Chrysalis Basilica

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Revision as of 02:33, 9 July 2011 by Halos (talk | contribs) (Added the removal of the Basilica from its former site.)
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Headquarters of the Church, the marble Chrysalis Basilica was located in northwest Shallam and was home to the Templars and the Empyreal Assembly. The Holy Codex and the Codex of Light were also located within. Originally situated in Delos, it was at the Basilica that the orders of the Priests and the Paladins were founded.

One of the earliest, and possibly most memorable, events in its history was the funeral of Nicator where Priests and Occultists, Serpents and 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." [1] 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.

In modern times, the Church petitioned to Sarapis to move the Basilica to Shallam. The first formal 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, led by Handel, the Choirmaster. Tragedy befell the Basilica in 288 AF when it was destroyed in the events surrounding the coming of Varian and the Aetolian Saga. However, thanks to the efforts of the Gods Lorielan and Pentharian, the Basilica was rebuilt in 301 AF. In 568 AF the Basilica was disbanded by the Te'Serra, preceding the formation of the crystalline Citadel of Light, which stands today on the site of the former Shallamese Royal Palace today. On the site of the old Basilica only the High Altar of Pasiphae remains, commemorating the first Rite of Passing.