Temple of Ioannes

[Thoth]

Since the announcement of the "excommunication" of Aerienne Sarista, Bishop Navicci had supported the new faction headed by Prelates Marsala and Jodus. Though many of the priests of Ioannes questioned this position, the half-dwarven bishop insisted that Marsala's declaration was both appropriate and insightful. He was equally vocal in his support of Jodus' claim of Archprelate authority. Most of the priests in the Temple followed him.

Ioannes is the major God of the Church of the Faith, being father of Aslan and wed to Diana. Governor of the Celestial World and God of Gods, the deity formerly known as Ioannolius manifests himself in three forms upon Telath - Law, Order and Justice. These are the three faces of Ioannes and these are the most important beliefs of the Church of the Faith. The temple of Ioannes is even more magnificient than the Temple of Diana, although its magnificence comes in another, more subtle form. Some regard this quiet beauty to outshine that of Diana's temple, these people are drawn to primary workship of Ioannes.

The temple of Ioannes is quite a large building, constructed almost entirely of marble. Large oak doors lined in elven mithril stand at the front, unmoving. Not quite as beautiful as gold, elven mithril is still beautiful in its own way, and a symbol of the
swift retribution that Justice brings to those who disobey the Law and defy Order. The priests believe firmly in these precepts.

The interior of the building is decorated in a similar fashion, with statues of all the Archprelates organised in chronological order, arranged in an orderly fashion along the side walls. Row after row of long polished wooden benches line the massive church, while at the front a large statue of Ioannes sits and looks out. In front of the statue, miniscule by comparison, a marble lecturn rests, obviously for use by the priests.

The church is largely empty for the moment, except for a few travellers and several notables, one of whom makes his way towards each new arrival. He is dressed in platinum as all the followers of Ioannes are dressed. His hood is drawn, but by the tone of his voice and his manner, it seems as if he has seen more than his fair share of the years. "Serale, I am Nikolaus. What can I do for you, my son?"

Undoubtedly teaching here at the temple as well, the old man seemed quite learned, which was well as followers of Ioannes often sought to learn much about Law, Order and Justice, and the origins of these. More often than not, they were heavily involved in Alleria's justice system and were highly respected.

--NPCs--

Bishop Navicci: A half-dwarf with a gentle manner about him, but a firm and strong personality nonetheless. He is comfortably conservative, a fan of the old regime in the Church and wary of Aerienne's progressive changes.

Father Nikolaus: A fatherly, kind old human priest with a gentle attitude who often greets newcomers to the Temple.

OOC: Originally write be Talespinner

[Naomli'lae Shilo'y]

When Naomli'lae entered the Temple of Ioannes her breath was instantly taken away, and she took a sharp intake of breath. It was so beautiful, and it was all dedicated to her patron god, Ioannes. Along the walls were beautiful statues, but the best was at the end, a huge statue of Ioannes himself, in all his glory! It was beautiful.

As she as admiring the wonderful work in Ioannes' temple a human man approached her. The platinum robes he wore gave him away as a follower of Ioannes, most likely a priest. He introduced himself as Nikolaus, and he seemed very kind. Naomli'lae decided not to beat around the bush but just say why she was here, "Serale Nikolaus, I am Naomli'lae, and my reasons or coming here are because I wish to dedicate myself to Ioannes and I would like a little guidance please, what steps do I take?"

[Thoth]

Father Nikolaus smiled as the youth entered the temple of Ioannes and expressed her desire to follow the King of Heaven. “Please follow me.” The priest said with a wave of his hand. “I will let you visit with the Bishop. He will be able to help you better then myself.” He lead the way down the main room towards the back of the room. Eventually he led her to a hidden door. Beyond the door was a small room that hade a door on each side. Father Nikolaus paused after knocking on the door.

“Come in.” A voices called. Father Nikolaus opened the door and motioned for the elf to enter. He gave her a reassuring smile before heading back into the temple proper. The room beyond was an office large enough for a group of about six humanoids to meet. The man inside was a half dwarf who looked intently at the young woman. “Please come in and sit.” He motioned to one of the chair situated in front of him. “Tell me what I can do for you.” It wasn’t really a question.

[Naomli'lae Shilo'y]

Naomli'lae followed the kindly Father Nikolaus as he lead her to the rear of a church, and the towards a wall. That was odd, but as they got closer Naomli'lae realized it was not a wasll, but rather, a door. And from there two more doors, one of which the Father knocked and opened, motioning her in with a warm, encouring smile.

Naomli'lae entered the small room, suddenly apprehensive. She was confident all this way, but meeting a Bishop just made her nervous for some reason. He is so high up and above me, and will think I am a silly little girl and will not take me seriously, Naomli'lae thought. Naomli'lae graciously accepted the offer to sit down, inclining her head and giving a small curtsy.

Until now Naomli'lae had kept her eyes down casted and had not even seen what the Bishop had looked like, she was just to shy. But now she lifted her startling, violet eyes to his. Her eyes often had the habit of showing her emotions, and seeing how noticable such a vibrant shade of violet contrasted with her snow-white skin, they often drew the attention of others, but now she willed them not to show the nerves she was feeling in the pit of her stomach. "Serale Bishop, My name is Naomli'lae Shilo'y. I was just speaking to Father Nikolaus about dedicating myself to Ioannes. And he said that you would be a better guide than he on the subject."

After finishing her short speech, Naomli'lae once again looked sheepishly into her lap, sure that the Bishop would not find her worthy. But although she was nervous every ounce of her frail frame was briming with determination, this is what she needed to do. She loved Ioannes and determined to serve him at all costs!

[Thoth]

OOC: I need a time stamp. Thanks.

The bishop looked at the young lady sitting in front of him. He smiled at her and sat there wondering how to approach the issue before him. He listened to her short speech and nodded as she finished. The half dwarf smiled at her. “It is good that you have come.” The dwarf paused for a moment as if trying to figure out what to say. “You have presented an interesting challenge for my self and the temple.” He held up his hand before she could respond. “A good challenge. One that I will take on.”

“Part of the problem is that you are of the Esh’lahier race correct?” He was fairly sure of the answer but figured he would ask if he was wrong. “The race is classified as one of the dark races, and so we approach the situation with a little more caution.” He smiled encouragingly at the girl. “So I am going to ask you a few questions. And if you are serious about this we will make you a priestess to the King of the Gods.”

He cleared his throat and waited for her to say anything she had on her mind. “Please tell me about yourself. I think this would be the best place to start.”

[Dante Asunder]

TS: First brightening of the first cycle of Aperitus of Era I of the Celestine Mandate (current Pattern), Era XIII Post Fractum.:

Dante walked into the temple of Ioannes, fairly certain that he would be thrown out on his butt. His eyes darted back and forth taking in his surroundings, not sure of what to do next. When the old human came up to him he felt a sense first of apprehension and then relief.

Dante bowed to the platinum clad Nikolaus, keeping his claws folded in front of him. "I have a dilemma sir. I am a devout follower of Diana, but have been unable to find the true directors of her church. I wish to join the church of the sacred three and I understand that here is where the current seat of power is. I realize that I am a dark race and am willing to take whatever oaths or tests you require of me to prove my worth and sincereity."

Dante kept his head bowed waiting for a response. He imagined that this was quite unorthodox, but ever since the division in the church, which he didn't entirely understand, he had been confused. After some serious meditation and prayer he felt it necessary to join with the church of the sacred three, after all he wasn't about to follow 'Aerienne the heretic' no matter how dracon friendly her reforms seemed. He knew the darkness that was in everyone's soul and given the dracon race's dark origins why shouldn't the Holy Diana be more careful of whom she selected.

[Thoth]

Dante
OOC: Moved HERE

[Duncan Sythe]

OOC: Taking this to a different city.

[Thoth]

OOC: Based on a larger plot line this temple may or may not be open, or something else. (To which I can't divulage right now.) So yeah. (Goes and prods the necissary thread along.)