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4. Temple of Beory - Osterk

Presiding on the hill is a small wooden chapel with a peaked roof and open wall entrance. a stone altar at the north wall. The altar is decorated with a carving of a rotund, female figurine. A Ipp wood bowl, the Crucible of Beory, rests upon the altar.

Perched on the low northern rise overlooking Ostverk’s heart, the Temple of Beory is a sacred druidic shrine and spiritual lifeline for the village. Built of weathered ipp wood and crowned with a peaked roof, the open-sided temple offers more than prayer—it is a place of ancestral memory, druidic law, and sanctuary in times of upheaval.

At its core stands the Crucible of Beory a carved bowl of ancient power, used to consecrate waters, heal the barren, and bind oaths to the earth. The temple is stewarded by Tiriel Mossheart, a Flan-born High Druidess of the Old Faith whose influence extends beyond the grove into the politics and protection of the entire Kronwood frontier.

The temple is a place of reverence and refuge for the villagers, particularly in times of fear and uncertainty. Here, the faithful gather to seek Beory’s protection, especially in light of the rising threats in the region, including the depletion of local defenses, banditry, and the ominous presence of Iuz to the north.

"If Corbin commands with sword and scroll, Tiriel commands with seed and storm."

Historical Significance

  • Oldest Sacred Site in Ostverk: Founded before the construction of Deleveu Manor or Caer Ostverk, the temple was originally a stone circle maintained by wandering Flan druids.
  • Gnarley Druid Circle Nexus: The site lies on a converging leylight, and for centuries has been a meeting point for rangers, druids, and elders.
  • Seat of Balance: Unlike temples of law or order, the Temple of Beory enforces natural equilibrium. It is both sanctuary and judgment hall.

History of the Temple

The Temple of Beory has been a cornerstone of Ostverk’s spiritual life for generations. Built by the first settlers of the village, the temple has evolved from a simple shrine into a place of deep significance for the Druids of The Old Faith and the people of Ostverk.

Key Historical Events
  • Foundation: The temple was established by the early inhabitants of Ostverk, who sought Berei’s blessing for their new homes and farmlands. The site was chosen for its proximity to the village’s most sacred natural features, including Hingnora Pond and the Gnarley Forest.
  • Druidic Influence: Over the centuries, the Druids of the Old Faith have maintained the temple, ensuring that it remains a pure and holy place. The current steward of the temple, Tiriel, is a respected druid who oversees its rituals and maintains the sacred Crucible of Beory.
  • Modern Role: In recent years, the temple has become a focal point for the community as they face increasing threats from bandits and the encroaching evil from the Gnarley Forest and Lortmil Mountains. The villagers regularly visit the temple to seek Berei’s protection and blessings.

Architecture and Layout

The Temple of Beory is a modest wooden chapel with a peaked roof and an open wall entrance, reflecting the simplicity and humility valued by the Old Faith. Its design is both functional and symbolic, providing a serene space for worship and reflection.

Key Architectural Features
  • Wooden Chapel: The temple is constructed from locally sourced wood, primarily Ipp, known for its durability and connection to nature. The peaked roof provides shelter, while the open wall entrance invites all who seek Berei’s blessings.
  • Stone Altar: At the northern end of the temple stands a simple stone altar, adorned with carvings of a rotund, female figurine symbolizing Beory. The altar is the focal point of the temple, where offerings are made, and blessings are bestowed.
  • The Crucible of Beory: Resting upon the altar is the Crucible of Beory, a finely crafted Ipp wood crucible adorned with runes. This sacred object is used in various rituals, including those for fertility and consecration.
Druid of Beory Altar by 3orcs

Rituals and Sacred Objects

The Temple of Beory is the site of many important rituals, each designed to honor Beory and seek her blessings for the community.

The Crucible of Beory

The Crucible of Beory is a sacred object made from Ipp wood, intricately carved with runes and symbols that connect it to Beory’s divine power. Despite its delicate appearance, the crucible is enchanted to perform powerful rituals.

Powers and Uses
  • Fertility Blessing: Once per day, the crucible can be used to grant fertility to those who seek it, ensuring the continuation of family lines.
  • Holy Water Creation: Once per week, the crucible can transform fresh rainwater into holy water when blessed by Tiriel. This water is used in various purification and protection rituals.
  • Conception Blessing: When a woman drinks holy water from the crucible and receives a blessing from Tiriel, she is granted the ability to conceive offspring, regardless of age or other conditions.

Political and Social Influence

The Temple of Beory plays a significant role in the political and social fabric of Ostverk. As a spiritual center, it influences the relationships between the village’s leaders, the elves of Celene, and The Gnarley Rangers.

Political and Social Influence

The Temple of Beory plays a central role in Ostverk’s balance of power. While it holds no titles or tax rights, its spiritual authority influences the decisions of both nobility and ranger command.

With Lord Corbin Deleveu
  • Corbin respects Tiriel as his spiritual equal, and consults her before making borderland policy decisions that affect the land or sacred spaces.
  • She is one of the few people who can challenge Corbin without political reprisal, especially when nature is at risk.
With Ranger Knight Owain Lynwood Terfellan
  • Owain, the Ranger Knight of the Kron Woodlands, is a devoted ally of Tiriel, and seeks her insight before launching any operation in sacred glades or ley-woven thickets.
  • Their partnership represents the harmony between natural defense and druidic wisdom, often serving as a model for junior rangers.
With Senior Ranger Wyn
  • Wyn, Owain’s most trusted field commander, frequently visits the temple for blessings before long-range patrols.
  • Wyn considers Tiriel a mentor and weatherseer, especially in times when omens speak louder than tracks.
With the Elf Clans
  • Clan Enlanefel holds the temple in deep esteem due to Tiriel’s marriage alliance with Lord Corbin and her Flan spiritual lineage.
  • Clan Fealefel, though distant, permits its sentinels to participate in equinox rites at the shrine when invited.
  • Caer Ostverk’s elven priests do not interfere with the temple, and some young elves are known to visit in secret to witness “the true rhythm of the land.”

Relationship with the People of Ostverk

To the villagers, the Temple of Beory is more than a church—it is their moral hearth. They turn to Tiriel when crops falter, livestock fall ill, or bandits grow bold.

  • Trusted Counselor: Farmers and merchants alike seek her counsel before travel or planting
  • Protector of the Innocent: Tiriel shelters widows, orphans, and the forsaken in the temple’s outer ring during storms and raids
  • Respected Mediator: In village disputes, her word is final—even when it contradicts guard rulings

The Growing Tensions

The Temple of Beory stands at the crossroads of several growing tensions in the region. As the threats to Ostverk increase, the temple’s role as a sanctuary and place of counsel becomes ever more critical.

Concerns Over Celene’s Closed Borders
  • Impact on Trade and Communication: The closed borders have disrupted traditional trade routes and limited the exchange of knowledge and resources between Ostverk and Celene, leading to increased isolation and insecurity.
  • Diplomatic Struggles: Lord Corbin Deleveu and Tiriel work together to maintain diplomatic ties with the elves, but the situation remains delicate.
Rising Banditry and Raids
  • Fear Among Villagers: The increasing frequency of bandit raids on farms has left the villagers fearful and more reliant on Berei’s protection. The temple has become a central place for seeking solace and strength.
  • Impact on Agriculture: The raids have disrupted farming activities, threatening the village’s food supply and economic stability.
  • Walled Town: Tiriel and Captain Baris are often seen in a heated argument to build walls around the town.

Adventure Hooks

  • The Soil Weeps – Farmers report black sap oozing from sacred trees near the shrine; Tiriel sends for heroes to uncover the corruption.
  • The Midwife’s Trial – A gnome woman’s child is stillborn under the full moon; Tiriel believes a blood curse is active.
  • The Grove Unwarded – Tiriel tasks the players with anchoring ward-stones in the deep woods, but fey creatures oppose them at every step.
  • Ash and Fang – In the dead of night, a band of Gnolls descended upon the Temple of Beory, torching the chapel’s roof and stealing the Crucible of Beory, the village’s most sacred relic. The villagers are shaken, the land itself seems wounded, and Tiriel believes the gnolls were guided by something darker than mere hunger. Recovering the Crucible is not only a matter of honor—it is a race against desecration.

Conclusion

The Temple of Berei in Ostverk is more than just a place of worship; it is a beacon of hope and stability in a time of uncertainty. As the villagers face increasing threats from banditry, depleted defenses, and the closed borders of Celene, the temple provides a sanctuary where they can seek Berei’s blessings and protection. Under the stewardship of Tiriel, the temple continues to play a crucial role in maintaining the spiritual and social fabric of the community, offering comfort and guidance to all who seek it.

Tiriel Druid of Beory by 3orcs

Tiriel, Cleric of Berei

The Temple of Beory is overseen by Tiriel, a druidess of The Old Faith. Tiriel is known for her wisdom, her deep connection to nature, and her unwavering dedication to Beory.

  • Description: Tiriel is unique among the elves of the Gnarley Forest, being one of the very few who serve as a cleric rather than a druid of Beory, the Hearth Mother. She is a half-elf of stunning beauty, with long blonde hair—unusual for an elf—and startling emerald eyes. She often wears a simple spun tunic, a long elven green cloak, and an oak root crest in her hair, symbolizing her connection to nature's divine power.
  • Role and Responsibilities: As the spiritual leader of the Temple of Beory, Tiriel is responsible for conducting rituals, maintaining the temple, and offering guidance to the villagers. She performs daily offerings using the Crucible of Beory, invoking the goddess's blessings for fertility, prosperity, and peace. Her duties include making holy water, blessing couples seeking fertility, and leading the community in times of need.
Notable Persons & Inhabitants

The Temple of Beory is not only a place of worship but also a gathering spot for key figures in the community, each contributing to its upkeep and spiritual mission.

Key Inhabitants and Visitors
  • Tiriel: As the temple’s steward, Tiriel is its most notable inhabitant, known for her wisdom and deep connection to Beory.
  • Lord Corbin Deleveu: Though primarily focused on military and political matters, Lord Deleveu often visits the temple to seek guidance and ensure the spiritual well-being of his people.
  • @The Gnarley Rangers: These guardians of the forest frequently visit the temple to receive blessings before embarking on dangerous missions. Often visited by Knight Ranger Owain Lynwood Terfellan and senior ranger Wyn.

Type
Temple / Church
Parent Location
Owning Organization
Characters in Location
Shrine of Beory by 3orcs


Articles under 4. Temple of Beory - Osterk



Cover image: by 3orcs

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