Temples of Sop

File:Temple.png

An illustration of a Temple of Sop on Pilyo. This is the only symmetrical Temple in the western clusters.

Summary

Sop commissioned temples to be built in his honor when he passed on from this plane of existence. After his ascension, his son Hop made sure to construct these towers in places significant to his dynasty across the Universe. All temples are built as a foundation for a tower, each of which are unique in design.

With only two shared elements between each building, that they are black, and they are not symmetrical, with rare exceptions approved by Hop.

Design

A basic temple exterior is shaped like a pointed obelisk or quartz crystal, typically four sided. These stand high above the ground, unlike most Hoppist structures. Temple are meant to be seen from afar, across horizons on the planet they reside on.

The interior of each temple varies but will always have an entrance (in the shape of a doorway) that aims toward Karrots during the world's equinoxes (if applicable). The entrance leads to a grand hall, preceded by a vestibule, with holograms and quotes from Sop, capturing his history and greatness. With areas that lack power or natural lighting, special illuminating chemicals are sprayed upon carvings etched into the surface of the walls and ceiling.

Any spatial body hosting a temple will have it's geography scanned and printed onto the floor tiles, as Sop always recommended connecting with the natural world. This map will reflect the world as it was when the temple was built. A new floor must be remade during a Hoppist holiday if there are practitioners actively visiting there. The number of floors, styles of prayer halls and rest areas varies from temple to temple, and is meant to represent Sop's history and presence with that place.

Prayer halls (found exclusively in substantially large temples) are made are built to be silent, dim, temperature-neutral areas. This creates an effect of isolation and sensory deprivation. This is to enhance focus on prayer to Gop, while reflecting on oneself. Most of the time, these are stationed with a Knight of Sop to clean and secure the area or to educate a visitor. Rest areas are designed to be like the outside world, while offering protection from the elements and a peaceful social gathering place for Hoppists inside the temple. A dedicated area for this is important so that those inspecting the historical holograms/carvings or meditating in the prayer halls are not disturbed. Rest areas can function as a shelter during times of crisis and war, as they are built to be as fortified as the foundation of the temple, if not more.

Shared design elements have their roots in Sopipsism. Mainly, the color of choice, black, is to represent Sop directly, as he dyed his fur black late in life. The shape of the temple (particularly the roof and exterior surface) is derived from the events on the location that had significance to Sop at the time.

Guard

Any Knight of Sop that Hop deems worthy and is willing to step away from the war effort(s) is allowed to protect the temple of their choosing, unless it is overstaffed. Most Knights are allowed to clean, repair, decorate the structures, and educate others about the temple and the history of Sop held within. Hop gives a special variation of their armor to temple guards and special GloLites with a gold colored blade. In addition, volunteer Hoppists can self-enlist in guard duties by taking up an apron, a white and black ribbon and staying at the temple for extended periods without leaving. To ensure this, Knights will often voyage out and retrieve supplies and food, as well as discard of any waste.

Planets featuring a Temple

• Karrots (including the moon)
• PIlyo (Abandoned)
• High Pyrion (Central Planet only)
• Earth
• Amidann
• Foninivask
• Chiro-surasu (Moon only)