[EMPIRE!] The Blazing Temple [Archive] - Giant in the Playground Forums

Morph Bark

2014-02-19, 03:34 PM

This is a Freeform RP set in the world of EMPIRE! (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?t=329919), specifically the location of the Temple of the Blazing Avatar, also known as the Blazing Temple Of The Most Fiery One In Heaven And Earth. It was built hundreds of years ago, on a tall mountain on the border of the Heartwaste (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?p=16794329#post16794329) (region 5 on the map), Lyradis (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?p=16789598#post16789598) (region 13) and Guilder (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?p=16846304#post16846304) (region 14). The setting is generally low fantasy at this point.

http://i.imgur.com/MFbOxbX.png

Though there has been a lot of RP between the players of Empire so far, they've been a bit limited by the rules of the game. I wanted to have some RP set in that world not bound by the rules and not simply, specifically limited to just that group of players. To that end, I figured "why not post a thread in FFRP?" And so here it is!

For those who don't know about the world of Empire, I have provided some links above, and a short description of the setting of this thread in the post below.

Feel free in your choice of character, as long as it isn't royalty from any of the countries on the map--unless you have permission from the person who made that country. Nobility, merchants, monks, common folk, anyone can come to the Temple!

There it stood, high on the mountain, a mere two miles' walk away from the top--if you could include at least one arduous climb in that "walk". The Blazing Temple's roof was multi-tiered and quite decorative, unlike the simple, strong pillars that held it up. The central pillars were all single pieces of stone, long ago hewn straight from the mountain, but later additions to the temple all had been made out of wood and painted in the red colour of their god.

It was warm that day, signalling a good spring that was coming, and the air was dryer than it had been the past month, even with the breeze coming in from the sea in the east. It was weather just they way they liked it, only the summer heat could top it for the most fanatic among them. Most of the monks were either out visiting surrounding villages or in the main hall for dinner. They were all part of the Order of the Fiery Fist, who tended to the temple, protected it and prayed for the people in the surrounding countries and those who followed the Way of Fire. A few were elsewhere, some even in the farthest known countries, where the rumours of the monks having the ability to bend fire to their will were possibly even stronger than in the countries the Temple bordered.

One of the few that were elsewhere was the Blazing Avatar himself. He sat on a rock by a tree just outside the Temple grounds. He was well over six feet tall, his shoulders broad and revealed by the sleeveless flowing robes of the Order. But his robes! They appeared as if they had been woven from threads of every metal known and unknown, shimmering white and yellow and red. The man bore no tattoos like most monks did, but his skin was yet memorable in its appearance, for it seemed it had an inner glow, as if the man's very veins harboured liquid fire. His eyes were closed, and he seemed to be resting. He looked completely undisturbed even by a beaked lizard that was scurrying around trying to dig up worms.

TheWombatOfDoom

2014-02-20, 08:23 AM

Lady Lyra of Lyradis arrives at the entrance to the temple of the Lord of Fire, asking audience of the Avatar. She comes unarmed, and alone, her retinue discarded above on the Crest.

Morph Bark

2014-02-20, 10:43 AM

Lady Lyra of Lyradis is welcomed by a monk who bows for her and leads her through the temple grounds and out again on the other side, pointing at the Blazing Avatar on his rock by the tree. He then leaves the Lady again in silence.

zabbarot

2014-02-20, 02:13 PM

I decided on spring of 354 after Mosi's first year of meditation. So umm... Probably not the same time as Lyra, but maybe it's possible.

It had been a long journey for Mosi. Previously he had sent his sons to Lyradis, but this was his first time making the trek across the continent. One boat, weeks in a carriage, two more boats, then days on horseback from a Lyradisian port. It was a long time to be away from his work, but this was what the Great Ancestor called him to do. When it finally came time to scale the mountain Mosi moved spryly despite his great age. If it weren't for his mawa heritage it might have taken a full day to climb the nearly sheer cliff face the road up the mountain led them to. Meanwhile, his guards grumbled about stairs.

Mosi felt more surefooted than he ever had. It was as if each step was guided personally. After a year of meditation and complete saturation of osuro Mosi felt connected to the world around him in a way that defied description. He saw the spark of the Great Ancestor in everything. Each stone held a small piece. The wind looked more like a wave of pale energy. Ahead he could see the Avatar. He shown like the sun in the sky. Mosi had seen him from the bottom of the mountain, and he had not blinked since.

It was late in the day by the time the monastery was in view. Mosi headed directly to the Avatar. He was drawn like a moth to flame. The Avatar's visage was blindingly bright, but it did not harm his eyes.

"Blazing Avatar, I have traveled far to speak with you." Mosi bowed low. His dreadlocks shifted and hung low in front of his face. He swept them back over his shoulder as he straightened up. Their length was only matched my his long greying beard. He wore only worn trousers and a loose vest. Mosi looked up at the Avatar with his milky white eyes. "Hopefully you have time to speak with one so humble as me."

Morph Bark

2014-02-20, 07:19 PM

The Blazing Avatar opened his eyes--half open, as typical of him--and smiled kindly upon seeing Mosi. "Do not be silly, my bearded mawa friend. I should be humbled that you would speak to me. Be seated, if you wish. I cannot offer your old legs a chair, but the Earth is the seat of all things, as it is currently mine." He gestured at the grass and the rock, which was large enough for two more to sit beside him. "Shall I have someone bring food and tea to bring you relif after your long journey?"

zabbarot

2014-02-20, 07:57 PM

Mosi chuckled. "Then it is good enough for me." He sat cross legged on the ground. "Water would be fine enough. Thank you." His bones creaked as he settled down and caught his breath. Even just sitting down took more effort than it used to.

"If you don't mind, I would like to get straight to our discussion. Old age has made me a bit more eager to see things finished." Mosil spoke slowly, but with conviction. "I have been... I'm not even fully sure where. Deep in mediation I suppose. So deep I came through the other side into waking life again without ever leaving. I assume you are aware of the revelation I received. I have spoken to many powerful spirits since, some understand the world as I do, but others do not. So now I am not sure that what I thought were universal truths laid out before me are really so universal." He paused momentarily to gather his thoughts. "You have been reborn many times. Do you remember your previous incarnations? Or the time between them?"

5a Violista

2014-02-21, 02:46 AM

Hi!

So, I made a character. Will probably be one-off as I explore thoughts for characters of whatever stories, but...here he is. I read several parts of those links. For the sake of my simplicity, I haven't exactly decided which nation this character is from.

The Disgraced Knight
An undecided year

A broad-shouldered man finally reached the Blazing Temple on the mountain. It was a long trip, and he was out of breath. His speckle-grey beard (like he hasn't shaved in a month) revealed his age, but almost no else of him was visible from under the black cloak - not his eyes, from the hood; not his clothing nor whatever else he was carrying - in actuality, he was carrying very little. The cloak would definitely make him very hot and sweaty, especially in this warm weather.

Really, the only other thing that could be discerned about him would be the scars on his face - some, from weapons, showing he was well-used to deadly battles. Most notably, but mostly covered by his hood, is a large scar from a burn.

He approached the temple with an air of penitence. It seems he had done something he considered dishonorable, and he had come here to the temple, seeking spiritual understanding. Forgiveness? No. It was beyond his reach. Just understanding, to come to terms with reality.

Rain Dragon

2014-02-21, 04:51 AM

The cold wind blew as the moon begins to rise in the sky over the Blazing Temple.

「356」

A lone figure dressed in brown furs and breeches pauses halfway up the mountain. Kokuei looks back to the base of the mountain to see her small guard setting up camp. They could have been from anywhere in these parts, or perhaps merchants from over the sea. Looking forward she sees the Blazing Temple, home of the man who would come to Tekorva for better or worse unless she were to stop him. Sighing, she adjusts the small bundle on her back and checks her bowstring. She was certainly not suited to discussion, yet nobody else would do what needed to be done. Perhaps it is time I learn how to handle matters which cannot be handled with violence... she reflects.

By the time Kokuei reaches the top of the hill, the Moon was high overhead and the sky was fully decorated with stars.

Well now, a convenient thread with a convenient way to conveniently deal with this inconvenience. How convenient!

It also means I don't have any premature schisms...

Morph Bark

2014-02-21, 07:00 AM

[zabbarot, Spring 354]

The Blazing Avatar gave Mosi a nod. "I understand what you mean. Talking to the spirits can have a profound effect on a man. Walking among them even moreso." He motioned with a hand to signal a monk standing near the temple entrance, who then disappeared inside. "Their world is different from ours, and each world has subtle differences in its rules from all the others. Few things are universal, but that there are things is one of them."

He heaved a breath. "I do not remember the time between lives, and the time within them is only as a half-forgotten dream that you're not sure belonged to you. It seems as if the existence of memory is not a universal truth when it comes to reincarnation."

[Mahonri Violist]

When the knight had come into view of the Blazing Temple, he wasn't instantly noticed. The monk who stood in the low tower above the gate was leaning against a pillar, half asleep. He jolted awake when he slipped off the pillar and nearly fell, thus allowing him to see the guest coming in. He ran off the stairs to greet him. "Hello, good sir! Welcome to the temple, may I be of service?"

[Rain Dragon, 356]

The Blazing Temple by night was perhaps far grander a sight than its fairly ordinary looks by day. Lanterns of decorative colour and pattern lit up the temple and its surroundings in brilliant displays of colour, with light in twisting forms of creatures only dreamt of. Underneath the starlit sky, against the backdrop of the mountaintop where there was just that hint of snow this time of year, it was absolutely gorgeous. A thrumming came from the temple ground, alternatively deep and high-pitched. Music?

Welcome, Mahonri! Since I don't know your character, I look forward to interacting with him. (Okay, granted, Rain Dragon, I only vaguely know yours. :smalltongue:)

Rain Dragon

2014-02-21, 09:31 AM

The sight was fit to take one's breath away, yet the lone figure seemed not to notice as a slight breeze tugged at her hood.

「356」

The pulsing sound of the Blazing Temple at once excited and intimidated Kokuei. Pushing aside all fear, a lone figure approaches the entrance, hoping to be approached so she would not have to approach them. Though it was warm in these parts, Kokuei shudders slightly at the thought of who she must communicate to. The Blazing Avatar whom upset the balance of the spirits at the Grand Ball.

Remembering what her mother said of that night, Kokuei took another step.

He was a very strong 'Man' if you could call him such, and very much out of place, but... I do not think he meant harm. Indeed, he watched the Duels as avidly as I and appeared to make conversation as any other. Perhaps the recent rumours are false, but I would still not trust him so easily.

Kokuei pauses at the very last step she could possibly have taken without entering the Temple itself.

"Hello?" a thirteen year old girl's voice pierces the night air, but not so strongly as to wake those who would not wish to be woken.

It's ok. I don't really know my character either yet. :smallwink::smallcool:

Morph Bark

2014-02-21, 04:58 PM

[Rain Dragon, 356]

Within the temple grounds, there were monks sitting around on the sides of the wooden walkways that were part of the buildings, playing on drums. Others were sitting in the grass beside the the natural stone paths in the garden, wielding drums, flutes or horns. In their midst, several people were caught in the most abundant dance as they moved like wildfire in pairs, both monks and guests to the temple. Among them was even the Blazing Avatar, his eyes wide open as he and the other dancers laughed and he ululated along with the tunes of the music. His skin lit up the circle from within, contrasting the dancing lights of the lanterns. If any of them even noticed Kokuei, they did not pay her any direct attention.

Rain Dragon

2014-02-21, 05:30 PM

「356」

Slightly annoyed, but not wanting to be rude, Kokuei finds a seat somewhere near the dancers. The Blazing Avatar himself was unmistakable as the monks continued their dance. Glancing over to the musicians Kokuei thinks briefly about joining the dancers before deciding against it. For all she knew, it could be a way to worship the Lord of Fire. Furthermore, the dance seemed so different to any practiced in Tekorva and she wasn't sure if she would dance well.

Kokuei takes out the strange rock the strange Avatar had sent her family. The words seemed innocent enough, yet her father had seen them and dropped the rock before rushing elsewhere muttering in Razdissi and holding an iron amulet so hard his knuckles became white. Her brother Yuuhi's reaction was perhaps... Worse. While he didn't do anything directly, he was clearly uncomfortable with the thought of the Blazing Avatar in the lands that were sure to be his. The stone lied on a table for months before Kokuei finally decided to do something about it. She didn't know if Yuuhi had deemed to send the Blazing Avatar a response yet, but she knew the Avatar was not to be trifled with.

Morph Bark

2014-02-21, 08:07 PM

[Rain Dragon, 356]

After a few minutes, the music died down to only a few playing softly as the dancers sat down. Only the Blazing Avatar remained standing and he clapped his hands together and gave a few small bows to some of the musicians and other dancers. "Tonight is truly one of joy, that we get to welcome guests like you who live life so fully. Your inner fires stoke my own to new heights! Thank you, for your music and your dancing. I must now retreat momentarily, but please, let my departure not limit this celebration."

He looked directly at Kokuei for a moment, then turned and stepped between two monks to make his way toward a shrine further into the gardens, where the music was more distanced.

Rain Dragon

2014-02-21, 08:33 PM

5a Violista

2014-02-21, 09:01 PM

Mahonri Violist - me

When faced with the monk, the knight bows his head in reverence. "Good day," he replies. He pauses, unsure of what to say next.

Finally, he looks up, and takes a deep breath. (It seems he forgot to breathe as he was thinking.) "I've heard that this place is very close to The Other Side, and I though that..." His voice falters, and he starts again.

He looks down again to regather his thoughts. "What I mean to say is, I've had some questions for a while, and I heard that here's just as good a place as any to get them answered," he says, shifting uneasily in place.

So I don't forget the name that I've decided on for him, here it is: William Shachar.

Thanks.

From what I've read of the IC of the threads so far, it sounds like a very interesting setting.

Arkhosia

2014-02-21, 09:40 PM

Arkhosia!

You know, we should at some point consider the idea of having a FFRPG where people can play the citizens of our nations.

A young moss elf walks up to the temple, clad in a simple blue tunic and black leggings.

QuintonBeck

2014-02-21, 10:32 PM

Year 347

Orpa looked up the mountain and the great temple that rested high on top of it. He wiped his nose as a cool wind blew, it was winter, his second one on the road but unlike his first he didn't feel like he might not make it, he was there. He began to climb the steps that would take him closer to the temple.

He had traveled far from the shores of Woodwind and the rule of Khan Ignato and during his time he has worked a wide array of jobs. He had left when he was 15 years old, his time on the road had seen him mature into a young man, his chin sported the wispy outlines of a beard and his time on the road left his hair long and kinked sprouting wild directions from his head. The Calorum priests speeches of the Lord of Fire and his Blazing Avatar had inspired him to take up the mantle of spreading the faith but the Khan's regime seemed more concerned with grabbing land and spreading his glory than improving the lives of his people. Orpa knew this was wrong and he had left.

His travels had brought him through Calorum, where he had worked a few months as a servant to a temple but the time had disillusioned the young man to the faith preached there and he had fled in the night when the Calorum priests were least likely to be patrolling for runaways. He had also been through the Heartwaste, a strange land filled with creatures that were distinctly non human. He had worked a variety of odd jobs in this land but he had received one lasting mark. In preparation for his request he would make at the top of the mountain the young man had paid to have a tattoo resembling the Lord of Fire's sigil tattooed upon the back of his left hand. As he reached the part of the mountain that demanded climbing it looked back at him every time his hand clasped for a handhold. It was messed up, the artist had been intoxicated and the symbol had ended up looking like a water droplet. Orpa prayed the Avatar would not have him cast out for making a mocker of the Lord of Fire.

Eventually the young Woodwind lad reached the temple, he collapsed and panted, regaining his breath as realization that he had climbed faster than he had ever moved before dawned on him. After taking a few moments to regain himself he approached the temple, a cold sweat breaking out to add to the sweat the climb had prompted. He hoped he could prove himself a worthy monk and servant to the Avatar.

Rain Dragon

2014-02-21, 11:46 PM

「356」

While the monks are clearly busy dancing and not paying her any mind, Kokuei notices the arrival of a strange looking person. She had never seen anything like them, and was quite intrigued. Searching her brain, Kokuei's best guess would be that this newcomer was a Moss Elf. As Eyrecradia was on fairly good terms with her home region, Kokuei decides to try to talk to the newcomer while the monks continued their dance.

Flipping back her hood to reveal a round, light gray face full of youth topped by a short mop of pure white hair, Kokuei greets the Eyrecradian. "I see you for the first time." Kokuei's accent is thick and exotic, though it was clear she spoke Common Speech well despite her upbringing. Resting her hands on her chest, she bows semi-formally to the Eyrecradian.

Just for the record, she's speaking in Polite speech, as should be assumed most of the time a Tekorvan speaks to someone they don't know unless they know for sure they are royalty. Kokuei is too young to have grown any facial hair yet, so no need to be worried about reactions to beardy women here for now. Though as she's only thirteen, you can confuse her for a young boy if you like. She's 5'11 this year, growing to her full 6'1 over the next two years. Kokuei also very strongly resembles Elder Ambvard.

Arkhosia

2014-02-21, 11:49 PM

Rain Dragon

2014-02-21, 11:56 PM

「356」『Kokuei to Xellia Norwith』

A little surprised at the short introduction, Kokuei thinks back to the mistakes of Tekorvanin in the past. In particular, the transcript she studied of Akira Shirokinu's dealings with the Kasumori.

All the same, she couldn't quite bring herself to such an abrupt greeting.

"Kokuei. May we be well met."

Arkhosia

2014-02-22, 12:02 AM

Rain Dragon

2014-02-22, 12:08 AM

「356」　『Kokuei to Xellia Norwith』

A little surprised at the forwardness of the question without the formalities of Tekorva, Kokuei slips into Casual Speech. Hoping it will not offend Norwith, she responds, "I am here to see the Blazing Avatar about some correspondence my family received a few years ago. Why have you come?" Kokuei decides she quite likes the moss elf's hair.

EDIT Sorry to have started a conversation then left so abruptly, but I just saw the time and my train is apparently going to be delayed... Gotta go. Catcha later.

Arkhosia

2014-02-22, 12:11 AM

Morph Bark

2014-02-22, 01:49 PM

[Mahonri Violist]

"Fairly close." The monk smiled at William, then gestured him to follow him into the temple. "You can feel at ease, sir. I myself first came here for answers. Didn't like the answer at first, but some answers require thinking before you realize how good they are. That's when I came back and became a monk." Inside, the monk pointed out some pillows the guest could use as a seat, while he moved to a corner where a teapot stood on a low flame. "Drink, sir?"

[QuintonBeck, 347]

One of the older monks was fetching water at a nearby well outside the temple grounds when Orpa arrived. He heaved a bucket of water and put it down beside the ancient stone well and looked up upon hearing feet. "Ah, visiting the temple, eh? Quite a youngun you are for that, but I don't judge!" The old man grinned broadly behind his patchy grey beard.

Bit shorter and less fancy, less time today. I'll leave Xellia and Kokuei to each other for today. But yes! It was my intention to work towards more general Empire FFRP threads like that later, Arkhosia. Of course, you are free to start one up already. :P

5a Violista

2014-02-22, 03:18 PM

[Mahonri Violist, who is me]

It appears the monk is very good at putting William at ease, saying exactly what needs to be said. That's good; it makes it easier for him to feel comfortable speaking his mind.

He nods and follows the monk into the temple. Once in there, he sees the pillows and slowly walks over to them to sit. "Yes, please," he responds - he would like a drink.

As the tea heats up, he removes his hood, which reveals the entirety of his face - all the scars from conflicts, the burn engulfing most of his face, and the weary expression in his eyes. He appears lost in thought for a few moments.

Then, he raises his eyes. "I...I guess all the questions I have derive from the same core...how would I describe it...fault in my knowledge." He takes a deep breath and sits up straighter. He continues, "Why must the innocent suffer for the wicked's mistakes?" His own mistakes. Why did they have to die when it was his own sin? "If it's something I'll never understand, I can accept that. But it's something I need to know."

QuintonBeck

2014-02-22, 03:31 PM

Year 347

Orpa bowed his head towards the monk, "Yes sir, I'm seeking education sir. Education in the ways of Fire sir."

Rain Dragon

2014-02-22, 07:52 PM

「356」　『Kokuei to Xellia Norwith』

"Äh, is that so? In that case, the Blazing Temple is among the first logical places to go, is it not?" Kokuei turns her lilac eyes to the moon.

"If I may be so bold, what faith do you follow? My own beliefs lie primarily in a spirit known as the Lady of the Moon."

Well, I have been busy so sorry about the long wait between replies. I likely will be busy again this afternoon. Sorry Arkhosia!

Also, cheers Morph. I wanted to interact with other people at some point and you're busy interacting with three already. :smallwink:

Arkhosia

2014-02-22, 08:13 PM

Rain Dragon

2014-02-22, 08:23 PM

「356」　『Kokuei to Xellia Norwith』

"Fascinating! Would you tell me more of Kedrielle?" Kokuei at this point wasn't asking purely out of politeness, but genuine interest. The desire for knowledge was something well respected within Tekorva.

EDIT - Typo

zabbarot

2014-02-24, 09:58 AM

[Spring 354]
"It is interesting at least I'm sure. In my meditations I have tried to find my own past lives, but it's like grasping smoke. The more you reach for them the more they waft away. So I relax and eventually some waft by me." Mosi reaches into a small pouch and produces several small chili peppers.

"These are osuro mirc. They're sweet with a delicate heat, actually quite tasty, but that is not their purpose. They focus the mind inward in a way that is hard to describe. They helped me significantly in my meditations. It was through them that I was able to meet Mwalimu, who introduced me to the spirits of the Genivana jungles. Mwalimu is an ancient spirit of Asnaoga. Apparently long ago she was worshiped as a god. She was kind and glad to have company though, and she taught me much." He paused for a moment, reflecting. "If you are interested, and only with your permission, I would like to attempt to meet your god. Take the osuro with me, and we can travel together." He extends a hand to the Avatar with a single pepper.

I can show you the world! :smalltongue: Seriously though I want to write something sort of surreal, so if you're interested and you don't mind possibly making some decisions about religion for the setting along the way, it could be fun.

SamBurke

2014-02-24, 11:43 AM

"Let it be known that I do find this distasteful." The Doge-hopeful grunted, clearly not pleased with the fact that he'd have to get off to make his way to the temple. "The Avatar has never been pleased with Guilder's more intelligent ways, nor its trading prowess or international acclaim. But my father says come, and so come I must."

Humperdink climbs the mountain alone, but does manage to get in quite a bit of complaining, even without an audience. When he finally stands before the brilliantly painted great doors of the Temple, he is in none too good a mood. Yet, something is tickling the back of his mind. What is so alluring about religion?

Morph Bark

2014-02-24, 06:02 PM

(OOC: Doing this with quotes for easier reference, what with the multiple pages now and catching up a bit after being sick for a few days.)

[SamBurke, Year X]

The trek wasn't easy for a lot of people, but worth it to them. For the average Guilderman, it was both harder and less worth it than for most. An aspiring Doge? Least likely person out of the three border countries to visit the Blazing Temple. And yet there one was, right on the mountainside. The Blazing Avatar had seen him around the time he was halfway up, and found it quite curious, so he had re-positioned his meditating position to one right on the path of Humperdinck, beside the tread dirt road.

[Mahonri Violist, who is me]

It appears the monk is very good at putting William at ease, saying exactly what needs to be said. That's good; it makes it easier for him to feel comfortable speaking his mind.

He nods and follows the monk into the temple. Once in there, he sees the pillows and slowly walks over to them to sit. "Yes, please," he responds - he would like a drink.

As the tea heats up, he removes his hood, which reveals the entirety of his face - all the scars from conflicts, the burn engulfing most of his face, and the weary expression in his eyes. He appears lost in thought for a few moments.

Then, he raises his eyes. "I...I guess all the questions I have derive from the same core...how would I describe it...fault in my knowledge." He takes a deep breath and sits up straighter. He continues, "Why must the innocent suffer for the wicked's mistakes?" His own mistakes. Why did they have to die when it was his own sin? "If it's something I'll never understand, I can accept that. But it's something I need to know."

As the tea comes to a boil, the monk takes it off the fire and puts it on a tray with some cups and small clay dishes filled with spices. He took it to the guest and put it down next to him, sitting across from William on another pillow. He gave a toothy smile and a small bow. "Feel free to try it with some spices. They're from the south and make it taste quite different."

The monk listened to William intently, but without judgement. He seemed to think for a little bit after he asked his question. "It's not always something that can be easily understood. Sometimes the wicked deed is so complex that you can't see whether it was wicked at all, obscured as its effects may be. I know a few things though, and that is that the wicked simply don't claim responsibility over the negative effects of their actions." He then smiled, "but I know one thing even moreso: no man is born wicked, and those who strive to be responsible for their actions even when they go wrong may yet be saved."

Year 347

Orpa bowed his head towards the monk, "Yes sir, I'm seeking education sir. Education in the ways of Fire sir."

"Ahhh," the old monk nodded, prodding a lone-standing tooth with his tongue in thought. "We can do that, yesh." He grinned. "Carry the buckets inside and we can start."

[Spring 354]
"It is interesting at least I'm sure. In my meditations I have tried to find my own past lives, but it's like grasping smoke. The more you reach for them the more they waft away. So I relax and eventually some waft by me." Mosi reaches into a small pouch and produces several small chili peppers.

"These are osuro mirc. They're sweet with a delicate heat, actually quite tasty, but that is not their purpose. They focus the mind inward in a way that is hard to describe. They helped me significantly in my meditations. It was through them that I was able to meet Mwalimu, who introduced me to the spirits of the Genivana jungles. Mwalimu is an ancient spirit of Asnaoga. Apparently long ago she was worshiped as a god. She was kind and glad to have company though, and she taught me much." He paused for a moment, reflecting. "If you are interested, and only with your permission, I would like to attempt to meet your god. Take the osuro with me, and we can travel together." He extends a hand to the Avatar with a single pepper.

I can show you the world! :smalltongue: Seriously though I want to write something sort of surreal, so if you're interested and you don't mind possibly making some decisions about religion for the setting along the way, it could be fun.

"Mwalimu," the Blazing Avatar murmured. He smiled. "So you have find your Teacher then. I'd almost wonder why you thought to come here then, but I should know better than any one can learn from near anyone, even if little."

He extends a hand to take the pepper from Mosi. It wasn't really necessary, but the use of it would make things easier and likely allow for alignment of their spirits and allow them to stay together even in the harsher parts of the Other world. He put it in his mouth, chewed once before swallowing and looked at Mosi to do the same. "Before we venture in there, let me warn you: while most spirits can be gotten close to without harm unless they mean it, the power of the Lord of Fire and his very nature as the Sacred Flame itself makes it dangerous for mortals to come close, no matter their form. After you see him, I'd like to meet your Teacher myself, or at least gaze upon her." Once more? Maybe.

Feel free to go crazy. I'll get LoF prepped for ya. :smallwink:

SamBurke

2014-02-24, 08:23 PM

[SamBurke/Humperdink, Year 351]

The young prince was tired, worn to pieces by the exhausting and sort of pointless climb, yet he was not so worn out that he could not see the opportunities before him. "If one would create a base of Kasumorian insects, or perhaps some tamed griffons, one could ride to the top of the mountain and back... yes! Yes! And with the introduction of a simple gate, you could charge for entrance. Half-high walls would prevent anyone from seeing inside, but allow just enough of the majestic temple to be seen to tempt them to spend decent money. But entry fee wouldn't be enough to cover outset, I don't think..." He paused for a moment to contemplate and calculate, completely unaware of the Avatar standing only a half-stone's throw away.

"No, the way to make this temple work is to sell the monks. They can offer spiritual consultations... no, no, spiritual "oracles" with life advice from the Lord of Fire. Perfect, perfect... it'd require a marketing campaign, perhaps some reimbursed first guests of the Temple, but if we wrote a good enough story of their oracle, people might come from far south countries." He pauses and turns to look over the entire mountain, proudly.

"It is a grand view, and a perfect enterprise! My father was very right to send me here... it shall be profitable I think!"

Then Humperdink turns back towards the temple, and finds himself face to face with the Avatar himself.

QuintonBeck

2014-02-24, 09:32 PM

Orpa ran a tongue over his own teeth nervously before nodding at the monk, "Yes sir," the young man walked over to the buckets and picked them up, they were heavy but his time on the road had made him stronger than when he first set out. One had to be fit when living on the road and between seasonal jobs in town.

"After you master," the boy said, nodding his head towards the old monk, wishing to show respect and be led to the proper place not knowing it himself.

Morph Bark

2014-02-25, 11:51 AM

[Quint Orpack, 357]

The old monk led Orpa through the gate, into the temple, to the kitchen. "You can put those down over there," he said, grabbing a large knife. "Ready for your initiation into the secrets of Fire?" He grinned, his mouth half empty of teeth.

[Samuel Humburdinke, 351]

"Good morrow, my Guilderene friend," the Blazing Avatar said kindly, his lips pulled into a tiny, knowing smile, as if he had gazed into another world and tried to emulate the Mona Lisa. Not even implausible, though the Doge would never hear any truth of that, of course. The profit in that would be even greater than what he was yet dreaming of. One blazing eyebrow got raised, "I suppose I will need to be the tour guide of your dreams, then?"

zabbarot

2014-02-25, 02:25 PM

[Spring 354]

Mosi ate a pepper and assumed a meditative posture. He took several deep breaths and felt himself drifting deeper and deeper into the osuro. His body was a doorway. He stepped through it to the other side. It was always a bit disorienting at first, something like watching a play from the wrong side of the curtain. He could still see his body sitting still as stone, but it was just a silhouette of bright energy. He turned to see the Blazing Avatar and immediately looked towards the ground. The Avatar was even more vibrant from this side.

Look up, Mosi. Choose what you see. The voice of Mwalimu cooed in his ear. Mosi looked again at the Blazing Avatar, and the brightness slowly dimmed until he was no longer uncomfortable to look at. Mosi looked a bit different on this side as well. He was younger, and filled with energy. He wore a long cloak of green leaves.

Avatar, you said you wished to meet my teacher. She is here with me. He spread his arms and the cloak melted to the ground. A peahen arose, nearly as tall as a man. Her feathers were leaves and flower petals of every color. She bowed her head lightly. She cannot travel as easily as she used to. So I bring her with me. She spent many ages rooted at Asnaoga, and many ages before that soaring through these infinite skies.

There was a time when I was revered in many vast forests, but now I am mostly forgotten. I considered myself a goddess once, but I will let Mosi make his own decisions about that. I intend to give him plenty of time to do so. There was a kindness in her voice. She spoke of Mosi like a mother would speak of her children.

Mosi took a moment to survey the landscape. It was like world was washed away and redrawn with an uncountable number of individual points of light. The spirit was all that was visible here. The spirit of every stone, of each blade of grass. With a small effort the mind could connect the dots, outline everything, but nothing seemed as solid as one was used to. Everything was translucent, and yet everything was light.

Lead on, Avatar.

Nice catch on Mwalimu. I found a good Swahili dictionary, so I'll probably be using it quite a bit. Igbo is too hard to find proper translators for unfortunately.

SamBurke

2014-02-25, 04:01 PM

[Samuel Humburdinke, 351]

"Good morrow, my Guilderene friend," the Blazing Avatar said kindly, his lips pulled into a tiny, knowing smile, as if he had gazed into another world and tried to emulate the Mona Lisa. Not even implausible, though the Doge would never hear any truth of that, of course. The profit in that would be even greater than what he was yet dreaming of. One blazing eyebrow got raised, "I suppose I will need to be the tour guide of your dreams, then?"

Humperdink looks down. "Well, you seem like the perfect sort of fellow for something like this... I must say, the monks here are certainly very memorable folks. So, can you tell me... what'd be the likely hood of the Grand Avvie himself swingin' a deal for the place? There'd be almost no disturbance, if the visitors were charged the right price." He winks and grins, evidently thinking himself to be a rather magnanimous sort of prince.

Morph Bark

2014-02-25, 07:00 PM

[zabbarot, spring 354]

After he closed his eyes, it didn't take long to go into the other realm. It always felt like he was pushing his face through a painting made of frozen wine. The osuro made it even faster, and once there he waited for Mosi to arrive as well, who soon did. He looked well, better than in life, like many did, but he looked unusual for a mortal. Clearly this man was going to make waves, as the colloquialism went. He bowed when Mosi introduced him to Mwalimu. "Even as age and lack of worship may mar you, your radiance is no less, Mwalimu."

He gestured Mosi to follow him, turned around and dropped over a cliff that had not been there, falling into the sea of coloured grass below, diving through the earth as if it were made out of jelly and making it bubble and boil, freeing the way for his companions. He sank into the lowest parts and fell through into the highest, no longer it being clear what up or down even was. And there, in the distant height-depths, there was a roaring blaze. A giant forge, a baby star, a churning iron core, an army of hivemind souls: one giant bonfire, the very heart of the Lord of Fire. It was humongous and freightsome, and even the Blazing Avatar did not come close--largely to prevent his companions from doing so, however. "In our Fiery Faith, life is fire," the Blazing Avatar began, "fire is destruction, destruction is death, and death offers life. Fire itself is a circle, one that destroys itself so that a new one can be formed. Fire is the sky in the day, and reflected in the night. Fire is in the heart of every man, woman, child and earth. If air meets it, it is fed. If earth meets it, it is molten and shaped. If water meets it, they join and become steam." He turned to Mosi and smiled, radiating from between his teeth. "But that metaphysical matter is less important than what it means to the common man. At least to me, and to them."

[Sam/Humperdinck, 351]

The Blazing Avatar raised an eyebrow and looked upon Humperdinck slightly estranged. "I do not presume to know you, but what price would you put on happiness?" He asked him, leaning in.

QuintonBeck

2014-02-25, 08:25 PM

[Quint Orpack, 357]

The old monk led Orpa through the gate, into the temple, to the kitchen. "You can put those down over there," he said, grabbing a large knife. "Ready for your initiation into the secrets of Fire?" He grinned, his mouth half empty of teeth.

Orpa tried to swallow but his tongue felt dry and his skin had broken out in goosebumps and a cold sweat. Whatever he had expected here, this wasn't it, but he hadn't come all this way for nothing. He commanded his feet to move forward and when they didn't he commanded them again until they heeded his call.

"Yes sir," he answered nervously.

SamBurke

2014-02-26, 09:44 AM

[Sam/Humperdinck, 351]

The Blazing Avatar raised an eyebrow and looked upon Humperdinck slightly estranged. "I do not presume to know you, but what price would you put on happiness?" He asked him, leaning in.

Humperdink turns to the Avatar, deep in thought. "Hm... I'm not certain, to be honest. Perhaps you could tell me what the sacrifice required for joy is?" He grins now, sweeping aside his traveler's cloak, pulling back the scarf around his face, and preparing.

A duel of words was inevitable.

zabbarot

2014-02-26, 10:37 AM

[Spring 354]

A tunnel of light headed towards a brighter light. Mosi was not sure if they'd gone to the core of the planet or come through the other side to meet the sun. To say it was awe inspiring was an understatement. Does that not seem incomplete to you though? Whence comes the spark? Fires do not start themselves. I feel there is a bigger picture here. The Lord of Fire deserves reverence, his power is almost oppressive at this distance, but isn't he just a small piece? Mosi looked at the Avatar. Can you separate flame from fuel? A fire can no more exist without something to burn than a man can maintain a passion for emptiness. The fire can bring change, but it must have something ready to be changed. No, I do not believe the fire can be the beginning, or truly self-sustaining. Mosi stared deep into the core of the flames.

Where do you come from? Did you form through force of will, or did something else spark your existence? The fire seemed to be just another piece of the Great Ancestor.

Morph Bark

2014-02-26, 05:12 PM

[Quinton/Orpa, 347]

"Good!" The old monk jabbed the knife into a clay jar and then made a throwing motion at Orpa. An onion came flying off the knife's tip at the younger man. "Grab a knife and start cutting. We're making soup! The first lesson of Fire is: first feed your body, then your spirit. A spirit can be revived, but if you starve to death then you're done for! Hehe." He seemed to chuckle at his own wit as the man began to chop away rapidly at some carrots. "So tell me son, what's your name and all?"

[Sam/Humperdinck, 351]

He smiled coyly at the wily young man and shrugged his shoulders. "It depends on the person. To be happy, one's basic needs require fulfillment before one's higher desires may get a turn, and people who are used to having more often require more to be happy. Often the rich may give well to charity not to be charitable, but to rid themselves of possession and make happiness easier to acquire." He sighed, but seemed not dissatisfied with that fact. "Though altruism may fuel our sense of self-worth and happiness, it takes nothing away from the good of the act of doing good."

[zabbarot/Mosi, 354]

The Blazing Avatar shook his head. You presume too much, Mosi. The fire of the home is not the same as the fire of the spirit, nor the fire of the earth or the fire of the sun. The fires men make with their hands are fragile and need constantly be fed. But a man's spiritual fire can be taken, and yet he can reawaken it without any external source. The Lord's own Fire is its own fuel. He motioned at Mosi. Have you ever looked--truly looked--at your Mwalimu? Would such a magnificent creature exist in our world if it were not for the strength of this world? If neither man nor mawa were possessed of spirit, surely their actions would carry much less power and creativity.

He let those words be considered by Mosi for a while, and give him a chance to retort, before he continued. You are right in some way, though. This part is incomplete, it is not part of the whole. He smiled that typical smile of his again. This is only a gate.

QuintonBeck

2014-02-26, 06:31 PM

The boy let out a nervous breath he hadn't realized he'd been holding when the onion hit his chest and he fumbled the bounced onion into a catch as a warm wave of embarrassment washed over him. He made his way over near the elder monk and picked up a knife, cutting into the foreign food and wrinkling his nose as the smell hit him and his eyes began to water. He wiped at them with his shoulders as he spoke,

"My name is Orpa sir, Orpa Eldio from Woodwind. I don't know if you know of it, it doesn't know much about you. The Temple that is. I came here to find the full truth of things and devote myself to the Lord. I know His is the divine truth..." he trailed off at that, not wishing to say too much.

5a Violista

2014-02-26, 10:46 PM

[The Disgraced Knight]

As the tea comes to a boil, the monk takes it off the fire and puts it on a tray with some cups and small clay dishes filled with spices. He took it to the guest and put it down next to him, sitting across from William on another pillow. He gave a toothy smile and a small bow. "Feel free to try it with some spices. They're from the south and make it taste quite different."

The monk listened to William intently, but without judgement. He seemed to think for a little bit after he asked his question. "It's not always something that can be easily understood. Sometimes the wicked deed is so complex that you can't see whether it was wicked at all, obscured as its effects may be. I know a few things though, and that is that the wicked simply don't claim responsibility over the negative effects of their actions." He then smiled, "but I know one thing even moreso: no man is born wicked, and those who strive to be responsible for their actions even when they go wrong may yet be saved."

William nods as he listens, clearly lost in thought. What does that mean, and what does it imply? How can he believe such a thing? How can he differentiate between...?

He needs several moments to ruminate over these teachings, during the which he drinks some of his tea and strokes his beard.

Finally, he responds. "I'm sure I'll need some time to think though these things," he says, sang-froid. Then, he rubs his face and especially his eyes, from being tired. "But, if I understand what you're saying, it's that those who face their consequences ought to be capable of continuing on," he restates, trying to gain comprehension.

WaylanderX

2014-02-27, 03:21 AM

*The Blazing Temple, Year 357, second solar cycle, fifth Pyrith, Honesty, Day of Mystery*

After a two day journey, Marius finnally landed his mantid near the Blazing Temple, just outside its majestic walls. He thought alot about the object the Avatar had send him a few months past, but he only found some time recently, due to the problems arising in both Zargrim and under Kasumor itself. Marius' face winced involuntarily. Better not to think of that now, he was here on other business. He looked to the temple with a little bit of anxiety in his eyes. He just hoped the Blazing Avatar would not take too much of an offense to the fact he worshipped Ashmar and not the Lord of Fire himself directly. The One Who Guard Fire was still the Lord of Fire in his opinion, but some may not share that train of thought.

He stepped inside, in search of the Blazing Avatar. He couldn't see the Blazing Avatar, so he decided to go look for somebody to help him out. Through both gardens and corridors he searched, untill he found a priest willing to help him.

zabbarot

2014-02-27, 10:33 AM

[Spring 354]

From what Mwalimu has shown me, the spirit is all we are. Spirit, soul, will, it is all the same. It is like water, changing form but remaining the same. Just as water can become solid or gas, this spirit that is us can become man or earth or fire. Mosi was full of excitement. This was an idea he had kept to himself for some time now. When I die, my spirit will disperse. It could be taken into the earth, or the trees, or it could be swept away on the wind to coalesce somewhere else into a new form. Perhaps it could even seep into a womb to be born again.

It was my mistake to lump the fire you speak of in with terrestrial fire. But I'm beginning to think it is all just metaphor. The spirit that drives us is as much like an ocean as it is like a bonfire. It can flow or crash, but it must move and change on it's own, or it grows stale and will be changed by another. In that way, all that we know is only the flow of the spirit from one form to another. The self is only a transient state. An illusion formed by coincidental interactions in a shifting flow. Like an image in a waterfall it only exists as part of the journey. As he spoke the ideas solidified in his mind. It was good to finally put these ideas into words.

He let those words be considered by Mosi for a while, and give him a chance to retort, before he continued. You are right in some way, though. This part is incomplete, it is not part of the whole. He smiled that typical smile of his again. This is only a gate.

Mosi looked up in confusion. A gate to where? Mosi looked at the raging flames of the Lord of Fire, but at the same time he saw a whirlpool, volatile and capricious, yet immutable. Mosi was filled with fear and excitement. Can we step through?

SamBurke

2014-02-27, 11:11 AM

[Sam/Humperdinck, 351]

He smiled coyly at the wily young man and shrugged his shoulders. "It depends on the person. To be happy, one's basic needs require fulfillment before one's higher desires may get a turn, and people who are used to having more often require more to be happy. Often the rich may give well to charity not to be charitable, but to rid themselves of possession and make happiness easier to acquire." He sighed, but seemed not dissatisfied with that fact. "Though altruism may fuel our sense of self-worth and happiness, it takes nothing away from the good of the act of doing good."

"Oh, I like you. I like you a lot... say, care to take on a job? It'd be well paying, or, er..." He stops to think about how sincere the "monk's" words were. "If you lead the temple guides, you could help a lot of different folks, think of it that way. That's your goal, right? I'm just increasing that goal and your chances for, erm, expansion." Another smile, though now he knew that a duel of words seemed less likely. The people here were most open minded... Much different than he'd heard.

Yes, that was something odd: Humperdink had only heard of criticism for the bigotry of "religion" from all who truly practiced it. No man or sage of Guilder spoke of its value for men, or happiness... yet there was a ring of truth in the way this monk spoke. For how much good had he really done until that point? Diplomacy to other nations counted but little, as it was mostly trade. Work in the markets or the ships was for himself and himself alone.

What had he truly done?

And with that, the Avatar's words had carved their way to an opening, should he but see it, and push through.

I'm really loving the chance to craft out how Humperdink will be as a leader... thanks for this thread!

Morph Bark

2014-02-27, 07:48 PM

[QuintonBeck]

The boy let out a nervous breath he hadn't realized he'd been holding when the onion hit his chest and he fumbled the bounced onion into a catch as a warm wave of embarrassment washed over him. He made his way over near the elder monk and picked up a knife, cutting into the foreign food and wrinkling his nose as the smell hit him and his eyes began to water. He wiped at them with his shoulders as he spoke,

"My name is Orpa sir, Orpa Eldio from Woodwind. I don't know if you know of it, it doesn't know much about you. The Temple that is. I came here to find the full truth of things and devote myself to the Lord. I know His is the divine truth..." he trailed off at that, not wishing to say too much.

The old monk smacked his lips. "You've come to the right place then, son. There's a lot of truth to be found around here." He grinned and tossed the boy a small bag of peppers. "Get the seeds out of these and put them in the pan when the water boils," he instructed. He then continued cutting more vegetables. "I know a thing or two about Woodwind. My granddaughter married a fellow there after I'd taken the robes. I'm Kasumori by birth. Shh, don't tell anyone!"

[The Disgraced Knight]

[The Disgraced Knight]

William nods as he listens, clearly lost in thought. What does that mean, and what does it imply? How can he believe such a thing? How can he differentiate between...?

He needs several moments to ruminate over these teachings, during the which he drinks some of his tea and strokes his beard.

Finally, he responds. "I'm sure I'll need some time to think though these things," he says, sang-froid. Then, he rubs his face and especially his eyes, from being tired. "But, if I understand what you're saying, it's that those who face their consequences ought to be capable of continuing on," he restates, trying to gain comprehension.

The monk smiles apologetically. "A lot of things you can learn here require time to think through. Many truths are not easily accepted, because they're not comfortable for people. You're right though," he acknowledged William's statement. "If you face the consequences of what you've done, you can keep going. Even if you cannot succeed at something, it's always important to try. Trying matters so, so much."

[Waylander, 357 2.5HM]

*The Blazing Temple, Year 357, second solar cycle, fifth Pyrith, Honesty, Day of Mystery*

After a two day journey, Marius finnally landed his mantid near the Blazing Temple, just outside its majestic walls. He thought alot about the object the Avatar had send him a few months past, but he only found some time recently, due to the problems arising in both Zargrim and under Kasumor itself. Marius' face winced involuntarily. Better not to think of that now, he was here on other business. He looked to the temple with a little bit of anxiety in his eyes. He just hoped the Blazing Avatar would not take too much of an offense to the fact he worshipped Ashmar and not the Lord of Fire himself directly. The One Who Guard Fire was still the Lord of Fire in his opinion, but some may not share that train of thought.

He stepped inside, in search of the Blazing Avatar. He couldn't see the Blazing Avatar, so he decided to go look for somebody to help him out. Through both gardens and corridors he searched, untill he found a priest willing to help him.

Pyoka had snuck away early from the festival. She hadn't felt right to be forced up the mountain and bow at the sky all foggy-eyed just because it was a clear day or that it was special for some reason. She liked holidays, that she did, but only when it meant she didn't have to do chores and the fun stuff could begin. Sadly, at the Blazing Temple the "fun stuff" sometimes meant "sit in place for an hour and pray". The monks hadn't appreciated it when she had tried to turn pray-time into impromptu acapella performance. She guessed the Lord of Fire didn't have a sense of humour, and the Blazing Avatar only barely so. As such, she must now be the only initiate at the Temple, other than perhaps an older servant tending to the garden, but Old Jijimonzai was blind and slept half the day. She positioned herself with her sitar at a secluded part near the back of the temple, overlooking a smaller garden and if she looked over the wall she could see the path up the mountain to check when the others would be done and coming back. She plucked the strings to the tune of footsteps and--wait, footsteps?!

---more follows later post---

QuintonBeck

2014-02-27, 11:59 PM

"You have a granddaughter sir?" Orpa realized despite his zeal he really didn't know much about the practiced faith, having only a cursory familiarity with the Reformation. Somehow he had assumed the monks the to be celibate. He pulled the peppers from the bag and cut them open long-ways then began scraping the seeds out as the monk had bid him.

"Begging your pardon sir, but why would you let your granddaughter travel to Woodwind, the Lord of Fire is but a distant and often ridiculed whisper there."

WaylanderX

2014-02-28, 06:13 PM

[Waylander, 357 2.5HM]

Pyoka had snuck away early from the festival. She hadn't felt right to be forced up the mountain and bow at the sky all foggy-eyed just because it was a clear day or that it was special for some reason. She liked holidays, that she did, but only when it meant she didn't have to do chores and the fun stuff could begin. Sadly, at the Blazing Temple the "fun stuff" sometimes meant "sit in place for an hour and pray". The monks hadn't appreciated it when she had tried to turn pray-time into impromptu acapella performance. She guessed the Lord of Fire didn't have a sense of humour, and the Blazing Avatar only barely so. As such, she must now be the only initiate at the Temple, other than perhaps an older servant tending to the garden, but Old Jijimonzai was blind and slept half the day. She positioned herself with her sitar at a secluded part near the back of the temple, overlooking a smaller garden and if she looked over the wall she could see the path up the mountain to check when the others would be done and coming back. She plucked the strings to the tune of footsteps and--wait, footsteps?!

---more follows later post---

Marius stopped in his tracks, hearing the plucking of a sitar nearby. He followed the sound, surely a priest would be the source of the music. However, he was surprised to see a young girl playing the instrument at a secluded part of the garden. From the look on her face, she was quite surprised aswel. Quickly recovering, he smiled reassuringly.
"Good day, young one, may your prowess never fail you. I am Marius Earthguard. I am looking for the priests of this temple and the Blazing Avatar himself. Could you help out a lost stranger like me?" He winked with myrth to show that he meant no harm.

Morph Bark

2014-03-02, 03:31 PM

[QuintonBeck]

"You have a granddaughter sir?" Orpa realized despite his zeal he really didn't know much about the practiced faith, having only a cursory familiarity with the Reformation. Somehow he had assumed the monks the to be celibate. He pulled the peppers from the bag and cut them open long-ways then began scraping the seeds out as the monk had bid him.

"Begging your pardon sir, but why would you let your granddaughter travel to Woodwind, the Lord of Fire is but a distant and often ridiculed whisper there."

The monk snickered. "I do! Ah, a beautiful flower is she..." He pointed his knife at Orpa. "Got her before I put on the robes, y'see! That's why it's all fine. And heck, if Big Blazes can spread around spores, I should too!" He chuckles as he finished chopping and dumped everything in the boiling bowl. "Besides, I should let her choose her own path, y'know? I can't control what destiny lies ahead of her, that's all to her own. Folks do crazy things for love, anyway."

[Waylander, Year 359 (retcon*), 2nd Solar Cycle, 5th Pyrith: Honesty, Day of Mystery]

Marius stopped in his tracks, hearing the plucking of a sitar nearby. He followed the sound, surely a priest would be the source of the music. However, he was surprised to see a young girl playing the instrument at a secluded part of the garden. From the look on her face, she was quite surprised aswel. Quickly recovering, he smiled reassuringly.
"Good day, young one, may your prowess never fail you. I am Marius Earthguard. I am looking for the priests of this temple and the Blazing Avatar himself. Could you help out a lost stranger like me?" He winked with myrth to show that he meant no harm.

A shiver went down Pyoka's spine. That wink was so creepy! She struck another chord on her sitar before she stood up. "They call me Pyoka," she said with a little bow. "I'm sorry, the monks are currently out praying on the mountain. I could offer you some service 'til they return, though? Making tea, I mean!" She quickly added. Pyoka crossed her fingers behind her back, hoping that the monks wouldn't scold her for abandoning the practice on the mountain so early. "Sir."

[zabbarot]

[Spring 354]

From what Mwalimu has shown me, the spirit is all we are. Spirit, soul, will, it is all the same. It is like water, changing form but remaining the same. Just as water can become solid or gas, this spirit that is us can become man or earth or fire. Mosi was full of excitement. This was an idea he had kept to himself for some time now. When I die, my spirit will disperse. It could be taken into the earth, or the trees, or it could be swept away on the wind to coalesce somewhere else into a new form. Perhaps it could even seep into a womb to be born again.

It was my mistake to lump the fire you speak of in with terrestrial fire. But I'm beginning to think it is all just metaphor. The spirit that drives us is as much like an ocean as it is like a bonfire. It can flow or crash, but it must move and change on it's own, or it grows stale and will be changed by another. In that way, all that we know is only the flow of the spirit from one form to another. The self is only a transient state. An illusion formed by coincidental interactions in a shifting flow. Like an image in a waterfall it only exists as part of the journey. As he spoke the ideas solidified in his mind. It was good to finally put these ideas into words.

Mosi looked up in confusion. A gate to where? Mosi looked at the raging flames of the Lord of Fire, but at the same time he saw a whirlpool, volatile and capricious, yet immutable. Mosi was filled with fear and excitement. Can we step through?

Curiously enough, in some way, you are correct. Curiously enough, in some way, you entirely aren't, the Blazing Avatar noted. It has seemed for a long time to me that though some things are unchanging in how they work, a lot of it depends on the spirit of the one going through it, and their own faith and will.

He motioned at the "gate" with a mysterious little smirk and gave Mosi a wink. We could certainly try. However, I shan't, though I will in time. It is a gate built with the spiritual energies of all past Blazing Avatars and guided by the last one. It is how I can still talk with her, but yet they are all a little too distant. He let out a breath, as if in a sigh. It was quite disappointing to himself, but he gathered his wits quickly again with that same smirk. There is another gate we COULD go through, however... The smirk widened a little, as if he were a young boy eager for adventure and searching out danger. And danger likely there would be.

[SamBurke]

"Oh, I like you. I like you a lot... say, care to take on a job? It'd be well paying, or, er..." He stops to think about how sincere the "monk's" words were. "If you lead the temple guides, you could help a lot of different folks, think of it that way. That's your goal, right? I'm just increasing that goal and your chances for, erm, expansion." Another smile, though now he knew that a duel of words seemed less likely. The people here were most open minded... Much different than he'd heard.

Yes, that was something odd: Humperdink had only heard of criticism for the bigotry of "religion" from all who truly practiced it. No man or sage of Guilder spoke of its value for men, or happiness... yet there was a ring of truth in the way this monk spoke. For how much good had he really done until that point? Diplomacy to other nations counted but little, as it was mostly trade. Work in the markets or the ships was for himself and himself alone.

What had he truly done?

And with that, the Avatar's words had carved their way to an opening, should he but see it, and push through.

I'm really loving the chance to craft out how Humperdink will be as a leader... thanks for this thread!

Much welcome! :smallbiggrin:

"Oh, we could!" The Blazing Avatar said with faked enthusiasm, though he was certainly enthused by the conversation. "Or, we could not. You know, might as well do that." He patted the ground beside him in gesture to Humperdinck. "We help people, but they need not come here for such help. The Lord himself offers much, even with us not being near, and many monks traverse the mountains and the plains to visit other lands. Perhaps Guilder has seen too little of our efforts..." He considered his words, being caught in thought. "Or it might just be less appealing as the fires we stoke are both spiritual and literal, and the literal ones are less useful for the wooden ships Guilder fares with than the steel some put their trust in."

*because this happened (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?p=17104035#post17104035), spoke to Waylander to move up the time a little bit.

QuintonBeck

2014-03-02, 05:12 PM

Orpa nodded, so monks were celibate then? After the fact? He was regretting more and more his decisions to stay pure during his travels if it could all be washed away with a new set of clothes. Still, he really hadn't had much input in those decisions, they had mostly been made for him so he couldn't regret anything too terribly much. Suddenly his mind stopped musing his current state of intimate experience and caught up to the monk's words,

"The Blazing Avatar has children?" Orpa asked surprised, assuming the old monk's 'Big Blazes' and the Avatar were one in the same.

SamBurke

2014-03-02, 08:21 PM

Humperdink ponders the question for a moment. "I should think it's the former, for the people of Guilder are always open to a new idea. The problem is, however, that we know very little of the Fire, and there is no chance to explore, as there is with far away lands. Though your idea of a fire belowdecks.. it gives me an idea." He takes the seat beside the Avatar, and continues the conversation.

"Perhaps you could send a group to converse with our people? They would be most open to new ways, if they could but understand them."

Chacmon

2014-03-05, 08:23 AM

Year 358 of the Kasumori kalendar (a month afther the Avatars murder):
A small procession makes it way up the mountain to the blazing temple, at their head is Topiltzin King of Gunung and following is a group of armed guards carrying a brazier. Within the braziers flames its possible to make out the shape of a adamantium chest with several locks.
When the monks approach to inquire as to the meaning of the visit Topiltzin gets straight to the point: “I come bearing the cursed blade used to cut down the Blazing Avatar and whish to speak to Chief Inquisitor Paco Çimar Guzman. It is my hope his wisdom might aid us in finding out where this blade came from, and that this knowledge will guide us to the masterminds behind the assassination”

Topiltzin specifically asks about the runes on the blade

zabbarot

2014-03-05, 09:06 AM

Right and wrong. True and false. So much duality. Could the world be fire and water? Mosi chuckled to himself. I guess that makes it liquor. Mosi had forgotten to project the joke, but it probably didn't matter. Thoughts were almost palpable here, so the Avatar likely got the gist anyways.

Is the Lord of Fire where you will come to be reborn? Will you become fuel for this bonfire and give birth to the next Avatar? Mosi had never seen the Avatar with anything less than a smile. He could feel his sadness, an old wound maybe? It was hard to say. You speak with someone through the gate? Suddenly Mosi understood, or at least he thought he did. Do deceased fire worshipers pass through that gate? This was news to Mosi. At least some people passed on to a new world when they died, maybe. If that was true, then... reincarnation is not automatic. Maybe it's a choice. Maybe it's about realizing that you have a choice.

Avatar, where does this gate lead? Mosi did, and didn't want to know. More duality. He was getting used to the idea.

Mosi could only appreciate that smile. The Avatar just radiated so much energy. It was contagious. Mosi was a young boy again, ready for adventure. Lead on.

Zap Dynamic

2014-03-05, 06:21 PM

Summer 363

Out of the evening sky came a distant call. Those who looked saw nothing at first, but in time a speck appeared, a speck which grew into a dark woman on a golden berunda. Her long braids flew in the wind of her wake, red as an apple since the day of her birth. The fan of her great bird’s tail was spread wide, and fire sparked along its long feathers.

The woman, barely out of girlhood, vaulted from her berunda as it alighted upon the temple grounds. Her skin was purple-black and mottled blue dye, her braids--confined by a burnt orange sash of silk--fell to the small of her back. Cloudy wisps of white godana played over her face, chest, and arms. She was as lean and hard as her mother, and the same light shined in her blue eyes. Trellises of spun gold adorned her brow, ears, and forearms.

The berunda repeated its call and spread its fan as she stood before it, an image of terrible majesty in the sunset. The hilt of a sword protruded from a bundle on her back, but more curious was the large candle, bound upon a golden belt over her billowing red trousers. It was lit, even after her dismount and her long journey.

She pulled the candle from its cradle and held it before her. “I am Anguri Adite,” she called with a voice that rang like steel. “Golden Daughter of Raaneka, Marshall of the Raaneki Berunda, and Cousin to the Jeweled Islanders. I seek an audience with the Blazing Avatar.”

He's assassin'd by now, I know... Anguri doesn't!

lt_murgen

2014-03-06, 12:08 PM

Year 360:
Evelyn wasn’t certain what brought her to the Temple. She had been there when the Blazing Avatar was killed. She had even attempted to save him, in her own fashion. But his death did not bother her, she told herself. Death was ever present, in a thousand guises. That is what the shamans claimed. It was a couple of years in the past, anyway.

As she trudged up the mountain, the question turned back upon itself. Why was she here? To see how the monks were dealing with the loss of their leader? To see if they have moved past their horrific loss? Find some measure, some method, to deal with her own exile and loss? She had no ideas, none she could admit to herself. Perhaps, she rationalized, she had been everywhere else, and it was mere wanderlust that propelled her.

Still, she paused in sight of the gate, uncertain.

WaylanderX

2014-03-07, 04:11 AM

[Waylander, Year 359 (retcon*), 2nd Solar Cycle, 5th Pyrith: Honesty, Day of Mystery]

A shiver went down Pyoka's spine. That wink was so creepy! She struck another chord on her sitar before she stood up. "They call me Pyoka," she said with a little bow. "I'm sorry, the monks are currently out praying on the mountain. I could offer you some service 'til they return, though? Making tea, I mean!" She quickly added. Pyoka crossed her fingers behind her back, hoping that the monks wouldn't scold her for abandoning the practice on the mountain so early. "Sir."

*because this happened (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?p=17104035#post17104035), spoke to Waylander to move up the time a little bit.

"Hhhmm, that's a pity, I'll guess I'll wait out." Marius smiled. "I will take you up on your offer of tea."
Marius looked around.
"Do you know when the monks will return though, little one? It is always good to stay ahead of matters. And while we are waiting, tell more more about yourself, Pyoka. Are you an acolyte?"

TheWombatOfDoom

2014-03-12, 11:02 AM

If there was one lesson Lyra's father had drilled into her head, it was to alway becareful. It had served him well with Qarimos, in the form of an alliance in great attribute to turning in a spy that offered free technology, and she hoped it would serve her well now.

"Always, always, always, check the source before drinking from the spring."
-Gareth Serendel

She approached the late Blazing Avatar's temple, the letter of question safely tucked within her bag. As she arrived, she requested the monk known as "Adam".

BladeofObliviom

2014-03-12, 12:29 PM

[Year 367, Winter]

An uncommon sight appears on the slopes leading up to the Temple of Fire: A thickly robed figure, unidentifiable after long months of travel through muck and filth across a harsh and hostile land. The robes are brown with mud and dirt but traces of filthy green can be seen underneath, while the rider is short by any conventional standard; not even two Pryonian meters in height!

Riding upon a disheveled but unmistakably Crimar horse, the figure approaches, dismounting not far from the gates and tying the horse up at the nearest available hitch.

Finally, ruined shrouds dragging on the ground behind it, the stranger walks up to the gate, reaches a less-filthy balled hand outward, and knocks twice.

Morph Bark

2014-03-13, 03:22 PM

[For some, mostly quick wrap-ups; for others, perhaps something to continue on. Mostly so that nothing is left hanging. :smallwink:]

Orpa nodded, so monks were celibate then? After the fact? He was regretting more and more his decisions to stay pure during his travels if it could all be washed away with a new set of clothes. Still, he really hadn't had much input in those decisions, they had mostly been made for him so he couldn't regret anything too terribly much. Suddenly his mind stopped musing his current state of intimate experience and caught up to the monk's words,

"The Blazing Avatar has children?" Orpa asked surprised, assuming the old monk's 'Big Blazes' and the Avatar were one in the same.

"Oh yes!" The old monk noted. "Stunning beauty. Might be your age, even! Then again, I'm bad with ages. If it weren't for the snow, I wouldn't ever count the years!" He chuckled a bit. "Soup should be about done. How about you finish up and I'll go arrange your sleeping quarters, eh?"

The old man shuffled off into a different room and did not return soon at all. Later, he'd be found sleeping soundly on the floor next to a bedroll he must've prepared for Orpa.

Year 358 of the Kasumori calendar (months after the Avatars murder):
A small procession makes it way up the mountain to the blazing temple, at their head is Topiltzin King of Gunung and following is a group of armed guards carrying a brazier. Within the braziers flames its possible to make out the shape of a adamantium chest with several locks.
When the monks approach to inquire as to the meaning of the visit Topiltzin gets straight to the point: “I come bearing the cursed blade used to cut down the Blazing Avatar and wish to speak to Chief Inquisitor Paco Çimar Guzman. It is my hope his wisdom might aid us in finding out where this blade came from, and that this knowledge will guide us to the masterminds behind the assassination”

Topiltzin specifically asks about the runes on the blade

Topiltzin is brought before the monk honourable Paco, who appears to be preparing to leave the temple. He investigates the blade and tells Topiltzin gravely, "I know not how this blade might've been made, but it is a wicked blade. These runes are ancient, once used in our rituals before they turned dark. The Order of True Fire, the heretics in Celero who terrorized its people, stem from the last official ritual to use these runes. This rune here means 'soul', and this one means 'to sever'. These smaller runes along the edge I cannot read, but they resemble the runes from an old rhyme that has been translated ages ago. It's a rhyme celebrating birth and unity, except it's in reverse here."

You note among the things he packs a small sort of personal 'totem'. You know that these things are made for the monks of the Blazing Temple by their own hand, to be left at the Blazing Temple so that the Blazing Avatar and the Lord of Fire may always watch over them from one place. These personal totems almost never leave the Temple.

Summer 363

Out of the evening sky came a distant call. Those who looked saw nothing at first, but in time a speck appeared, a speck which grew into a dark woman on a golden berunda. Her long braids flew in the wind of her wake, red as an apple since the day of her birth. The fan of her great bird’s tail was spread wide, and fire sparked along its long feathers.

The woman, barely out of girlhood, vaulted from her berunda as it alighted upon the temple grounds. Her skin was purple-black and mottled blue dye, her braids--confined by a burnt orange sash of silk--fell to the small of her back. Cloudy wisps of white godana played over her face, chest, and arms. She was as lean and hard as her mother, and the same light shined in her blue eyes. Trellises of spun gold adorned her brow, ears, and forearms.

The berunda repeated its call and spread its fan as she stood before it, an image of terrible majesty in the sunset. The hilt of a sword protruded from a bundle on her back, but more curious was the large candle, bound upon a golden belt over her billowing red trousers. It was lit, even after her dismount and her long journey.

She pulled the candle from its cradle and held it before her. “I am Anguri Adite,” she called with a voice that rang like steel. “Golden Daughter of Raaneka, Marshall of the Raaneki Berunda, and Cousin to the Jeweled Islanders. I seek an audience with the Blazing Avatar.”

He's assassin'd by now, I know... Anguri doesn't!

"My child!" She was greeted by a middle-aged female monk, hair greying already but still mostly a bright blonde. Her expression was a mix of sadness and joy. "I'm afraid you have missed him by several years, darling, but while you wait I could pour you some tea?"

Year 360:
Evelyn wasn’t certain what brought her to the Temple. She had been there when the Blazing Avatar was killed. She had even attempted to save him, in her own fashion. But his death did not bother her, she told herself. Death was ever present, in a thousand guises. That is what the shamans claimed. It was a couple of years in the past, anyway.

As she trudged up the mountain, the question turned back upon itself. Why was she here? To see how the monks were dealing with the loss of their leader? To see if they have moved past their horrific loss? Find some measure, some method, to deal with her own exile and loss? She had no ideas, none she could admit to herself. Perhaps, she rationalized, she had been everywhere else, and it was mere wanderlust that propelled her.

Still, she paused in sight of the gate, uncertain.

"That's mine!" "No, mine!" Childish voices shouted. A little boy and an only slightly younger girl were chasing each other through the temple grounds' gardens. The boy leapt over the flowers, but the girl just stormed through and grabbed him by the ankles, making him fall flat on his face. "Ow! You donkey!" "No, YOU're a donkey!" "No, YOU're a donkey!"

A leather patchwork ball that the boy had been holding bounced off the stone path and rolled towards the gate as the children seemed now a little more concerned with the fighting itself than the cause.

"Hhhmm, that's a pity, I'll guess I'll wait out." Marius smiled. "I will take you up on your offer of tea."
Marius looked around.
"Do you know when the monks will return though, little one? It is always good to stay ahead of matters. And while we are waiting, tell more more about yourself, Pyoka. Are you an acolyte?"

As Pyoka prepared some tea for the strange guest, she hesitated to answer his questions. Then she shrugged, "you could say that. It kinda runs in the family. My full name is Prajvalani Yose, but it sounds odd when a foreigner says it, and it's kinda long, so I go by Pyoka. I prefer playing the sitar or going out to the towns rather than do all that monk stuff. They won't be back for a few more hours; I couldn't stand it, so I made my way here a little early."

If there was one lesson Lyra's father had drilled into her head, it was to alway becareful. It had served him well with Qarimos, in the form of an alliance in great attribute to turning in a spy that offered free technology, and she hoped it would serve her well now.

"Always, always, always, check the source before drinking from the spring."
-Gareth Serendel

She approached the late Blazing Avatar's temple, the letter of question safely tucked within her bag. As she arrived, she requested the monk known as "Adam".

[Year 366]

When brought before monk honourable Adam, First Brother of Fire for as long as the Blazing Avatar would be absent, he listened to Lyra's questions with care. She mentioned a letter he'd written, allegedly, in the year of the Blazing Avatar's death. When shown it, he denied that it was by his hand, and that the monk Paco Çimar Guzman was a heretical traitor. They'd catch him yet, along with those Fire-defilers in the lands he seemed to now call home.

*rest of RP has been handled via Skype*

[Year 367, Winter]

An uncommon sight appears on the slopes leading up to the Temple of Fire: A thickly robed figure, unidentifiable after long months of travel through muck and filth across a harsh and hostile land. The robes are brown with mud and dirt but traces of filthy green can be seen underneath, while the rider is short by any conventional standard; not even two Pryonian meters in height!

Riding upon a disheveled but unmistakably Crimar horse, the figure approaches, dismounting not far from the gates and tying the horse up at the nearest available hitch.

Finally, ruined shrouds dragging on the ground behind it, the stranger walks up to the gate, reaches a less-filthy balled hand outward, and knocks twice.

"And stay out!" A woman's voice shouted from the other side of the gate, accompanied by a sky-piercing slapping sound. A little later, the gate rummaged as if bars were removed, and then it creaked open. A woman in a dress of icy blue clouds and warm orange flames--patterns, not literal material, luckily--stood before the disheveled visitor. She straightened her raven hair and looked over the figure and cast a glance at his--or her-- horse. "Yes?"

QuintonBeck

2014-03-13, 04:03 PM

"Oh yes!" The old monk noted. "Stunning beauty. Might be your age, even! Then again, I'm bad with ages. If it weren't for the snow, I wouldn't ever count the years!" He chuckled a bit. "Soup should be about done. How about you finish up and I'll go arrange your sleeping quarters, eh?"

The old man shuffled off into a different room and did not return soon at all. Later, he'd be found sleeping soundly on the floor next to a bedroll he must've prepared for Orpa.

Orpa couldn't help but smile at the old monk's incoherence.

"Yes master," he said as the old monk departed.

He stirred the stew pot as the fire underneath it began to die down. The old monk hadn't been what he had been expecting at all. So full of life and ceremony seemed distant, perhaps unheard of. Here there was no rigid structure, just a faith burning the light inside those who came here. He was surprised at how content that concept made him. He had been expecting harsh rules, orders to follow, something one grew to expect as a young man from Woodwind, but it was not so here. He contemplated his travels as he stirred the soup, and how the old monk seemed to have made it all seem worth it and seemed to carry an enlightened air about him. Perhaps Orpa could one day be as free in his soul.

He ladled a bowl of soup for himself and another for the monk once the cooking fire seemed to have settled into flickering coals and dusk had begun to settle and made his way towards where the monk had went off. He saw the old monk laying fast asleep on the floor and a smile crept slowly over Orpa's face. This seemed fitting somehow he thought.

He sat the warm bowl of soup down next to him before sitting down himself, crossing his legs and beginning to slurp up his soup as he watched the old monk's chest rise in the flickering light of the torches.

It was quite a tasty broth.

I figure since this happened about 20 years ago from the current round I could offer my services to play Orpa as a monk of the Temple if you want me to. I know most people come here for Big Blazes or whoever is in charge and I won't be able to provide GM information since that's your purview but I could help take up some conversations that weren't reliant on that. I'm not too bad at spitting philosophy and I can spin it in a fiery way. And of course if I say anything wrong or mis-representative you can PM me and I can change it.

If you'd be willing to let me at it let me know here or in a PM and I'll be happy to help out. (And if there's any written beliefs or whatever a copy of those would be cool so I have a guide)

Chacmon

2014-03-13, 04:04 PM

Topiltzin is brought before the monk honourable Paco, who appears to be preparing to leave the temple. He investigates the blade and tells Topiltzin gravely, "I know not how this blade might've been made, but it is a wicked blade. These runes are ancient, once used in our rituals before they turned dark. The Order of True Fire, the heretics in Celero who terrorized its people, stem from the last official ritual to use these runes. This rune here means 'soul', and this one means 'to sever'. These smaller runes along the edge I cannot read, but they resemble the runes from an old rhyme that has been translated ages ago. It's a rhyme celebrating birth and unity, except it's in reverse here."

You note among the things he packs a small sort of personal 'totem'. You know that these things are made for the monks of the Blazing Temple by their own hand, to be left at the Blazing Temple so that the Blazing Avatar and the Lord of Fire may always watch over them from one place. These personal totems almost never leave the Temple.

Made Faith check: roll (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showpost.php?p=17173356&postcount=137)

Topiltzin contemplates the Runes for a bit whit a troubled look on his face. “Yes truly a wicked blade.. Could we get copies of the translated rhyme and the original runic version to compare ?” He says turning to Paco and noticing something most strange. “Honourable Paco, forgive me if I intrude but why do you pack your personal fire totem? Surely the Lord of Fire can better watch over your journey if you leave it here ?”

Zap Dynamic

2014-03-13, 04:15 PM

"My child!" She was greeted by a middle-aged female monk, hair greying already but still mostly a bright blonde. Her expression was a mix of sadness and joy. "I'm afraid you have missed him by several years, darling, but while you wait I could pour you some tea?"

Princess Anguri cast her head back and let out a haughty, carefree laugh. "Must I wait 'several years' before he returns? I thank you for your offer, but Raaneki prefer wine." She carefully placed the candle on the ground beside her and rummaged in her pack for a moment before producing a clay jar and two golden goblets. "Come! Sit. This is Raaneka's finest Surian white."

WaylanderX

2014-03-13, 05:50 PM

As Pyoka prepared some tea for the strange guest, she hesitated to answer his questions. Then she shrugged, "you could say that. It kinda runs in the family. My full name is Prajvalani Yose, but it sounds odd when a foreigner says it, and it's kinda long, so I go by Pyoka. I prefer playing the sitar or going out to the towns rather than do all that monk stuff. They won't be back for a few more hours; I couldn't stand it, so I made my way here a little early.

After hearing these words and knowing he had to wait several hours for the priests to return, he figured he had to take a gamble. This girl might heared something of interest about the bottle and its contents. Youth tends to hear things they are not supposed to, he had experienced that too many times already. Marius smiled internally, too many times indeed.

Marius laughed.
"I can imagine you not wanting to do all that stuffy "Monk stuff", however you might find it quite usefull to at least pay attention. Just some advice. Were your parents also monks or did you got throw into this by another way?"

He took a sip from his tea, still kind off hot, but drinkable.
"Well then Pyoka, if we have time to spare, I would like you to take a look at this and tell me if this looks familiar or you can tell me more about it. I got it from the late Blazing Avatar, with a peculiar letter attached to it."

Marius got the bottle from his pouch and showed it to Pyoka.

lt_murgen

2014-03-13, 07:00 PM

"That's mine!" "No, mine!" Childish voices shouted. A little boy and an only slightly younger girl were chasing each other through the temple grounds' gardens. The boy leapt over the flowers, but the girl just stormed through and grabbed him by the ankles, making him fall flat on his face. "Ow! You donkey!" "No, YOU're a donkey!" "No, YOU're a donkey!"

A leather patchwork ball that the boy had been holding bounced off the stone path and rolled towards the gate as the children seemed now a little more concerned with the fighting itself than the cause.

Evelyn stepped in and picked up the ball. Smiling, she walked through the gate.

"Children? Did you lose something?" She held it up over her head, wiggling it about. "I found a nice ball."

QuintonBeck

2014-03-13, 08:10 PM

Evelyn stepped in and picked up the ball. Smiling, she walked through the gate.

"Children? Did you lose something?" She held it up over her head, wiggling it about. "I found a nice ball."

Year 360

"And what is so offensive about the docile donkey?" Orpa said to the children, stopping their fighting as they looked up at the middle aged monk, "Does the fire of life not burn in all the Lord's creatures?"

Orpa looked up at the sound of a woman's voice at the gate as did the children.

"Now go and get your ball from our visitor, and let us remember to respect all creatures of Telluris. Especially one another," Orpa said as the children went to go and get their leather ball from the woman.

"Greetings my child," Orpa said to the woman as the children ran in front of him the boy getting the ball from her hands, scampering off again their bickering forgotten for a time,

"How might I help you child?" Orpa asked, smiling, his bright teeth standing out against his dark skin tattooed with the markings of a Fire Lord monk.

Princess Anguri cast her head back and let out a haughty, carefree laugh. "Must I wait 'several years' before he returns? I thank you for your offer, but Raaneki prefer wine." She carefully placed the candle on the ground beside her and rummaged in her pack for a moment before producing a clay jar and two golden goblets. "Come! Sit. This is Raaneka's finest Surian white."

Summer 363

"Marana!" a voice called from behind the older female monk and appearing from behind her was a dark middle aged monk hurrying down after her, slowing down as he saw the guest.

"Sister Marana," he said, more quietly once he was near, "First Brother Adam sent me to find you, he has issues he wished to discuss."

Marana looked confused but nodded, "Excuse me my child," she spoke, moving back towards the temple and leaving the man to speak with the Raaneka guest.

Now turning to the painted guest, "Forgive my intrusion my child, I am afraid Sister Marana is needed elsewhere, perhaps I might assist you? What is it you seek here on the mountain child?"

The man noted the goblets on the ground and bent to sit next to the Raaneka, crossing his legs in a meditative pose and turning to look at the traveler.

Zap Dynamic

2014-03-13, 11:08 PM

Summer 363

"Marana!" a voice called from behind the older female monk and appearing from behind her was a dark middle aged monk hurrying down after her, slowing down as he saw the guest.

"Sister Marana," he said, more quietly once he was near, "First Brother Adam sent me to find you, he has issues he wished to discuss."

Marana looked confused but nodded, "Excuse me my child," she spoke, moving back towards the temple and leaving the man to speak with the Raaneka guest.

Now turning to the painted guest, "Forgive my intrusion my child, I am afraid Sister Marana is needed elsewhere, perhaps I might assist you? What is it you seek here on the mountain child?"

The man noted the goblets on the ground and bent to sit next to the Raaneka, crossing his legs in a meditative pose and turning to look at the traveler.

With the candle flickering between them, Princess Anguri poured a measure of wine into each goblet. "This wine is from Suri town, may its music never cease. Dewberries are rare, but make the wine colorless." She offered a goblet to the monk and smiled like a panther. "It is perfect when one desires clarity." She tasted the wine, then steadily drained her goblet.

"The Blazing Avatar gave this to me on the day of my birth." Anguri gestured at the candle between them, an eight inch column of marbled red and orange wax, burning steadily in the evening light. "In sixteen years of life it has never guttered nor diminished. I would know why."

QuintonBeck

2014-03-13, 11:31 PM

With the candle flickering between them, Princess Anguri poured a measure of wine into each goblet. "This wine is from Suri town, may its music never cease. Dewberries are rare, but make the wine colorless." She offered a goblet to the monk and smiled like a panther. "It is perfect when one desires clarity." She tasted the wine, then steadily drained her goblet.

"The Blazing Avatar gave this to me on the day of my birth." Anguri gestured at the candle between them, an eight inch column of marbled red and orange wax, burning steadily in the evening light. "In sixteen years of life it has never guttered nor diminished. I would know why."

Orpa took the goblet that had been poured for him and lifted it to his lips, letting it wet them and touch the tip of his tongue, enough to get the flavor but not enough to even be called a sip.

He lowered the goblet back into his his crossed legs,

"You wish to know why? That is quite an empirical question to ask of a miracle, is it not?" the monk smiled.

"Are you truly curious as to the mechanics of the ways in which the Lord and his Avatar work upon Telluris or do you wish to know why this gift was given to you? If it is the former I regret to tell you that none might know. Perhaps the Avatar, but even he is a tool for the Lord to use and I do not doubt he does not fully understand the way in which the Lord influences our world."

"If it is the latter however, I may be able to guide you to understanding," the monk smiled broadly at the Raaneka woman, awaiting her response.

QuintonBeck

2014-03-14, 12:04 AM

「356」

Kokuei notes the Blazing Avatar's departure and feels a direct audience with him would not be possible now. Looking around, Kokuei tries to catch the attention of a nearby monk who doesn't appear to be doing anything.

"Excuse me, excuse me, sorry. Hey. May I speak with one of you?"

I'm a fermata; hold me - I like this more than words can express

The young monk turned at the sound of an unfamiliar voice stirring him out of his meditative reverie.

"Hello, yes?" he said.

He hadn't interacted with outsiders alone in nearly a decade since joining the temple. He met pilgrims with his master and observed how the old monk handled their questions with wit and friendliness. Yet more people seemed to be making the trek to the temple and his master's health was beginning to fade. It wouldn't be long until he rejoined the Lord's flame and Orpa figured it wise to begin to flex his own muscles in dealing with the Temple visitors.

"How may I help you child?"

Rain Dragon

2014-03-14, 01:12 AM

QuintonBeck

2014-03-14, 07:13 AM

「356, Kokuei」

With only as much patience as her mother had, Kokuei unwraps the bundle she had been carrying to reveal a strange rock.

"I need someone to talk to about this... this kind but perhaps slightly misguided gift we received. It will prove difficult for me to keep it for now, but perhaps later I could."

I uhh... I seem to have lost the letter the Blazing Avatar sent me. XD We might have to wait on Morph for that one. Sorry!

Orpa looked at the rock a moment before looking back up at the traveler.

"How difficult is it to keep a rock?" he asked, a hint of joviality in his voice, "The Avatar shall not be offended if you simply leave it in your garden. It is only a gift from the Lord of Fire, why would it offend you so?"

lt_murgen

2014-03-14, 07:16 AM

Year 360

"How might I help you child?" Orpa asked, smiling, his bright teeth standing out against his dark skin tattooed with the markings of a Fire Lord monk.

Evelyn tossed the ball to the children with a smile, then turned to the monk.

Her voice sounded hesitant, "I am not sure, in truth. I have suffered loss, being sundered from my people. Perhaps I came he seeking to see how the enlightened deal with their loss." She was, of course, referring to the murder of the Blazing Avatar, just a few years prior.

QuintonBeck

2014-03-14, 08:02 AM

Evelyn tossed the ball to the children with a smile, then turned to the monk.

Her voice sounded hesitant, "I am not sure, in truth. I have suffered loss, being sundered from my people. Perhaps I came he seeking to see how the enlightened deal with their loss." She was, of course, referring to the murder of the Blazing Avatar, just a few years prior.

Year 360

Orpa nodded,

"Well we certainly don't do it as strangers across an open field. Please, come inside I have a pot of tea ready to pour,"

Orpa turned and the length of his sleeveless robes rustled and brushed the ground as he began to walk towards the temple next to the visiting woman.

"Tell me child, what is your name?"

lt_murgen

2014-03-14, 10:58 AM

Year 360
"Tell me child, what is your name?"

She followed the monk inside. "Evelyn Grant. I am.. was from the Jeweled Cities." She mentioned it only because she wore a rough approximation of local dress. It was cold here.

"I have been wandering the past several years, exploring the world."

Zap Dynamic

2014-03-14, 11:19 AM

"You wish to know why? That is quite an empirical question to ask of a miracle, is it not?" the monk smiled.

"Are you truly curious as to the mechanics of the ways in which the Lord and his Avatar work upon Telluris or do you wish to know why this gift was given to you? If it is the former I regret to tell you that none might know. Perhaps the Avatar, but even he is a tool for the Lord to use and I do not doubt he does not fully understand the way in which the Lord influences our world."

"If it is the latter however, I may be able to guide you to understanding," the monk smiled broadly at the Raaneka woman, awaiting her response.

Princess Anguri's smile was as bold as a storm. "My brother is a religious man." She poured another measure of wine and downed it. "I myself am no tool. But tell me what you know of this candle, if you will."

QuintonBeck

2014-03-14, 11:44 AM

She followed the monk inside. "Evelyn Grant. I am.. was from the Jeweled Cities." She mentioned it only because she wore a rough approximation of local dress. It was cold here.

"I have been wandering the past several years, exploring the world."

Year 360

The monk nodded,

"Exile from one's home is not an easy burden to bear. It is one I myself know, though I have discovered that home is not a place that can be traveled to on foot,"

Evelyn and Orpa reached a kitchen type area, open to the air outside with cross-hatched wood framed windows laced with vines growing inside and outside the building. Sitting over a small fire was a delicate looking kettle one which Orpa removed and poured into two small cups, one of which he passed to Evelyn.

"Your question is how we deal with loss," Orpa said as he led Evelyn to a patio with cushions set out in a circle around an ember filled fire pit.

He sat down on one of the cushions and gestured for her to do the same,

"But that question implies within it a finality that is not true. The Blazing Avatar's death was sudden and tragic but as he has for centuries he shall return. Not all may be so blessed as to return to Telluris, but the flame within never extinguishes. Though the fuel of this mortal earth may grow too thin the flame itself lives on, leaping through to the other side, joining the Fire Lord and burning bright on the pure Fuel Ambro of the Lord's realm."

Orpa took a sip from his tea,

"And for the loss of one's home, I can tell you from my own time on the road before winding up here, home is not a hearth. That is an outside fire. Home is where your own internal flame burns brightest, and in a world as rich in fuel as Telluris home can be found within oneself wherever they may be."

Princess Anguri's smile was as bold as a storm. "My brother is a religious man." She poured another measure of wine and downed it. "I myself am no tool. But tell me what you know of this candle, if you will."

Summer 363

"You do not believe you are an instrument of the Fire Lord, yet He gave you this gift," Orpa said, as if contemplating to himself but maintaining eye contact with the Raaneka woman,

"And this seems strange to you? Perhaps it was delivered by mistake? If you wish to return it I might take it off your hands. I myself have no gift from the Fire Lord and an ever-burning candle might look quite nice next to my bed roll. Something to read by," Orpa smiled at the woman and again raised the goblet to his lips, touching them with liquid once again.

Zap Dynamic

2014-03-14, 02:36 PM

Summer 363

"You do not believe you are an instrument of the Fire Lord, yet He gave you this gift," Orpa said, as if contemplating to himself but maintaining eye contact with the Raaneka woman,

"And this seems strange to you? Perhaps it was delivered by mistake? If you wish to return it I might take it off your hands. I myself have no gift from the Fire Lord and an ever-burning candle might look quite nice next to my bed roll. Something to read by," Orpa smiled at the woman and again raised the goblet to his lips, touching them with liquid once again.

Women and men of faith always seemed more content to discuss possibility than reality. It was tiresome for women and men of action. "Maybe the Lord of Fire thought to make instruments of my parents." The candle flickered between them. "So you do not know why it was given, or what purpose it might serve?"

QuintonBeck

2014-03-14, 03:07 PM

Women and men of faith always seemed more content to discuss possibility than reality. It was tiresome for women and men of action. "Maybe the Lord of Fire thought to make instruments of my parents." The candle flickered between them. "So you do not know why it was given, or what purpose it might serve?"

"I believe I have said, it would make a good reading light. Perhaps that is its purpose," the monk smiled at the impatient visitor,

"I can tell you anticipate an answer already, possibly something meaningful and significant? Hmmm," Orpa adjusted his robes and straightened his posture, appearing mock regal,

"It is as to you as you are to your people, a guiding light, ever burning. Though small, it may yet light a great many more and never fade. It is a sign of His blessing, a mark of divine providence, it is the Lord of Fire's will that you burn long and act to your people as the candle does to illuminate the darkness."

Orpa relaxed his pose, "Is that what you wished to hear?"

Zap Dynamic

2014-03-14, 03:27 PM

Orpa relaxed his pose, "Is that what you wished to hear?"

Princess Anguri laughed again and poured more wine for herself. "You cut a regal figure, whether you mock me or no. Where is the Blazing Avatar? Perhaps he is more direct."

16 year old girls warrior women are incorrigible. :smalltongue:

QuintonBeck

2014-03-14, 03:45 PM

Princess Anguri laughed again and poured more wine for herself. "You cut a regal figure, whether you mock me or no. Where is the Blazing Avatar? Perhaps he is more direct."

16 year old girls warrior women are incorrigible. :smalltongue:

"Five year olds may be direct, but unlikely to be very profound," Orpa said, "Not to mention the Avatar is...away still," Orpa's jovial face faltered for a moment.

"Might I ask why this is such a curiosity to you? I do not take you for much of a believer, what is it you hope to find in an answer?"

Zap Dynamic

2014-03-14, 03:57 PM

Anguri's blue eyes were as sharp as her berunda's. "At least five year olds have not yet learned to lie." She stood as if making to leave. "This candle has been a mystery to me my whole life. I would know whether it is a gift freely given. If the Lord of Fire seeks to make me into his play thing, then your reading light it shall be."

QuintonBeck

2014-03-14, 04:09 PM

"Any gift is freely given, for if it were not it would be no gift at all. If the Lord required you to then follow him it would be payment in trade and the Lord is not so concerned with trading as we mortals are."

Orpa looked at the candle, "I shall gladly take it, but if you do gift it unto me I shall not be so hasty as you are to give it up should you ever wish it returned so choose wisely in this decision."

Zap Dynamic

2014-03-14, 04:57 PM

QuintonBeck

2014-03-14, 05:07 PM

The smile returned to Anguri's face. "Then he gifts like a Raaneki." She considered the candle between them for a long time. "Yours is a mysterious and unbending faith. So shall this be a symbol of endurance in the face of this world's mysteries. House Adite shall carry it with pride until the end of our line."

She picked up the jar of wine and handed it to Orpa. "I thank you. Please, accept this wine as a gift. It is as freely given as this candle."

This done, it took a few minutes to load her pack, carefully store the candle, and saddle her berunda. She made sure no one was nearby as the berunda readied its flight. Fire blasted her into the sky as the berunda flapped its fanlike tail, and she disappeared into the horizon.

She's my favorite character so far, and this is the first chance I've had to play her. Thanks! :smallsmile:

Orpa smiled as the woman took the candle, finally lifting the goblet of his wine to his lips and drinking it fully. He nodded his appreciation at her wine and stood to return to the temple proper. Her decision seemed a solid one and so he spoke no more.

From an open platform outside the temple he watched the Raaneki take flight on her mount and disappear into the horizon. He smiled and made his way inside, intending to pour himself another cup of the tasty wine. Being sure to pour a cup for his late master, should his fire draw him to the mountain again.

I quite liked her, a good challenge, especially when I don't have the answers. Hope you didn't mind that by the way, I know you were probably looking for something more poignant and expository but I felt like this discussion went naturally and would probably be the best you could get at this time at the Temple anyway. Thanks for indulging my propensity for RPing haha :smallbiggrin:

Morph Bark

2014-03-14, 06:57 PM

Made Faith check: roll (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showpost.php?p=17173356&postcount=137)

Topiltzin contemplates the Runes for a bit whit a troubled look on his face. “Yes truly a wicked blade.. Could we get copies of the translated rhyme and the original runic version to compare ?” He says turning to Paco and noticing something most strange. “Honourable Paco, forgive me if I intrude but why do you pack your personal fire totem? Surely the Lord of Fire can better watch over your journey if you leave it here ?”

"I shall have a copy sent to you by duskwing." Paco nodded. As he packed, he grimaced a little. "So you noticed... It is because I won't return to the Temple for the foreseeable future, likely years. I have my mission by the Blazing Avatar's authority, and do not trust his placeholders." He turned to Topiltzin. "Should you know any who can send great teachers for the next Blazing Avatar, send them to me. I shall be gathering them in Genivana to await the nest Blazing Avatar. I will build a school in a location safe from war and politicking of man and monk alike."

After hearing these words and knowing he had to wait several hours for the priests to return, he figured he had to take a gamble. This girl might heared something of interest about the bottle and its contents. Youth tends to hear things they are not supposed to, he had experienced that too many times already. Marius smiled internally, too many times indeed.

Marius laughed.
"I can imagine you not wanting to do all that stuffy "Monk stuff", however you might find it quite usefull to at least pay attention. Just some advice. Were your parents also monks or did you got throw into this by another way?"

He took a sip from his tea, still kind off hot, but drinkable.
"Well then Pyoka, if we have time to spare, I would like you to take a look at this and tell me if this looks familiar or you can tell me more about it. I got it from the late Blazing Avatar, with a peculiar letter attached to it."

Marius got the bottle from his pouch and showed it to Pyoka.

Pyoka stiffened when he asked about her parents. "Monks are not allowed to have children from the moment they take up the robes, unless they got pregnant before." Unless they were the Blazing Avatar, who was allowed to pass on his or her exalted blood. But she did not mention that. "My mother was one of those women." That was true.

She took a look at the bottle Marius held up and frowned. "What's that kinda bottle for?"

WaylanderX

2014-03-14, 07:24 PM

Pyoka stiffened when he asked about her parents. "Monks are not allowed to have children from the moment they take up the robes, unless they got pregnant before." Unless they were the Blazing Avatar, who was allowed to pass on his or her exalted blood. But she did not mention that. "My mother was one of those women." That was true.

She took a look at the bottle Marius held up and frowned. "What's that kinda bottle for?"

"This bottle is made of Shintouite, a rare stone from my country. The knowledge to make this has been long lost. I got this from the Blazing Avatar himself, with the letter that its contents are very important indeed. However, the scholars in my country cannot open it or make any sense of it."
Marius looked at the bottle, deep in thought.
"If I can unravel the mystery of this bottle, I can maybe help my people some more. My country is very dear to me."
He looked up from the bottle at Pyoka.
"Want to take a better look? See if you recognise it? And if you do not, can you maybe point me to a monk who does maybe know more about this strange artifact?"

lt_murgen

2014-03-14, 07:26 PM

Year 360
"And for the loss of one's home, I can tell you from my own time on the road before winding up here, home is not a hearth. That is an outside fire. Home is where your own internal flame burns brightest, and in a world as rich in fuel as Telluris home can be found within oneself wherever they may be."

Evelyn listened to the monks words. She seemed unconvinced. "I don't know if I ever will find a home, then. I expected that my sister and I would be together, guiding our people." That thread of conversation led down paths she was not willing to travel, not yet. Taking a sip of her tea, she changed the subject. "How long did you wander before you found your home here."

QuintonBeck

2014-03-14, 07:46 PM

Evelyn listened to the monks words. She seemed unconvinced. "I don't know if I ever will find a home, then. I expected that my sister and I would be together, guiding our people." That thread of conversation led down paths she was not willing to travel, not yet. Taking a sip of her tea, she changed the subject. "How long did you wander before you found your home here."

Year 360

"About a year," the monk said, his face contemplative, "I traveled from Woodwind to here on foot. During my time on the road I didn't know what home was. I stayed in the streets, in the woods, in inns when I could afford it. At the time I thought this to be the epitome of being lost. I found myself humbled once I realized how lost I had been without the Lord to guide me."

"I did not leave much behind when I left. I was not born to lead men. My family was a small one, in a village built around logging. My destiny would have been to join them. Not a bad destiny, but though I did not know it at the time, the light of the Lord guided me away towards my true calling. Alas, that was a long time ago now."

Orpa took a delicate sip of tea, "The Jeweled Cities are farther even from here than the lands of Woodwind, and with a sea between them as well. How long have you traveled my child? And what, might I inquire, do you seek?"

lt_murgen

2014-03-14, 07:59 PM

Year 360

Year 360
Orpa took a delicate sip of tea, "The Jeweled Cities are farther even from here than the lands of Woodwind, and with a sea between them as well. How long have you traveled my child? And what, might I inquire, do you seek?"

The very question she had been asking herself. But the spirit voices in her could not agree. "I... don't know." She sighed into her tea. "Really. I am a piece of flotsam upon the ocean, waiting to wash upon a shore." She recited some angsty Islander poetry.

QuintonBeck

2014-03-14, 08:12 PM

Year 360

The very question she had been asking herself. But the spirit voices in her could not agree. "I... don't know." She sighed into her tea. "Really. I am a piece of flotsam upon the ocean, waiting to wash upon a shore." She recited some angsty Islander poetry.

Year 360

"But it is a shore that you will be carried to. A harbor against the waves. And you have wound up here."

"I can vouch for the Temple's ability to serve as a shelter, even if you don't find a home here. Perhaps you will consider staying with us here a while? Things are not as clear as they were before the World's Fair, but there is still much enlightenment to be had," Orpa smiled sympathetically at the Jeweled Cities woman.

lt_murgen

2014-03-15, 09:16 AM

Year 360

"But it is a shore that you will be carried to. A harbor against the waves. And you have wound up here."

"I can vouch for the Temple's ability to serve as a shelter, even if you don't find a home here. Perhaps you will consider staying with us here a while? Things are not as clear as they were before the World's Fair, but there is still much enlightenment to be had," Orpa smiled sympathetically at the Jeweled Cities woman.

"I think I might like that." She admitted. "Perhaps a calm stretch of water is what I need to regain my strength. Maybe then I will be ready to swim to shore."

QuintonBeck

2014-03-15, 12:36 PM

"I think I might like that." She admitted. "Perhaps a calm stretch of water is what I need to regain my strength. Maybe then I will be ready to swim to shore."

Year 360

Orpa nodded and gave her a smile,

"Good. Then you must go to the well behind the Temple and draw up two buckets of water, and return them here. Do this task three times. In the meantime I shall prepare a place for you to stay."

TheWombatOfDoom

2014-03-15, 01:51 PM

[Year 366]

When brought before monk honourable Adam, First Brother of Fire for as long as the Blazing Avatar would be absent, he listened to Lyra's questions with care. She mentioned a letter he'd written, allegedly, in the year of the Blazing Avatar's death. When shown it, he denied that it was by his hand, and that the monk Paco Çimar Guzman was a heretical traitor. They'd catch him yet, along with those Fire-defilers in the lands he seemed to now call home.

*rest of RP has been handled via Skype*

Lyra informs Adam that she was planning on bringing Trainers to the Last Visitation of Guilder, should the Avatars message be true. Instead, she suggests Adam come instead, and that he wouldn't have a more perfect opportunity.

lt_murgen

2014-03-15, 02:16 PM

Year 360

Orpa nodded and gave her a smile,

"Good. Then you must go to the well behind the Temple and draw up two buckets of water, and return them here. Do this task three times. In the meantime I shall prepare a place for you to stay."

Evelyn shrugged and finished her tea. "Many thanks." Then she moved off to find her way to the well.

QuintonBeck

2014-03-15, 02:53 PM

Evelyn shrugged and finished her tea. "Many thanks." Then she moved off to find her way to the well.

Year 360

Orpa hoped the woman would find solace in the work, physical labor was often one of the easiest routes to clearing one's mind of rubbish. His master had bade him cook, clean, and keep order when he had first joined the temple and those times had helped tire him out for evening meditations. Eventually he took joy in the tasks, electing to do them himself for the simple pleasure of having done the work. Even now his mind was able to wander freely as he carried out the simple task of getting a bed roll and moving it to the female dormitories within the temple as well as finding a sleeveless robe of her fit. He hoped to himself that Evelyn might find peace here, the Temple was still calm on the surface but since the events two years ago there was a growing discomfort underneath the surface.

Brother Paco's departure shortly after the Avatar's murder had not been a pleasant time. First Brother Adam's declaration of Paco as a heretic had not settled well with all here. Orpa did not know where he himself settled on the issue, though he supposed his staying at the Temple allied him with Adam. If only his Master had been alive he might have asked the old monk of his thoughts. No doubt he would have followed Paco. He was a big believer in the last Blazing Avatar, Adam represented a returning to the old ways and stricter interpretation of the laws. It was a nagging concern that he had not followed Paco the day he had declared his intentions, but if all who believed in the last Avatar's words as Paco did had left there would be no one at the Temple to represent them to the visitors like Evelyn.

He consoled himself with this fact as he returned to the patio he had told Evelyn to wait for him at upon the completion of her task.

He found her there, her demeanor slightly dampened by sweat and sloshed water and at her feet were six buckets of clear water. He nodded approvingly,

"You have traveled a long and harrowing road, but here you may find peace, you must cleanse yourself of your worldly concerns, wash away the soot of dead flames and allow a new fire to take hold,"

Orpa smiled, "That is monk for you need a bath," he gestured towards a room that seemed to be an addition to the outside of the temple.

"There is a bath house inside there, take your water you have brought and fill the tub, washing cloths and soap may be found in there. And here," he handed Evelyn a set of folded Monk's Robes,

"I will ensure your clothes are washed and returned to you promptly, but you may find the robes a more comfortable fit. I believe them to be," he smiled again at the woman from the Jeweled Cities.

Morph Bark

2014-03-17, 08:40 AM

"This bottle is made of Shintouite, a rare stone from my country. The knowledge to make this has been long lost. I got this from the Blazing Avatar himself, with the letter that its contents are very important indeed. However, the scholars in my country cannot open it or make any sense of it."
Marius looked at the bottle, deep in thought.
"If I can unravel the mystery of this bottle, I can maybe help my people some more. My country is very dear to me."
He looked up from the bottle at Pyoka.
"Want to take a better look? See if you recognise it? And if you do not, can you maybe point me to a monk who does maybe know more about this strange artifact?"

At the mention of the bottle's origins and the mystery surrounding it, Pyoka suddenly seemed very interested. She took the bottle from Marius and examined it closely, tapping it, caressing it. She nodded, then quickly shook her head. "Sorry, I don't think I or most others here can help you. Monk Paco is most knowledgeable about the ancient times, so he might be able to help, but he hasn't been seen since a month after my... after the Blazing Avatar's death. First Brother Adam is wise in many matters, but keeps most secret. Romanusius, the Master of Hospitality, might know, but he's very sick right now."

Lyra informs Adam that she was planning on bringing Trainers to the Last Visitation of Guilder, should the Avatars message be true. Instead, she suggests Adam come instead, and that he wouldn't have a more perfect opportunity.

Since it's kinda too late for that now, time to figure out something else, I guess. You posted before the end of the round, but I never check RP threads when updating to the new round. :smalltongue:

Year 360

Orpa nodded and gave her a smile,

"Good. Then you must go to the well behind the Temple and draw up two buckets of water, and return them here. Do this task three times. In the meantime I shall prepare a place for you to stay."

And I thought I smelled soup! Guess it was just a dirty pirate girl.

QuintonBeck

2014-03-17, 09:03 AM

Since it's kinda too late for that now, time to figure out something else, I guess. You posted before the end of the round, but I never check RP threads when updating to the new round. :smalltongue:

And I thought I smelled soup! Guess it was just a dirty pirate girl.

I thought about it, but decided there's gotta be other paths to enlightenment then just making soup haha

BladeofObliviom

2014-03-17, 09:15 AM

[Winter, 367] (372?)

"And stay out!" A woman's voice shouted from the other side of the gate, accompanied by a sky-piercing slapping sound. A little later, the gate rummaged as if bars were removed, and then it creaked open. A woman in a dress of icy blue clouds and warm orange flames--patterns, not literal material, luckily--stood before the disheveled visitor. She straightened her raven hair and looked over the figure and cast a glance at his--or her-- horse. "Yes?"

Would you mind immensely if we were to pretend that I initially set this scene up a turn later? I went over some stuff and realized that the character I'm using here would have been fourteen in 367, rather than nineteen as I'd thought. Also there have been new revelations on the reason why she came here in the first place so I'd rather not cover redundant ground if possible. :smallredface:

As the gates open and a person's head pops out, the unknown visitor relaxedly pulls down the hood of those filthy robes, revealing a face and hair relatively unscathed by months of cross-country travel, though no doubt she found somewhere to bathe herself along the way.

Her hair is undeniably a Bordeusi carmine, but her complexion is too dark to be pureblooded and her eyes are clearly hazel, suggesting some Crimar heritage as well. She has a slight speckling of freckles under her eyes and a pair of thick eyebrows over them, but her skin is otherwise unblemished enough that she is almost certainly of noble birth. Indeed, aside from one mark near the bottom of her jaw that might be a burn scar or other minor injury from her youth, there seem to be few signs of the long days within the fields that most peasants look forward to.

"Erm, hello.", she says, showing all the social grace of a person well-trained in it but without much actual experience talking to people. Doing her best not to flounder completely after an admittedly weak introduction, she manages to twist her face into a proper smile and practically spits "I'm looking for the monks, this is the Temple of the Lord of Fire, right?", not even noticing her violations of grammar along the way.

Seemingly realizing something and backtracking quickly, she then proceeds to shy away slightly and ask "Oh, and is everything alright? I thought I heard fighting a moment ago."

lt_murgen

2014-03-17, 11:30 AM

And I thought I smelled soup! Guess it was just a dirty pirate girl.

OOC: Evelyn is a dirty, dirty girl.....:smallsmile:

Evelyn took her time in the bath, working out months of travel and abuse. She considered the exercise of moving the water. For a time, it helped clear her mind, but she found serself wandering down the familiar path of self-recrimination and doubt.

ONce she was finished, she made certain the tub was as she found it, the dressed. The monks robes were too similar to a flour sack for her liking, but she tried to make the best of it.

Morph Bark

2014-03-17, 01:44 PM

[Winter 372, Blade]

[Winter, 367] (372?)

Would you mind immensely if we were to pretend that I initially set this scene up a turn later? I went over some stuff and realized that the character I'm using here would have been fourteen in 367, rather than nineteen as I'd thought. Also there have been new revelations on the reason why she came here in the first place so I'd rather not cover redundant ground if possible. :smallredface:

As the gates open and a person's head pops out, the unknown visitor relaxedly pulls down the hood of those filthy robes, revealing a face and hair relatively unscathed by months of cross-country travel, though no doubt she found somewhere to bathe herself along the way.

Her hair is undeniably a Bordeusi carmine, but her complexion is too dark to be pureblooded and her eyes are clearly hazel, suggesting some Crimar heritage as well. She has a slight speckling of freckles under her eyes and a pair of thick eyebrows over them, but her skin is otherwise unblemished enough that she is almost certainly of noble birth. Indeed, aside from one mark near the bottom of her jaw that might be a burn scar or other minor injury from her youth, there seem to be few signs of the long days within the fields that most peasants look forward to.

"Erm, hello.", she says, showing all the social grace of a person well-trained in it but without much actual experience talking to people. Doing her best not to flounder completely after an admittedly weak introduction, she manages to twist her face into a proper smile and practically spits "I'm looking for the monks, this is the Temple of the Lord of Fire, right?", not even noticing her violations of grammar along the way.

Seemingly realizing something and backtracking quickly, she then proceeds to shy away slightly and ask "Oh, and is everything alright? I thought I heard fighting a moment ago."

"Hello! It is indeed. Blazing Temple, at your service and all," the young woman replied with a smile, taking a moment to catch her breath. "Oh, that? That was nothing. Some Guilderene from down the mountain hung up a story about wanting to become a monk, but was really just trying to get under my skirts." She waved it off like it was nothing.

She pushed the gate open a little further. "Come on in. I'll make you a bath and get someone for your horse. Don't want that pretty hair to fall out from the weight of the dirt, do we?" She casts a look at the visitor and her awkward smile and her own turned from friendly to more awkward, probably by accident. Hair's prettier than that smile, at least. "By the way, my name's Prajvalani. You don't have to give me yours if you feel safer that way, but it's more hospitable of me to give you mine, at least."

BladeofObliviom

2014-03-17, 03:09 PM

(Do you want to hear something dumb? I imagined that I had a final that didn't exist this morning. Evidently I had a fit of temporary insanity at some point! :smalleek::smalltongue:)

[Winter 372, Blade]

"Oh." answers the woman simply, a flush of mild embarrassment creeping onto her cheeks at that. She's rather sheltered from that sort of thing, evidently.

"In any case, thank you for your hospitality, Miss Prajvelani," she offers with a shallow bow even as she stumbles over that j-to-v pronunciation just slightly. "I am Lady Karazen of... ...well, I suppose it is Bordeux now."

If Prajvelani is familiar at all with genealogy, that name might sound a touch familiar: She's the younger of Umajin's two daughters, the one who would not have inherited the throne even if Crima and Bordeux's thrones hadn't been united.

Karazen does not seem to notice the change in her host's smile, perhaps because she's busy enough trying to remember her lessons in etiquette and figuring out how to apply them to a non-secular context.

Nevertheless, she steps forth, following the Monk inside without bothering to part her mantle.

Morph Bark

2014-03-19, 10:33 AM

WaylanderX

2014-03-19, 07:15 PM

At the mention of the bottle's origins and the mystery surrounding it, Pyoka suddenly seemed very interested. She took the bottle from Marius and examined it closely, tapping it, caressing it. She nodded, then quickly shook her head. "Sorry, I don't think I or most others here can help you. Monk Paco is most knowledgeable about the ancient times, so he might be able to help, but he hasn't been seen since a month after my... after the Blazing Avatar's death. First Brother Adam is wise in many matters, but keeps most secret. Romanusius, the Master of Hospitality, might know, but he's very sick right now."

Marius did notice the hesitation after the sum-up, but kept silent about it.
"Hhhmm, show me to Romanusius, Pyoka, I'll show it to him, if he feels good enough. Otherwise, I will speak to First Brother Adam. I feel bad about disturbing a sick man, but I need answers desperately. And if this doesn't prove fruitful, I'll send a party to find Monk Paco."

BladeofObliviom

2014-03-19, 11:29 PM

(Seen it happen. :smalltongue: Didn't have puff to post sooner, but here it is.)

"No problem, 'hospitality' is my middle name!" Prajvalani said. She motioned at some acolytes and shouted them over, directing them to go get water from the well and heat up a bath for the visitor. "From the Crima region then, huh? How does it fare these days?"

[Winter 372, Karazen]

A better, more honest smile shows upon the girl's face (along with a perhaps less-than-ladylike giggle) at the touch of humor in the words of her host. "Hee! Still, thank you. It's been months since I've had hot water to bathe with. I'm afraid I don't know much of Crima's condition these days: I've been traveling for nearly a year now." She stops and thinks a moment, debating in her mind whether to continue the pleasantries a bit longer or to just come out with it.

"I, um, actually came here looking to learn something."

And with that, she reaches out from under the mantle, holding a scroll case made of boiled horsehide and inlaid with silver.

"Years ago, my father received a scroll as a gift from the Blazing Avatar, before...before everything went mad. It is shameful to take the possessions of a dead man unless one is his firstborn, but I knew of it and wished to discover what was inside. My father never even opened it, you see, setting it aside and continuing his affairs of state."

Her words speed up as she continues, trying to get through her explanation before the sheer awkwardness of this situation manages to overwhelm her.

"So one night I took a roll of Ashenite vellum, slipped into the Khalif's old study, and traced the scroll upon a pane of Bordeusi glass against the hearth, so that I might be able to match the original as precisely as possible."

She nods downward, toward the scroll case, so as to gesture that the copy she speaks of is what she has brought.

"I first took it to the University at Severikand, looking to translate it, but they did not have the knowledge I searched for. Nor the Library of Barsia in Celero. Now I have come here, hoping to learn the contents of this scroll, the truth behind the ciphers and pictorials. I sense that this is important, somehow. I do not know from where this sense originates, and perhaps it is madness, but nevertheless I feel that I must know the truth of this."

Toward the end, Karazen steadily grows more confident as her words become more (over)dramatic. :smalltongue:

Rain Dragon

2014-03-20, 12:39 AM

Orpa looked at the rock a moment before looking back up at the traveler.

"How difficult is it to keep a rock?" he asked, a hint of joviality in his voice, "The Avatar shall not be offended if you simply leave it in your garden. It is only a gift from the Lord of Fire, why would it offend you so?"

「356」

Kokuei wondered at the monk's lack of logic here though perhaps he was simply tired.

"The Blazing Avatar's gift is not simply any rock."

She unveiled the midnight black stone properly and held it to the moonlight. Upon it was a message praising the Fires of the Night.

"You should have seen my father's reaction to such a gift."

QuintonBeck

2014-03-20, 08:35 AM

「356」

Kokuei wondered at the monk's lack of logic here though perhaps he was simply tired.

"The Blazing Avatar's gift is not simply any rock."

She unveiled the midnight black stone properly and held it to the moonlight. Upon it was a message praising the Fires of the Night.

"You should have seen my father's reaction to such a gift."

356

"I'm afraid I don't understand? That is but an ancient passage of the Flames that even in the night the flame of our Lord brightens our path. It is meant to comfort, not offend my child," Orpa looked confusedly at the young girl.

Rain Dragon

2014-03-20, 09:10 AM

QuintonBeck

2014-03-20, 11:37 AM

「356」

With a childish sigh, Kokuei rolls her eyes at the monk, "I'm not your child. That's just the problem. I am Elder Ambvard's child and Yuuhi's sister. Both of whom really don't like the present. I think it's a pretty rock. It also came with a letter saying the Blazing Avatar wanted to come to Sanctuary but that's a very bad idea, just as gifting this rock was."

Casually she added, "Also, implying to my brother that Fire is always there does not help anyone!"

356

"It is only meant to address you ch- young one, so that you may know it is to you whom I speak," Orpa looked at the girl curiously.

"I am certain the Avatar did not mean offense by it. It is, after all, a gift and gifts are often given as a kindness. I suspect however the Avatar was as unaware as I am now as to why fire is feared by your brother? Surely it does have the power to destroy, but so does it possess the power to give life."

Rain Dragon

2014-03-20, 01:00 PM

356

"It is only meant to address you ch- young one, so that you may know it is to you whom I speak," Orpa looked at the girl curiously.

"I am certain the Avatar did not mean offense by it. It is, after all, a gift and gifts are often given as a kindness. I suspect however the Avatar was as unaware as I am now as to why fire is feared by your brother? Surely it does have the power to destroy, but so does it possess the power to give life."

「356」

"My name is Kokuei." Kokuei giggles and offers the rock to Orpa.

"My father grew up in caves entirely away from the light. Some of these caves would explode if a fire were lit... My brother believes all of the Old Legends about the Artist. It would be weird for him if the Lady Fengar and Lady Asteir were really just the Lord of Fire, who is one of the Forces of Chaos."

Suddenly realizing who she was talking to, Kokuei covers her mouth.

Uhh, playing a 13y/o girl is a bit awkward. Bear with me, and do forgive if she seems a bit like an anime girl.

Morph Bark

2014-03-20, 04:59 PM

[Waylander, Year 359, 2nd Solar Cycle, 5th Pyrith: Honesty, Day of Mystery]

Marius did notice the hesitation after the sum-up, but kept silent about it.
"Hhhmm, show me to Romanusius, Pyoka, I'll show it to him, if he feels good enough. Otherwise, I will speak to First Brother Adam. I feel bad about disturbing a sick man, but I need answers desperately. And if this doesn't prove fruitful, I'll send a party to find Monk Paco."

She hesitated, but then stood firm. "I'm sorry, I cannot let you see Romanusius. He has the whooping cough. You could catch it." She shook her head. "I am sorry, but I'm afraid you'll have to either wait for First Brother Adam to return from Guilder and pry him open, or find monk Paco."

[Winter 372, Karazen]

A better, more honest smile shows upon the girl's face (along with a perhaps less-than-ladylike giggle) at the touch of humor in the words of her host. "Hee! Still, thank you. It's been months since I've had hot water to bathe with. I'm afraid I don't know much of Crima's condition these days: I've been traveling for nearly a year now." She stops and thinks a moment, debating in her mind whether to continue the pleasantries a bit longer or to just come out with it.

"I, um, actually came here looking to learn something."

And with that, she reaches out from under the mantle, holding a scroll case made of boiled horsehide and inlaid with silver.

"Years ago, my father received a scroll as a gift from the Blazing Avatar, before...before everything went mad. It is shameful to take the possessions of a dead man unless one is his firstborn, but I knew of it and wished to discover what was inside. My father never even opened it, you see, setting it aside and continuing his affairs of state."

Her words speed up as she continues, trying to get through her explanation before the sheer awkwardness of this situation manages to overwhelm her.

"So one night I took a roll of Ashenite vellum, slipped into the Khalif's old study, and traced the scroll upon a pane of Bordeusi glass against the hearth, so that I might be able to match the original as precisely as possible."

She nods downward, toward the scroll case, so as to gesture that the copy she speaks of is what she has brought.

"I first took it to the University at Severikand, looking to translate it, but they did not have the knowledge I searched for. Nor the Library of Barsia in Celero. Now I have come here, hoping to learn the contents of this scroll, the truth behind the ciphers and pictorials. I sense that this is important, somehow. I do not know from where this sense originates, and perhaps it is madness, but nevertheless I feel that I must know the truth of this."

Toward the end, Karazen steadily grows more confident as her words become more (over)dramatic. :smalltongue:

Prajvalani sits down on the side of the porch--more leaning than sitting really--and observes the scroll case that Karazen produces. "I see. That sounds very interesting. I know not much of Severikand, but if they did not manage, then it must be an older language like Tekorvan High Speech or Ancient Kasumorian. Though if it's a gift from the Blazing Avatar..." Prajvalani had long since learned to call him that naturally without feeling awkward about it. It had been fourteen years. She had grieved, but she had moved on.

"Quite sneaky of you to do it that way," Prajvalani mused. She shook her head, but bore a mischievous smile that signified unofficial approval. "May I see it?"

QuintonBeck

2014-03-20, 11:35 PM

「356」

"My name is Kokuei." Kokuei giggles and offers the rock to Orpa.

"My father grew up in caves entirely away from the light. Some of these caves would explode if a fire were lit... My brother believes all of the Old Legends about the Artist. It would be weird for him if the Lady Fengar and Lady Asteir were really just the Lord of Fire, who is one of the Forces of Chaos."

Suddenly realizing who she was talking to, Kokuei covers her mouth.

Uhh, playing a 13y/o girl is a bit awkward. Bear with me, and do forgive if she seems a bit like an anime girl.

356

Orpa raised a confused eyebrow, "I was not aware of these beliefs in Sanctuary? Are they codified? Ancient legend?"

Orpa had spent nearly all of his time studying the history of the Lord of Fire and the Blazing Temple's role in history and while some of his studies and meditations were spent contemplating the various other pagan religions his instruction had not included detailed descriptions and he had come to believe none of the pagan religions were so organized and specific in their deifications.

Rain Dragon

2014-03-20, 11:40 PM

356

Orpa raised a confused eyebrow, "I was not aware of these beliefs in Sanctuary? Are they codified? Ancient legend?"

Orpa had spent nearly all of his time studying the history of the Lord of Fire and the Blazing Temple's role in history and while some of his studies and meditations were spent contemplating the various other pagan religions his instruction had not included detailed descriptions and he had come to believe none of the pagan religions were so organized and specific in their deifications.

「356」

Glad that the monk hadn't seemed to have taken offense Kokuei continued, "Codified? They are ancient legends, mainly believed by the Yorukuninin. They're not really 'beliefs in Sanctuary'. Though, maybe one day they will be. I know my brother believes them, though he's supposed to believe the same as me."

Kokuei polishes the stone a little bit. "There must be a balance in all things."

QuintonBeck

2014-03-21, 08:55 AM

「356」

Glad that the monk hadn't seemed to have taken offense Kokuei continued, "Codified? They are ancient legends, mainly believed by the Yorukuninin. They're not really 'beliefs in Sanctuary'. Though, maybe one day they will be. I know my brother believes them, though he's supposed to believe the same as me."

Kokuei polishes the stone a little bit. "There must be a balance in all things."

356

Orpa nodded, "And what do you believe young Kokuei?"

Rain Dragon

2014-03-21, 09:26 AM

356

Orpa nodded, "And what do you believe young Kokuei?"

「356」

A little surprised, Kokuei responds, "I stick to the old ways."

Gesturing toward where she last saw the Blazing Avatar, Kokuei asks, "Would you mind asking the Blazing Avatar if he could wait to visit Sanctuary? Currently... It is not a good time."

QuintonBeck

2014-03-21, 11:26 AM

「356」

A little surprised, Kokuei responds, "I stick to the old ways."

Gesturing toward where she last saw the Blazing Avatar, Kokuei asks, "Would you mind asking the Blazing Avatar if he could wait to visit Sanctuary? Currently... It is not a good time."

Orpa decided not to question the girl further.

"I can pass along the message, though I might be better able to convince him if I knew specifics. The Avatar is a compassionate man, eager to help those in need. It will be more difficult to dissuade him from visiting if he believes you to be in troubled times."

zabbarot

2014-05-20, 07:52 AM

[End of 399]

Three days had passed since Adams death. The temple was barely approaching order. Shvedrishti had taken up residence in the courtyard. Jonas kept vigil over her day and night, while she was deep in meditation seeking Greta. At first she had tried to retrace her steps; follow the path she had so many years ago when the Blazing Avatar led her to the Lord of Fire, but that path was gone now. Forever lost in the shifting world beneath anga lingine. Shvedrishti could feel Greta's presence, but she could not find a path to reach her. It was as if the way was blocked intentionally.

Greta, I know you're out there. I know you think I overstepped. But your faithful were scattered. The Lord of Fire was too distant. His power was twisted by misguided men. He should have known better. It was his job to know better. He allowed it.

But I believe in you. You are strong, but more importantly you are kind.

Part of me was tempted to do a frozen parody. Glamora is probably still mad at me though. I should sing at her : P

Morph Bark

2014-05-28, 10:00 AM

[B][End of 399]

Three days had passed since Adams death. The temple was barely approaching order. Shvedrishti had taken up residence in the courtyard. Jonas kept vigil over her day and night, while she was deep in meditation seeking Greta. At first she had tried to retrace her steps; follow the path she had so many years ago when the Blazing Avatar led her to the Lord of Fire, but that path was gone now. Forever lost in the shifting world beneath anga lingine. Shvedrishti could feel Greta's presence, but she could not find a path to reach her. It was as if the way was blocked intentionally.

Greta, I know you're out there. I know you think I overstepped. But your faithful were scattered. The Lord of Fire was too distant. His power was twisted by misguided men. He should have known better. It was his job to know better. He allowed it.

But I believe in you. You are strong, but more importantly you are kind.

Part of me was tempted to do a frozen parody. Glamora is probably still mad at me though. I should sing at her : P

The air vibrated around Shvedrishti, as if reality--the world of Man--came together with the Anga Lingine--the world of spirits. Her vision was broken into by a shining figure from the other world, which stepped forward and stood calmly before her, broad and seven feet tall with markedly sleeveless robes.

"I See You, Mosi." He greeted the woman with a smile. "You have changed."

zabbarot

2014-05-28, 05:07 PM

The air vibrated around Shvedrishti, as if reality--the world of Man--came together with the Anga Lingine--the world of spirits. Her vision was broken into by a shining figure from the other world, which stepped forward and stood calmly before her, broad and seven feet tall with markedly sleeveless robes.

[B]"I See You, Mosi." He greeted the woman with a smile. "You have changed."

His sudden appearance called Shvedrishti back across the Anga Lingine. Her eyes opened wide with surprise. She had expected some aspect of Greta, maybe a body of fire, or something.

"I suppose I have. I see you have chosen an older form. Does this mean you remember everything now?"

Morph Bark

2014-05-28, 05:26 PM

The man laughed heartily, but softly, as one would when not trying to frighten others with a sudden burst of energy. The light from within shone from behind his teeth as they parted. "I am afraid that I am not the one you seek. Please allow me,"

The spirit of the past Blazing Avatar sat down on a large nearby rock, as he had been wont to do in life. He breathed a sparking breath and bore a look of satisfaction at an almost nostalgic remembrance of life. The figure looked upon Shvedrishti thoughtfully. "Do you remember when we first spoke, when you found me outside the Temple that first time?" He took some time to allow her to recall the events from that past life, when they had ventured into the world of the spirits together--the only time they had done so to that extent, though they had met in that world more than once after. "I told you of the nature of the Blazing Avatar. I spoke of the dual-souled nature that they possess, and of the destination of both souls upon departure from this world once the body has perished." He smiled, wondering if Shvedrishti would remember and see what he meant.

zabbarot

2014-05-30, 10:47 AM

[Beginning of 400]

Shvedri nodded despite her initial confusion, "Of course, have a seat."

"Even then you liked to be a bit dramatic," Shvedrishti smiled at the Avatar. "You never did explain you actually meant by that.

That conversation never got wrapped up :smalltongue:

Morph Bark

2014-05-30, 07:49 PM

He paused for a moment in open-mouthed consideration of his answer. "I do have a certain flair for that, one I believe I share with the Lord." He smiled, though this time it was a bit sad, almost pained. "I saw what happened to Tendaji. I'm so sorry."

The Blazing Avatar sighed sparks and continued as he refocused himself. "The mortal soul of the Blazing Avatar becomes part of the maelstrom that connects to the Lord of Fire and back to the Blazing Incarnation--the divine soul--as it begins its search for the next Blazing Avatar. In that manner, the old Blazing Avatar becomes the connection and guide for the spiritual energies of the new Blazing Avatar. When you and Adam both brought in the highest powers you could summon from your spiritual depths and made them clash as they aimed at the Lord of Fire and his Avatar, Greta was effectively launched into the world of spirits, into the Lord of Fire. The Blazing Avatar was gone, but no new one could rise in her place, because she was still the new one." He stretched his arms with palms raised. "There was only one who could take her place in such a situation, but he cannot leave the world of spirits. Not entirely."

He looked at Shvedrishti with tired eyes of a man with a vibrant soul, but who was not in the place he should be. He broke his eyes away from her and looked around at the Temple, nodding slightly. "The Temple has seen better days and it has seen worse ones, but I can already feel the seeds of flowers in the ground crying out for spring." He smiled, this time not as sadly, and seemed to--for lack of a better phrase--lighten up. "Mosi, you attempted to turn Greta into a new Lord of Fire--a Lady of Fire. That was folly. It's like attempting to make a torch into a new sun: it is bigger and brighter than a candle, but a far call away from the greatest of fires. You made Greta from a dwindled torch into a bonfire and for that, I thank you and commend you, for it was both necessary and the act of a true friend. But in doing so, you took one step too far. That step may well have prevented the worst from happening, but for Greta it may have spelled her doom. I know not what will happen to her, nor the Blazing Incarnation. They are both beyond my vision."

True! All the better for being mysterious, my man! :smallwink: I do think most of what this is aimed it was at least passingly discussed, though of course in the BA's typical manner of wording things and as such possibly not crystal clear.

zabbarot

2014-06-03, 02:23 PM

[Beginning of 400]
Shvedrishti looked down. "So she is gone? I ended her life prematurely." There was always a price to pay when dealing with gods apparently. Shvedri made a mental note to write that down. "I had said I would not meddle in the affairs of your god after Greta's awakening, but here we are. I understand that the cycle is broken, but there was a first Blazing Avatar, yes? If the first one could exist then surely a new one can as well. If one must be created, then I will help. If one will come naturally, then I will wait.

There is one thing I've been left wondering though, and really it was the reason I sought to push Greta to ascension, was the Lord of Fire really just going to allow all that hatred to be carried out in his name?

Morph Bark

2014-06-10, 06:07 PM

"She's gone from this world, but not the next," the Avatar tried to comfort her, "I am not so sure the Blazing Incarnation is gone with her as well, but I cannot sense it anymore, so I cannot tell you where it is--though one presumes it is yet with her at this time."

His expression turned from sad to calm after hearing Shvedrishti's question. "Mosi, you need to understand that in the world of the spirits, there is a great difference between them, as much as there is between the creatures of the world of men and mawa. The Lord of Fire came to be from the very fires that birthed the world. We are to him as insects are to us:" he lifted a finger as a butterfly fluttered by, and strangely it landed on the outstretched finger, "a single one goes unnoticed unless it's big and bright, and neither can truly understand the thoughts of the other. He understands neither hatred nor love the way we do. He is but the fire with which all things burn, a fire stoked by faith, but one that is yet as great as the sun if none would worship him or even believe in his existence. And as the sun governs much of this world and the fire of the spirit governs us, those of the Fiery Faith believe we need to honour the Lord to keep those flames in balance."

QuintonBeck

2014-12-28, 10:09 AM

The invited guests who chose to attend the Summit were met outside the short monastic walls of the Temple by Brothers and Sisters of the Faith wearing the typical orange sleeveless robes of the Blazing faith. For those who took to notice such things it might be apparent that the majority of the Brothers and Sisters present were either older, being at least what the guests would wager to be fifty, or quite young, as in teenagers who at the oldest might be eighteen. The guests were escorted into the Blazing Temple and through the open air building that was lit peacefully with lanterns and candles but seemed to bely a hollowness similar to some abandoned building or a gravesite.

The escorts were silent as they walked the guests into the Temple, responding politely but curtly to any inquiries the guests made. It wasn’t as though they were afraid to speak, but as if they were all universally holding their breath in reverence or anticipation. Eventually they arrived in the central courtyard which was empty except for a Temple monk sitting cross legged in the middle of the grassy clearing. The attendants inclined their heads to the guests and then to the monk and departed.

The monk’s eyes were closed which gave the guests a chance to examine the man. He must have been in his early thirties, his skin was light, speaking to his Pryonic heritage, and his head was shaved bald. He sported no facial hair, being equally devoid of eyebrows which seemed to have been shaved off and replaced with dotted tattoos in their place. A line of whiter scarred skin stretched in an arc over his right eye.

Once all the guests had arrived the sitting monk’s eyes opened and he arose from his seated position, bowing respectfully to those present.

“Greetings! Greetings all! Thank you for coming to our humble Temple upon the mountain,” the monk smiled, “I am First Brother Charles Calciver, head of the Temple and second to you within the Traditional Church Blazing Avatar,” he inclined his head to Hushyarr.

“First Brother Paco spoke very highly of your previous incarnations, both Greta and Shvedrishti, I myself look forward to working with you. In fact, it’s my hope to work with all of you. That is why I called you here today, in the hopes that our shared faith, or in some cases, similar faiths,” he looked over to the Calorum High Priestess, “Might bring us together and unite the lands torn apart by war.”

The First Brother squinted and looked to be in thought, “You all have likely seen how the flame of my faith wanes. From this very Temple one may look down on the lands that once worshipped the Lord devoutly fallen to the allures of other religions that supplant our own.”

He turned to address Hushyarr, “I do not begrudge Radurja for its proselytizing and the Temple holds records made by the Blazing Avatar of his conversations with Mosi, but most recently we have grown concerned as Radurja has repeatedly proven itself to be an irresponsible and brash young religion with poor understanding of the greater theological and spiritual concepts and one that has repeatedly failed to learn from its mistakes.”

“Do not take insult to this, but we of the Temple are aware that your very own previous incarnations were responsible in part for the destruction of the Blazing Avatar during the confrontation with Adam the Mad and our monks know of the occurrences in Tzalteclan having come across records of Xochiconetl’s birth and witnessing the creation spawned from it. Not to mention the disaster of the Grand Ball in 381 executed by the Radurjic adherent King Tendaji. Understand of course that the Faith itself has its own history of stumbling blocks, but the Lord has guided us for centuries upon centuries, Radurja is but the vision of yourself and those trained to look upon matters as you do. I have meditated deeply upon the Lord’s decision to impart the gift of the Blazing Avatar upon your latest incarnation and have determine it was so that your might see the gift of centuries of knowledge both material and spiritual and see the truth in the Lord’s light. I hope only that the aspect that sits within you as the Blazing Avatar is able to guide you to this light and in turn help re-establish the Temple and our teachings among those who so long clung to them and now find themselves misguided by the young and inexperienced beliefs of your original incarnation.”

The First Brother turned to address the High Priestess of Calorum, “High Priestess Divonorum, long have our faiths worked in unison despite disagreements over aspects of scripture, I would greatly desire to strengthen these ties more. I have read of the Divonorum line most intensely and its place as both a political and spiritual leader to the people. While I cannot comprehend the belief that the Divonorums are a line of equal power to the Blazing Avatar and we of the Traditional Church do not condone the practice of Brooders, I do believe it was the Divonorum blood that allowed Greta to fully embrace her destiny during the ill-fated event of the Grand Ball. I would most sincerely appreciate your own support and to provide support in turn to yourself in the coming years as we seek to re-establish the proper place of the Faith within the world, Reformation and Traditionalist, die by side.”

“Kings of the south, lords of the west, the Temple is not blind to the conflicts between your Empires. Such matters are quite troubling to see between nations whose leaders follow the same faith when heretics and heathens still stand between and surrounding you both. The Temple would like to serve as a place of resolution and the Faith is a natural bonder of believers. With the militant threats on all sides to the Flame of the world in the form of the Children of Kina, the Ashmarites, the Doctrine of the Frost, the Dragon Cult, the uninformed beliefs of the Imperium outside Carmine, and the heathens covering the globe most notably in the west the time is not for brothers and sisters in faith to fall at each other’s throats. The time has come for the faithful to unite.”

The First Brother now addressed the Kings from the Imperium, the Western Lords, and the High Priestess

“You are men and women blessed by the Lord with the righteous honor and duty to lead your people. It is through Providence that your lines have been blessed and prospered and the Lord calls on you now to do his good work upon the earth in turn. Myself as First Brother of the Temple shall do all I can to help with this burdensome and heavy task, but the burden of the Lord’s work settles upon all the faithful’s shoulders. Spread the word of the Lord among your realms, I beg of you, and once your own people know His word spread it further to those unknowing of His Truth. The light of the Lord must be spread, the world already grows chilled and the Lord’s light but barely warms it as the faith wanes. It is our duty as followers of the Lord to rekindle the flame within that it might relight the flame above and save Telluris from some terrible fate.”

The First Brother finished speaking, having worked himself into a minor religious frenzy he took a deep breath and looked around at those he had invited here today.

“Will you join me? Will you join the Lord in doing His work?”

Aedilred

2014-12-28, 06:29 PM

A small group of royals had made the journey to the Blazing Temple, accompanied by a rather larger armed retinue who waited a respectful distance from the temple itself. The king had come, accompanied by the atheling, Malyn, his nephew Elwyn, the champion, his own son, Alfwyr, and a small handful of others, some wearing hoods and cloaks. He could not help but wish Elwyr was here: his predecessor had been nobody's idea of a great king, but he had been intelligent and patient, and had a better and deeper understanding of the faith than anyone left alive in Jarrland. Malyn and Lyra understood it better than most, and he wished he had been able to bring Lyra with him. The demands of motherhood had however conspired to keep her at home, so he would have to make do with his son, her husband.

It was Malyn who replied, though it was clear he spoke on behalf of the king and that the gist of his words had been agreed.

"We are glad to hear that the Blazing Temple once again seeks to promote our faith, and we are most grateful for the invitation. For too long it has seemed that the Flame burned only in far-flung and isolated locations, each left to survive on their own. For years we have watched the encroachment of these other creeds of which you speak into what were once the heartlands of our faith and feared for its very future. We are however pleased that in the south at least the faith is as strong as it has ever been and still growing, especially with the recent conversion of our friends in Mularuhm. And while the Imperium as a whole may not follow the Lord as you might wish, First Brother, the days of persecution and oppression are long since past. There has been a voice for our faith at the court of the Silver Throne for more than sixty years, and the Qzare himself is blessed by the Lord. We are hopeful that the future within the Imperium is bright for our faithful, if we continue on our current path, and we intend to continue bringing His light to the people of our kingdom and as far beyond as we can."

He glanced back at the king, who gave him a slight nod. "Our family has been favoured by the Lord and for that we are thankful. We are not inclined to take this favour for granted and I believe I speak for all of us when I say we intend to work to prove ourselves worthy of it. We are not, however, sufficiently incautious as to make promises without knowing to what it is we are agreeing. Of course, we shall work to promote our faith, and if that is your cause we shall stand behind you. Others in your position have however taken a course we would rather not see repeated. Before, then, we can give full endorsement and support to your cause we would need to know what it is you propose, in more than general terms."

QuintonBeck

2014-12-28, 07:49 PM

The First Brother nodded in pained understanding.

"You speak of course of Adam the Mad, and I do not fault you for your question. It is a painful shadow that has hung over the Temple for years now. It was the damage done by Adam that kept Good Paco from attempting to spread the faith more passionately during his years as First Brother. Take my word, what I propose is not couched in the clouded madness of Adam or those of his ilk. I do not desire power for myself or to rob the Lord of his power or steal from the coffers of kings. Nor am I looking to ask you to pledge your loyalty to me or my station. What I am looking for, is to reinvigorate the faithful and their loyalty to the Lord as well as repair the reputation of this Temple."

"I have heard happily of the spread of the faith in the south, but as I have I'm sure you're aware of the Ascensionist attacks in the holy lands of Pryonia and Gunung and now, most recently the transfer of long loyal and faithful Pryonia to the hands of Hurosha, itself a nation of diminished respect for our Lord. What I seek here, is a union of the faithful, an agreement to pursue the Lord's will, to work towards the goals of the Lord and spread the word where we are able. Convert those we are able and defend the faithful as a union of believers."

"Allow us to come together, here at the historic home of the Blazing Avatar and work as one unified faith unabandoned by one another as we have been in our isolation for so many years."

Morph Bark

2014-12-30, 06:43 PM

Chief

2014-12-31, 06:48 AM

Upon their arrival, Arvaya Divinorum was amazed by the glorious looks of the blazing temple. Surely the building must have been blessed by the Lord himself. As they entered the complex, she saw a men with his eyes closed. Arvaya, only 14 years of age, felt his eyes followed her through his eyelids. She was not sure if it was her imagination or if he had some sort of divine power. Whatever it was, it made her feel uncomfortable. She carefully took place next to the delegation of the Carmine Sea, as she considered them the most trustworthy allies she had in this foreign yet familiar temple.

After she had listened to all of these older powerful figures, she bolstered up the courage to speak. "First brother Calciver," She said with a stronger voice as she had intended "I find your ideas noble to say the least. I can relate to your feelings against our customs, every culture has aspects that are strange to others. Therefor I am pleased to understand that you do not wish to see anything changed on this matter and merely wish to make fate in the Lord flourish ones more. However," This time her voice was less strong but carried with it a sense of authority "when it comes to any plans as to how this should be achieved you remain silent.
I feel very much for your cause and it is my understanding that we should help those that have not yet found the Lord. By showing them the love that the Lord has for all of his subjects our fate can flourish ones more.
I propose to send gifts, not to the rulers but to the people of neighboring countries that have not accepted the lord yet.
We can start with gifts of food, and slowely progress to sending small faith related items like books."

QuintonBeck

2015-01-02, 04:47 PM

[48X]
The others whom had come with the Jarrs shed their hoods from their heads with the reveal of the First Brother's intentions. They were with four, and the man that stood at the head of their group bore a striking appearance. His dark blue hair was kept well, even as his eyes were surrounded by dark markings of chronic lack of sleep. The flaps that extended from just below his jawline moved with his every breath, marking him as a Cloudiz-blooded man. His robes reached to the ground, but the bulges in it hinted that the gills were not the only things he had inherited from his father. If it weren't for the fact that one of the others glowed with an inner light, he'd be the most peculiar of the four.

"I am Li Tailin Fireguard," he revealed, "eldest son of Li Yinhuo, sister to the Qzare. My mother is a devout follower of the Lord of Fire and always bore a desire to meet the Blazing Avatar." He spoke matter-of-factly, with cool demeanor, but not entirely passionless. He cast down his eyes. The man was still broken from that fateful night several years ago. He had taken his remaining children with him on this trip, but they had remained behind with their retinue to keep them safe, and because they had not yet the age to properly treat with leaders such as the First Brother of the Blazing Temple. "I am here to represent the Imperial House of Li and Imperial interest in the Fiery Faith, especially those among us who adhere closer to it than the Hailings of the Silver Sea, as is the choice of nigh all Salterri. With me are three who likewise have share in this venture, first and foremost my cousin here."

The man whose skin glowed bowed his head. He and the other two bore the distinct signs of elven heritage, the blue glow off his alabaster skin making him stand out almost eerily, like a ghostly wisp amidst a lantern-filled lake. "Li Ensio Lius Timanpaholainen," he introduced himself.

The others, a stately and beautiful pale-skinned female with pale green and red hair, and a broad-shouldered young man with skin and hair as dark as coal, stood beside them and likewise bowed before the First Brother.

"I can assure you that unity in our faith shall keep us together, but I first must seek answers as to this blessing that has been bestowed upon me by the Lord and find out what it entails."

"An answer no doubt more easily obtainable by the late King Elwyr. It is my great misfortune that I have not had the chance to witness the full effects of the Lord's blessing on the royal line of Jarrow. IF any of you are willing I would be pleased to spend time examining the full extent of our Lord's choice in showing his favor but until then I can wager only to take it as a sign that the Lord sees the future of His reverence upon Telluris lies, at least in part, in the hands of the Jarrow."

"You bring up something of great interest to me however," the First Brother said, "Your Salterri Hailings, our records have little to no information on your religious practices, beliefs, or texts yet contain much of the conflict engendered between the splinter doctrine of Hailings, Ascension, and our Lord's own worship. It has been my great desire to speak with some representative of the Hailings but so blind am I and is the temple on the structures of your religion I know not where even to start. Perhaps you might enlighten me where to direct my theological inquiries?"

Upon their arrival, Arvaya Divinorum was amazed by the glorious looks of the blazing temple. Surely the building must have been blessed by the Lord himself. As they entered the complex, she saw a men with his eyes closed. Arvaya, only 14 years of age, felt his eyes followed her through his eyelids. She was not sure if it was her imagination or if he had some sort of divine power. Whatever it was, it made her feel uncomfortable. She carefully took place next to the delegation of the Carmine Sea, as she considered them the most trustworthy allies she had in this foreign yet familiar temple.

After she had listened to all of these older powerful figures, she bolstered up the courage to speak. "First brother Calciver," She said with a stronger voice as she had intended "I find your ideas noble to say the least. I can relate to your feelings against our customs, every culture has aspects that are strange to others. Therefor I am pleased to understand that you do not wish to see anything changed on this matter and merely wish to make fate in the Lord flourish ones more. However," This time her voice was less strong but carried with it a sense of authority "when it comes to any plans as to how this should be achieved you remain silent.
I feel very much for your cause and it is my understanding that we should help those that have not yet found the Lord. By showing them the love that the Lord has for all of his subjects our fate can flourish ones more.
I propose to send gifts, not to the rulers but to the people of neighboring countries that have not accepted the lord yet.
We can start with gifts of food, and slowely progress to sending small faith related items like books."

"Please, High Priestess, call me Charles. As to my plans, those are simple. We send priests and preachers first into the lands open to conversion, the lands of Carmine, of Mularuhm, of Bordeux, then once those who desire the Lord have received His word we shall again convene and determine next where the Faith might spread. Radurja must be returned to the rightful path, I am sure Hushyarr you must know that to be true given the Blazing Incarnation's choice of joining you in reincarnation to return your faithful to his path. The followers of Ashmar must be shaken from their idolatry and false worship. Once these divergent faiths are returned to the fold we might begin to test the willingness of those living under the misguidances of the Doctrine and Kina to accept the Lord and to decide again at a similar council how to begin bringing these poor souls to the Lord's light."

zabbarot

2015-01-03, 02:15 AM

Hushyarr stayed quiet for a long time as the visitors introduced themselves. His white eyes made it difficult to tell where he was looking at any one time. Brother Calciver's faith was bright and earnest, trustworthy. Hushyarr nodded to each of them in turn with a smile on his face. "I'm glad you all could join us here. First Brother Charles and I have our disagreements, but it is nothing that should, or could, shake the faithful." He turned to address Calciver more directly, "At two-hundred years I still acknowledge that I am young in the grand scheme of things, and my methods have been... drastic at times. But do not forget who you speak to. I was present at each of those events. I both banished Greta and was banished by Shvedrishti, and yet I stand here before you, whole and reforged. In over one hundred years two great mistakes have been committed by the followers of Radurja. My son, then King Tendaji, did not truely understand the faith. It was thrust upon him by my sudden disappearance into anga lingine. He acted out of concern for the people of this continent. 'If only the true Blazing Avatar could be awoken, perhaps Brother Adam will cease this mad quest.' He tried to prevent war, and for it a hundred people died. Only one person here was there that day. I watched ninety-seven priests die. Men I trained, who trusted me deeply. I have forgiven Tendaji, but his only sin that day was misunderstanding the Lord's nature.

"The second great mistake was mine. I attempted to supplant the Lord of Fire, and raise Greta to take his place. Greta was strong, but more importantly, infinitely so, she was kind. The Lord of Fire does not understand love and hate as we do. We are as alien to him as ants are to men. I believed that a Greta, with all her love, would be his better. She understood us, she would never grant power to a usurper like the Blackened Monk. But I was misguided. The Lord of Fire is far more ancient than I understood at the time, and his purpose has little to do with the lives of men. The Lord of Fire exists to serve creation, not the whims of mortal men."

He looked to the Jarrs, "It was this second mistake that was the cause of King Elwyr's death. The flawed manner of Greta's departure from this world left the Blazing Incarnation damaged, just as Yosi's assassination before that had. But if it is some consolation remember this, that same action that inadvertently doomed him also let him live a long, blessed life. And through his great will he was able to pass some of that blessing on to you.

"But Charles, the thing you must realize is that both of these mistakes came directly from the mishandling of the Fiery Faith. Radurja as a whole has done far more to preserve the worship of the Lord of Fire than harm it. Brother Adam would have been the end of this temple. In hindsight it may be clear that he was wrong, and that the righteous would unite to stop him, but the temple, the majority of the faithful, joined his crusade. Had they not come to their senses we would not be having this conversation. Had Queen Anguri Adite, one trained to look at the world as I do, not roused Greta from her depression and spurred her to action Adam would have completed his transformation. I do not know if we could have stopped him after that. This temple owes it's good standing to irresponsible and brash young men. Yosi understood this, and that is part of why we were friends.

"If you look at the Radurjic church and see competition then you do not understand it. Is your father lessened by your love for your mother? Do you believe the Lord of Fire to be any different? Faith is neither limited, nor restricted. Much like love, the more you give the more you have. You may choose devotion solely to the Lord of Fire, but that is not the choice for everyone. To say it is would be to deny all other gods, and to deny all other paths. That is not how Paco thought, nor Yosi, nor Greta. There are many gods, and many paths. Some may be safer than others, but all are valid. I seek only order, and as Blazing Avatar I serve the Lord of Fire. But I serve as he does. The nature of worship is not so important as it's practice. Whether it be from the monks at this temple, or those in Calorum, or even the practitioners of Ramhsa in Triumph worship is worship, and the Lord of Fire does not differentiate. The very existence of sects is beneath his notice. Do not fear Brother Charles, the fire of the Lord burns as hot as it ever has across this land."

Hushyarr gave Calciver a moment to take it all in, but not long enough to respond before he continued. "My actions in Tzalteclan are a different story however. They were an attempt to extend a hand of friendship to the Tzalteca by helping them become closer to their god, but I did not believe that they would be so blinded by hubris to deny they had even received help. I had hoped that we could find common ground, but I fear there can be none while Nezetkhamun is safe within the fortress he has fashioned from his ego. If he should become a threat I will clean up my mess, but until then I will hope that there is a chance for peace.

"To the rest of you, well met. I will answer any questions, so long as I am able.

QuintonBeck

2015-01-03, 10:33 AM

After Hushyarr had spoken the First Brother pursed his lips and shook his head before speaking.

"You speak as Mosi Nia Rohana, mortal King of Genivana and immortal student of faith, not as Blazing Avatar. You are a wise man Mosi, wiser than many, but you are wise enough to know that Mosi was a man of hubris, a hubris that has become apparent in every incarnation of your life. The Blazing Incarnation, the Blazing Avatar, is a divine shard of the perfect and divine Lord whose motives and actions are more pure in purpose than even the noblest of mortals. You are driving down His influence and holding fast to the familiar, to your previous lives. You must open yourself to the Incarnation and what message it carries from the Lord."

"You speak of the origins of Radurja's biggest mistakes evolving from mishandling the Fiery Faith and you are right. Had you been properly trained at the Temple and embraced the Lord they might have been avoided. It is not a certainty, Adam was a man of hubris and great charisma and blinded his fellows to his true intents and purposes and did much damage in attempting to alter that which was not his place to alter, but many more Monks than Adam have treated with the Lord to receive his gifts and due to the training of this Temple have through their actions imparted the blessings of our Lord on this world without incident."

"Radurja is, as you say, an alternate way of looking upon the world and an alternative that still sees the divine truth of the Lord but obfuscated and blurred by incorrect notions of equality among all spirits. Radurja being only a misunderstanding of the Truth is why I have held and continue to hold out hope and belief that you will allow the Incarnation to guide you as it was clearly intended to do back to the proper worship. When I see Radurja and its spread I do not see competition, I see a wayward lamb, embarking upon a path that long ago the Temple discovered went nowhere. Why do you think Blazing Avatar Cedro helped you journey along the path you chose to follow? He knew, as I know, that the ultimate endpoint of any such journey was in discovering the truth of our Lord and it is time I believe that you come to that truth, it is why the Incarnation chose you now, to show you that your journey was complete and return you to the Truth of our Lord."

"It is an easy thing as a mortal to embrace all the spirits and gods of the realm beyond as venerable and worthy of worship, but to truly worship the one true Lord, the Lord of Fire is a far wiser and more true form of worship and more rich in its purity. As you say, the Lord is to humans as humans are to an insect, but the Lord is to the fellow spirits as Kings are to subjects, as the Lion is to the other animals of Savanna. He is the Lord of Fire, a noble title for his noble position within the spiritual structure as it may be understood to be by the mortal mind. It is false equivalence to worship him as equal to the spirits who inhabit the meadows or the curious phantoms that whirl through the realm beyond and it dilutes the rightful reverence he deserves."

"You embrace Radurja strongly and I do understand why, it is an easier path to take, but as I have said before Mosi, you are a wise man, and two centuries you have had to explore the nature of the cosmos and your philosophy. The Incarnation infused itself with your latest incarnation and I knew when I heard of it that the time of your revelation was at hand as set in motion by Blazing Avatar Cedro those many years ago. You must open yourself to the divine truth and hear the words of the Lord spoken to you and understand, more fully understand, the nature of the realm beyond."

zabbarot

2015-01-03, 11:48 AM

QuintonBeck

2015-01-03, 12:31 PM

"You do Paco a disservice if you say I was not trained properly by the temple. I could no sooner choose not to speak as the Blazing Avatar as you could choose not to speak as Charles. It is true that I have been Mosi far longer than I have been the Blazing Avatar, and that gives me a unique perspective. Unlike Greta or Yosi I can tell the difference between the influence of the Blazing Incarnation and my own soul. I can feel it and I can differentiate, but I cannot ignore it.

"An open mind will not harm your faith, Brother Charles. I do not wish to convert you. In truth I believe there is only one religion, and you are already a part of it. Now if you wish to find fault in the man I was so that you might ignore my words as the Avatar you may, but you would not be the first First Brother to ignore a Blazing Avatar. I am here to teach and to guide. When you are ready to follow I will still be here."

"Paco attempted to do as Yosi did, to guide you to the truth beyond the misgivings of the young philosophy many in the Temple have played at that you call Radurja. You claim you speak as the Blazing Avatar but admit you keep separate your soul and the Incarnation and thus I cannot take your words as they stand as those of the Avatar and our Lord. I would gladly listen to the Blazing Avatar, but first must the Incarnation be allowed to join with your soul to make a true Avatar of the Lord."

"You must still learn before you can teach Mosi, and accept the Truth before you can guide."

Aedilred

2015-01-04, 08:41 AM

"It is an easy thing as a mortal to embrace all the spirits and gods of the realm beyond as venerable and worthy of worship, but to truly worship the one true Lord, the Lord of Fire is a far wiser and more true form of worship and more rich in its purity. As you say, the Lord is to humans as humans are to an insect, but the Lord is to the fellow spirits as Kings are to subjects, as the Lion is to the other animals of Savanna. He is the Lord of Fire, a noble title for his noble position within the spiritual structure as it may be understood to be by the mortal mind. It is false equivalence to worship him as equal to the spirits who inhabit the meadows or the curious phantoms that whirl through the realm beyond and it dilutes the rightful reverence he deserves."

The Carmine delegation remained silent during the discussion between Hushyarr and the First Brother, the king and atheling either believing themselves unable, or otherwise unwilling, to offer an informed perspective on matters of theology compared to the two already speaking. Eldred's face grew steadily stonier as the discussion continued, however, and Elwyn's mouth curled slightly, before Malyn caught his eye and the young man returned his face to impassivity. The king nodded slightly as Charles spoke.

(OOC: As I say, IC my characters have nothing to add at this juncture, but picking up again after it concludes, I guess)

Malyn produced a number of papers and offered them to the First Brother. "King Elwyr in his later years wrote a great deal of his thoughts on the faith, based on his experiences of travel, of time in Calorum, and of speaking to the people of the south where prior to his arrival they seemed to follow an unorganised and unrecognised form of our faith. I do not know if it was his intention to collate them into a complete book of philosophy or merely to record his own musings, but I present them to you as they are for your own consideration. I am a man of little stature in such matters -" at best modesty, for Malyn was considered one of the foremost scholars, particularly of divinity, in the kingdom, and at worst a lie - "but the late king was a passionate and learned follower of the Lord."

I meant to write up some stuff of Elwyr's along the basis of Tupelo's sermons, but never got round to it, hence why Malyn is handing over notes!

There are two principal themes that emerge. The first is a consideration of the necessity of the requirement of celibacy for the clergy, noting that while it may well be desirable for the monks of the Temple it might be less appropriate for priests who live among the people and indeed stop them from forming bonds with a community, wondering why this has been a requirement and if there is a spiritual reason or merely tradition; further noting that the requirement of celibacy seems to be one of the major barriers for young people who might otherwise consider a career as priests, and that the extraordinary and undesirable lengths the Calorum High Priests have been forced to go to to continue their bloodline suggest that the current doctrine is not entirely satisfactory. He ends with the personal conclusion that universal clerical celibacy does more harm than good to the faith, but admits that there might be reasons for its maintenance of which he has not been apprised.

(Unremarked is that Elwyr himself maintained celibacy, of course).

The second is a more general musing on the nature of other spirits and supernatural entities - while maintaining the principle of supremacy of the Lord of Fire, considering which of the other "gods" are potential allies of the Lord and His followers, which are to be condemned, and which beneath His notice. Particular attention is paid to the Children of Kina, and the danger that sect poses to the faithful of the Lord, and to the Silver Lady, where (Ascensionist heretics aside) he identifies similarity of doctrine in some respects and even potential compatibility in some areas. (Precisely what is dependent on further development of the religion's details, I guess, and up to Morph).

QuintonBeck

2015-01-06, 11:39 AM

Malyn produced a number of papers and offered them to the First Brother. "King Elwyr in his later years wrote a great deal of his thoughts on the faith, based on his experiences of travel, of time in Calorum, and of speaking to the people of the south where prior to his arrival they seemed to follow an unorganised and unrecognised form of our faith. I do not know if it was his intention to collate them into a complete book of philosophy or merely to record his own musings, but I present them to you as they are for your own consideration. I am a man of little stature in such matters -" at best modesty, for Malyn was considered one of the foremost scholars, particularly of divinity, in the kingdom, and at worst a lie - "but the late king was a passionate and learned follower of the Lord."

I meant to write up some stuff of Elwyr's along the basis of Tupelo's sermons, but never got round to it, hence why Malyn is handing over notes!

There are two principal themes that emerge. The first is a consideration of the necessity of the requirement of celibacy for the clergy, noting that while it may well be desirable for the monks of the Temple it might be less appropriate for priests who live among the people and indeed stop them from forming bonds with a community, wondering why this has been a requirement and if there is a spiritual reason or merely tradition; further noting that the requirement of celibacy seems to be one of the major barriers for young people who might otherwise consider a career as priests, and that the extraordinary and undesirable lengths the Calorum High Priests have been forced to go to to continue their bloodline suggest that the current doctrine is not entirely satisfactory. He ends with the personal conclusion that universal clerical celibacy does more harm than good to the faith, but admits that there might be reasons for its maintenance of which he has not been apprised.

(Unremarked is that Elwyr himself maintained celibacy, of course).

The second is a more general musing on the nature of other spirits and supernatural entities - while maintaining the principle of supremacy of the Lord of Fire, considering which of the other "gods" are potential allies of the Lord and His followers, which are to be condemned, and which beneath His notice. Particular attention is paid to the Children of Kina, and the danger that sect poses to the faithful of the Lord, and to the Silver Lady, where (Ascensionist heretics aside) he identifies similarity of doctrine in some respects and even potential compatibility in some areas. (Precisely what is dependent on further development of the religion's details, I guess, and up to Morph).

"Thank you Atheling of Carmine," the First Brother said inclining his head as he took the papers, "I enjoy reading the philosophies of those who take interest in the Faith and I have heard often of King Elwyr's, and your own, propensity for discovering and exploring the truths. I shall make certain to review these with all the attention and thought they deserve and contact yourself when I have given letter to my thoughts."

Well, I'll just pretend Charles sent his letter then

Celibacy was and is always intended to be an elective, not enforced path of the faith. When one joins the Faith as a Monk they become a Brother or Sister and their previous life, while still existing and still responsible for their actions then, is no longer connected to their new place. The Monks do not take new names because, again, they are still responsible for their actions prior to joining the priesthood but many wish to show their devotion to the Temple and the Faith by giving up previous pleasures of their life before joining hence celibacy (and the propensity for simple robes) It isn't forbidden and officially it isn't encouraged or looked down upon to not (though the surrounding culture will play a larger role on how its looked on than official doctrine)

As to the other point, it's something I hope to have Charles express in more and more complete terms as both he and myself move towards a greater understanding of the Lord of Fire and its Faith (you see some of it in the previous posts) Unfortunately a lot of the more detailed theological relations between these beings is reliant on the other beings being more defined than they are and I really don't know enough about Hailings to speculate on Charles' opinions there. Kina, Radurja, Ashmarism and to a lesser extent the Doctrine of Frost, are the only religions with solid theological explanations in beliefs so I've been working around those. You've seen his views on Radurja and minorly on Ashmarism.

Kina and the Doctrine he's both avoided addressing for fear of offending folks but most generally he considers Kina to be a threat, tainted by demonic influence, and Yphinne to be a foe, even if she may be a more respectable and less evil foe than Kina, to the Lord of Fire and his teachings. Bug Morph some more about Hailings if you want me to figure out how Charles and the Temple feels about its doctrine :smalltongue:

zabbarot

2015-01-08, 02:01 PM

"Paco attempted to do as Yosi did, to guide you to the truth beyond the misgivings of the young philosophy many in the Temple have played at that you call Radurja. You claim you speak as the Blazing Avatar but admit you keep separate your soul and the Incarnation and thus I cannot take your words as they stand as those of the Avatar and our Lord. I would gladly listen to the Blazing Avatar, but first must the Incarnation be allowed to join with your soul to make a true Avatar of the Lord."

"You must still learn before you can teach Mosi, and accept the Truth before you can guide."

"There are three tenants to the Fiery Faith, Charles. Fire above, fire below, fire within. I can admit that I have not kept those three in balance. I focus too much on the fire within. The fire within may as well be the back bone of Radurja. But you focus entirely on the fire above. We both have things to learn. There is a middle ground here. I ask only for the same respect I show to you."

QuintonBeck

2015-01-08, 09:04 PM

"There are three tenants to the Fiery Faith, Charles. Fire above, fire below, fire within. I can admit that I have not kept those three in balance. I focus too much on the fire within. The fire within may as well be the back bone of Radurja. But you focus entirely on the fire above. We both have things to learn. There is a middle ground here. I ask only for the same respect I show to you."

"I apologize if you feel I have disrespected you Mosi, it was not my intent. I sought and seek only to guide us both through to the truth of the Lord and the truth held within yourself in the Blazing Incarnation you keep at bay. There is the Truth beyond that I believe we both seek, it is what I seek and it is what the Avatar has always sought in his past lives, to grow closer with our Lord and to better understand his Truths. You are a well known scholar of theology, surely the Lord imbued the Incarnation to you that you might discover more of it and embrace it, not study it from afar with detachment."

Reggiejam

2015-01-18, 11:50 PM

495 Nighttime

A lone figure made his way towards the Blazing Temple along the road constructed from the Heartwaste to the ancient temple. Though he walked the last few hundred yards he had approached in an entirely different manner, shadow walking from the base of the mountain up the road until he could see the candles of the mountaintop temple flickering in the near distance. He was clothed well, in Glazfelli cut clothing, more specifically the clothing of the new defunct Cleansing Cold religious inquisitorial agency though it bore the black and violet coloring of Faedas' heraldry. He wore a tiger's mask that obscured his brow and nose but the horns curling through holes cut in the mask and the dusky grey skin around his lips betrayed his identity as a tiefling. And the only tiefling living in the Heartwaste who might be able to afford such splendid clothes was the man known as "The Grandmaster", a feared member of the Queen's Brood.

The man approached the gates of the Temple with a respectfully reserved pace, making a show to advertise he was unarmed and came in peace. A necessary precaution when approaching a Temple in the dead of night. He didn't know whether the monks posted sentries or not but he presumed someone must be awake and he intended to find them. He had many questions to ask of the recently re-awakened Temple.

QuintonBeck

2015-01-19, 11:35 AM

495, Night

Young Brother Rodrigo couldn't sleep. He had tried to trick himself into slumber for the past three nights in a row but it refused to come. Instead he had meditated to rest his body but his mind felt strange from the lack of true mind rest. He was in the garden near the entrance to the Temple, sitting quietly in front of the carrots and watching a small worm inch its way over the top soil when he heard the sound of approaching footfalls. He jumped, thinking perhaps it was Brother Calvin to come and admonish him for being outside the Temple so late again but as he turned to look he saw it was a strange visitor rather than one of the monks of the temple.

He stood up, brushing the dirt from his monk vestments and approached the stranger, not realizing until the stranger had seen him he had no idea what he was going to say.

"Hi, um, late hour for a pilgrimage isn't it?" he said, internally smacking himself for saying something so stupid.

Reggiejam

2015-01-19, 05:09 PM

495 Nighttime

"Perhaps," the tiefling agreed looking the young man over standing before him, "But the late hours are my freest, and I find honesty can be more easily procured in the black hours."

"Where are my manners? Forgive me. I am Alton, of the Heartwaste, I have come to speak of the Temple's connection to the lands below, the lands of my Queen. Are you sufficiently informed to speak on such matters?"

QuintonBeck

2015-01-20, 03:29 PM

Reggiejam

2015-01-20, 11:16 PM

495 Nighttime

"I'm sufficiently awake," the young Brother said, regretting immediately his decision to joke with this man, "Sorry, um, I've been trained in a wide variety of knowledges here at the temple. I'm certain I could answer most any questions you have."

"Brother Rodrigo," he added, as an afterthought.

495 Nighttime

The Tiefling didn't smile, "Well Brother Rodrigo, let's see if you're certainty is well deserved. Firstly my question is this, what does the Temple seek of the lands surrounding it? Lyradis, Guilder, and, of course, the Heartwaste? All once devotees of your Temple and geographically suited to your Temple's needs of security, for all religion needs security within the secular. Glazfell and Faedas could both speak to that point. Yet you're out here all alone in a sea of non-followers. Surely you've given that some thought?"

QuintonBeck

2015-01-21, 12:08 PM

495 Nighttime

"Well, yes, we have, but Kina holds strong in the lands of the Heartwaste and we believe Radurja still holds sway in Guilder and Lyradis, although reports indicate perhaps the time is ripe for the Lord's return to these lands who have become lost in the meandering of Radurjic 'philosophy.' Nonetheless, we would not send missionaries without permission of the sovereigns if that is the aim of your question Alton. Security isn't assured if the securer despises you as you can likely imagine?" Rodrigo shifted uncomfortably but tried to hide it in the shadows cast by the Temple's flickering candles.

Reggiejam

2015-01-21, 01:33 PM

495 Nighttime

"Hmm," Alton mused, "And what is the Temple's opinion on the Sunset War?"

QuintonBeck

2015-01-21, 09:40 PM

495 Nighttime

"The what? Oh, the war between Concordat and Dawn? We at the Temple pray for the lives of the faithful soldiers of Carmine and for the lives of the common people," the young man said, purposefully short.

Reggiejam

2015-01-22, 10:54 AM

495 Nighttime

"Mmhm," Alton nodded slowly, "No prayers for the Radurjic soldiers then? I have heard of much love lost between Hushyarr and the First Brother, does it run so deep that they are not prayed for?"

QuintonBeck

2015-01-23, 10:44 AM

495 Nighttime

"We pray for the faithful and the innocent," Rodrigo said again, shifting uncomfortably, "You said your questions revolved around the land below the Temple?"

Reggiejam

2015-01-24, 06:19 PM

495 Nighttime

"I believe you've answered them. For now. I suspect we may be seeing more of each other Brother Rodrigo, until then, good evening," Alton inclined his head towards the Temple Monk, turning and leaving the open aired Temple.

Tychris1

2015-01-29, 09:07 AM

QuintonBeck

2015-01-29, 11:30 PM

Year 500, Sunrise

Kelrax looked about groggily as he stomped his way towards the base of the Blazing Temple. It had been a long journey from his initial start at Sympolemou all the way down to the border of the Heartwaste, and now that his goal was almost in sight his limbs felt all the more weary. A cruel trick of fate, it made him smile a little even as he cracked a bone in his knuckles.

Kelrax was garbed sparingly, his flammable nature defeating any hope of wearing the traditional robes that one of his rank would wear. Instead he bore the martial nature of his people into the design of his outfit, with sparing pieces of Darkstar Iron be ded and folded into a shoulder guard, arm brace, and vambraces. He looked more like a religious gladiator then a cleric of the Lord of Fire, but appearances meant little to him. Gripped tightly in his hand was the splintering husk of a tree that he had ripped out of the ground a while ago and used as a walking stick.

Finally approaching the base of the Blazing Temple, Kelrax sat down before the steps that lead up to its impressive height, folded his legs, placed his stick across his lap, and began to meditate on the nature of The Great Emblazoned One and the importance of his quest. He could easily march up to the top of the Temple in less then an hour, but considering the sanctity of the ground before him, he did not wish to accidentally damage anything or enter where he was not permitted. When they were ready to take him in he would be waiting.

Besides, it's not like they could miss a giant flaming behemoth resting on their doorstep.

"You can't go down there Charles! They're practically demons!" an old monk said with exasperated gestures.

"They're followers of the Lord, and strong believers," Charles answered calmly, continuing to gather his traveling supplies from his small quarters.

"Have you heard the tales of what they say about the Lord? They don't even call him by his proper name! the Great Emblazoned One they say! They speak of passion and rash action in His name!"

"They know well the Fire Within, we shall guide them to the Fire Above and Below and temper their passions," Charles answered, adjusting the cinch on his robe and pulling his pack over his head.

"They sacrifice their foes in His name! The Lord is not some bloodthirsty Tzaltec god of madness!"

"Perhaps you should take up the issue of sacrifice with our brothers in Calorum?" Charles said, grabbing his walking stick and heading out from the Temple leaving his colleague exasperated behind him.

As he walked he contemplated what he was doing. Brother Tyre was right, the Dunfel were certainly not the ideal worshipers of the Lord or representatives of the Temple but Charles had never been one to insist on ideal circumstances. If he were he wouldn't likely be capable of handling the pressures of First Brother. He suspected that was what had done Adam in, the pressure of it. The desire to spread the word by whatever means and make it work. But one couldn't do that by demanding the Lord to make it so, like all things, it was earned through devotion and hard work and that was what the Dunfel represented, a hard road to follow whose payoff if successful would be a great reward for the Temple and the Lord.

They had heard the Dunfel approaching before they had spotted him cresting a hill and when the Brothers and Sisters had seen him they had come quickly to find Charles and tell him. But he had already known. A vision had come to him, the one that guided him now in his belief the Dunfel could find the truth of the Lord. In it he had seen the Dunfel standing in a great circle around the base of the Blazing Mountain, holding a chain of fire slack between them. And then they had begun to march step by step out the chain straightening and covering more and more area. Beneath their feet the Brothers and Sisters ran to keep pace and spread alms and the Flaming Word as they went. A few obstacles rose in their path but the Dunfel had marched through and the chain had destroyed them. Eventually the flaming chain encircled the entirety of Telluris and Charles knew the Lord's word was known.

He reached the base of the mountain and approached the sitting Dunfel.

"Greetings brother," he said simply, taking his own seat cross legged on a small rock flat in front of the great creature, "What has brought you to our Temple?"

Tychris1

2015-02-02, 01:31 AM

Kelrax looked at Charles for a few moments, making sure that he absorbed as much detail as possible before responding to his introductions. Generally it seemed like it was customary for the fleshlings to grip each others hands and shake them up and down upon meeting each other. For obvious size based reasons this would be highly impractical, so Kelrax settled for extending a single talon for the First Brother to shake.

"Greetings First Brother Charles, Prophet of Flame, Mouth of The Great Emblazoned One. I come for many reasons, chief of which is to learn of the history that has unfolded over the years since we have lost contact with the surface world. These lands are different, times have changed, and the history of our faith is as important as its future,"

Retracting his talon, Kelrax looked down at his claw, smiling slightly as the light reflects off his dark and stony skin.

"I have been raised amongst the flock to act as their shepherd, but without the proper tools I cannot properly lead them, so to have I come for training in His ways..."

Looking up at Charles, the smile fades away from his face, and Kelrax seems almost dejected as he continues.

"Lastly, I come seeking a blessing from this holy temple for my whole tribe. My clan are devout and strong of spirit, but our dealings with so many alien and heretical religions have made me question myself and others. I hope to have this burden lifted from my spirit and my shoulders by consulting with you, First Brother, so that I may know if the path we walk down is the right one."

QuintonBeck

2015-02-02, 01:33 PM

Charles took the digit carefully, cautious that it might burn him, and while it was warmer than might be comfortable his flesh remained unburnt.

"To your first inquisition the history of our faith is a long one, and in the last century a far more complicated and tarnished one than I would desire. If you wish to know the full history I shall gladly indulge you but for the sake of addressing your other concerns and questions I will give the quick version. Our faith once dominated the central north, we were led by a pious and good Blazing Avatar, he was struck down and a madman, Adam, holder of the position I now sit in took advantage of the fear of the faithful to try and strengthen himself. He was opposed and was righteously struck down but his fall heralded the end of the great following of the Fiery Faith and a myriad of heresies and infidelities sprung up and overcame the faithful. The Temple and the Faith sat idle under the over-cautious eye of my predecessor and friend First Brother Paco who did not wish to repeat the mistakes of Adam but in his caution the Faith fell even more into disrepair. It is my hope to rejuvenate the Faith while avoiding the pitfalls of Adam and attempting to work with a Blazing Avatar who refuses his responsibility."

"I'm afraid that was not terribly quick was it?" Charles laughed.

"As for your request for training and for a blessing, each I should wager is intertwined. I have heard of your people. Your devotion to the Lord warms my heart and gives me hope that followers of His teachings may still be found, but weighed equally is some concern over the ways in which worship among your people is carried out. There are those in the Temple who see you as demons, besmirching the Lord's name and undoing what the Temple now seeks to do in restoring the Fiery Faith, but that you are here now asking for instruction and guidance only proves them wrong and strengthens my conviction to see your people brought to the Lord's teaching."

"I will gladly instruct you in the way of our Lord, and if my intuition that you shall take to His word is true it should be my privilege to bless your pious people with what portion of the Lord I might be capable of conjuring."

Tychris1

2015-02-09, 11:39 PM

A smile spread across Kelrax's face as First Brother Charles spoke.

"That is a.... Less then enheartening history of our faith, but I am sure we can mend it together. Shall we walk? I find my mind is far more keen when I move about."

Standing up from his seated position, Kelrax uses his massive walking stick to brush things aside from their path as the two of them walk along the base of the mountain.

"It is rather humorous that you say the brothers in your temple call my people Demons. Upon arising from the Hell Pit, every fleshling we met called us that same name, and my people quickly took it as a sign of respect. In their eyes we are the sword and shield of The Lord, and if our presence inspired fear in others then it only meant we were designed as intended."

Rolling aside a rock that would block Charles path, Kelrax looked upon the blazing sun above and inquired.

"You speak of a man called The Blazing Avatar. My people have heard such a term used before, but we find it hard to believe. Surely no mortal man can possess the spirit of our Lord in him? The name has fascinated me on the whole trip here."

QuintonBeck

2015-02-10, 12:13 AM

Charles rose to his feet with Kelrax and began to walk. He didn't try to hide his awe at the Dunfel's ease in moving the boulder.

"The Blazing Avatar, yes," Charles nodded, "The embodiment of the will of our Lord upon the earth. The Avatar does not possess the full spirit of the Lord, to attempt that is to invite death. Both Adam and Mosi's incarnation of Shvedrishti learned this when they attempted to force the Lord to take fully a mortal form. The Avatar instead is connected to our Lord via the Blazing Incarnation hosted within him. For most it is like a memory of time long ago, connecting the Avatar to the memories of his or her past lives and the wisdom passed to them by their studies and their meditations on the Lord. We of the Temple have always sought out the next Avatar but many times the Temple was without one, the Incarnation having found its way into lands unknown to us, but then the Incarnation would return to these lands and that Avatar would scribe what they could remember of their time apart."

"The current Incarnation has found its way to the body hosting the soul of Mosi, the Shahidi Mkuu of the Radurjic Church, a scholar of religious acumen whose unfortunate obsession with childish theology has prevented him from embracing the meaning and the knowledge of the Incarnation. For us here at the Temple, left without a Blazing Avatar who might live among us and spread the Faith it is as in the days when the Avatar was born in lands apart from those known here and the duties of the Temple and of tending the flames of the faithful has fallen to me. I do not wish to speak ill of the constructs of Mosi's church while he dwells alongside the Incarnation but that he has attempted only to use our Faith as a weapon against his political enemies while denying the spread of the faith within his own lands I think speaks volumes."

"I'm terribly sorry," Charles said, realizing he was rambling, "It is an unfortunate fact that my position as First Brother demands the even minor amount of political knowledge that it does such that it keeps me from the Word. Still, it is better to shoulder it myself that the other Brothers and Sisters might learn and study the faith without worry. Have I answered your curiosity about the Avatar? If you'd like the Avatar during the second century wrote a very detailed and interesting treatise on the nature of the Avatar and the Incarnation and their connection with the Lord. I would be happy to read to you from them as I suspect their size and composition might not lend them well to your own perusal."

Tychris1

2015-02-10, 12:33 AM

Kelrax scratched his head, deeply perturbed by the ideas that crept in his mind.

"One soul, passed from generation to generation, race to race, stretching back for countless years. It is possible then that one of my people hosted this Blazing Incarnation, in ages past, and a part of them now rests in this Mosi. Such a man, this Mosi, to be blessed by our Lord and yet squandering his gifts with this deceitful Radurjic church. I have met a few of their followrs in my travels, and I see no good coming of his continued presence with their conglomerative ways. Why do we not take the Avatar and force him to respect his duties?!"

Kelrax flared slightly, the fire on his back rising harshly as his templer flashed just as quickly. Cracking the crude brobdignagian staff in his hand, he settled himself down and paused to recollect himself.

"I apologize.... I know little of the political world, leaving such concerns to my liege Fel Malengorious, and I'm sure it is for a good reason that Mosi has remained where he is,"

Quickly wishing to change the subject, Kelrax rambled on.

"I would greatly appreciate such a reading, my people were fascinated by the rumors we had heard, and I know they would be pleased by a detailed retelling of the Avatar and his various incarnations over the years. Do not worry about me needing the text for them, I have found that over the years my memory has been rather remarkable when it concerns the matters of faith and history."

QuintonBeck

2015-02-10, 12:57 AM

Charles did not respond to the Dunfel's heated passion. He had heard similar arguments, though they'd been decidedly less fearful than the anger of a Dunfel, from a few of the Brothers and Sisters at the Temple. Charles may not have cared for Mosi's actions regarding the Faith but he had been a friend to the last active Blazing Avatar and while his insistence on spreading the Radurjic heresy was not something Charles enjoyed it was a less dangerous faith than others. And whatever Mosi was now, he was mortal, the Incarnation would move on and would flourish again. Until then it was on Charles to maintain the Faith's ember.

"Excellent," Charles said with a smile, "I shall gladly go and fetch them. I take this to mean you are interested in learning of the Temple's ways then? I would be happy to prepare sermons and teachings of the Faith and its history for you to take back to your people in that the Temple might become to you as a guiding light. It would do me a great honor to act as liaison between the Lord and your people and to speak His Word to those eager to hear it."

Tychris1

2015-02-10, 01:12 AM

Kelrax smiled at Charles from tip to tip as he gestured to a nearby tree with his own impromptu pointing tree.

"I would be honored to count myself as among the adherents to your temple, and to take your word back to my kin in The Everburning Horde. I will anxiously await your return beside that tree, though I have little doubt you'd have trouble finding me otherwise."

And with that he rested beside the tree he had indicated, closing his eyes to rest, and only opening them to intently stare at an apple hanging from a branch before falling to the ground.

DoomHat

2015-02-11, 02:33 AM

Autumn, 502cc
Though no missive or herald was sent to officially announce his approach, the guardians of the Blazing Temple could not help but anticipate the arrival of Cheongnyong, Cree Shaman of Earth and Sky. Since the day he first landed in Celero and began trotting his black pegasus at a steady pace through Kasumor and beyond, gossip and rumor radiated in all directions concerning his strangeness.

Throughout the whole of his pilgrimage, he said nothing. He simply presented his papers (signed and marked by the seal of the Good Tyrant) when required and gestured at whatever supplies he needed from outpost merchants along the way. He also carried a peculiar lantern on his lap. It was strangely decorative in its construction, and more strangely still, he kept it lit at all times, day or night. Rumor had it that he'd killed a man who tried to take it from him one night when he stopped to rest. But then, his journey had sown many wild tales.

In the quiet of the early evening, the clatter of the countless trinkets and fetishes dangling and rattling across his every extremity could be heard ascending the Temple steps. Cheongnyong wore a hard scowl on a powerful jaw. A veil of colored beads obscured his eyes, which stared out intensely, focusing on something just behind (or over the shoulder?) of anyone or thing he was looking at. His robes were flamboyant and strange, with bird feathers, animal furs, and colored ribbons, but most of it was dyed blue.

He smelled strongly of incense and strange medicines.

When he reached the mighty doors of the Blazing Temple, he cried out in a voice well suited to issuing the decree's and demands of the Otherworld to vast crowds,

“All Praise and Reverence unto that which is the favorite daughter of Sky Father, favorite son of Earth Mother, and who's name here is spoken as 'Lord of Fire'. Unto those that make that name holy I present a gift granted by The Good Tyrant of our age. This fire! This fire by who's light The Good Tyrant has drawn her plans and read her people's beseechments! This fire that I have preserved through my months of travel, and which I have kept sacred through silence.

This mortal asks that the Guardians of the Hallowed Place that stands before him receive this gift of holy flame, and the one who carries it!”

QuintonBeck

2015-02-12, 10:33 PM

The Brothers and Sisters of the Temple had certainly heard of the Cree's approach and now that he was here they scrambled to respond appropriately. Brother Rodrigo was the first at the door, Charles still in meditation and reflection on the Avatar Greta, a topic which had been of much interest to the Dunfel was unavailable. The door opened first with a crack and then Rodrigo made his full exit to greet the Cree Shaman with a bow leading some of the Brothers and Sisters to retreat at the sight of the Cree Shaman.

"Holy Cheongnyong, your arrival has been well awaited," the young Brother said taking the lantern gingerly, "Please, come inside, the First Brother is in his prayers, but should desire to meet with you as soon as he is able." the brother stood aside to let the Cree inside, "Tell me Cheongnyong, how fared your journey? We have heard much of the ascent of New Crima, we hope it was not a great inconvenience to make your way to our Temple?"

DoomHat

2015-02-13, 03:08 AM

Cheongnyong moved as he was bid with a firm stride, something reminiscent of a stern teacher examining his surroundings in search of a mistake to correct.

"Pain breeds wisdom." he replied in a voice that resonated like a great intoning bell, "Every hardship survived is a lesson learned. If set properly, a broken bone is always stronger after the anguish of healing. The wounds of The Advent are still fresh, still tender, but the bleeding has stopped, and soon the Motherland will be blessed with hansom scars! Suffering is a blessed thing when properly harnessed.

An easy pilgrimage would have been an insult to, and a desecration of, this Temple and the Great Spirit it reveres. Hope instead that my journey was a great burden. Hope that I bled and could only just restrain myself from sobbing aloud. For all the rage, despair, and yearning I endured throughout my journey here, I have fed into the flame you now carry in your hands. It would never have been appropriate to gift this House of Light any less.

That said, my bones are weary, and my stomach is empty.

Bring me a place where I might meditate, and conclude my fast. I will await your First Brother Charles Calciver, who might come to me with a meal, so that we might share a sacrament of Airag and speak of many things that have been, and that shall come to us in this Strange Century."

QuintonBeck

2015-02-13, 11:42 AM

Rodrigo gave a sideways look to the other Brothers and Sisters at Cheongnyong's words, a look filled with confusion. The other Temple monks didn't seem to have an answer and responded with their own confused faces and shrugs.

"Oh, um, of course," Rodrigo said at last, "Sister Melisande, would you take this lantern to Charlie, erm, the First Brother while I tend to the guest?" a Sister of the cloth, younger and with features the Cree might recognize as Bordeusi came forward and took the lantern carefully before heading towards a separate building on the Temple grounds.

Rodrigo bade the Cree Shaman to follow him and led Cheongnyong into the central open-air courtyard of the Temple, stepping back and remaining at the entrance.

"The First Brother will be here shortly, that is to say I'll go and fetch him, that is to say if Sister Melisande hasn't already. Please make yourself comfortable Shaman. Or uncomfortable. Your choice of course."

Rodrigo departed the courtyard leaving the Cree alone. The cool mountain air was undisturbed by winds in this walled courtyard and the sun had warmed the ground and the stone and wooden fixtures that dotted the landscape. A garden dominated a corner growing a variety of spices and foods each clearly marked with handmade signs. Birds along the edges of the walls that made up the courtyard and the Temple twitted pleasantly and occasionally made their way fluttering down to the ground.

The Cree was in solitude for a little over five minutes before he was joined by another figure carrying a basket. The man was older, presumably in his mid forties, but fit and in good health. His head was shaven completely clean, bearing no eyebrows even, and patterns of flame in black, orange, yellow, and red has been tattooed up his neck and onto his skull. He smiled pleasantly at Cheongnyong and moved to take a seat across from him over near the garden in the corner.

"Thank you for coming Cheongnyong, and your gift, sanctified in sweat and blood, is well received," as he talked he opened the wicker basket and began to produce food.

Two topped bowls of stew, only half filled to prevent spills and each wrapped closed by a stretch of cloth to keep the lid secure. Two loaves of bread, two more bowls, these filled with rice. And a plate of shredded meat Cheongnyong would recognize upon tasting as horse meat, though it was seasoned with spices the Cree was unfamiliar with.

"As First Brother let me personally say what a great honor it is to meet with you as a representative of your Tyrant and your people," Charles continued, "Your Tyrant is one of the few leaders to remain loyal to the traditions of the Faith and further yours is one of the even fewer nations that seeks to do what is right, to fight what is against the Lord, without compensation or gain but simply to do what should be done."

At last the food was all between them and the First Brother put aside the basket.

"I know you are a Shaman of your people's spirits, not a follower strictly of our Lord, but would you indulge me to lend a prayer to this meal in His name before we eat?"