The Temple of Tumb is an ancient and sacred site, located atop the colossal sandstone mesa that forms the head-like shape of Tum, a fractured Elementari of earth. This massive plateau, rising above the arid Badlands, is the revered home of the Tumb, a mysterious stone-like race devoted to Tum, their god of earth and stone.
Atop the mesa lies the City of Tumb, a sprawling stone-built settlement where the Thumb People live in devotion to their titanic deity. The Temple of Tumb is the central structure of the city, a grand offering altar where the Thumb People conduct Earth-Rifting rituals. These rituals involve manipulating the earth itself—stone, minerals, and the sandy dirt of the Badlands—to slowly build upon Tum's form, adding layer upon layer to the titan's body. It is through these offerings of earth and stone that they hope to one day restore Tum to his former glory as a complete and mighty titan.
Tum: The Shattered Lord of Stone
Within the great sandstone mesa exists a fractured part from the ancient body of Tum, a primordial titan shattered long ago. Though dormant, Tum's consciousness is believed to reside within the mesa, and faint*glowing green caves, resembling eyes, are the only visible sign of his presence. The Thumb People revere him as a god, and their entire society revolves around his worship and the task of rebuilding his fractured form.
Tum is not simply a god of stone but also a living symbol of endurance and patience, qualities reflected in the stoic nature of the Tumb People. They offer gifts of stone and precious minerals, hoping to restore Tum's once-great form. Their Earth-Rifting magic allows them to manipulate the landscape and construct both the temple and their city directly into the mesa, blending the architecture seamlessly with the natural formation of Tum's plateau.
Earth-Rifting and the Tumb People
The Tumb People are known for their unique ability to Earth-Rift, a form of magic passed down from Tum himself, allowing them to mold and manipulate stone and soil. Through their Earth-Rifting, they perform sacred rituals that not only sustain their society but also contribute to the ongoing restoration of their god. The Thumb People use this power to shape their homes, fortify their city, and carefully sculpt offerings to fuse into Tum's form, layering new stone onto his ancient body.
This continuous work is done with the hope that one day, Tum will fully awaken, whole again, and rise from the stone mesa to reclaim his place as a great titan of the earth. Until then, the Thumb People remain devout, working tirelessly to fulfill their ancient duty and purpose.
The Temple of Tumb is more than just a place of worship; it is the heart of the Thumb People's civilization, a testament to their faith in the slow, patient rebuilding of their god. For generations, they have labored at the foot of Tum, knowing that their efforts will one day lead to his rebirth.