Getting the rites right

[Aldrannath]

Our first "Rite of Tranquility" last night was quite successful, and the participants were obviously pleased. As a first-ever trial run it was a bit laboured, of course; I'd hope to have things run more swiftly and smoothly once we all get used to it. Points arising:

• A fully-grown stag is bloody huge and very heavy. I suggest we say that a stag is "traditional" but something like a wild boar or a very young buck is perfectly acceptable. This is especially important if we regularly use the island off Auberdine as a location, because RPing the swim out with a large and unconscious stag felt borderline farcical to me.
  
• I like Auberdine as a location, and for the Rite of Tranquility I think that little island is perfect - Lake Elune'ara in Moonglade would do, but I really prefer the Ocean, for the symbolism. For the Rite of the Hunt we can go for somewhere more foresty, but I'm still tempted to stay in Darkshore if we can find a nice spot. Moonglade is too quiet, I'm a bit tired of Ashenvale's pretty colours, and Auberdine has the advantage of being a very active hub where lots of people will see us in passing if we make a habit of gathering at the Moonwell before we go to our meeting. That being said, the campsite just outside Astranaar is also a charming outdoor spot, and we could meet there whenever we have dealings with the Guardians.
  
• Elders should be forewarned that they will need to compose a blessing for the end of the rite. Rangers and Novices should come prepared to tell something about their "hunt" and what they have seen.
  
• Whoever takes the role of "second Elder" (last night it was Salabadon) needs to be prepared - especially for the Rite of Tranquility, which we'll be performing fairly often in the first few weeks. They need to:
  • sing an "ancient hymn to the tranquility of Elune" (Rite of Tranquility only) - should we try to compose something, or make it a bit different every time?
    
  • sing a "hymn of praise to Elune" - ditto;
    
  • speak "words of purification and dedication" to every Kaldorei present - it would be nice to think these over, and maybe have different words according to the individual, and whatever the Elder feels should be said;
    
  • speak of any troubles in the Balance, and matters arising - maybe we should put together an agenda before each meeting?
    
  
  It's quite a job. Do you want to do it regularly, Sal? Or, once we have a few Elders, maybe people can take turns?
  
• For the Rite of Tranquility in particular, some thought needs to be given to what happens while the initiate is busy drowning, as this takes a few minutes. Should we work on ways of making RP-hymn-singing fun? Or think about what else might happen during the drowny bit?
  

Thoughts?

[Kaylaneh]

First off, I loved last night. It was a lot of fun.

I personally think when the initiate is busy drowning, the ones that are still on the shore must sing in honour of Elune so that the initiate will come back safely. When the initiate has returned (and brought back to life), we all sing another song to thank Elune. The initiate will then stand in the middle of the group and cut off the head of the Stag him/herself instead of Aldrannath. I think its better to let the initiate kill the stag since they will have to step over another border instead of just seeing Aldrannath do it.

Other than that, the location was good. Also, I think the reason for last night's slow process was the fact that we all were quite new to the concept. I'm sure that as we introduce more initiates into the Way of Malorne, that it will go a lot smoother.

[Farel Forestclaw]

First of all, it was an really cool evening^^ loved the RP and the event.

Secondly, yeah an stag might be toooo much but else i agree with Celegil and with Adlra that there should be more to do and such.

Else all in all, very good indeed

[Aldrannath]

Hm, good feedback, thanks. Okay, so how about this:

• In the Rite of Tranquility and the Rite of the Hunt, the young ranger kills the Stag themselves. Breaking the neck with brute strength, or tearing off the head (even in bear form) is a feat of physical strength and feels improbable for anyone less large and strong than Aldrannath. (I'll revise his description to make it more obvious how big he's meant to be.) Artificial blades are clearly unsuitable. But maybe the animal could be killed with a heavy stone to the head? Yay, brains everywhere, nice juicy nuggets for everyone. Aldrannath can then proceed with the dismembering.
  
• RPing a hymn is tricky; if only one person sang it would be rather boring. I suggest short (one-sentence) verses and some kind of chorus, so people can take it in turns to interject "verse-chorus" - then everyone else /says or emotes the chorus, and it's someone else's turn. The second Elder should of course be ready to start things off, and have a few extra verses ready in case people run out of inspiration. Of course, it doesn't have to be poetry or follow a metre or anything; after all, the English is "just a translation." We can try that next time and see how it goes.
  
• As for having more to do, maybe each follower, when anointed, responds with words of self-offering, hope, or whatever else they feel moved to say in response to the second Elder's prayer.
  
• My intention is that for the Rite of the Hunt, the sacrifice/anointing section should take no more than about ten minutes of RP, leaving the rest of the session for "news of the Hunt" and discussion. Obviously the drowning bit is always going to take a few minutes, but the whole ritual part still needn't take longer than twenty minutes or so.
  

Does that sound better? If yes I'll edit the rubrics accordingly. :-)

[Farel Forestclaw]

sounds better yes

[Kaylaneh]

Sounds good. *nods* What do you mean with the artificial blades? Surely a good and sharp sword can cut a Stag's head off, yet in three or four blows?

[Aldrannath]

Nov 5, 2009 0:22:25 GMT 1 Kaylaneh said:

Sounds good. *nods* What do you mean with the artificial blades? Surely a good and sharp sword can cut a Stag's head off, yet in three or four blows?

Sure it could, but we don't use crafted weapons for the Rite. "Weapons provided by nature" and all that. So it's sticks, stones or fingernails, take your pick.

That's the thing about getting back to the roots - you generally get your fingers dirty.

[Farel Forestclaw]

*feels epic with that as he is an druid* woohoo dirty hands!

[Salabadon Starfire]

It's quite a job. Do you want to do it regularly, Sal? Or, once we have a few Elders, maybe people can take turns?

I can do it regulary, it's kinda fun But if others become Elder's I'll glady share the burden

[Farel Forestclaw]

*wants to be Elder* hahahhaha

[Kaylaneh]

Ah I see what you mean Al. *looks at Celegil's nails* Nah, not long enough. Its indeed better that Aldrannath does the decapitation since I think few of our characters have that amount of raw strength.

Also, if you want, I could RP Celegil as the head Huntress, but I don't think that seems reasonable since she's pretty young. Unless you think otherwise?

[Aldrannath]

I'm chewing on the "other Elders" question. Sal will do fine for now. *Promises nothing to Farel.* ;D

It did occur to me to have a kind of "first Ranger" position, but for the time being I don't think it's needed. Celegil is indeed young, but then so is Caliyen. Let's see how things develop.

[Farel Forestclaw]

Reminds me, shall we make an thread with songs there will be hymhed and such at the rites? so all kinda knows the songs and just can go in and copy-paste it and then they sing it? would make it alot easier aswell for the Elders?

[Aldrannath]

Good idea on the hymns thread, done that.

I don't want to particularly encourage copy-pasting; surely that's no fun? I'd rather have people use their creativity. But it would be useful to have a collection of ideas and source material.

[Farel Forestclaw]

woohoo an good idea! well, i udnerstand that with copy-paste and all but heh, it is more so people gets an idea of what to say and such ^^