Ancient Sanctum to Yeyvalla
A temple lost to the shifting lands. Darkness from the depths below.
An elven temple to the goddess of nature, Yeyvalla, this construction sank into the ground during the Time of Woe. It's loftiest architecture - moss and vine covered white stone - pokes above ground within the dense northern forests of what is now known as the God's Hope Woods. It is accessed through a sinkhole carved into the ground by a stream In recent times, a group of kobolds have carved out their own tunnels and found a deeper, darker evil. Any other elements of this long-lost elven settlement have either been destroyed utterly or are inaccessible without considerable excavation.
Inside, the white stone architecture is adorned with detailed carvings depicting the seasons, the peoples of the area and the goddess herself. The rest is crumbled stone and freshly dug tunnels fortified against outsiders by the residing kobolds. Some furniture is in surprisingly good condition: wooden tables and shelves, woven rugs, clothing and a number of art pieces - a testament to the craftsmanship of the local population.
Locations
- Ambush Site - Kobolds had dug out sections of the path down into the temple to better defend the location. A crudely made barricade incorporating spears and other blades was designed to hobble those entering while caltrops were hidden underwater to deter shortcuts.
- Kobold Living Area - Some basic space dug out for sleeping and resting.
- Great Hall - A large pillared chamber that members of the public would have visited to pay their respects to Yeyvalla. Only one pillar has fallen into ruin but the stream from aboveground flows freely through the hall.
- Ritual Room - A semi-circular room with intricate carvings and four pedestals along the long wall. This room was previously used for more important ceremonies and is key to opening the secret altar beyond.
- Ooze Chamber - This room had been converted by the kobolds to trap interlopers with acidic oozes. The eastern door was a small portcullis that needed to be held open and was covered in flammable oil.
- Sodden Library - The main room used by kobolds as a sleeping and working space. A small crack in the northern wall allowed for spying on explorers.
- Preparation Chamber - A small room in which worshippers could change into their ceremonial garb prior to services. This room was previously inhabited by a lingering ghost.
- Underground Lake - An expansive body of water that has deeper connections to other locations. Part of the territorial waters of an aboleth that could appear as an illusion to visitors. A small treasure room exists across a precarious walkway.
- Altar Room - The final, private worship space within the temple. The walls are intricately carved with depictions of nature in all four seasons. A long-forgotten ritual opened this space for use in specific, seasonal rites.
Ritual/Altar Room Rites
Within the semicircular ritual room, four pedestals topped with shallow bowls stand below a wide carving depicting the four seasons. Each is embossed with a brief phrase indicating an offering to place within the bowl. When all four are filled correctly, the doors leading inwards will open.
- My Children (Spring) - requires seeds or fruit.
- My Food (Summer) - requires a representation of the sun.
- My Clothes (Autumn) - requires leaves.
- My Home (Winter) - requires a handful of soil.
Within the final altar chamber, the seasonal rite is completed by taking the offering from the appropriate ritual bowl and placing it onto the final plinth.
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