Sanctum

A **sanctum** is a building where followers of the Faith worship. They can be located in villages and urban settlements, castles, strongholds, and monasteries.

## Layout

A sanctum is a single building traditionally built of stone or wood. It may have several rooms or a single open space. All sanctums are smaller and less ornate houses of worship than cathedrals, which are far larger and usually more extravagant. Some sanctums have stained glass windows, though most are set with more simple leaded windows.

Every sanctum houses an alter to the Paragon, the supernatural energy force worshipped within the Faith. Usually it is set within an alcove. This alter is known as the sanctorum.

Sanctorums traditionally hold statues of Paragon. The richest sanctums have statues made of marble and gilded or set with precious stones. Most often, these statues are shaped from stone. Less often, in poorer sanctums, they may be carved of wood. The likenesses of the Lord of Light may be life-sized or slightly smaller in height.

Sanctum walls are often set with niches for candles, torches, or small statues of Paragon. Braziers are common fixtures within such buildings. They may be placed on either side of the door, at intervals along aisles, or as part of the sanctorum alters.

Eight-pointed stars are a common feature of sanctum interiors, as they serve as representations of the holy Star of Light. Stars may be set into sanctum pillars, floors, walls, or ceilings. They may be carved into candles or crystals set upon alters, or engraved into braziers. Several sanctums have star-shaped windows.

Most sanctums have rows of wood or stone benches for small congregations of worshipers. Depending on the size of the buildings, there may be a single aisle between the benches or several aisles.

Basins carved within stone walls to either side of hold holy water that is used for personal blessings. Worshipers may wet the first two fingers of their right hands and touch their foreheads upon entering.

## Leadership

Sanctums are led by priests or clerics. The vast majority of sanctums keep a single leader of the Faith permanently appointed there. Several sanctums may have more than one leader, although this is less common than in cathedrals, which are generally headed by cardinals and support many priests, clerics, and novices. However, the smallest buildings, which may consist of a single room with a simple alter, may not keep a permanent religious figure.

## Activities

The religious services and rituals conducted within sanctums are led by the presiding priest or cleric of highest rank. Various activities that most often occur in a sanctum but are not bound to the limits of a building of Light include marriage and death rites, paladin and common knighthood ceremonies, baptism, anointment, initiation into a monastery or religious order, clerical rites, adherence ceremonies, and conversions.

Sanctums serve as hubs of the Faith, where worshipers may gather to pray, listen to sermons, and seek blessings and healing. In larger buildings, worshipers sit in rows of benches and hear the words of the local priest or cleric. In smaller sanctums, there may be several simple benches or simply space to stand or kneel before the sanctorum.

Members of a congregation may visit small, personal sanctums to seek a moment of peace or quiet contemplation. Worshipers light candles or braziers at the altar and pray out loud or in silence. They may touch statues of Paragon or religious relics made of precious stones and metals.

Sanctums are far more accessible than cathedrals, which are far larger and generally heavily restricted and guarded.

## Worshipers

Any follower of the Faith may worship within sanctums. Members are not bound to a single congregation and may make use of any sanctum building wherever they are found. Heretics and non-believers are traditionally prohibited from entering sanctums along with any building or area designated for worship of the holy Light.