again.Tunnel Systems
Another feat of the excavation came from reclaiming the vast and complicated tunnel system carved through the entire mountain range, with even exit point to the east of the island which can show promise of a safer and quicker travel route between Veritas and Auferetu. These tunnels connect all of the barracks to the main temple and even smaller, more secured temples in lower tunnels and caverns that could house an estimated population of 653,400.A List of Paragons
A comprehensive list of all Paragons in the new order, keep in mind that as of right now only a few have names or are even developed ideas but as more are created they will be added to this list along with their basic information.Velo: The Goddess of Creation
Velo is the deity who created life as we know it, she formed Ultimus and many other planets on a whim and a desire for companionship. Velo was largely known as the 'Lady in the Sky', for she would often watch silently as her creations grew and prospered, as well as fall and wither. Her story is a somewhat tragic one, but that is for another time.The Devotion of the Goddess
The devotion to Velo has always been strong with members of the Temple, and it shows how it alters their views of the world and certain skills or powers they have. Some areas of the Temple have been closed off to use for very specific rituals, practices, and other celebrations; such areas include the use of the hollow temple, which is much more like an open cavern than a temple, that holds the grand statue of Velo and is only open for the Paragon of Passage ritual. The whole reason Middle Ground and the Temple are seen as sacred is due to the high levels of spiritual and arcane energy located in the core of the mountain range, for this it is illegal for anyone to continue mining beyond a certain point, even including the members of the Order of the Paragons.
Type
Temple / Religious complex
Parent Location
Owner
Owning Organization
Characters in Location
Paragons of Virtue
The Paragons are an organization run by three leaders with the main goal of uniting all nations in as peacefully a manner as possible.A List of Practices
- Paragon of Passage
- Spring Equinox
- Summer Solstice
- Autumn Equinox
- Winter Solstice
- Storm Ceremonies
Practices/Rituals
Paragon of Passage
The Paragon of Passage is a celebrated ritual meant to usher in a new paragon, to replace a retired or passed predecessor, which consists of a series of actions during the entire sitting. The ritual's final, and hardest, action involves the consuming of a mysterious potion before the statue of Velo; the recipe for the potion is known only to fellow Paragons and is said to close the bridge between deities and the physical world.The Rite of the Paragon
A predecessor rite that takes place before the Passage ritual, this is meant to prep the incoming paragon to withstand the immense pains that come with the ritual. While this rite is easier in some ways, it includes vigorous focus and energy to complete.Temple of Velo
The original 'Temple of Velo' was hidden in the secrecy of the mountain peaks in accordance with the goddess' wishes and to protect the islanders from the influence of power. Many of the members had to go through several challenges of the mind, soul, spirit, and body before they were even seen fit enough to be Powers.Temple Ruins
To say the uncovering of the mountain temple's ruins was a massive historical feat would be a severe understatement. Everything about these ruins can tell us the technology and beliefs of our past, and something we know that is absolute is that this 'Velo' figure mentioned in these articles and stories is a powerful and maybe even dangerous being
Ruins for Velo
After the interest in the Temple's ruins had subsided, the three professors who oversaw the excavation of the ruins returned with an idea. This idea involved restoring the order of the Temple, which was devoted to three major prospects. These prospects were as follows; to give power unto the weak, to protect those who cannot protect themselves, and to spread passion and life to all corners of the world no matter the life, each of which would be taken as a life motto for the professors who began to call themselves Paragons.Rules of the Temple
Much like any other sacred site or religious/spiritual area, there is a list of rules that must be followed to. the. point. Failure to follow these rules, or direct breaking of them, will result in immediate termination of the violator's placement in the order, and permanent banishment from Middle Ground.Remove these ads. Join the Worldbuilders Guild
Absolutely stunning work - KEEP IT UP <3
World Anvil Founder & Chief Grease Monkey
Twitter | World Anvil Changelog
“No act of kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted.” - Aesop
Thank you! The Temple has been a developing idea for well over a year now and I was excited to see a challenge pop up where I could talk about it! I also saw the tweet and cannot express how much I appreciate it, so double thank you! <3
Great work should be appreciated it :)
World Anvil Founder & Chief Grease Monkey
Twitter | World Anvil Changelog
“No act of kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted.” - Aesop