The Two Temples

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While the remaining elves and dwarves resettled in Yliakum shortly after the year 400AY and began the construction of the Bronze Doors, the Lemurs slowly but steadily increased their numbers and integrated into Yliakum's society over the next few hundred years while still keeping a permanent and stable population in their religious city of Xant Laan in the Stone Labyrinths. The Ylian abandoned their city of Ylon Donari after a great fire reduced it to rubble and ruin, and the refugees moved to the small Lemur and Kran town of Hydlaa, which would eventually become the primarily Ylian city it is today. The great library in Ylon Donari was completely lost, along with the vast records of past events which it held. A new government ruled by eight Octarchs was created to bring all races under one system of law. The government was seen as fair and just, causing the races to quickly accept its rule. The new system ensured that no one person could abuse his power over the people, as had happened in the past. The Octarchy decided to adopt a common language. Unified, the people of Yliakum began to prosper as never before. The Dermorians had brought viable seeds and livestock as well as their knowledge of farming to the cavern, providing enough food for everyone. Aside from the occasional raid from creatures in the Stone Labyrinths, Yliakum soon settled into a relatively stable society that has lasted to this day, ruled by the watchful and just eye of the new government.

For many years, Laanx observed in a subdued way what the Lemur were doing. Some of them went back to their ancient traditions, while the others continued their devotion to Laanx. The head of this second group was a handsome young man named Galeran Tarbius, endowed with endless charisma and an overwhelming power of will. Laanx was immediately interested in him and one day he appeared before him. When Laanx left Galeran, his eyes sparkled with a mystical fury, and his body glittered with the chaotic power of raw magic. In his hands he held the Book of Names Laanx had spent a hundred years writing, yet had kept hidden until this time. Laanx also observed with interest what was happening in Yliakum and decided that the time was right to present himself again. He was sure that Talad would receive him warmly and he would be able to take advantage of this. Under Laanx's command, Galeran led the Lemur of Xant Laan into Yliakum. They settled on the Dome in and around the small city of Hydlaa, where Galeran's powerful and charismatic leadership soon gathered a great mass of followers among the other races of Yliakum. In their opinion, Laanx was the god that had given new life to their race and therefore had the right to claim their lives whenever it was necessary. Soon after they were settled, the Lemur began to use their ancient knowledge to design an iron temple consecrated to Laanx in Hydlaa, and enlisted workers from the new Laanx worshippers in all races to build the structure. The Iron Temple was finished in the year 440AY, twenty years after its first foundations were laid. Galeran himself gave his life to the Temple and Laanx, literally, by becoming a permanent living statue within its walls. This action only served to further the advance of Laanx worship among the people of Yliakum.

Despite the increase in Laanx's following, Talad was still worshipped and welcomed in the whole of Yliakum. There were statues, representations and places consecrated to him everywhere, but Talad had never thought to have a temple built in his name. When the Lemur finished Laanx's Iron Temple, Talad felt control of his people's hearts slipping away. Many of his people, curious and charmed by Galeran's power, had begun to worship Laanx and to forget what Talad had made for them. Talad retired to meditate, and with the power of his glyphs, to plan the most majestic fortress ever built, a building that would show the power of the glyphs and the strength of the stone. After years of meditation, Talad created a tremendous wave of heat that melted the rock of the walls of the first level and moulded this rock in the name of his worshippers. As it cooled, the wall formed a plethora of drawings and arabesques interspersed with shimmering crystals. These crystals still glow, illuminating the temple with their light, showing the power of Talad.

Around year 450AY all priests of Laanx and Talad agree something major happened, and the two gods have been recalled by Vodùl. Their presence is still felt, but lot more distant than before. Also thanks to that two new deities have made themselves known to the people: the young and fierce nature goddess, Xiosia and the ancient yet stunning death goddess, Dakkru.