Kami-No-Megumi
Posted: Tue Oct 19, 2021 9:36 am
(Created by Hyoga)
About
Kami-No-Megumi was founded several years after the Free Cities of the North settled into the region of Karnor. The temple was originally founded as a place of worship and enlightenment for followers of the Dragon Gods. It takes its name from the golden forest of trees that surround it, shimmering in ambient radiance in the sunlight like a deific figure, its name translating to “Divine Grace”
Since its creation it has become a place of neutral ground, holding no affiliation to either Zaichaer or Kalzasi. This holy place has become the middle ground for peace.
As a place revered for beauty believed to be made of the gods, Kami-No-Megumi is a temple complex that has become a refuge for those under religious persecution in the current Age of Steel. Most of these refugees come seeking asylum from the religiously stifling Zaichaer, but it has also seen refugees or exiles from other lands as well.
Though not all who come seeking religious freedom are refugees as most who have come to maintain the temple are fervent worshipers of the Dragon Gods, often becoming priests and shrine maidens.
Given that the complex sits on a road between some of the Free Cities of the North, it is known to be well-traveled. Many come from far and wide to see its beauty or to pay an offering for safe travel. Given the importance of the complex as a place, it has come to receive patronage from those that can manage it. Over the years the settlements and farms along the way have come to offer supplies being that the complex is out of the way from the larger cities.
The complex is broken up into several different temples, each one connected to its respective God. At the center of the complex is the Radiant Pagoda dedicated to the Dragon King himself, Eikaen. The temple of the north is dedicated to Raella, to the west for Keela, to the south for Etaiss, and to the east for Nuenna.
Radiant Pagoda
Sitting at the heart of the complex is the Radiant Pagoda, a marvel in its own design and construction. This Pagoda is where many from far and wide come to pay tribute and pray to the King of Dragons wishing to basque in the radiant light of Eikaen. It is here that many come to see it as it is known for its beauty.
Temple of Raella
A temple in appearance, this building dedicated to the Dragon Goddess of Life serves another purpose. Most of the healers of the temple can be found here. Raella’s temple serves as a hospital for the ailing and sick, as it is believed that the monks that serve her temple are wielders of Mendicus, and it is even rumored that Ioniri herself can be seen here, but that is simply pure speculation.
Temple of Keela
Scholars from all over come to this temple to seek wisdom from the Dragon Goddess. This temple appears as a place of learning, a small library can be found here, a collection that has built from the donations given to the complex over the years from grateful travelers and merchants. It is also a place one comes to seek enlightenment through meditation.
Temple of Etaissv
Dedicated to the Dragon Goddess of Family, Agriculture, Autumn many farmers from nearby settlements make the pilgrimage to the temple in order to leave offerings to the goddess. Of all the temples this one sees the most traffic as many come to pray to Etaiss for their families, or a bountiful harvest, or so that nothing harms their crops. The temple also allows from some of the local farmers to set up a stall in order to sell their freshly grown crops to travelers.
Temple of Nuenna
The Goddess of Roads, Travel, Stories has the most following in this area due to the fact that no one comes in or out of Kami-No-Megumi without first stopping within Nuenna’s temple. Many pray for safe travel along the roads, but this temple is favorable from the sense of comradery and peace it instills. The temple has a gathering space where many come to congregate and share experiences with others. It has become a tradition that one must offer a story to the statue of the Dragon Goddess for good luck before leaving the temple.