Phantom Orchid

[font=comic sans ms,cursive]We are preparing for a red ritual - there will be blood, there will be sacrament, there will be sacrifice![/font] [font=comic sans ms,cursive]Members of the clergy will recite historical and new Prayers to the Moon during that service.[/font] [font=comic sans ms,cursive]If you would like to show your support, please consider writing something, however short, to be read during the bloodletting. Send them to my via PM[/font] [font=comic sans ms,cursive]It could be just a few words, a short poem, a story, or anything related to the moon, night, and/or the CoE. [/font] [font=comic sans ms,cursive]And I cordially invite our adversaries to do their worst![/font] [font=comic sans ms,cursive]Thank you.[/font]

[04/07/12 01:27] [b]:[/b][i]Phantom Orchid approaches the table and places a candle in each of the four directions[/i] [04/07/12 01:28] [b]:[/b][i]Phantom Orchid lays out her wand, a bowl of water, a pinch of Timeless dust, and her Book of Dreams[/i] [04/07/12 01:28] [b]:[/b][i]Phantom Orchid leans down and touches her pendant to each of the candles to ignite them[/i] [04/07/12 01:28] [b]:[/b][i]Phantom Orchid kneels in front of the altar, facing north, pulls out a small wand and gently places the tip into the bowl of water[/i] [04/07/12 01:28] [b]Phantom Orchid:[/b]I exorcise thee, water spirit, and call out all impurities contained within. [04/07/12 01:29] [b]:[/b][i]Phantom Orchid sets down her wand, places a pinch of Timeless dust into the bowl, and then picks it up with both hands[/i] [04/07/12 01:29] [b]Phantom Orchid:[/b]I bless thee, and mayest you aid me, Timeless one. [04/07/12 01:29] [b]:[/b][i]Phantom Orchid sets down the bowl[/i] [04/07/12 01:29] [b]:[/b][i]Phantom Orchid stands and bows to each of the four directions, and makes a conjuring motion with her hands[/i] [04/07/12 01:29] [b]:[/b][i]Phantom Orchid walks over and opens the chest, then looks up as radiant heat presses warmly upon her skin[/i] [04/07/12 01:30] [b]Phantom Orchid:[/b]Before the Lady of the Night, I bring the moon chalice, a symbol of hope in her dedication. [04/07/12 01:30] [b]:[/b][i]Phantom Orchid holds it high above her head[/i] [04/07/12 01:30] [b]Phantom Orchid:[/b]By air and its power, may it, and all those present, be purified. May their thoughts and intentions be unfettered. [04/07/12 01:30] [b]:[/b][i]Phantom Orchid passes the chalice over the flame of the candles[/i] [04/07/12 01:30] [b]Phantom Orchid:[/b]By fire and its power, may it, and all those present, be purified. May their passion and fury fly true. [04/07/12 01:31] [b]:[/b][i]Phantom Orchid kneels, dips her wand in the water and lets a few drops drip onto the chalice[/i] [04/07/12 01:31] [b]Phantom Orchid:[/b]By water, dust, and their powers, may it... [04/07/12 01:31] [b]:[/b][i]Phantom Orchid 's head suddenly drops onto the altar as she loses consciousness[/i] [04/07/12 01:32] [b]:[/b][i]Rumi looks concerned[/i] [04/07/12 01:32] [b]:[/b][i]Tal moves to poe to see if she is alright[/i] [04/07/12 01:32] [b]:[/b][i]Phantom Orchid 's hair, caught by a sudden, furious wind, begins to flow chaotically over the altar, some of it becoming singed by the candles[/i] [04/07/12 01:33] [b]:[/b][i]Phantom Orchid 's small book is thrust open by the wind, pages flipping, holographic scenes moving within each one[/i] [04/07/12 01:33] [b]:[/b][i]Phantom Orchid [/i] [04/07/12 01:33] [b]Phantom Orchid:[/b]The wind relents somewhat, stopping upon a page wherein a shadowed figure of a man is depicted inside of a tent; the sound of carnival music is heard. [04/07/12 01:33] [b]:[/b][i]Phantom Orchid [/i] [04/07/12 01:34] [b]Phantom Orchid:[/b]He felt a faint glimmer in his eyelids. He could not say whether it was the first light of dawn or the waves of resurgent sparks from his waking life. He did not know: was it light or was he awake? [04/07/12 01:34] [b]Phantom Orchid:[/b]He saw no light, but he felt it, and he felt his possession despoil him into a dark world. But one in which there was light. [04/07/12 01:34] [b]Phantom Orchid:[/b]He was dreaming. [04/07/12 01:35] [b]Phantom Orchid:[/b]He dreamed of lying next to her on Fenth's beach. He woke up and was resting by her side. He slept and lived by her side. He closed his eyes and tasted her presence. [04/07/12 01:35] [b]Phantom Orchid:[/b]As they enjoyed the relentless sunlight, he smelled the scent that wrested the heat from her skin, and he could hear the sand mold to their heels. [04/07/12 01:35] [b]Phantom Orchid:[/b]A stronger crunch caused him to open his eyes, briefly. [04/07/12 01:35] [b]:[/b][i]Phantom Orchid [/i] [04/07/12 01:36] [b]Phantom Orchid:[/b]He looked at them and laughed. Up and down, back and forth they went, as they did when they first went to the sea. It was pure joy, as it was then. [04/07/12 01:36] [b]Phantom Orchid:[/b]Their joyful chants mingled with the roar of the surf. He clambered up a nearby cliff in order to better observe them from the height. [04/07/12 01:37] [b]Phantom Orchid:[/b]"Beloved," the sound that emerged from the intersection of their sounds with the sounds of the water penetrated unequivocally, that one word, to him, "beloved." [04/07/12 01:37] [b]Phantom Orchid:[/b]He could not resist it. He rushed down to her in his arms and came to a halt. [04/07/12 01:37] [b]Phantom Orchid:[/b]It surprised him that he was not surprised to see them so aged. Her joy was greater than ever before. Everything about her was maturity, abundance, density. [04/07/12 01:38] [b]Phantom Orchid:[/b]The graying temples resembled foothills of the miraculous, dreadful depths of the sea, the silver streaks in her brown hair braided into the impenetrable darkness of seemingly endless movements of [04/07/12 01:38] [b]Phantom Orchid:[/b]Time [04/07/12 01:38] [b]Phantom Orchid:[/b]Sun, moon and stars were together not able to shine brighter than the light in her eyes - lush green islands in an ocean of homelessness. [04/07/12 01:39] [b]Phantom Orchid:[/b]Her brown body clung to the shadows, the sky, sea and land; movement and laughter grew out of this love-match of nature. [04/07/12 01:39] [b]Phantom Orchid:[/b]He coveted the old woman. She was born timeless and carried a stone dagger in her right hand. [04/07/12 01:39] [b]Phantom Orchid:[/b]But the couple touched him gently by the hand, drew him toward themselves, pulled him - sinking down - enveloped him with arms and legs, [04/07/12 01:40] [b]Phantom Orchid:[/b]crossed their feet on his back and told him without saying a word of the play of nature and the ever-returning, crashing waves of love. [04/07/12 01:40] [b]Phantom Orchid:[/b]The wind was blowing desert sand to his lips, sticking to his mouth as it kissed extended fingers to hands that caressed the trees bent to arms branched to the pelvis and legs, and wrapped around. [04/07/12 01:41] [b]Phantom Orchid:[/b]The sounds of water and wind voted to duel, culminating in moaning and praying. The reefs softened, opened into caves and granted admission. [04/07/12 01:41] [b]Phantom Orchid:[/b]This hallowed ground heated up Mt. Kelle'tha to an indelible glow and celebrated. [04/07/12 01:41] [b]Phantom Orchid:[/b]The more he had craved the old woman, the younger his life became. The ever-young life was the old life. [04/07/12 01:42] [b]Phantom Orchid:[/b]The old woman was the young woman. In his heart, he was given the world; in it beat the pulse of creation. [04/07/12 01:42] [b]Phantom Orchid:[/b]He became aware of nature. He touched each woman, each man. He understood the despair. He paid tribute to the joy. He survived the merger. He sank into it and let himself be led by it. [04/07/12 01:42] [b]Phantom Orchid:[/b]Once poured, then floated, once raced, they whirled away, and yet he felt her movements as they were always on the spot. [04/07/12 01:43] [b]Phantom Orchid:[/b]They circled continuously in two ways. They turned, with one another, as the Sun and the Moon. All he saw was always the same and always different. [04/07/12 01:43] [b]Phantom Orchid:[/b]He was a fellow of Time and space, looking at the world through a kaleidoscope. [04/07/12 01:43] [b]Phantom Orchid:[/b]His rapture, with her so completely interwoven within it, suddenly stopped. [04/07/12 01:43] [b]:[/b][i]Phantom Orchid [/i] [04/07/12 01:44] [b]Phantom Orchid:[/b]"What is it? Why do we not continue on?" [04/07/12 01:44] [b]Phantom Orchid:[/b]"See there! What do you see?" [04/07/12 01:44] [b]Phantom Orchid:[/b]"Now, our Gate. This Time, bathed in purple. Sunset or sunrise?" [04/07/12 01:44] [b]Phantom Orchid:[/b]She kept a straight face. [04/07/12 01:45] [b]Phantom Orchid:[/b]"The call of the Night, beloved. The eternal Gate is not open yet clear, but thicker and darker. To be robbed of the people all the light would go out." [04/07/12 01:45] [b]Phantom Orchid:[/b]"But they miss the Night. Though each have experienced it, they too often forget. But the ones who remember tell stories to rekindle memories against forgetting." [04/07/12 01:46] [b]Phantom Orchid:[/b]"Your dark light comes out of each body. You may also see, hear, touch, smell and taste it with your whole body. [04/07/12 01:46] [b]Phantom Orchid:[/b]It may become faded, but you can only die temporarily, for death is just a break for a few months or years, because one always may wake up again and again - [04/07/12 01:46] [b]Phantom Orchid:[/b]dead without being dead, wandering about in search of redemption and atonement for guilt until grace is granted. [04/07/12 01:47] [b]Phantom Orchid:[/b]"Is there no salvation for the faceless, he said, "and those who remain with the carnival?" He snuggled up close to her. [04/07/12 01:47] [b]Phantom Orchid:[/b]She was silent for a seemingly long Time. [04/07/12 01:47] [b]Phantom Orchid:[/b]"But. If we want to take it ... " [04/07/12 01:47] [b]Phantom Orchid:[/b]"What?" [04/07/12 01:47] [b]Phantom Orchid:[/b]"As we embrace the night..." [04/07/12 01:48] [b]Phantom Orchid:[/b]"What do you mean?" He leaned closer to her again. [04/07/12 01:48] [b]Phantom Orchid:[/b]"Everyone can. To exist in such a way that they forget themselves and each other. Then the folds of the purple sky will open, and in twilight they could hunt. [04/07/12 01:48] [b]Phantom Orchid:[/b]Then the "faceless" would regain the ability to face her. The sight of a warm embrace and the view from a warm embrace, they could encourage, though not overwhelmingly, to put thought into praxis, [04/07/12 01:48] [b]Phantom Orchid:[/b]words into action." [04/07/12 01:49] [b]Phantom Orchid:[/b]"What action?" [04/07/12 01:49] [b]Phantom Orchid:[/b]Now, she hugged him tightly. "They would regain their faces only if they spoke their names once again. And with it face their mortality, identity and hope for the one final resurrection." [04/07/12 01:49] [b]Phantom Orchid:[/b]"Well, what shall it take?" He idealistically asked. [04/07/12 01:50] [b]Phantom Orchid:[/b]"The drive that we could: love. Because the sight of love, imagination, and willpower could salute and draw down the moon. [04/07/12 01:50] [b]Phantom Orchid:[/b]It could also come down to making a final decision about the unbearable question that one is invariably tempted to answer… with... denial. [04/07/12 01:50] [b]Phantom Orchid:[/b]And this, as you can imagine, would mean death. But what the lover wants must be no less than the death of her lover. There remains, then, the question: when?" [04/07/12 01:51] [b]Phantom Orchid:[/b]He broke the silence and said nothing. [04/07/12 01:51] [b]Phantom Orchid:[/b]She was as silent as he. [04/07/12 01:51] [b]:[/b][i]Phantom Orchid [/i] [04/07/12 01:51] [b]Phantom Orchid:[/b]He pinpointed much shimmering between his eyelids. "Yes, when?" He could not help but admit that to him the morning light began to fade. [04/07/12 01:52] [b]Phantom Orchid:[/b]"You know it, sweetheart?" Now he saw the light. [04/07/12 01:52] [b]Phantom Orchid:[/b]"What do we know, love?" It is day, it has to be. [04/07/12 01:52] [b]Phantom Orchid:[/b]"We know more than we see." [04/07/12 01:53] [b]Phantom Orchid:[/b]He opened his eyes, made a mental note to hold the dream, and then rose a little less disgruntled than other mornings, strolled into a bathroom, looked into a mirror and ... [04/07/12 01:53] [b]:[/b][i]Phantom Orchid [/i] [04/07/12 01:53] [b]Phantom Orchid:[/b]He felt a strange gleam between the eyelids. "What?" He tried to determine if this was the first light of dawn or the waves of resurgent sparks from his waking life. [04/07/12 01:53] [b]Phantom Orchid:[/b]"All I know is what I see." [04/07/12 01:54] [b]Phantom Orchid:[/b]His eyes - that do not tell if he is the light or if it is him the light is forced upon - opened with difficulty. [04/07/12 01:54] [b]Phantom Orchid:[/b]He rubbed them, and as if teaching small children what they should not do he growled softly to himself - "and what about the mirror?" - [04/07/12 01:54] [b]Phantom Orchid:[/b]winked one last time and squirmed a little, confused, but in a better mood than most other mornings. [04/07/12 01:55] [b]Phantom Orchid:[/b]"They call me again, my love." [04/07/12 01:55] [b]Phantom Orchid:[/b]He stumbled into the bathroom, lifted her eyes to be able to check off the inevitable daily torture of the first mirror image, and saw... [04/07/12 01:55] [b]Phantom Orchid:[/b] The Moon. [04/07/12 01:56] [b]Phantom Orchid:[/b]She stood before the mirror and stood in it. She looked at it and looked at him. He saw them. "Good night!" They were called together at the same welcome. [04/07/12 01:56] [b]:[/b][i]Phantom Orchid [/i] [04/07/12 01:57] [b]:[/b][i]Phantom Orchid regains consciousness as the wind flips the pages in the small book on the altar[/i] [04/07/12 01:57] [b]:[/b][i]Tal looks at poe with a worried look[/i] [04/07/12 01:57] [b]:[/b][i]Phantom Orchid reaches over and closes the book, forms a swift banishing symbol with her wand, and blows out the candles[/i]

[font=comic sans ms,cursive]Thank you Eon and company for reminding us to keep on our toes, and thank you everyone else who attended.[/font] [font=comic sans ms,cursive]What a strange story... I was wholly unconscious for it, but if someone can write to me and explain the significance and symbolism of the characters and events, in detail, I will give a prize (don't ask what, it will be a surprise!). And the more effort you put into it, the juicier the reward will be. [/font]

[font=arial,helvetica,sans-serif][font=comic sans ms,cursive]In-game PM sent to Plix Plox.[/font][/font]

[font=comic sans ms,cursive]On July 3, 2200 ST I will host a white ritual in the DQ. All are invited and welcome to observe, and there will be Time for other members of the Eclipse and their supporters to say a few words, and there will also be a discussion at the end.[/font] [font=comic sans ms,cursive]edit: If there is anyone who cannot access Loreroot and would like to come, let us know and we will get you pass papers.[/font]

[font=comic sans ms,cursive]Keep them coming![/font] [font=comic sans ms,cursive](bump)[/font]

[font=comic sans ms,cursive]The ritual is postponed due to RL issues. I hope to reschedule soon.[/font]

[font=comic sans ms,cursive]The chalice glows with over 12 million heat! I will be conducting a white ritual June 30 sometime between 0100 and 0400 server time at the DQ. With that much heat, who knows what may happen...[/font] edit: June - thanks Rumi

[font=comic sans ms,cursive]The 'uniqueness' of revival items should be taken into consideration when talking about Revival Fruit. [/font] [font=comic sans ms,cursive]Even though I may disagree with how they are used (or not) presently, those items are special and meaningful for the persons holding them, and I acknowledge that. [/font] [font=comic sans ms,cursive]But given that death can overtake and overwhelm a player's spirit, and they have no recourse unless it is part of a roleplay where some problem-solving must occur, or they have enough coin, I think that if enough players desire to put forth the effort (which, I would assume means there is enough of a consensus that it is deemed 'a good cause'), they should be returned to life.[/font] [font=comic sans ms,cursive]This would also, I imagine, free up Council time from having to consider whether or not reviving someone is justified, in their eyes. Unless, of course, the stench of rotten wookie becomes too unbearable... [/font] [font=comic sans ms,cursive]Having a mechanism that allows for a communal revival should take substantial effort (and I mean a *lot* of effort - it should be difficult to accomplish and require much cooperation). Death is highly symbolic and important, and it should maintain such a status. [/font] [font=comic sans ms,cursive]Also, one limitation could be that revivals may only happen during certain times, perhaps on so-called Days of Tranquility. [/font]

[font=comic sans ms,cursive][size=4]The chalice glows brighter with over 4 million heat [/size][/font] [spoiler][size=3][color=#000000][font=Georgia][20/06/12 21:05] [/font][/color][b]:[/b][color=#305681][font=Georgia][i]Phantom Orchid kneels down in front of the chest[/i][/font][/color] [color=#000000][font=Georgia][20/06/12 21:06] [/font][/color][b]:[/b][color=#305681][font=Georgia][i]Phantom Orchid opens it gently, while touching her pendant, which now glows red, with her other hand[/i][/font][/color] [color=#000000][font=Georgia][20/06/12 21:07] [/font][/color][b]Phantom Orchid:[/b][color=#000000][font=Georgia]We kindle the flames, on this day, and I pray that this heat will burn in my soul, and in the souls of others who pass. [/font][/color] [color=#000000][font=Georgia][20/06/12 21:08] [/font][/color][b]Phantom Orchid:[/b][color=#000000][font=Georgia]I pray that neither greed nor avarice may smother this flame, that it may burn brightly for those present, those who have departed, and those who shall come[/font][/color] [color=#000000][font=Georgia][20/06/12 21:09] [/font][/color][b]Phantom Orchid:[/b][color=#305681][font=Georgia]*[i]holds up her arms[/i]*[/font][/color][color=#000000][font=Georgia] Lady of the Moon, preserve the fire, as you protect us all [/font][/color] [color=#000000][font=Georgia][20/06/12 21:09] [/font][/color][b]Phantom Orchid:[/b][color=#000000][font=Georgia]May the warmth remain, as you are, among us [/font][/color] [color=#000000][font=Georgia][20/06/12 21:10] [/font][/color][b]Phantom Orchid:[/b][color=#000000][font=Georgia]May our heat rise, as you rise us to life [/font][/color] [color=#000000][font=Georgia][20/06/12 21:57] [/font][/color][b]:[/b][color=#305681][font=Georgia][i]lashtal bows his head to Priestess Orchid.[/i][/font][/color] [color=#000000][font=Georgia][20/06/12 22:14] [/font][/color][b]Fenrar:[/b][color=#000000][font=Georgia]Hello all. [/font][/color] [color=#000000][font=Georgia][20/06/12 22:15] [/font][/color][b]Fenrar:[/b][color=#000000][font=Georgia]Aye, we need a burst to give heat. [/font][/color] [color=#000000][font=Georgia][20/06/12 22:16] [/font][/color][b]Fenrar:[/b][color=#000000][font=Georgia] ([/font][/color][color=#888888][font=Georgia][i]Without it, MP3 can give zero only.[/i][/font][/color][color=#000000][font=Georgia]) [/font][/color] [color=#000000][font=Georgia][21/06/12 00:42] [/font][/color][b]:[/b][color=#305681][font=Georgia][i]Tal wakes up from his meditation[/i][/font][/color] [color=#000000][font=Georgia][21/06/12 00:45] [/font][/color][b]Valldore Nal:[/b][color=#000000][font=Georgia]Hello [/font][/color] [color=#000000][font=Georgia][21/06/12 00:45] [/font][/color][b]:[/b][color=#305681][font=Georgia][i]Tal nods to vall[/i][/font][/color] [color=#000000][font=Georgia][21/06/12 00:46] [/font][/color][b]Valldore Nal:[/b][color=#000000][font=Georgia]Came to give my night respects , with some heat, before resting [/font][/color] [color=#000000][font=Georgia][21/06/12 00:46] [/font][/color][b]Tal:[/b][color=#305681][font=Georgia]*[i]smiles[/i]*[/font][/color][color=#000000][font=Georgia] it is much apriciated [/font][/color] [color=#000000][font=Georgia][21/06/12 01:10] [/font][/color][b]:[/b][color=#305681][font=Georgia][i]Tal nods to neno[/i][/font][/color] [color=#000000][font=Georgia][21/06/12 01:10] [/font][/color][b]Tal:[/b][color=#000000][font=Georgia]how are you friend? [/font][/color] [color=#000000][font=Georgia][21/06/12 01:10] [/font][/color][b]:[/b][color=#305681][font=Georgia][i]Neno Veliki nods[/i][/font][/color] [color=#000000][font=Georgia][21/06/12 01:11] [/font][/color][b]Neno Veliki:[/b][color=#000000][font=Georgia]hello. im great tnx for asking [/font][/color] [color=#000000][font=Georgia][21/06/12 01:11] [/font][/color][b]Neno Veliki:[/b][color=#000000][font=Georgia]how are u? [/font][/color] [color=#000000][font=Georgia][21/06/12 01:11] [/font][/color][b]Tal:[/b][color=#000000][font=Georgia]I'm fine, bit tired from meditating a lot [/font][/color] [color=#000000][font=Georgia][21/06/12 01:14] [/font][/color][b]Neno Veliki:[/b][color=#000000][font=Georgia]i hope your efforts will be noticed[/font][/color] [color=#000000][font=Georgia][21/06/12 01:15] [/font][/color][b]Tal:[/b][color=#305681][font=Georgia]*[i]nods[/i]*[/font][/color][color=#000000][font=Georgia] let us pray she will return [/font][/color] [color=#000000][font=Georgia][21/06/12 01:25] [/font][/color][b]Tal:[/b][color=#305681][font=Georgia]*[i]gently taps orchid on the shoulder and points at the chalice[/i]*[/font][/color][color=#000000][font=Georgia] maybe this calls for a new sermon? [/font][/color] [color=#000000][font=Georgia][21/06/12 01:46] [/font][/color][b]:[/b][color=#305681][font=Georgia][i]Phantom Orchid leans down and gently touches the chalice[/i][/font][/color] [color=#000000][font=Georgia][21/06/12 01:46] [/font][/color][b]:[/b][color=#305681][font=Georgia][i]Phantom Orchid closes her eyes and feels her pendant glow warm against her chest[/i][/font][/color] [color=#000000][font=Georgia][21/06/12 01:49] [/font][/color][b]Phantom Orchid:[/b][color=#305681][font=Georgia]*[i]Speaks in a resonate voice[/i]*[/font][/color][color=#000000][font=Georgia] You are the ripening seed in the garden of dreams, the glory of summer flowers. You are the peace of this land, and others, and pure as winter snow. [/font][/color] [color=#000000][font=Georgia][21/06/12 01:50] [/font][/color][b]Phantom Orchid:[/b][color=#000000][font=Georgia]Your morning melody gives rise to winderwilds, and the deep lake of mystery caught in moonlight. [/font][/color] [color=#000000][font=Georgia][21/06/12 01:51] [/font][/color][b]Phantom Orchid:[/b][color=#000000][font=Georgia]To you beckons our call, to celebrate your joy as a companion during nighttime escapades [/font][/color] [color=#000000][font=Georgia][21/06/12 01:52] [/font][/color][b]Phantom Orchid:[/b][color=#000000][font=Georgia]Through the darkness of death, and light of birth, our heat flows to you as your seeds grow within us [/font][/color] [color=#000000][font=Georgia][21/06/12 01:52] [/font][/color][b]Phantom Orchid:[/b][color=#000000][font=Georgia]We seek to mirror your eternal soul, your strength, your compassion, your beauty [/font][/color] [color=#000000][font=Georgia][21/06/12 01:53] [/font][/color][b]Phantom Orchid:[/b][color=#000000][font=Georgia]We do not stand complacent, and readily stand up for your challenges, for without struggle, there is no growth [/font][/color] [color=#000000][font=Georgia][21/06/12 01:56] [/font][/color][b]Phantom Orchid:[/b][color=#000000][font=Georgia]In our hearts we are together in blood and spirit, until the last star darkens in the sky and our realm is plunged into winter [/font][/color] [color=#000000][font=Georgia][21/06/12 01:57] [/font][/color][b]Phantom Orchid:[/b][color=#000000][font=Georgia]Oh mother dark and divine, mine the shade, and angien shine, the five point star of apple bliss, here we charge you with this sign [/font][/color] [color=#000000][font=Georgia][21/06/12 01:57] [/font][/color][b]:[/b][color=#305681][font=Georgia][i]Phantom Orchid draws a banishing symbol in the air with her wand[/i][/font][/color] [color=#000000][font=Georgia][21/06/12 01:58] [/font][/color][b]Phantom Orchid:[/b][color=#000000][font=Georgia]So mote it be. [/font][/color][/size][/spoiler]

My time online is unpredictable (not unlike my character ) due to on-call work. And yes, Chewy, dead wooky rants -can- be good, maybe... just watch your <beep>ing mouth around the children, kapeesh?

[font=comic sans ms,cursive]The moon chalice rests in the Defensive Quarter[/font]'s chest. At this time it emits a soft glow. [font=comic sans ms,cursive]I wonder - what may happen were it infused with sufficient heat? Children of the Eclipse and its supporters. Now is the time to show our will! May the radiance of the goddess forever light our path.[/font]

My two cents. Rumi is deserving of a WP for his efforts / role of building, organizing, and maintaining the community garden. What he does with it is up to him - the reward should be because he deserves it, regardless of how it would be used.

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Thanks for the laughs my great unfriend dst! xoxo

Awiiya gave that as one idea, to have one person 'out' themselves. If a representative doesn't jive, why not create character/s (insert creativity here) who are council members who can meet and have a face (and *still* remain anonymous) people can actually talk to and negotiate with. I don't think MD can afford to _not_ have this happen! Oh, and there should be lots of tomatoes and a dunk tank constructed, as well as some rope (I'm still waiting to hang Jester) XD And someone be sure to pilfer the pub for booze. This is serious, but that doesn't mean that it can't be met with a sense of humor.

Eon's post brings up an important discussion - and I think this thread is a logical continuation of that. I truly believe every player here wants what is best for MD. I also truly believe that is the goal of the Council. What I think Awiiya speaks to is the balance (or lack thereof) of power and how it is accounted for (or not) within our realm. How do we reconcile the discrepencies of the council's actions with what some very important players have come to expect from them? In my opinion, the lack of transparency and secretive nature of the Council make it difficult to begin such a conversation unless they take some initiative to start one. And I do believe the onus is on them - because without inhabitants in MD, they are, at best, rulers of nothing. Furthermore, I hope, for the sake of some very important roles in the realm of MD, that the Council decides to step up and meet, face to face, so we can hash all of this out and move forward.

What a sad moment for MD. Thank you Eon for all of your effort to make this realm more exciting. Although I never participated, I am grateful for all of your hard work at organizing and running the BHC.

[color=#4b0082][size=4][font=comic sans ms,cursive]Calling all poets, bards, minstrels, balladeers, and troubadours![/font][/size][/color] [color=#4b0082][size=4][font=comic sans ms,cursive]Now accepting submissions for a poetry & short story writing contest.[/font][/size][/color] [color=#4b0082][size=4][font=comic sans ms,cursive]Contestants may submit "community garden" themed entries to both the poetry and writing contest.[/font][/size][/color] [color=#4b0082][size=4][font=comic sans ms,cursive]Poetry entry guidelines:[/font][/size][/color][list] [*][color=#4b0082][size=4][font=comic sans ms,cursive]Up to three unpublished, original poems may be submitted.[/font][/size][/color] [*][color=#4b0082][size=4][font=comic sans ms,cursive]All poems must be 30 lines or fewer[/font][/size][/color] [/list] [color=#4b0082][size=4][font=comic sans ms,cursive]Short story entry guidelines:[/font][/size][/color][list] [*][color=#4B0082][size=4][font=comic sans ms,cursive]One unpublished, original short story may be submitted[/font][/size][/color] [*][color=#4B0082][size=4][font=comic sans ms,cursive]Short stories include fiction, non-fiction, essays, diary or journal entries, or short screenplays[/font][/size][/color] [*][color=#4B0082][size=4][font=comic sans ms,cursive]Maximum of five pages (single or double-spaced, please not less than 10 point font)[/font][/size][/color] [/list] [color=#4B0082][size=4][font=comic sans ms,cursive]Send entries via PM to Phantom Orchid (or, alternatively, you can rehearse them to me in-game while standing on your head and juggling tomatoes with your feet)[/font][/size][/color] [color=#4B0082][size=4][font=comic sans ms,cursive]One poem and one writing submission will be chosen by a panel of judges to be read out loud ([/font][/size][/color][color=#4b0082][size=4][font=comic sans ms,cursive]or acted out? interpretive danced to?)[/font][/size][/color][color=#4b0082][size=4][font=comic sans ms,cursive] during a community garden event.[/font][/size][/color] [color=#4b0082][size=4][font=comic sans ms,cursive]Deadline for entries has been extended to September 22, 2012[/font][/size][/color] [color=#4b0082][size=4][font=comic sans ms,cursive]Winner/s to receive 1 WP (provided by either Rumi or Phantom Orchid) [i]if [/i]entry shows merit. Organizers reserve the right to dole out candy and additional rewards indiscriminately.[/font][/size][/color]

I support this. Since the willpower of its members has apparently not been deemed "enough" in order to justify the return of the badges, I hope that the willpower of the greater community will reach the ears of those who have the power to affect change. Whatever the outcome, we will persevere - as we did before there were badges, and as we have done since they were taken away. For we understand that the moon, and night, affect us all. And in that mystery we revel.

A [url="http://magicduel.invisionzone.com/topic/11802-meeting-about-abra-and-the-empty-aramors/page__view__findpost__p__106042"]log[/url] of the meeting organized by Falronn at the Gates of Ages . There are some gems in there. Don't give up!

Take care of yourself! We'll be here when you are ready to return