Post by Aldrannath on Nov 3, 2009 12:10:12 GMT 1
The descriptions given here are taken from the rubrics in the old scrolls of the Way of Malorne, which were set in writing a few centuries after the Sundering. They offer no explanation as to the meaning of the different rites; followers who wish to understand more deeply should ask the Elders. The rites given here are not a complete list, but only the most important and frequently used; the rubrics leave some room for flexibility, and are not inviolable, but each represents an ancient and sacred tradition, so they are normally followed very faithfully. Other rites not described here include: the Rite of the Ancients, celebrated at the Lunar Festival; the Rite of Blood, for a Kaldorei who has been severely injured in battle and is close to death; and the Rite of the Dream, celebrated in honour of a follower of the Way who has died.
Each ceremony requires at least three followers of the Way of Malorne: normally two Elders, and at least one follower who is not an Elder. Each of course allows for the participation of any number of Elders and rangers, and if necessary can be performed without Elders. The "first Elder" is the senior Elder Druid, or if there is no Elder Druid, the senior follower of the Way. The "second Elder" is the senior Elder Priestess, or if there is no Elder Priest or Priestess, the second most senior follower of the Way. The "young ranger" can be any follower of the Way who is not an Elder; traditionally, in most rites, the most junior participant takes this role. Seekers and other guests attend as observers only, and may not take any of these three roles in the rite.
All rites are conducted, if possible, on clean earth under the open sky. If possible, a Moonwell or a body of water should be nearby. The Rite of Sacrifice may, if necessary, be conducted in other circumstances.
The Rite of the Hunt (Karatha dal-Nassae)
((This is the "bread and butter" ceremony of the Way of Malorne, and forms the basis of our regular guild meetings. Social RP normally begins before the appointed time for the rite; the young ranger can arrive early, but traditionally the rite begins when they arrive.))
The Rite of Tranquility (Karatha dal-Norae)
((This is the rite of induction for new followers into the Way of Malorne. In this rite the "young ranger" is the Kaldorei who is to be initiated into the Way of Malorne. These additional elements should normally take no more than ten minutes of RP time.))
The Rite of Sacrifice (Karatha dal-Thoribath)
((This is the rite associated with battle against the foes of the Balance: the Burning Legion, the Old Gods, their devoted followers, and their machinations - for example, the Scourge. It is not used in the context of war against other Elves, Trolls, or any creatures native to the Balance, or capable of serving it; such battles are not considered a religious act in the Way of Malorne.
This was taking too long with larger groups, and has now been significantly shortened. If people respond promptly when making their oaths, a group of ten can finish the Rite in 15 minutes, but if people are slow it can take a lot longer, so please think ahead and be ready to type when your moment comes.))
Each ceremony requires at least three followers of the Way of Malorne: normally two Elders, and at least one follower who is not an Elder. Each of course allows for the participation of any number of Elders and rangers, and if necessary can be performed without Elders. The "first Elder" is the senior Elder Druid, or if there is no Elder Druid, the senior follower of the Way. The "second Elder" is the senior Elder Priestess, or if there is no Elder Priest or Priestess, the second most senior follower of the Way. The "young ranger" can be any follower of the Way who is not an Elder; traditionally, in most rites, the most junior participant takes this role. Seekers and other guests attend as observers only, and may not take any of these three roles in the rite.
All rites are conducted, if possible, on clean earth under the open sky. If possible, a Moonwell or a body of water should be nearby. The Rite of Sacrifice may, if necessary, be conducted in other circumstances.
The Rite of the Hunt (Karatha dal-Nassae)
((This is the "bread and butter" ceremony of the Way of Malorne, and forms the basis of our regular guild meetings. Social RP normally begins before the appointed time for the rite; the young ranger can arrive early, but traditionally the rite begins when they arrive.))
While the followers gather, and a fire is lit, the Elders speak to them of ancient wisdom, weaving the words of old into a tapestry of truth. The rite itself begins when the young ranger steps forward with the beast.((Once the players are used to the formula, the rite up to this point should take about ten minutes of RP time.))
The young ranger brings a healthy male beast, traditionally a young stag, which she has hunted and brought down alone, using only the weapons provided by nature. The beast must be unconscious, but not dead; the Druids may ensure that it is at peace. The young ranger brings the beast to the first Elder and asks the blessing; the first Elder blesses the ranger, the meeting and the sacrifice. The young ranger then kills the beast with a natural weapon, traditionally a heavy stone. The first Elder then tears the head from the body of the beast, letting the blood cover himself and the young ranger, and spill onto the ground. As the blood touches her, the young ranger speaks a prayer to Malorne, asking him to guide the beast home, and to forgive the killing of one of his children. The young ranger then places the severed head of the beast in the centre of the fire, with a prayer for the mercy of Elune on all her children.
At once the second Elder takes some of the blood, and smears it on the faces of every follower present, speaking words of dedication and purification to each as she does so. Each follower responds to her anointing with words of self-dedication or a suitable prayer. Meanwhile the first Elder takes the heart of the beast, and gives it to the young hunter; she takes a bite from it and returns it to the first Elder, who devours it. The first and second Elders anoint one another in symmetry, exchanging appropriate words of dedication and purification.
The followers begin to rend and devour the beast, roasted or raw, as they prefer. When all is ready, the second Elder calls the gathering to order, and invites the rangers to speak. Each ranger in turn speaks of their Hunt, and what they have seen in the world in their travels. The Elders question the rangers further, seeking to draw out the wisdom from their tales.
When every ranger has spoken of their Hunt, the second Elder tells the gathering of matters that have arisen, disturbances in the Balance and challenges to be faced. The first Elder adds a few words of guidance. Then, each Elder in turn, from youngest to eldest, gives their blessing on all those present, speaking such words as seem fitting to them. With the blessing of the first Elder, the rite is ended.
The young ranger ensures that as much as possible of the beast is put to good use, including all of the meat and the hide, and that the rest is burned. Any bones of the beast that are not to be used, together with the charred skull, are taken and buried reverently, with prayers for the tranquility of the Balance and the turning of the seasons. If the beast was a fully-grown stag or a bear, the skull is set in the branches of an ancient tree with special prayers.
The Rite of Tranquility (Karatha dal-Norae)
((This is the rite of induction for new followers into the Way of Malorne. In this rite the "young ranger" is the Kaldorei who is to be initiated into the Way of Malorne. These additional elements should normally take no more than ten minutes of RP time.))
The Rite of Tranquility is always conducted on the shore beside deep waters. It follows the rubrics for the Rite of the Hunt, with one additional element. After the young ranger has brought the sacrifice, and the first Elder has received and blessed it, the unconscious sacrifice is passed alive into the hands of the second Elder. The second Elder, cradling the living sacrifice, leads the other followers in an ancient hymn to the tranquility of Elune. Meanwhile, the first Elder leads the young ranger into the deep water, to feel the Balance crushing the air from them and breathe the deadly water. When the young ranger's struggles have ceased entirely, the first Elder brings her back to the shore, and invokes the blessing of Elune to revive her. When the water is cleared from her lungs, and she breathes again, the hymn of tranquility ends, and the followers sing the Ode to the joy of Elune. As they sing, the second Elder returns the sacrifice to the first Elder, and from this point the Rite of the Hunt continues as normal.
The Rite of Sacrifice (Karatha dal-Thoribath)
((This is the rite associated with battle against the foes of the Balance: the Burning Legion, the Old Gods, their devoted followers, and their machinations - for example, the Scourge. It is not used in the context of war against other Elves, Trolls, or any creatures native to the Balance, or capable of serving it; such battles are not considered a religious act in the Way of Malorne.
This was taking too long with larger groups, and has now been significantly shortened. If people respond promptly when making their oaths, a group of ten can finish the Rite in 15 minutes, but if people are slow it can take a lot longer, so please think ahead and be ready to type when your moment comes.))
This is the Rite to be performed, if possible, immediately before any combat for the Balance led by followers of the Way. All of the Kaldorei participating in the battle must also participate in this Rite, even if they are not followers of the Way. It may be omitted when the followers return to battle where they have already celebrated the Rite of Sacrifice, if some of the dried meat from that offering has been preserved. The first Elder brings the offering, traditionally a mountain goat, which should be unconscious.
The second Elder speaks a blessing on the company to begin the Rite. Meanwhile, the first Elder lays the sleeping offering about the neck of whoever is to lead the Kaldorei in battle - traditionally, the first Ranger. As he does this, he utters a blessing on the first Ranger. He then takes a knife, and cuts the throat of the offering with a fitting prayer for the beast and for the patience of Malorne.
Each of the Kaldorei in turn cuts her hand to draw blood - traditionally, using the sharp horns of the offering, but a knife may also be used. She lays her bloodied hands on the horns of the offering, renews her oath to serve the Balance in life and by death, and promises to obey the commands of the first Ranger in battle. She then anoints herself with the blood of the offering - allies not dedicated to the Way may choose to omit this blessing - and the Elders pray for her.
Finally, the Elders bless the first Ranger and the entire company, and the first Ranger rises to end the Rite.
The offering is set on the branch of a tree (or in some other safe place), to await the return of the Kaldorei from the battle and the ensuing feast. The first Ranger then takes command, and the Kaldorei go to battle.
After the battle, the surviving Kaldorei return to the offering for a celebratory feast in honour of the Ancients. The first Ranger ensures that no part of the offering goes to waste.