Beneath a Righteous Temple - Part 1

I have an irregularly posted feature on my wife's art blog, Markers and Meows, called Maps and Meows where I post maps I've drawn and go over some details of my process.  I'd like to start doing something with each map and posting it here.  Typically, this will probably be something akin to a one-page dungeon.

However, currently the maps I'm drawing for her blog are all linked together.  The first map, the Lakeside Temple, was a map of a fort-like temple.  I'm following up that map with some subterranean goings-on beneath the temple's main building.  I originally thought this would make a good short published adventure, but now I'm thinking I'll build this adventure over the next few weeks here on the blog for all to enjoy.

Lakeside Temple of Salara

At this lakeside temple, priests of the Virtuous Order lead in worship of Salara, the Lady of Crusades and Righteous Action.  The Virtuous Order of Salara is a militant organization, and as such their temples are built more like a fort than a church.  Built at a three-way intersection, this temple is surrounded by large stone walls patrolled by warrior-priests. 

Lakeside Temple of Salara

1. OUTER WALL. The outer walls of the temple complex are built from stone and stand 15 feet tall. On top of the walls are walkways that are patrolled by guards around the clock.  At each corner of the complex is a guard tower.  There are also guard towers placed at the half-way point on each wall. Each gate has guards posted at it, and are only opened as-needed to let in travelers who pass inspection.

2. STABLES. Along the south wall of the temple complex is a large stables which house both the horses of the clergy and guards as well as room for travelers to stable their horses for a night.  It costs 7 silver pieces per night to stable a horse here.  The rate is discounted to 5 silver pieces per night to worshipers of Salara in good standing.

3. HOUSING. There are five houses in the temple complex that are home to higher ranked priests of the Order and a couple more wealthy individuals that have made their home here.

4. CHURCH.  The primary structure of the complex is a large church.  On the ground floor is a large sanctuary where daily services take place, a large common room, and several offices.  The second floor is filled with barracks-style living quarters for the warrior-priests who make up the clergy and the temple's guard.

In the church's basement is an elaborate crypt with multiple burial rooms and several rooms dedicated in commemoration of individuals of particular importance.

5. PERRYN'S ARMORY AND MERCANTILE.  This shop, owned by local blacksmith Perryn Hal'dore, sells a variety of weapons and armor in addition to a small selection of dry goods and sundries.

6. FALTAR'S BLADE. The local inn and tavern of the temple complex is named after Sir Faltar, a legendary knight of the Virtuous Order who was slain in battle defending the temple from a goblin raid.  The tavern is well known for their famous Faltar's Brew, which is a spicy red ale.

Food and Drink:

• Mug of Faltar's: 6 copper pieces
• Pitcher of Faltar's: 3 silver pieces
• Bread and cheese: 1 silver piece
• Bread, cheese, and salted pork: 3 silver pieces
• Meal composed of duck, bread, and cheese: 6 silver pieces.

Lodging:

• Night's stay in the common room: 2 silver pieces per night
• Private room (upstairs): 5 silver pieces per night

7. CEMETERY. Outside of the north wall is a cemetery built to honor the fallen warriors of the order.

Noteworthy People

Perryn Hal'dore is the local blacksmith.  He runs a shop in the north-west corner of the complex where various adventuring goods can be purchased.  Perryn is a veteran of the Virtuous Order.  He retired from service and built his shop at this location so he can continue the fight against Chaos by making sure his fellow warrior-priests are equipped with the best of weapons and armor.  He can often be found in the evenings at the Blade telling old war stories over mugs of Faltar's Brew.

Harec Loctane is the proprietor of Faltar's Blade.  Unlike most of the residents of the temple grounds, Harec is not a warrior-priest, nor is he a worshiper of Salara.  Harec is a businessman, and a good one at that.  He knows how to leverage the church to his own means, sending Salaran Knights to collect his debts instead of hired muscle.

Dame Issyld is the High Knight and Commander of the temple.  Having devoted her life to the cause, she's been a member of the Virtuous Order for over twenty years.  She has a stoic composure and takes her position very seriously.  She can typically be found in her office in the church, out training and guiding her warrior-priests, or, on Saturdays, leading the church services.