B21 Temple of Heironeous

This large building resembles a military barracks. Soldiers march in unison, leaders bark out orders, trumpets sound for fighting practice, etc. The entire compound is devoted to the military training of these holy warriors. Security is very tight. No one is allowed into the compound/building who is not righteous in Heironeous eye (there are wards that sound alarms when anyone enters who is not Lawful and Good). Some of the innermost chambers are even protected against scrying. Guards are constantly on duty. The temple hall itself is full of images of glorious battles; stained glass depicting holy wars, huge marble statues of valiant warriors, tapestries with pictures of chivalric acts, etc.

Temple of Heironeous in Verbobonc

Located in the bustling Business District of Verbobonc, the Temple of Heironeous stands as a bastion of law and goodness, dedicated to the God of Justice. This article delves into the detailed lore, history, and operation of the temple, highlighting its unique architecture, military discipline, and the services it provides to the community and its followers.

Approaching the Temple

The Temple of Heironeous in Verbobonc is equal parts church, fortress, and military academy. Outwardly it resembles a great barracks complex: drill yards, barrack-blocks, armories, and war-chapels all gathered behind a disciplined screen of walls and watch-posts. Within, it serves as the chief city stronghold of The Holy Order of Heironeous , training paladins, war-clerics, and knightly officers in strict doctrine and battlefield craft.

Magical wards woven into the entry halls sound alarms if any creature of non–Lawful Good alignment attempts to pass deeper into the compound; the innermost cloisters are shielded from casual scrying. Security here is not paranoia but dogma—a living expression of the Heironean belief that temples are citadels against evil, not soft refuges.

Key Areas

Outer Courtyard & Drill Yards
The front courtyards are almost always in use:

• Shield-lines practicing advances and counter-charges under shouted cadence.
• Mounted knights of the Brotherhood of the Lance Unbroken spearing straw dummies on a narrow tilting-lane. The Holy Order of Heironeous
• Weapon-racks and practice lists kept immaculate—every blade oiled, every shield bearing the blue-and-silver device of the Order.

Visitors of good heart are often made to wait here until a priest or officer can receive them.

Hall of the Valorous Deeds
The main temple hall is a long, high-roofed chamber whose every surface proclaims Heironeous’s war against evil:

• Stained glass windows show holy wars, Heironean champions, and the lightning sigil shattering undead, fiends, and Hextorian banners.
• Marble statues of knights and saints line the walls, each base inscribed with a short maxim from the Heironean Code.
• A raised sanctuary dais at the far end holds a simple altar flanked by a banner of the Shining Sword and one of the Lance Unbroken. Here, services are conducted in Old Oeridian with battle-hymns, offerings, and martial blessings before the faithful return to their drills.

Inner Cloister & War-Armory
Beyond the public hall lie the secure spaces of the Order:

• Barracks for paladins, clerics, and knight-candidates, kept to spotless military standard. B21 Temple of Heironeous
• A vaulted armory housing ranks of polished mail, tabards, lances, and consecrated blades used by the temple companies.
• Map-chambers and briefing rooms where officers of Verbobonc’s army meet with temple strategists to plan campaigns and drills—especially in lands threatened by cults, raiders, or the shadow of the Temple of Elemental Evil.

Several of these chambers are warded against scrying or teleportation; secrets of troop movement and the Tests of Valor are not meant for enemy eyes.

History

Originally founded as a training ground for paladins and priests, the temple has evolved to serve dual purposes, including acting as temporary barracks for Verbobonc's armies. Its history is marked by a steadfast dedication to preparing its adherents for both spiritual and physical conflicts.

• Founding: Established to serve as a training ground for paladins and priests of Heironeous, ensuring they are prepared for both spiritual and physical warfare.
• Evolution: Over the years, the temple has grown in size and influence, often doubling as barracks for the city's armies and a training ground for the paladins.

Relationships and Politics

The temple maintains a cooperative relationship with the local government of Verbobonc, often providing military support. Although primarily dedicated to Heironeous, it occasionally collaborates with followers of other lawful good deities, reinforcing its political and spiritual influence in the region.

• Local Government: Maintains strong relations with Verbobonc's government, often providing military support and training services.
• Other Religious Orders: While primarily focused on Heironeous, the temple occasionally collaborates with other lawful good deities' followers.

Church of Heironeous is committed to fortifying its presence and outreach within Verbobonc, fostering an environment of trust and valor, guided by the principles of their deity.

• Security and Integrity: Strengthening internal checks and maintaining doctrinal purity to prevent infiltration and maintain the moral high ground.
• Community and Influence: Continuing to expand its influence, particularly in regions under the patronage of devout followers like Baron Rollof Avgustin, enhancing the church’s teachings and community services.

Membership and Relations

Characterized predominantly by clerics and paladins, the Church of Heironeous values martial prowess and spiritual leadership, welcoming those skilled in combat and leadership within its ranks.

• Core Members: Primarily composed of priests, defined as characters with most levels in Cleric or Paladin classes.
• Welcoming Warriors: The inclusion of marshals and knights, especially valued in the Brotherhood of the Lance Unbroken for their mounted combat skills.
• Interfaith Relations: Generally maintains cordial relationships with other good-aligned faiths, though occasional friction with the Mayaheine sect of the Church of Pelor arises due to overlapping martial and protective emphases.

Motivation and Goals

Focused on training warriors and clerics under the strict doctrines of Heironeous, the temple aims to spread justice and righteousness. It plays a significant role in the community by actively engaging in the fight against evil and supporting lawful good endeavors throughout the region.

• Primary Aim: To train and prepare warriors and clerics in the service of Heironeous, promoting justice and righteousness.
• Community Role: Acts as a deterrent against evil, providing strategic and combat support to uphold justice in the region.

Notable People

Notable figures include Tanner BrightBlade, the temple's strategic military leader, and Abbot Rodolfus, the head of religious affairs. The temple is also home to 22 priests, with three high-level members who exemplify profound devotion and leadership in their faith.

• Tanner BrightBlade: A brilliant strategist and the head military leader.
• Rodolfus: The spiritual leader and head of the temple, overseeing religious training and ceremonies.
• Devout Priests: 22 priests, with three notably high-level members demonstrating deep commitment to their faith.

Conclusion

The Temple of Heironeous in Verbobonc is more than just a place of worship; it is a crucial institution that intertwines faith, military discipline, and justice, serving the community and fostering the values of Heironeous. With its notable figures and strategic importance, the temple remains a pillar of strength in the fight against evil in the region.