====== Sacred Caverns ======
{{ :sacredcaverns_2_.png?300|}}


A place of worship to the old [[deities|gods]] in the [[insectoid|Insectoid]] [[hive|Hive]].

>//The tunnels empty out into the cavernous ruins of an ancient temple. Enormous statues of the ancient gods have been carved into the rock. One of them points to a sealed patch on the cavern wall.// - The Hive (GS-ADV3)

Despite [[gimnax|Queen Gimnax]] shutting down temples throughout [[ulos|Ulos]], freedom of worship is allowed in the caverns.

>//"But here, under the protection of [[laz_arax|Laz’arax]], all gods can be worshiped freely."// - [[khathandor|Khathandor]] - The Hive (GS-ADV3)

During the reign of [[gimnax|Queen Gimnax]], the [[kobold|Kobold]] [[khathandor|Khathandor]] studied here as a highly respected priest.

>//“These caverns are meant to be a sanctuary. If you are here to pay tribute to the gods, we will not stand in your way.”// - [[khathandor|Khathandor]] - The Hive (GS-ADV3)

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===== Use =====

People of the cloth utilize this sanctuary for religious research and study;

>//Within the ring of statues, crescent-shaped bookshelves have been placed in concentric circles to form a vast
library on a stone platform. [[insectoid|Insectoid]] priests in black, hooded cloaks study ancient texts and sit in quiet meditation.// - The Hive (GS-ADV3)

Three notable statues to [[dragul|Dragul]] gods await offerings in the space;

>//"[[khathandor|He]] leads you to three smaller statues standing side-by-side. One is a snake-faced goddess wearing a brown cloak. “[[nefras|Nefras]], [[deities|goddess]] of judgment,” [[khathandor|Khathandor]] explains. The second statue depicts what appears to be a hairless [[vampire|Vampire]] with webbed fingers, pointy ears, and two sets of enormous, bat-like wings. “[[halik|Halik]],” [[khathandor|Khathandor]] says. “The [[vampire|Vampire]] [[deities|god]] of darkness.” Finally, he points to a statue of a screaming [[insectoid|Insectoid]]. As you stare at the [[insectoid|Insectoid]] statue, the lines of its face seem to shift almost imperceptibly moment to moment, until an entirely new face is formed. “[[qaram_kash|Qaram’kash]],” [[khathandor|Khathandor]] explains. “The [[insectoid|Insectoid]] [[deities|god]] of Deception.”// - The Hive (GS-ADV3)

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===== Pacifism =====

Violence is not permitted by the priests of the Sacred Caverns;

>//“The priests are forbidden from engaging in armed combat. But I am happy to forsake my vows if it means the disc’s safe return.”// - [[khathandor|Khathandor]], The Hive (GS-ADV3)

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===== References =====

==== The Hive (GS-ADV3) ====

[[alpha-zero|Alpha-Zero]] plucks a [[revlars_disc|translation disc]] from the sanctuary:

  * Tell her to return the stolen object:
      * Take back the [[revlars_disc|disc]] from her possession and earn the gratitude of the [[insectoid|Insectoid]] priest, to [[alpha-zero|Alpha-Zero's]] dismay.
            * Steal the [[revlars_disc|disc]] again after [[alpha-zero|Alpha-Zero]] recounts [[gulpax|Gulpax's]] need for it.
  * Aid in her exit before she is caught.

  *If you return to the Sacred Caverns with [[revlars_disc|Revlar's Disc]] in tow, the [[kobold|Kobold]] priest [[khathandor|Khathandor]] will engage in combat with you:
      * Dispatch him, and successfully keep the [[revlars_disc|disc]].
      * Fall to his blade, and return the [[revlars_disc|disc]].

A hidden chamber reveals another statue to [[buurglap|Buurglap]], the [[frogkin|Frogkin]] [[deities|god]] of war;

>//The explosion reveals a new cavern with a statue honoring [[buurglap|Buurglap]], the [[frogkin|Frogkin]] [[deities|god]] of war. Offerings of gold and weapons have been laid at his feet, though they are now covered by several layers of dust.// - The Hive (GS-ADV3)

Upon further exploration, a perplexing discovery is made;

>//[[rax_akhan|Rax’akhan]], the [[insectoid|Insectoid]] [[deities|god]] of the harvest stands next to [[kehstore|Kehstore]], the [[elf|Elvish]] [[deities|god]] of mischief and disorder. It is strange to see an [[elf|Elvish]] god worshiped in an [[insectoid|Insectoid]] hive. Historically, [[insectoid|Insectoids]] and [[elf|Elves]] have not always seen eye to eye.// - The Hive (GS-ADV3)

==== The Scrying Pool (GS-Epilogue)====
Following the death of [[laz_arax|Laz'arax]], [[urzon|Urzon]] ordered that the statues of the [[deities|gods]] be destroyed. In their place, a new image is carved into the cavern wall. It is of their fallen [[laz_arax|queen]]. Many [[insectoid|Insectoids]] begin to worship her as one of their [[deities|gods]].