Toutoichi Jinjya

The most holy temple of earth, Toutoichi Jinjya (The Exalted Temple of Earth - 尊い地 神社) is a vast temple complex and monastery built into the cliffs of Seichisan, just above the falls that create the holy river Midokawa, and overlooking Shizumori. It is perpetually shrouded by the cool mists of the Tenchisanmyaku (Mountain Range of Heaven and Earth - 天地山脈), and offers spectacular vistas of the local mountains; even Amatsu-Kyo can be seen in the far distance. In the colder months of the year, the complex is surrounded by snow and very difficult to reach.

Virtually untouched by the Tenpenchii due to its location, Toutoichi Jinjya is one of the few places in the world that has a library dating back to the Sakura Empire and thus remains a pilgrimage location for scholars as well as those wishing to be blessed by the Eternal Pillar of Earth. Commoners and nobles alike are restricted from seeing the Pillar's physical form, however; only the Emperor herself and the temple's Grand Abbot are afforded that honor. Like the other four pillars, its exact location is an exceedingly well-kept secret, lest someone wish to steal from - or worse yet - damage it.

## History

As one of the five major temples of *Goto*, Toutoichi Jinjya has always been a well-known and well-traveled-to destination for all types of people. So close to the river's source, water from the Midokawa at this location is said to strengthen the body and harmonize the soul, bringing one into balance. Even being so close to the Eternal Pillar of Earth is said to have balancing properties, leaving one's mind grounded and serene. It has thus been a monastery foremost among others as place of retreat and tranquil contemplation.

The complex itself has buildings and gardens, all perilously perched on Seichisan's cliff face, with larger chambers built into the living stone of the mountain. There is enough space to accommodate all of the temple's visitors as well as its acolytes, and the temple has always been known as a place one can go to *disappear* from the world for a time. An old tradition amongst the Sakura Empire was that an individual, no matter his dishonor or past transgressions, if he can get to this temple before being detained, would be left to a life of quiet reflection, so long as he never left. Such was the esteem the Imperial Court held for Toutoichi Jinjya.

## Present Day

Not one for proselytizing, the only annex temples the monastic order of Eternal Earth maintain are in and around the Tenchisanmyaku for the sole purpose of keeping the path to the parent temple clear, and guiding pilgrims in the right direction. Many of these temples remain, though many were also lost during the Tenpenchii. For the moment, the majority of them remain unattended, but as the order's numbers recover, that will likely change.

Not a wealthy temple in the same way as Sentou Taisha, the order trades with the Amatsu-Kyo area for food and other necessities by offering charms, blessings, and other priestly services, as well as minerals from Seichisan. The order also maintains its own small food gardens and the like. Otherwise, the monastic structure has largely remained the same, with a Grand Abbot attending to the Eternal Pillar and acting as a gateway to Seichisan's peak. Immediately beneath him are a council of Abbots, who see to the daily running of the monastery, and then various other monks below them.