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Church of St. Cuthbert |
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Church of St. Cuthbert |
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This nice edifice was raised by the Viscount in honor of the aid rendered to him by the Archcleric of Veluna in the war against the Temple of Elemental Evil. A somewhat distant cleric and his assistant officiate during services and otherwise serve their flock. In general, anyone coming to the church in other times will have to deal with the lesser cleric, the Priest, Calmert, for holy water can be obtained only at this location or from the trader. Calmert is known for his zeal in obtaining contributions. (This honest man is anxious to give a sum to the builders of the fortress under construction, and although it should seem otherwise, most of the miscellaneous money he collects for the church from characters will go towards building the castle!) The Chief Priest, Canon Terjon recently became the chief cleric of the church, taking over from the Canoness Y'dey who left unexpectedly and has not returned. The villagers say that Terlon is not particularly friendly and his sternness is a cause of some speculation. |
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CHURCH OF CUTHBERT MAIN FLOOR 
ROOM 1) HALL: This is where the faithful come to hear the sermon given on God's day eve. The place is floored in well-polished wood, with wooden pillars and a ceiling extending all the way to the roof high overhead. The walls are painted in pastoral scenes, and tinted glass mosaic windows of many shades of color allow light into the hall. There are no benches, pews or stools. ROOM 2) PROCESSIONAL: Worshipers (as well as those to be confirmed, married, and so forth) are allowed to enter this way, led by the cleric or clerics concerned, the latter robed and with thurible and ceremonial billet of bronzewood. The floor here is of lighter wood, and the walls are deep blue, sprinkled with starbursts in silver leaf ROOM 3) ALTAR AND SANCTUARY: This circular chamber is screened by a drape of deep green velvet. Inside is a life-sized statue of St. Cuthbert, smiling, great cudgel held high with one hand, while the left hand beckons to the doubter and the faithful alike. Growing ferns and other plants are behind this statue, while to either side are tree stumps for the clerics to officiate from, while an altar is carved from a single piece of bronzewood, carved with billets, star bursts, and the sacred sign of the crumpled hat. The walls are wainscoted with carved panels, and a band of holy sayings runs above this woodwork and the painted walls which show various marvels performed by St. Cuthbert. If one of the faithful needs guidance or advice, small sticks are tossed upon the altar, and their conformation enables the cleric to select which holy saying or combination thereof applies. ROOM 4) STUDY AND AUDIENCE CHAMBER: On non-holidays, those entering the church must come through this room. Calmert, the lesser cleric of the church will bid visitors to be seated (on hard benches near the door, not on the padded chairs near the fireplace) and indicate the location of the poor box. The lesser clerics inquire as to the business of any visitor, and if it is with the chief cleric, nothing further will be said until a contribution for the needy is given Injured or sick or needy folk often come here for aid. ROOM 5) VESTRY: This private chamber is for the rest and relaxation of the clerics, as well as for their use in dressing for services. The steps lead to the upper floor. |
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CHURCH OF CUTHBERT LOWER FLOOR 
ROOM 6) CHURCH KITCHEN: A serving woman and her husband prepare meals and care for the churchmen's needs here. All normal meals are taken here. ROOM 7) MEDITATION ROOM. ROOM 8) EXERCISE ROOM: Club practice is conducted here daily. ROOM 9) SACRED TROPHIES GALLERY: Here are displayed copies of dented helmets, maces, clubs, and knobbed cudgels of fame. ROOM 10) CELLS: Needy laity, acolytes, or criminals and offenders against the faith can be housed/confined in the small rooms (cells) here. Each has only a peg, pallet, and pail. The tiny window is barred, and the heavy, iron bound door of each cubicle can be bolted fast from the outside. |
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CHURCH OF CUTHBERT UPPER FLOOR 
ROOM 11) CHURCH LIBRARY: There are many religious and legal works here—tomes, librams, scrolls, volumes, etc. ROOM 12) UPPER HALL: Here visiting clerics can sit in large upholstered chairs and couches during sermons. ROOM 13) ASSISTANT CLERIC'S CHAMBERS: Here calmed and any other under priests find quarters. The room is large, and well enough furnished, but many cords and ropes with colored wooden beads of appropriate size attached to the ends hang from the center. Above, where the tower extends yet another 30 feet or so beyond the ceiling overhead, are a collection of bells, chimes, and gongs which must be sounded at certain times of the day (dawn, noon, dusk) and during God's day services in certain melodies and patterns, and Calmed must see to this. There are two cots in the room, a brazier, and various miscellaneous furnishings. ROOM 14) CHIEF PRIEST'S CHAMBER: This is a comfortably furnished, well-appointed room. Few visitors are allowed to enter this chamber to see the council of the Chief Priest. ROOM 15) BALCONY: From this spot, about 15 feet above the floor below, the Chief Priest Canon Terjon delivers his weekly and special addresses and sermons. |
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