Monastery of Aurim-Bas

Overview

The Monastery of Aurim-Bas is a significant historical and spiritual site located in the highlands of Cillt-Craiduk in the historic Barony of Arkin. Known for its intricate, stone-etched Tangled Scrolls, it serves as the spiritual center of The Aurimbic Tradition and plays a vital role in the mystical landscape of Arlok.

History

Founded in the pre-Keldarothian era, the Monastery of Aurim-Bas has long been a beacon of solace and introspection. However, its history took a dramatic turn with the arrival of Kel, a nobleman's son from the House of Daroc, banished to the monastery due to his apparent frailty and erratic behavior. In the solitude of the monastery, Kel, later recognized as Master Keldaroth, gave birth to the Tangled Scrolls, fundamentally changing the course of the monastery's legacy.

The Tangled Scrolls

The monastery's walls are the original canvas for The Tangled Scrolls, a labyrinthine tapestry of mathematical equations and diagrams that fundamentally altered magical theory. The Scrolls elucidate The Pattern, an overarching structure of Time itself, and offer an unconventional perspective on the nature and limitations of magic. The monastery has preserved the Scrolls for millennia, the etchings providing both an esoteric scripture for the Aurimbic Tradition and a historical testament to Keldaroth's life and insights.

by Midjourney

Above: Aurimbic mages study Lines of Fate near a Puzzle Wall

Structure

The Monastery of Aurim-Bas, nestled amidst the craggy peaks of Cillt-Craiduk, is a sprawling stone structure. The internal layout seems to shift subtly over time, believed by many to be an extension of the dynamic nature of the Tangled Scrolls themselves. The central atrium houses the bulk of the Scrolls, its high, curved walls entirely covered with the ancient etchings. Side chambers, meditation rooms, and modest living quarters for the resident monks and visiting Aurimbics branch off from this central hub.

Role in the Aurimbic Tradition

The monastery serves as a focal point for adherents of the Aurimbic Tradition, a mystical path inspired by the teachings of the Tangled Scrolls. Aurimbics from across Arlok make pilgrimages to Aurim-Bas to study the Scrolls firsthand, meditate on the etchings, and experience the resonance of Keldaroth's insights. The monastery's monks, skilled in the Aurimbic Tradition, provide guidance to pilgrims, facilitate studies, and ensure the preservation and reverence of the Scrolls.

by Midjourney

Above: Aurimbics meditate in the Sounding Chamber

In Popular Culture

The Monastery has gained a degree of mythic status in the popular imagination. It features prominently in folklore, literature, and artistic depictions. Its mysterious, ever-shifting nature, the enigmatic Tangled Scrolls, and its association with Keldaroth combine to make it an enduring symbol of the mystical and arcane in Arlok culture. It is a popular pilgrimage site for those in the mid- to High North, and in Cillt-Craiduk it is considered an especially holy site by the common folk.

Monastery of Aurim-Bas: Layout

1. Entrance: The main entrance is situated on the western side, facing the village of Vorkethrig. A large, intricately carved wooden door opens into the entrance hall, welcoming visitors and pilgrims.
2. Entrance Hall: The hall serves as an initial gathering space and contains an information center for first-time visitors and pilgrims. Monks offer guidance about monastery etiquette, the meaning of the Tangled Scrolls, and the Aurimbic Tradition.
3. Atrium (Tangled Scrolls Hall): Located in the heart of the monastery, the central atrium is the repository of the Tangled Scrolls. Its high, curved walls are inscribed with Keldaroth's mathematical equations and diagrams. The sheer scale and scope of the Scrolls generate a mesmerizing, labyrinthine effect.
4. Meditation Rooms: Surrounding the central atrium, these quiet spaces are meant for reflection, prayer, and deeper contemplation of the Tangled Scrolls. They provide a tranquil environment where visitors can interact with the Scrolls at a personal level.
5. Living Quarters: Located towards the northern end of the monastery, these rooms are meant for resident monks and visiting Aurimbics. Simplicity is the key feature of these spaces, reflecting the ascetic life of the monastery.
6. Library and Study: Located to the south, this area houses a rich collection of manuscripts, books, and scrolls on various aspects of the Aurimbic Tradition, magical theory, and Arlok history. It serves as a center for learning and research.
7. Sacred Grove: Situated on the eastern end, near the Albunsvold forest, this outdoor space is a sacred grove where rituals and ceremonies related to the Aurimbic Tradition are performed. The natural environment accentuates the connection between the mystical and the mundane.
8. Observatory: Located at the highest point in the monastery, the observatory is used to observe celestial events. The monks and Aurimbics often correlate these observations with the Tangled Scrolls to deepen their understanding of the Pattern.
9. Sea-facing Cliffside: The monastery’s eastern edge is a cliff overlooking the Fristhof Sea. It serves as a serene spot for meditation, introspection, and enjoying the beautiful sea view.
10. Monastery Gardens: Located along the perimeter of the monastery, the gardens provide fresh produce for the monastery kitchen. They also serve as a peaceful refuge for quiet contemplation.
11. Monastery Kitchen and Dining Hall: The kitchen and dining hall are located to the west of the living quarters. Monks and visitors share meals here, emphasizing the communal nature of life in Aurim-Bas.
12. Pilgrimage Center: This is the starting point for various local pilgrimage routes. The center provides resources and guidance for those embarking on these spiritual journeys.
The overall layout of the monastery, with its varying spaces for quiet reflection, communal activities, and deeper study, reflects its dual role as both a place of spiritual learning and a pilgrimage site.