H9 Shrine of Beory
Nestled in the pastoral expanses beyond the sturdy walls of Verbobonc lies a sacred site revered by the local agrarian communities—the Shrine of Beory. This hallowed ground serves as a testament to the enduring bond between the people of the land and the primordial forces that nurture their livelihoods.
Location Highlights
Situated outside the city walls, the Shrine of Beory offers a tranquil retreat into nature's embrace. Composed of 12 monolithic granite blocks, arranged in a deliberate circular formation, this shrine is a marvel of druidic craftsmanship and spiritual significance.- Carved Symbols: Each stone is meticulously inscribed with the holy symbols of Beory—the Oerth Mother—and adorned with a sequence of druidic runes capable of forecasting the weather, serving as a divine farmer's almanac.
Cultural and Religious Importance
- Seasonal Pilgrimages: Local farmers and inhabitants make their way to this shrine at key points in the agricultural calendar, seeking blessings for bountiful harvests, weather favorable for their crops, and the overall well-being of their lands.
- Central to the Worship of Beory: The shrine is not just a place of worship but a vibrant center for community gatherings, especially during rainfall, when ceremonies are conducted to honor Beory, the goddess of nature, fertility, and rain.
- Open Ceremonies: The layout of the shrine, open to the skies, is by design, allowing the rain to partake in the rituals dedicated to Beory, thereby enhancing the communion between the devotees and the divine.
Notable Individuals
Resheph the Druid of Beory: A guardian of the shrine and a spiritual guide for the community, Resheph is deeply connected to the forces of nature and the divine. His presence at the shrine is a source of comfort and guidance for those seeking to deepen their connection with Beory.Community Impact
The Shrine of Beory is more than just a place of worship; it is a cornerstone of the local culture and spirituality. It symbolizes the deep respect and reverence the people hold for the natural world and its cycles, which sustain their way of life. By maintaining their traditions and paying homage to Beory at this ancient shrine, the people of Verbobonc's outskirts reaffirm their commitment to living in harmony with nature, securing the blessings of the earth mother for generations to come.Notable People
This area is frequented by worshipers who wish to commune with nature (mainly Druids). The monoliths are open to the sky, and most ceremonies to Beory are held when it rains on the worshipers.Adventure Hooks
- Blighted Stones: One or two monoliths begin to show black veining and cracked runes, and the weather turns strange. A nearby blight, cult, or magical experiment is offending Beory, and the druids ask the PCs to set it right.
- Rain that Will Not Come: A lingering drought sees tempers flare between Old Faith leaders and city officials. The PCs might mediate between druids, priests of Rao or St. Cuthbert, and grain merchants, or participate in a great rain-calling rite that goes awry.
- Desecration at Dawn: Someone has defaced the carvings on a stone with foreign symbols or cult marks. Resheph wants the perpetrators found; the trail may lead back to urban agitators, Temple agents, or even misguided reformers.
- Trial Under the Open Sky: Instead of a city courtroom, a local dispute—over land rights, water, or a border hedge—is brought before Beory’s shrine. The party is asked to serve as witnesses, advocates, or neutral investigators in a judgment that will shape rural loyalties.
by 3orcs
The shrine is dedicated to the Beory of the Old Faith.
Resheph, Druid of Beory
The shrine’s recognized guardian is Resheph, the same Druid of Beory associated with the Pond of the Hart.- He appears here for major rites, guiding the community through prayers and weather readings, then vanishes again into wild shape and wandering.
- For most day-to-day matters, lesser druids and lay-leaders of the Old Faith tend the site, but Resheph’s name carries great weight: invoking it is often enough to make most rural folk listen.
- PCs who have already met Resheph at the Pond of the Hart can find him again here—or be told that “he has gone where the roots run deeper,” sending them into the Gnarley on his trail.
Features & Minor Magic
You can highlight the shrine’s power with a few subtle features:- Weather Reading: With a short ritual at the stones, a druid or ranger can gain a reliable forecast for the next 24–48 hours, flavored as reading runes and clouds rather than casting a spell.
- Gentle Ground: Creatures that short rest within the stone circle regain +1 extra hit die worth of healing (or similar small boon), representing Beory’s quiet nurturing.
- Taboo on Violence: Shedding blood within the circle is considered a grave offense; druids and commoners alike may react with horror—and Beory’s favor may cool for those who violate her peace.
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