Order of the Sphere and Scythe/Sacred Pilgrimages of Elanthia

Shrine of Aeia This log is from Rovvigen's viewpoint.

Prolog:

In the ever changing lands of Elanthia, a wise and experienced group of Seers have embarked on a remarkable journey towards enlightenment and self-discovery. Their path has proven to be transformative, offering closure to those in search of answers, while simultaneously igniting a thirst for knowledge in others. Through their teachings, these Seers have not only provided guidance on matters of faith, discovery, training, and finances, but they have also instilled a profound sense of purpose and self-worth in countless individuals.

In the year 5116 of the Jastatos era, the esteemed Order of the Sphere and Scythe's Seers found themselves compelled to engage in deep introspection rather than their usual practice of divination. They understood that without taking the time to reflect, they could never truly fulfill their destined roles. Thus, from the month of Lumnea in 5117 to Charlatos in 5118, this wise group of Seers embarked on a series of Sacred Pilgrimages across the vast lands of Elanthia, visiting revered temples along their spiritual journey.

As they embarked on each new journey, they found themselves inching closer to unraveling the mystery behind why they had been selected to share their unconventional talents with the world. By presenting unique offerings at sacred temples along the way, they were granted a special blessing in return. These blessings played a crucial role in helping them discover their ultimate purpose and true destiny. This is the invaluable experience that WE, the Order, aim to offer YOU, the people of Elanthia, once more.

Embark on an extraordinary adventure with The Order of the Sphere and Scythe as we traverse through the enchanting lands of Elanthia. Commencing in the month of May, we will set out on a series of expeditions to visit the revered sites that hold great significance, with each destination being explored every alternate month.

First destination below: The Sacred Pilgrimages across Elanthia have commenced as the Order of the Sphere and Scythe embarks on their journey. Aeia will be their chosen destination for this leg of the odyssey, where they will seek self-discovery and hunt for blessed artifacts. Joining them on Thursday, May 16th at 7pm in River's Rest, Town Commons, will be the esteemed guest speaker, Lightkeeper Kayse Thaellian, adding an extra touch of wisdom and insight to the gathering.

Start of a Sacred Journey:

You recite softly:

   "This evening holds a profound significance for our order, The Sphere and Scythe, as we find ourselves embarking on a momentous journey once again. It is a night that carries with it a sense of nostalgia, reminiscent of a past era, specifically the year of 5117."

Tilting its head, a leucistic red-tailed hawk whistles a few soft crooning cries for a moment before falling silent.

Kayse notes, "Good year."

You nod in agreement at Kayse.

You softly say, "Busy year infact."

Sullvane asks, "Heavens, that was seven years ago already?"

You softly say, "Indeed it was."

You recite softly:

   "In this period, we unearthed our authentic selves and mission. We are honored that each of you have chosen to come along on this transformative voyage with us, hoping that you too can uncover your true self and purpose through our shared experiences."

Sullvane shakes his head.

Ntinly squeakily says, "Will be good ta learns of it. Ma family was pushed underground ere in da Rest rounds 5103 an didn return to da surface til 5023 er so."

You grin at Ntinly.

You recite softly:

   "Occasionally, it becomes crucial to pause and step back from the chaotic events occurring in Elanthia, allowing us to reconnect with ourselves and realign our focus on personal objectives, as well as extending a helping hand to those in our community."

You recite softly:

   "Over the course of a year, we will embark on a journey that will take us to various towns, with each visit occurring every other month.
     Legend has it that within each town, there exists a Sacred spot where individuals can connect with a particular deity and be bestowed with a special gift. Yet, this gift does not come without a price.
     A blessing must be offered in return to obtain this significant artifact."

Ntinly squeakily asks, "WE gotsa sacrifice a halflin?"

Ntinly peers quizzically at you.

Sullvane says, "Oh? You had my attention, now you have my interest."

Dirvy wags one finger at Ntinly in a no-no-no gesture.

You softly say, "Heavens I hope not."

You recite softly:

   "This evening, we have assembled in Rivers Rest for a very specific reason. Rumors have been circulating that one of the Sacred spots is hidden somewhere within the confines of this town. 
    Luckily, we are equipped with a precise map that will guide you straight to the specific location you are looking for."

Whisp asks, "I just stripped off 500 pounds of junk to wear a sundress and now I am going to need something?"

Behavin fidgets, glancing at you.

Sullvane amusedly exclaims, "Well! Isn't that handy!"

You gaze intently at your parchment map, tracing various routes with your finger.

Speaking to Whisp, Wonkus exclaims, "That just means it's summer for girls, because you got no pockets. You should wear a cape!"

You recite softly:

   "Join me as we venture to this location to kick off the evening's festivities. It is essential that you stay by my side throughout the night to ensure we have a memorable experience together. Let's embark on this journey together and make the most of the evening ahead."

Ntinly squeakily says, "Aas Dwi would says, 'Stay wif da tour!'."

Ntinly giggles.

You recite softly:

   "We have an honored guest here tonight and they will lead us to another location for their speech if that is ok then we will venture to the Sacred space"

You smile at Kayse.

Speaking softly to you, Dirvy asks, "Will the followers need their weapons and magickal defenses on the way to this sacred place?"

Ntinly squeakily exclaims, "Da Sacred space better nae be ma secret brinery where I keeps all ma pickles!"

You softly say, "We will not need any weapons as this is not dangerous."

Speaking to Dirvy, Wonkus exclaims, "Baaawwk buhcawk!"

Speaking to Dirvy, Wonkus exclaims, "More people getting hurt seems like a boon for you!"

Kayse mentions, "We are lucky to have two shrines in River's Rest dedicated to Aeia. We will visit the one in the citadel first."

Dirvy gives a sidelong glance at Wonkus.

Kayse asks, "Shall we?"

Speech on Aeia:

Light Keeper Kayse takes the group to the beautiful Citadel, Garden

[Citadel, Gardens] Lined with tile, a large pool rests in the center of the citadel's garden. A statue carved in the likeness of Aeia, a local goddess of the earth, stands in the middle of the pool. The water that feeds the pool seeps forth from the base of the statue.

Also here: Mistress Tryxx, House Sage Anferis, Executrix Dirvy, Picklemaster Ntinly, Adalfuns, Sullvane, Miss Behavin, Wonkus, Master Fisher Aerocus, Whisp, Light Keeper Kayse Obvious paths: southeast, southwest, northwest

Kayse nods to you.

You smile at Kayse.

Speaking to Ntinly, Aerocus says, "Feels iike I steped back in time. in the rest with the picklemaster."

Aerocus says, "You should have the key to the the city."

Ntinly squeakily says, "Has been ma families home for long times."

You recite softly:

   "Tonight we have a very special speaker with us, the Lightkeeper Kayse Thellian, who will speak here and later in the Sacred place"

Wonkus applauds wildly! Sullvane nods politely at Kayse.

Ntinly turns an inquisitive ear toward Kayse.

You recite softly:

   "Please pay her respect as they discuss"

Kayse inclines her head.

(Kayse moves to the front of the crowd and surveys the area, a brief smile touching her lips.)

Kayse serenely begins, "Tonight I will discuss a lesser known goddess. Only lesser known because a lot of her followers do not extend outside of my home, River's Rest."

Kayse didactically informs, "Aeia was worshiped widely during the Kannalan Empire and was a goddess of considerable importance. After the decline and eventual fall of the Citadel, however, her followers have diminished."

You listen carefully to Kayse.

Kayse adoringly emphasizes, "She is the Patroness of the earth and gardens--also known as the earth mother. It is said that any garden plot that is decorated with a statue of Aeia will bloom and flourish."

Kayse ruefully notes, "Unfortunately, because of the fall of the citadel, not a lot of Aeia is known and most of the lore or knowledge about her is speculation."

Sullvane rubs his chin thoughtfully.

Kayse clearly says, "This tale is about how the earth mother saved those of River's Rest. It is one that has been passed down from one generation to the next." . Aerocus suddenly pauses, a look of consternation crossing his features as he listens intently.

Kayse gently says, "Aeia has a fondness for gardens and perhaps because of her adoration for flowers, a white lily is the symbol that represents her."

Kayse brightly says, "Since Aeia lived in River's Rest, she had a large garden which was filled with a variety of different types of flowers--many of them various species of lilies."

Kayse frankly interrupts, "Now besides Elven and Aelotoian, I like to consider myself versed in the language of flowers."

Mikalmas says, "A beautiful masterpiece."

Kayse agrees with Mikalmas.

Kayse thoughtfully marvels, "Every flower has a meaning and can be used to communicate a message or phrase."

Kayse grabs a pair of steel shears wrapped with leather from a small pocket inside of her leather jacket.

(Kayse walks over to a bed of flowers. Taking the steel shears she snips an orange tiger lily at the stem.)

Kayse gazes thoughtfully at her tiger lily.

Sullvane wonders, "Oh? How elegant."

Kayse flashes a quick grin.

Kayse tucks a pair of steel shears wrapped with leather into a small pocket inside of her leather jacket . Kayse casually mentions, "Tiger lilies have the meaning of "wealth" and they got that meaning through Aeia and this story I am about to tell."

Kayse cautiously observes, "Back in the day, Krolvins raided River's Rest frequently, and it was not always the peaceful backwater we see it as today."

Kayse seethes, "They were after anything portable that would bring them wealth."

Ntinly mutters sankir.

Kayse desperately says, "After frequent invasions, the people of River's Rest had nothing left to give them."

Kayse frustratedly spits, "The krol outraged by this, slaughtered people in the streets of the town." Kayse pauses a moment before continuing in a soft tone, "Aeia watched helplessly as her people suffered."

You weep softly, quiet tears falling from your eyes.

Kayse quickly says, "Looking around her garden, she saw the bright golden-orange tiger lilies swaying in the salt breeze."

(Kayse twirls the tiger lily around her fingers as she speaks.)

Kayse measuredly says, "Swiftly moving through her garden, she picked and gathered all that she had and prayed to Imaera for guidance."

Dirvy reaches out and touches her emerald Imaera symbol.

Kayse grins at Dirvy.

Ntinly's firewheel flower stretches, the petals shifting slightly as it repositions itself. As it settles down, the stem clings tightly to her.

(Kayse closes her eyes a moment and takes a slow breath before slowly opening them again, her eyes brightly shining.)

Kayse carefully recalls, "Trodding warily to the town commons, she began dropping the tiger lillies, one by one, every few steps from there to Maelstrom Bay."

Kayse disbelievingly says, "As she gracefully moved, she went untouched by the Krol--for as each lily dropped from her hand, it turned into gold."

Kayse gazes thoughtfully at her tiger lily.

(Kayse moves her hands with a flourish, the lily disappears before your eyes and in its place is a gold coin.)

Kayse grins smugly.

Kayse suddenly says, "The krolvin stopped attacking the citizens and greedily snatched up the golden coins."

Kayse apprehensively says, "When she reached the shore of the bay, she had one lily left."

Kayse steadily says, "Staring into the dark waters of the bay, she threw the last lily into Charl's embrace."

Kayse tensely says, "The foamy water tossed around the flower enticing the krol to come and get it." Kayse takes a deep breath, her eyes wide. "Several of them swam out after it, but as burdened as they were with all the coins they had gathered, they drowned immediately."

Kayse amusedly says, "The rest of the krol, upon seeing the intervention of the Arkati fled to their longships and into the receding tide to escape."

Kayse dramatically says, "But they quickly learned, they might have been better off on the dry land. No sooner had they ventured out to sea that a kraken of the same golden orange and brown as the tiger lilies rose up out of the water and devoured them."

Kayse shakes her head, clucking her tongue.

Kayse concludes, "That is just one example of how Aeia has saved the people of River's Rest."

Kayse carefully confides, "This is not the only time Aeia has looked out for the people of River's Rest."

Kayse discloses, "Years ago, she sent me visions to aid the town and denizens of River's Rest against Chaston and the Blameless. A religious zealot who was slaughtering anyone who didn't worship Koar."

Sullvane scowls.

Kayse reminds, "5117."

Kayse explains, "The visions allowed a small group of us to arrive from Wehnimer's to River's Rest and protect this very shrine. It was the first time in that long conflict that no innocents died that evening due to her warning."

Kayse says, "If you look in the pool, you will see a statue of her."

Sullvane takes a moment to observe a large pool.

Mikalmas says, "Stunning feature."

Monza softly exclaims, "Water lilies!"

Monza gasps.

Speaking to you, Kayse asks, "I am prepared to move to the next location. Shall I lead?"

You softly say, "Jastev came to me then as well in Lake Eonake. That was a very busy year. But that is a part of History for another time."

You nod at Kayse.

Kayse grins at you.

You softly ask, "Sure you may lead the way, need the map?"

You tap a faded parchment map scarred by scorch marks, which is in your right hand.

Sullvane says, "I knew little of Aeia before, coming from Ta'Faendryl, but she seems gentle-hearted and nurturing, but not without teeth." Sullvane says, "A goddess to be respected."

Kayse grins at Sullvane.

Dirvy agrees with Sullvane.

Speaking to you, Kayse says, "I can use the map if you like.." Kayse winks at you.

Ntinly squeakily says, "I wish she could have lent elp afore Sankir da Czag Dubras Bloodfist kilt most a ma family all dem years ago......"

Kayse has accepted your offer and is now holding a faded parchment map scarred by scorch marks.

You softly say, "Its a delicate old map."

HEART OF EVENT:

Light Keeper Kayse's group makes their way to the Cleric Guild, Garden Shrine.

[Cleric Guild, Garden Shrine] Cloaked in shades of deep verdant, this small retreat is enshrouded by willows all around, while vines of ivy twine around their bases. Flowers of every hue imaginable blossom here and there, adding a splash of vibrant color to the lush green which is so prominent in the area. Standing to the north, a wooden statue of a woman with benevolent eyes gazes down kindly at you, and at her feet lies a simple wooden altar, its surface completely covered by flourishing white lilies. Also here: Mistress Tryxx, House Sage Anferis, Executrix Dirvy, Picklemaster Ntinly, Adalfuns, Sullvane, Miss Behavin, Wonkus, Master Fisher Aerocus, Whisp, Chancellor Astru, Mikalmas, Monza, Light Keeper Kayse Obvious paths: south

Kayse studies her parchment map closely and gets a frustrated look on her face. With a slight blush, she quickly turns the map in her hands to reorient it and resumes studying it.

Kayse offers you a faded parchment map scarred by scorch marks.

A short, feeble-looking human man garbed in verdant green robes wanders in and smiles at you. Shuffling over toward the altar quietly, he picks up a small watering can from behind it and gently waters the sapling growing upon its surface. He bends to offer a bow of respect and slowly shuffles off.

You softly say, "Ahh the Sacred spot, thank you kindly for leading the way."

Kayse nods slowly to you.

You recite softly:

   "Now we can proceed to the next stage of the journey."

Speaking to you, Kayse says, "I do have sapphires for everyone to use here as well."

Kayse tucks a deep green spherical sapphire into a small pocket inside of her leather jacket.

Speaking softly to Kayse, you say, "Thank you for that inspiring tale."

Wonkus applauds.

Whisp agrees with you.

You recite softly:

   "Take a moment to observe the statue's intricate details in the shrine, particularly the color of its eyes. It serves as a hint for what needs to be sacrificed in order to obtain the artifact. Does anyone have a guess as to what this item might be?"

Wonkus turns to Kayse and cheers!

You point at a wooden Aeia statue.

Dirvy takes a moment to observe a wooden Aeia statue.

You softly say, "Think Kayse gave it away just now."

Sullvane rubs his chin thoughtfully.

Wonkus exclaims, "Oh! Oh! Grass!”

You softly say, "It is not grass but the color of it."

Sullvane says, "I've a green garnet, but I do not think that will do it."

Behavin asks, "Green sapphires?"

Speaking softly to you, Dirvy says, "We can paint Wonkus."

Kayse points at Behavin.

You softly say, "Green sapphires it is."

Sullvane concludes, "Too many inclusions."

You recite softly:

   "It is a green sapphire, we will be handing out a few of each to you. Please be patient as this takes place."

You recite softly:

   "MIkalmas has a bottle of them please take 2 or 3 each and dont do anything with them"

Whisp asks, "Is she sort of like a Imaera but not?"

You softly say, "Please each one of you shake and get 2 or 3 out and hold them please."

Speaking to Whisp, Kayse says, "In some ways. She's is not a full goddess necessarily."

Whisp says, "Ahhh. But she is most loveable for her nature aspect."

Speaking softly to Whisp, Dirvy says, "Aeia? She does seem to enjoy the more natural aspects of our world, just as my Verdant Lady does. There are others who enjoy the beauty of nature. Perhaps she was guided by my Lady's hand in her love for gardens."

Whisp nods at Dirvy.

You recite softly:

   "Fun part is coming up I promise"

Whisp says, "I was thinking along those lines. I follow Imaera as well. Well, not as a cleric you know..."

You softly say, "Now watch me carefully." . You softly say, "Before I do will Kayse do the honors in leading us in a quick prayer to bless the ceremony."

Kayse stares at you.

You softly say, "A simple one will suffice."

Speaking vaguely to you, Kayse says, "And Aeia might not be....favorable of me at the moment.."

You softly ask, "Or anyone care to bless this ceremony?"

Mikalmas says, "I can."

Mikalmas kneels down.

Mikalmas recites:

   "Aeia we come before you this night to guide us on our journey of self discovery"

Kayse gazes with interest at Mikalmas.

Mikalmas recites:

   "We ask that you put your hand on each and everyone of these souls so they may walk with unburdened hearts and see the ways of goodness in this world"

Kayse rubs a deep green spherical sapphire in her hand.

Mikalmas recites:

   "And with that I seek your mercy in my own trials"

You softly say, "Alright now you may watch me."

You softly say, "This is very important and not to be rushed as it may take a couple tries."

You softly say, "You will take one at a time a green sapphire."

Kayse adds, "Or twelve."

You softly say, "Sometimes it does take 12."

You laugh at Kayse!

You softly say, "We have plenty on us."

You softly say, "And you will place it on the altar."

You softly say, "If Aeia chooses she will give you an item in return."

Kayse says, "Everyone receives her blessing in some way."

You softly say, "But no one is leaving here tonight until you all get one."

You kneel before a wooden Aeia statue.

You drop the green sapphire onto the altar and watch it disperse in a green tendril of energy. One of the unblossomed lilies upon the altar suddenly opens, revealing tiny spheres of flickering viridian light that float over and dance about your head playfully. A soft, nurturing voice makes itself known in your mind, "Such pretty things, my child. Gazing into their depths one is reminded of the earth and the wonderful things that may blossom from it. It reminds one what the world could become." The lips upon the statue seem to sparkle just a bit as the voice fades away.

Suddenly a burst of green light comes from your hand, revealing the sapphire you just offered, except its form is slightly different now.

You tap a deep green spherical sapphire, which is in your right hand.

You softly say, "See the blessed artifact in return."

One by One the crowd follows Elder Seer Rovvigen Aniket’s lead and drops a green sapphire at the wooden altar to honor Aeia, and each receives the Sacred Artifact.

CONCLUSION:

You softly say, "And over a year of this pilgrimage you will have collected many if you continue with us."

Whisp says, "Oh that was lovely."

Speaking softly to Kayse, you say, "Thanks so much for your time this evening."

Kayse wishes, "Fair evening all."

You give Kayse a friendly hug, stirring the scent of blue lilac suspended in the sheerest whisper of incense smoke from her skin.

Wonkus exclaims, "It looks like one of those scarabs from the box now! I like it!"

Sullvane notes, "I will have to get myself a reliquary pouch."

You softly say, "Yes because not next month but the one after next we will journey to Solhaven."

You softly say, "Keep in mind not every town has a sacred artifact."

You softly say, "And this will span over a years time so just be patient."

You softly say, "Alright now that everyone has received their sacred/blessed artifact, I will take you back to town commons so you may be on your way."

You recite softly:

   "I do want to Thank you all again for sharing this joyous moment with us"

You recite softly:

   "May this set of Pilgrimages guide you like it has us"

Ntinly squeakily says, "Tank yas fer bringin us Rovvi an Kayse."