High Temple of Manann

The High Temple of Manann in Marienburg is one of the most important sites for the cult in the Old World. The temple is a combination of a well appointed building at the entrance to the cityport docks and several hulks moored alongside it on the harbour wall. The building houses the immense wealth generated by generations of merchants and seamen. It is here that the Priests of Manann sell their services and business to the merchants and captains of the fl eets. The ships of the temple are the area of worship and are of ancient origin – their masts point to the heavens like Manann’s trident thrusting from the waves. The hulls of these ships, ancient and new, are lashed to one another and the building, to form a vast wooden temple-island vessel dedicated to the god of the sea.

No one knows why or how these vessels came to be here. Perhaps once some of these ships could have sailed like any other vessel, but barnacles and weed have long since naturally moored the ships for all time. The condition of the vessels is a hindrance too; their timbers have deteriorated badly and age has taken its toll. The ships are heavily rotting with many decks below the waterline submerged by the sea. Where the tide comes in, worshippers can wonder at the majesty of the Manann’s domain, and when the tide retreats they can search for divine signs from their god. The temples’ building has also been constructed in such a way to allow the rising tide to flood its wide-open courtyard – many rites are performed in this sacred place, full of sea water. Sharks come naturally to the temple, especially during dark times and portents.

Despite the failings of the vessels, they still fl oat and are strangely unaff ected by heaviest seas which batter the dock entrance – even stormy seas which would founder the strongest ships of the line in the Imperial Navy.

Source
pg. 9
 * Warhammer Fantasy RPG 3rd ED -- Signs of Faith