Great Water Temple
Geography
The Entrances
Access to the temple can be achieved in many ways. The enormity of the temple itself requires different entrances. Most entrances are beneath the bubble, under water. Whilst the temple itself finds itself in the uppermost layer of the plane of water, it can still be dangerous for adventurers to get to these entrances. There's only 1 entrance in the bubble. Here extraplanar visitors can wait before entering. However getting to this entrance is an endeavor itself. Getting inside the temple is also possible through various portals scattered across the temple or teleportation; For example, when plane shifting the rods are often attuned to the entrance in the bubble and thus powerful mages will often arrive here. However the temple is a hallowed ground, which not only means all creatures are under the Tongues effect it also blocks fey, fiends and undead from the grounds of the temple.
The Bubble
A long time ago, when the temple started to garner attention and needed to expand. The Ajari used an ancient ritual to create a magically sustained bubble of breathable air. This made the temple livable for a lot more species. And aided it in it's great expansion. The upper quarter of the temple has since been populated with greenery; This led to gardens and even mountains forming in the upper reaches of the temple. One of the most noticeable creatures that has taken home in these places are the treants. The monks have since mastered the art of keeping the treant. Giving them magical pots, creating the Bonsai Treant that is now widely regarded as the best monk companion. Rain is an important part in the bubble. It rains here every day. But a pleasant, warm rain. Filling the rivers, lakes and other bodies of water throughout the bubble. The bubble symbolizes the balance required in the universe.
The Summit
The uppermost section of the temple is called the summit. Access to this area is highly restricted as the most powerful artifacts are kept here, such as the Icosahydron. In the lower levels of the summit is the Fountain, this is the source for much of the magical needs of the temple. Every decade the bubble will need to be refreshed here. On the highest reaches of the summit stands the meditation pool for the Ajari Kuna. Nobody is able to get up here except for the Ajari themself. A small pool stands here with 4 floating, ever burning candles and intricately designed pillars, with Cybele's iconography.
Population
Upper management
The highest ranking member is The Ajari Kuna; In direct contact with Cybele herself, they oversee all temple operations. The whole temple operation is structured beneath the Ajari and they have ultimate power of every single thing inside. He entrusts a couple of grand masters beneath them. The number is ultimately up to them but it has always been at least 7 as there are a minimum amount of roles that need to be filled. Those being:- Treasury
- Defense
- Provisions (and Agriculture)
- Health
- Housing
- Education
- Extraplanar Intelligence
Inhabitants
The temple is divvied up into different sections. There's a section where training happens. Students take residence in this area and barely leave it during their training. Most of these students are water-genasi orphans but there are a couple of others that get enrolled due to circumstances. Another section is dedicated to the warrior monks of the temple, led by their own grand master. The largest part of the temple, the residential area, is the also the most diverse. Most of the caretakers also live here, as many of the working class needed to make any city survive. Whilst the population of course mainly consist of half-elementals, Water Genasi and Tritons; Other curious races such as elves, vedalken, tortles and more can also be found here.
Purpose / Function
The temple was constructed originally to hold the Icosahydron, guarded by it's protector, the Ajari Kuna. However shortly after it garnered attention from a lot of followers of Cybele. Causing the Ajari Kuna to expand. It has since taken on many different purposes, not the least of which are guarding artifacts, training new clerics and warrior monks in the ways of the mother of the sea. Many Water Genasi that are shunned by their societies are welcomed and housed here. Given food, clothes, education and even a family. This makes the temple a large hub inside the water plane.
Alterations
Originally the temple was completely built under water, it has since greatly expanded. One of the more important features it has attained and sustains is it's air bubble. Allowing non-water-breathing species to live and visit most parts of the temple.
Architecture
The general style can be compared to Greek/Aztec style temple structures littered in one giant acropolis. The material most often found is marble and many parts have very open spaces, columns, stairways. Waterways run all throughout connecting the various parts that are in the air bubble. There's also various green parts, littered with plants and brightly colored lights.
History
Originally created eons ago, to hold the Icosahydron. Following events quickly led it to being the central hub for followers of Cybele. The first Ajari Kuna, who created the Ajari's mask in his own name. Becoming the first holder and protector of the temple; Fought alongside Cybele in the Titan War where they conquered the water plane, claiming it for the mother of the sea and building the temple as an anchor to the plane.
Tourism
Many adventurers that are venturing though the elemental plane of water stop in the temple for shelter, food, supplies or even pleasure. Because it's very beautiful nature it attracts a lot of attention however it is very hard to reach causing only powerful adventurers to reach it's location, wealthy tourists or people with divine protection. So you won't find many tourists in the temple. But the temple is equipped to handle a lot of extra guests if need be.
Founding Date
13569 AE
Alternative Names
Heart of The Sea
Type
Acropolis / Citadel
Ruling/Owning Rank
Characters in Location
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