Altars
Altars are tables or platforms on which religious offerings or sacrifices can be placed or vows and oaths taken. They can exist on their own or be a part of a crypt, temple, cult chamber, sacred grove, or other location. They may be present on holy islands, mountaintops, on ley lines, or near the mouth of a volcano. Typically altars are made from stone but other materials (wood, crystal, bone, etc) should be considered (this may be an opportunity for a fictional material). There may be religious symbols, icons, or runes carved onto the altar. Altars may be simple or ornate.
| Synonyms: shrines |
| Example Mythonyms: Altar of Atheus, the Blood Altar |
Designing Fictional Altars
Archetypes
Overview
When designing altars for your fictional world, consider the religion, god, or belief system to which they were built. Symbols or motifs important to these beliefs may be inherent to the altar. Also consider the types of offerings this altar was designed for – flowers, fruits, blood, animal sacrifice, human sacrifice, wine, prayer, or the burning of incense are some examples.
In fictional worlds, there may be a very real effect to praying or leaving an offering upon an altar, ranging from receiving a boon from a fictional god, to opening a portal or hidden doorway.
Reference Image Gallery
