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The Temple in the Pines is a somewhat exotic locale for Sanctuary's residents, as it lies far outside of the safe boundaries of the city's walls and protective Hearth Stones. The temple is a roughly crescent shaped structure that rises up into the domed observatory building in the middle, and is made out of golden-brown sandstone and polished, tawny wood. In the warmer months, or for those willing to brave the cold with plenty of blankets and warm drinks, the buildings on either side of the observatory dome boast roof top terraces where visitors can enjoy the stars without the aid of the observatory's telescope. There's also a small garden out back, which is tastefully arranged, but is mostly used for food plants rather than ornamental purposes. There are four floors to the structure--- the first two are above ground, with the ground level hosting the reception hall, the lounge, a small library, and the clinic. Up the stairs, through the library, is the observatory and terraces. The other two levels are underground. Heading downwards just past the lounge leads to the temple's two soaking rooms, its pleasure garden, its dining hall, kitchen, and several well appointed suites for those choosing to stay the night. The last level is found past a locked door and is only accessible to temple residents and Ven himself, or to anyone who has convinced one of these parties to unlock that door for them. In this deep, cavernous space are more permanent dwelling places, a central common hall, and the sacrificial chambers. There is also access to the tunnels beneath Sanctuary from here-- a private, well lit tunnel with plenty of check points that forks at the end. One path leads to the greater tunnel network beneath Sanctuary, and the other reaches all the way to Harbor's main tunnel. It seems Ven has been well aware of these tunnels for quite some time-- the spot he picked for the temple intersects very conveniently with them. Temple Locations  Please note that not all areas of the temple are available to guests. Guests cannot enter the lowest chamber without being let in, and they will always be accompanied by one of the temple's residents while below, for their safety as well as the safety of the residents of the temple. Friends of any of the temple's residents, as well as paying guests may enjoy the public facing facilities. Anyone else may only go as far as the courtyard and the outdoor gardens.The doorway to the tunnels leading to Harbor are locked at all times, even to temple residents. Only those who Ven grants the key may gain access to these tunnels, and he's very choosy about who receives it. Courtyard & Outdoor Garden (Click to Expand!)
As the temple structure curls in on itself from both sides, it provides its courtyard a bit of shelter from the elements around it-- a fact which is much appreciated in Sanctuary's windier months. Like the building itself, the courtyard is paved with sandstone, laid out in a tasteful mosaic of a blooming poppy. Much of this area is open, and it's often used for dancing and outdoor celebrations, but there are several areas closer to the building itself that are covered by wooden awnings to keep the rain and snow off. There's a set of hammocks beneath one of these awnings and an outdoor place to sit and eat, or relax beneath the second one. Around the back of the building are the vegetable gardens. The garden is lush and well planted, and has a few pomegranate trees growing along its borders. The pomegranates are Russian reds, and are specially bred to tolerate the cold. For the rest of the year they're given a little extra protection from the steam baths down below. The rest of garden's contents tend to change with the season. Curiously, the local animals seem to leave it alone. There are two fenced in structures within the garden-- both are there to protect the skylights that bring light down into the soaking rooms and the pleasure garden. The fences aren't very tall, and are more to let people know that the skylights are there rather than to keep them away. Theoretically, one could break the glass. There's nothing stopping anyone, outside of an angry temple full of vampires, of course. Reception Hall (Click to Expand!)
placeholder The Lounge (Click to Expand!)
placeholder The Library (Click to Expand!)
placeholder The Clinic (Click to Expand!)
placeholder The Observatory & Terraces (Click to Expand!)
placeholder The Soaking Rooms (Click to Expand!)
placeholder Pleasure Garden (Click to Expand!)
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Visiting the Temple The Temple in the Pines does not overtly advertise itself as any kind of religious establishment-- rather, it acts as a luxury destination where people can relax for a day, or even for a short vacation. There have even been a few weddings hosted by the temple since its opening. A day pass to the temple for most people is very expensive, but all inclusive, and for much of the day one receives an attendant to wait on them hand and foot. This is the temple's main source of income in Sanctuary. Those who are looking for longer stays, who cannot afford it, or who are looking for help, however, may petition the temple for free assistance. This is a fact that Ven's temple does not bother to hide. The reasons for acceptance are often obscure, however. A pass for a single day is 150 gold  or the equivalent.  Guests visiting the Temple in the Pines can be expected to be treated to a full luxury experience for the day. They are also greeted at reception by a personal attendant who will cater to whatever their needs will be for the duration of their time at the temple. Generally, the experience starts with breakfast, served outside in the courtyard if the weather is nice enough, or indoors in the dining hall. Guests are free to wander the grounds or to enjoy the lounge until lunch, after which they are treated to an optional soak and massage, and a guided tour through the pleasure garden. Many of the temple's clients choose to enjoy wine or another beverage during this time. The temple also provides a wellness check in for their clients if desired, both attending to physical and magical ailments where able, as well as the less obvious wounds of the mind and soul. Dinner and dessert are usually served up on the rooftop terraces when the weather permits, or again, down in the dining hall. The observatory opens as soon as it gets dark, and stargazing is a popular activity after eating. At about eleven, or sooner if desired, guests are shown to their suites for the night. For an additional 15 gold, however, a dreaming draught and a trip to the temple below is offered to those who desire it. The draught brings deep sleep and vivid dreams, sometimes even prophetic ones. They are always, at the least, insightful. In the morning guests are given a light breakfast and sent on their way unless they have paid for another night. Dining Hall (Click to Expand!)
placeholder The Kitchen (Click to Expand!)
placeholder Guest Suites (Click to Expand!)
placeholder Temple Apartments (Click to Expand!)
placeholder The Common Hall (Click to Expand!)
placeholder Sacrificial Chamber (Click to Expand!)
placeholder The Tunnels (Click to Expand!)
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