Difference between revisions of "Chrysalis Basilica"

Headquarters of the [[Holy Church of Achaea]], the marble '''Chrysalis Basilica''' was first constructed upon the isle of [[Delos]], a small community springing up around it to serve it. It was here that the orders of [[Empyreal Assembly|Priests]] and [[Templars|Paladins]] were founded.

One of the earliest, and possibly most memorable, events in its history was the funeral of [[Nicator]] where [[Priest]]s and [[Occultist]]s, [[Serpent|Serpents]] and [[Druid|Druids]] all stood side by side in peace, unified in their mourning. In the words of the architect [[Lantis DeGage]]: "It could have been the first and last time that the Basilica would ever be crammed with so diverse a group." [http://www.achaea.com/seleucar14.htm]

Also notable was the Basilica's role as a haven for Delosian refugees during the [[Wars of Succession]], though it did not stop the forces of [[Castomira Brangwin]] from seeking out and murdering the family of [[Damen Kephry]]. A secondary building was later constructed in [[Ashtan]], the [[Minorus Basilica]].

In [[modern]] times, the Church petitioned to [[Sarapis]] to move the basilica to northwestern [[Shallam]]. The first modern, formal [[marriage|wedding]] was held here in the year 196 AF in the Wedding Chamber of [[Maya]] between Changcoix and Morlana. Some years later, in 217 AF, the Goddess [[Aurora]] helped to organise a choir for [[orphans]] to join, overseen by [[Handel]], the Choirmaster in the [[Chamber of Celestial Harmony]].

Tragedy befell the basilica in 288 AF when it was destroyed in events surrounding the coming of [[Varian|Other]] and the [[Aetolian Saga]]. However, thanks to the efforts of the [[Gods]] [[Lorielan]] and [[Pentharian]], the Chrysalis Basilica was rebuilt in 301 AF, the new floor plan larger and more airy than the first. Twin graceful towers{{--}}the western tower and Tower of the [[Luminai]]{{--}}flanked a gleaming nave which terminated in a gold-wreathed apse, the spiritual heart of the Church. It was here that the [[Holy Codex]] and later [[Codex of Light]] were ensconced upon a pillar of light. The [[Basilican Library]] nearby was a centre of learning for all of Shallam while the extensive Basilican gardens{{--}}dotted with fountains, paths, and a man-made lake{{--}}were made for contemplation of metaphysical matters.

The Chrysalis Basilica remained the stronghold of Good until Miraman 568 AF, when it was disintegrated by the [[Te'Serra Alliance]] preceding the formation of the crystalline [[Citadel of Light]]. The [[High Altar of Pasiphae]] was raised to upon the empty commemorate the first Rite of Passing, the altar itself later lost with the destruction of Shallam in 612 AF.