IMPS: shaman water temple (Patreon)
Content
this is righ to left, before i changed my direction in later comics.
in the shaman temple, there is a large underground water abode where cleansing happens. this is for all new and old residents of the temple, where he must personally clean them as part of the process of cleansing and easing their souls. by caring for the body with the blessed water and his blessed hands (shamans have a pure body by birthright, being near a shaman even makes other imps feel better, heal faster, and have an overall youthful and glowing appearance and body) he can prepare and cleanse the soul and ease the mind while the body is physically cared for.
as all things are connected in life, the mind body and soul are too. all these things are done together in the temple's underground area. the water there has been used and blessed for centuries, carrying the goodwill of the spirits and specifcially the blessings of the gods.
this area is not meant for regular use, besides the shaman themselves, who by their presence also aids in the continual spiritual and religious connection. he only brings in imps for the process of adding them to his home, and for a first line of treatment.
this start, by first cleaning the body, makes it so that the imp has been fully free of any malingering spirits and negative energy, as well as sanitary purposes, it also makes their bodies used to the shaman's presence. making it easier for further treatment.
the magic of a shaman is powerful and hard to handle without the cleansing,and while there is many ways to do this, the cleansing has many uses to add onto the adaption. in emergency cases, the shaman must themselves carefully control their magic output to a high degree, as they are trained to do just in case, so that imp in need can get immediate care.
the shaman notes that this cleansing ritual is also a form of bonding, which makes the imps feel closer to him and more open to him mentally. after the ritual, they dont set foot into the place unless another cleansing is needed, which can happen once or twice a year. they would instead take baths in the open showers and waters outside. those places are open to all and for view, bathing is usually not a private affair in the temple. especially his temple, since it revolves around the celebration of life itself, the body is similarly praised and worshipped, being the vessel of one's soul. the temple has little doors, and many open corridors, baths, kitchens, and more. its a freedom of movement and freedom of view, as he wishes for his home to be safe but also transparent. on the outside, there is heavy guard, the main four entrances are heavily watched and with large gates that close on command.
his temple is based off of his specialty, and is a well respected position,, temples like his aren't uncommon, and are known as small heavens. he isnt the only shaman with this specialty, but by far he is the most well known and knowledgeable, largely due to maintaining and doing everything himself before he got aides. each temple of a different or general specialty have their own unique floor plan, and follow the teaching and themes of such.
he revolves around parenthood and pregnancy, so his place is largely baby proof, and open, making children easy to watch. its also safer than other temples with things like precious materials in high places or in baby proof cabinets and rooms. (on occasion there's rooms and doors, for especially the important things) (there's also a medical quarantined wing, that must also be sectioned off from access. play areas and resting spots. the paths are easy on the feet and wide for accessibility.
after the cleansing ritual is done, the imps are given new clothes to wear, usually something soft and flowy, easy to manipulate for ones wants. their original clothes are also washed if allowed, and prepared if one wants to wear them instead after. after a short rest, the imps could go and do their own things and the ones with needs will get addressed in order of importance. usually those needs can be taken cared for by aides, but for more serious things, the shaman will be ready to help.
after the day is over, they all tend to sleep together, and the shaman will spend his night with them as well. he is often awoken to being smothered as they all end up piling up on him.