Dawn House

The Dawn House now lies empty and lifeless except for the whistling wind and distant laughter. It's located in Ivran, but it now lies abandoned and untouched as though all who inhabited it left in a hurry. It's forbidden to enter, though that doesn't stop people from trying to enter. Those who do feel an overwhelming sense of happiness and joy. They desire nothing more than to smile and be merry. Problems outside seem small and distant. There's a desire to be creative and people feel inspired.
Twelve years ago, the Dawn House was a bustling temple to the Lady of Light, Iphria. She's the goddess of the dawn and joy. Her temple was a merry place to go when the ails of the world felt too heavy. Those who drank from the Sunlight Fountain found happiness and euphoria. It was a common spot to gather to play games or meet old friends. Travellers weary from the road often made the Dawn House their first stop to feel reinvigorated. People lounged on the floors eating berries out of golden bowls. It was a rich temple, and a hive of activity in Ivran.
The High Priest of the temple asked for Iphria's blessing upon the Dawn House. Though she had often been silent in such matters or proclaimed that the House was already blessed, this time was different. Some believed that she'd been dared by her sister, the goddess of Dusk or that the two sisters were having yet another argument, and this was petty revenge. The radiant statue to Iphria that welcomed guests to her home changed from holding the sun in her hands to having her arms outstretched. Golden light surrounded the temple, and all who resided within it began laughing uncontrollably with glee.
The blessing was so strong that many people refused to leave. Stepping outside of the temple walls meant feeling the weight of the world again. In moments of mania, people donated all of their money and possessions to the temple and to Iphria. And each day, more and more people came to the temple after hearing the contant sounds of mirth coming from within. Only, they never left once they entered. The city was forced to ban entry to the temple. Initially, they tried to force people out even going so far as to imprison people to keep them from running back and sneaking inside the temple. Deliveries of food eventually stopped, but the people within were too joyous to notice or care. The high priest was confined to the temple. Fear of angering the goddess kept the city government from executing him for the damage he'd caused to the city.
Months later, the golden light dimmed and now can only be seen at dawn. The house is gloomy and spooky. The high priest might still live within promising joy and happiness to any who wish to enter. The statue's arms remain outstretched. The blessing, or curse as some now see it, is still present. And those who enter never want to leave.

Type

Temple / Church