The Temple of Therarask
The largest and perhaps most prominent building on Pleasure Row is located near the Golden mist and the Amphitheater of Eros. The Temple of Therarask is a three-story structure composed of moss-covered stone nearly encased by the Jungle. Roses, marigolds, heliotropes, and salvia flowers line the paths, wind around large marble pillars, and sit beautifully arranged in vases and pots. Beautiful flowing silks divide hallways and rooms and have been woven with beautiful patterns and various scenes evocative of the domains of Therarask and perhaps the myths associated with both deity and island. The Temple is home to the religious order of Therarask, many of whom serve as escorts and educators on Pleasure Row. Most importantly, however, the Temple is where the Rites of Devotion are taken. Amidst these halls, friends, lovers, allies, and family all unite under the domain of Devotion.
Within the halls of the Temple of Therarask, one can find a traditional Temple set up on the first floor. Large arching ceilings are covered in vibrant paintings of scenes of debauchery, illusion, hedonism, and pleasures of all kinds. Hidden amidst the art and décor of debauchery are scenes of carefully painted devotion. Statues depict people frozen in moments of bliss. Mirrors line many of the hallways; pleasant scents of flowers and spice flood the halls. Soft silk separates rooms from one another, caressing anyone who passes through. The central chamber of the Temple features a large statue of Therarask: tanned skin, long auburn hair, a crown of golden laurels, and donning gold jewelry while adorned in find red and pink garments. The statue holds a glass in one hand while motioning to those gathered below with another. Around the statues base are various cushions, pillows, blankets, and couches upon which people can be found reclining on, partaking in drugs, company, and food. In the late hours of the night, the central chamber is fair game for any kind of pleasure one might desire. What better place to make an offering to the God of Pleasure, after all?
The rest of the Temple features a variety of amenities, including a second-story restaurant that provides a diverse and immaculate selection of foods, which can be made with aphrodisiacs or drugs if that is your desire. A garden and greenhouse are located behind the Temple and are surrounded by a natural wall build of the Jungle itself. Some herbs and fruits are grown here alongside flowers that are often commonly associated with Therarask. The third-story of the Temple is primarily reserved for private rooms. Many of the Priestesses, Priests, and Acolytes are trained escorts and are provided their own spaces with which to entertain visitors. Besides the elegant hallways and the large central chamber, the rest of the first floor includes a small theater, sitting spaces, a small bathhouse, and various other spaces for other Temple activities.
Of Debauchery and Pleasure
The Temple of Therarask offers a variety of services that cater to the various sides of Therarask, including Debauchery, Pleasure, and Hedonism. These domains often come with side doses of Trickery and Illusion, as needed. The majority of the clergy in the Temple fall under this side of Temple services. Many of them are fully trained escorts that offer a variety of services. The Temple has access to excellent food, aphrodisiacs, baths, a small library (for the more intellectually inclined), drugs, alcohol, and plenty of spaces for sex.
Partnership with Haven. The Temple of Therarask is currently partnered with Haven to provide a series of courses that cover topics such as Consent, healthy BDSM practices, and engaging with more than one lover. While many of these courses are heavily rooted in sex, they also reflect Haven’s policy on providing paid “off time” for their employees to pursue their own interests. Thus, there are classes offered in flower arranging, yoga, flexibility, poetry reading, pottery, and more. The classes are generally catered to enjoyment and deriving the most amount of pleasure from one’s time, energy, and activity. For those interested in more hands on classes in the fields of consent and sex, Haven also offers classes for individuals, groups, and couples.
Of Devotion
For many, the Temple of Therarask can be an overwhelming place. Priestesses, Priests, and Acolytes stand at the entrance to direct and guide those who perhaps wish to avoid some of what the Temple of Therarask offers. These individuals are most often members of the Temple who pledge to the Domain of Devotion. Within the Temple and tucked in secluded, yet beautiful places adorned with flowers and silks are small shrines and altars. Depending on the type of devotion an individual seeks to explore, meditate on, or initiate, the altars and shrines may depict scenes of familiar, romantic, platonic, or even politically motivated devotion.
The Rites of Devotion. One of the sacred Rites of Therarask, the Rites of Devotion are not ones to be taken likely. They are meant to represent an eternal bonding of one or more people. The most common form of these rites is marriage, whereby an individual binds themselves in matrimony to one or more individuals with their vows being the defining tenets of the Rites. However, Rites of Devotion can be taken amidst a group of friends, amidst family members, or between political allies. Those who take the Rites honor the God of Devotion and place their relationship or vows under their protection. However, should these Rites be violated and no atonement undertaken, The Temple – sanctioned by their deity themselves – has been known to send warriors from amidst their clergy to hunt down Vow breakers.
Type
Temple / Religious complex
Parent Location
Owner
Characters in Location
Priest of Debauchery, Dante
Priestess of Devotion, Alessandra
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