Zha'Vrollo

Zha'Vrollo, the Temple of the Savage Heart is the Gorgynei's temple to Sahyaadon, located in the Gloomed Jungles, about two day's travel east from Barinak.

Importance to the Gorgynei
Annaline told Bells Hells that the Gorgynei administer the Hunter's Bane to their members at the temple. After learning of Chetney's issues controlling his lycanthropic urges during Ruidus flares, as well as his need for a fairly quick solution, she invited him to come to Zha'Vrollo the next day to meet with the spirit of Sahyaadon in a series of trials. She told him that they would be difficult, and would either help him better master his abilities, or else be "excised" by Sahyaadon.

Tarad Cornei referred to the statue of Sahyaadon in Barinak as an extension of the shrine of Zha'Vrollo.

The Gorgynei and other visitors often leave offerings of fruit, money, or meat to a statue of Serataani in the temple. In addition to formal rituals, the Gorgynei also will use the temple for personal meditation or worship, and built Barinak nearby so that the temple would be accessible.

Description
The temple is a ruin in the Gloomed Jungles, and often draws the creatures of the jungle to it. It is situated in a natural cavern in a cliff, and was then carved from it. Some of the entrances are blocked by fallen trees, though it is still possible to enter.

The interior smells like a damp cave, and also of animal musk. There is wooden scaffolding that begins about 15 feet into the entrance, and the entrance is also full of shards of bone. There are much more complete skeletons, both humanoid and bestial, further in. The walls are carved with rough, simple outlines of bestial shapes. Some of the bones are relatively fresh, but many have been here for decades or more, and Orym noticed damage from both claws and weaponry to the supports of the temple.

The central chamber is 40 feet high, with a natural skylight through which water, vines, and light can enter. The vines then grow across much of the ceiling, and dangle down in places, as do some of the roots of the trees above.In the center of this chamber on a small platform is a statue of a humanoid woman, representing Serataani, who holds an empty sword sheath. There are other statues, again both humanoid and bestial, as well in other parts of the room, though some have crumbled or collapsed with time. There are iron sconces in the walls of the main chamber, though the room is significantly damaged in part and partially reclaimed by the surrounding jungle. Multiple other rooms or tunnels appear to have caved in.

When the spirit of Sahyaadon is present, the skylight fills with moonlight, even if Catha is not above.

History
Zha'Vrollo was built long before the Gorgynei came to the Gloomed Jungles of Aeshanadoor, and was part of what drew them to the area.

During the Apex War, Zha'Vrollo was used as an outpost by the Stratos Throne by operatives hoping to attack Yios, until the spirit of Sahyaadon reclaimed it. The Gorgynei leave the temple as it was, including the damage it sustained in the war, in the belief that Sahyaadon may consider it a trophy or reminder.

Bells Hells traveled to Zha'Vrollo for Chetney's trial. Once they reached it, Chetney left an offering at the base of the statue. He then meditated, and was approached by the spirit of Sahyaadon, who told him that it would remove the worst of Ruidus's influence, and leave something of itself. He accepted the terms of the trial, and was transformed into a massive, bestial wolf and attacked his party members. They were able to fend him off and help him regain control of himself.

After Chetney's trial, while the rest of the party was celebrating in the jungle, Orym noticed the faint scent of his late husband, Will, coming from the statue of Serataani. He approached it, and noticed a vine growing from the empty sheath of the statue. He placed his shortsword in the sheath, and the vine grew around his hand and he saw a glow come from inside the sheath. When he withdrew the sword, it retained the ivy decoration on the hilt, and had a magical aura. He thanked Serataani and joined the rest of the party.