Cairn Ground Floor
WIP--
Welcome to Dragon's Rest Mausoleum! Also known as
The Cairn, which is a bit of a misnomer, because this brick-and-mortar building is clearly not a cairn. It came to be known as
The Cairn when the clan first decided to use this area for the mausoleum and grave site. A tradition handed down by the local Longneck tribe that originally used the area as a burial site.
The local Longneck tribe had used this area when they first settled in the territory, this large clearing in the middle of
Red Leaf Woods (
the original name of the woodland that would later be renamed Haunted Woods), was chosen for the permanent placement of the tribe's burial site. At that time the tribe used stacks of stones, intricately carved and stacked, as grave markers. In addition, at the entrance of the burial site, the tribe had constructed one massive cairn carved with the names and deeds of their ancestors. The name cairn was used to describe the area by the tribe and this verbal tradition continued to the dragons and other beasts that would eventually move into the area.
It should be known that shortly after setting up the burial site the tribe promptly stopped using it. Today their official cairn site is closer to their village around the
Three Lakes area. The elders had hesitated to tell the Founders about the area because of the odd energy that the area gave off. They assumed that strange, oftentimes, negative energy was what caused the restless state of their interred--
old and new. Unhappy with the unsettled nature of their ancestors, the tribe removed their departed and re-interred them at the new site. They have had no further issues.
It was out of desperation that the founders ultimately settled on the area for the construction of Dragon's Rest. A decision that proved to be just as much trouble for them as it was for the tribe.
Areas of Interest:
1.The Pillars of the Eleven
A series of intricately carved pillars rest up above the rites floor, each dedicated to one of the eleven deities. The Earthshaker is at the very center with the Tidelord (
while looking directly at the pillars) to its right and the Flamecaller to its left. Continuing down the left side the pillars read: Windsinger, Icewarden, Shadowbinder, and Gladekeeper. To the right following the Tidelord, they are: Stormcatcher, Lightweaver, Arcainist, and Plaguebringer. During the rites, the pillars will be lit to represent the deity/s celebrated by the deceased and their family. One or more, or none, of the pillars can be lit according to last wishes or at the request of the family.
Also, behind the pillars are the singing fountains, which are enchanted to play soft music. They can be arranged to play traditional music used during the rites to the most popular music of the day, which is often used as a memorial playlist during the wake.
2.The Rites Floor
This area under the Pillars of the Eleven platform is where all rites are performed. Anything from the spectacular dances and songs of the most elaborate sendings to the more mundane viewings and speeches are all done in this area.
- The Resting Table-- A nice name given to the large table placed in the back of this area. It is the solution of a territory burdened with a lack of space and an overabundance of Imperials. In order to combat the threats those issues pose, the table is enchanted and surrounded by spells that essentially freeze-dry the bodies and then render them dust. The dust is then placed into urns and given to the family for interment in the mausoleum or to spread in an area of their choosing. The table can be extended or shortened depending on needs. Even went not in use the table and the floor around it glow with a soft, light blue hue. There is a hastily written note posted to a stand before the table that reads:
WARNING: The table can be activated accidentally! Let's be thankful it was only the hatchlings' teddy that was dusted and not the mischievous hatchlings. No one is authorized on the rites floor except those giving the rights. For goodness sake Sabriel, do not let hatchlings play anywhere in the building!
3.The Speakers Dias
A podium on the edge of The Rites Floor where last rites are given and family can speak of their loved ones. This dias has hidden wheels under it that allows the podium to be adjusted to face the crowd or face the resting table.
4.Mourners' Floor
This is an absolutely massive area that opens to the vaulted ceilings. The area is able to hold hundreds of drakes and beasts of all sizes and comfortably provides them an area to hold the wake after the ceremony. When empty the area is very plain, a little spooky, and carries an echo for a good while.
5.Front Office
All funeral arrangements are conducted here as well as smaller meetings and wakes. Sabriel is usually manning this station as Valeria isn't the best at dealing with others, especially when they are emotional. The front office is a warm, inviting place with ample places to sit and talk. The room is lined with helpful books on the grieving process or arranging an ancestor's final rest. A fireplace is kept lit against the right wall. The ceiling is low in this portion of the ground floor, which provides a cozier environment.
6.Entry Way
The entryway into the mausoleum. It's a warm room, with a few seats and a fireplace to make it comfortable. Much like the front office, this area's ceiling is lower, making it more enclosed. Though it is not as cavernous as the Mourners' Floor it is still big enough to fit every drake, no matter their size, comfortably.
7.Stairwell Up
The stairwell leading to the first floor and bell tower. There is a sign posted on the outside of the entrance that reads: Authorized personnel only. Warning: Self-alteration magic is used beyond this point! There are a great many spells utilized in the cairn, but this is the first that directly affects the individual. There is a size spell on the door that reduces any large breed dragon to the size of a Pearlcatcher after passing through it. The spell holds until the individual passes back through the door. It can be dispelled, though that would be much to the woe of the individual caught in an area that would no longer support their size.
8.Storeroom
Off the side is the store room, where materials used in the rites, foodstuffs, and general goods are stored. Also, there are safety chests that can hold personal possessions that individuals might wish to secure or weapons that are brought into the cairn. Weapons are not authorized on the ground floor. There are wards preventing entry on the door to the storeroom. They are not elaborate and can easily be dispelled, but upon removal, they trigger an alarm.
9.Stairwell Down
This is the stairwell that leads down into the catacombs. It is dark and painfully quiet down this stairwell, those who have experienced it describe it as walking into a soundless void. This phenomenon is not from any spell, it is simply from the quiet reverence/sorrow experienced when moving to settle an ancestor in their final resting place.
10.Emergency Exit
Set at the left side of the platform, resides the double door emergency exit. During ceremonies, the door is covered with a minor glamor that blends it into the surrounding wall. This is to prevent the eyesore from disturbing mourners.
