Spring of the Natant Yew
The Spring of the Natant Yew is a hidden and forgotten shrine to Gaia, The Allmother, located in Porgorag in the Queendom of Keeleon. The shrine is underground and set beneath the Yew Well in the Westfield district of the city.
Description
The shrine was constructed beneath the ground in Porgorag. It was mined out and excavated from the clay and rock rather than built. The shrine was first constructed early in the Fifth Age. The exterior of the shrine has an outer circular wall with a number of designed indents which display the holy symbol for Gaia. The constructed tunnels nearest the shrine appear to be pathways leading to the shrine. The intersections nearest ot the shrine also display Gaia holy symbols, which have faded and degraded over time. The entrance to the shrine is angled towards the center of town. Specifically, it appears pointed towards the large sundial set in Porgorag Plaza. The entrance once held large wooden doors, but these have deteriorated. These were replaced with a metal gate locked with chains, however these were damaged and destroyed by acidic oozes. The interior is a large room around a hundred feet in length and width. The walls and ceiling are dilapidated and worn from water damage and erosion, which has caused large chunks of the structure to collapse. The shrne is prone to flooding from the city's sewers. Many of the walls and surfaces have moss and lichen growth. There is a large natural spring of water on the far side, which is sourced from a submerged access to some type of groundwater. This access is around three hundred feet deep. Roots from the Yew Tree above at ground level reach down and cascade from the ceiling and wall into the shrine, with many roots reaching into the water pool. A broken circular dais is set near to the roots of the tree. On the surface of the dais is a holy symbol for Gaia as well as the remnants of a draconic spell circle, which has been expended.Protective Aura
Emanating from this shrine is a large protective holy aura, which appears to purify the water and protect the roots of the yew tree. This barrier fills the shrine with bright daylight. Though this barrier had diminished by Adroth 5A 352, this was bolstered back to full efficacy by Romsca, Smelter of Ingots, and her companions. A shadow energy had also been seen near to the barrier, however this appeared to have been used up protecting the barrier against a demonic spell. Upon investigation, this appeared to be a warding glyph set by Joseppe, the Shadow Mage.History
The Fifth Age: The Age of Beginnings
At some point in the early Fifth Age, the shrine was constructed beneath Porgorag. A protective Hallow energy was put in place, and Joseppe, the Shadow Mage, placed a protective glyph on the shrine's dais to protect the tree and barrier. At some point after its construction, the shrine became flooded and was abandoned. It would eventually be sealed and largely forgotten. At some point, Godsguard Ankhan, daughter of Audeh, was brought to the entrance of the sealed shrine by Argilla, son of Kla. Sometime before Adroth 5A 352, two Bulezau gained access to the shrine and the water pool began to be corrupted. On 3 Adroth 5A 352, the Lightbringers entered the shrine. They defeated the demons present and prevented a spell circle from being completed. During the fighting, the shadow energy protected the shrine from a demon's spell, and was expended. Later that day, the group returned with Godsguard Ankhan, and Romsca, Smelter of Ingots, with support from the group, bolstered the holy aura back to full efficacy.
Founding Date
Early 5th Age
Type
Shrine
Parent Location
Related Report (Primary Locations)
Related Report (Secondary Locations)
Northern Orcish Plains Continent
Tarteria Plane
Material Plane