Post by talis on Apr 29, 2015 22:32:39 GMT
The great Cathedral of Erasmus had been the single greatest piece of architecture in the north, and remained a stunning and splendid building to this day. Built high atop Oren hill, the massive stone structure looked out over the bustling city of Thundercrown and remained a constant reminder of Aed's blessing and influence over the city. A long stone staircase ascended the hill to the cathedral. Around it were many smaller shrines and private buildings for the housing of priests and keepers, and for meditation.
The cathedral itself was built into the shape of a traditional longhall, but much larger than any prior longhall and constructed of solid stone, with a great many patterns carved into its walls. Three enormous archways admitted worshippers and attendees into the great building. Eight great pillars of stone supported an upper balcony and continued to rise up and support the high, open roof, each one carved with the shape of orcs and men as they told the story of Erasmus' life and mission. All along the center of the hall was a great hearth of ever-burning flame, enchanted by the Vaekirate's Tovenaar to never cease by day or night. Many worshipers would stop and meditate at those flames, catching a piece on a candle wick to bring back to their family hearth, or dipping trinkets inside so that Aed's flames might touch them. In the very center of the cathedral, beneath the open dome, a dais extended over the flame. On the dais was a small podium upon which copies of the Raegnarom and Aedaknam always rested, written in both Survaekom and Orcish.
So great was the cathedral that it could fit a third of Thundercrown's population. Each of the great pillars took two grown men to wrap around it, and the high dome rose 200 feet above the ground.
Today the hall was filled not with worshippers, but with delegates from across the north. The Cathedral of Erasmus now hosted a council such as had not been seen before. The crimson robes of the Order of the Tome mingled with the black cloaks of the Wardens of the North and the varied dress of Priests and High Priests from across Eshara. Standing on the dais in the center of this vast assembly was High Priest Erog, caretaker of the Cathedral of Erasmas.
"On behalf of the Elder Council, Chief Garlog, myself, and Chief Priest Staas I think you all for attending this Council." His voice did not echo in the great cathedral, but rang clear and strong. "Over the next two weeks we will be training and planning expeditions into the wastes. Many Houses within the city have volunteered to provide food and shelter for you all during your stay, and the auxiliary buildings around the Cathedral include a dormitory and private rooms which are available to all.
"As you all know, our goal is to bring the word of Aed to the wastelanders, using the methods that have proven so effective among the Firetooth and the Wolfwyrd Clans, both devout and esteemed members of the Aedekom community. But our purpose is not simply to bring the word of Aed to the wastes - it is to recognize the unique contribution Orcish culture can and has brought to Aedekom and to integrate the Orcish people into Aed's community. We will not simply be sending priests to speak of Aed's word, but soldiers, artisans, scribes, and mapmakers. If the wastelanders are to be integrated into the faith their traditions must be recorded and respected, their lands mapped and respected, and their contribution encouraged. If you go into the wastes assuming the orcs to be ignorant barbarians you will fail. Recognize the potential of the orcish race, and Aed's blessing will cover the entire continent."
The cathedral itself was built into the shape of a traditional longhall, but much larger than any prior longhall and constructed of solid stone, with a great many patterns carved into its walls. Three enormous archways admitted worshippers and attendees into the great building. Eight great pillars of stone supported an upper balcony and continued to rise up and support the high, open roof, each one carved with the shape of orcs and men as they told the story of Erasmus' life and mission. All along the center of the hall was a great hearth of ever-burning flame, enchanted by the Vaekirate's Tovenaar to never cease by day or night. Many worshipers would stop and meditate at those flames, catching a piece on a candle wick to bring back to their family hearth, or dipping trinkets inside so that Aed's flames might touch them. In the very center of the cathedral, beneath the open dome, a dais extended over the flame. On the dais was a small podium upon which copies of the Raegnarom and Aedaknam always rested, written in both Survaekom and Orcish.
So great was the cathedral that it could fit a third of Thundercrown's population. Each of the great pillars took two grown men to wrap around it, and the high dome rose 200 feet above the ground.
Today the hall was filled not with worshippers, but with delegates from across the north. The Cathedral of Erasmus now hosted a council such as had not been seen before. The crimson robes of the Order of the Tome mingled with the black cloaks of the Wardens of the North and the varied dress of Priests and High Priests from across Eshara. Standing on the dais in the center of this vast assembly was High Priest Erog, caretaker of the Cathedral of Erasmas.
"On behalf of the Elder Council, Chief Garlog, myself, and Chief Priest Staas I think you all for attending this Council." His voice did not echo in the great cathedral, but rang clear and strong. "Over the next two weeks we will be training and planning expeditions into the wastes. Many Houses within the city have volunteered to provide food and shelter for you all during your stay, and the auxiliary buildings around the Cathedral include a dormitory and private rooms which are available to all.
"As you all know, our goal is to bring the word of Aed to the wastelanders, using the methods that have proven so effective among the Firetooth and the Wolfwyrd Clans, both devout and esteemed members of the Aedekom community. But our purpose is not simply to bring the word of Aed to the wastes - it is to recognize the unique contribution Orcish culture can and has brought to Aedekom and to integrate the Orcish people into Aed's community. We will not simply be sending priests to speak of Aed's word, but soldiers, artisans, scribes, and mapmakers. If the wastelanders are to be integrated into the faith their traditions must be recorded and respected, their lands mapped and respected, and their contribution encouraged. If you go into the wastes assuming the orcs to be ignorant barbarians you will fail. Recognize the potential of the orcish race, and Aed's blessing will cover the entire continent."
