Eilistraeen Temples in the Underdark?

Dragonessa · Post by **Dragonessa** » Tue May 06, 2008 10:23 pm

Someone suggested that I make a temple for Eilistraee for NWN. However, I've heard that Eilistraee doesn't really have temples in the first place. Is this true? Would there exist a temple to Eilistraee in the Underdark at all?

If temples do exist, what might they be like? I figure I'll need a statue of a certain lady with a sword, but beyond that what else might one find?

The emphasis here would be a temple in the Underdark specifically. (That is, not a surface temple.) I'm basically trying to nab up ideas before I start making it in earnest. So any opinions or ideas are quite welcome!

Zekafae · Post by **Zekafae** » Wed May 07, 2008 4:56 am

First thing to consider is that in the underdark you would need security that would rival the vatican or the pentagon. As if i'm not mistaken Lloth loathes Eilistraee and of course would love nothing more than to crush every temple she has. So How would you do it? At the fore front it look like a temple to Lloth to save much grief and for the safety of those wishing refuge? Or would you loudly and proudly say "We worship Eilistraee here." Just a couple things to consider.

Dragonessa · Post by **Dragonessa** » Wed May 07, 2008 6:47 am

Well so far I know I'll need a new statue. (I've got the pose I think I want but I'm having trouble with the hair.) Also those spiky spidery columns have to go.

I should also point out I'm not "building" in the sense of creating a mod but rather modeling a new temple. I wasn't at all clear on that in my first post.

For simplicity I'm going to start with the base Lolth temple and move from there hopefully cleansing it of it's Lolthiness on the way.

Amnon · Post by **Amnon** » Wed May 07, 2008 7:06 am

I think what Zeka was trying to say here how are you planning to hide Eilistraee's temple in the Underdark if its denizens are known to have more than devious intentions. Like if you are gonna make it look like Lolth's temple in order to hide it from the evil Drow and then for example they say a certain secret word or sentence, they are invited into the temple of Eilistraee. He's just wondering what you're gonna do for the security of the temple and its followers in the heart of the enemy.

Dragonessa · Post by **Dragonessa** » Wed May 07, 2008 8:36 am

That's the thing. Are there even any temples to her in the first place in the Underdark? I -think- I read somewhere there was a city or two that ousted Lolth in favor of Eilistraee but I usually get my D&D info wrong so I could be all wet about that.

Perhaps, given how "lovely" the Lolthites are... a temple that is understated might be an option. Now that I'm thinking about it though... perhaps a nice chasm with a heavy door or something might be nice. Or maybe cut the chamber into two parts. The first part could be the more secure area (heh a screening zone) and the second could be a domed room that serves as the inner sanctum (complete with glowy moon and statue).

Post by **Shir'le E. Illios** » Wed May 07, 2008 9:27 am

Eilistraee has hardly any temples on the surface. So, with the exception of the Promenade, I don't think she has any temples at all underground. Devotees in the Underdark wishing to worship her probably do so at carefully hidden, secret shrines and such. Shrines, or so I imagine, Eilistraee probably has plenty of.

Either way, you can find a hint of a description [url=http://www.wizards.com/default.asp?x=dn ... a:21efiw7b]here[/url:21efiw7b] as to what a temple would look like.

[quote:21efiw7b]Temples of the Dark Maiden are typically established in the mouths of dark caverns and in dim forests on the surface world from which her clerics can venture forth at night to brave the moonlight. It is rare for clergy of Eilistraee to found a temple below the surface. The Dark Maiden's clergy seek out pristine, natural sites that need little modification. These places of worship are developed much like those dedicated to the Seldarine. Temple complexes typically include a glade in which to dance, offering an unobstructed view of the moon, and a sheltered place away from the light of day (often an access tunnel to the Underdark). Other common features are a thick tree canopy, a lively freshwater stream, a forge and smithy, and a vein of iron or some other metal suitable for the crafting of swords. However, the simplest shrine of the Dark Maiden requires naught but a moonlit glade and a song (audible or imagined) that draws one into a dance.[/quote:21efiw7b]

Love -x-x-x-

Shir'le

Rooky · Post by **Rooky** » Wed May 07, 2008 10:14 am

They hide under them under the bed sheets. As you can clearly see from the quote, they don't need much.

Speaking of such, do Eilistraeen temples have any special architectural
designs? I need to make a map, for a session and have no clues what so ever where to start...

. . .

I'm not even an architect, I'm a graphic designer...damnit....

Dragonessa · Post by **Dragonessa** » Thu May 08, 2008 4:12 am

That helps out quite a bit!

So really that fits with some of what I've heard already. The Promenade is interesting however. That might make more sense given what I'm working with. Can anyone point me to a place that has a description of that?

Bhaern Quel · Post by **Bhaern Quel** » Sat May 17, 2008 12:14 am

Temples in the underdark could center about a smithry, music and other aspects of the profile of Eilistraee.
Sword craft a gather place, the making of music (or tools there of) a gather place. The simple shine/temple in the underdark does not require much. It just needs to be a gather place.

steelfiredragon · Post by **steelfiredragon** » Sat Jun 14, 2008 9:23 am

it could also be hidden in extra-dimensional space such as a mansion spell...... but... then there would be the dispel magic issue of killing anyone within