Cherry Blossom Temple
Located about 15 miles inside the Holy Kaelthian Republic/Duarchy of Kotimaa border, about 10 miles ENE from the border town of Bradford, this was the largest temple of Sakara in the region until 250 AC.
This smallish temple was dedicated entirely to Sakara, Lady of the Dawn. It is not in full communion with the Church of the Seasons (either the HKR branch or the Duarchy branch), as it anoints its own clergy and does not accept their hierarchies as ruling.
Known for its idyllic setting, the temple consists of a main stone chapel, three buildings serving as housing (two for acolytes and priests, the other for visitors/refugee seekers), and extensive flower gardens with everblooming cherry trees (a blessing from Sakara herself, some say). The temple is the site of an extremely expensive organ, imported from Shinevog as a gift from a wealthy patron.
The temple serves as a refugee place for halflings seeking asylum from their families or from feuds; this refuge status is accepted and respected by the major Families in the area. Refuge is generally temporary.
As of spring 250 AC, there were 15 permanent residents of Cherry Blossom Temple: • Head Priest Jacob of Bradavon, a young, kindly human male. Extremely pious and devoted to non-violence. • Underpriest Elena Broadhill, a kliba halfling. The "mother" of the temple, she's elderly and extremely sweet. • Underpriest Jaenna vo White Owl, a female half-orc. Somewhat of an oddity, she chafes a bit at the passivity but is trying to accept it. • 12 acolytes. About half of them live on site and are full-time, the others are attached to local communities.
Events of 13 Renewal 250 AC
On the first day of the High Festival of Spring (13-16 Renewal, about 2 days before the party arrives on 15 Renewal), a force of raiders, the leader appearing to look like a tall death knight attacked the temple without warning, killing everyone inside(including festival attendees) and desecrating the place (including hanging bodies on the organ pipes). Written in the blood of the victims on a wall is "Thus to the gods and all who worship them". However, the body of Tson Azur (Tsun Azur's son) was not found, along with a few of the younger acolytes whose bodies are missing. They were found miraculously preserved from death in a storage cave.
Rebuilding, Summer 250 AC
The temple is now under reconstruction by a group of former temple acolytes and locals, funded by unknown sources. It's not going to be rededicated to Sakara, however. And the first thing they're building is a training hall. Reports are that the group's doctrines are
- Free the oppressed.
- Men are just as good as women, even halflings.
- When in doubt, smite the kneecaps.
