The Nashite Sodality of Peace
The Nashite Sodality of Peace [Exits: north] Dappled, sun-touched leaves form a natural bower around you, the solid presence of oaks and maples forming this hidden place. The gentle light of dawn, a time of new beginnings, streams soft and golden into the glade, inviting you to take up your tasks with a willing and rested heart. The air here is crisp and clean, warmly caressing upon the skin, and yet charged with a sanctity crafted through prayer and belief. The complex scent of the outdoors fills you with vigor and a sense of renewal and accord. Within the clearing, focal areas are formed by the placement of trees: a willow's sweeping branches encloses a place for followers to find rest upon the thick moss, a pine's towering strength serves as an altar and a fallen oak creates a perfect meeting point, a message to all displayed on its top. Here, the natural world meets and melds in exquisite harmony with the spiritual, offering a supportive environment of holiness and oneness with Life. (Blue Aura) A statue of Lord Nash, a tiger at His side, is at the center of the glade.
Look Statue
This statue is carved, not of stone, but of wood, from an oak still rooted in the earth, solid and comforting in its strength. Nash's face is one of fortitude, wisdom and benevolence, yet the Triple Edged Sword can be seen, ready to defend His people at His left side. Upon His right, a proud and strong Tiger stands, both an advocate for His cause and a guardian of His faith and Laws.
North
A pathway through the trees leads out to the Eastern Avenue of the Temples. The the pathway is open.
East
A pair of graceful aspen trees grow here, their silvery branches entwining to form a shelf of sorts. Upon the middle branches, a small book is opened to a particular page. As you approach the book, an inky blackness fills your thoughts: "It is no light task to take up the crusade of Lord Nash," a voice whispers, deep in your mind. "By doing so in his mortality, Drakar Grimward knows the path that lies ahead. It is with greatest assurance that he will mightily dominate any challenges laid in his path, and will do it with all the glory and honor due to Lord Nash." The blackness swirls and vanishes suddenly from your mind and as you gaze at the page once more, all that appears is a portrait of the Phantom, Unholy Pontiff of Lord Nash.
South
A tangle of briar roses blocks passage to the south, their branches heavy with exquisite blooms. Half-hidden amongst them is a pane of black glass, faintly reflecting back your own image, distorted by delicate lines of an elven script. It reads: "To those who would seek Lord Nash: Know that this journey is not an easy one, nor for the weak of heart, or for those of fickle spirit. Worship with no small measure. Once blessed, build a sacristy, deep within your soul. Let no other enter. Let the praise of Lord Nash beat in the rhythm of every heartbeat. Breathe faith into your lungs. Tattoo it, or etch it, with blood upon your forehead. Allow FAITH to nourish and light all that you are. Sing Lord Nash's praises from the rooftops. Fell the walls with your joy. Fear not the massive that rise against you, for they are set to make you strong. They are GIFTS. Understand that faith, by its very nature, does not require proof. Know that in the very act of belief - the bonds of this sacred trust - there is an untouchable power and peace. Waiver not from your quest. Find perfection in the voice of your God, the hands of your brothers and sisters, and by the grace of Lord Nash, in the truth of your own heart. Only in Lord Nash is there immortality and faith without end. Blessed be those who believe. - Silonch, Witch of the Black Conclave of Nashite Devoted Pest of the Arch-Lich"
West
A slab of brownish stone, marbled rather like tiger's eye, has been set into place to record the laws of the Nashite Sodality of Peace: * All of the Realm's laws are to be strictly adhered to. If an Immortal asks you to do something, do it. If you have any issue with it, do it anyways and post a note to me. * Know, understand, and follow the Laws of Nashite. * Actively recruit and convert non-believers to our Sodality. * Do not aid or otherwise assist any who bear a red aura as they contradict and stand to corrupt our virtue and peace. * Do not initiate attacks of any kind against other Nashites and those who have done us no harm. Our intention is to promote peace. Neither myself nor Lord Nash will tolerate any deviation from this. I will make it abundantly clear those who are classified as an exception to this, when and if they so choose by their actions towards us to be designated as such. * No whining, moaning, crying, or otherwise trash-talking. It will accomplish nothing but drawing my ire. * I do not require roleplaying. However, I do require strict adherence to character separation. If you have any questions on what this means, ask me and I will tell you. * Have fun, and don't put me in a position where I am not.
Up
Arching branches create a natural vaulted ceiling far above, and they are alive with movement: the darting of birds, squirrels scampering, the soft hum of insects. In the crook of one very old-looking maple, a spider has woven a complex web. As you watch, she spins down a thread and meets your gaze. A voice in old-common speaks in your mind: *Hear the words of the Ebon Bard, the Lady Weaver, named Paladin by Lord Gryphon for her service to the Silver Fellowship of Nash:* Wisdom is the Way of Nash, brought by Nash's Son Teaching us His father's words, until all souls are won Power is the Way of Nash, lives and blood His due Darkness is the Conclave's path, and to that path they're true Subtle is the Way of Nash, cunning wins His prey Mystery the Jhereg's trade from which they will not stray Chaos is the Way of Nash, this the Watchers learn Ways to send more souls to Him and feast on all they've earned Knowledge is the Way of Nash, new are those in truth Chiselhammer's Clan prepares a path for those of youth Honor is the Way of Nash, worship through good deeds Calls the Fellowship to Him to clarify His needs Glory is the Way of Nash, Asia sought to gain Cauldron boils over with a seething draught of Pain Cruel is the Way of Nash, some fail along the way Beelze is found within a Pit up to this very day Quiet is the Way of Nash, Spirits turn within Playful Nakka guides his folk, so different from their kin Brutal is the Way of Nash, practiced by the Draoi Saplings watered by spilled blood, filled with unholy joy Wisdom is the Way of Nash, Circle bound by choice Led by Schwartz's gentle hand and praising with one voice Magic is the Way of Nash, Phantom guides their path Magi serve His just commands, each studying the craft Peaceful is the Way of Nash, Tiger wards the way Sodality will all embrace, and hatred hold at bay Perfect is the Way of Nash, sought by all these ways Shows his face to each in kind, a different way to praise
Down
The forest floor underfoot is soft, rich, fertile earth covered in a thick blanket of fallen leaves of every hue and shape.
Look Oak
The oak seems a natural gathering spot, just large enough for all of those within the Sodality to gather around it. Laying in plain view on its surface is a page of fine vellum which reads: To all those who come to my Sodality in pilgrimage or in search of knowledge, I, Drakar, bid you welcome. It has been a long road to this place, to this moment. But if our hearts are open, I believe that all can come to find the mercy and benevolence of Lord Nash. Within this glade, you will find His wisdom and guidance as well as my own and others touched by Him. If the words of Nash do not speak to your heart, I ask that you spend your time here respectfully and without scorn for those who do hear the truth of His message. All are welcome, who have peace in their heart.
Look Willow
A surprisingly large weeping willow provides a resting spot, just large enough for those seeking restorative sleep - or a liason's privacy - within the veil of its withes. Moss grows thickly beneath the tree's branches, providing a comfortable place to rest. A small tree stump, just the right height to rest a mug or plate upon, is conveniently located for an individual relaxing against the willow's trunk.
Look Pine
Offerings to Lord Nash have been laid upon the altar carved into a mighty pine. Central among them is an exquisitely calligraphed document by the hand of the Grimward himself. THE APOSTLE'S PRAYER -------------------- Lord Nash, You are both benevolence and scorn. Yet Your mercy is sweet. You are divine and pure. Lead me not into the temptation of men. Let me seek refuge in the solace of Your truth. Let disgust not be the air of my voice for heathens, But my words only allowed as You beckon, Our justice, with merit and virtue. Let not our sword deliver Your wrath, But let our heart speak to Your praise. In testimony, Your face is revealed, In all things, your own design.
Look Offerings
A variety of offerings have been laid at the altar, around a single page of parchment. You spy a perfect hawk feather, a polished chunk of tiger's eye, a small multi-limbed twig with a somehow intact spider's web cradled in the branches, a small bird's nest, a single dragon scale of deep green, a single link from a mithril chain, a Crest of Lord Nash, a vial of clear liquid, a pearlescent spiral seashell, and a braided lock of dark hair.