Sanctuary Avenue Of Temples

The most remarkable display of architectural variety and of co-operation in service to greed can be found in the Avenue of Temples. The Avenue is the only place where most organised religion is encouraged in Sanctuary. All forms of worship have been crammed into a single street. Demon cultists rub shoulders with saints or heathens. The primary cults include the Archangels as represented by Michael and Uriel, the demons Berith, Seir, Gremory, Valefor, Gusion, Labolas, Malphas, the northern god Odin, the Arabie gods, and some of the Elven gods. Each cult has their own temple, although many were built by previous cults. Religious privileges such as the imposition of canon-law are supported by all cults, although punishment by blood sacrifice, flagellation or public fornication vary from cult to cult. Currently Gremory's temple virgins are the most popular service. However, Berith is supported by more town authorities, and the Duke of Ranke is paying for a new Cathedral for Michael as part of preparations for joining the Western Kingdom.

Places

• Temple of Berith - A torture-hall where animals and slaves are sacrificed to the Lord of Sanctuary in excruciating pain, followed by an all-you-can-eat buffet.
• Shrine of Malphas - a simple marble shrine in a wooded garden.
• Temple of the Æsir - a large multi-coloured temple sporting many onion-like cupolas. The temple formerly housed a Moravian religion, now defunct. The interior of the temple is hung with wolf-skins and other familiar trappings of the Norden religion, and has shrines to a number of the better known Norden gods including Wotan, Thunor, and Freya. Popular with northern sailors.
• Hall of Gamblers - A place of Worship for Seir and his followers. Located opposite the Church of Uriel. This establishment is rumoured to accept bets on any outcome of any event. (Odd favouring the house of course)
• Church of Uriel - a classical building with white marble pillars. If you are actually innocent, this is perhaps the best place to turn yourself in, as long as you are not penniless.
• Gremory's Couch - The most faithfully attended services in Sanctuary are held in a long building filled with blue smoke, fresh fruit, and couches overflowing with temple virgins.
• Ruins of the Temple of Fire - a cracked and partially collapsed fire blackened dome, the temple has had a number of different Fire cult / religion owners over the years, but has been closed since it was badly damaged in 798 WK and its owners -- the Children of the Twin Flames (an alliance of Aim and Belial cultists) -- were killed or scattered. There are rumours that new owners have tried to repair the building but that mysterious accidents and deaths have halted repairs. The site is popularly supposed to be cursed and haunted.
• Gusion's School - While no public services are held, the school is open to anyone who wishes to commit to a year's education, and teaches reading and writing most mornings. Truancy is unheard of.
• Temple of Alternate Day Saints - This long, low building is discretely set back from the Avenue, with multiple side entrances. Inside, there are a large number of alcoves & side-chapels; many are dedicated to the more obscure cults, while others are left unconsecrated. For a nominal fee, a worshipper may pray to their own god(s) in a place of worship, in absolute discretion. For a further fee, the alcove can be decorated precisely as required, and cleaned afterwards. Alcoves are charged on an hourly or per diem basis. The Gods of adultery & infidelity are commonly worshipped here, along with those of practises too shady to be discussed in a Maze tavern.

People of Note

• Molin Torchholder - Head of the cult of Berith and administrative representative for Michael. He is extremely powerful, rich and dedicated to the glory of his god(s).
• Arbalest - Archpriest of Valefor.
• Hazroah - Curate of Gusion. Controller of the City Griffons. Kidnapper and plotter.
• Irik - Master Priest of Foras, and a punster.
• Rashan - Urielite High Inquisitor. His fight for a better city is now more political than theological.
• Smhee - Priest of some Five Sisters goddess. Known for his stench due to rancid butter smeared over his entire round body.

Law

Canon law for crimes against the gods. Pick your temple carefully. Disputes between devotees are settled by the Third Command. They will believe the word of priests over others.

Map

This is an artistic rendition of the Avenue of Temples by Braun and Hogenberg.