The Abandoned Temple District

Once vibrant with the sounds of worship and celebration, the Temple District of Alchester now lies mostly in ruins, a skeletal reminder of the days when the Fallen Immortals commanded respect and reverence. Stone pillars reach toward the sky like beseeching hands, their surfaces worn smooth by time and neglect. Crumbling facades bear the faded insignias of deities whose names are seldom spoken.

In this forgotten place, few venture after nightfall. The citizens of Alchester give the district a wide berth, citing ill omens and whispered tales of shadowy figures moving through the abandoned temples. They are not entirely wrong in their suspicions, for within the heart of this crumbling district lies the Jakaree Lair, hidden from prying eyes and flourishing in the shadows.

Origins of the Sanctuary

The Jakaree did not establish their presence in Alchester by chance. Almost a century ago, a group of wandering cultists dedicated to the Dark One discovered a forgotten temple in the already-declining district. This particular shrine had been dedicated to Morthis, an ancient deity of transition and endings whose worship had long since faded. The symbolism was not lost on the cultists; they saw it as a sign from their imprisoned god.

Led by a high priest named Veridian, the forerunner to Onius, the Jakaree began a secret infiltration of the temple grounds. They worked under the cover of darkness, clearing debris and establishing secret chambers beneath the temple floor. Once used for religious ceremonies honoring the transition between life and death, the existing catacombs provided a perfect foundation for their expanding lair.

Over the decades, what began as a simple outpost became an extensive underground network. The Jakaree moved slowly, methodically, ensuring their presence remained undetected by Alchester's authorities. They crafted an elaborate facade; the temple appeared abandoned and dangerous from the outside, with strategically weakened walls and treacherous-looking entryways deterring casual explorers.

The Structure and Layout

From the exterior, the Temple of Morthis appears to be just another decaying structure in the district. Its once-grand facade is now marked by collapsed sections and overgrown with tenacious vines. Statues of hooded figures stand guard at what remains of the entrance, their features worn away to anonymity.

This appearance of decay is intentional—a carefully maintained disguise. Behind walls reinforced with hidden supports and through passages protected by cunningly concealed doors lies the true heart of the Jakaree Lair.

The lair consists of several key areas:

The Outer Sanctum is a buffer between the outside world and the inner lair. Here, newer initiates maintain a watchful presence, disguised as squatters or madmen if discovered by outsiders. Secret passages leading deeper into the complex are known only to those who have proven their loyalty.

The Living Quarters extend through the catacombs beneath the temple and into adjacent underground spaces. Family units occupy individual chambers carved from the stone, with common areas for meals and necessary social interaction. Despite the grim nature of their faith, there is a sense of community here. Children run through dimly lit corridors while elders sit in small groups, sharing wisdom and stories of the Dark One's glory.

The Heart of Darkness is the true center of Jakaree worship. Located in what was once the temple's main altar room, this chamber has been transformed into a place of dark devotion. Black stone altars gleam with ritual oils, and the walls are adorned with symbols sacred to the Dark One. It is here that High Priest Onius leads the most important ceremonies, his calculated and disciplined approach maintaining order among the faithful.

The Blood Chambers lie deeper still, accessible only to full-fledged priests and those participating in the most sacred rites. These rooms, overseen primarily by Ao-utet, are where sacrifices are prepared and offered. The walls bear the stains of countless rituals, and the air feels thick with lingering power.

The Archives contain the collected knowledge of the Jakaree, texts both ancient and modern detailing the ways of their dark faith. High Priestess Lyra Malvora claims this domain as her own, preserving the rituals and prophecies that guide their work toward the Dark One's return.

Life Within the Lair

Despite its sinister purpose, the Jakaree Lair functions as a home to nearly a hundred individuals. Families share meals in communal dining halls, where children are raised from birth to revere the Dark One. Education in the lair is thorough and focused—young ones learn the tenets of their faith and practical skills that will serve the community.

Marriage within the Jakaree is encouraged, strengthening bonds between families and ensuring new generations of faithful. Ceremonies binding couples together are performed by Onius himself, dark reflections of the weddings celebrated in the world above. These unions are considered sacred, blessed by the watchful presence of their imprisoned god.

The elderly are respected for their wisdom and experience. Many serve as teachers for the young or as keepers of oral traditions. Others assist in the preparation of rituals or the maintenance of the lair itself. No member of the Jakaree is without purpose; each serves the Dark One in their own way.

The Balance of Power

The Jakaree Lair operates under a strict hierarchy, with High Priest Onius maintaining ultimate authority through religious authority and strategic acumen. His pragmatic approach has ensured the lair's survival and growth, emphasizing secrecy and calculated action over reckless displays of power.

Beneath him, Ao-utet serves as the martial strength of the order, training capable fighters and overseeing security. His aggressive philosophy creates tension with Onius's careful planning, and many younger, more zealous members find themselves drawn to his vision of hastening the Dark One's return through direct action.

High Priestess Lyra Malvora commands her own significant following within the lair. Her connection to the dark energies and her unwavering devotion make her a powerful figure, particularly among those who most deeply practice the ritual aspects of their faith. The younger initiates especially look to her with fear and admiration.

This triumvirate maintains an uneasy balance, each recognizing the others' value to the cause while harboring their own visions for the Jakaree's future. Their followers align themselves accordingly, creating factions within the larger whole—united in purpose but divided in approach.

Secrecy and Survival

The continued existence of the Jakaree Lair depends entirely on secrecy. Members who venture into Alchester proper do so under careful disguises, often posing as merchants, laborers, or occasionally even minor nobles. These excursions serve multiple purposes: gathering supplies, recruiting potential converts, and collecting information about the world beyond their walls.

Children born into the cult are raised to maintain absolute silence about their true nature when interacting with outsiders. They are taught elaborate cover stories and trained to blend seamlessly into whatever environment they must navigate. Those who prove incapable of maintaining this deception are rarely permitted to leave the lair.

The Jakaree have also established a network of informants throughout Alchester, individuals who may not be full members of the cult but who provide valuable intelligence in exchange for protection or other benefits. Through these sources, Onius remains aware of potential threats to the lair's security, allowing him to take preemptive action when necessary.

Sacred Spaces and Dark Rituals

Throughout the lair, small shrines to the Dark One can be found in unexpected places—niches carved into corridor walls, beneath floor stones in family quarters, hidden within seemingly ordinary objects. These allow for private devotion outside the formal rituals conducted in the Heart of Darkness.

The most sacred ceremonies are conducted according to celestial alignments, with the entire community gathering to participate. During these times, the common areas fall silent as all make their way to the central chamber. Even the youngest children are included, witnessing the power of their faith and becoming further embedded in its traditions.

Blood plays a central role in the Jakaree ritual, seen as the most direct connection to their imprisoned god. While Ao-utet advocates for more frequent and dramatic sacrifices, Onius has established strict protocols regarding when such offerings are appropriate. This measured approach has prevented unwanted attention from Alchester's authorities, who might otherwise investigate disappearances or disturbances in greater numbers.

The Future of Shadow

Under Onius's leadership, the Jakaree have established a stable presence in Alchester, slowly extending their influence while remaining hidden from those opposing them. They wait for the signs foretold in their ancient texts, preparing for the day when the Dark One will break free from imprisonment.

Yet within this patient exterior lies a growing tension. Ao-utet's faction pushes for more aggressive action, believing that they can hasten their god's return only through greater sacrifice. Lyra Malvora's followers seek ever deeper communion with the dark energies, sometimes engaging in rituals unsanctioned by Onius himself.