File: jayose/Jayose Library: Talad, Our Benefactor And Our Guide.txt

by Murago Puntjal


It may seem hard to believe that there is anyone in Yliakum that has not heard of Talad, or is ignorant of the basic tenets of his followers. Yet there always seems to be a number of people that have yet to learn of Him. it is primarily for these people that this book is written, but there are others who would benefit from it as well; those who are recently converted to our faith, those who are curious about our ways, and those who believe but need a reminder of the basics.

Talad is one of the two gods that brought life to Yliakum. Together with Laanx, he fashioned this world. After creating Yliakum, Laanx created the Lemurs and Talad created the Kran. During the creation of the Kran, Talad accidentally injured Laanx and she fled into the Stone Labyrinths. Despite the anger Laanx feels towards Talad, Talad still wishes Laanx well and hopes that one day he will be forgiven.

It is from this ongoing act of love and patience that the followers of Talad model much of their interactions with society. We try to follow his example of love and patience. We are generous with our skills and goods towards those who are in need. We perform acts of service in the community. We are patient, knowing that all trials are temporary.

The temples of Talad are usually a walled-off set of buildings. The complexes often provide quarters for the priests and adepts, as well as food storage and warehouses. The buildings of the temple are connected with either covered walkways or paths for the major routes. The ones between the quarters and the temple are the most built up and decorated.

The first Temple of Talad was created by Talad himself during the fifth epoch. Talad used the full power of the glyphs, melting the walls of the Dome to forge his gigantic Temple in one complete piece of stone, sculpted by his puissance from the molten rock itself. The Temple is a glorious testament to Talad’s awe-inspiring might and knowledge. Vaulted ceilings arch to heights impossible to even the most crafty dwarven architect. Rare ores and glowing crystals shape and illuminate bas-reliefs, arabesques, symbols and inscriptions of knowledge. Fused arches of dark glass soar over distant floors of pale granite striped with basalt. There are stairways made of luminous crystalline glyphs, and indeed glyphs are found throughout the colossal structure. At rare intervals, the interactions of these glyphs and the people in the Temple cause strange magical effects, sometimes even manifesting actual material objects or creatures. These occurrences as seen by many as oracular messages from Talad himself; worshippers and priests often apply themselves to interpreting them. When Talad worked his craftsmanship, he blessed the molten stone forming an elaborate system of chimes that are sensitive to the regular wind patterns higher up near the crystal. This awesome set of chimes will let out a different noise to signify each passing hour.

To this day his Temple is the center of all learning and belief about Talad. Researchers believe that the uses of all of the glyphs can be better understood by studying the Temple’s structure. Pilgrims travel from all levels to see it, and it is said that all who worship Talad should make a trip to see his Temple during his or her lifetime.

The priesthood and adeptage of the temples of Talad are open to all. Unlike the followers of Laanx, Talad welcomes all who feel the call to serve him, regardless of race. The smaller temples usually have one priest and roughly six or seven adepts. The larger ones will have several priests and a virtual army of adepts.