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Message: <blockquote data-quote="Quickleaf" data-source="post: 6354830" data-attributes="member: 20323">4: The Golden TempleThe Golden Temple[Sblock=art inspiration]<img src="http://algebra2honorscatenaryproject.wikispaces.com/file/view/catenary-ceiling.jpg/308101510/catenary-ceiling.jpg" alt="" class="fr-fic fr-dii fr-draggable " data-size="" style="" /><img src="http://image.shutterstock.com/display_pic_with_logo/643999/643999,1295632985,1/stock-photo-chinese-new-year-decoration-items-hanging-gold-coin-with-the-letter-of-wealthy-69470266.jpg" alt="" class="fr-fic fr-dii fr-draggable " data-size="" style="" /><img src="http://www.thaiworldview.com/hongkong/religion/jpg/img010.jpg" alt="" class="fr-fic fr-dii fr-draggable " data-size="" style="" />[/sblock]A grand double entrance framed with gold runic designs opens into the holiest of places in Vergadain's realm, the Golden Temple. An organic catenary vault soars some forty feet overhead, coins of all types dangling from it like floating fish scales glinting off the light of braziers below. When dwarves are not worshipping here in guttural chants, the temple is unusually quiet, a deep sense of prescience pervading the space. Golden statues of Vergadain laughing, smiling, or thinking are inset in the numerous alcoves throughout the temple, goblets of jewels are near each entrance for offerings made outside normal worship times, and gleaming brass braziers hanging from chains throughout the temple. A massive altar dominates the center, elevated slightly by three steps, with three disconnected rectangular stone "cauldrons" to receive offerings. Above each "cauldron" hangs a huge golden coin some 5 feet in diameter bearing Vergadain's likeness; these are anators which guard against items being taken from the Temple and can only be bypassed by a priest of Vergadain or a Neutrally-aligned creature who knows the anator's password (a secret closely guarded by Vergadain's clergy). All others attempting to steal will meet a trio of lightning bolts (Dex save DC 17) and/or magic missiles (at 3rd level with 5 missiles) cast by the anators. Rumors are that those who are drowning in debt to the Temple, yet remain faithful to Vergadain, may be granted debt forgiveness if they agree to become an anator upon death.Vergadain's Hurndor (lit. "Those Who Trade"), also called Gilded Merchants, serve as his clerics, and are easily recognized by their fine purple and gold robes trimmed in furs, copious amounts of jewelry, and ceremonial golden chainmail. They lead worshipped in prayer, the whole congregation slowly circumambulating the altar in a ritualistic dance-like movement, intoning chants of trade maxims and praises to Vergadain, each worshipper coming to place a sacrificial offering into the braziers. When Vergadain is particularly pleased by a sacrifice, he leaves behind a token in the dimming flames, a map, clue, scroll, potion, or a key to a strongbox or vault (e.g. one containing dwarven wealth that Vergadain wishes returned to the dwarves). When the flames flare upwards then die down, it signals the end of the ritual, after which the Hurndor begin a more informal time of making deals and talking trade. It is during this time that loans are offered to dwarven merchants or friendly non-dwarves, albeit at interest, making the Golden Temple double as a bank. As this time of trades concludes, the highest-ranking Hurndor passes his hand thru the flame as a sign that worship is over. When a dwarf's dealings in the temple are done, they kiss a gold coin as a sign of respect to Vergadain before departing.CREDIT: This entry derives from Vergadain's writeup in Demihuman Deities by Eric L. Boyd; TSR/Wizards of the Coast, 1998.</blockquote>

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