Barbary Grove

Those who fall under Ven's care, whether they choose to worship him or not, are known as the Suntouched. Many, though not all of them, choose to reside within his temples. Once there were many of these temples, most of them spanning ancient Egypt and parts of Persia, where supplicants would come to trade boons for blood, feeding those not-quite-dead who lived within.

Those days are now long passed. Now only ghosts remain in many of the old temples, and there are only a scant few where the Suntouched still dwell. One such is here, in Barbary Grove. The Grove Upon the Hill is well known for its sweet red pomegranates, and most mortal visitors, who are carefully shepherded through in tours during the day, assume that it's some sort of strange commune.

If only they knew the truth.

Some stumble on it accidentally, of course-- usually foolish trespassers who hop the fence and find out the hard way that vampires love nighttime visitors. Of course, they rarely remember their lesson outside of nightmares and the feelings of dread that arise the next time they find themselves driving past the property. Others find their way here in a much stranger fashion, their situations desperate enough that they're willing to follow the instructions of the strange old folk legend that circulates throughout the town from time to time.

A handful of pomegranate seeds, left on your doorstep. Someone will come for you, once the sun goes down. From there you may ask your boon, but there is always a price. Most have their memories wiped after the deal is complete and they are returned home. A special few are allowed to hold the secret much longer, as long as they guard it well.

The Nightborn
The Nightborn are vampires or other blood drinkers not turned by Ven who have fallen in with his people for various reasons. Some truly do see him as a god who might restore to them a long lost sun. Others are drawn to the power and protection of such a large group of vampires and their like, who instead of needing to hunt for their food and live as scrabbling fugitives within society, enjoy their prey coming willingly to them within a lavish, hidden temple.

All in all, for a vampire, that isn't a bad life.

Like the rest, there are of course the rules and tenets to follow upon becoming one of the Suntouched, but most can live with what is asked of them in return for shelter and easy access to willing prey.

The Drakon Ka
Those turned directly by Ven. You can read more about them here. It isn't unusual for them to hold high positions within the temple, as they tend to have been people that Ven was close to, and therefore those he trusted to sensitive tasks.

The Otherfolk
Of course, it's not just vampires who find their way to the Grove, though Ven's hidden temple is a well known sanctuary for them, both among Suntouched and visitors alike. The supernatural in general tends to find its way here, from werewolves, to fae, and even the occasional curious deity stopped in for tea. You never know who you'll find around.

The Supplicants
Any individual who either leaves the gift of pomegranate seeds out or approaches the temple directly to petition it for a boon is known as a supplicant. They may ask what they wish of the temple, and any of the vampires within are welcome to accept their bargain and ask in return for whatever they wish, as long as it's not something that causes lasting harm. Typically this is blood, or energy, but not always.

Some bargains are simple and can be completed in one night. Others are much more complicated and require a greater price that can be paid all at once. If the supplicant agrees to the bargain, then they must remain within the temple until their debts are paid, no matter how long this takes.

While they are there, they are treated well-- provided food, a room to stay, and clothing, but they are not allowed to venture from the grounds. Escape attempts don't usually end well. It's best not to duck out on a deal with a vampire.

Once all is done, most have their memories wiped, and they are returned to their homes as if they never left. A lucky few are allowed to keep their knowledge though, but this is an act of trust from the Suntouched not easily earned, and a trust far too easily lost. Beware.

The Rules
A fancier version of the rules can be found here, if you'd like to read them in a more immersive way. Ven's temples have tenants dictating how one may conduct themselves upon the grounds, and how supplicants may be and may not be treated. Breaking these tenants often results in dire consequences.

❂ Following one's nature and engaging in The Hunt is acceptable, but don't break what you can't fix, don't kill, and don't get caught or reveal the temple's secrets. Wipe memories when necessary, or ensure that it's done for you... The temple has services for such things available to anyone. Don't take more than blood, or what is offered freely.

❂ Be respectful to those who come to trade their blood for boons from the temple. They are not cattle, and they are not slaves. Tend to them as you would a precious fruit tree so that they'll bear sustenance again and again. Honor the deals you make, and don't promise what you can't deliver.

❂ Supplicants must be taken in secret to the temple, and must be brought there without revealing too much about it. Those who must remain for more than a night in order to repay their debts are to be cared for and fed, but they may not return to the outside world until their debts are paid and their memories are erased. They are required to pull their weight while they dwell within the temple, but they are not to be abused.

❂ A somewhat more old fashioned rule from when personal hygiene was a little more suspect and disease and infections were rampant, but one that still is often observed as tradition-- supplicants are taken to be bathed in the pool in the center of the temple before they are allowed to make their requests. They are checked for health problems and anointed in special oils (one will smell anise in particular, a notable anti-parasitic substance) before being given simple linen robes to dress in.

Hopefuls are welcome to refuse this ritual these days, since the purpose of it is long a moot point now, but it doesn't look good, and they will likely get many dirty looks for it.