Grand Cathedral
The Grand Cathedral of Orlais is the heart of the Chantry, and the seat of its second-in-command, the Grand Cleric.
Purpose / Function
Located within the opulent Orlesian capital of Val Royeaux, the Grand Cathedral is the center of Chantry strength in southern Thedas. It once housed the Maker-anointed Divine, but after the Nevarran Accords were signed between Orlais and Nevarra, the Divine now resides in Nevarra. Instead, the Grand Cleric resides here.
In the Grand Cathedral, the Chant of Light is sung in full, a process which takes exorbitant amounts of time to complete. In the audience chamber stands the Moon-kissed Throne, a seat reserved for the Grand Cleric. It is modeled quite similarly to the Sunburst Throne which holds a similar purpose for the Divine, found in Nevarra.
Alterations
Regularly architects will propose new alterations to the temple. The towers seem to get higher after every passing summer.
History
Following Kordilius Drakon I's unifying of the Ciriane people, he also converted them to believe in the Maker. After several violent campaigns, his efforts slowed. Drakon took this as a sign from the Maker that he needed to refocus his efforts internally. To compensate, he called for the construction of a great temple in honor of the Maker's brilliance. It took about 12 years to complete. Since this time, Orlesians have prided themselves as being the center of the Chantry, though Nevarrans would be quick to debate that.
Three years after the temple's construction, the first Divine was selected. Justinia I was instated as leader of the religious order of the Chantry.
Type
Cathedral / Great temple
Parent Location
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