Elanthian Conclave

The 5117 Elanthian Conclave was a week-long event hosted by the Mentors of Silverwood Manor. Starting on 27 of Eoantos, 5117 (27 November, 2017), it provided an arena to discuss, teach, proselytize, debate, and generally explore the diverse theological and philosophical ideologies of the Arkati. The gathering ended on 3 Eorgaen (3rd December, 2017) with a pilgrimage to the DragonSpine Fane.

During the week, there were a variety of events to suit everyone's proclivities.

Schedule of Events

DATE	TIME	EVENT	VENUE	INFORMATION	ARKATI	HOST
Monday 27th	9.00pm	The Dreamwalkers	Elanthian Conclave, Liabo/Ronan's Shrine	Join Blade of the Night Falvicar Jalcon and Silverwood Manor during the kick off the Elanthian Conclave on Volnes, Eoanthos 27th at 9 PM (Monday, November 27th) as they journey from the Silverwood Manor in Wehnimer’s Landing to the Shrine of Dreams to hear about the Dreamwalkers and the history of the shrine.	Ronan	Falvicar
	10:30pm	Arkati Quest	Elanthian Conclave, Rotunda	Ever wanted a chance to show off your knowledge of the Arkati? House Sovyn is planning a scavenger hunt-like quest which will let you demonstrate your wisdom, or at the very least teach you a thing or two. Join House Sovyn and Silverwood Manor on November 27th at 10:30pm as the elves reckon it, to begin your world-wide, multi-day quest for the Arkati and vie for prizes! This first evening will just be a short discussion of the rules, and to hand out quest item collection containers and clues	All	House Sovyn
Tuesday 28th	8.00pm	Knowing Luukos	Elanthian Conclave, Knowledge	To follow	Luukos	Hadya
	9.00pm	Artifacts of the Arkati	Elanthian Conclave, Discussion	Join The Order of the Sphere and Scythe during the Elanthian Conclave on Tilamaires, Eoanthos 28th at 9 P.M. (Tuesday, November 28th) as they discuss the blessed artifacts gained from Shrines across Elanthia. They will discuss these artifacts and meanings gained through the Arkati and lesser spirits as they went on their Sacred Pilgrimages.	Various	Order of the Sphere and Scythe
Wednesday 29th	8:00pm	Lore of the Arkati and Dwarves	Elanthian Conclave, Rotunda	Join Clunk as he speaks on the lore of how Arkati and dwarves came to be.	Various	Clunk
	11.00pm	Artifacts of the Arkati	Elanthian Conclave, Discussion	Join Disciple of Phoen, Dinaden during the Elanthian Conclave on Leyan, Eoanthos 29th at 11 P.M. (Wednesday, November 29th) as he discusses Phoen. Learn about Phoen's place in the pantheon of the Arkati and how a paladin of Phoen helped turn the tide during the Griffin Sword Saga.	Phoen	Dinaden
Thursday 30th	9:00 pm	"The Beginnings"	Elanthian Conclave	The Mentors and Elder Seer Rovvigen, of the Order of the Sphere and Scythe, present "The Beginnings", a story of how Jastev came to him in a vision during trying times, and how this experience led in the creation of the Order. This event will take place on Niiman, Eoantos 30th at 9 PM (Thursday, November 30th). An open discussion with Q&A will follow the storytelling.	Jastev	Rovvigen
	10.00pm	Aeia and the Tiger Lilies	Silverwood Manor Courtyard	As part of the Elanthian Conclave, come learn about one of the lesser known goddesses with Kayse Thaellian as she discusses Aeia. Find out about how Aeia saved the people of River's Rest as well as participate in a ribbon ritual to honor the Earth Mother. We will gather Silvergate Manor, on Niiman on the 30th of Eoantos at 10:00 P.M.	Aeia	Kayse
	11.00pm	The Sacred and Profane: Dissecting Divinity	Elanthian Conclave	Join the Mentors and Order of the Shadow member Xoryl as he presents "The Sacred and Profane: Dissecting Divinity". In-depth discussions will center around reconciling personal apotheosis as a metaphor for individual growth against the actualized presence of manifest divinity. Set out to navigate the hazardous terrain of faith, spirituality, and divine providence as an influence on modern social structure.	Various	Xoryl and the Order of the Shadow
Friday 1st	8.00pm	Lady Imaera	Elanthian Conclave, Knowledge	Join Puptilian at Silverwood Manor on the Day of the Huntress, the 1st at 8:00PM Elven as he discusses Lady Imaera and how different people view and worship her. After the discussion any who wish to may join Puptilian as he leads a tour of the shrine near Wehnimer's Landing.	Imaera	Puptilian
	9.00pm	Debate	Elanthian Conclave, Discussion	Join Priest of Ronan, Mandral, as he moderates a debate on "Luukos v Lorminstra v Gosaena. Who is really the god/goddess of death?" Come to the Discussion Room at the Elanthian Conclave on Day of the Huntress, Eorgaen 1st at 9 PM (Friday December 1st).	Lorminstra, Luukos, and Gosaena	Priest Mandral
Saturday 2nd	2.00pm	Enlightenment through Meditation	Elanthian Conclave, Meditation	Learn how to become aware of the harmony of mind, body, and spirit through devotion and meditation.	Lumnis	Rohese
	4:00pm	Strength and Mercy	Elanthian Conclave, Knowledge	Join the Mentors at the Elanthian Conclave on Feastday, 2nd Eorgaen at 4:00 pm, as they welcome Leyann, Priestess of Leya, to learn about Kai's daughter Leya, patron of Amazons. For those who entered the Conclave from Wehnimer’s Landing, the discussion will be followed by a tour of Leya's shrine.	Leya	Leyann
	6:00pm	Writings of a Priestess	Elanthian Conclave, Knowledge	Please join the Mentors at the Elanthian Conclave on Feastday, 2nd Eorgaen at 6 PM, as High Priestess Berkana LeJardine, previously of the Circle of the Grey Moon, will be presenting the original writings of scholar and high priestess Moriane saVere, the first to write about Eorgina and Her rituals. Questions will be indulged post-presentation.	Eorgina	Berkana
	9:00pm	Arkati Quest Finale	Elanthian Conclave, Rotunda	Join House Sovyn and Silverwood Manor on December 2nd at 9pm as the elves reckon it, to turn in your Arkati Quest World Tour items and collect your prizes. You must have been present at the time the rules and item collection containers were given out on November 27th to be eligible for prizes.	All	House Sovyn
Sunday 3rd	2.00pm	Pilgrimage	Elanthian Conclave, Rotunda/DragonSpine Fane, Zul Logoth	As a fitting conclusion to the Elanthian Conclave, you are invited to join us on a pilgrimage through the Ancient Passage in Zul Logoth to the DragonSpine Fane. Since a pilgrimage is a personal journey of spiritual significance, we suggest you undertake it in your own time but ask that you aim to reach the main chamber by 2.00pm on the afternoon of the 3rd day of Eorgaen. Please bring a token to your favored deity and perhaps share a moment or two of reflection with others.	All	All

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Promotion

Personal invitations were handed out by NPC Priests and Priestesses and a number of posts were made on the forums in the lead up to the event.

Invitations

a piece of plain vellum

You are invited to attend and participate in the 5117 Elanthian Conclave at Silverwood Manor, a week-long event providing an arena to discuss, teach, proselytize, debate, and generally explore the diverse theological and philosophical ideologies of the Arkati.

Post #1

Priestess Carial donned her plain flaxen robe, tying the rope belt at the side and adjusting the hood to conceal her features. She lifted the brown leather satchel down from its hook and slung it over her shoulder to rest on her hip. Opening the door to her cell, she headed down the corridor towards the Abbess’s office, nodding a greeting to a passing acolyte.

Preparations were well underway for the Elanthian Conclave later this year and it was time to spread the word. Stacked neatly on the desk were several piles of handwritten invitations. Carial lifted a bundle and stowed them in her satchel. Tying the flap closed, she headed over to the list pinned on the wall and ran her finger down the proposed guest list.

Memorizing several names, she went back into the main temple hallway, pausing only to murmur a prayer at one of the niches in the wall, and disappeared out into the sunlight.

Post #2

A lone bell tolled, calling everyone to morning prayer. The dutiful acolytes all filed silently into the temple but Priest Mandral loitered outside. He murmured a quiet prayer to Ronan under his breath while he waited for the others. Opening his eyes, he was perturbed to notice that Priestess Haedahl had appeared at his shoulder during his devotion. He shuddered inwardly as she hissed sharply in his ear but was relieved to see both Carial and Liniane come around the corner. Nodding a greeting to all three priestesses, he led them down the corridor to a small ante-chamber and closed the door.

In hushed tones, the four shared their progress with plans for the upcoming Elanthian Conclave. Invitations had been delivered and many devotees were already reaching out to participate. Their discussions were interrupted by Priest Ereker storming through the door. His wild eyes scanned the room and, with a heavy sigh, he made his apologies for being late. It was agreed that they should all venture out once more to spread the word. Making a few notes in his diary, Mandral slipped it into a pocket inside his robe and bade them all farewell.

Post #3

Priest Mandal sat on the stone bench and savored the peace and quiet that only nighttime could bring. His thoughts turned to the list of guest speakers for next week’s Conclave and he mentally ticked them all off in his head. He hoped that the schedule would be of interest and that the devoted would heed the call.

Priestess Carial paced in her cell. Sleep had eluded her yet again. With only a week to go, there was still so much to do. In an effort to calm her nerves, she plucked at the petals of the deep pink rose in her hand and murmured a quiet orison to Oleani to bless all those who would be gathering with love and understanding.

Priest Ereker walked around the vast Rotunda, first in a clockwise direction, then counterclockwise; his wild eyes darting back and forth at the surrounding statuary. While he enjoyed the solitude of an empty chamber, his mind was filled with a barrage of images: crowds of people milling around, the babble of debate and prayer, and he inwardly dreaded the week to come.

Priestess Haedahl slipped her hands into the sleeves of her robe and silently wandered the corridors. Hearing someone slam a door behind her, she hissed sharply in their direction and continued her internal monologue. One little lie, so many conveniences ...

Priestess Linaine slept peacefully. Old age had its benefits and she seldom worried about mortal matters. Oblivious to the concerns of her fellow clerics, she smiled in her sleep, the curve of her lips mirroring the sickle blade mounted behind her bunk. Her cell was as silent as the grave.

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Venue

Accessed from the Silverwood Manor, Courtyard.

• In Wehnimer's Landing, east of the temple in Erebor Square.
• In Icemule Trace, north and west of Town Center, on Cursed Street.
• In Ta'Vaalor, at the west end of town, on Geaislt Wey.
• In Kharam Dzu, two blocks north and two blocks east of the statue, on Golvern Street.

Hesitantly, you wander down a winding trail and disappear within a thick mist. As the haze clears, you find yourself standing inside a vast chamber.

[Elanthian Conclave, Rotunda]
Architectural stone pillars encircle a vast rotunda, soaring to a domed ceiling overhead with an oculus open to a starry sky. A semi-circle of white alabaster columns opposes an identical arrangement of mica-flecked black granite, the contrast of light and dark mirrored in the bisected marble floor set with a gilt-inlaid compass in its center. Cardinal points direct visitors to four archways, with niches and benches placed around the chamber for those that wish to linger. You also see a large sign and a donation box.
Obvious exits: none

In the Common language, it reads:
~ * ~ * ~ * ~
Welcome to the Elanthian Conclave.

Please feel free to wander and explore our hallowed halls.

We ask that you take nothing but memories and food for thought, and leave nothing but donations and footprints.
~ * ~ * ~ * ~

a domed ceiling

Dissected into equal segments, the ceiling s various painted elements form part of a larger scheme of artwork throughout the building, which includes tapestries, mosaics, and statuary. Central to the decoration are twelve progressive scenes, each representing a month in the Elanthian calendar and focusing on seasonal flora and fauna or constellations in the night sky.

a gilt-inlaid compass

Concentric gold rings form the outer rim of the gigantic rose compass. A radial arrangement of silver strips demarcate the circle into eight equal segments, each filled with a glass-tiled mosaic depicting significant Elanthian scenes. Snow-capped mountains and tempestuous seas are juxtaposed with grassy meadows and molten red lava flows. Set at measured intervals around the circumference in black and white ora lettering are the principal cardinal directions and their intermediate points.

benches

Simple in their construction, each heavy bench has been carved from a single piece of fine-grained stone in a pale grey hue. The lack of cushions and back support does not encourage loitering.

A series of niches around the rotunda is home to a variety of statues and other pieces of artwork, each paying homage to a particular member of the Arkati. You see an Andelas niche, a Cholen niche, an Eonak niche, a Fash'lo'nae niche, a Ghezresh niche, a Gosaena niche, an Ivas niche, a Lorminstra niche, a Luukos niche, a Mularos niche, an Oleani niche, a Ronan niche, a Tonis niche, and a Zelia niche.

Andelas

A mosaic of blacks, greys, browns, and greens creates a foreboding scene of a fecund jungle. Glinting from within one of the trees is a pair of yellow topaz cut to resemble the shimmering eyes of a predatory cat.

Cholen

A short pedestal has the four lines of a musical staff lifting out of it, wrought in gold. The staff reaches upwards, twirling around and through itself. Garnets and gold filigree are combined to create highly stylized musical notes that cluster on and around the golden bars.

Eonak

A large granite stone has been carved into the shape of an anvil. At the base lay various replicas of weapons cast in iron.

Fash'lo'nae

Enclosed bookcases line this niche, stretching from floor to ceiling. Thick tomes appear behind some glaes and modwir doors, while a prominent lock in the form of a slit-pupiled eye secures them.

Ghezresh

Hidden in the shadows is a small niche, barely large enough to slide a hand into. Surrounding the circular opening is a blackened silver chelioboros, its glinting eye set with an indigo tidal pearl. Just within sight is a tangled bed of dried kelp on which sits a cluster of yellow, marble-sized eggs.

Gosaena

Centered at the back of this niche a large skull has been embedded into the wall. Polished bones flank the skull on both sides, stretching around the niche and reaching to a sharp point near where the floor and the wall of the niche's end. By carefully using a large variety of the macabre material an impression of two large, feathered wings has been created.

Ivas

Smooth, polished wood has been carved into a curvaceous woman who leans forward with an inviting look. A loose dress drapes from her hips, and a tight bodice barely conceals her considerable assets. A small red brazier rests just behind her feet, releasing a haze of green smoke into the alcove.

Lorminstra

This niche has been barricaded by a wrought iron gate with a simple key motif that repeats in the finely formed bars. Visible just past the iron, glimaerstones have been laid out to create intricate snowflakes.

Luukos

An alabaster figure is posed mid-oration, mouth open and one arm upraised. Pooled around the man's feet and encircling its way up his body is a polished serpent made of malachite. The thick, spade head rests on his shoulder, tilted so that the open mouth and faceted ruby tongue seem to nuzzle the man's ear.

Mularos

A darkly stained wooden tool rack stretches from one side of the niche to the other. Wired onto the rack are a variety of instruments that would be suitable for a torture chamber, from mundane items like pliers and hammers, to the more specialized such as thumb-screws and choke-pears.

Oleani

A simple, heart-shaped planter rests on a small dais, with tiny flowers pushing up from the soft soil.

Ronan

Dark curtains sewn with small crystals shroud this niche, its profound folds creating an illusion of depth.

Tonis

A fresco of bright pastels depicts a busy market, with two women talking prominently at the forefront. As one lady gestures expansively, a third figure sporting a mischievous grin can be seen with a hand inside the speaker's bag.

Zelia

A solitary column sits within this niche, overlaid in a mottled amalgamation of metal. Faces in bas-relief cover every inch, in many cases overlapping into a confused mess of manic expressions. Stretched behind the column is a crescent of moonstone, pale against a dark backdrop.

Framed in an imposing figural architrave, the widest archway to the south leads outside, while a northern archway, a western archway, and an eastern archway lead further into the building.

[Elanthian Conclave, Liabo]
Gleaming alabaster radiates out from a shallow koi pond sunk into the middle of the chamber's floor. The surrounding walls are draped with rose vine-caught lengths of ivory silk, muffling the intermittent sound of footsteps or laughter, with the addition of scenic tapestries to break up the monochromatic backdrop. Shafts of silvery moonlight refracted through the glass-paneled skylight illuminate discrete arrangements of velvet-covered couches and chairs, all in restful shades of blue and green. You also see a refreshment cart with some stuff on it.
Obvious exits: east

a shallow koi pond

Blooming pink and yellow water lilies float serenely on the surface and large koi swim beneath the smooth green leaves, their sleek carnelian orange bodies flashing brightly as they dart for cover. The bottom of the pond is covered in silver coins that glint in the ambient light.

scenic tapestries

Woven in colorful silk, the various tapestries bear images of Arkati from the Pantheon of Liabo. Lumnis takes central position as the Queen of Enlightenment, her image picked out in muted grey and silver thread. On either side, she is joined by her sons, Phoen and Ronan, each identical in appearance yet captured in contrasting shades of gold and black. The seaweed-bearded manifestation of Charl fills another wall-hanging, juxtaposed with the leaf and flower-robed depiction of Imaera.

[Elanthian Conclave, Lornon]
Dark basalt walls surround a tessellated floor of grey slate and rust red-streaked hematite tiles. Stacked arrays of smoky tallow candles in wrought iron candelabra cast a dim light around the oppressive chamber, throwing long shadows over high-backed ebonwood chairs conveniently arranged for group discussion or quiet contemplation. A large shadowglass orb, cradled by a pair of cast iron hands, dominates the center of the room, its glassy surface cold to the touch beneath a layer of silvery mist. You also see a refreshment cart with some stuff on it.
Obvious exits: west

a large shadowglass orb

A sturdy iron stand, cast to resemble a pair of upward reaching hands, cradles a large oil-black sphere and holds it aloft. Paved with shattered glass, the patterning of the orb's exterior is seemingly random and difficult to make sense of, yet the shards reflect and multiply myriad perfect images of your face. Ethereal tendrils of silvery grey mist meander across the curved surface, partially concealing and distorting your many reflections beneath a ghostly haze.

[Elanthian Conclave, Neutral]

Natural moonlight floods the chamber from the array of glazed skylights overhead, warming the bare earthen floor and illuminating the feather-like quartz flecks in the grey stone walls. Gravel pathways bisect the space, leading to four archways and dividing the central circular garden. Each quadrant is filled with flowering trees, shrubs, and fragrant herbs, all teeming with insect life. Carefully positioned crescent-shaped benches allow for both quiet contemplation and conversation. You also see a refreshment cart with some stuff on it.

benches

Simple in their construction, each heavy bench has been carved from a single piece of fine-grained stone in a pale grey hue. The lack of cushions and back support does not encourage loitering.

Framed in an imposing figural architrave, the widest archway to the south leads outside, while a northern archway, a western archway, and an eastern archway lead further into the building.

[Elanthian Conclave, Discussion]
Most of the space in this circular chamber is taken up by an imposing round stone table, the entire surface of which is elaborately carved with orbital moons and runic symbols. High-backed ironwood chairs encircle the table, allowing for open debate. The pale stone walls are covered from floor to ceiling with an array of painted murals, each depicting a significant theological scene, broken only by iron sconces at regular intervals.
Obvious exits: east

high-backed ironwood chairs

Carvings of butterflies and bees amid flowering shrubs create the backs of each chair, echoing the lush garden in the chamber beyond. Ivory and ebony brocade cushions alternately cover each seat, with promise of many hours of comfort.

an array of painted murals

Images of otherworldy creatures merge with those of shadowy mythological dragons, distorted as if seen through a shifting grey rift. Massive winged beasts, reptilian in nature, flit through a flame-ravaged sky, locked in battle with black tentacled squid-like creatures. Other contrasting scenes in the collage depict peaceful images of humanoids living harmoniously alongside other races yet disturbingly juxtaposed with portrayals of decaying battlefields and undead abominations.

[Elanthian Conclave, Knowledge]
The high-reaching southern archway opens out into an arena where deep steps have been cut into the solid rock to form a half-circle of tiered bench seats leading down to a small area of sandy floor at the bottom. A carved stone lectern stands alone, almost dwarfed by the scale of its surroundings yet prominent enough to be visible from all seated positions.

[Elanthian Conclave, Meditation]
In contrast to the other rooms in the building, this space is small and intimate. Soft and slightly yielding underfoot, the sand-covered floor has been scattered with woven meditation mats and low tables set with candles and incense burners. The center of the room features a gently cascading water fountain surrounded by fragrant herbs and flowering shrubs, while taller bamboo plants in terracotta pots line the smooth stone walls.
Obvious exits: west

water fountain

Stacked on a series of sandstone plinths are three stone bowls, each slightly larger than the one above. The smallest bowl at the top is fashioned from smooth white alabaster, the middle from blue-grey marble, and the largest, at the bottom, from a black-speckled granite. The configuration of the deep bowls allows for a gentle cascade of cool, crystal-clear water from one to the other, filling each to the brim in a steady and continuous flow.

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