Placed at the far back of the District Amber, the Softwood Lodge remains an out of the way retreat for many who long to enhance their spiritual and ethical qualities. In the deep southwestern region of Silrosia there is yet another untamed paradise of lush green, and velveteen lichen-- a place where the air is charged, where the yield of the earth reciprocates the energy and aura of its inhabitants. There is only one path in, leading through a walled perimeter of ancient wood ramparts-- every inch painstakingly crafted to depict a tapestry of the unforgettable imagination. Those grand doors are always open throughout the early and mid-brightenings, and never is a traveler turned away at dusk. Often you will find clergists dedicated to the Order solemnly strolling through the groves in meditative walks, their soft murmurs vibrating old psalms to the celestial provinces of Aetheria.
Between the gates is a beaten path that flows into the enclosed villa. Orchards and private gardens dot the area, in some corners there are exhibits of the clergists; pieces of art such as sculptures, paintings, or abstract arrangements. Nature provides a limitless supply of tools for the artistic application, and often nature will be the theme. The foregrounds themselves are a seretonin-induced dream at first glance. Every moment spent therein seems to ease the soul, massage the heavy laden hurt from the shoulders, and smooth the wrinkles of anxiety away from a tired countenance. Somehow the clerics have brighter eyes, somehow they move with substance, and speak with definition. Somewhere inside them a void has been filled. If there is anything more pronounced in the secluded grounds of the Softwood Lodge, it is the presence of something greater than mortality, greater than the self.
The largest building on the grounds is the Sanctuary and lodge for the servants of the Holy Order. The structure is an unremarkable, but comfortable arc of timber and simple decor. The symbolic of the faith is apparent everywhere, and if decor is seen, than it is usually a translation of the Dianic faith through imagery. The path from the gate branches to the west and leads up to an old-style porch-- and despite the age, the wood still bears the remnants of a good polish, even then, there were enough pottery gardens to obscure the porch altogether. Through an arched doorway is the first room of the main lodge, a small foray with benches, where two or three clerics are likely to be present either greeting, meditating, or consoling the weary and lost. The journey towards spiritual understanding and emotional enlightenment begins here for all intents. The Receiving Hall, as it is sometimes called, has two doors; one of which leads to the chambers of Father Sirus Mabe, the other two chambers neighboring the High Priest are the private studies of Novice Mistress Joa'nia Tylan.
The other door, a set of double doors in fact, leads into a cool, and dimlit den of sorts. Normally larger than the average house den, but just as cozy. There were places to sit beside a window and discuss philosophical, anthropological, and sociological topics of faith-- there were places to lounge and speak openly of ideals and conduct. Despite the deep-rooted connections these clerics had to the holy order, there was a liberal and educating manner in which the clerics and guests carried on here. Throughout the den, flanking each side were single doors leading to other rooms. The eastern wall appeared to house rooms reserved for educational resources, scholastic pursuits, and aetheric studies of the Thamaturgical arts.
The first of the easterly rooms opened up to a chamber with a single podium, circling this podium were simple wood desks. This was obviously a centre for the lecturer. The backwall had a shelf with historical scrolls, books, and various implements of archiving. There were scribblings on the adjacent wall, and recounting of historical events, excerpts from political manuscripts, and lists of amendments. There were also diagrams, spheres, and other symbols appearing both alien and vaguely familiar. The other rooms appeared to be storage spaces. One housed all the supplies needed to maintain a cell of the Holy Order. The basics: garments, extra furniture, supplies for classes, old archives as well as items and remnants of study or safekeeping. Things for cleaning, and items generally made available for tenants of the lodge, for them to do their share of chores. The other is reserved for articles used in ceremony, items reserved for use in the temple, or for the practice of Thamaturgy. There is a cabinet in this room, holding the Monastery's supply of herbs and other medicinal concoctions.
On the opposite wall of the main foray is a double door that opens up into a much larger chamber. This is the lodge dining hall, and yet another social center. Throughout the dining hall there are benches lined rank and file, on the northern wall is a train of tables lined up beside two wall-fireplaces, and a large wood burning stove. The basic diet is soups, broths, and stews; and despite the habits of the common populace, this sect observes a vegetable diet only. The animals raised on these grounds seem to be more of a symbolic venture, than an agricultural one. The west wall offers a patio space to sit out in the fresh air while dining, and there are plenty of benches and tables along the arc-shaped buildings balcony to make that possible. On the Softwood Lodge grounds there are multiple cells, mostly individual sized, although grouped dormitories usually house the bulk of Initiates and clergists.
The rooms themselves are fairly plain, on one of the walls there will be idyllic symbols of the Holy Order, and perhaps a painting, though much is left for the clergist to decorate themselves. There is a single bed, trunk, desk with drawers, and shelves for clothing and other possessions. Sometimes a simple rug will decorate the center of the room. Linen sheets, two pillows and a blanket are neatly folded on the beds, and in the drawers of the desks residents are likely to find quills, an inkwell, and small stack of twenty sheafs of parchment. The grouped rooms are much different, sporting bunked beds and tiered shelves that accommodate all the residents. Group rooms can sometimes house up to five residents of the Softwood Lodge, and guests will have to share rooms as well as supplies in order to make communal living a stable environment. For the most part residents are afforded tranquility, a chance to recuperate themselves, and prepare for the arduous journies ahead. For those who are dedicated to the cause of the Holy Order, this place may be home for a long time-- and those residents shall be groomed to make fine representations of the Holy Church of Diana.
NPC
Name: Father Sirus Mabe
Race: Nairu Human
Age: 69
Hair: White
Eyes: Green
Skills: Master Thaumaturgy ; Sage Theology
Name: Novice Mistress Joa'nia Tylan
Rage: Half-Human/Half-Elf
Age: 112
Hair: Brown
Eyes: Grey
Skills: Authority Theology ; Master Healing
Name: Brother Pelegry Ingrsson
Race: Vagaran Human
Age: 37
Hair: Blonde
Eyes: Blue
Skills: Adept Thaumaturgy ; Master Herbalism
Linear Mode
