The Temple Of The Web

"The Temple of the Web is a place of paradoxes, where fate is both written and unwritten, and the future is both known and unknown."

— High Priestess Alkara Veeb

The Temple of the Web was a mysterious and ancient temple dedicated to the demigod Raknis, a half-spider, half-demon goddess associated with fate and destiny. Once known for its unique architecture, featuring intricate carvings of spider webs and demonic figures, it’s now a crumbling ruin residing in a lost and desolate region. It’s once vast libraries of scrolls and tomes, chronicling the history of the world and containing prophecies and ancient rites, now lay bare and exposed to the elements. Despite its ruined state, the Temple of the Web is said to continue to attract people of a certain outlook, desperately seeking guidance, wisdom, and a glimpse of their futures. Today, the temple stands as a testament to the dangers of seeking to control the forces of fate, its forgotten secrets waiting to be uncovered by those brave enough to seek them out.

Purpose / Function

The Temple of the Web was consecrated to the demigoddess, Raknis. It served as a sacred site where her priests, the Wefan, interpreted the intricate patterns of the web of fate. These patterns are believed to encompass the destinies of all beings, weaving together the past, present, and future in a tapestry of cosmic significance.
The primary purpose of the temple was to seek Raknis's guidance and influence in understanding and potentially altering these patterns. The Wefan used various divination techniques, such as reading the strands of spider webs, scrying, and interpreting dreams, to gain insights into the future and unravel the mysteries of the past.
The temple also served as a place of worship and pilgrimage for those seeking to understand their place in the grand design of the universe. Followers of Raknis went to the temple to offer prayers and sacrifices, seeking her favor in matters of destiny and fate.
Additionally, the temple acted as a repository of knowledge, housing vast libraries of scrolls and tomes that chronicled the history of the world, prophecies, and ancient rites. The Wefan were the keepers of this knowledge, tasked with safeguarding it from those who do not worship Raknis.
Overall, the Temple of the Web stood as a beacon of wisdom and guidance for the faithful, offering solace and insight to those who seek it, while warning all who enter of the delicate balance of fate and the consequences of seeking to alter it.

Alterations

After the brutal raid by the Black Shadow Conclave and the devestation caused by the Eye Of Morkoth, the Temple of the Web underwent several attempts at restoration in the hopes of reclaiming its former glory. However, each attempt was met with numerous challenges and setbacks, ultimately leading to the temple's descent into ruin.
The first attempt at restoration was undertaken by a group of dedicated followers of Raknis, determined to rebuild the temple and restore its sacred chambers. They worked tirelessly to repair the damage inflicted by the Conclave, but their efforts were hampered by a lack of resources and manpower. Despite their best intentions, the restoration project stalled, and the temple remained in a state of disrepair.
A second attempt was made by a wealthy benefactor who sought to curry favor with Raknis by financing the restoration of her temple. Lavish funds were poured into the project, and skilled artisans were hired to reconstruct the temple's intricate carvings and adornments. However, even with ample resources at their disposal, the restoration effort proved to be too ambitious, and progress was slow. As funds dwindled and interest waned, the project was eventually abandoned, leaving the temple half-restored and vulnerable to the elements.
Subsequent attempts at restoration were made by various groups and individuals over the years, each hoping to revitalize the Temple of the Web and reclaim its sacred status. However, the ravages of time and neglect took their toll, and the once-proud temple continued to crumble into ruin.
Today, the Temple of the Webs location is not only lost but stands as a silent testament to the folly of those who seek to defy fate. Its crumbling walls and shattered halls serve as a somber reminder of the consequences of tampering with the forces of destiny. Despite its ruined state, the temple still holds a mystical allure for those who dare to venture within its crumbling confines, its secrets waiting to be discovered by those brave or foolish enough to seek them out.

Architecture

The Temple of the Web was designed in a style of architecture that reflects both the divine and the mystical aspects of its purpose. The architecture was characterized by grand arches, intricate carvings, and towering spires that reach towards the heavens.
The walls of the temple were constructed from a blend of stone and wood, chosen for their durability and ability to withstand the test of time. The stone used was a dark grey andesite, giving the temple a sense of ancientness and mystery. The wood was a dark oak and was used for decorative elements such as doorways, window frames, and intricate carvings.
The temple was traditionally adorned with symbols and motifs associated with Raknis and the weaving of fate. Intricate carvings of spider webs, spiders, and demonic figures adorn the walls and pillars of the temple, symbolizing the intricate nature of destiny and the unseen forces that shape our lives. Red, black, and white stained glass windows depicting scenes from myth and legend once casted an eerie glow over the temple's interior, adding to its mystical atmosphere.

Interior

The interior of the Temple of the Web was said to be a mezmerizing sight to behold, filled with a sense of terrible power and mystique. Just inside of the entrance was a vast, open chamber with towering white marble pillars that crisscrossed the room and stretched towards the vaulted ceiling. The ceiling, walls, and floor joined at angles making a vertical, hexagonal shape. The floor was made of black granite with white marble inlaid into an enormous web design that spread across the entire chamber. The grey andesite walls were lit with red sconces and adorned with intricate carvings of spider webs, spiders, and demonic figures, their eyes inset with rubies that seemed to follow you as you move throughout the room.
The air was thick with the scent of incense and aged parchment, mingling with the faint mustiness of ancient stone. Soft, ethereal music fills the air, a haunting melody that seemed to echo from the unseen depths. Deeper inside were alcoves and side chambers, each containing relics and artifacts of the temple's past. Scrolls and tomes lined the shelves, their pages filled with prophecies and ancient rites.
In the center of the main chamber stood a white marble altar, its surface covered in intricate runes and symbols, and a black cloth with a red web design was lain across its top. This was the focal point of the temple, where the Wefan gathered to interpret the patterns of the web and offer guidance to the faithful. The altar was surrounded by red candles, their flickering flames casting dancing shadows on the walls.
At the back of the chamber were stairways and passages leading deeper into the temple's depths. The air grew colder here, and the sounds of the outside world faded away, replaced by an eerie silence broken only by the occasional scuttling of unseen creatures.

Defenses

The Temple of the Web was once protected by a variety of defenses, designed to safeguard its sacred chambers and treasures from would-be intruders. These defenses were both physical and mystical in nature, reflecting the temple's status as a place of great power and mystery. 
Wards and Seals: The temple was surrounded by powerful wards and seals, imbued with magic to prevent unauthorized entry. These wards were designed to detect and repel any who sought to breach the temple's defenses without the proper authorization.
Guardian Statues: Massive statues depicting spider-like creatures were placed at strategic points around the temple grounds. These statues were enchanted to come to life and defend the temple in times of need, attacking any who threatened its sanctity.
The Guardian Priests: The temple was also guarded by the Wefan, the priests of Raknis who were skilled in the art of combat and magic. The Wefan were sworn to protect the temple and its secrets at all costs, using their powers to defend against any who would seek to desecrate its halls.
Mystical Barriers: The inner sanctum of the temple was protected by powerful mystical barriers, preventing entry to all but the most skilled and determined intruders. These barriers were designed to repel physical and magical attacks, making them nearly impervious to all but the most potent of assaults.
Overall, the defenses of the Temple of the Web were formidable, designed to deter and defeat any who would seek to harm or exploit its sacred treasures. Even in its ruined state, the remnants of these defenses serve as a warning to those who would dare to trespass upon its hallowed grounds.

History

The Temple of the Web has a long and varied history, spanning centuries of worship and intrigue. Its origins are shrouded in myth and legend, with some accounts claiming that it was built by the demigoddess Raknis herself, while others suggest it was constructed by her followers as a tribute to her power.
The temple's early history is marked by periods of prosperity and decline, as the worship of Raknis waxed and waned with the fortunes of her followers. During times of peace and prosperity, the temple served as a center of forbidden knowledge and future insight, attracting shady scholars, poets, and seekers of wisdom from across the land.
However, the temple's fortunes took a dark turn with the rise of the Black Shadow Conclave. This shadowy group, driven by a thirst for power and forbidden knowledge, sought to claim the temple's secrets for their own dark purposes. In a daring raid and armed with the powerful Eye Of Morkoth, they breached the temple's defenses and unleashed chaos within its hallowed halls, leaving it in ruins and scattering its priests.
In the years that followed, the temple underwent several attempts at restoration, but none were successful in fully restoring its former glory. Today, the Temple of the Web stands as a lost testament to the folly of those who seek to manipulate the forces of fate, its once-proud halls now a ruined reminder of the consequences of hubris.
Despite its ruined state, the temple continued to attract visitors from far and wide for many years, drawn by its mystical allure and the whispers of its ancient secrets. Eventually those memories died and the location became lost to time. Yet there are still those who seek it out and dare to venture within its crumbling walls. The Temple of the Web remains a place of wonder and danger, where the threads of fate are spun and the future is written in the patterns of the web.

Tourism

The Temple of the Web attracted a diverse array of visitors, ranging from devout followers of Raknis seeking spiritual guidance to scholars and adventurers eager to uncover its mysteries. These visitors were drawn to the temple by its reputation as a place of great power and wisdom, where the threads of fate are said to be woven and the future can be glimpsed.
Devout followers of Raknis came to the temple to offer prayers and sacrifices, seeking her favor in matters of destiny and fate. They were eager to visit the sacred chambers of the temple, where the Wefan interpret the patterns of the web and offered insights into the future.
Scholars and adventurers were drawn to the temple by its reputation as a repository of ancient knowledge and secrets. They were eager to explore its vast libraries of scrolls and tomes, hoping to uncover lost prophecies, hidden truths, and arcane rituals.
Visitors to the Temple of the Web typically stayed in nearby villages or towns, as there were no accommodations within the temple itself. However, many choose to camp on the temple grounds, eager to experience its mystical atmosphere firsthand. Regardless of where they stayed, visitors to the temple were often deeply affected by their time there, feeling a sense of power and reverence for the ancient powers that dwell within its walls. 

"They say the temple holds the key to changing one's fate, but at what cost? Some destinies are better left untouched."

— Elder Saridan

"The Temple of the Web is a place of endings and beginnings, where the threads of life are woven and unwoven in an eternal dance of creation and destruction."

— Poetess Lysis Songcutter

RUINED STRUCTURE
This building was destroyed in approximately 3500 B.S.

Founding Date

The original construction date of this ancient temple has been lost to the ravages of time.

Parent Location

Unknown

Notable Affiliations With The Temple

Raknis, the Demigoddess: As the patron deity of the temple, Raknis holds a central role in its history and lore. Her half-spider, half-demon nature embodies the dual aspects of fate and destiny, making her a revered and feared figure among her followers.
The Wefan: The priests of Raknis, known as the Wefan, are integral to the functioning of the temple. They interpret the patterns of the web of fate and guide the faithful in matters of destiny, making them key figures in the temple's daily operations.
The Black Shadow Conclave: This shadowy group's raid on the temple and subsequent actions have left a lasting impact on its history. Their attempts to claim the temple's secrets for their own dark purposes have made them infamous among those who know of their deeds. Their use of the Eye Of Morkoth ultimately destroyed the temple.
High Priestess Alkara Veeb: An Arachere dark elf from the Arachnion clan and prominent figure in the temple. High Priestess Alkara is known for her great wisdom and devotion to Raknis. She played a key role in maintaining the temple's rituals and guiding its followers for hundreds of years.
Lysis Songcutter: Erumpere dark elf of the Sebacina clan. Lysis was a talented poetess whose works were inspired by the mysteries of fate and destiny. Her poems were often recited during religious ceremonies at the Temple of the Web, where they were said to evoke powerful emotions and insights into the nature of the universe.
Scholar Saridan: A renowned human scholar and historian, Saridan has dedicated much of his life to studying the temple's history and lore. His writings and teachings have helped to preserve the temple's legacy for future generations.
Malakars Shadowspinner: A dark elf sorcerer of the Neolecta clan. Malakars was a member of the Black Shadow Conclave and played a key role in the raid on the Temple of the Web. His mastery of shadow magic and use of the Eye Of Morkoth allowed him to bypass many of the temple's defenses and access its inner sanctum. After the raid, Malakars disappeared, rumored to have been consumed by the very shadows he sought to control.
Zelara Starris: Human priestess and devoted follower of Raknis. She served as the last High Priestess of the temple ruins. She was known for her unwavering faith and deep understanding of the temple's teachings. Zelara is rumored to have possessed the ability to see glimpses of the future in the patterns of the web, making her a revered figure among the temple's followers.
Narian Rockwriter: A Sharbon Dwarf and religious historian. Narian is a renowned scholar and historian who has dedicated his life to studying the history and lore of the Temple of the Web. His writing and research has uncovered many ancient secrets and prophecies hidden within the temple's walls, making his works a valuable resource for those seeking knowledge of its past.
Dalkor Redfist: Dalkor is a half-orc and powerful cleric of Raknis who has devoted his life to finding and rebuilding the temple. He is known for his strength of will and unwavering dedication to his goddess. Dalkor is rumored to possess the ability to heal wounds and cure ailments with a mere touch, making him a respected figure among Raknis’ clergy.

"The secrets of the Temple of the Web are as tangled as the threads of a spider's web, waiting to ensnare the unwary seeker."

— Malakars Shadowspinner

Rumors About The Temple

The Curse of Raknis: It is said that those who defile the temple or seek to misuse its powers will incur the wrath of Raknis herself. The curse is said to bring misfortune and calamity upon those who dare to anger the goddess, ensuring that none who trespass upon her domain escape unscathed.
The Lost Treasures: Legends speak of vast treasures hidden within the temple's depths, including priceless artifacts, ancient scrolls, and magical relics. It is said that these treasures are guarded by powerful wards and traps, waiting to be claimed by those brave enough to seek them out.
The Ghosts of the Wefan: Some believe that the spirits of the Wefan still linger within the temple, unable to find peace after their betrayal and the destruction of their sacred home. It is said that these restless spirits haunt the temple's halls, seeking vengeance against those who wronged them.
The Secret Passage: Rumors persist of a secret passage leading from the temple to a hidden chamber deep beneath the earth. It is said that this chamber holds the key to unlocking the true power of Raknis, but only those who possess the knowledge of its location can hope to find it.
The Shadowy Figure: Some claim to have seen a shadowy figure lurking within the temple's ruins, watching and waiting for the opportune moment to reveal itself. It is said that this figure is a servant of the Black Shadow Conclave, seeking to claim the temple's secrets for their own dark purposes.

Intercepted Report To The Sonians

“Recently found in a dead Red Raiders journal, was a newly discovered account that suggests that the lost Temple of the Web may not only have been found, but that it might also be active once again after all of these centuries. If the story is to be believed, it indicates that the temple has been rebuilt and is now suspended by numerous steel cables and walkways that connect it to opposite cliff faces above a narrow ravine…”

— Chayse Faerwald, explorer and adventurer