The Temple

> *"A placeholder for a quote goes here. Thank you for your patience as the staff team works to catalogue our lore."* - Name, Source, OR Date
>
>

The Temple that is standing today was constructed in YR 237, ERA 1, at the decision of Ain, *the Ephemeral.* In the year prior to breaking ground on the new sanctum, higher than normal tides, alongside an active storm season caused severe flooding within Vox, *the Everburning's* Temple. Worrying for the safety of their populace, the Ephemeral wasted no time in demanding that the city's masons build them a safer place to house their divines, and participate in worship. By YR 241, ERA 1, the Ephemeral's new Temple was completed, though they'd never have the opportunity to see the completion of their efforts following an assassination in YR 239, ERA 1.

Nestled into the Aprosian basin wall, the back outer walls blend into the hillside to meet a portion of the cave system that still contains the previous Temple. Detailed work, courtesy of the School of Masonry, has enclosed this system from the main complex, and transformed it into hallways, and bedrooms should any residents wish to reside within them.

## Layout

The Temple is divided into four sections: the chapel, the atrium, the caverns, and the living quarters. In order to enter, one will need to climb a small, wide staircase to pass through a pair of towering stone doors, typically left open with weather-permitting. The garden atrium makes for the common area for anyone who finds themselves inside the stone walls, with a large archway at the opposite end allowing access to the chapel for worship. The caverns, and living quarters are accessible to Temple staff, and residents only, pardoning the occasional resident's guest.

### The Atrium

Sealed beneath an arched ceiling of glass, and intricate framework, a garden flourishes. Native fruit trees, flowers, and any form of vegetation that can be manicured by the will of the Temple's resident mages can be found here, and are free to be enjoyed by any visitors to the sanctum. The residents have worked hard to ensure that their main common area is just as comfortable as it is aesthetically pleasing; plush beds, pillows, and blankets can be found throughout to rest upon, or enjoy a good book.

Multiple floors rise above the heads of those within the garden. With open hallways that create balconies overlooking the activity below, residents, and staff always have an opportunity to be connected to any of the on-goings with the public.

Use of any form of magic is forbidden while inside of the atrium, excluding passive magic, aether manipulation, and any magic necessary for maintenance. Visitors to the Temple found breaking this law will be asked to leave. Residents, and Temple staff will be punished at the discretion of their superior. Flight within the atrium is requested to be kept at a minimum for anyone not living, or working within the Temple.

### The Chapel

Colour sprawls across the pale stonework when the Sun's light shines through the stained glass, gifting the room with a comfortable feeling that makes it easy to forget that you're moving deeper within the belly of the hillside. There is little place to sit as worshipers are left to stand, facing inward towards an altar. Stained glass depicting images of the current, or most recent vessels of Vox, and Ain encircles the altar from behind to remind believers of their deities, and their presence among them.

### The Caverns

Accessible throughout the Temple, should you know where to look, the caverns make up the more 'rustic' living quarters for those who wish for their benefits, and can be used as private areas to take part in anything you're wishing to hide from prying eyes. Candles, and torches light the hallways, while personal fire pits provide the main light source in the rooms. The bedrooms here vary in shape, and size, though all of the walls are smooth from the touch of a skilled mason. Holes, and notches in the walls make for storage space.

### Living Quarters

The upper floors, visible from the lowest floor in the atrium, contain numerous bedrooms, and other living areas for the resident, and dedicated staff members. Getting to live within one of these bedrooms is considered a high luxury within Old Apros, as each room contains feather pillows, and mattresses, and blankets made of the finest silk, or wool.