Temple of the Radiant Sun

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Temple of the Radiant Sun
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The Temple of the Radiant Sun depicted on the Baerald map (2024).
General information
Alt. names:Temple of Pelor
Type:Temple
Location:High Quarter, Free City of Greyhawk
Built in:Fifth century CY
Demographics
Staff:High Matriarch Sarana
Occupants:Clergy of Pelor
Miscellaneous
Worship:Pelor

The Temple of the Radiant Sun, also known simply as the Temple of Pelor is a place of religious worship dedicated to Pelor, in the Garden Quarter of the Free City of Greyhawk. It is designated "G10" on maps of the city which include a key or legend.

Description

The venerable temple is not decrepit, but the time-honored façade is certainly timeworn.[1][2]

Interior

Despite the centenarian exterior, the inside of the temple is resplendent.[1] It is "filled with golden marvels of statuary and other finery"[3] and "golden draperies that symbolize the goodness of Pelor hang everywhere."[1]

There are three main chambers in the temple, those these are not necessarily the only rooms, just the largest. The first is the sanctuary where services are held. The two others are a large room where food and beverages are served to those who attend services, and a large chamber used as shelter for those who suffering homelessness or are unhoused for any reason.

"A shallow, rectangular pool on the grounds west of the temple has fountains built into it and is used for bathing during public ceremonies."[1]

Activities

The clergy of the temple of Pelor are known for their compassion and efforts to help the underprivileged. Occasionally, priests will take up for downtrodden travellers coming in through the Garden Gate, who are simply seeking "alms, food, drink, or shelter". The priests sometimes argue with the City Watch on behalf of these visitors.[1]

"The acolytes of the church devote time each day to helping the needy individual find employment and lodging."[3]

The church dispenses 120sp in alms weekly.[4]

Services

The temple of the Radiant Sun, depicted by Valerie Valusek in The City of Greyhawk boxed set poster map (Valusek map)

There are worship ceremonies in the morning every day of the week. There are also services throughout the day on Godsday.[2]

Typical services "last an hour long and are simple and to the point, with hymns and communal prayers."[5]

Holy Day of Pelor

On Midsummer Day, celebrations for the Holy Day of Pelor are held—a massive service and festival, which lasts from dawn until noon.[6] In the afternoon, the celbration continues with a massive feast in which the church feeds everyone, especially intended for the poor and hungry. A parade culminates the festivites, spanning all the way from the temple in the Garden Quarter all the way to the Old City. There, they "administer healing spells, food, and comfort to all who ask for it [...] free of charge."[7]

Couriers and messengers

The clergy of the temple support the efforts of the Union of Couriers and Messengers to offer a way for youths (especially orphans) to earn money to better their lives. Lower ranking priest or other clergy will sometimes "accompany the children on their rounds and spoil them a bit."[8]

History

This temple of Pelor was built in the late fifth century CY, prior to 481 CY,[2] about the same time the temple of Pelor in Newtemple on the Wild Coast was being rebuilt.[9]

Geography

People

Notable individuals

  • High Matriarch Sarana (NG female human Clr15)—

Other clergy

There are at least a dozen priests who are at the temple full-time. In addition to the High Matriarch, there are:

  • 1—7th level
  • 2—4th level
  • 8—1st-level acolytes

Resources

See Also

See also: Category:Locations in the City of Greyhawk.

Maps

Disclaimer:Any lore presented through the following links does not necessarily adhere to established officially published content, and the views expressed do not necessarily represent the views of the editors of this wiki.

References

Notes

Citations

  1. a b c d e The Adventure Begins (1998), p.91.
  2. a b c The City of Greyhawk (1989), p.64, Gem of the Flanaess.
  3. a b The City of Greyhawk (1989), p.65, Gem of the Flanaess.
  4. Crypt of Lyzandred the Mad (1998), p.20.
  5. "The Setting Sun". Dungeon #73 (Mar/Apr 1999), p.64
  6. The City of Greyhawk (1989), p.64, Folks, Feuds, and Factions.
  7. The Adventure Begins (1998), p.44.
  8. The Adventure Begins (1998), p.123.
  9. "The Setting Sun". Dungeon #73 (Mar/Apr 1999), p.69

Bibliography

Encyclopedia Greyhawkania Index

The Encyclopedia Greyhawkania Index (EGI) is based on previous work of Jason Zavoda through '08, continued by numerous other fans. The EGI article has a list of sources, product names, abbreviations, and a link to the full, downloadable index.

Topic Type Description Product Page/Card/Image

Pelor, Temple of (Chendl) Building Temple, WG8 Fate of Istus 84
Pelor, Temple of (Chendl) Building Temple, WGR4 The Marklands IC
Pelor, Temple of (City of Greyhawk) Building Temple, The City of Greyhawk: Folks, Feuds and Factions 27, 28, 64, 86
Pelor, Temple of (City of Greyhawk) Building Temple, The City of Greyhawk: Gem of the Flanaess 64
Pelor, Temple of (City of Greyhawk) Building Temple, LT2 Crypt of Lyzandred the Mad 20
Pelor, Temple of (City of Greyhawk) Building Temple, Dungeon magazine #073 58, 59, 60, 73
Pelor, Temple of (City of Greyhawk) Building Temple, Living Greyhawk Journal #2 5
Pelor, Temple of (City of Greyhawk) Building Temple, Player's Guide to Greyhawk 28, 32
Pelor, Temple of (City of Greyhawk) Building Temple, The Adventure Begins 44, 63, 91, 123
Pelor, Temple of (City of Greyhawk) Building Temple, WGA4 Vecna Lives! 25
Pelor, Temple of (Critwall) Building Temple, WGR5 Iuz the Evil 44
Pelor, Temple of (Hardby) Building Temple, Slavers, AD&D 2e 36, 37
Pelor, Temple of (Hommlet) Building Temple, Return to the Temple of Elemental Evil, D&D 3.0e 9, 10, 12
Pelor, Temple of (Newtemple) Building Temple, Dungeon magazine #073 60, 62, 64, 65, 68, 73
Pelor, Temple of (Rel Mord) Building Temple, WG8 Fate of Istus 15, 16
Pelor, Temple of (Rel Mord) Building Temple, WGR4 The Marklands IC, 77
Pelor, Temple of (The Solarium) Building Temple, Defenders of the Faith, D&D 3.0e 30-32
Pelor, Temple of (Willip) Building Temple, WGR4 The Marklands IC