The Wood Fane

  The Wood Fane stands to the west of the Grand Lodge, and is dedicated to the Wood Elemental. Liangyu recognizes five elements or agents which undergird the structures and processes of creation. While "mu" is literally translated as wood, this force or power is not strictly limited to the substance of timber but is associated with all vegetable life, particularly with growth and greenery. Indeed another name for this power is "The Greening". The Yeng have always paid especial homage to this entity, as the Huo do to Fire.

North of the altar is the eight-sided tower of the god, with out-jutting roofs on each of its eight stories, each story narrower than the one below it. The tallest building in Mutsai, there is nothing quite like it in all of Liangyu. The roof tiles are copper which has long since aged to a fine green, while the wooden walls are painted red. The overall appearance is not disharmonious and recalls the image of a large pine tree.

On each set of eaves perch eight wooden owls, every feather delicately carved and every talon dagger-sharp. Their heads swivel to track approaching visitors. They have never been seen to shift position, but each day they are in a new configuration.

Only the priestly caste of the Yeng Clan are allowed to enter, so information about the layout and contents of the tower is practically non-existent. There is talk of a brick-lined chamber, a room known as the "Dragon Palace". It is said to hold a relic of great antiquity and value, but accounts vary wildly as to the precise nature of the artifact.

Behind the tower are a stand of toon trees. When the stems bud red, this is heralded as the start of spring. Chickens are sacrificed along with grains of wheat from the previous harvest. A festival is held in the great plaza south of the Fane and the Lodge. Lute music is played throughout the day, and a dumpling with sour filling is traditionally consumed.