Reclaiming the Sacred
Schulmanicus: Reclaiming the Sacred
Admiral Hestorb meant every word she said. Heads would roll for the disgraceful condition of the grounds in the Sacred Precinct. Overgrown shrubs, unkempt lawns and overcrowded trees made for a very unpleasant setting for one of Schulmania's most important places. The landscaping company of Slaquer du Nothing & Sons had been using the change in leadership at Temple Terrace as a cover to get paid for not working. As custodians of the Sacred Precinct, the Admiral and Archbishop Howell were aghast. The landscaping firm's president, Mr. du Nothing, was called to Wirtyplace to explain himself.
Howell: I am appalled at what I have seen around the Sacred Precinct.
Hestorb: As am I. And I demand an answer for this.
Du Nothing: Is there a problem?
Hestorb: Is there a problem?! IS THERE A PROBLEM?! You BET there's a problem!
Howell: How could you let it get this bad?
Du Nothing: Umm... I was trying to be eco-friendly.
Hestorb: BALDERDASH!
Du Nothing: Umm... weren't some of those plants endangered or something?
Howell: This is a terrible shame.
Hestorb: How much was spent on the contract with his firm?
Howell: We spent 450 schulmonetas a year.
Hestorb: I hereby order the permanent revocation of du Nothing's business license. I also order restitution in the sum of 4500 schulmonetas, ten times the contract amount. And, for his insolence, I hereby sentence Mr. du Nothing to 100 scratches, which I shall administer myself... now.
Du Nothing: OWW! OWW! OWW! (... another 97 of these)
Howell: I will find a new landscaping company to tend to our hallowed grounds. Soon, the Sacred Precinct will be better than ever!
The newly-selected firm, Grazing Bunnies Lawn 'n Tidying Service of Greater Schulmanicus, was selected to refurbish the Sacred Precinct. And, what a job they did! The grounds were whipped into shape and, as an added bonus; a special new feature was added to the area for visitors. Let's see how it is now...
This guide shows you most of the Sacred Precinct, the ancient religious heart of Schulmania. It is administered from the adjacent town of Temple Terrace and is the largest component of the bishopric of the same name.
Now that you are properly oriented, let's examine the facilities and the exhaustive renovations and upgrades completed under orders of Admiral Hestorb and Archbishop Howell.
An overview facing toward land from the Tenne Sea.
The view from Busscastle toward Temple Terrace.
A view from Wirt towards the sea. This incorporates the seaside Mariners' Shrine.
The same view as the first picture, but without the text.
Let us now enter the Sacred Precinct along the ancient road, now nicely renovated and landscaped.
The boundary of the Sacred Precinct is now marked by the Gate of Purrs. The path still leads to the Shrine of the Wirdle. Do recall that the Supreme Wirdle is highly respected, but not worshipped.
She is quite devout and would not approve of that practice. Here, she can be seen in prayer at the Basilica of Felis Catus.
Here is the Basilica of Felis Catus, one of the mother churches of all cats. In between the shrine and the basilica is the Temple of Schulmanicus.
The Temple of Schulmanicus is an ancient structure which still receives plenty of use today.
Let us now ascend the ancient track to the top of the hill, the highest point on Schulmanicus. First selected as the site of the Thankfulness Shrine, the Sacred Precinct now houses a multitude of ancient and medieval religious structures, complemented by several new edifices built in a similar scale and style.
Ascending the hill to the Thankfulness Shrine.
In the background of the picture above, at left, is the Great Feline Obelisk and also the Church of the Whiskers. These were built and are maintained by the Bureau of Feline Affairs for the use of all cats.
The obelisk is a new addition to the Sacred Precinct. It was built in a similar style to the eight located in Babalonia, the center of religious affairs for the south. Southern residents have become so accustomed to the mighty obelisks that they commissioned one for the original religious sector as well.
As we ascend to the crest of the large hill, we arrive at the central complex of religious facilities, centered on the original structure, the Thankfulness Shrine.
The Thankfulness Shrine is now accompanied by the Pillar of Faith. Two memorials sit on the Terrace of St. Simeon. Despite all of the changes over time, many areas here still bear the names of original sim-based saints.
The Thankfulness Shrine stands proudly in the context of many structures it helped inspire.
St. Simbastian was upgraded to basilica status after the renovation relocated some of the smaller structures further down the hillside. Fine, detailed landscaping worthy of such an exalted place has been an aim of the project which was certainly met.
This pinnacle is the most important place in the Sacred Precinct. The team which carved the new Pillar of Faith was moved to tears when selected to build on this esteemed spot.
Nearby, the Terrace of St. Simeon houses two memorials of sacrifice. The one on the left honors the various prey which is sacrificed to feed the population of Schulmania. The one on the right recognizes those who have sacrificed themselves for Schulmania.
Just south of the terrace sits the Chapel of St. Francis and St. Flora, the two dynastic forbearers whose work paved the way for feline dominion over Schulmania.
From the peak of the hill, it is a steep descent to the sea. Most Schulminions are buried here after having enjoyed their nine lives. Reaching the area has always been a bit difficult due to the rugged terrain. The address this, the renovation team decided to create a terrace for those visiting this area: Memorial Terrace.
This small terrace will be greatly appreciated by visitors.
The Mariners' Shrine is not actually on the hill, but it is in the Sacred Precinct. This remote religious structure sits right on the cliff side overlooking the Tenne Sea. It has been paired with a small memorial to the Schulmericho expedition shipwreck victims.
The stunning views of the sea from this spot alone make it worth visiting.
The project to renovate and improve the Sacred Precinct certainly appears to be a success.
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