Monastery Name: Monastery of the Silent Tomb
Spiritual Focus: Death, Burial, and Ancestral Spirits
Master: Tombkeeper Anubis Khafra, Human
Anubis is a tall, solemn man with skin like polished ebony and eyes that see into the soul. He is a master of burial rites and has an intimate connection with the spirits of the dead.
Economic Means: The monastery runs a burial service, offering embalming, tomb construction, and spirit communication for the grieving. They also maintain a vast, multi level crypt, where wealthy families can pay for their ancestors to be cared for.
Also see: Tower of the Oracle.
The Temple of Nebethet, the Ivory Goddess, is a haunting and powerful presence within Seregon, its influence rapidly spreading after the discovery of an ivory statue deep in the jungle. This mysterious goddess, known as the Queen of Darkness and Mistress of the Night, has captured the attention of those who seek both wisdom and power.
The temple itself is a masterpiece of eerie grandeur, a round, domed structure made entirely of white marble, designed to resemble a giant skull. This imposing edifice stands out among the other temples in Seregon’s Temple Way, drawing in both the curious and the devout. Nebethet’s image, a voluptuous woman with the head of a skull, is both terrifying and alluring, embodying the goddess’s dual nature as both a bringer of darkness and light.
Worship of Nebethet is rooted in fear and reverence. In her dark aspect, she demands sacrifices to stave off death and misfortune, while in her benevolent aspect, she bestows wealth and prosperity upon her followers, mirroring the gold-rich lands of Appledorn, where her worship began. When moonlight falls on the idol within the temple, it is said that the statue comes to life, delivering spoken omens to those who dare to listen. These omens, often cryptic and foreboding, are seen as direct messages from the goddess herself.
The temple is governed by strict holy laws, which dictate that it must remain uninhabited by mortal men and women. As a result, the temple is shrouded in darkness, its chambers guarded by inhuman creatures that only the bravest would dare to confront. The priests of Nebethet, all male, visit the temple solely to perform sacrifices and receive the goddess’s omens. These priests are easily recognized by their shaven heads and purple robes, symbols of their devotion to Nebethet. Despite their somber appearance, they maintain good relations with the other priests of Seregon, forming alliances that strengthen their influence within the city.
The high priest, Zaramba of the Unknown, is a figure of both respect and fear. Under his leadership, the worship of Nebethet has spread throughout Seregon, attracting those who seek the goddess’s dark wisdom and the material wealth she can provide. The Temple of Nebethet, with its skull-like design and the ominous presence of the goddess, continues to grow in prominence, casting a long and dark shadow over the spiritual landscape of Seregon.
Notable Person: High Priest Zaramba