[Neos Megalis] Templum of Markalin

[Ragman]

The Templum of Markalin isn't just huge and awe-inspiring. It's colossal. Built in traditional Eunesian ideals -- a rectangular shrine with protruding sidewalls forming a little porch; lined with elaborate columns and together forming a portico. As per most Secyclion buildings, especially those within the Neos Megalis, the temple is accessible by all four sides of its façade. Decked in expensive gold along the roofing and even gilded alongside the pillars; the religious site would instantly stand out amongst the rest of the buildings around it. With the prevalence of piracy within the region, it may seem strange that such an opulent building would be commissioned -- almost akin to sending a fatten lamb to explore the den of hungry wolves.

Yet standing for as long as most Secyclionians could remember, none had dared to desecrate the walls nor the beautifully coffered ceilings of the Templum, formed by a mosaic of millions of seashell surface and the occasional gem; each mural depicting the different Aspects of the Deity who was being honored within the walls, as well as the house of the votive offerings. Even without the Knight Templars who number by only a dozen, and the ordained priests, few would even have the thoughts of stealing or robbing the Templum.

This was after all the Templum of Markalin, patron deity of Secyclion, Archon and Champion of the Three Oceans and the Six Seas. Those who sail the seas would be fools to offend the Archon; who rules the seas and oceans under the yoke of Carmelya, the Nature Incarnate. Morever, Markalin himself is not being known as the most forgiving of the Archons; and isn't the sort to forget a transgression committed.

From the center of the Templum, a statue made out of pure Dolerite -- the same mineral that is used to construct the entire Arthro Galanos; native to Secyclion and glows with a blue light when wet. Unlike most cultish statues which are usually made from the same material, the statue of Markalin is constructed using both gold and gems along with the main Dolerite. The bracers, helm and gauntlets are carved from gold, while deep sapphires the size of man's head is placed as the statue's eyes; excavated from the Secyclionian Mines. The Trident Spear; the designated arm of the Archon, with the conch shell draped over his bare chest -- his war trumpet which he uses to raise and level the seas. A huge seabird; the cormorant, stands perched on his left shoulder, his familiar and scout, with patterns painstakingly relieved over it's multitude of feathers to create a life-like impression, which is convoyed through and through by the statue.

Standing at the very South-Eastern tip of the District, the statue raises close to three hundred feet, dwarfing even the statue of the Mother of Secyclion that stands on the other end of the island within the jeweled District, the statue was an object that was created to take the breath away as one approaches the District by vessels, framed by the clouds and the golden sunlight that glistens off the smooth rock.

While the origins of the statue have never been questioned, the native Secyclionian would rather proudly embellish the tale, especially the gullible tourist that the statue is a ward that keeps the rumored sea monster away from the District; though no one has ever seen or even heard the supposed beast, who is best treated as a figment of an overactive imagination that belonged to the Secyclionian who thought of the wild notion.

The Priests and attending within the Templum were relatively young compared to those of most temples; with many less than twenty ordinates old, with the occasional older guardian; but they were young as well, not a Brightening past thirty. This is explained by the large portion of Secyclion families, who, by tradition; usually those with a long history of seafaring activities, would dedicate their male child to the Archon as a sign of offering and dedication to the Archon, and when the male child reaches his eighteenth birthday, would be sent away to the Templum to serve as an attending for a number of Eras.

Another interesting manner in which the Secyclionians worship the deity is by their votive offerings. Even till this Brightening, ships built from the shipyards are consecrated by the Priests; and feasts are held to commemorate the Archon in a less formal ritual in which the deity's blessings are being sought. In more religious affairs where bigger events; such as the maiden voyage of a particularly large vessels, cattle, horses and deer are being sacrificed by drowning into the seas to gain favor from Markalin.

Within the Templum, where a small altar looms at the center; brandishing a smaller cultic image of the Archon, an entire trove of treasures were laid at the base of the bier, anything from shells to weapons, the occasional coins, clothing; and even parts of shipwrecked ships in which the dead are being dedicated to the Guardian of the Seas. None dared to touch the offering nor claim it as their own, for even if there won't be a divine retribution, the presence of the ever watchful Templar Knights would ensure that the offenders would be severely punished.

A young temple faithful, no more than twenty-two would approach, his hair trimmed short, dark navy blue robes clinging onto his muscled form underneath. Like the rest of the boys, he seemed to be deeply honored to be selected to be part of the prestigious order, at least in Secyclion soceity. His voice, which is spoken in a deep, resonant manner, unlike that of a man his age, would say:

"Chairete. Do you wish to make an offering?"

Secrets : This location can be self-moderated if one's intent is to pay homage to Markalin, or to make a votive offering.