The Mentors at the Elanthian Conclave on Feastday, 2nd Eorgaen at 6 PM, invited High Priestess Berkana LeJardine, previously of the Circle of the Grey Moon, to present the original writings of scholar and high priestess Moriane saVere, the first to write about Eorgina and Her rituals. Questions were indulged post-presentation.
Documented below:
Speaking softly to Berkana, Linaine says, "Thank you for joining us here and imparting your knowledge of Eorgina."
Berkana asks, "Shall we give folks another moment or two?"
Speaking deeply to Berkana, Clunk says, "Was just sayin, Eorgina gots own place on stairs."
Clunk deeply says, "In passage of ancients."
Berkana asks, "Shall we settle in?"
Berkana says, "Good evening, and thank you all for attending tonight. My thanks to the Lorekeepers for hosting this presentation and the entirety of the Elanthian Conclave."
Berkana says, "I would appreciate your quiet attention during the event, waiting with your questions and comments until I am done. Please do feel free to take some refreshments."
Berkana says, "My name is Berkana LeJardine, previously High Priestess of the Circle of the Grey Moon as well as mentor to other priestesses and priests who followed, Matriarch of House Brigatta, member of the Faendryl Enclave, and shira qa to my Mis ri - Talinvor Vorrith."
Berkana says, "Many years ago, I met briefly with the Sorceress Moriane saVere, first known High Priestess to our Queen, and enjoyed a pleasurable walk while deep in discussion about various philosophies and rituals dedicated to Her."
Berkana says, "That would be Eorgina that I am referring to."
Berkana chuckles.
Berkana says, "Moriane repeated to me the words of the dark elf scholar, K rin Dyshaa, well noted for her studies in the ways of pain in which Eorgina delights."
Berkana recites:
"And though She walks among you, you see Her not. Her flaming skin shines on the flat of your blade, Her hair smolders in the skin of your face, Her eyes burn in the seat of your heart. None who walk in Elanthia can say they know Her not... for they do. She is in the mantle of all hearts, in the minds of all men. Wherever there is dark, She is there. Whenever the sun sets his garish head and Zelia raises her sweet orb, She ascends the sky, an Empress benighted, flaming scepter in Her hands.""
Berkana says, "Thus began my lesson about the true Eorgina and Her rites that I am about to share, not the amusing and oft annoying caricature espoused by the uneducated or self-serving."
Berkana says, "Moriane explained to me, "Very little is known to most about the goddess Eorgina. Few are Her servants that are allowed to walk the paths of Elanthia, fewer still those who survive more than a season under Her visions. She is, however, one of the most powerful forces attributed to Lornon, and wide is the shadow spread by Her hand over the Lands."."
Berkana says, "Let s talk that... a bit about Eorgina s main sphere of influence. Though she rules over Tyranny and Domination, Eorgina is first and foremost the Goddess of Darkness. She rules not the night, but the blackness of it. Not the ending of the day, but the reason for its end. I ask, what is day without night? It is nothing. What is light without dark? Again, nothing."
(Berkana shifts her weight to her other foot, placing one hand under her chin as she queries, "Ah, you may ask, what is dark without light? It still is darkness, blackness, pure to its very center. This is my Lady, this immutable ever-present thing.)
Berkana says, "Welcome Mayor, we're at the start, if you care to sit."
Berkana says, "I shall repeat for the benefit of the newly arrived..."
Berkana says, "Ah, you may ask, what is dark without light? It still is darkness, blackness, pure to its very center. This is my Lady, this immutable ever-present thing."
Berkana says, "It is hard to explain the image of our Lady... Her kindness is hard, yet filled with lessons and teachings well learned by all. Great is the wisdom in Her eyes, and the power of Her heart. Her face... woe to the man who sees it and blessed is the woman whose eyes catch a glimpse."
Berkana says, "A common misconception is that Eorgina dislikes men intensely, as few men last at all long in Her service. This is simply not the case. Men, only the most fit, are allowed even to grace Her marble halls."
Berkana says, "All those unfit, men or women, help feed Her hunger for power. Females, for some reason, attune to Her more, and in them there is a certain well of power unpossessed by men specific to Her. What this is, She says not to us; we merely serve and obey, as all things will be revealed in time."
Berkana says, "Simply put, men usually cannot withstand the great magicks or pain required of Her service. They soon wither before Her. Women are much more adept at all She asks. It is also rumored that Her tastes lie with women, Her favorites advancing to be High Priestesses. Moriane added that she had no direct knowledge of the latter."
Berkana exclaims, "Rites to Eorgina do not focus on such petty things as death or of life, but of realization. They revolve around transcendence; seeing Her truths through new eyes. Pain is merely a tool. Physical pleasure is merely a tool. Emotion is merely a tool... these She teaches... these She shows us how to use. She helps us hone these skills... powerful is the strong woman who knows pain, knows how to use it, knows the effects of it. And pleasure... how double edged are both!"
Berkana says, "The Goddess Eorgina, if nothing else, is a delightfully fascinating deity to worship. The workings of Her thoughts are, of course, unfathomable to mere mortals, but the ways that She is worshipped are very interesting indeed."
Berkana says, "There are nine Rites in the year, as nine is a number sacred to Her and to all women. Of these, three (which is also a number that she favors) are the most important. They are, in no particular order, the Rite of Dedication, the Rite of Ascent, and a most private ritual, the Rite of the Affirmation an annual pledging of personal fealty to our Queen."
Berkana says, "The first two rites have been performed publicly by myself, when I led the Circle of the Grey Moon, or conduct the First Rite during the first full moons of the year. That Rite of Dedication serves to celebrate the births of women within the previous year."
Berkana says, "Not completely limited to only women, the High Priestess of the sect will examine all female and male babes, and carefully separate them into three castes - Accepted Women, Selected Men, and the Unfit."
Berkana says, "Accepteds are carefully tutored in Her ways, and the ways of all pantheons. A few go on to serve as Her priestesses, as surviving both the rigorous training and whims of Eorgina is a difficult road."
Dirvy furrows her brow.
Berkana says, "Selecteds are also trained, but the washout rate is even more staggering for them. They might become High Priests or Scholars. Each, the Accepteds and Selecteds, are paired with the Unfits, who serve as their slaves, sacrificed at maturity."
Dirvy frowns.
Berkana says, "So while not completely discarded, the Unfit serve their purpose."
Berkana says, "These sacrifices are also performed in threes and are greatly symbolic. Should I be able to find appropriate victims I will be doing so after the first of the new year, when Lornon, Liabo, and Tilaok are full. Please watch for my announcement."
Berkana ponders.
(Berkana paces slightly to one side of the room before looking up.)
Berkana says, "Perhaps a bit more about the sacrifices, since I seem to be speaking quickly and thought I was going to be over-long."
Clunk whispers to the group, "Is they comin to Li'Aerion then fer that?"
Berkana says, "Of the three sacrifices, the first is the Unwilling, to symbolize what control fate has in our lives. This is usually male, of median age (it is vital that this victim, if male, be fully matured)."
Dirvy whispers to the group, "What is this Li'Aerion? That is a place, yes?"
Mourne winks at Cruxophim.
Berkana says, "The second is the Willing, uneducated in the ways of the Gods. This symbolizes our blind acceptance of faith. This offering is usually a young female child, who chooses (without force or coercion) to give herself to Eorgina."
Clunk whispers to the group, "Li'Aerion be palace of Eorgina. She gifted it to them that foller her when she stopp'd coin to Elanith."
Clunk whispers to the group, "It be topside of Zul."
Berkana says, "The third sacrifice is the Scholar. This is a willing sacrifice, free from coercion or influence, made by an elder member of the Priestesses. She chooses fate aware of what her choice will mean, her decision made on learning and wisdom. This last sacrifice is one of the highest honors in the Temple, and one not lightly dealt out."
Berkana says, "Not all of Eorgina's rites are bloody, but life revolves around blood as they say, and around pain and what we make of pain. Life revolves around blood, for to mortals blood is life. Pain is life to some, a tool to others. Some affirm life, and celebrate the bounties of the earth, for the earth like a woman's body gives life. Some affirm death and rebirth, for these are a part of all life we must accept. This the Lady teaches, acceptance, and the growth of that acceptance into the coming of a greater Power all our own."
Berkana asks, "Complex, no?"
Berkana appears to be trying hard not to grin.
Goldstr says, "Verra aye."
Berkana says, "The second rite I spoke of is the Rite of Ascent, a ritual used to induct new followers into Her service. This can either be done openly, or closed, depending upon each sect."
Berkana says, "The third ritual was only once performed publicly and created such a controversy, that Circle of the Grey Moon decided to keep it private ever after."
Berkana says, "I have the dubious distinction of creating that scandal."
Berkana smirks.
Berkana says, "That's a story for another time... or later."
Berkana chuckles.
Berkana says, "This seems like a good place to close and entertain your queries..."
Berkana asks, "Are there any?"
Speaking softly to Clunk, Berkana says, "Speak lad."
Mourne thoughtfully taps a finger against his lips.
Clunk deeply asks, "Ye was there when Eorgina gifted her palace to them that follow her?"
Clunk deeply says, "Askin cuzza ye say'd the words she spoke."
Clunk nods at Berkana.
Berkana says, "I was not, I was traveling and returned just after. However I made the pilgrimage on my own many times, still have the key to the gate."
Clunk nods at Berkana.
Clunk deeply asks, "I tell ye them words?"
Berkana says, "That would be good."
(Clunk pause long enough to make ye wonder.)
Clunk recites deeply:
"She say
Remember this
I rule not the night, but the blackness of it.
Not the ending of the day, but the reason for its end.
Without night, day is nothing.
Without Dark, light is nothing.
And without light, darkness still persists... darker than ever."
Berkana nods at Clunk.
Clunk's face turns slightly pale.
Clunk deeply says, "When I raise my hand afore, twas cuzza I reklected her sayin."
Berkana says, "Thank you Clunk."
Clunk deeply says, "Twas after she zap me with litnin, so's I was keepin my mouth shut for it."
Berkana says, "I still mourn that I was not present that day for the discovery."
Berkana says, "My personal philosophy is that in everything, Eorgina victors, She celebrates."
Berkana says, "War, death, life."
Berkana says, "All serve Her purpose."
Berkana asks, "Any other questions or comments?"
Speaking deeply to Berkana, Clunk asks, "Ye been up the ancient stairs?"
Speaking to Clunk, Berkana says, "Not in a very long time. I should go again."
Speaking softly to Berkana, Linaine says, "The Conclave is suggesting individual pilgrimages there tomorrow in fact."
Speaking carefully to Berkana, Mourne asks, "The... sorting, the structure you described, seems very rigid, in its delineation by sex. Have you ever run across individuals who did not fit the structure?"
Berkana says, "Oh, I should attend then."
Berkana grins at Linaine.
Documented below:
Speaking softly to Berkana, Linaine says, "Thank you for joining us here and imparting your knowledge of Eorgina."
Berkana asks, "Shall we give folks another moment or two?"
Speaking deeply to Berkana, Clunk says, "Was just sayin, Eorgina gots own place on stairs."
Clunk deeply says, "In passage of ancients."
Berkana asks, "Shall we settle in?"
Berkana says, "Good evening, and thank you all for attending tonight. My thanks to the Lorekeepers for hosting this presentation and the entirety of the Elanthian Conclave."
Berkana says, "I would appreciate your quiet attention during the event, waiting with your questions and comments until I am done. Please do feel free to take some refreshments."
Berkana says, "My name is Berkana LeJardine, previously High Priestess of the Circle of the Grey Moon as well as mentor to other priestesses and priests who followed, Matriarch of House Brigatta, member of the Faendryl Enclave, and shira qa to my Mis ri - Talinvor Vorrith."
Berkana says, "Many years ago, I met briefly with the Sorceress Moriane saVere, first known High Priestess to our Queen, and enjoyed a pleasurable walk while deep in discussion about various philosophies and rituals dedicated to Her."
Berkana says, "That would be Eorgina that I am referring to."
Berkana chuckles.
Berkana says, "Moriane repeated to me the words of the dark elf scholar, K rin Dyshaa, well noted for her studies in the ways of pain in which Eorgina delights."
Berkana recites:
"And though She walks among you, you see Her not. Her flaming skin shines on the flat of your blade, Her hair smolders in the skin of your face, Her eyes burn in the seat of your heart. None who walk in Elanthia can say they know Her not... for they do. She is in the mantle of all hearts, in the minds of all men. Wherever there is dark, She is there. Whenever the sun sets his garish head and Zelia raises her sweet orb, She ascends the sky, an Empress benighted, flaming scepter in Her hands.""
Berkana says, "Thus began my lesson about the true Eorgina and Her rites that I am about to share, not the amusing and oft annoying caricature espoused by the uneducated or self-serving."
Berkana says, "Moriane explained to me, "Very little is known to most about the goddess Eorgina. Few are Her servants that are allowed to walk the paths of Elanthia, fewer still those who survive more than a season under Her visions. She is, however, one of the most powerful forces attributed to Lornon, and wide is the shadow spread by Her hand over the Lands."."
Berkana says, "Let s talk that... a bit about Eorgina s main sphere of influence. Though she rules over Tyranny and Domination, Eorgina is first and foremost the Goddess of Darkness. She rules not the night, but the blackness of it. Not the ending of the day, but the reason for its end. I ask, what is day without night? It is nothing. What is light without dark? Again, nothing."
(Berkana shifts her weight to her other foot, placing one hand under her chin as she queries, "Ah, you may ask, what is dark without light? It still is darkness, blackness, pure to its very center. This is my Lady, this immutable ever-present thing.)
Berkana says, "Welcome Mayor, we're at the start, if you care to sit."
Berkana says, "I shall repeat for the benefit of the newly arrived..."
Berkana says, "Ah, you may ask, what is dark without light? It still is darkness, blackness, pure to its very center. This is my Lady, this immutable ever-present thing."
Berkana says, "It is hard to explain the image of our Lady... Her kindness is hard, yet filled with lessons and teachings well learned by all. Great is the wisdom in Her eyes, and the power of Her heart. Her face... woe to the man who sees it and blessed is the woman whose eyes catch a glimpse."
Berkana says, "A common misconception is that Eorgina dislikes men intensely, as few men last at all long in Her service. This is simply not the case. Men, only the most fit, are allowed even to grace Her marble halls."
Berkana says, "All those unfit, men or women, help feed Her hunger for power. Females, for some reason, attune to Her more, and in them there is a certain well of power unpossessed by men specific to Her. What this is, She says not to us; we merely serve and obey, as all things will be revealed in time."
Berkana says, "Simply put, men usually cannot withstand the great magicks or pain required of Her service. They soon wither before Her. Women are much more adept at all She asks. It is also rumored that Her tastes lie with women, Her favorites advancing to be High Priestesses. Moriane added that she had no direct knowledge of the latter."
Berkana exclaims, "Rites to Eorgina do not focus on such petty things as death or of life, but of realization. They revolve around transcendence; seeing Her truths through new eyes. Pain is merely a tool. Physical pleasure is merely a tool. Emotion is merely a tool... these She teaches... these She shows us how to use. She helps us hone these skills... powerful is the strong woman who knows pain, knows how to use it, knows the effects of it. And pleasure... how double edged are both!"
Berkana says, "The Goddess Eorgina, if nothing else, is a delightfully fascinating deity to worship. The workings of Her thoughts are, of course, unfathomable to mere mortals, but the ways that She is worshipped are very interesting indeed."
Berkana says, "There are nine Rites in the year, as nine is a number sacred to Her and to all women. Of these, three (which is also a number that she favors) are the most important. They are, in no particular order, the Rite of Dedication, the Rite of Ascent, and a most private ritual, the Rite of the Affirmation an annual pledging of personal fealty to our Queen."
Berkana says, "The first two rites have been performed publicly by myself, when I led the Circle of the Grey Moon, or conduct the First Rite during the first full moons of the year. That Rite of Dedication serves to celebrate the births of women within the previous year."
Berkana says, "Not completely limited to only women, the High Priestess of the sect will examine all female and male babes, and carefully separate them into three castes - Accepted Women, Selected Men, and the Unfit."
Berkana says, "Accepteds are carefully tutored in Her ways, and the ways of all pantheons. A few go on to serve as Her priestesses, as surviving both the rigorous training and whims of Eorgina is a difficult road."
Dirvy furrows her brow.
Berkana says, "Selecteds are also trained, but the washout rate is even more staggering for them. They might become High Priests or Scholars. Each, the Accepteds and Selecteds, are paired with the Unfits, who serve as their slaves, sacrificed at maturity."
Dirvy frowns.
Berkana says, "So while not completely discarded, the Unfit serve their purpose."
Berkana says, "These sacrifices are also performed in threes and are greatly symbolic. Should I be able to find appropriate victims I will be doing so after the first of the new year, when Lornon, Liabo, and Tilaok are full. Please watch for my announcement."
Berkana ponders.
(Berkana paces slightly to one side of the room before looking up.)
Berkana says, "Perhaps a bit more about the sacrifices, since I seem to be speaking quickly and thought I was going to be over-long."
Clunk whispers to the group, "Is they comin to Li'Aerion then fer that?"
Berkana says, "Of the three sacrifices, the first is the Unwilling, to symbolize what control fate has in our lives. This is usually male, of median age (it is vital that this victim, if male, be fully matured)."
Dirvy whispers to the group, "What is this Li'Aerion? That is a place, yes?"
Mourne winks at Cruxophim.
Berkana says, "The second is the Willing, uneducated in the ways of the Gods. This symbolizes our blind acceptance of faith. This offering is usually a young female child, who chooses (without force or coercion) to give herself to Eorgina."
Clunk whispers to the group, "Li'Aerion be palace of Eorgina. She gifted it to them that foller her when she stopp'd coin to Elanith."
Clunk whispers to the group, "It be topside of Zul."
Berkana says, "The third sacrifice is the Scholar. This is a willing sacrifice, free from coercion or influence, made by an elder member of the Priestesses. She chooses fate aware of what her choice will mean, her decision made on learning and wisdom. This last sacrifice is one of the highest honors in the Temple, and one not lightly dealt out."
Berkana says, "Not all of Eorgina's rites are bloody, but life revolves around blood as they say, and around pain and what we make of pain. Life revolves around blood, for to mortals blood is life. Pain is life to some, a tool to others. Some affirm life, and celebrate the bounties of the earth, for the earth like a woman's body gives life. Some affirm death and rebirth, for these are a part of all life we must accept. This the Lady teaches, acceptance, and the growth of that acceptance into the coming of a greater Power all our own."
Berkana asks, "Complex, no?"
Berkana appears to be trying hard not to grin.
Goldstr says, "Verra aye."
Berkana says, "The second rite I spoke of is the Rite of Ascent, a ritual used to induct new followers into Her service. This can either be done openly, or closed, depending upon each sect."
Berkana says, "The third ritual was only once performed publicly and created such a controversy, that Circle of the Grey Moon decided to keep it private ever after."
Berkana says, "I have the dubious distinction of creating that scandal."
Berkana smirks.
Berkana says, "That's a story for another time... or later."
Berkana chuckles.
Berkana says, "This seems like a good place to close and entertain your queries..."
Berkana asks, "Are there any?"
Speaking softly to Clunk, Berkana says, "Speak lad."
Mourne thoughtfully taps a finger against his lips.
Clunk deeply asks, "Ye was there when Eorgina gifted her palace to them that follow her?"
Clunk deeply says, "Askin cuzza ye say'd the words she spoke."
Clunk nods at Berkana.
Berkana says, "I was not, I was traveling and returned just after. However I made the pilgrimage on my own many times, still have the key to the gate."
Clunk nods at Berkana.
Clunk deeply asks, "I tell ye them words?"
Berkana says, "That would be good."
(Clunk pause long enough to make ye wonder.)
Clunk recites deeply:
"She say
Remember this
I rule not the night, but the blackness of it.
Not the ending of the day, but the reason for its end.
Without night, day is nothing.
Without Dark, light is nothing.
And without light, darkness still persists... darker than ever."
Berkana nods at Clunk.
Clunk's face turns slightly pale.
Clunk deeply says, "When I raise my hand afore, twas cuzza I reklected her sayin."
Berkana says, "Thank you Clunk."
Clunk deeply says, "Twas after she zap me with litnin, so's I was keepin my mouth shut for it."
Berkana says, "I still mourn that I was not present that day for the discovery."
Berkana says, "My personal philosophy is that in everything, Eorgina victors, She celebrates."
Berkana says, "War, death, life."
Berkana says, "All serve Her purpose."
Berkana asks, "Any other questions or comments?"
Speaking deeply to Berkana, Clunk asks, "Ye been up the ancient stairs?"
Speaking to Clunk, Berkana says, "Not in a very long time. I should go again."
Speaking softly to Berkana, Linaine says, "The Conclave is suggesting individual pilgrimages there tomorrow in fact."
Speaking carefully to Berkana, Mourne asks, "The... sorting, the structure you described, seems very rigid, in its delineation by sex. Have you ever run across individuals who did not fit the structure?"
Berkana says, "Oh, I should attend then."
Berkana grins at Linaine.