Lore24 Feb 25: The Great Oracle of Satnak

The Great Oracle is said to be blessed by Pafatra and Nir so that their sight covers both the present and the future (they cannot see the past). They sit in an underground chamber at the temple-complex dedicated to the three rivers, the Crafter and the Patron of Haulers. The chamber has a gigantic carved stone head, which depicts a giant bird. The Oracle drinks a special beverage made from dates and certain herbs that help them get into their trance. Afterwards the Oracle speaks in a long-forgotten tongue, that only the priests of the temple can decipher. The Oracle does not remember what they said while in the trance.

While the Oracle is technically open to anyone, and renders their services for free, the priests usually expect a generous donation to the temple for their services as translators.

Right now the seat of the Oracle is empty, for Aga, the previous Oracle has died less than a year ago. There is intense competition for the honor amongst the priests and sorcerers of the city. Of course every faction in the city has their favorite candidates, and there have even been brawls on the streets over the issue. Some are afraid that if things escalate, armed conflicts might break out, and magical violence might follow.

 Image by Hugh McCabe

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