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Ritual of the Seven Shrouds
Rialorm silently lays out a dusky blue cloth with the seven-pointed star embroidered on it, carefully removing any wrinkles from its surface.
Rialorm then places a low silver bowl on the tip of each of the points of the star, starting at the bottom and finishing at the top.
Rialorm motions for the gathered to form a circle around the cloth and to join hands. Herself she stands as part of the circle, but her hands remain free to perform the ritual.
Rykinia De'Unnero slowly steps forward, taking a spot beside you.
Tau steps up to the cloth, offering her hand to those adjacent to her.
Septim Nightshade, Watcher of Flies steps across from you, joining hands with Tau and Rykinia.
Rialorm waits for everyone to grow silent, before raising the first item from a black pouch she carries. Showing what appears to be a mostly burned up candle, she speaks in a soft
voice.
You say, "Twilight, His sacred time, when the day draws to a close and blessed night begins. Seen by many as an end, but to us rather the beginning. With this symbol, we honour
darkness' arrival."
Rialorm places the candle in the bowl located south-east on the star, and reaches back into the black pouch. She leaves some time for the followers to place their first offering with
it.
Rykinia De'Unnero crouches down to place a blossomed cobalt-hued flower into the bowl.
Tau withdraws the nut of a ravenwood from within her cloak, placing it reverently with the candle, and the bowl.
Septim Nightshade, Watcher of Flies crouches and places a black widow spider in the bowl before standing once more.
Rialorm pulls up a perfectly cut onyx gemstone next, displaying it for all to see.
You say, "Refinement is what we strive for, perfection of the mind, body and the soul. Just as the jeweller improves upon the raw gem one cut at a time, so do we forge ourselves towards greatness. With this symbol, we honour the road to transcendence."
Rialorm places the gemstone in the south-western bowl, and prepares to pull up a new item from the pouch while everyone can place their second offering.
Rykinia De'Unnero retrieves a smoothly sculpted, miniature ravenwood box from her pack, reaching down to place it into the bowl with the gemstone.
Septim Nightshade, Watcher of Flies smiles softly as he places a bar of steel in the bowl to the southwest.
Tau reaches again into the cloak, withdrawing a perfeclty cut, glowing powerstone, placing it with the other items.
Rialorm opens her hand, and this time a piece of shadowy essence glows darkly on her handpalm.
You say, "The Shadows cloak us in safety and conceal us from our enemies. In their sanctuary we can work unhindered to further His goals and bring glory to the Wyrd. With this
symbol, we honour their obfuscating embrace."
Rialorm places the shadowy essence into the bowl to the north-east, looking at the other ritualists as they place their third offering with hers.
Rykinia De'Unnero produces a finely sewn veil bearing dark colours, folding it neatly before placing it into the northeastern bowl.
Tau smiles faintly, clawing and grasping at shadows that suffuse her form. Finally, her hand seems to seize upon something - a shadow of crow, which she wrings by the neck until it is still, its form
joining the rest.
Septim Nightshade, Watcher of Flies removes an ebon shawl from his pack and drops it swiftly into the bowl with the other items.
Rialorm does not reach towards the pouch this time, but instead she unhooks a dart from the brace on her belt and pricks herself in the finger, causing a drop of blood to well up.
You say, "The Shadows cloak us in safety and conceal us from our enemies. In their sanctuary we can work unhindered to further His goals and bring glory to the Wyrd. With this
symbol, we honour their obfuscating embrace."
Rialorm lets a few drops of her blood drip into the bowl at the north-west point, before the blood clots and seals the wound. While the fourth offerings are placed, you can see her
finger heal up clearly.
Rykinia De'Unnero brushes a hand over a crow, delicately plucking three feathers from its wing before placing them into the north-west bowl.
Septim Nightshade, Watcher of Flies drops a single gold sovereign into the bowl, watching as it lands with a small clinking noise before returning to his place in the circle once more.
Tau bites her lip, and takes a nekai to her wrist. It's not blood that flows, but essence - the pure, lifeblood of her divinity. It pools in the bowl, silvery.
Rialorm then reaches back to the pouch and takes out a small key and lock.
You say, "Silence safeguards our biggest secrets, keeping them from being spoiled. It is through Silence as well that we can unveil answers to our biggest questions, by introspection and meditation. With this symbol, we honour the lock of stillness."
Rialorm places the key into the lock, and lays it down into the bowl standing east on the cloth. With a gesture of the hand, she bids everyone to place their fifth offering with it.
Rykinia De'Unnero opens her journal, carefully pulling a text free from it and folding it up to place into the eastern bowl before snapping her journal closed again.
Septim Nightshade, Watcher of Flies pulls out a symbol of the Silent Lord, unclasping the chain and letting the small star slide off and fall into the bowl.
Tau removes the largest lump in her cloak, a skull, with ebon thread twisting through, and sealing it's jaw shut.
Rialorm reaches into the pouch for what seems to be the final time, and casts the empty husk aside. Opening her hand she reveals a perfect purple rose.
You say, "Beauty is all around us and in many forms. It is not exclusive to the arts or even to the Wyrden nature, but it is also found in the perfect execution of one's skills. With this symbol, we honour brilliance in all its forms."
Rialorm lays the rose down gently in the western bowl and lets her gaze go over those that have gathered as they make their final offering.
Rykinia De'Unnero reaches into her cloak, pulling her hand out to produce a necklace with a shimmering onyx star attached to the chain, draping it on the side of the western bowl to allow it to cascade into the middle.
Septim Nightshade, Watcher of Flies ponders the bowl for a moment, then pulls a mask of pure onyx from his pack, and places it in the bowl, its features facing upward.
Tau smiles and nods at Septim, placing a golden mask of the Nekotai, bearing no resemblance to anyone in particular, next to the other mask.
Rialorm allows for a little time to let her words sink in. Then, she lifts each bowl, letting its contents slide into the bowl at the north tip of the star, before placing the now empty bowl back on its original location.
You say, "Within the Amalgam, all of His aspects come together. In the Amalgam we are all joined. Through the Amalgam our bond runs strong and deep, and we are more than the sum of our parts. With all of these symbols, we honour the Silent Lord, and our connection to Him. Glory be to Lord Nocht, to Glomdoring, and to the Wyrd."
Rialorm bows her head, motioning to the others to follow her example in closing the ritual.
Rykinia De'Unnero's eyes fall closed as she lowers her head respectfully, clasping her hands in front of her as she does so.
Tau murmurs, "Glory be."
Septim Nightshade, Watcher of Flies bows his head, then says in the softest whisper Glory be to Lord Nocht, to Glomdoring, and to the Wyrd.
In a quiet murmur, Rykinia De'Unnero says, "Glory be."
Rialorm stirs, after remaining still for a bit, and gathers up all the bowls save the one with the offerings, placing them in the middle of the cloth which she folds around it. Then,
she lets the whole vanish into the black pouch, everything neatly hidden away. Holding up the bowl of offerings, she speaks a final time.
You say, "Our offerings will be taken to His fulcrux, where I will leave them for Him as a sign of our dedication. Thank you all for joining me in this ritual."
The ghost of a smile passes fleetingly across Septim's lips.
Rykinia flashes you a joyous smile.
You smile softly.
Tau nods her head emphatically.
---
(At the fulcrux)
Rialorm places down a large silver bowl, filled with many different small trinkets.
You say, "Lord Nocht, I bring You the offerings that were gathered in a ritual to honour the Seven Shrouds. Please accept this humble donation as a sign of Your Order's dedication
and knowledge."
You drop to one knee, demonstrating your humility and respect.
Rialorm then places a low silver bowl on the tip of each of the points of the star, starting at the bottom and finishing at the top.
Rialorm motions for the gathered to form a circle around the cloth and to join hands. Herself she stands as part of the circle, but her hands remain free to perform the ritual.
Rykinia De'Unnero slowly steps forward, taking a spot beside you.
Tau steps up to the cloth, offering her hand to those adjacent to her.
Septim Nightshade, Watcher of Flies steps across from you, joining hands with Tau and Rykinia.
Rialorm waits for everyone to grow silent, before raising the first item from a black pouch she carries. Showing what appears to be a mostly burned up candle, she speaks in a soft
voice.
You say, "Twilight, His sacred time, when the day draws to a close and blessed night begins. Seen by many as an end, but to us rather the beginning. With this symbol, we honour
darkness' arrival."
Rialorm places the candle in the bowl located south-east on the star, and reaches back into the black pouch. She leaves some time for the followers to place their first offering with
it.
Rykinia De'Unnero crouches down to place a blossomed cobalt-hued flower into the bowl.
Tau withdraws the nut of a ravenwood from within her cloak, placing it reverently with the candle, and the bowl.
Septim Nightshade, Watcher of Flies crouches and places a black widow spider in the bowl before standing once more.
Rialorm pulls up a perfectly cut onyx gemstone next, displaying it for all to see.
You say, "Refinement is what we strive for, perfection of the mind, body and the soul. Just as the jeweller improves upon the raw gem one cut at a time, so do we forge ourselves towards greatness. With this symbol, we honour the road to transcendence."
Rialorm places the gemstone in the south-western bowl, and prepares to pull up a new item from the pouch while everyone can place their second offering.
Rykinia De'Unnero retrieves a smoothly sculpted, miniature ravenwood box from her pack, reaching down to place it into the bowl with the gemstone.
Septim Nightshade, Watcher of Flies smiles softly as he places a bar of steel in the bowl to the southwest.
Tau reaches again into the cloak, withdrawing a perfeclty cut, glowing powerstone, placing it with the other items.
Rialorm opens her hand, and this time a piece of shadowy essence glows darkly on her handpalm.
You say, "The Shadows cloak us in safety and conceal us from our enemies. In their sanctuary we can work unhindered to further His goals and bring glory to the Wyrd. With this
symbol, we honour their obfuscating embrace."
Rialorm places the shadowy essence into the bowl to the north-east, looking at the other ritualists as they place their third offering with hers.
Rykinia De'Unnero produces a finely sewn veil bearing dark colours, folding it neatly before placing it into the northeastern bowl.
Tau smiles faintly, clawing and grasping at shadows that suffuse her form. Finally, her hand seems to seize upon something - a shadow of crow, which she wrings by the neck until it is still, its form
joining the rest.
Septim Nightshade, Watcher of Flies removes an ebon shawl from his pack and drops it swiftly into the bowl with the other items.
Rialorm does not reach towards the pouch this time, but instead she unhooks a dart from the brace on her belt and pricks herself in the finger, causing a drop of blood to well up.
You say, "The Shadows cloak us in safety and conceal us from our enemies. In their sanctuary we can work unhindered to further His goals and bring glory to the Wyrd. With this
symbol, we honour their obfuscating embrace."
Rialorm lets a few drops of her blood drip into the bowl at the north-west point, before the blood clots and seals the wound. While the fourth offerings are placed, you can see her
finger heal up clearly.
Rykinia De'Unnero brushes a hand over a crow, delicately plucking three feathers from its wing before placing them into the north-west bowl.
Septim Nightshade, Watcher of Flies drops a single gold sovereign into the bowl, watching as it lands with a small clinking noise before returning to his place in the circle once more.
Tau bites her lip, and takes a nekai to her wrist. It's not blood that flows, but essence - the pure, lifeblood of her divinity. It pools in the bowl, silvery.
Rialorm then reaches back to the pouch and takes out a small key and lock.
You say, "Silence safeguards our biggest secrets, keeping them from being spoiled. It is through Silence as well that we can unveil answers to our biggest questions, by introspection and meditation. With this symbol, we honour the lock of stillness."
Rialorm places the key into the lock, and lays it down into the bowl standing east on the cloth. With a gesture of the hand, she bids everyone to place their fifth offering with it.
Rykinia De'Unnero opens her journal, carefully pulling a text free from it and folding it up to place into the eastern bowl before snapping her journal closed again.
Septim Nightshade, Watcher of Flies pulls out a symbol of the Silent Lord, unclasping the chain and letting the small star slide off and fall into the bowl.
Tau removes the largest lump in her cloak, a skull, with ebon thread twisting through, and sealing it's jaw shut.
Rialorm reaches into the pouch for what seems to be the final time, and casts the empty husk aside. Opening her hand she reveals a perfect purple rose.
You say, "Beauty is all around us and in many forms. It is not exclusive to the arts or even to the Wyrden nature, but it is also found in the perfect execution of one's skills. With this symbol, we honour brilliance in all its forms."
Rialorm lays the rose down gently in the western bowl and lets her gaze go over those that have gathered as they make their final offering.
Rykinia De'Unnero reaches into her cloak, pulling her hand out to produce a necklace with a shimmering onyx star attached to the chain, draping it on the side of the western bowl to allow it to cascade into the middle.
Septim Nightshade, Watcher of Flies ponders the bowl for a moment, then pulls a mask of pure onyx from his pack, and places it in the bowl, its features facing upward.
Tau smiles and nods at Septim, placing a golden mask of the Nekotai, bearing no resemblance to anyone in particular, next to the other mask.
Rialorm allows for a little time to let her words sink in. Then, she lifts each bowl, letting its contents slide into the bowl at the north tip of the star, before placing the now empty bowl back on its original location.
You say, "Within the Amalgam, all of His aspects come together. In the Amalgam we are all joined. Through the Amalgam our bond runs strong and deep, and we are more than the sum of our parts. With all of these symbols, we honour the Silent Lord, and our connection to Him. Glory be to Lord Nocht, to Glomdoring, and to the Wyrd."
Rialorm bows her head, motioning to the others to follow her example in closing the ritual.
Rykinia De'Unnero's eyes fall closed as she lowers her head respectfully, clasping her hands in front of her as she does so.
Tau murmurs, "Glory be."
Septim Nightshade, Watcher of Flies bows his head, then says in the softest whisper Glory be to Lord Nocht, to Glomdoring, and to the Wyrd.
In a quiet murmur, Rykinia De'Unnero says, "Glory be."
Rialorm stirs, after remaining still for a bit, and gathers up all the bowls save the one with the offerings, placing them in the middle of the cloth which she folds around it. Then,
she lets the whole vanish into the black pouch, everything neatly hidden away. Holding up the bowl of offerings, she speaks a final time.
You say, "Our offerings will be taken to His fulcrux, where I will leave them for Him as a sign of our dedication. Thank you all for joining me in this ritual."
The ghost of a smile passes fleetingly across Septim's lips.
Rykinia flashes you a joyous smile.
You smile softly.
Tau nods her head emphatically.
---
(At the fulcrux)
Rialorm places down a large silver bowl, filled with many different small trinkets.
You say, "Lord Nocht, I bring You the offerings that were gathered in a ritual to honour the Seven Shrouds. Please accept this humble donation as a sign of Your Order's dedication
and knowledge."
You drop to one knee, demonstrating your humility and respect.
You have received a new honour! Congratulations! On this day, you have shown your willingness to ensure a bug-free Lusternia for everyone to enjoy. The face of Iosai the Anomaly unfolds before you, and within you grows the knowledge that you have earned the elusive and rare honour of membership in Her Order.
Curio Exchange - A website to help with the trading of curio pieces in Lusternia.
8
(c) Iron Realms Entertainment 2012.
Comments
You have received a new honour! Congratulations! On this day, you have shown your willingness to ensure a bug-free Lusternia for everyone to enjoy. The face of Iosai the Anomaly unfolds before you, and within you grows the knowledge that you have earned the elusive and rare honour of membership in Her Order.
Curio Exchange - A website to help with the trading of curio pieces in Lusternia.