Gamaro and Morag Space Pt 7

Altars
        On either side of the Chamber lies a large  altar and several large
pews. The pews fill with the faithful scro who have opportunity to
proceed to the altars and make vows, sacrifices of items or lives. Ritual
sacrifices of the living are taken from among prisoners of war (elves
favored of course), spies and the occasional erstwhile ally. Sacrifices
are brought here by senior Warpriests (6/6 Pr/Ma) who have special
enchantments laid on their Torekgh that allow them to bring a non-scro to
the temple.
        These ritual vows and sacrifices serve many purposes. First a vow is
made to achieve a goal, short term or long term by a scro. Then after it
is accomplished or failed the scro comes to sacrifice tokens of the
success, or to sacrifice personal belongings as penance. This creates an
ordinance that is highly visible and motivating to the scro, for all
their comrades are present and know to what they have vowed, and all
watch to see if they proceed with it.
        The other purpose is a darker one still, for every life that is taken
upon the altar imparts some energy into the altars and helps the
Warpriests enchant their items of magic. The remains of the sacrifice are
used by the black scromages for experimentation and eventually fed to the
marauders.
        Interestingly scro do not sacrifice valuables as Dukagsh is not
interested in wealth except as a means, nor does he wish for his priests
to become greedy. Also the scro typically avoid making impossible vows.
Instead they make vows of personal change, accomplishment within their
Mohr Kraz, or victory in their next battle.
        Sacrificed items are instead often tokens of completion of that vow. For
instance a scro captain may make a vow to be victorious in battle with
elves and return without a crewmember lost. If successful she might
return and sacrifice a sword taken from the elven commander and a crew
roster showing each crewman’s accomplishments in the battle.
        This part of the scro religion does drive the scro to take risks and to
do more than they have done before. Dukagsh views this as necessary in
developing their race. Surprisingly, failure is rarely punished with
death. Depending on how far short the individual falls the sentence
varies. Banishment, loss of rank, censure, public whippings, execution of
family members or sacrifice of prized weapons are all different
consequences that have been used before. Occasionally a herculean effort
that falls short by little will be treated as if successful, especially
if the sacrifice is still offered.
        Items sacrificed are sometimes valuable, sometimes magical and rarely
both. Dukagsh also taught his children not to waste anything that might
give an advantage. Magic, science, technology, allies even enemies can
all offer advantages to the wise scro.
        All sacrificed items are stored within chambers behind each altar.
Useful items or magic that can be used are put to use. Dukagsh has no
need for wealth and prefers to see it used for his children. It is not
unheard of for an item sacrificed to be returned to the sacrificing scro.
Typically the Warpriests are moved by inspiration to do so only.
Treasures within either storage chamber can include Jewelry, Art Objects,
Magic Items, Weapons, Armor and Shields. Chance of magic is 10%. Some
weapons are broken 20%.

Libraries
        On the port and starboard sides of the temple set forward are 2 sets of
large double doors that lead to the main libraries and studies for the
scro on Gamaro. Here they seek to broaden their horizons and learn from
others in order to achieve their goals. Upon entry to either study the
first thing seen is a large emblazoned tapestry declaring Dukagsh’s chief
adage “Study and Struggle”. Here the scro work on their Mohr Kraz and
seek the understanding that others have gained upon their own lives work.
Here also the scro record their own thoughts and learning for future scro
to gain guidance from. Not every scro studies here as some prefer
solitude. The libraries are large and complete covering a fair number of
subjects. A great number of scro, elven, human, dwarven and other
writings are kept here.

Sanctums
        At the aft wall of these libraries is a single door that leads to the
Warpriest sanctums. Only warpriest, black scromages and lieutenants or
above may enter. The sanctums contain many spellbooks, prayer scrolls,
manual and grimoires used by the spellcasting scro to further their
studies and skills. Information on the methods used to placate the
marauder, notes on feeding it and when it can reproduce are kept here.
The techniques used to enchant the Chamber and power the Arrows are here
as well.
        Many unique spells and prayers found only in scro hands are found here,
and a few more relatively unique to Gamaro as well.
        Within each sanctum is a stairway that rises up to the vast catwalk that
stretching from either end of the temple. The catwalk leads to the top of
the marauder Chamber and the catwalks overhanging it. From there the
massive primary marauder can be seen in its catatonic state, occasionally
moving in its slumber. There are no rails for safety along the walks. A
fall will drop the unfortunate 60’ and inflict 6d6 hps dmg if landing
outside the Chamber. Within the chamber dmg is only 3d6, but the
unfortunate has only one round to escape before the marauder will move to
devour them thinking it food. The beasts THAC0 is reduced to 7 because of
its groggy state, but it still has up to 7 attacks with its multiple
mouths. Troublesome scro sometimes end up here, sacrificed to the
marauder as a final insult as the marauder is a creation of Gruumsh and
the orcs whom the scro despise.
        Warpriest novitiates have sometimes been known to end personal conflicts
by the subtle push into the pit. However most Warpriests of any skill
have levitate, fly or spider climb in their repertoire to combat such an
instance.
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