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Temple of Orchids

Maquraq
Hot, humid, prone to stretches of intense rain.
Description:
The majority of the temple has been reclaimed by the jungle. Massive, twisting vines and thick leaves cover the two-story building, leaving only glimpses of its original rose gold stone. Outside the temple, lining a road that barely exists, are broken columns worn by wind, rain and the crushing power of jungle vines depicting intricate carvings of flowers.
Little headway has been made inside the temple. Cracks in the stone roof have let in centuries of rain, which have collected in large pools on the floor. Even during the dry season, water continuously drips down, splattering unsuspecting explorers. Most passageways are currently unreachable due to collapsing walls and columns -- and the local wildlife. Large snakes, reptiles and tarantulas have claimed the temple as their own, so it is wise to tread carefully and carry ample sources of light. (And perhaps, a machete.)
Landmarks:
  • The Altar of Orchids - At the back of the temple (as far as explorers have been able to safely go), is a massive stone altar carved from white marble shot through with veins of gold. Carved on the walls, into the altar, and growing in abundance throughout the area are massive orchids: white and purple, pink and orange. The prevalence of these flowers led to explorers naming the temple after them.
  • The Living Wall - Massive trees encircle the temple, effectively closing it off from the rest of the world. Over the centuries, the trees have grown so close together that they have merged into a near-seamless barricade. Covered in vines, the trees are home to small silver and brown monkeys that enjoy pelting explorers with unripened papayas if they draw too close to the wall.
Lore:
  • The temple was recently discovered after a severe lightning storm struck several massive trees, burning them to the ground. When the fires died and the smoke cleared, the locals were surprised to find a massive temple in the heart of the grove.
  • The presence of orchids has archeologists puzzled: did the ancient people worship the flower, or were they offerings to a higher power? Further exploration into the unsafe parts of the temple may one day yield answers.


Original location inspiration by shekeira
Location art by --