Temple District
The Temple District is the district of Toresta dedicated to the Celestial Deities. While there are many shrines and bethels all over Toresta all of Toresta's temples are located in the Temple District. It is here primarily that public worship is conducted, particularly on the high holy days of the Solstice and Equinox.
Demographics
Most of the inhabitants of this district are either members of the clergy or monks. Most of the clergy live in the Temple District Clergy House. The monks, specifically Noctis' Shadow Monks, live in the Nightshade Monastery.
Government
By convention The Patriarch of the Guardian is considered the most senior cleric of any of clerics of the Celestial Deities. The All Father Creator does not accept clerics, nor does He seek worship. He allows the clerics of the Guardian great latitude out of love of his daughter Cassia, and her rescuer Straznik.
Defences
Divine magic protects the temples, monastery, and cleric house. The monks act as guards for the grounds.
Infrastructure
Like most structures in Toresta Cleric House, the Nightshade Monastery and temples are served by public fountains, nightdust collectors and cleansing stones.
Guilds and Factions
The various clergy and bethel keepers typically get along well. In many ways the clerics of the Twins are ascendant in the city, but as everywhere the Patriarch of the Guardian is considered the senior cleric of the city.
History
Like most of the humans descended from the Ludzie people who originated on the south coast of the Eye of the World, those who founded Toresta, along with their gnome companions centered their worship and understanding of the world based upon the Tale of Magic. Their new halfing neighbors quickly accepted the Companions and Princess as the central aspect of their religious life.
The Temple area was established in the city almost as soon as it was founded. A temple to the Twins was constructed only a few years after the founding of the city in 9 ATC. By 25 ATC a small combined temple dedicated to the Guardian and Princess in their aspect of the Lovers was also constructed.
Points of interest
The Temple district consists of eight major structures, six temples, a religious library and a monastery.
The largest temple is the Temple of the Guardian. It is located at the northwest corner of the district. Although Toresta considers the Twins, Astraios and Noctis, its primary patrons, the protection of the Guardian is something all of the city's people count on. This protection particularly centers on young women and prisoners and slaves. On Guardian's Day 06/22, the Vernal Equinox, Cassia's rescue is celebrated. On that day the names of all escaped slaves in Toresta are recorded. Those from the previous year are declared free, under penalty from the Guardian for any who disagree. Many paladins consider Straznik their patron and are glad to enforce that edict.
At the southeast corner of the district, The House of the Princess is dedicated to Cassia. This temple is the center of the celebration of Lover's Day on 12/27, the day of the Winter's Solstice.
The Star Temples of the "Straznicy Gwoazd" (Guardians of the Stars), Astraios and Noctis are located in the center of the district across from each other. The Hall of the Sun, the temple of Astraios is located on the south side. The Temple of the Moon, dedicated to Noctis is on the north side. Between the temples are the Courtyard of the Sun and Court of the Twins
Between the Hall of the Sun and the House of the Princess, across from the Temple of the Moon is the Nightshade Monastery. Here monks dedicated to the shadow deity live, study and practice their craft, mastery of the martial arts of the shadow.
The clergy house is the home to the priests and priestesses who staff the temples. The house is divided into sections used by the clery of each deity.
At the most eastern end of the district is the Celestial Temple. This temple is dedicated to all of the deities of the Celestial Patheon. It contains many shrines to a multitude of deities.
At the farthest west end of the district is the library. It contains both mundane religious books and a collection of books on divine magic.
Tourism
Mant individuals passing through Toresta, be it by ship or airship will come to the temple district seeking guidance , protection in their travels, or merely a blessing.
During the high holy days of the solstice and equinox anyone visiting Toresta is likely to show up for some part of the festivities.
Architecture
The buildings in this district are unique in all of Toresta. Marble and glass, awe inspiring domes, contemplation pools and fountains are all features of the architecture of this district.
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