[FR] Just what is a shrine?

[Dark Jezter]

This is for FR players, although it could apply to other campaign settings as well.

Often when I'm looking at the FRCS or an FR suppliment, I'll see something along the lines of "X city has a temple of Tymora and Lathander, as well as shrines devoted to Helm, Tempus, Selune, and Tyr."

Now, I don't think I've really seen any description of what a Faerunian shrine is like. The way I picture it right now is something like a Japanese shinto shrine; a small holy site where people can pray that is attended to by a single priest.

The reason I'm asking is because I want to know what kind of services a shrine could offer PCs of the same or allied religion.

 

[d20Dwarf]

There are some shrines of Silverymoon described in the Gem of the North netbook. Those might give you a clearer idea.

http://www.gemofthenorth.org

 

[darkbard]

The way I picture it right now is something like a Japanese shinto shrine; a small holy site where people can pray that is attended to by a single priest.

actually, the difference between a shrine [jinja] and temple [otera] in japan is a function of religion, not size. a shrine is a shinto religious site whereas a temple is buddhist. i've seen some fairly small temples and quite a few large shrines.

however, the way the two terms are used in english [where shintoism and buddhism have few strongholds] seems to reflect a size difference [both physical structure and staff, if any--in the case of a shrine] rather than the elements i cited.

 

[seankreynolds]

The FR definition of shrine/temple/cathedral is in the FRCS on page 236:

"The second paragraph describes the deity’s church. This overview explains if the church is organized or casual, hierarchical or independent, prominent or secretive. The common duties of the clerics and members of the church are also given here. Note that buildings dedicated to a deity are casually known as temples, but that temples commonly come in three sizes: shrines (small structures), temples (structures of substantial size and at least several rooms), and cathedrals (grand structures of very large size). A household shrine or wayside shrine is not a building, but is a small space, often nothing more than a statue in an alcove or a pile of stones in a glade, dedicated to a single deity."

 

[wighair]

I always tend to think of a shrine as being a place of worship without a permanent cleric/priest of the faith on hand. Maybe one comes along every few weeks/days to check up on the place. A temple on the other hand I would always assume to be attended by the faithful.

 

[Ranger REG]

It is basically a prayer spot. One can have their own personal shrine to pray to their deity and to some extent their ancestors.

Sometimes it marked the location of a significant religious event, like perhaps a sighting or a miracle in the name of the deity.

 

[Snoweel]

Originally posted by Dark JezterJust what is a shrine?

It's a lot like a gazebo.