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 Posted: Sat Dec 10, 2022 4:40 pm
The temple itself is tall, and at present, a bit dilapidated. However, the ebony stone is sturdy, and some windows have been carved, each laced with various red and black stained glass.
The feeling of the temple isn't ominous, per say, but it isn't entirely welcoming either. Those who wish to enter need to have good reason or a strong constitution. There is a heavy silence and weight to the temple, and for the most sensitive, a deep, uncanny, pulsing feeling.... almost like the slow drum of a beating heart.
Everything about the temple is jagged and sharp. Those who aren't careful may find themselves easily scratched if they pass too close to the walls. Everything about this place is seemingly sharp -- and those who are unwelcome may find it exceptionally so.
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Posted: Mon Dec 12, 2022 7:44 pm
The Temple
Those who make it up to the temple doors will find themselves being watched. Various Umbral Knights or Crimson Guard might keep an eye on those who approach -- whether or not they make themselves known is entirely up to them. Some visitors are welcomed and greeted quietly by the knights, guards, or other crimson-robed figures... while others will simply find the heavy weight of a gaze upon them and little ability to suss out the source.
Upon entering, one will be greeted by a large room. Those who look closely will find the tops of the stone walls intricately designed in patterns made entirely of blood. The patterns ooze down the walls, but also change over time.
A four tiered fountain made of ebony stone and black crystals sticks out of the center of the temple. A giant, jagged sword is stuck right down the center, and from it springs forth blood. It pours and pools down the fountain tiers, fresh and inviting.
Those who enter are compelled to give an offering to the god of this temple. A p***k of a finger, the scratch of a hand, or a summoned drop will do -- blood for the blood god, after all. The offering is encouraged but not required... however, the temple may take it upon itself to take its own offering if it so wishes. Those who wish to get in Sanguis' good graces might be advised to add a drop of crimson to the pool of their own volition, lest the blood god take it for himself.
Deities, of course, are the exception in most cases... though they are welcome to participate if they so wish.
Other offerings are accepted, but blood is the preferred gift. One doesn't wish to be rude to ones host, after all.
The East Wing
The East Wing of the temple is where the Umbral Knights tend to congregate, stay, and settle. While they are known to come and go depending on Sanguis' wishes, there is housing available for new recruits still learning the path, as well as knights spending time to recuperate or await orders from Sanguis or Umbra.
There are living spaces built within the stony rocks, as well as a path that leads out to a courtyard for dueling one another, testing their swords spirit and will, and congregating as they wish. The rooms are magical, and are as large and small as Sanguis pleases -- new recruits tend to have smaller rooms, but as they progress and are tapped into knighthood, they will find their living space larger, and more accomodating.
Likewise, those who find themselves out of favor with Sanguis might be living in quarters that are very tight, and with walls known to bite.
Should any Umbral Knights wish to have a family, their rooms will accommodate.
There is a giant armory located in this part of the wing. Armor is less crafted so much as it seems to appear-- however, for individuals who know how to craft weapons, armor, or know general blacksmithing, they are welcome to the tools at hand.
The West Wing
The West Wing is where the Crimson Guard and their kin tend to reside. While the Crimson Guard is permeated throughout the temple as they please, this wing is for them to rest, congregate, pray, relax, and spend time with family should they have any. There is a small courtyard with access to this wing as well.
There are infirmaries found within this West Wing, where individuals who are injured, recuperating, or receiving care can be found. Just because Sanguis, grants blood, or stops a being from dying from a blood disease or blood loss, doesn't mean that he will heal them completely. That said, there are individuals in his temple that can provide care and triage until they're well enough to stay or be taken elsewhere.
The South Wing
The South Wing is for both short-term and long-term residents. Individuals who simply wish to stay are allowed to do so -- as long as they desire. Perhaps someone is interested in becoming a priest, a guard, a knight, or simply enjoys the relative quiet found at the temple. Maybe others just love the color red. Whatever their reasons for staying or seeking sanctuary at his temple, Sanguis does not appear to mind.
While the temple has plenty of rooms and corridors, an ever changing environment, those who wish to stay more permanently are granted their own room and their own little sanctuary. Food, drink, and blood are all provided. Music, entertainment, parties -- much of these can be found in the South Wing of the temple depending on those that commune there. Sanguis provides sustenance but he doesn't mind if those who live there have their own entertainments and delights, within reason.
The North Wing
This area of the temple is where individuals can go to pray to Sanguis, leave offerings, and is where his throne room is located. It tends to be the public and more sacred space of his temple, and where some of the higher ranking priests can be found.
When meetings, rituals, or great important affairs happen, they usually happen somewhere in this area. Additionally, there are infirmaries and quiet rooms within the wing, where those with the greatest need for blood, or Sanguis can remain.
This is a more serious and sacred part of his temple.
The Inner Sanctum
There is a small part of the inner sanctum that only those with the greatest need, or his highest ranking priests, knights, and guards may go. It is considered the holiest place. The floor is made of a solid pool of blood, thick and sturdy enough to walk upon. There is a peace within this room -- for those who come here are either here to perform a ritual, or make a request of Sanguis.
There is something warm, almost comforting, deep within this sacred space. Blood is life, after all, and Sanguis is a giver of such things, even as he might take. For those who might lose their battle, they will find peace. For those who will be given a new lease on life, they will heal in comfort. There is a balance when it comes to blood, and like a pendulum, Sanguis gives and takes as he pleases. While many might think he is nothing but a blood-taker, those who get to know him might find within him a soft touch, perhaps as gooey as the blood that runs through his temple. He can cause a great amount of harm if he wished, but he prefers to do so as a form of protection, during some sacrifice or ritual, or when pushed. Those who seek him with need will find one willing to give... to cure blood diseases, to let others drink their fill and nurture their bodies, to heal those who have lost too much of the vital liquid, and to help empower those who use blood magic.
Additionally, within the Inner Sanctum is an area that cannot be reached by any mortal without Sanguis' approval. Most of the Inner Sanctum is where Sanguis, his angelique Umbra, and any future children they have will live. It's his private domain. On occassion he will invite a god or mortal to the private spaces -- but generally speaking very few have seen the heart of Sangis' home.
The Blood Bar
For those with a secret (or not so secret) taste or derangement for blood, you may find yourself turning a corner or opening a door to the Blood Bar. While the bar might serve any number of refreshments, for those who are in the know, you will be given access to blood, fresh from the god himself -- who knew Sanguis was such a mixologist?
It is open to the public, as well as those who reside at the temple. Blood of any type, imaginable and not, can be found here. Come get a drink or a bite, with the fresh liquid displayed in various bottles, along with seemingly endless refills.
Typically, he reserves this for vampires only at his temple -- however, should he open it up to mortals or other sorts, no one will question the "blood" theme of the bar. And no one will know that some of those are drinking the real deal. Even if a cup is misplaced or someone grabs the wrong drink, the contents will change to something innocuous -- there will be no breaking of the Masquerade in Sanguis' temple, thankyouvermuch.
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Posted: Mon Dec 12, 2022 7:44 pm
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Posted: Mon Dec 12, 2022 7:44 pm
Friends, Enemies, & Important Individuals
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Posted: Mon Dec 12, 2022 7:44 pm
Devotees, Umbral Knights, Priests, & the Crimson Guard
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Posted: Fri Jan 13, 2023 1:47 pm
Rank & Perks
Interested in rising up as a devotee of the blood god? Here's the path and options on how to obtain a little position of trust and authority
Devotees
The path of a devotee is easy to obtain. All one needs to do is choose to follow the blood god. His most dedicated devotees might move to the temple, but those who are established out in the world need only set up a small altar or temple to the blood god and periodically call to him. Anyone may call upon Sanguis' services, be it in a time of need, or simply curiosity. However, those who are particularly devoted, for whatever reason, might get special perks or catch the eye of the god. He isn't shy and isn't afraid of making house calls... or taking on a mortal guise to pal around with his unknowing devotees.
Foundling
Simply decide Sanguis is part of your personal pantheon, or that you simply would like to devote a little
Favored
Devotee
Hopelessly Devoted
Blood Pact
Umbral Knights
Blood Page
Dark Squire
Shadow Accolade
Umbral Knight
Crimson Guard
Priests & Priestesses
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Posted: Fri Jan 13, 2023 1:47 pm
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Posted: Fri Jan 13, 2023 1:47 pm
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Posted: Fri Jan 13, 2023 1:47 pm
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Posted: Fri Jan 13, 2023 1:48 pm
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Posted: Fri Jan 13, 2023 2:10 pm
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Posted: Mon Jan 23, 2023 4:08 pm
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Posted: Mon Jan 23, 2023 4:09 pm
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Posted: Mon Jan 23, 2023 4:09 pm
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Posted: Mon Jan 23, 2023 4:09 pm
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