Patron Temple Ziggurat
Religion is important to the inhabitants of Weirth, as they have proof the gods exist and proof they intervene in Human affairs. Everyone has seen, or knows someone who has seen, a God or their Avatar come to Weirth for some mighty purpose.
There is a story about a blacksmith who was taken up into the Imperial Mountains, to the Forge of the Gods, and witnessed an entire Conclave of deities.
Each town with a large enough population has built a central temple, usually upon a stepped-pyramid or Ziggurat, of stone. This temple is dedicated to the Patron God of the settlement, though no the only god of the settlement.
The priests that live, work and study within the ziggurat will all have a distinctive uniform, hairstyle, etc. Generally they relinquish their worldly possessions, keeping only that which they need to fulfill their obligations to the community.
Ziggurat Description
The main entrance to the temple is on Level Two, under the stairs, one door on each side. These can be locked. There is usually a secret entrance (or two) on Level one, under the stairs, or in the rear of the building. This entrance is only known to the inner circle of the Temple cult, and perhaps some of the high-level Exalted Warriors. During normal Temple hours the entryway is staffed by a Level One Initiate and about three Zero-Level Aspirants to greet and direct/guide any visitors. When the Temple is “closed” the room is guarded by a Level Two Acolyte with some defensive spells and a brazier for spellcraft power. Depending on what else is going on, there may be from 4-7 Spearmen/Aspirants to guard the doors as well. Typical rooms Most temples will include the following types of rooms and chambers: Ritual Cleansing Room – before entering any of the Temple spaces, the cult members will wash and perform cleansing rituals. Cafeteria – There is room for 60 people to sit down and have a meal together. This is typically very simple fare of Created Food. The blessing and bounty of their god. This room is occupied by a Level Three Adept overnight, to provide assistance or counseling for any of the zero-level neophytes or those who are visiting. Cells for zero-level Aspirants – those who come to the temple to join in its practices, or for healing, or for study, are housed here. There are two occupants per room, and each has a pallet, washbowl & ewer, small table for books, meditation supplies, and perhaps a small chest for writing material or the like. Personal property is generally not allowed, being stored below. Cells for Ordained Clerics – Again, set up for two-to-a-room, with sleeping pallets or cots, washbasin, small table, 2-3 chairs, a chest for religious accessories, perhaps a small wardrobe and/or a bookshelf/scroll rack. Library – the temple’s collection of books, codices, scrolls, etc. of religious and magical import. There are a handful of small tables with chairs for reading and study. The Librarian’s desk has writing materials. Armory – Weapons and armor for the guards, soldiers and Exalted Warriors are stored here. There is also a secret entrance to the ziggurat here, known only to the Innermost circle. Storage – the temple will often have need to store large amounts of bulk supplies, especially in times of siege, Skarn attack, and so on. This large chamber may also be used as part of a revenue-generating scheme involving “merchants” and “traders” that is perhaps not fully approved by the secular government. There is a secret door leading outside that is large enough for a wagon-and-two to pass through. Chambers – for the most senior of the Ordained priests and priestesses of the Temple. These rooms are usually set aside for one occupant, with sleeping pallets or cots, washbasin, small table, 2-3 chairs, a chest for religious accessories, perhaps a small wardrobe and/or a bookshelf/scroll rack. Higher level priests tend to have more research materials and “personal property”, depending on how ascetic the cult is. Mystic Study Chamber – A room with no windows or doors, the only entrance being the central shaft that runs from the top of the ziggurat to the base (and perhaps beyond!). Worship Center and Altar – The very top of the ziggurat is reserved for the holiest occasions and personnel. Details will vary per patron deity or cult.
Type
Temple / Religious complex
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