Selene's Temple
Selene's Temple stands tall on the coastline of Encura. It is an awe-inspiring pyramid constructed by the hands of the first generations of Encurains using massive rocks unearthed from the deep sea floors. Twin stairs grace the temple's entire height, leading inside to various chambers dedicated to the tasks of the Listeners. In some chambers, counseling sessions for citizens take place, offering solace and guidance in times of need. Some areas are designed as treatment rooms, where patients wait for healers. Other rooms serve as archives, meticulously preserving the rich history of Encura. Listeners rely on traditional writing materials, as it is easier to procure writing utensils from trade and ink from sea creatures. Whenever something needs to be preserved underwater, letters are carved directly onto the sturdy rocks, so it is not a rare sight to see sculptured memorials, shop names, and other important information that must remain below the water's surface. Everything else, however, is stored inside these archives.
The top two floors of the temple contain two chambers dedicated to rituals. At the very top, the official rituals are conducted, within a small space where only the most needed are asked to come. This includes the Water Embrace Ritual. The second chamber is known as the “Hall of Silence.” It is reserved for everyday contemplation, offering a breathtaking view of the surrounding islands and sea from every side. Within the Hall of Silence, no specific deities are worshiped. Instead, it serves as a place for people to connect with nature and the voice of the sea itself. As the Followers of Selene proclaim: “Gods are nowhere. Gods are everywhere.” This belief permeates the atmosphere, creating a sense of reverence for the natural world and its gifts.
In the heart of the Hall of Silence stands unique “statue” of Selene, one of the legendary founders of Encura, commanding attention. The statue takes the shape of a mermaid but appears weathered and fragmented, with several missing pieces, including most of her face. If one comes closer, they realize that it is empty inside, and that it is not a statue, at all. Instead, it is the mineralized skin of Selene herself, a tragic reminder of her final days, afflicted by the “Marble Fingers” disease. The hollow interior adds an air of mystery to this poignant memorial.
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