Northern Temple
Developed by Finn
Location
Just before the harbour, looking over Lake Rea
Immortals Worshiped
U'frek and Chrien
Description
Hiding within the vegetation growing around Lake Rea, stands the unique Northern Temple of Ne’haer. It is unique in that it houses two Immortals who battle, two Immortals who in person would not stay under one roof. Yet, here they are both worshipped. U’frek and Chrien find their harmony under the thatched roof of the temple which has been built entirely out of wood and blood orange coloured clay.
The premises aren’t as large as they are busy. The temple consists of only one building of modest size. Many believe that it has been built long before a wedge was driven between the two Immortals. As such, the temple houses a unique statue depiction of both the beings where no anger, nor spite reflects on their features or in their friendly, almost intimate posture. After all, the area these two Immortals reign over overlaps and perhaps once upon a time, they indeed were better than sworn enemies.
It is possible that the temple was not as famous before; hence, its modest size. These days, however, it is frequented very much on daily basis by sailors, fishermen, Biqaj and Mer. All of these bring with them gifts to appease Chrien and ask for Ufrek’s continuous protection from his sister's insanity. It often happens that all the offerings start pooling outside the humble structure and the anchorite who takes care of the temple has to make sure none of the food offerings fall in the water as they already attract large numbers of fish to swim around the edges of water.
There is one more separate body of water on the premises and that is behind the temple completely closed off to the public. It is a pond of small size, with clear water that reveals its stone bottom. It was not man made so the theory has it that the water seeps upwards from in between the stones, the source being the lake. As the back part of the premises of the temple are off limits, it is also believed that the anchorite has his/hers humbl living house there too.
The premises aren’t as large as they are busy. The temple consists of only one building of modest size. Many believe that it has been built long before a wedge was driven between the two Immortals. As such, the temple houses a unique statue depiction of both the beings where no anger, nor spite reflects on their features or in their friendly, almost intimate posture. After all, the area these two Immortals reign over overlaps and perhaps once upon a time, they indeed were better than sworn enemies.
It is possible that the temple was not as famous before; hence, its modest size. These days, however, it is frequented very much on daily basis by sailors, fishermen, Biqaj and Mer. All of these bring with them gifts to appease Chrien and ask for Ufrek’s continuous protection from his sister's insanity. It often happens that all the offerings start pooling outside the humble structure and the anchorite who takes care of the temple has to make sure none of the food offerings fall in the water as they already attract large numbers of fish to swim around the edges of water.
There is one more separate body of water on the premises and that is behind the temple completely closed off to the public. It is a pond of small size, with clear water that reveals its stone bottom. It was not man made so the theory has it that the water seeps upwards from in between the stones, the source being the lake. As the back part of the premises of the temple are off limits, it is also believed that the anchorite has his/hers humbl living house there too.
Festivals and Events
The temple doesn’t have the need to organise any outstanding festivals or events as the influx of offerings keeps it securely from running into desolation. However, once a year, it does perform an open ritual for any and all to attend.
High Seas, Low Skies
High Seas, Low Skies is a one-day ritual solely devoted to Chrien and U’frek. It is designed to please both Immortals regardless of their relationship or view on other races. The anchorite leads it all the way through and the audience can choose to join in, or spectate. Since the ritual has been performed in the temple for as long as anyone can remember, those who attend it regularly know the schedule to the T. The ritual, without any fail and regardless of any obstacles, always happens in the middle of the arc on the last day of Saun (246th trial in one arc). With the temple being near water and incorporated into the vegetation surrounding the shore, coupled with the heat, the air is humid and heavy. Hence, the anchorite, be it a man or a woman, tends to perform the ritual with as little clothing as possible whilst still remaining decent. It has no religious significance. It is just a matter of convenience.
The ritual starts at the first break after the sunrise. Before then, the anchorite goes through cleansing rituals in the body of water behind the temple. At the first break after sunrise, the anchorite moves to the front of the temple all the way to the edge of the water where fish are already gathered in hopes of stray bits of food falling into their gaping mouths. The anchorite disregards them, descending into their midst until the water reaches the waist. With arms stretched out to the sides as if offering one’s self to the mercy of the Immortals, the anchorite starts intoning words that everyone considers sacred words, almost a prayer of the greeting kind. It is to make the Immortals aware that they are going to be honoured, today in particular. The audience either stands on the shore, or some can choose to enter the water as well, but never did it happen that anyone would go further than the anchorite is , because he, or she, is the one who leads the ritual. The recitation usually last for half a break after which, those in the water return onto the shore.
The rest of the day is filled with similar actions but performed inside the temple. The anchorite retreats inside to sit cross-legged in front of the unique statue, intoning more of the sacred texts. Groups of people enter in intervals. Up to seventy people can fit inside the hall sitting in the same manner, but they are touching knee to knee with their neighbour. Oftentimes, attending just one of those intonations is considered enough by the locals or those who are familiar with the proceedings. However, the anchorite performs them all, with a break for food at mid-trial and shorter breaks in between each intonation. Occasionally, people stay for more than one intonation. However, due to the spatial constraints, not everyone is able to attend the recitals inside the hall. Due to that, it is common to find those who can’t fit in, and can’t wait, or prefer the outdoors, to sit cross-legged all over the place, either quietly meditating or reciting the words they have memorised.
The ritual starts at the first break after the sunrise. Before then, the anchorite goes through cleansing rituals in the body of water behind the temple. At the first break after sunrise, the anchorite moves to the front of the temple all the way to the edge of the water where fish are already gathered in hopes of stray bits of food falling into their gaping mouths. The anchorite disregards them, descending into their midst until the water reaches the waist. With arms stretched out to the sides as if offering one’s self to the mercy of the Immortals, the anchorite starts intoning words that everyone considers sacred words, almost a prayer of the greeting kind. It is to make the Immortals aware that they are going to be honoured, today in particular. The audience either stands on the shore, or some can choose to enter the water as well, but never did it happen that anyone would go further than the anchorite is , because he, or she, is the one who leads the ritual. The recitation usually last for half a break after which, those in the water return onto the shore.
The rest of the day is filled with similar actions but performed inside the temple. The anchorite retreats inside to sit cross-legged in front of the unique statue, intoning more of the sacred texts. Groups of people enter in intervals. Up to seventy people can fit inside the hall sitting in the same manner, but they are touching knee to knee with their neighbour. Oftentimes, attending just one of those intonations is considered enough by the locals or those who are familiar with the proceedings. However, the anchorite performs them all, with a break for food at mid-trial and shorter breaks in between each intonation. Occasionally, people stay for more than one intonation. However, due to the spatial constraints, not everyone is able to attend the recitals inside the hall. Due to that, it is common to find those who can’t fit in, and can’t wait, or prefer the outdoors, to sit cross-legged all over the place, either quietly meditating or reciting the words they have memorised.
The Mystery of the Anchorite
Only those who have lived long enough are able to pinpoint the oddity about the anchorite. Those whose skin is already wrinkled and teeth are starting to fall out would be able to tell you how strange it is that there is always someone at the temple. Why? There are no formal links to other religious bodies from which an anchorite could come; no connection to a family which would own the temple; nor any other trace why a stranger would take over a temple. Yet, somehow, there is always one and every so often, just at the life expectancy of a person, new anchorite comes along and assumes the role. There are theories that perhaps there is a family hiding away at the temple. After all, the back of the temple is strictly off limits and no one really dares to trespass. Some more outragoues theories suggest that an Yludih has taken over. However, these theories dont't stand their grounds very well as the anchorites have been of various races and both genders.
Josara
Age: 35 arcs
Race: Biqaj
Title: Anchorite
Language: Common
Skills: Discipline, Agriculture, Meditation, Singing
Other information: No one really knows when Josara took over the temple, or where she came from. One day, she just stepped outside of the main hall and performed the High Seas, Low Skies and everyone somewhat accepted the fact that she was the new person in charge of the Northern Temple. She mainly keeps to herself. So that doesn’t help others knowing much about her either.
Price List
The temple has no price list as it doesn’t sell anything. It lives of the constant influx of sacrifices to the gods.