(Glomdoring): You say, "The ascension of Lerad will soon commence at the Master Ravenwood. Please make your way over."
You clear your throat in an attempt to gain the attention of those around you.
You say, "We gather under this new moon to raise Lerad as our new Vernal Ascendant. However, we have one thing to address first."
You say, "For long, Tacita has served as our Vernal Ascendant. She has done many things for Glomdoring, and has served us wonderfully in that regard."
You say, "However, she has been wandering the Shadow Realms for quite a few years now, and it seems unlikely she will return anytime soon."
You say, "As such, as with all things, it is time to reduce one to empower the other, much as we mulch our old trees to make room for young ones."
You say, "When she returns, she will be welcomed back with open arms as a Vernal Demigod, but her time as a Vernal Ascendant is, at least for now, over."
You channel the powers of the Master Ravenwood Tree for Tacita, stripping Tacita of Vernal Ascendant status.
An Ascendant is no more! By decree of Dark Seneschal Ssaliss and with full support of the Shadow Court, let it be known that the Free Collective of Glomdoring has this day descended Tacita with the energies of the Master Ravenwood Tree, and she now becomes a Vernal Demigod!
You say, "In her stead, we will raise Lerad as our new Vernal Ascendant."
You say, "While he is the one who will be imbued with the power of the Master Ravenwood, it is all of you who have worked tirelessly in order to make this happen."
You say, "We have seen much lately. Our alliance with Gaudiguch crumbled, Magnagora decided to stab us in the back, we have had elder trees cut and our home put aflame."
You say, "But despite all that, Glomdoring preseveres, and we are much stronger today than we were a few short years ago. This is all thanks to everyone who calls Glomdoring home."
You say, "Back then, we had no villages under our control. We had no aetherbubbles claimed. We held no domoths."
You say, "Now, we hold three villages. We control one aetherbubble, and we have the power of the Death domoth at our beck and call."
You say, "We have grown much, and ascending Lerad is not the culmination of it all. It is simply another step on the path to have the Wyrd claim dominion over all."
You say, "With that said, let the rituals begin. King, if you may start us off?"
Siam breathes deeply, a regal mien overtaking him as he exhales. The shadows all around writhe and darken in anticipation as Night's Chosen King whispers invocations to the Dark Mother which flowers into a darksome song worshipful of the Night. What starts as a veneration in the common tongue fluidly flows into ancient tongue of the fae, the words rolling endlessly, ceasing to be the King's own as other voices resound from the shadows, joining his in a tenebrous chorous in all the tongues known to mortals. Upon his brow, the Crown of Conquering Darkness glimmers with the beauty of countless dying stars devoured by the endless abyss.
Siam strides purposefully toward Lerad, still one voice within the disembodied chorus. Shadows flock to the King's form even as shadowy forms rise out the darkness - fae and other shadowy beings alike look on, their eyes glowing. The song slows into a murmuring melody before quieting. The King allows the somber silence to swell over the forest. With Glomdoring's chosen locked before his gaze, the flame of his twin star-eyes go out, replaced by a fathomless emptiness as he opens his mouth to speak.
His voice joined by countless others, speaking in all tongues, Witch-King Siam Star-eyes, the Abyssal One says, "We have heeded the call of Night's Chosen, we of Night's Entourage who have long joined Her in Her Blessed Darkness. We have come for you, Glomdoring's Chosen," the King pauses, shadows flaring behind him, settling into an exquisite feminine form, "wear Night's Blessing upon your brow as you reap the victories of the Wyrd."
Siam graces Lerad with Night's kiss upon the Chosen's brow, the tenebrous feminine form behind him growing in size and mightily so before fading
Siam offers the Regent a nod as his twin star-eyes flare back to life, the King's own form weary but determined.
You nod your head emphatically.
You say to Makaela, "You are next then."
Darach Tylwyth Nightshade says, "I will go."
You nod your head emphatically.
Makaela of the Blackthorn says, "It will be Tylwyth she was only in case no other could attend."
Tylwyth looks to his fellow Blacktalon, meeting each of their eyes, before taking a step forward. He moves towards Lerad, settling in front of him.
Darach Tylwyth Nightshade says, "The Wyrd is a real, palpable force, that drives us and spurs us forward in an endless pursuit of perfection. It is something that shapes everything and everyone it touches, changing them for the better."
Tylwyth turns from Lerad to the assembled crowd, sweeping his hands outwards as he speaks and gesturing to eachperson.
Addressing those present, Darach Tylwyth Nightshade says, "And it is our duty as Blacktalon, and as members of Glomdoring itself, to spread its influence to all corners of the Basin to shape the it in Glomdoring's image. Much as it is our duty to perfect ourselves, so that this may one day be achieved."
Darach Tylwyth Nightshade says, "The Blacktalon follow a set of guidelines, teachings that have been passed down through the generations from Brother Crow Himself. These are the four Aspects of Crow."
To Leard, Darach Tylwyth Nightshade says, "We ask you, Lerad Ysav'rai, the Caliginous Phantom, to uphold Crow's ways and strive for perfection through His teachings."
To Lerad, Darach Tylwyth Nightshade says, "Will you uphold Crow's ways?"
Lerad's gaze is steady as he replies, his voice reverberating strongly, "Yes, I will. My service will uphold Crow's ways and teachings."
To Lerad, Darach Tylwyth Nightshade says, "Lerad, you know well the benefitsof patience and discipline. As Blood Thirst teaches us, we must starveourselves by denying our own desires and needs. We must wait and only strike when the moment is right, if we are to claim victory."
Makaela of the Blackthorn says, "We must embrace starvation, for nothing matters but Glomdoring."
To Lerad, Darach Tylwyth Nightshade says, "Our loyalty belongs to Glomdoring and its people. Temper your emotions and exploit the weaknesses of our enemies, in Glomdoring's name. Through the teachings of Black Sorrow, we learn to inflict the greatest suffering upon our prey without succumbing to it ourselves."
Makaela of the Blackthorn says, "We conquer our own turmoil, for Nothing Matters but Glomdoring."
To Lerad, Darach Tylwyth Nightshade says, "Your path was predestined, set by Mother Night and Brother Crow. Realise your strength and do not falter from your course. You have always been strong. Write your own past as False Memory teaches us to do, and know a future that is free from weaknesses."
Makaela of the Blackthorn says, "We reject the delusions of others,for Nothing Matters but Glomdoring."
To Lerad, Darach Tylwyth Nightshade says, "And always remember that by embracing the Glory of the Wyrd, our existence is given meaning. The pursuit of perfection requires absolute faith in Glomdoring and our own Dark Spirit. Go with Crow's blessing."
Makaela of the Blackthorn says, "We live to serve the Merciless Forest, for nothing matters but Glomdoring."
Tylwyth bows to Regent and steps back.
You nod your head at Tylwyth.
You say to Eliron, "You are next, Song."
Eliron steps forward, carrying an intricately carved drum before him. He kneels and places it on the ground before rising.
Eliron Shee-Slaugh steps around the drum and moves to stand before Lerad, pulling a slim knife from within his robes. He holds out a hand to Lerad and gestures for him to do the same.
Lerad holds out his hand, palm up.
Eliron Shee-Slaugh slashes the knife across Lerad's palm, then holds it to the wound, thoroughly coating the blade in blood.
Eliron returns to the drum. He kneels and wipes the blade twice across the drumhead, smearing it a dark red.
Eliron rests both hands on the drum for a moment of silence before he begins to beat out a driving rhythm on it. As he does, shadows twist up from the forest floor and begin to twine around Lerad.
Eliron Shee-Slaugh plays even faster, the sharp beats echoing throughout the clearing, and the shadows rise up, fully engulfing Lerad and sealing into a tight orb around him.
Lord Eliron Shee-Slaugh, Song of the Wyrd sings, "There is no beauty like Glomdoring's dark."
Lord Eliron Shee-Slaugh, Song of the Wyrd sings, "Insidious as whispers on the breeze."
Lord Eliron Shee-Slaugh, Song of the Wyrd sings, "And intricate as tendrils in the bark."
Lord Eliron Shee-Slaugh, Song of the Wyrd sings, "Shot deep by twisted vines that choke the trees."
Eliron Shee-Slaugh continues to play the drums as the orb around Lerad responds to his words, long vines of shadow working their way up the shell from the soil beneath it.
Lord Eliron Shee-Slaugh, Song of the Wyrd sings, "The Forest Without Mercy works its way."
Lord Eliron Shee-Slaugh, Song of the Wyrd sings, "Into the breast, the marrow, and the bone."
As the vines meet each other at the top of the shell and then surge inwards, piercing it and the one within, Lord Eliron Shee-Slaugh, Song of the Wyrd sings, "Compels the heart, entangled, to obey."
Lord Eliron Shee-Slaugh, Song of the Wyrd sings, "Until all fickle pride is overgrown."
Lord Eliron Shee-Slaugh, Song of the Wyrd sings, "Like sickly gardens by ferocious weeds."
Lord Eliron Shee-Slaugh, Song of the Wyrd sings, "Of virile root and redolent with flower."
Lord Eliron Shee-Slaugh, Song of the Wyrd sings, "Ensnared within the web, each creature feeds."
Lord Eliron Shee-Slaugh, Song of the Wyrd sings, "The forest, and becomes part of its power." The shadowy vines freeze on the outside of the orb, then they slowly begin to darken, as if drawing something from within the orb and channeling into the ground they are sunk into."
Lord Eliron Shee-Slaugh, Song of the Wyrd sings, "Your hand not stayed by mercy nor by doubt."
Lord Eliron Shee-Slaugh, Song of the Wyrd sings, "Fighting to see the dark beauty unfurled."
Lord Eliron Shee-Slaugh, Song of the Wyrd sings, "Dark Spirit's promise kept to the devout."
Lord Eliron Shee-Slaugh, Song of the Wyrd sings, "The Wyrd devouring the heathen world." As the last note echoes in the air, the the orb around Lerad slowly cracks open, the shadows melting away as they fall to the ground in pieces."
Eliron places both hands on the drum, silencing it. He then rises, the blood from the drum marking his hands.
Eliron begins to whisper a haunting melody as numerous glittering shadows being to swarm about his form. He reaches out to place his hand upon Lerad's chest, his brow furrowing as if searching for something.
Eliron Shee-Slaugh consider Lerad for a long moment, then nods his head
Eliron bows respectfully to Lerad.
Eliron picks up the drum and steps back.
Lerad bows respectfully to Eliron.
You nod your head at Eliron.
You say to Xenthos, "Your task remains then, Warden."
Xenthos sighs softly, looking around the clearing and those gathered. "I had something prepared for you, but in the end, I have decided to speak directly."
Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist says to Lerad, "You know the responsibilities involved with being an Ascendant of the Glomdoring. You have listened to me lecture on them time and again."
Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist says to Lerad, "You know the sacrifice involved. You will shed your mortal form, and the Glomdoring will devour it. What is left becomes a body formed entirely by the Glomdoring, bound to it. An Ascendant, more than any other, is a servant of the Forest and its needs."
Xenthos takes another deep breath. "We have just descended my wife. I can think of no other I would prefer to have take her place on the Forest's behalf."
Xenthos wildly jabs a ravenous crow-beaked bardiche at Lerad. Xenthos's face flashes as he pushes the tip of his bardiche through Lerad's weakened chest cavity. Lerad grabs senselessly at the weapon, trying to prevent its path through him, but it obliterates muscle and bone with ease and erupts through his back in a spray of gore. Tensing with exertion, Xenthos lifts his flailing body off the ground and lets it slide down the shaft of his weapon, bringing Lerad's face to his own as a last spattered breath sprays blood over him.
Lerad slides off the weapon and collapses to the ground in a heap of blood and guts, his chest now only a gaping hole.
Lerad has been slain by Xenthos.
Having been too much for the mortal threads of Lerad, he screams in agony as flames engulf his body and burn it to a crisp.
Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist says, "Be reborn, Lerad, Ascendant of the Glomdoring."
Xenthos's eyes glow a radiant white as he exhales the pure energies of the Domotheos of Life onto Lerad. As the energies wash over his soul, a new body forms, restoring him to life.
You unlock the powers of the Master Ravenwood Tree for Lerad.
Lerad steps towards the Master Ravenwood Tree and places his hands on it, causing it to creak and groan wildly as he drinks of its shadowy essence. Thrumming power fills the air and pours through his mortal coil, swathing his body in oily shadows. The ethereal, haunting forms of the Great Spirits briefly fill the air around the Master Ravenwood Tree, chief among them Mother Night and Brother Crow, as Lerad is suffused by incredible powers, and rises as a Vernal Ascendant!
A new Ascendant rises! By decree of Dark Seneschal Ssaliss and with full support of the Shadow Court, let it be known that the Free Collective of Glomdoring has this day imbued Lerad with the energies of the Master Ravenwood Tree, raising a Vernal Ascendant!
The curled corpse of a spider falls to the ground from the branches of the Master Ravenwood Tree.
You nod your head at Lerad.
Witch-King Siam Star-eyes, the Abyssal One says to Lerad, "You will serve well."
Eliron applauds Lerad heartily.
You say, "Of that, I have no doubt."
Siam smiles softly at Lerad.
Lerad bows his head, his eyes alight with purpose and respect as he gazes around those gathered. His words are soft, but strong as he states simply, "Thank you. My service to the Wyrd will last until the end of time."
You shout, "Nothing matters but Glomdoring!"
You see Lord Eliron Shee-Slaugh, Song of the Wyrd shout, "Glory be to Glomdoring."
You see Lerad Ysav'rai, the Caliginous Phantom shout, "Glory be to Glomdoring."
You see Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist shout, "Glory be to the Glomdoring."
You see Darach Tylwyth Nightshade shout, "Glory be to Glomdoring."
You see Witch-King Siam Star-eyes, the Abyssal One shout, "Glory be to Glomdoring."
You see Makaela of the Blackthorn shout, "Glory be to Glomdoring!"
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Comments
This was great. It wasn't overly contrived and was very to the point. Very impressive and coordinated. \o
https://ada-young.appspot.com/pastebin/9d392791
Again, thanks to everyone who showed up, and also everyone who helped to plan everything. I can't begin to imagine how difficult it was to coordinate everything and all, and I really appreciate the effort.