Monuments, Shrines & Temples

The MiddleVerse is a cosmos where the interplay of cultures, spirituality, and architecture is as complex and intertwined as the civilizations themselves. It is a realm where the physical and metaphysical merge, where the search for meaning, connection, and understanding permeates every aspect of life. Each House, with its unique history and spiritual outlook, contributes to the rich mosaic of the MiddleVerse, creating a vibrant tapestry of cultures that spans across planets, star systems, and entire galaxies.

Cultural Exchange and Architectural Splendor:
The MiddleVerse is home to countless sentient species, each with its own distinct culture, but all sharing a common thread of spirituality and a deep connection to the unseen forces that govern the Verse. As these civilizations interact through trade, diplomacy, and shared quests for knowledge, their cultural footprints overlap, resulting in a beautiful fusion of architectural styles, art, and traditions.

Shared Architectural Achievements:
- The cities of the MiddleVerse are a testament to the blending of these diverse cultures. Ancient structures, carved with intricate designs that tell the stories of their creators, stand alongside cutting-edge technological marvels. In some places, the two merge, creating buildings that are both old and new, spiritual and functional. These cities are not just places to live but living monuments to the history and evolution of their inhabitants.
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Monuments and Statues: The peoples of MiddleVerse honor their heroes and spiritual guides through grand monuments and statues, built from a variety of materials ranging from humble stone to rare, cosmic alloys. These structures are more than just physical representations; they are imbued with the essence of those they honor, serving as focal points for meditation, reflection, and worship.
Temples and Shrines: The spiritual centers of each House reflect their journey towards understanding the great mystery of existence. These edifices are often masterpieces of architecture, designed to evoke deep emotions and spiritual insights. Visitors, especially those from the House of Abraxas and other advanced Houses, are drawn to these places in their quest to find the Divine within and to better understand the cosmos.

Spiritual Journeys:
- The spiritual journey is central to the lives of most sentient beings in the MiddleVerse. The Houses of Abraxas, Leo, Selvans, and others view spirituality as a path to self-betterment and understanding. Their temples and shrines are places of pilgrimage, where individuals seek to connect with the Divine, unravel the mysteries of the universe, and explore the depths of their own souls.
- Energy-Portals: Taught by the House of Selvans, the art of opening individual energy-portals allows those who have mastered it to travel across the cosmos instantly. This ability is not just a means of physical transportation but also a spiritual practice, a journey that mirrors the inner quest for enlightenment. The physical portals, or Stargates as they are called by most, are often located within sacred sites, enhancing the spiritual experience of those who use them.

The Dark Side of Spirituality:
- Not all Houses share the same approach to spirituality. The House of Draco - along with two of their creations, the Houses of Vuk and Upiór - pursue a path of self-centeredness and nihilism. Their motto, "Nothing is true, everything is permitted," reflects their rejection of the values and spiritual practices held dear by other Houses. This mindset is reflected in their architecture, which stands in stark contrast to the edifices of enlightenment built by other civilizations.

- Dark Selvans: A tragic example of the corruption that can occur is found in the Dark Selvans. Once noble beings connected to nature, these Selvans have been twisted by the influence of the House of Draco. Instead of nurturing life, they drain it, leaving desolation in their wake. Their presence is a reminder of the ongoing struggle between light and darkness in the MiddleVerse.

Cultural Influence and Synthesis:
- The architectural and cultural influences among the Houses are not limited to physical structures. Art, music, literature, and even philosophies are exchanged and integrated, creating a rich and varied multicultural landscape. In sum, the opposite of what the House of Draco wants; cultural uniformity, under their iron fist. The blending of styles and ideas is evident in the cities and monuments of the MiddleVerse, where elements from different civilizations coexist and enhance each other.
- This synthesis is particularly evident in the spiritual practices of many Houses. For instance, the meditative techniques of the House of Adar might be combined with the martial arts of the House of Abraxas, creating a holistic approach to both physical and spiritual training. Such cross-cultural exchanges enrich the lives of all MiddleVerse inhabitants, fostering a deeper sense of unity and shared purpose.

The Role of the House of Abraxas:
As one of the most advanced and influential Houses in the MiddleVerse (Having long ago surpassed almost all of their 23 genetic forebears), the House of Abraxas plays a crucial role in the spiritual and cultural life of this cosmos. Their search for the Divine within and their mastery of energy-portals make them natural leaders and guides for other civilizations. Working in tandem with a select few Houses, such as those of Leo and Selvans. Abraxas’s cities are centers of learning, spirituality, and culture, where beings from all over the MiddleVerse come to study, meditate, and share in the quest for enlightenment.

The Struggle for the Soul of MiddleVerse:
At the heart of the MiddleVerse is the ongoing struggle between the forces of light and darkness, order and chaos,  natural and unnatural. The Houses of Abraxas, Selvans, Leo, and others represent the pursuit of knowledge, wisdom, and spiritual growth, while the House of Draco and its creations embody the darker aspects of power, control, and corruption. This struggle is reflected in every aspect of life in the MiddleVerse, from the grandest cities to the smallest shrines, from the highest spiritual insights to the basest instincts.

The MiddleVerse is, in essence, a living, breathing entity - a vast, interconnected web of life, thought, and spirit. It is a place where the physical and metaphysical are intertwined, where every action and thought reverberates through the cosmos, influencing the course of history and the destiny of countless beings. As the story of the MiddleVerse continues to unfold, new Houses, new civilizations, and new spiritual insights will emerge, each adding to the rich tapestry of this ever-evolving universe.

To be continued...