Adgharhin Way/Temple Of Southern Light

Temple Of Southern Light

The Temple of Southern Light was built by Poison Shadow-Stalker in Paplarmi a month or so after she was made Countess of the region (around October/November 2007). It is located on the cliff tops in the south facing out to the sea which boarders Paplarmi. The temple is dedicated to each of the Gods, so that each god can have a presence in the south of the island. A few miles to the north is a forest which supplied wood in the form of logs to use in the construction and maintenance of the temple.

Construction and History

The temple was initially very small - so small, in fact that only 200 people can fit inside it (originally this was 100 until the temple was enlarged) - but is built so that people can gather around the temple and still see into it. It was circular, and has only four beams holding up the roof, instead of a wall around. The temple was about 15 meters in diameter with a cone-shaped timber roof, which let some light shine through. The temple itself was built by Poison and some of her entourage who came with her from Lasanar (each of them devout followers of The Adgharin Way), and the logs were supplied by the local forest, which lies only a few miles from the temple.

When the temple was enlarged, it followed with the same design, except for a broader size, four additional beams and a new roof so that more followers may attend temple. The new roof and beams were placed around the existing structure, and then the original was taken down. The logs were burnt and the ash was scattered at the next mornings prayers.

Interior

The temple has very little on the inside. There are no benches, and followers must stand. In the centre, there is a raised platform (around half a meter off the ground) with a meter high altar in the centre. Underneath the altar is a trap door, which contains the local treasury. The altar must be moved to access the treasury. In winter, the locals traditionally bring branches to the temple which are placed on the roof to keep the rain and snow out of the temple, but do not create make-shift walls and so it is still cold from great sea breezes which often blow through.

People

The temple was first maintained by Poison and the small band of followers who came with her from the north, but since the preachings of Elerik Taim, many locals tend to the temple - replacing any logs which start to rot/splinter, making sure the inside doesn't get too muddy. It is guarded at night by retired Special Forces from Lasanar, who are devout followers of The Way. The people often go to the temple to pray to one of the Gods privately, even if there is no priest there to lead the prayer (they have adapted to being far in the south, away from the regular route of the priests).