THE SHRINE OF REFUGE
A dedicated Shrine to the Siren Serene south of the Spire, built from the repurposed remains of the shipwreck of the Alimony’s Due.
Constructed with the intention of allowing the stranger, the enemy, and the friend to find solace from their respective stories, all under the protective gaze of the Siren.
I. PURPOSE
The Shrinekeeper believes that the Siren's nature of tranquility is only made clear by her majesty; her rolling waves, her thunderous storms, her endless domain and all that it contains. With the understanding that silence is only made known through great song, and the value of music is known in its absence, the Shrinekeeper has constructed the shrine to consider these dual facets of SANCTUARY and SERENITY.
SERENITY | The Spiritual Site
The constructed site consists of the sculpted figurehead of the Siren and her outpouring font, which marks the path towards the altar pool, marked by the stone arch, which frames the remains of the Alimony's Due as part of the Shrine's mythos. A majority of rites are celebrated within the Spiritual Site, with varied presence of acolytes during different points of the day, depending the rites celebrated. Cleansing of the Site consists of both tending to the plant and aquatic life around the space, but also the sounds - or absence thereof.
SANCTUARY | The Cabins
Akin to the living quarters of a crew upon a ship, the second floor of the Shrine consists of separate cabins; one for the Shrinekeeper (though is rarely occupied by them, often extended to any stragglers) and a separate one for guests and any residential acolytes. Sails have been also repurposed to provide shelter from the elements over a common space, with more than a couple crates of rum nearby to make for warm and pleasant conversation.
II. HISTORY
HOUSE MORANCAIRE & THE SIREN'S DIADEM
On the coast of Fangtip, the capital city of the Morancaire claim, sits the Siren's Diadem, an illustrious display of shrines all dedicated in worship to the Siren Serene. Initially constructed as a small set of altars to mark the end of the Period of Rupture, a contentious period of political rivalry between Lord Alasdair Morancaire and his twin sister, Head Singer Siobhan Morancaire. In the present day, the garden of shrines serves multiple purposes: a pilgrimage site for the Siren and a prime opportunity for wealthy merchants and up and coming nobles to flaunt their power and wealth through the sponsoring the construction of a new shrine.
The construction of the Shrine of Refuge within the Southern Reach is a direct continuation of this tradition on the part of Lady Corine of Sirensong in attempt to appease the Siren following the affliction of Tideblight sweeping through the Mist Isles. In partnership with the Siren's Blessed Callan Morancaire, the Household sponsored the Shrine as not only a landmark of worship for the Siren Serene, but also as a safe haven for the migrant and the misguided - those descent of the Mist Isles and beyond.
III. SELECTED RITES
RITE OF CLEANSING
Inspired by the moment the Siren Serene first revealed herself to the Shrinekeeper, the acolyte takes a water vessel at the start of sun set and fills it with the water from the font of the sculpted Siren. Taking it to altar pool, the acolyte ritually pours water over themselves to represent cleansing themselves from their daily labors. This is often done in company of other acolytes or visitors to the Shrine, an opportunity for socializing as the Siren replenishes their spirits in preparation for the Rite of Silence.
RITE OF SILENCE
Following the Rite of Cleansing, the Shrinekeeper or a designated acolyte declares silence over the entire spiritual site as the gloaming hour begins. Newer acolytes and visitors may choose to withdraw from the altar pool and depart the Shrine for the night, while others may keep the company of the Shrinekeeper (and remaining acolytes) to light braziers and candles until the moon has risen over the tranquil waters. From there, the site is declared at peace, and all must withdraw from the space. Any disruptions to this ritual are considered an offense to the Shrinekeeper and the Siren themselves, and offenders can be expected to face certain consequences.
RITE OF SACRED HYMN
Silence is the perfect setting for great harmony; tranquility is only defined by its absence. At the break of dawn, the Shrinekeeper or a senior acolyte is the first to break the silence and welcome the day. Wading within the shallow waters in the path leading to the altar pool, they lift their voice and sing - this song does not have to consist of praises to the Siren, but must be chosen carefully, as it sets the intention of the day at the Shrine and for all those that pass through it. Depending on the occasion, the hymn may be one in celebration of the birth of a child, or a dirge to mourn the loss of a loved one.
FEAST OF SAFE RETURN
Reminiscent of the grand festivals and celebrations held throughout the Mist Isles, the Feast of Safe Return marks the completion of a great quest by a Shrine acolyte or ally; friends and family members of the individual gather at the Shrine to welcome the individual home, having prepared their favorite foods and drinks, and dine together to celebrate their return, regardless of the success of the mission.
