Quote: “Blaze Eternal.”

Holy Symbol: A blazing sun wreathed in waving flames.

God Nickname: The First Light, The All Loving, The Wounded

Favored Weapon: A long spear and tower shield.

Honored Blood: Solnessa Ebonwick, the Blazing

Paladin Alpha: Rowith Igniford, The Scorchwoken

The Sun Mother

~ Bio ~

The Sun Mother represents all that is pure, loving, and resilient in the world. But in the same breath, she is merciless, stubborn, and not always in control. Those who worship the Sun Mother strive to be vessels of her maternal softness, devoted partners, and fierce warriors. The scripture teaches that the Sun Mother never sought out conflict; she was merely true to herself, spreading her light as far as it could reach. In her journey, she endured much hardship like the folk of the coast do today. Faithful are expected to behave much the same. “Be true unto yourself and loves, prepared to brave any obstacle. The Sun Mother did not retreat, and wars for the sake of her heart, family, and all of Evaira to this very day. She fights for the freedom to be herself and fulfill her glorious purpose.”

~ The Church ~

Devoted of the Sun Mother live in isolation, believing their tenants and values show the mettle of their character. One cannot deny the glory and power of the sun, nor does the sun beg for attention. It is omnipresent and always there when the commonfolk turn to it. Thus, the church welcomes any who cross its threshold but makes no effort to recruit new faithful. Still their numbers have never waned. Additionally, they maintain a contingent of valiant paladin knights trained to wield flaming spears and swords.

~ The Temple ~

Nestled in a fertile river valley, deep in lush verdant jungle, this brilliant temple is built of white marble, speckled with golden veins. Rows of opaque crystal pillars glitter within the green, leading to an obsidian stairwell. At night, the pillars burn with the sun’s glory, shining dim light throughout the canopy. Beyond, a towering golden gate leads to a set of crimson double doors, crafted of dark wood and accented with glittering filigree. 

Those fortunate enough to enter through them are greeted by a massive circular room with a tiled floor depicting the sun in all its glory. A low step rings the room around the border, allowing the space to be walked without crossing the tile. Along this ring, a dozen arches lead to hallways diving deeper into the temple. Each archway is tiled in hues of red and gold, with sunbursts that race up and out across the walls.

Above, the ceiling is paneled and mechanical, opening like an observatory to shift with the light. A mural of the Sun Mother travels with each shifting panel, telling her story in exquisite detail.

It is believed that the Temple is built on the very ground the Sun Mother and Moon Father first made love, and thus the first living portion of Evaira.

~ Interior Locations~

Throne Room

The archway opposite the main entrance leads to this resplendent room. Lined with the same crystalline pillars as outside, a red rug carves a bath through white sand between them. Above, the ceiling becomes a cloudless blue sky, and the searing visage of a noon-sun sits just above a throne of obsidian and gold. The pillars pulse with heat and flare as the Honored Blood speaks.

Across from the throne, a line of flame burns low where guests are made to kneel. Here, the nobility, envoys, and other Kindred Clergy bow before the Sun Mother’s vessel. The sun in this room never sets, and all who wish to gaze upon the Honored Blood on her throne are blinded by her brilliance.

Main Worship Hall

This long hall of white marble is only half covered, leaving its entire eastern face opened to a screened court. Thus each dawn the blessed rays of the sun warm the space and congregation. At noon the light drops through an oculus overhead and fills the center aisle. The dusk mass faces west, toward a tall window of pale gold glass, and ends when that glass goes dark. 

Between masses the hall stays open. Fine wooden benches run from two blocks, flanking a walkway to an altar and sermon stage. Above the stage a balcony holds an angelic choir, while niches in the walls hold unlit lamps, offering bowls, and one alcove is filled with a stone basin of running water.

Choral Tower

Separate from the balcony above the worship hall, this tower has been enchanted to have its song fill the temple grounds, no matter how far away, or softly sung. The space is comfortably appointed, allowing its members to stay for hours at a time. Typically there are three choral masses a day, at dawn, noon, and dusk, but additional are held on holy days. Most of the singers are made up of Younglings and directed by an Elderling.

The Eclipse Room

Behind a white door with no window, this small round chamber has been whitewashed and lined with tall mirrors that reach from floor to ceiling. A stone orb hangs at the center on a short chain. 

Those wishing to prove their devotion to the Sun Mother, as the Moon Father once did, speak a holy word, and wreath the stone in light. In moments the space burns hot enough to break a sweat, and turns blinding if met with open eyes. The mirrors reflect the light as the stone turns, ensuring no shadow survives.

Those who are tested stay as long as their bodies let them. When they either flee the room, (burning their hands on the door as they exit) or collapse in defeat, the stone goes inert and the light fades.

Infirmary

This long room is made of pale white wood, and filled with green herbs and plants, while a large circular basin of water rests at its center. A hearth on the eastern wall is kept burning year round, and partitioned cots line the inner wall. Births and illness are attended here alike, but rarely is the space crowded. 

Priest Lodging and Chapter House

The priests sleep in a cloister behind the main hall, two stories around a small court with citrus trees and a covered well for water. Rooms are modest, leaving little more than a cot, closet, and window. Additionally a large communal space is maintained to discuss assignments.

Guest Lodging

Separate from the cloister, these outstanding rooms reflect the opulence the church has acquired since its founding. Rivaling noble chambers, each room is lined with gold, has only the finest linens, and beds fit for the High Lord. A marble washstand stands in a separate room, with a silver basin for bathing, and pristine standing mirror for inspection. Shuttered windows line the walls, and a singular disk can be opened in the ceiling to let in direct sunlight and fresh air.

Meal Hall

This immaculate space is large enough to host every priest, heart warden and temple guest for each meal. A white stone floor is filled with numerous tables, red pillars upholding a wooden roof, and ample windows to let in the light.

A separate table sits on a small rise along the eastern end, dressed in pale gold cloth, set with golden plates, crystal cups, and an obsidian candelabra at its center. The Honored Blood’s chair stands in the middle, taller than the rest, with chairs for noble guests around it. 

The west wall holds a tremendous gallery of fine art and relics, depicting treasured moments of the faith. The kitchen runs south of the space and is busy at all hours of the day.

The Dawnwell

Heavily guarded, this archway ends in a stairwell descending straight into the earth. Within, the tunnel is kept dark on purpose. Faithful are made to strengthen their resolve and trust and face the depth alone. At the end, orange glass coats the ceiling in long panels, where a ball of soft sunlight hangs between. The light dances through the space, and illuminates a well ringed with red stone. A golden cup kept on a chain affixed to the well is used to draw the cool water within, and is said to purify and rejuvenate the spirit. 

Dungeon

Under the mosaic in the mainhall, the tiles give way to a spiral staircase that drops deep into the earth. Within, no light burns, and cells are kept to hold the wretched. The door is only opened at night, and maintained by the Golden Order.

~ Exterior Locations~

The Courtyard

The courtyard fills the space behind the temple, separating it from the wild jungle beyond. Golden sand covers it, raked each dawn and again after the dusk mass, where long dividers of orange marble run twelve lengths to separate the sand in sections. The dividers stand knee-high, wide enough to sit on, and double as a sundisk. A stage of red marble rises from the center of these dividers, and serves as a regular space for speeches and sermons. A ring of crystal pillars surround this massive space, holding the jungle at bay.

Noonflower Garden

East of the courtyard a terraced garden dedicated to the Noonflower blooms. This singular, massive lotus opens each day at noon, its scintillating center refracting light and releasing an intoxicatingly sweet aroma. Its golden and crimson leaves flutter in the breeze, and close as soon as the sun begins to pass overhead. Four benches frame the space, and ample vines hang from the terrace above.

Golden Order Barracks

This intimidating, two-steepled building is made entirely of dark obsidian, while a red door stands centered on its front wall. Within, the Hearth Wardens of the Sun Mother find their lodging. The main room hosts thin slitted windows, and an ever-burning pit in its center, filling the space with intense heat, but no smoke. Within separate rooms maintain an armory, smithy and numerous modest bedrooms for the soldiers of the church.

Sunlight Altar

Winding through the jungle beyond the courtyard, a stone laid path leads to a wooden bridge crossing a modest river. On the far side just a short way into the trees is a dappled glade. Sunbeams pierce the canopy and shine atop the Sunlight Altar, a block of red stone that rises waist high. When hit with light, the red shines golden, and lets out a soft hum like a woman’s singing. 

Hotspring

Even further still, a side path follows the river to a rocky basin where hot water rises. Steam hangs between the trees, welcoming any to rest their troubles for a while. A small wooden deck overhangs the hotspring, where stacked linen and medicinal oils are maintained by Younglings. 

Farms and Vinyard

Several miles west of the courtyard, the jungle thins giving way to thriving farmland. The vineyard covers the southern slope while the north gives way to rows of golden grain. Oxen work the heavier plots, while goats and sheep graze. Numerous buildings throughout the fields serve as workhouses and surplus storage.

Mountain Overlook

Those committed to taking in the valley from above must wade through a verdant jungle path, and then endure a steep switch-back laden climb. It takes the better part of a day to reach the top, but those who do are rewarded with a stunning view. The river shines like a bright light beneath the canopy, the courtyard a golden patch and distant mural of the sun, while the temple rises eternal and refined.

Memoriam

At this high point, an obsidian wall is etched with red-gold runes, listing the names of those who died in service to the Sun Mother. On the other side numerous scorchmarks coat the earth and back of the wall, the dead have been burned away, ashes scattered to the wind and back into the valley below.

~ The Golden Order~

The Golden Order serve as the Church of the Sun Mother’s Hearth Wardens. Sworn to the Temple and Honored blood, these virtuous folk defend the valley, seek out Sinful Terrors and pledge their life to the eradication of evil.

Knights of the Golden Order are easily recogzined, their iconic red platemail, adorned with golden sun motifs is well known throughout the coast. White cloaks blanket their shoulders, and golden boots and gauntlets complete the ensemble.

They are specialized in the longspear and tower shield, but many forgo the Sun Mother’s prefered weapon, limiting their spear fighting to long range. When close combat beckons they take to the claymore, and feared for it’s terrible slaying power. Thus, members of the Golden Order must be paragons of athleticism, and strength, capable of cutting a foe in two with a single swing. Those exceptionally skilled have even learned to fight with their weapons coated in oils and set ablaze.

Training takes place under grueling conditions where all members are equal. They follow a simple principal, “Suffer now, or die later.” Thus each drill is performed with the utmost stakes. Steep mountain runs, bloody combat, and wrestling in the courtyard are commonplace, while fasting, hours in the Eclipse Room, and Sinful Terror hunts are limited to once a month. Those who are injured are tended to by the Honored Blood herself, and consider it a great shame, and honor all the same.

Yet even amongst the arduous hours and training, they too join the congregation at each mass, tend the fields, and maintain the grounds. At final hours each night, they read passages from the Sacred Texts aloud, and discuss theology and principal to stay ever focused. To join the Golden Order is no small task, but none amongst their ranks regret the suffering, even for a moment.

~ Extra~

Acts of Service:

  • Recite a sacred prayer each dawn to empower the Sun Mother in her fight with the Night Terror.

  • At noon when the sun reaches its zenith, sit and absorb her healing rays. Bask in her glory and spread her light throughout the rest of the day.

  • At dusk, make a place at your table to welcome her home, soothing her wounds and filling her belly so she has the strength to fight anew.

  • Maintain a permanent flame in a censor, basin, or across candles.

Holidays:

The Summer Solstice

The Mourning- Honoring the day she was betrayed and nearly died.

The Rebirth- Honoring the day she breathed again.

The Descent- A day of facing fears, where folk descend into “the belly of terror” and survive to prove their courage.

The Eternal War- Honoring her choice to fight forever, protecting the people of Evaira.

Aphorisms:

“Shine bright and true.”

“Present like the Mother.”

“Glorious Dawn.”

“As loving as the Light.”

Attire:

Red robes with golden ribbon that lines the lowest trim and belt line, while sunburst decorations errupt around the sleeves and wrap around the neckline.

Coastal Heralds:

Roosters, Lizards and Cats (of all size)