Cathedral of All Men
This towering cathedral serves as the spiritual center of the Church of the Triad. Patriarch Olliver Jowett, Alfric Oderbry, and Magdel Dycote all live and work here. What was once the center of all faith in Damara is now a shadow if its former self. The whitewash on the facade is fading, showing the gray granite underneath. The welcoming statues are worn and faded. Inside the stained glass representation of Torm kneeling before Tyr has been worn by worshipers touching the Paladinson for luck.
An early example of Damaran art, this window in the Great Church of the Triad shows an unnamed paladin kneeling before a representation of Tyr.
This fortified structure includes a single–story forebuilding and a large rectangular tower. It consists of four stories, with three floors above ground and one underground level. The roof is effectively a fourth floor, but only the small ladder tower in the northwest corner is enclosed. The church generally houses at least 9 priests, Patriarch Jowett, advisors Oderby and Magdel, and usually 6-8 novices. In addition, paladins and warriors of the Triad also spend time here.
Patriarch Jowett sees the evil of the Old Quarter and Tightpurse as the enemy, and considers Baron Dimian Ree to be in league with the forces of corruption, but Jowett fails to see his lack of leadership, and his reliance on tradition as harmful to the church. His flock is beginning to make the trip to the Sanctum of the Stainless Soul on The Hill for services, and the visitations by holy warriors decrease by the year.
While Knight Commander Jaida of the Stainless Soul visits with and respects Patriarch Jowett's authority and wisdom, many believe it is time for a new Patriarch (or Matriarch) of the Triad in Damara.
Description
The exterior walls are typical fortified construction: they are outwardly faced with large stones, the interior facing is built of smaller blocks, and they are filled with stone rubble. Once considered impenetrable, the walls show signs of wear and tear, with crumbling architecture visible around the entire facade. The ventilation shafts on the ground floor (not including the arrow loop alcoves in the small towers) are built at a steep angle and their grated openings are 12 ft. above the ground. The windows and the four hallway windows on the third floor are stained glass and do not open.GROUND FLOOR
Courtyard. The clergy often congregate in this open area to speak with passersby. Entry foyer. The forebuilding serves as a vestibule, with a wide flight of stairs ascending to the main worship hall on the second floor. Two marble statues of Tyr flank the stairs, and shields, long swords, and tapestries decorate the walls. Defense towers. These have arrow loop alcoves that allow missile fire against attackers. The northwest tower has a latrine and a circular staircase that descends to the cellar. Kitchen. In addition to cookery, this area has three tables where the staff and guardsmen eat. Armory. This contains a healthy arsenal of armors and weapons, easily twice that required by the church’s current compliment. However, the armor and weapons bear the signs of long disuse. Rust and mold have started taking the armaments of the armory. Barracks. This has rows of double bunk beds. The bunks can be tripled if necessary to increase berthing capacity, but the need hasn't existed since the founding days of Heliogabalus. Now the bunks sit unused, the bedding smells of neglect.SECOND FLOOR
Worship hall. This long chamber is lined with tall, stained glass windows that rise to the ceiling. The altar rests at the western head of the hall and the walls around the sanctuary are lined with shields. Seating for over a hundred exists in the Worship hall, but it hasn't seen full capacity in decades. Great hall. This contains two large formal dining tables, but is used for a variety of purposes, including daily lectures for the novices. Twin staircases in the southeast corner permit access to the ground and third floors. After services gatherings occur here. Defense towers. These have arrow loop alcoves that allow missile fire against attackers. The northwest tower has a latrine that empties into a cesspit in the cellar. When Heliogabalus was a new city, there was need for men in the guard towers, now they sit empty and function as side rooms when people need to speak privately.THIRD FLOOR
Defense towers. These have arrow loop alcoves that allow missile fire against attackers. The northwest tower has a ladder that accesses the roof. Priest’s bedroom. This is neatly arranged with a single bed, dresser, armoire, and chest. Bedrooms. These two chambers are assigned to the church’s first priest and resident paladin. Senior priest’s bedroom. The largest of the private bedchambers, it boasts a writing desk and the only four–poster bed in the church. Worship hall roof. A 2ft. battlement atop the exterior wall provides partial cover for defenders. Tower roof. This has a small, enclosed ladder tower and an outer 2 ft. battlement that provides partial cover.CELLAR
Latrine cesspit. Two latrine chutes empty into this smelly, shallow pit. The cesspit must be emptied regularly, and the chore falls to the church’s junior novice when it is not assigned as a disciplinary punishment. Creation oratory. This contains the church’s second altar, and is used for the manufacture of magical items. The door into the chamber is locked and access is permitted only with the senior priest’s permission. Storage. These chambers hold the church’s main food stores. There is a large supply of grains, vegetables, salted and smoked meats, and a decent collection of wines.
Type
Cathedral / Great temple
Parent Location
Owner
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