Lore: The Origin of the Sanctum
In the earliest days of creation, Andralte, the goddess of harmony, sought to foster unity among the gods. She orchestrated a grand divine concert, inviting the Golden and Silver fragments to attend. Each of the eight gods (four gold and four silver) was permitted to choose three mortals to join them, witnessing the harmony between the two groups and providing these mortals with special tickets to the celestial event. Thus, 24 tickets were created, along with a special 25th ticket, split between gold and silver, possessing unique properties.
After the concert, the mortals who had attended were deeply moved by the divine presence and the harmony they had witnessed. They constructed a grand temple on the site, divided into two parts: one dedicated to the gold gods and the other to the silver gods. Each part houses an Altar of Approval—one gold, one silver. On the sides of the altar, it is rumored that the fragments bestow blessings on mortals through numbers.
The tickets, imbued with divine power, were designed to return to the world of Arda after each use, ensuring that new mortals could access the Sanctum. These tickets are highly sought after by adventurers and religious devotees alike, offering a rare chance to commune with the gods and rest in safety.
The Sanctum and Its Mysteries
Over multiple records and accounts, it has been confirmed that a special ticket is needed to access the Sanctum. There are 25 tickets in circulation within the world of Arda: 12 gold, 12 silver, and one unique split ticket. Each ticket is capable of transporting up to eight people, allowing them to enter the Sanctum. Once used, the ticket vanishes from the user's possession and reappears somewhere else in Arda, ensuring that the divine gift is continuously cycled among mortals. To use the ticket one must name the four fragments it corresponds to, and the portal would open.
Upon using the ticket, the ticket holder and up to seven others of their choosing are transported to the Sanctum, where they find themselves in the vicinity of the grand temple, divided into the gold and silver sections. The guests are welcome to stay, seemingly for long periods of time; however, overstaying their welcome is ill-advised, as it shall bring the wrath of Andralte. The Sanctum is a place of divine refuge, offering respite and safety to those who enter. However, the journey does not end upon entry. Upon leaving, a group is presented with four tasks from the altar that shares alignment with the ticket they used. Successfully completing each task increases their chances of finding another ticket of the same color, allowing the divine cycle to continue.
The Boons
Each of the two altars accepts offerings made by mortals. Offerings range from simple prayers and gifts to the completion of tasks bestowed by the fragments’ temples to sacrifices of animals or humanoids. When offerings are given, the fragments’ altars often bestow a boon in return.
Divine Conflict
Scholars of old have documented changes to the Sanctum since its inception. A malevolent entity has twisted its rules, reversing the welcoming hospitality for many groups. After this corruption took place, the Sanctum no longer allows two ticket holders to use its grounds simultaneously. If more than one group enters at the same time, the fragments decree a trial by combat. This trial serves as a test of worthiness and resolve, ensuring that the Sanctum is not exploited by those unworthy of divine favor. Only the ticket holder is required to fight, but their companions can join, turning the trial into a crucial test of the group's unity and strength. Should a ticket holder refuse to fight or attempt to trick their way through, their companions shall suffer cruel deaths.