Structure and Appearance

Location:

The temple is situated in a secluded part of the capital city, Ambria, surrounded by ancient trees and shrouded in mist. The area is quiet, creating a serene atmosphere that invites reflection and reverence.

Exterior:

- Architecture: The temple’s exterior is built from dark stone, intricately carved with symbols of mortality and the afterlife. The architecture combines gothic and ethereal elements, with spires reaching towards the sky, symbolizing the connection between the mortal realm and the afterlife.

- Entrance: The entrance is a grand archway adorned with a veil of twilight-colored fabric that seems to shimmer and shift with the breeze. Flanking the entrance are statues of hooded figures, their faces obscured, representing the mysterious nature of Nephthys.

- Surroundings: The temple is encircled by a cemetery with ancient tombstones and mausoleums, emphasizing its connection to death rituals and funeral rites. The path leading to the entrance is lined with lanterns that emit a soft, otherworldly glow.

Interior:

- Main Hall: Upon entering, visitors are greeted by a vast hall dimly lit by chandeliers made of shadowy crystal. The air is cool, with an ethereal mist that floats just above the ground. The walls are adorned with tapestries depicting the journey of souls and the balance between life and death.

- Altar: At the center of the main hall is a grand altar made of obsidian, with a veil of twilight fabric draped over it. The altar features a large scythe, the favored weapon of Nephthys, and a staff symbolizing her dominion over death. Offerings of flowers, incense, and candles are placed around the altar by worshippers.

- Veil of Souls: Behind the altar, a large, semi-transparent veil hangs from the ceiling, embroidered with scenes of the afterlife. It is said that through this veil, devotees can glimpse visions and receive guidance from Nephthys.

Sacred Spaces

- Chambers of Reflection: Adjacent to the main hall are several smaller chambers where followers can meditate and seek understanding of the mysteries beyond the mortal veil. Each chamber is furnished with comfortable seating and adorned with calming symbols of repose and fate.

- Hall of Rites: This space is dedicated to performing death rituals and funeral rites. It is equipped with an array of ceremonial tools and is often filled with the soft chanting of the clergy as they honor the passage of souls.

- Library of Forbidden Knowledge: A secure and heavily guarded library within the temple houses ancient texts and scrolls that delve into the mysteries of death and the afterlife. Only the initiated and those seeking deeper knowledge with pure intentions are allowed access.

Clergy and Worshippers

- Attire: The clergy of Nephthys wear robes of deep purple and black, adorned with symbols of mortality. Their faces are often partially veiled, mirroring the enigmatic nature of their deity.

- Rituals: Regular ceremonies are held at twilight, the time of day that symbolizes the boundary between light and darkness. These include chanting, offerings, and invocations to Nephthys for guidance and protection.

- Training: Initiates undergo rigorous training in the divine skill of occultism, learning to respect and maintain the balance between life and death.

Special Features

- Divine Sanctuary: A hidden sanctum within the temple where the most devout followers and clergy can commune directly with Nephthys. This room is said to be imbued with her divine presence, providing clarity and wisdom to those who seek it.

- Healing and Harm: The temple offers services of healing to the living and rites of passage to the departed, in alignment with Nephthys’ divine font. Special areas are designated for these sacred acts, ensuring they are conducted with the utmost respect and sanctity.

Roles & Responsibilities

High Priest/Priestess of the Veil

Role: The supreme authority in the temple.

Responsibilities:

• Oversee all temple activities and rituals.

• Serve as the primary intermediary between Nephthys and her followers.

• Lead the most important ceremonies and rites.

• Provide spiritual guidance to the clergy and worshippers.

• Ensure the temple’s adherence to Nephthys’ edicts and anathema.

Veil Guardians

Role: Senior priests and priestesses.

Responsibilities:

• Assist the High Priest/Priestess in ceremonial duties.

• Mentor and train junior clergy members.

• Safeguard the sacred texts and artifacts.

• Perform advanced rituals and rites.

• Manage the Library of Forbidden Knowledge and regulate access.

Soul Keepers

Role: Mid-level clergy responsible for the day-to-day operations of the temple.

Responsibilities:

• Conduct regular rituals and ceremonies.

• Maintain the chambers of reflection and hall of rites.

• Provide counsel and support to worshippers.

• Assist in the preparation and performance of death rituals and funeral rites.

• Oversee the temple’s administrative tasks.

Twilight Acolytes

Role: Novice clergy members in training.

Responsibilities:

• Assist in daily rituals and ceremonies.

• Learn and practice the sacred rites and traditions.

• Study the divine texts and teachings of Nephthys.

• Support the Soul Keepers in their duties.

• Participate in the maintenance and upkeep of the temple grounds.

Death Wardens

Role: Temple guards and protectors.

Responsibilities:

• Ensure the security and sanctity of the temple.

• Protect the clergy and worshippers from external threats.

• Guard the Library of Forbidden Knowledge and sacred artifacts.

• Enforce the temple’s rules and the divine anathema.

• Assist in ceremonial preparations and processions.

Seekers of the Veil

Role: Devoted worshippers and scholars.

Responsibilities:

• Pursue deep understanding of the mysteries of death and the afterlife.

• Participate in advanced studies and spiritual practices.

• Assist in the documentation and preservation of rituals.

• Serve as scribes and chroniclers for the temple’s history and lore.

• Engage in research to support the clergy’s work.

Funeral Rite Specialists

Role: Experts in death rituals and funeral rites.

Responsibilities:

• Lead and organize funeral ceremonies.

• Prepare bodies for burial or other rites.

• Provide comfort and support to grieving families.

• Ensure the proper performance of death rituals according to Nephthys’ teachings.

• Educate the community about the significance and practices of funeral rites.

Lay Servants

Role: General assistants and caretakers.

Responsibilities:

• Maintain the cleanliness and order of the temple.

• Prepare offerings and ceremonial items.

• Assist in the temple’s hospitality services.

• Support the clergy in logistical and operational tasks.

• Engage in community outreach and support services.

Main figures

High Priestess Seraphine Velora

Role: High Priestess of the Veil

Description: A tall, ethereal figure with silver hair and piercing blue eyes that seem to see through to the soul. She wears elaborate robes of deep purple adorned with silver embroidery, and a delicate veil partially conceals her face.

Personality: Wise and serene, with an air of mystery. Seraphine is compassionate but firm, guiding the temple with a steady hand and an unwavering commitment to the teachings of Nephthys.

Backstory: Born into a family of devout worshippers, Seraphine showed an early affinity for the divine mysteries of Nephthys. She rose through the ranks quickly, her deep understanding of the afterlife and natural charisma making her a natural leader.

Role in the Temple: Leads major ceremonies, provides spiritual guidance, and oversees all temple activities.

Guardian Thaddeus

Role: Veil Guardian

Description: A middle-aged man with a strong, imposing presence. He has short, greying hair, a well-trimmed beard, and wears simple but elegant robes. His eyes are a deep, thoughtful brown.

Personality: Stern but fair, Thaddeus is dedicated to maintaining order and discipline within the temple. He is knowledgeable and deeply respectful of the temple’s traditions.

Backstory: Thaddeus served as a Death Warden before being promoted to Veil Guardian due to his exemplary service and deep understanding of Nephthys’ teachings.

Role in the Temple: Assists the High Priestess, mentors junior clergy, and safeguards sacred texts and artifacts.

Keeper Elara Nyx

Role: Soul Keeper

Description: A young woman with long, dark hair and striking green eyes. She often wears a calm, contemplative expression and dresses in the traditional black and purple robes of the Soul Keepers.

Personality: Compassionate and empathetic, Elara is deeply attuned to the emotions of others. She has a gentle demeanor and is known for her soothing presence.

Backstory: Elara lost her family at a young age, leading her to seek solace in the teachings of Nephthys. Her personal experiences with loss drive her dedication to helping others through their grief.

Role in the Temple: Conducts daily rituals, counsels worshippers, and oversees funeral rites.

Acolyte Lysander

Role: Twilight Acolyte

Description: A young man with an eager and inquisitive nature. He has short, tousled hair, bright hazel eyes, and a perpetual look of curiosity. His robes are simple and unadorned, marking his novice status.

Personality: Enthusiastic and eager to learn, Lysander is friendly and approachable. He is passionate about the mysteries of death and the afterlife.

Backstory: Lysander joined the temple after experiencing a near-death event that left him fascinated by the boundary between life and death. He is determined to understand and honor Nephthys’ teachings.

Role in the Temple: Assists in rituals, studies sacred texts, and supports Soul Keepers in their duties.

Warden Cassius Blackthorn

Role: Death Warden

Description: A tall, muscular man with a stern visage. He has short black hair, a clean-shaven face, and sharp, vigilant eyes. He wears practical armor under his robes, ready to protect the temple at a moment’s notice.

Personality: Diligent and protective, Cassius is unwavering in his duty. He is stoic and rarely shows emotion, focusing solely on his responsibilities.

Backstory: A former soldier, Cassius sought a more meaningful existence after the horrors of war. He found purpose in protecting the temple and its sacred traditions.

Role in the Temple: Ensures security, guards sacred spaces, and enforces the temple’s rules.

Seeker Aveline Frost

Role: Seeker of the Veil

Description: A scholarly woman with an aura of quiet determination. She has long, silver-streaked hair tied back in a braid, and her piercing grey eyes are often hidden behind spectacles. She wears simple, functional robes.

Personality: Introspective and analytical, Aveline is dedicated to uncovering the deeper mysteries of Nephthys’ teachings. She is patient and methodical in her studies.

Backstory: Aveline was a historian before joining the temple, and her quest for knowledge led her to the sacred texts of Nephthys. She seeks to uncover hidden truths and deepen her understanding of the afterlife.

Role in the Temple: Conducts research, documents rituals, and provides scholarly insights to the clergy.

Specialist Orion Graves

Role: Funeral Rite Specialist

Description: An older man with a kind, weathered face. He has short, greying hair, and warm brown eyes that convey deep empathy. His robes are adorned with symbols of repose and mourning.

Personality: Gentle and compassionate, Orion is deeply committed to his work. He is patient and understanding, providing comfort to those in mourning.

Backstory: Orion has spent his entire life working with the dead, first as an undertaker and then as a Funeral Rite Specialist. His deep respect for the deceased and their families has made him a beloved figure in the community.

Role in the Temple: Leads funeral ceremonies, prepares bodies for burial, and educates the community on funeral rites.