The Mizukage's Shrine | The Church of the Great Shepard

[shirayuri]

The Mizukage's old opulent palace was torn down following the selection of the new Mizukage. The Church of Latter Day Rising Mist was declared the official religion of the village and hence its seat of power was transformed to reflect this new reality. The Mizukage's main building is the form of a massive shrine called The Church of the Great Shepard. It is styled in Gothic architecture with a large center atrium that functions as the ground floor and a succession of spiraling towers extending upwards into the mist covered skies above the village. The structure is five stories tall with each floor dedicated to a specific function in serving Kirigakure's faithful as well as the Mizukage who resides at the very top. The overall color and ethos of the building is very dark and brooding despite the colorful tinted glass that make up the windows. The light shines throughout the building at technical angles such that it seems the holy light of God itself was filling the Church. The stone masonry is of excellent quality giving the building an old, mysterious, and esoteric feel when one enters through the giant wooden doors at the first floor. Because the area is both a site of political and spiritual importance there are many guards at every level. 


1st Floor: The Atrium -   The first floor is the main area for Church ceremonies. It takes the form of a church inner sanctum complete with altar, pews, and glorious religious imagery reflecting the Mystery of Faith and the Five Tenets of the Church. Services are held every Sunday and the atrium is large enough to fit several hundred worshipers. There is a set of stairs to the side of the atrium that allows one to access the higher levels without disturbing parishioners who are there to pray

2nd Floor: The Study -  The second floor houses a large library. While it contains the all general information about the world. The library itself caters to the religous sort and has many books about the Church of Latter Day Rising Mist. Many priests walk and study on the second floor as there are mini cubicles for private reading. While the library is free and open to all residents regardless of creed, its esoteric knowledge is under the direct purvey of the Church and the priests who tender and care for the books housed within. 

3rd Floor: The Auditorium -   The third floor of the Church is a bit of a misnomer as it actually refers to the area where those who hold the Priesthood of the Auditor practice their holy craft. The area consists of several private, soundproof offices that include a desk, two couches, a hookah, and several books describing the auditing process. This level usually has a great deal of clinical psychologists in addition to the auditors who work there. It is a place where those seeking mental wellness can come to find peace of mind. The Mizukage can occasionally be seen on this level, studying an auditor's technique or performing an audit herself. 

4th Floor: Mizukage's Office -   At the top level of the Church is the Mizukage's Office. While not as grand as its predecessors it is a large area including a waiting area and reception to those who seek an audience with the Mizukage. Personal records and the village's hidden scrolls are kept in the office proper. The office includes a desk and chair for the Kage, comfortable chairs for the guests, a few bookshelves on the sides, and several file cabinets. Above the Mizukage is a large portrait of "the Appearing", the sacred moment when the Church's forefathers were greeting by the Great Shepard who taught them the five tenants of faith and instructed them to build a Church after his teachings. The room contains no shortage of religious symbols and near the Kage's desk is a wooden Shepard's staff. It reflects her dual title as High Shepard of the Church of Latter Day Rising Mist and Mizukage for the Village Hidden in Mist.

All NPCs or officials will be written by the Mizukage.

Guards will be present throughout The Church.