Rönd
From Aryez
A Rönd is an Aralanic place of worship. Giant rönds are called Grand Rönds or Arnal.
A side view of a portion of the Grand Rönd in Iruadel. The Shrine of Ulmo dedicated to water is in the foreground.
Structure
A Rönd refers to both the grounds of the Rönd (the garden, etc.) and the actual main building itself. Small Rönds may only have the central building. A typical Rönd [Arnalai are just bigger versions of this plan] is laid out like this:
The entirety of the Rond is actually a large elaborate garden, highly resembling a Japanese Garden. Throughout the garden are various outdoor altars dedicated to various ideas, concepts, heros, spirits, or nature [mini-temples or shrines]. There are several places for lighting fires, numerous streams, benches, sacred groves for worship and appreciation.
Tables, benches and walled roofs are also found, for comfort and recreation.
Worshipers may proceed down a variety of paths to walk around the gardens. Ideally, there should be soft music played along the paths, and the more green trees, the better.
In the center of the garden will be a large building in the style of a cross between a Turkish Mosque and Gothic Cathedral. This is the Rönd proper.
Inside this building all formal sermons and group prayers [and weddings] are held as well as storage of important materials [library, records, etc.] and be a seat for the clergy. Inside are high walls, stained glass, an altar in the center or at the northern end [depending on shape] (these buildings are mostly symmertrical or spherical), and these buildings are carpeted with elegant rugs and carpets. Only the center pathway should be tiled with elegant tiles. Pews may or may not be used; worshipers will either sit on the pews placed on carpets or on the carpets themselves. From the center of the roof, a tall spire usually rises.
Decorations, paintings, and statues are throughout the interior in order to enhance look, meaning, and worship in the building. Only the actual altar of Iru itself must face a blank wall (made of stone or wood) representing the formlessness of God.
