This turned out to be a pretty neat lil event. I decided to meet the group when they came across to Ilithi and join them for the remainder of the Pilgrimage. The group started out with Peri'el altar in Zoluren's Eye of Hav'roth. I joined up with them on the way to Berengaria's altar between Leth Deriel and the gondola, and we finished with Hodierna's shrine in Ilithi's Undershard.

We stopped at each altar and paid our respects. Undershard was a bit of a challenge as the residents apparently were not thrilled that we were there and kept kidnapping members of the group and dragging them off to various parts of Undershard. After seeing far more Assassins and Stalkers (even a Fenrae Executioner) than I normally see we got the group together (no deaths!) and finished up at Hodierna's shrine.

We then went and met Snow in Rutilor's alcove in the Temple of light. Here's a trim version of how it ended:

Snow says, "Thank you for coming my guild brothers and sisters."
Snow says, "You have made a journey to pay homage to some of the gods that look over us each day."
Snow says, "Peri'el"
Snow says, "She watches over the World Dragon to ensure it remains sleeping."
Snow says, "Berengaria"
Sebestyen smiles.
Snow says, "The finder of lost children and bringer of dawn. She gives us renewed hope each day."
Madigan nods.
Shevden nods.
Snow says, "Hodierna"
Snow says, "The granter of life. There is none without her."
Valynn smiles and links her hand in Madigan's.
Snow says, "Rutilor"
Snow says, "He defends all the gods and watches over us. He judges with kindness and yet keeps a firm hand on all of us."
Madigan smiles at Valynn.
Snow motions to the basket of candles.
Madigan just found a blue candle in a crate filled with candles!

Snow says, "Please, take one and light it to show your faith to our beloved gods."

Much getting and lighting candles


Snow says, "Now, please bow your heads as I lead our prayers today."
A finger of flame leaps up from Annikki's blue candle.
Everburned kneels down and begins to pray.
Snow kneels down.
Madigan kneels.
Snow closes her eyes, lowers her head and clasps her hands together.
Annikki kneels down and touches her lips with the tips of her fingers.
Shevden kneels.
Sebestyen kneels.
Valynn kneels.
Arvio kneels.
Madigan gazes down at the floor.
Dragendeck kneels down and begins to pray.
Snow says, "Oh blessed gods"
(Shevden bows his head.)
Your blue candle crackles as a spark rises from it.
Sebestyen continues praying fervently.
Snow says, "These good people have traveled in your names on this day."
Dragendeck continues praying.
A golden flame wavers across the tip of Shevden's blue candle.
Celitha kneels down.
A finger of flame leaps up from Sebestyen's blue candle.
You kneel down and begin to pray.
Snow says, "They have traveled to seek direction, guidance, and wisdom from you."
A finger of flame leaps up from Annikki's blue candle.
Dragendeck's blue candle burns with a comforting glow.
Snow says, "We ask that you grant hope to those who may be in despair."
The lit candles reflect upon the dazzling metallic threads on the tapestry, casting shadows around the alcove.
Snow says, "Protect those too weak to protect themselves."
Snow says, "Heal the sick and wounded who cannot care for themselves."
Your vision dims slightly.
You notice the light on the tapestry's metallic threads seem to grow brighter and brighter until the light becomes almost blinding.
You hear the faint voice of Lady Snow as she continues her prayer, "And give those here today the ability to restore peace and order where needed..."
You squint.
You hear the barking of dogs from outside the archway and the metallic threads on the tapestry grow even more brighter.
You feel the light brush of an animal against your leg, but when you look you see nothing.
Valynn takes a deep breath.
Lady Snow's voice can barely be heard through the dogs' barking as she steadily continues the vigil.
Over Lady Snow's voice you hear another voice, much stronger, say, "Relax my fearless ones. You have come to visit me voluntarily and this pleases me greatly."
You smile.
The strong voice in the room continues, "You remain truthful and faithful to me as I am to you."
The voice starts to fade, "Our work is never easy. There are always ones that get away, but you must remain stalwart in your hunt. Now go."
Suddenly, you hear the loud barking of dogs and the brushing against your legs again.
The bright light in your head begins to fade and your hear Lady Snow's voice again as the barking subsides. "... in our time of need. We trust and believe in you. Thank you for your gifts."
Madigan smiles warmly.
Sebestyen smiles.
Everburned rubs her skin.
Dragendeck smiles.
Lady Snow raises her head and opens her eyes.
Shevden smiles happily.
A golden flame wavers across the tip of Valynn's blue candle.
Annikki smiles.
Snow stands up.
Valynn smiles.
Everburned's blue candle crackles as a spark rises from it.
You stand back up.
Snow smiles.
Snow says, "Thank you all for being here during this moment."
Shevden nods to Snow.
Dragendeck says, "thank you"
Sebestyen says, "The honor was ours"
Shevden says, "Aye, thank you for taking time from your busy schedule to lead a prayer for us."
A finger of flame leaps up from Annikki's blue candle.
Annikki says, "very much so. Thank you"
Madigan says, "It was an honor traveling with all these find folks."
Shevden says, "Tis an honor Lady Snow."
Madigan says, "Fine even."
Madigan clears his throat.
Snow says, "It was worth it with all of you."
You say, "Indeed."
Snow smiles.
Madigan grins.
Everburned smiles.
Arvio quietly says, "Yes, thank you for meeting us at the end of our journey Lady Snow."
Madigan says, "Sebe, you gave a short poem for each of the gods we visited."
Arvio quietly says, "And thank you Madigan."
Arvio nods to Madigan.
Madigan asks, "Would you mind repeating those, to kind of wrap things up for us?"
Sebestyen says, "To Berengaria"
Sebestyen recites:
"Thy child seeks the light
Bring us dawn this day
Walk before me, sow anew
My feet follow seeking their way."
Sebestyen's blue candle burns with a comforting glow.
Sebestyen recites:
"Renew light and life
Thou are Mother to me
Mother who banishes night
And holds my soul safe for me."
Your blue candle crackles as a spark rises from it.
Sebestyen says, "And then to quote the leaders of our guild"
Sebestyen says, "It is written down."
Sebestyen says, "Each Paladin throughout the ages has been a focus for the forces of Light against Darkness.".
Sebestyen says, "A Paladin must ever be a shining example of courtesy and honor."
Everburned's blue candle burns with a comforting glow.
Sebestyen says, "If ever the Darkness should conquer the Light, the last gleam shall come from the uplifted blade of a righteous Paladin."
Sebestyen says, "Thus it was written long ago..."
Snow smiles.
Sebestyen says, "Act each moment as if you are the final shard of Light as Darkness closes in."
Sebestyen says, "And to recap our Code"
Sebestyen recites:
"A Paladin supports and defends Good
And opposes Evil."
A finger of flame leaps up from your blue candle.
Sebestyen recites:
"A Paladin is a leader in righteous combat."
Sebestyen recites:
"A Paladin is a protector.
A paladin is honest.
A Paladin is loyal.
A Paladin is holy."
Sebestyen recites:
"A Paladin is just,
And works to promote and enforce justice."
Sebestyen quietly says, "Remember those that came before us."
Dragendeck's blue candle goes out and crumbles away.
Sebestyen quietly says, "Remember honor."
Sebestyen recites:
"Hodierna your light shines brightly within me.
Truffenyi, your compassion and mercy warm my heart.
Eluned, your knowledge and wisdome guides me.
Chadatru, may I be your implement of justice.
May my life be worthy of my Gods' recognition."
Valynn's blue candle goes out and crumbles away.
Sebestyen twists the clasp of his prayer beads, apparently meditating.
Sebestyen quietly says, "Praise be to the Gods of Elanthia. "
A golden flame wavers across the tip of Shevden's blue candle.
Madigan says, "Just top notch my friend."
Madigan pats Sebestyen on the back.
You say, "Very nice."
Sebestyen bows to Madigan.
Snow beams at Sebestyen!
Sebestyen bows to Snow.
Valynn smiles at Sebestyen.
Annikki's blue candle goes out and crumbles away.
Annikki smiles at Sebestyen.
Celitha looks at Sebestyen and applauds!
Shevden says, "T'was beautiful."
Madigan says, "Now, if that doesn't get you excited, I don't know what will."
Everburned smiles.
Madigan grins.
Sebestyen's blue candle goes out and crumbles away.
Snow smiles.
Sebestyen blushes a bright red color.
Madigan pats Sebestyen on the back.
Snow says, "I must head back to my duties. Please have a safe journey home whereever that might be."
Madigan says, "Friends, it was my honor traveling with you today, but I must take my leave."

Leucius

Never argue with an idiot, they bring you down to their level and then beat you with experience.

I had a great time and was impressed with all of the little things. Thanks so much to Mad and Maece for putting it together. I look forward to future jouneys with such fine company (hopefully my schedule will allow me to attend)

It was indeed a blast. I'm just sorry that I got called away there at the penultimate part. I would have loved to have seen it through to the end. I will definitely try to make it to the next ones. Thanks to Madigan for organizing, Maece for providing the interesting bits (the holy fire in Madigan's eyes was a neat little effect), Sebestyen for the interesting bits, Valynn for her sense of direction, and Leucius for getting us through Undershard with only a minimal sense of danger. Oh, and for everyone who came along and gave little performances of their roleplaying abilties.

Also, just a thank you to all who participated. We have 3 additional pilgrimage volunteers and hopefully you all will see more to come throughout the year.

~Maece

I'm not a killer,
I'm an S-Mart employee.
And to kill a coworker
Is against company policy.

Evil Dead the Musical, 2008