3. Temple of the Longstrider
The Temple of the Longstrider is the spiritual heart of Twilight Falls, dedicated to Fharlanghn, the Dweller on the Horizon. Overseeing the temple is Brother Rhodri, Curate of the Road, a well-respected cleric known for his generosity and deep knowledge of the Gnarley Forest. The temple serves as a place of worship, healing, and guidance for travelers, merchants, and those who have settled in the village after years of wandering.
Pushing open the doors, you find yourself in a wide, open hall, the wooden beams above carved with depictions of winding roads, distant mountains, and endless horizons. The glow of lanterns reflects off maps and travel logs stacked neatly along the walls, some old and yellowed with time, others fresh with the ink of recent journeys.
Before you can take another step, a voice greets you, warm and welcoming. A young half-elf with sun-kissed skin and a travel-worn cloak steps forward, a friendly smile on his face.
“Welcome, travelers. You’ve come to the right place if you seek rest, wisdom, or the blessings of the road.” He gestures toward the main hall, where a simple altar to Fharlanghn sits beneath a high-arched window, framing the horizon beyond. “I am Eldrin Halfway, a keeper of these halls. Come, tell me of your journey. Perhaps we can be of aid.”
The Temple Grounds and Structure
Exterior and Surroundings
Nestled near the Falls of Twilight, the temple blends seamlessly with the natural surroundings. The grounds are lined with ancient oaks and twisting roots, reflecting Fharlanghn’s connection to both the road and nature.
- Open-Air Courtyard: A stone-paved area where sermons are often held under the open sky.
- Carved Stone Archway: The entrance is marked by an ancient arch engraved with Fharlanghn’s symbol: a disk with a curved horizon and an upturned crescent.
- Pilgrim’s Resting Circle: A small grove with stone benches where travelers can meditate or share tales of the road.
“A journey untraveled is a story untold—walk, and let your tale unfold.”
Interior Layout
Inside, the temple is a modest but well-maintained structure, designed for both worship and refuge.
- Main Hall: A wide space with a domed ceiling carved with star charts and maps of Oerth’s major roads.
- Shrine to Fharlanghn: A simple altar holds a travel-worn staff and a well-used pair of boots, relics said to belong to a long-forgotten Strider.
- Healing Chamber: A small but well-stocked room where Brother Rhodri and his acolytes tend to the wounded.
- Wayfarer’s Archives: Shelves filled with maps, travel logs, and scrolls documenting the ever-changing paths of the world.
- Pilgrim’s Quarters: Modest rooms where wandering worshippers and weary travelers can rest.
History of the Temple
The Temple of the Longstrider was established over a century ago by wandering priests of Fharlanghn, seeking to create a haven for travelers in the deep woods. Over the years, it became a vital waypoint on the Forest Road, offering respite to merchants and adventurers alike.
- Founded by a band of Striders of Fharlanghn seeking to ensure safe passage through the region.
- Sacred to travelers, many of whom make offerings before setting out on dangerous journeys.
- Expanded under Brother Rhodri’s guidance, improving its archives and healing capabilities.
“Not all who wander are lost, but all who stop seeking are.”
Brother Rhodri – Curate of the Road
Description and Personality
Brother Rhodri is a middle-aged human cleric (6th level) with a weathered face, kind brown eyes, and auburn hair streaked with silver. He wears simple travel-worn robes of faded green and brown, and a leather satchel filled with herbs, maps, and scrolls.
- Wise and Welcoming: Known for his hospitality and willingness to aid those in need.
- Skilled Healer: Offers healing to travelers at reasonable prices, ensuring no one is left without aid.
- Expert Cartographer: His collection of maps is one of the best in the region.
“Do not ask where the road leads—only if you have the courage to follow it.”
The Acolytes of the Longstrider
The temple is maintained by a small but dedicated group of acolytes, each fulfilling a crucial role in its daily operations.
Notable Acolytes
- Sister Maira (Human, Neutral Good, Age 34) – The temple’s primary healer, skilled in herbal medicine and minor divine magic. Kind and patient, she has a calming presence and tends to both physical and emotional wounds.
- Tomas Waylan (Human, Neutral, Age 27) – A former caravan guard turned scribe and archivist, Tomas maintains the temple’s maps and records. Though reserved, he is fiercely loyal to Rhodri and the temple’s mission.
- Eldrin Halfway (Half-Elf, Chaotic Good, Age 22) – A wandering bard and storyteller, Eldrin was taken in by Rhodri years ago and now serves as a messenger and diplomat, fostering relations with nearby settlements.
- Old Jareth (Human, Lawful Neutral, Age 61) – The temple’s groundskeeper and cook, Jareth is a gruff but caring elder who ensures travelers are well-fed and the temple remains in working order.
Motivations and Roles
- Healing and Care: Sister Maira and Old Jareth tend to the sick and injured.
- Preserving Knowledge: Tomas Waylan meticulously updates maps and travel logs.
- Maintaining Relations: Eldrin serves as the temple’s connection to outsiders, relaying news and requests for aid.
- Daily Upkeep: Jareth oversees meals, cleaning, and ensuring the temple remains hospitable.
Relations with Local Factions
The Gnarley Rangers
The temple maintains strong ties with the Gnarley Rangers, as both organizations work to protect the forest and its roads.
- Rangers often visit to seek guidance, rest, and healing.
- Shared duty of keeping merchant routes safe from bandits and humanoid threats.
Druids of the Gnarley Forest
Relations with the Druids of the Gnarley are cordial but cautious. The druids respect Rhodri’s wisdom but remain wary of increased human activity.
- They cooperate on forest preservation efforts.
- Occasionally assist each other when dealing with unnatural disturbances in the region.
The Mounted Borderers
The Mounted Borderers of Verbobonc patrol the region less frequently since their recent withdrawal from the Kron Hills.
- The temple has seen more wounded travelers as bandit activity increases.
- Rhodri has petitioned the Viscount for renewed patrols, but with little success.
The Elves of the Gnarley Forest
The four elven clans of the Gnarley remain wary of the temple, viewing it as another mark of human encroachment.
- However, Rhodri has earned the respect of some elven wanderers for his knowledge of ancient roads.
- Some elven scouts secretly consult his maps, as he documents pathways forgotten even by them.
Trade and Business Relations
The temple is a major waypoint for trade caravans moving through the Gnarley.
- Merchants from Dyvers, the Wild Coast, and Verbobonc rely on temple services before crossing the dangerous roads.
- Gnome traders from the Greenway Valley frequently stop by, bringing exotic goods and information.
- The temple has become an unofficial hub for trade rumors, guiding merchants on safer routes.
“A warm meal, a dry bed, and a good map are the three blessings of the road.”
Recent Developments and Threats
- Increased Bandit Activity: With the Mounted Borderers pulling back, bandits and humanoid raiders have become more aggressive.
- Elven Distrust: Some elves blame human settlements for the destruction of the deeper forest paths.
- Political Tensions: The Free Assembly of the Kron Hills is angered by the Viscount’s withdrawal of protection.
- Dark Omens: Strange symbols have been found near the temple—possible signs of cultist activity linked to the Temple of Elemental Evil.
Adventure Hooks
- Lost Pilgrim: A Strider of Fharlanghn has gone missing while mapping a secret trade route. Rhodri seeks adventurers to investigate.
- Elven Relic: An ancient elven waystone near the temple has been defaced. Who is responsible?
- Merchant Ambush: A gnome caravan is overdue. Rhodri fears bandits—or something worse—may be responsible.
- Cultist Intrigue: Strange travelers have been seen asking too many questions about the temple’s archives. What are they looking for?
Conclusion
The Temple of the Longstrider stands as a beacon of safety and knowledge in Twilight Falls. With Brother Rhodri at its helm, it serves as a place of healing, guidance, and quiet diplomacy between the many factions of the Gnarley Forest. Yet, as political tensions rise and the roads grow more dangerous, the temple’s role has never been more vital—or more precarious.
“May Fharlanghn’s gaze follow your footsteps, and may your path always be clear.”
Brother Rhodri
Medium humanoid (human), Cleric 6, Neutral Good
AC: 14 (traveler’s robes, shield) | HP: 33 (6d8+6) | Speed: 30 ft.
STR 11 (+0) | DEX 13 (+1) | CON 12 (+1) | INT 14 (+2) | WIS 17 (+3) | CHA 14 (+2)
Skills: Religion +5, Insight +6, Medicine +5, Survival +5
Passive Perception: 15
Abilities: Blessings of the Road. Once per long rest, Rhodri can grant a creature advantage on survival checks while traveling for 24 hours.
Spellcasting: Spell Save DC 13, +5 to hit
- Cantrips: Guidance, Sacred Flame, Mending
- 1st (4 slots): Bless, Cure Wounds, Detect Magic
- 2nd (3 slots): Augury, Lesser Restoration
- 3rd (3 slots): Beacon of Hope, Remove Curse
Actions: Quarterstaff. Melee Weapon Attack: +3 to hit, 1d6+1 bludgeoning.
Acolyte s of Fharlanghn
Acolyte (Medium humanoid, any good alignment, CR 1/4)
- AC 10, HP 9 (2d8), Speed 30 ft.
- STR 10, DEX 10, CON 10, INT 10, WIS 14, CHA 11
- Skills: Medicine +4, Religion +2; Passive Perception 12
- Languages: Common, one additional
- Spellcasting (Wisdom, DC 12): Cantrips—Guidance, Light, Sacred Flame; 1st (3 slots)—Cure Wounds, Sanctuary, Bless
Services and Support for Travelers
The Temple of the Longstrider is more than just a place of worship—it is a vital sanctuary for all travelers passing through the Gnarley Forest.
- Healing Services: Magical and mundane healing for injuries, illnesses, and fatigue.
- Shelter and Provisions: Free rest for pilgrims, with food and basic supplies available for donations.
- Guidance and Maps: Detailed maps, road conditions, and travel advice for merchants and adventurers.
- Blessings for the Road: Rituals and blessings to ensure safe journeys.
- Emergency Refuge: A safe haven for those pursued by bandits or in need of aid.
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