[RPG] [FE] [Arcachon] Accepting responsibilities

[Arron Robinson]

The procession continues to wind it's way throughout the city until dusk, at
which point, it turns out of the North Gate and out into the forest leading
many of the citizenry with it.Following behind Dormondt now, and before the
rows of monks, five nobles can be seen, wearing plain gray robes and walking
in step with the rest of the procession.

Dormondt leads the way down a gravel path toward the Temple grounds. At
regular intervals black-robed priests can be seen holding torches so that
none may stumble while making their way to the site. After a time, the path
opens to a clearing in the old oaks which make up this part of the forest.

As the procession winds it's way around to the eastern side of the clearing,
the enormity of the stones comes clear. They are arranged in dolmen
formations around the perimeter of the center of the clearing with a ring of
smaller stones around the outside edge.

The line continues moving to the northern edge of the clearing where a small
spring can be seen at the forest's edge. A small collection pool has been
built out of small stones.

The procession continues along the western edge of the clearing. Off to the
side of the temple, a modest stone building can be seen, with smoke coming
out of a chimney. This is the residence of the Pontifex.

Dormondt leads the way to the southern edge of the stone circle, bowing
toward it's center, and then leads the procession into the heart of the
temple. As the group enters the ring of stones, a huge stone slab can be
seen at it's center alongside which a large ox has been tethered. As the
monks of the procession take their places in the ring amongst the stones,
Dormondt walks to the altar, raising his arms in supplication.

Adaghar, who walks among us always, we come to you from this raw circle of
stones. Come to us and judge this place and time fitting. The common people
have worked to create this place, and the nobility has seen fit to uphold
its honor and fight for it's existence. Be with us this night to see to it's
continued strength and purpose.

Dormondt strikes a spark to a torch on the altar, causing light to flame
brightly. He takes the torch and lights a fire that had been laid at the
north edge of the altar. The ox, afraid of the sudden light, bellows and
pulls on it's tether. Dormondt again turns, addressing the assemblage:

The gods of the Adgharhin are amongst us! It is for us to prove the worth of
this temple space. We have much to do this night, let us begin!

I wish to formally recognize the efforts of Elerik Taim. His work amongst
the mainlanders and the exemplary service to the realm and the Way Have not
gone unnoticed. I now, in front of you all, proclaim our Brother, who is
even now amongst the mainland, to be from this point known as a High Priest
of the Way of the Adgharhin. His tireless service to the people of our Way
is deeply felt.

Dormondt waits for he applause to die down, and then calles to the crowd...

Octavio of House Lawson, You who have taken the title of Royal and of Count.
Realize you that this title is meaningful to the nobility only! Do you wish
to give yourself to the service to the military and to the soldiers
themselves? Do you willingly take upon your shoulders the burdens that they
carry? You will walk the path of the original warriors of these lands,
taking from the ways of the beasts and partaking of the teachings of the
plants and their teachers. Do you accept this responsibility?

Octavio steps forward to Dormondt at the altar, bowing his head.

I do.

Dormondt grasps his left hand and taking a knife from the altar, makes a
small cut in the heel of Octavio's palm. He lets a few drops collect in a
copper bowl on the altar, and then repeats the process on his own palm. The
Pontifex reaches to the altar, and places a crown of ash leaves upon Octavio's
head, leaning in and saying softly:

My Friend, Your service to the realm are well known I need for you to be
available to the young that will come to you seeking guidance. Be ready to
acept these tasks.

As Octavio steps to one side of the altar, Dormondt turns to address the
assembled people:

This then is the new Hand of the Blade! He shall honor the gods as you honor
him!

There are more here who have devoted themselves to the Way of the Adgharhin!
Akasha Wamphyri, come forward from the shadows  and take him into your fold
the one that has made it known his desire to do so!

Akasha steps up to the altar alongside Dormondt, bowing her head slightly.
Dormondt holds eye contact and steps aside. Akasha motions to Titus Van,
wearing the plain grey robes of a novice and poses a question:

You have come in search of knowledge and in hopes of serving the people by
way of the Priesthood. Do you come by your own free will? Do you dedicate
yourselves to furthering the Priesthood? Once you start on the Way, you may
try to leave it, but you will find that you continue to walk the path in
spite of your plans. Is this your intention?

Do you, brother, willingly step into the service of the Shadows? Do you do
this with the clear intent of clearing those obstacles which threaten the
Priesthood? You will be shunned by many, but feared by more. Do you
willingly walk this hard road? There will be many who will look to you for
guidance in the future. What say you?

Titus Van considers briefly what has been asked of him, then states
simple:I do so!

At this Dormondt takes the dagger from the altar and adds a few drops of Titus
Van's blood to the offering bowl. He then slips a wreath of ash leaves
upon Titus
Van's head. Titus Van step up beside Akasha as Dormondt once again addresses
the crowd.

Meet you now, our new Monk in the Order of Shadow! May he walk safely
through whatever bars his way!

We have a feast to attend to. The people are gathered and hungry! We bring
an offering to Omorthion in the form of this ox. Please offer it up to the
gods, that this night may be held sacred! We make this offering that our
people may eat!

Dormondt steps beside the ox, cleanly cutting the beasts throat from ear to
ear. He holds the offering bowl to catch the first blood and then steps
aside as monks come forward to butcher and cook the animal. Dormondt gathers
the new members of the Priesthood to him and  addresses the assembled.

The rite is ended! Let us feast to the Adgharhin and to these new leaders of
the Way!
-------------- next part --------------
An HTML attachment was scrubbed...
URL: http://news.battlemaster.org/pipermail/rpg/attachments/20060629/9dca616f/attachment.htm