OhDeerLord

A 'Ker, standing next to one of his fellows when the missive gets sent out glances over it and shakes his head, "Ancestors, these people never learn. You attract more with honey than vinegar."

Pulling up his hair from his face and looking back and forth over the note and the numbers a 'ker squints. "This one is a lot harder.. I don't think I can force this one." He grumbles, glancing over the words before hunkering down "Let's give it a shot though" He takes up his notebook and laughs cheerfully before getting to work.

Ardreth on his way home from the Temple pauses when he sees the missive advertising the clinic. He looks at it for a long moment, copying some of it down to bring to his wife and lari'onn and is about to step away before he twists back on his heel and stares for a few moments longer. He drums his fingers on his journal a few moments before shrugging and filling out the form. "Always something new to learn, and a mundane way to offer praise if they'll have me." He says softly to himself, slipping the note to a small mechanical mockingbird before continuing on his way. (OOC) MC Name: Gentharuz (OOC) Discord: OhDeerLord#5063 Name: Ardreth Race: Mali'ker Profession: Priest Skill Level: Amateur Why you would like to work at the Clinic? (Alternatively: What draws you to medicine?): I know anatomy and basic herbs, but I want to help aid our people and also further my learning in mundane acts of healing. I will also be available for life threatening situations if they're within my active hours. This most likely aligns with the Intern position, but I may also aid in Research with Spiritual matters, as that is my primary profession.

Skin: 7 Bid: 500 mina Discord: OhDeerLord#5063 IGN: Gentharuz

this looks like it could be really interesting and very well has a +1 from me but the wording is a little weird and I think some things need a double check? For the farseer blessings, those are temporary (lasting 24 hours with 4 shaman all passing their rolls) how would the time of the blessing of empowerment work on these items? and for the lutauman, the blessing of kor is specifically to succ ghosts, I think you're more wanting this to match the mechanics of the auditory and visual resonance since you're talking about the voice/appearance of someone residing in stargush'stroh appearing. needing this to be linked to blood or bone or ect will make things a bit difficult except for recently dead player characters that've chosen to go to stargush'stroh. It may work better to have screenshot approval from the player-ancestors atleast for their 'voice' to be in this item, and to reflect that the Lutuaman has gone into stargush'stroh to forge this connection. But sounds like a cute aesthetic item to see/hear someone again.

Heya, its ya boy, Deer Lord P much all of our Guides and TA's are full right now, so I assure you any gatekeeping atleast at the moment is literally because we're trying to get through who we have right now that can take students. Generally, druids are pretty dang easy to get into as long as theres openings and you interview a suitable ammount of 'i want to help nature'. It really isnt hard. I will be very short in this matter and say that the druid community's dislike of you has very little to do with 'antagaist anti-druid' rp, if you want to talk about it. Something that I do want to state is... people can dislike eachother and not want them near their friends, or recommend that they not be around. It's a thing that happens and with many of the artists and other folk in the druid community- You've rubbed them the wrong way, to be frank. If you want to message me about it, feel free to instead of lurking! I know you've been messaging some other people too, and have either a alt account in the discord or just a friend sending you screenshots, which is fine by me Dedicancies can be as fast as a month to longer, it all depends on peoples schedules, that's just the way things go, like we tell all of our dedicants atleast in the mother circle if your having a hard time meeting up with your teacher, talk to someone and we'll getcha figured out I've got a good idea of who, and I've enjoyed the RP with that character so far on both characters that I play, if its who I think it is! I think they've got a good shot at being a druid, and don't see anything that'd say they wouldnt get attuned. He's been fun so far. We just have a lot of people that are uncomfortable with you being in the discord, frankly, and we're allowed to feel that way. As for the situation with Ando Alur, I've got my own fingers in some other chats to see what's going on, and I'm glad you and your crew were able to get in- We were blocked from it OOCly! Staff really werent willing to work with us, and we were all really interested in trying to get in there and interact with it, but I repeatedly had people get back to me saying they were blocked from doing so. What we were told, was that we were too mean for wanting to take the city down, and should hold off to let people have their mage fun, and some solo endeavors were blocked by PRO and ST. Contrary to popular belief too- Druids cannot seal voidal tears, the times we sealed voidal tears in the past was with the help of mages, where we acted as defense and cleanup afterwards! As for the Necro things, I remember that being discussed, and at the time we had to focus more internally on activity rather than sending people out, and then as you said it just got burnt down All in all, if you want to talk Ryloth, I'm here. I don't like things you've done, I'll be straight forward with that, but RP is RP. I hope you're having fun on your dedicant!

I can answer this briefly- Druids have a lot of different types of players, who sometimes lead very different lives before they become druids Or, they pick up skills throughout their time as druids. There are druids that knowe Animii and smoggers, I can say that for sure. As for why a druid would know how to make smoggers, it isnt that hard to figure out why druids would want to know how something like that works, to figure out what they can do about it

Np np, I know kit well and we've talked about this a few times so lemme go through this 1. This is a complicated one that gets into discussion about burnout and ect, but let me try to break it down- forgive me if I'm not the most eloquent it's midnight on a worknight and I'll be heading to bed right after this! Essentially, what has happened is a vicious cycle of frustration, burnout, and ect. Druids are meant to go out and venture out, and have, to find blight, ect. Activity drops. Druids are asked to stay around the grove, do a lot of slice of life or sitting around rp that they might not nessecarily want to do and... activity raises for a bit, but this isnt nessecarily what people want to do. We had decent activity, passed activity for a long while like this. People got tired of it, wanted to go out adventuring. Activity drops. We stick around the grove for activity, get mocked at for not being around doing 'druid things' and ect ect ect. We've been at this for a long while, at all different angles. Having to be in the grove more often did serve for activity requirements! We met activity requirements, and it was great- but we lost out on what our community enjoys doing, and it became more like a second job many of us had to do after clocking off of our real jobs, to come onto the server and be around the grove. This turned into people not wanting to get on just to be on for activity when they were restricted in where they could go. Or even just the worry that they couldn't go where they wanted to go, because of the activity stress. Does that make a bit more sense? 2. I agree completely, and we're working on it! We can't maintain with the current activity system, and our players enjoyment the way things currently are. We've been told that there might be changes in the activity system, but then in the next sentence told 'not for months' which really doesnt serve us, so we're being proactive about it in our own community. 3. I understand what you're saying 100%, the thing is- these things have been discussed IRP! And has happened IRP a good few times. Taters said above- It doesn't work out. So while yes, OOCLY it definitely sounds like a interesting path to take, IRP history says otherwise, and OOC history says otherwise! Trust me when I say, these things have been talked about, and aren't seen as a viable option at least at this point, or for the long haul. (praise the forum gods for saving my reply in the cache when the forums went down just now, im going to bed good lordie)

Hiya! This is a 'Easier said than done' sort've thing! There was a group of druids that lived with the major elven state of Elvenesse for a good portion of the map Emphasis on was. Druids aren't exactly a political, governing group. We're a guild that, many many maps ago were given nation status due to their unique position and size that was seen by staff as deserving of a spot at the start of maps. Which was great! And worked great for years as a independent entity! And then the activity system has gone through several changes, and now we're expected to sit at home and do Slice of Life rp that, frankly A good portion of us don't want to spend all of our time doing. We're meant to be going out and interacting with sites, healing, growing, ect And we've not been allowed to. With the activity system we've been tasked with staying home. We can't do as many of the scouting missions out to check on areas as we used to, because of the dreaded advertising activity to other places. We've had places refuse to advertise our events, because it would take activity away from their tiles! In short, the druids can work well as allies to certain groups, neutral parties to most, but as part of a nation? Not so much. Imagine being the king and being told someone did a ecoterrorism and they live in land that you're in control of. It'd only further neuter the druids from what people (and we) want them to be, tying them to others too strongly politically.

Hey, Big boi druid here you know what I totally get it. Yeah we've been frustrated ourselves that the druids have had problems with activity, and we're currently working on it. The unfortunate thing is that a lot of what you want us to do in your post We've been told we can't. Freeport? Our magic can't do anything for it. Druidism does nothing against what happened in Freeport. Far as I recall only Xannic stuff can do things with that, and we were told by staff that we couldn't even go in there and tear down the buildings to return the area to nature. Ando Alur when it was floating? While that event was happening any attempts of using IC gained knowledge was blocked as being called Metagaming. We had a ST lock signs behind someone who legitimately broke in to places to investigate and break things. We were told by staff and players to leave it alone, so people could have their fun. We were blocked from doing things by being told 'It's a settlement, it falls under settlement conflict rules so you need a heist to do that' and then in the same week told 'It's a event location, you can't do that here'. Ando Alur crater? We were mocked of 'the druids are going to mess with it, lets not let them' and in the same day of being told we can't do with it, people would message saying 'the druids aren't interacting with the site' ... because we were told by staff to not. We finally got confirmation that, after giving people time to play around in the voidal taint then we can start fixing it. I totally get it. It's been really difficult to keep activity with things when we've been told 'No' and then 'Why aren't you doing anything' right after that. We'd all love to be able to do more, and be around more but we've been rather cucked this map waiting for things to happen. I pretty often hear about some of our druids trying to blight heal or interact with an area and get told no, because of either ST or RO things. Trust me, dude, no one wants the druids more active than druids. I get you, I'd love to see more activity myself. But we're tired, and a lot of us are adults now with shit to do. On another note, at least in the MC almost all of our teachers have full slots on Dedicants. We have more seekers than we do teachers. We've got a discord, and a gatekeeper ping now to try and have people hopping on to open it up, and we're working on improvements to the grove.

The Ancestral Temple of All Welcome to the Ancestral Temple of All currently located within the walls of Vortice. For those that desire to learn or take up the mantle and serve the Ancestors and their people, visit and speak with one of our priests or priestesses. In most cultures, Ancestors are venerated and remembered in some way. This has been openly practiced by the Mali’ker for centuries. Whether it be weddings, funerals, or festivals all are done in the Ancestor’s names. The temple is home to the Ancestor’s priests, priestesses, and the faithful all guided by the High Priest who acts as the temple’s overseer. Through their acolytes their word and veneration is spread to all mali who find themselves lost. There is something for everyone that chooses to follow the Ancestral path. The temple’s duty is as much devoted to the living as it is to our honored dead. Priesthood (Ascension by John Pitre) Every member of the temple studies and learns about each of the Ancestors, the temples grounds holding shrines to several of our Greater Ancestors and encouraged to learn the ways of all of the Ancestors, from the pacifist ways of the Mother, the Festive, and the Joyful to the more warrior inclined veneration of the Zealous, the Strong, and Sheild-Bearer. A priest must practice and teach balance between Faith and Zeal. All are expected to educate the general populace of the Ancestors, maintain shrines, and general upkeep of the temple. The overseeing of Marriages and Funerals are also important tasks of the priesthood. Lutauman A secondary job that priests can choose to undertake is uniting the living with loved ones lost if they are shown to be dutiful in their work. This is done by Lurauman who either work as priests within the temple or offer their services. Those that show themselves dutiful to the ancestors and clan values may find themselves receiving the privilege of receiving their ancestors’ wisdom from Stargush’Stroh. The few that are gifted with the ability to project their souls into the Ancestral Plane and speak directly to those we honor most. These priests and priestesses seek the council of the Ancestors in times of need, and reunite visitors with those they’ve lost. These priests take up the extra duty on top of all others, and are typically the most learned of the temple. (White Woods by Irina Nordsol Kuzmina) High Priest The High Priest is the head of the Temple of All and acts as the Ancestral leader and spokesperson in the living realm. This priest is chosen through a mix of council votes and input by clan leaders. This title is held until the High Priest chooses to step down. Each High Priest holds a unique title in life, a representation of their status in the temple and their connection to the Ancestors. This title would be their ancestral title upon their death. It is considered disrespectful to take the title of a previous High Priest. Council A council of trusted Priests that are the most knowledgeable and eldest within the temple. This council is chosen by the High Priest as trusted advisors. The responsibility of this council is to act as teachers to the acolytes and priests within the temple, as well as addiction correspondence for those that need assistance within the temple. Previous High Priest(s) Dak’ir Des’Nox, the Primarch Current High Priest Ardreth Des’Nox, the Arbiter Council Tayna Des’Nox Veld'urra Des'Nox You can read some more about the Ancestors and how to properly venerate them in our other missive aswell If you’d like to get involved, or meet with someone you can reach out to us in our Temple’s Discord!

Stargush’Stroh, the Ancestral Realm, is the final resting place for those that have passed. From these cities and beyond in the realm, the ancestors watch the living with vigilant eyes, judging those that still breathe and deeming if their actions are worthy of allowing them passage onto the eternal paradise of their kin. To those in the living realm, these ancestors are still honored kin that deserve veneration. These ancestors, while passed, still hold greater wisdom and knowledge that deserves to be taught through the use of stories and the spreading of traditions. This document details the different practices and people that are revered as Ancestors, maintained by the Ancestral Temple of All. (Guild Wars 2 Commoners Market by Thomas Scholes) Shrines and Traditions There are three ways one may honour their Ancestors: through the creation of shrines in their honour, offerings, and how one carries themselves. While there are many ways to offer veneration and respect to the Ancestors, shrines are the most common to find and hold the most utility for connecting to those that have moved on to Stargûsh’Stroh. Shrines are where one would go to place offerings and offer words to those beyond. When constructing a shrine, one must keep in mind which type of shrine they're making as each holds a unique purpose and reaches Ancestors in different ways. There are three types of shrines: General shrines: Usually found in public places and not dedicated to any specific ancestor. These may be resurrected for convenience of the general population to leave offerings and conduct prayer while going out their daily lives. Clan shrines: Which can be found in any common household to honour any fallen of that clan. These shrines may be to the general family that has passed on or to someone specific like a past Clan Father/Mother or a parent. Greater Ancestral shrines: These shrines are always fashioned in a manner specific to the Ancestor it devotes. Unfortunately, many mali are orphans and castaways, unfamiliar with their origins or distant family. Ancestors do not need to be someone that is related, as Greater Ancestors are people that we’ve descended from that have molded or affected the world that we live in today. For example, Delilah had no children of her own. Instead, all were treated as her children and she’d spend her days feeding and clothing all who were graced with her presence. General and Ancestral Shrines Shrines can be built in a number of ways to fit the aesthetical makeup of the home or area that it is built in but must always be made in a way that is respectful to the Ancestor. A shoddily built, undedicated shrine of mud and rocks will never bring proper honour and respect to an Ancestor. An average shrine is carved from stone or lumber, depending on what the Ancestor or Culture prefers and has a smaller stone basin atop for burning incense and offerings. One may have to deal with the physical limitations of the location the shrine is being erected in but should always remember that respect and Ancestral preferences is a priority. It’s important to remember that these shrines and the actions performed at them are sacred and therefore shrines should not be isolated from the everyday world. They are meant to be in common places, or at the very least in places that are seen often. Remember, we are blessed by interacting with our Ancestors often. A General Shrine to the Ancestral Plane and not to a specific Clan or Greater Ancestor can be decorated in a number of ways outside of preferred aesthetical materials and an offering bowl. Some may add gems of value or carve the depiction of stories meaningful to the area the shrine is erected in. The decorations atop the shrine may change depending on the seasons and the phases of the moon. A shrine dedicated to a Greater Ancestor would be decorated in a way that reflects what the Ancestor represents. Coloring of tapestry or murals that represent important moments in the Ancestor’s life are common. Shrines can be further decorated with incense, candles, offerings, and other objects that would please the Ancestors. For example, a shrine dedicated to Arganos would likely have carvings of musical notes or depictions of celebrations decorating the shrine’s surface and backing. A tapestry or mural with imagery of instruments may be hung behind the shrine. (La Ofrenda by Daniel Schmid) Clan Shrines Prominent amongst clans, clan shrines are devoted specifically to their own fallen. These shrines often embody the characteristics of said family. For example, a family known for their druidism could have a shrine grown from roots, or a clan of craftsmen could construct a stone shrine inlaid with various metals or gems. The clan colors are often shown off along with the clan’s motto or the name of the clan’s founder. Offerings specific to the clan’s specialties or objects that the clan holds of high value may decorate the shrine. Blessing a New Shrine Once the place of a shrine has been determined and the type of shrine, the shrine and area itself should be purified and recognized. This process is done by saying a prayer to either a Clan Ancestor, Greater Ancestor, or general ancestors overall to welcome them into the space. While doing so, incense should be burnt to raise these prayers into the skies above. Symbols of the Clan, Patron Spirits, or Greater Ancestors may be drawn over the shrine surface in oil. Offerings Offerings are the main way to decorate a shrine and how the living can give back to the Ancestors they wish to honour. While general offerings could be a meal or a cup of wine, most should be chosen carefully depending on the Ancestor. A proper offering provides nourishment or meaning to the Ancestor and what they represented or enjoyed in life. For example, the Uuthlini clan may offer sapphires or blue orchids to their Ancestors due to their own family traditions. Perhaps a family known for blacksmithing will lay out new blades as offerings. Offers may be burnt within an offering bowl at the center of the shrine, along with incense, with flames either being directly put into the bowl or below it to boil away any liquids offered. It’s believed that when these offerings are burnt or left out on the shrine while incense burnt that the smoke and steam will rise up into the Ancestral Plane and into the hands of those that have passed. It should be noted that while it’s common to set aside a portion of a meal or drink for the Ancestor to claim, this food should be consumed after or cleaned up after a time has passed for it to be claimed. It is seen as disrespectful to the Ancestors to leave rotting food or an uncleaned offering bowl on shrines. Another common offering is simply time and stories. Ancestors have an interest in what their progeny are up to in the living realm and so simply spending time in front of a shrine to discuss what is on one’s mind or burning letters to the Ancestors is always an acceptable gift. It’s less clear if these types of offerings truly make it to the Ancestors but encouraging openness and sharing with family has kept this simple tradition of offerings going. Greater Ancestors The status of Greater Ancestors is bestowed upon those that have done great deeds in life or left a lasting impression on their people. Each Greater Ancestor once walked among us and after their death was raised to a higher state of honour. These Ancestors are given particular praise, shrines in their honour, even celebrations held in their name. However, honouring them is not the sole purpose of raising them to this honour. One would also look to them for guidance, for their actions in life are not only to be praised but also to serve as teachers to those who revere them. The concept of these Greater Ancestors are by no means new or unique. Malin the All-Father Eldest of the Four Brothers The founder of the Mali People, and he who deserves the title of Ancestor above any. While his status of alive or dead is unknown, he is still regarded as a Greater Ancestor because of his status as one of the Four Brothers, and his leadership in ancient times. The Founders These mali are heralded by many as founders of their kin, people who in times immemorial lead their people to branch off and forge their own paths. Velulaei the Prophetess The First ‘Ker, and First ‘Ker Shaman Daughter of Malin, scholar, savior and spiritual leader. The first Mali’ker, leading them before they were granted their ashen touch. She led her people to the Spirits and after the machinations of a eldrich being forced them to commit atrocities, she requested the help of the spirits, and the moon herself blessed the to-be ‘Ker with their skin, and took away the madness that plagued them. Irrin the Elfess of Grass Whose Aim was True Advisor to Malin, scholar, general, spiritual and cultural leader. A personal advisor to Malin during his reign. Close friend of the nature Dragaar, Taynei'Hiylun, and primary leader during the formation of the seeds. She helped end the tyranny of an ancient druid, who sought absolute control over nature and all their domains, and worked with Taynei'Hiylun over the centuries to bring peace and unity to the 'ame. Larihei, the First Born of Silver Pioneer of the Silver Pools Advisor to Malin for many centuries and a cultural leader and inspiration to all high elves to this day. Eventually shunned from the council for her radical ideology she and her followers made great advancements in the arcane for the sake of progress in secret. She and her followers created the cultural ideology and principle known as “maehr’sae hiylun’ehya” or "progress and health" that high elves follow to this very day. The Ancient Not all Ancestors were leaders of their people, these mali left a mark historically with their actions, from warriors to great bards or teachers. Arganos the Festive Renowned bard and cunning hunter The Blue Bard, Arganos Uuthlini was a explorer of the deeps of Mararah’lin, and said to be the first ‘Ker to discover the Spirit of Celebration, Betharuz. He was given the task to spread cheer and celebration after slaying an enormous lurker. His songs and tales were said to fill Mali’ker taverns long after his death, in the living world and in Stargûsh’Stroh. The Dalmakia Brothers Trio of Fortune, Craftsmanship, and Greed Each of the three brothers specialized in their own field of trade, known far and wide for each of their skills and their power combined. Eldest was Bandadar who supported his brothers with his knowledge of the markets. Second was Falsals, who contributed with his trades in silk, and creation of beautiful garments. Third was Dolyni, a skilled jewel crafter known for his flawless cuts. They were praised as skilled craftsmen and shrewd businessmen. Uradas the Vindicator The Sword of Velulaei Velulaei’s ever faithful husband, he stood by her through the worst trials of their people, bringing justice to their mad son Azul after the death of Velulaei. He brought her to the moon herself to be judged, and committed himself to watching over his prison until his own death. With Velulaei, he fathered Renelia who lead their people while he attended to his duty. The Descended These of our kin are from more recent times, and are who many mali may have fought or lived alongside, this list unfortunately cannot be entirely comprehensive, but efforts have been made to research and add notable figures of the recent past. Lenden the Joyful Who’s laughter brightened the darkest caverns A member of the Div’cruan in the lands of the Fringe. Lenden’s happiness was infectious to those around him. A bright smile or a king word from the mali lit up many ‘Ker lives and left a lasting impact after his passing. He was young and full of life, remembered for his optimism. Arveldir the Sheild-Bearer The future’s protector Serving as the hand of Dak’ir Des’Nox from a young age, Arveldir acted as a soldier in the Div’Cruan, and as a Prince of the ‘Ker. Through his many roles, he fought for the mali’ker and made sacrifices to provide his peoples’ children the freedom of opportunities that he was never offered. Delilah the Mother Of Home, Hearth, and Family A gentle soul, she became the den mother of the ‘Ker for a time during the lands of Thales. She comforted all within their halls, whether it be with her baking, her sweet words or a shoulder to cry on Delilah was there. She watched over all that came into her kitchen, ‘Ker, ‘Ame, or ‘Aheral, even taking up her pan in the defense of her ‘children’. Phaedrus the Liberator Savior of the Mali’Ame, and first Elven Rex of the War Uzg A leader of his people, Phaedrus fought back against Mali’Aheral oppression and lead a resistance that would raise the ‘Ame up from living under the shadow and abuse of the Silver City. He went on to become a Shaman, and lead the War Uzg for many years until his death in a Klomp. Jiub the Strong ‘Ker Commander and War Hero A giant ‘Ker of honor and renown in a time of great strife for the ashen folk. A captain of a band of corsair mali’ker, he join the Des’Nox and helped find the Div’Cruan. He lead his stalwart band of ‘Ker into nearly every major battle of the Fringe Wars. He was a pillar of strength, who aimed to protect and bear the pain of his kin. Khel the Zealous The First Great Prince of the Mali’Ker Rising from slavery under the Mori, Khel rose to represent the mali’ker within old Malinor. He led his people from the shady oaks of old Malinor to the first true mali’ker home in centuries, dubbed Darkhaven. He was renowned for his ferocity and zealous pride. Awaiti the Oracle Youngest Princess of the Mali, Druii and Wise Woman At a young age Awaiti gained the respect of her peers, and continued after her reign to act as a wise voice and a fierce warrior among the mali'ame. A honored druii remembered by many. If you’d like a family member to be considered for a spot as a Greater Ancestor, please contact the High Priest for the Ancestral Temple of All. Be prepared to explain a history of what this ancestor did and how they impacted the greater world around them. [OOC: If you’d like to get involved in Ancestralism and the Ancestral Temple of All, or have questions that you’d like answered, please join us in the Temple Discord!]

"They're a bit behind, but that's usual for Valah in these matters" The tattoo'd ame adds on

A 'ker leans over the 'aherals shoulder, wrapping his arms about her waist while he reads over it. He blinks a moment, distinctly remembering this woman being buried and uttering some funeral rites for her. Odd.

All in all any sort of 'powergaming' with the memories relies on the other person, the judge or what have you- beleiving it as a form of evidence and frankly, If i was in that position I wouldnt? I wouldnt trust some vision that the accused dragged me into, let alone even agree to it