Auroboll

A great domed building stood out from the rest, with a grand tapered entrance running up most of the front. Terrible screaming sounded from within. Was someone in danger? My guide noticed my gawking and pulled me away. As we walked on, the screaming had stopped, and in its place I could hear the cries of a newborn babe.

— A Rektouzk trader

The great aurobolls of Tteunor stand as important structures both to their faith and livelihood, and at least one lies somewhere near the center of each of their settlements.

Structure & Design

Like most Beuttepeun structures, each auroboll is constructed from interlocked and stacked stones formed into a large domed shape. However, as these structures are more significant than the average household, more unique construction is applied. The fronts are built with two large round protrusions on either side of the entrance, tapered as they rise towards the top, and meeting the main dome slightly above the top of the entryway.

The entrance itself is much taller than any Beuttepeun, towering above them at almost three times their heights. This, too, is tapered as it reaches the top, ending in a sharp angle. Small stones are placed around its edges, in which are carved various prayers and religious images. Hides are cut stitched together with sinew to fit the shape of the entrance, and hung from the top.

The interior of an auroboll typically consists of a large central room, with a raised circular wall in the center around a carved depression to house a shallow pool. Along the walls of this room are beds, topped with soft mosses and hides, stools upon which the priestesses may sit, and small end tables. Two smaller domes in the back of the structure will house the priestesses.

Holy Birth

The Auroullrob religion places great importance on birth, it is seen as a sacred, holy act not to be carried out within one's home. When a Tteunorian woman expects to give birth soon, she travels to the nearest auroboll, and takes up residence within. Men are barred from entry within the structure— which is staffed by priestesses who live and die within its stone walls.

When a woman begins to give labor, she is given an alchemical concoction made from the discarded umbilical cords and placentas of other Beuttepeun mothers. This potion is said to be rejuvenating, relieving pain and lessening the burden of childbirth to an extent. Two priestesses will act as midwives, and ensure the mother makes it through the process safely.

Interestingly, Beuttepeun seem to have a drastically lower maternal death rate than their contemporaries— it is assumed that their ritual concoction plays a significant role in this, if not their biology. However, there have been no attempts to study this by the outside world. The Beuttepeun themselves, isolated as they are, have not had a reason to look into the matter, either.

After the child is born, it will be carried out into the center of the structure where a pool of shallow, blessed water lies. Auroull herself must bless the pool of an auroboll, else it be considered tainted and poison to any newborns which are laid within. These pools are simply referred to as Aurob Fen or Birth Oasis. The child is lowered gently into the pool, its face pointed upwards, and washed clean by one priestess as the other offers a prayer to Auroull. Afterwards, the child is reunited with its mother who in turn makes a quiet prayer to the All-Mother.

If a newborn girl does not cry at first, they are taken from their mother, and reared as priestesses to staff the auroboll in their future. It is believed that a child that does not cry does so because it wishes to become a priestess.

Type

Temple / Church

Priestess' quarters

In the domes connected along the sides of the main structure, the priestesses sleep and spend much of their lives.

In each are a number of beds— a number of priestesses will sleep here— a short, waist-high table for preparing and eating food, an alchemist's table— with an array of containers, liquids, materials, and tools for brewing— and storage in the form of chests, shelves, and cupboards for what is needed.

Priestesses are expected to refrain from keeping too many physical objects, small trinkets are allowed— but large collections cannot be amassed, and will be confiscated by higher priestesses upon their discovery. As a result, a number of priestesses have gotten somewhat adept at hiding valued trinkets, heirlooms, and discouraged edibles.

Related Articles