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Re: Lusternian AMA

I have come back to reclaim my title as Quizmaster.

What is your favorite org-specific (city/guild/clan) emote and why?
Making it a bit broader, what is your favorite emote and why?
What is an emote you think we clearly need and why?
How often do you make use of the libraries? What is your favorite book (scholarly or literary) to read from Lusternia?
Which of your fellow players do you think has a very lovely writing style?
This one might be one already mentioned before, but if you could sum up your character's current status or disposition in one word, what would it be?
Say a player from your past suddenly returns. Who are they and why are they important to you?
A perennial question, but similar to @Lantra's "headcanon" question, what is some lore that you are currently perplexed or puzzled by? What is some lore you want to know more about?
If your character could ask one question to Terentia, what would it be?
Why do you all use "sharded" when the correct term is "splintered"?

Terentia

Re: Absence Thread

Falling back to weekend-only activeness from upcoming Monday 28th until two weeks after.
Hope you all have fun and log pretty logs!

Xiran

Memories from the Horned Helm

Well, I didn't expect to experience nostalgic tears tonight, but that's what happens! Thank you SO MUCH to whoever put this together and gave me a hint to go find it. Really, I cried .

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Something dances about your mind, and you have an urge to go to the Serenguard Lodge, where a helm rests with memories. Will you place any of your own?

Everiine blinks, looks to the sky, and shakes his head.

You think to yourself: What was that?

For reasons he doesn't understand, Everiine steps out of Ladrennbenn Camp, heading for a place that still, all these years later, gnaws at his heart.

Travel travel travel travel travel...

Outside the Serenguard Lodge. (road).
Superimposed over this location, an ethereal forest reaches up to the sky. It is uncomfortably cold. No longer the imposing building with high walls and a steepled roof, the Serenguard Lodge is a pile of still-smouldering lumber and scorched stone. Ash covers the path toward its great mantled doors, and the thin whispers of smoke overwhelm the otherwise fragrant scents of the forest. The vegetation in the area feels saturated with life, covered in misted dewdrops, ready to burst forth into vibrancy at any moment. Birds sing more melodically, and creatures dance amidst the foliage, suffused with power and grace.
You see exits leading east (open door) and west.

Everiine takes a deep breath, then lets it out.

In the charred ruins of the Lodge.
Superimposed over this location, an ethereal forest reaches up to the sky. Scorched earth and burnt timber is all that remains of the Serenguard Lodge, the once mighty structure a mere pile of smoking wood. Where wall stood now is the cindered and blackened presence of nearby trees, and the floor has been exposed to ash-covered soil. The air is choked with plumes of thick black smoke, which merges into the distant canopy to cloak the place in shadow and soot. Small trails meander through the devastation where animals, large and small, attempted to flee for safety. The vegetation in the area feels saturated with life, covered in misted dewdrops, ready to burst forth into vibrancy at any moment. Birds sing more melodically, and creatures dance amidst the foliage, suffused with power and grace. A painting of a vibrant spirit has been thrown on the ground here. A blackened, horned helm of formerly silvery hue rests here, affixed to the ground.
You see a single exit leading west (open door).
An antlered, fire-blackened helm nearby catches your eye.

probe helm
Crafted from pure silver, this helm would have once entirely encased the head. Though flat at the back of the neck, the helm sweeps downwards starting at the jaw, coming to a point under the chin. Where the eyes and cheeks would've been, the helm has been charred, leaving large, irregular holes. Just above the eyes, the phases of the moon encircle the top of the helm still, each one engraved save for the full and new. A gaping opening of outlined black is all that is left in the back for the new moon, and in the front, the inset disc of full moonstone is half melted, frozen in a dripping moment. Nothing remains of quilt or leather that may have lined the helm's inside. Someone has, however, affixed newly carved antlers atop the burned helm, giving it an antlered appearance.
You sense that you might SALUTE or TRIBALSALUTE this helm to see memorial visions of the Serenguard guild that was. You may also USE the helm to leave your own memories, or see those others have left.

Everiine glances down when his foot bumps against something metallic. "It... it can't be..." mutters, kneeling down to get a closer look. He runs his fingers over the blackened helm. "How... what..."

tribalsalute helm
You slam your fist against your body, paying respect to an antlered, fire-blackened helm. Flickers of flame rise up before you and all around you, crackling with echoes of the past as the lodge of the Lost Tribe burns once more before your eyes, guarded by images of Serenguard past.

Here's all the visions I was able to get:

<<< The Serenguard Lodge burns, the thick black smoke rising silhouetted against the bright flames. Warriors drench the beams and walls with buckets of water, and druids and wiccans call for rain from the skies, to no avail. Time appears to pass in fast forward, and the inferno rises and falls, until nothing remains but charred logs and piles of ashes. A warrior drops to a kneel before the destroyed Lodge, bowing his antler-helmed head in sorrow. >>>

Everiine stumbles back and falls, a cold sweat breaking out on his brow.

Shaking, Everiine reaches out for the helm again.

<<< Fragrant smoke rises from the fire burning here, at the banks of Moon River, as two Serenguard begin their rites. Only shadows hide their nudity, from the tall trees that stretch upward to escape the smoke's rising plumes. Their things have been set aside, in neat piles next to their weapons. "Here," says the older one--an aslaran of rich, dark brown fur--who presses the bowl of pungent tea into the other's hands. "Drink this and breathe." The other, elfen with shimmering hair, nods and sips, their chest heaving and lungs struggling to take in the smoke. They sit in silence, still, as almost imperceptibly, their consciousnesses flash elsewhere. The quest begins. >>>

<<< Thick mists writhe and then clear, showing a long path looking eastwards with the beginnings of an imposing building being built within the forest. A group of centaurs slowly haul stone blocks in from the west. Large winches and ropes surround the foundation, being used to lift the blocks in place. Mists swirl and writhe and clear once more... The path remains the same, but the Lodge is now complete: an imposing building, with high walls and steepled roof. A tall, somber centaur approaches an elfen, passing over a pair of staves, one topped with an orb of glowing moonlight, and the other topped by silvery antlers with hundreds of points. >>>

<<< The door bursts open amidst the burning Serenguard Lodge. Kota Truehoof, newest among the Serenguard, struggles in combat with Master Eurytus. Flames crackle and pop as the two centaur wrestle with one another, until finally, Kota stabs a knife into the body of the old tutor. Blood gushes forth from Eurytus's chest and mouth as he utters, "St...stop him..," and then he falls to the ground, eyes glazed in death. The young centaur Kota, limned in dark shadows of possession, drops to the ground amidst a slick pool of Eurytus's blood. The Serenguard witnesses surround both of them, primal cries of horror falling from their lips. The flames rise, obscuring everything. >>>

<<< Two Serenguard face one another. Under the emerald trees, the younger one recites the timeless words spoken in oath: "I... am a warrior in the ranks of the Serenguard. I am a Watcher beneath the light of Mother Moon and a Guardian before the gaze of Brother White Hart. My duties are to those of the Serenwilde, the physical form and spiritual being. I serve the ideals for which the Serenwilde survives." The forest stands silent, expectant at her words. "I shall adhere to and uphold the Sacred Leaves of the Serenwilde commune. I shall act with sense of honour and respect, that I may never bring shame upon my commune or my tribe. I shall tone my body and my mind, ever seeking improvement in the way of the Warrior, such that I will always be prepared to defend my charge. I shall ever seek to aide my compatriots and allies in traveling their paths." She takes a breath before she ends with, "I am Seren. For as long as I walk within the Basin of Life, I shall be bound by this oath. Should I break my word, there shall be no respite, no safe haven from the retribution of my bretheren... Feidhmigh Ar Son Serenguard!" >>>

And here's the memory I added:

An elfen Serenguard bathes in the Moon River after a challenging ordeal. Downstream, his two companions do the same, washing the remains of a mighty beast from their bodies and discussing the harrowing fight. The elfen reflects silently on his experience, replaying the battle over and over in his head. His fellow Serenguard join him, and one of the elders smiles at him. "Three Masks of Wolverine," he says simply, declaring his opinion on the success of the quest.

Tears run down the old bird's face. So many memories, so many experiences, all brought back by the sight of the ancient helm, the helm that once sat on the head of the Protector of the People and Warden of the Moonhart. Everiine wipes his cheeks and sits in the ashes and ruins. Yet, though his later memories of the Lost Tribe are marred by sorrow, they are far outnumbered by the centuries of faithful service he gave, and the combined millenia of service rendered by Serenguard throughout the generations. And so he smiles, a soft, emotional smile, and puts his fist to his chest. "Feidmigh ar son Serenguard," he whispers.

As you sit, the land about you glows with bright vibrancy, left as a trail by the spirit of Seralem that had deposited the helm here. The memories flash through your mind once more, and you come away with the knowledge that even those that perished now rest among the Host of the ancestral dead, empowering the Verdant Land with their continued strength.

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Damn--it's such a small thing, but the memories are SO well written. Reminds me of why I keep coming back. Things mean something here, and the impact we as players make never goes away.

Everiine

Re: Absence Thread

Trying to get a lot of ducks in a row lately. Am still around, but don't be surprised if I've been a little slower to respond than usual!

Lantra

Re: Absence Thread

To add to my ever growing list of issues with my move, my internet provider somehow missed moving the cancel date for my current service while moving the start date for the new service, so now my internet has been unexpectedly cut and things are generally messy and unpleasant. Might be spotty for a good while - sorry for the vanishing act @Coraline

Jolanthe

Re: Lack of Raves VI: Rave Today, Tweet Tomorrow

i'm not ready to share logs just yet, we'll see how things play out, but Li-Varili is a cunning, conniving genius, i felt like a trap was closing around me but there was nothing i could do and it was freaking amazing. Thanks for playing with me

Sapphira

Re: Absence Thread

I shall be traveling between June 17th-24th, so... anticipate less orange madness in that time :') All good things, just out of town!

Gurashi

Re: Lack of Raves VI: Rave Today, Tweet Tomorrow

You know what. I'm just gonna keep raving.

@Galaphyrae, for Xiran to have contributed to a ritual of her mentor and friend is something Xiran's going to cherish forever. Galaphyrae brought it up to her. Paranoid Xiran roughly calculated for a New Moon, so frantic ritual-rifling started. Tyrus and Qistrel supplied in the missing pieces of Lady Maylea's teachings and the interconnectedness of the land of the kaelye. That was the end of my contribution to the beginning of an awesome event. Galaphyrae transformed it, gave it the right tone, and kept the lines inspired by Tyrus and Qistrel.

Raves to @Maylea, @Nocht, Li-Varili for giving us an amazing experience.

@Tau, @Esei, @Evette, @Illyria, @Gael, @Synl for coming when outnumbered and pouring out all your astounding roleplay. Your characters seriously carry the aura of the Wyrd.

@Nialla, who began the ritual but also roleplayed freely and intensely when things quickly moved past that. @Tyrus and @Qistrel for being formal ritualists. And then the curtains really went up. Raves to Galaphyrae, @Grimmia, @Calfuray, @Sondayga, @Amirae, Silvanos, Aubrey, and last but not least @Adrenthorne!

Everyone brought it to hecking -life-.

---

And more raving, for Maylea again as well as:
Nialla, Tyrus, @Huskii, @Kymil, Galaphyrae, and @Saran who's logged the Respite of Tore Niskanen.

Not logged:
With a hint from Maylea, Galaphyrae sets up a similar structure as before. Tyrus and Huskii rushed to the shelves and located perfect elements to draw on for the Wodewoses (@Faythe!!) and Seralem (Zhi's ritual from Hartstone). We struggled for the Listeners and Saran woke in time to just. Name names of the Host and blow our minds. Watching Nialla and Galaphyrae build off each other for the Sowers was beautiful. Galaphyrae and Saran further elaborated for Seralem. Xiran just held books, okay. The team knew we wanted to invoke Elfenehoala. Xiran being next to Kymil in coven provided the click for how.

Watching people collaborate on the ritual was a spiritual experience in itself for Xiran. And then for the real thing, Maylea is just *_*.

---

There's so much love in collaborative storytelling. So yes, raves to everyone. I elaborated a bunch on planning because it was a fun sort of meta on the building off each other in less scripted roleplay.

There's a great thrill in spontaneity and synchronicity. For those, the work wasn't done by having prepared lines, but really knowing/refreshing/expanding your IG lore and culture as well as real-world material. And I hard rave for that.

Xiran

Re: Lusternian AMA

Lantra said:

Haven't bumped this in awhile! Forgive any repeats, but below is inspired by recent Discord conversations:
Poof, Ascension still works like it did for Ayridion! When your character ascends and becomes a proper Vernal Divine, what are they like?
Who would you cast as a voice actor for your character?
What would your character's "fall from grace" story arc be? If you're already a nefarious villain, what would your "redemption" arc look like?
What's your favorite lore "conspiracy theory" you have, or personal headcanon?
What is your favorite god relationship? (Can be romantic, friendship, rivalry, random ridiculous pairing -- whatever!)

Oooh fun questions!
1) Enough said:

2) Charlize Theron, or Cate Blanchet - smooth, refined, a little sultry but also capable of tearing you apart gloriously.
Edit: Or an Emma Stone as Cruella would also work really well!

3) redemption and fall from grace are two sides of the same coin, really! This is hard to know. Maybe by giving over all control of her snarky tongue and burning all sorts of bridges, it would be a fall from grace. Not sure about redemption though there is some deep-seated uncertainty/vulnerability that could be exploited in the right hands, possibly, to lead her away from all the tainty goodness. Slim chance, but hey, soft gooey centre is there somewhere, promise.

4) Honestly - not sure on this.

5) Agreed with Uzriel, I'd love to know more about the relationships with Dro and the other elders (esp Li-Varili) both before and after the elixir. Traitor gods are very polarised against the others, I'd love to hear/learn more of the grey areas between them, such as divine on either side of the fence that have or had a bond. There's plenty of open hate and animosity, where's the grey? Who secretly agrees they did what they had to? Who has forgiven the sins of the past in a new era of survival? Who sympathised then but now doesn't? Surely these opinions exist somewhere, i would love to explore them!
Also hard not to love the classic Fain and Drocilla pairing and what it could have been. Also loving the drama with Dro and Li-Varili.

Sapphira

Re: Lack of Raves VI: Rave Today, Tweet Tomorrow

Serenwilde things wot happened. Yes.

@Galaphyrae, hee.

@Lleuke. Oh my goodness. ;_;

@Aeldra. Always meaningful and thought-provoking.

#Glomdoring can RP too.

Xiran