Seminar on The Gods and Rituals - May 25, 1999

 

[Land Tower West, Roof] A small overhang on the south side of the tower provides the on-duty guards with some shelter from the elements. From there, you can see the roofs of the town buildings to the south and southeast. Directly south, you can see a large open square among the buildings. Your view east is blocked by another guard tower. To the north, you can see the road that leads to the main gate of Wehnimer's and beyond it, to the shoreline. You also see the Tilarium disk, a plain maoral strongbox and a wooden ladder.

Also here: Journeyman Gildennchild, Lord Quantal who is seated, Lady Cressona who is seated, Lord Dimigor, Lord Armaxis who is seated, Apprentice Ybtzina who is seated, Lady Mikare who is seated, Apprentice Sati who is seated, Jaiyden who is seated, Kytroth who is seated, Apprentice Raela who is lying down, Lady Elswyth who is seated, Lady Willowlea who is seated, Apprentice Rhamm who is seated, Mange who is seated, Yavanna who is seated, Jadim who is seated, Ayzur, Apprentice Bash, Addaon who is seated, Beretta who is seated, Novice Katan who is seated, Lord Mallagra who is seated, Scarecrow, Lady Shiril who is seated, Haestas who is seated, Tilarium, Lord Fizzan who is seated, Journeyman Ioeth who is seated, Peldor, Strethis, Lord Direstrike who is kneeling, Lord Vorctal who is seated, Lawninja who is seated, Pontif who is seated, Paxia who is seated, Tivanwy, Izakiah, Apprentice Awan who is seated, Xiaoshan who is seated, Mentor Council Lavinnia, Era, Lady Lorel who is seated, Lorekeeper Piriotessa who is seated. Obvious paths: none.

*** Danay is hushing everyone. ***

Danay says, "I would like to welcome you all to tonight's seminar. We will be discussing the gods and ritual in relation to being a cleric. "

Danay says, "First I want to be clear that we are meeting here as players and much of the discussion will be OOC in nature. While this is very much a role-play topic, we need to be able to talk about it in player terms that we can then apply to our characters. "

Danay says, "Always keep in mind that this is first and foremost a RP game. You will not hear me discussing game mechanics or anything else of that nature out loud, outside of a setting such as this."

Danay says, "It's very important that you remember to separate what you the player knows from what your character knows. Part of your job is to filter the information and decide what your character can know."

Danay says, "Another thing to keep in mind is that even though you may just now be making some new decisions about who your character worships or what sort of person they are, it can still be worked into your character's history so that it's part of the fabric of who they are."

Danay says, "On the other hand, characters are not stagnant. Just as you as a person change your views on things over time and undergo life changing experiences, so can your character. So there is nothing wrong with wanting to go in a new direction and RPing a twist in your character's life that may not be part of their history, but rather their future."

Danay says, "One of the greatest things about being a cleric is the RP opportunities centering around worship of the gods. Many of the powers clerics have come directly from the gods, not the least of which is raising the dead. Take time to read all the spell descriptions so you have an understanding of the source of your powers."

Danay says, "Deciding on what form of religion will be central to your character is one of the most important decisions you will make. Give it a lot of thought and do your research so that it becomes part of who your character is so much that you don't even have to consciously think about it."

Danay says, "I am going to try and touch briefly on several different topics and then we will open this up to a question and discussion format. "

Danay says, "One of the most basic things is how do you learn about the gods of Elanthia. The first place to start is the official document from Simu which can be downloaded from the library on their website. "

Danay says, "Most of the gods have a description of their demeanor, their sphere of influence, their alliances and foes, their most typical physical appearance, etc. This document also explains who the Arkati are and a bit of their history. "

Danay says, "That history and general knowledge is important for every cleric to know and understand. It forms the backdrop for your profession. It will give you a foundation on which to build your RP."

Danay says, "Also the more you know about the individual gods, the more your character will really come across as a cleric who is knowledgeable, which I believe is important."

Danay says, "Many of the gods also have their own shrines and these can help with gaining a deeper understanding of those gods. Some of the shrines actually seem to create more mystery than understanding, but it fits with those particular gods. It can not only be educational, but fun to visit the various shrines, even if you have no real interest in that particular god."

Danay says, "The temple in Icemule has altars to the majority of the gods. Each altar, plaque and wall mural helps with educating about each god. Icemule is a difficult trip to make from the Landing when young, but it's worth the effort when you can finally go. I sent Danay there on a pilgrimage in the training before she began to raise as part of a spiritual quest."

Danay says, "The other best source of information about the gods is other characters. Many of the gods have followers who are well known throughout the Lands. Some examples are Truekillr for Lorminstra, Sylvine for Zelia and Amoret for Oleani."

Danay says, "You will also find that quite a few of the gods have as their most faithful servants people who are not clerics. Setzier is famous for his worship of Sheru and Eorgina has sorcerers like Sorchia and Bloodsnake in her fold. "

Danay says, "If you want to find more information on a particular god beyond shrines and documents, your best bet is to find followers of the god to get a more personal take. Though be aware that individuals often have their own, and sometimes unorthodox interpretations. Player websites are also another excellent source."

Danay says, "If you haven't chosen a god yet, do as much research as you can with the above tools and decide which god best fits your character. Don't pick a god because someone tells you all clerics must worship her or because you think it's really different to worship a dark god. Believe me when I tell you pretty much all of it has been done before. "

Danay says, "Think about your character's background, the sorts of things they are interested in and what their personality is like. Then think about which god most reflects those things. For me it was an instant match to pick Leya, she was perfect for my character. For some of you it may take a lot more weighing of options. "

Danay says, "Even with the wide variety of gods, there just may not be a perfect fit. I know for my young rogue character I had a harder time. Eorgina was too dark, Ivas too lusty and self-centered, etc. "

Danay says, "If you are stuck with a less than perfect fit, think about how your character might have their own interpretations about their god. Though I urge caution on this. We are allowed a great deal of flexibility, but if you stray too far from established doctrine you will find other players unwilling to go along and that they see you as someone "not playing by the rules". "

Danay says, "There are no game mechanics in place at this time for you to declare a god, it is all RP. If you are playing that you character has always worshipped that god that is fine. If you are RPing a new found dedication or conversion, you can always perform your own ritual at a shrine or something to make it more real for your character."

Danay says, "GM Ophion has hinted that some sort of alignment system will be eventually implemented in the game. No one knows what it will entail, but most of us assume it will directly effect some of our clerical powers."

Danay says, "Right now a cleric can claim that she gets her power from a banana and go ahead and raise the dead, even though the official documents are quite explicit on where the power comes from. Most people who care deeply about the game and cleric profession will welcome any change that requires clerics to RP within the spiritual laws of Elanthia."

Danay says, "Once you have decided on a god, what that means to your life as a cleric is entirely up to you. It is up to you to think of ways to make your dedication known to others. It is up to you to take time to pray at an altar and make offerings. It is up to you to decide how your service will be reflected in your behavior, speech and attitudes. It is up to you to incorporate that into how you will raise, or even if you will raise."

Danay says, "It sounds like a lot of work, and it can be. But it is very much worth the efforts. It is much more fun to play a character who is known for certain quirks or attitudes than one who just blends into the surroundings."

Danay says, "You can make your character interesting no matter which god you choose. It's how you RP that will be important, not who the god is."

Danay says, "Though as a player, you should be prepared for negative attitudes that may come from others. If your character is truly dedicated, it won't matter to him or her. So you can't let it bother you. If your character worships Luukos, expect my character to be barely civil to yours at times. If you worship Niima, expect people might make snide comments about a little known god. Whatever happens, RP it to the best of your ability."

Danay says, "One thing to keep in mind though, don't overdo it! I have seen a lot of clerics come and go who try to make a big splash, but instead don't even leave a ripple."

Danay says, "Don't try to RP with a "hey look at me, I am the high priest of god X and you know it because I keep telling you so!" style. Your service to the gods should be a natural part of conversations, how you dress, how you carry yourself, etc. "

Danay says, "When I see a young cleric trying to RP they are the next great leader of the faith in flashy, attention getting ways, both my character and I snort and dismiss them."

Danay says, "You will only get respect from other characters and players by living your faith, not proclaiming you are something you are not."

Danay says, "When I started out, I picked my gods and RP'd the best I could. Whenever I had the chance to RP religion with others I took it. I never set myself up as an expert, but rather as a student eager to learn from my elders. Whenever anything involving my goddess came up, I tried to be involved in whatever way I could."

Danay says, "I showed my dedication by being as knowledgeable as possible, I wore the symbol of my goddess and I incorporated gods into my actions such as raising and blessing weapons. "

Danay says, "After more than two years playing, Danay is now well known as an Amazon priestess of Leya. But I didn't get there by proclaiming that to everyone. Danay just lived out that role in her life and it simply became known over time because of consistency on my part."

Danay says, "I'm not trying to say that as any sort of brag. Rather what I am saying is, if I can do it, anyone can. But it can't come to you overnight and you can't get there by leaping to the top, you have to take all the little steps along the way."

Danay says, "A big help is finding if there are any active RP groups for the god you follow. Being able to RP with others who have the same beliefs is both a lot of fun, and it helps you strengthen your own character and RP."

Danay says, "If you don't know of any groups, think about trying to form one of your own. It takes a lot of hard work, time and dedication, but it is very rewarding."

Danay says, "So now we have covered a bit about who you follow and a little bit about what you do with it. That brings us more specifically to rituals. "

Danay says, "Some clerics don't have much to do with rituals beyond maybe saying a prayer when they raise or reverently touching their holy symbol now and then. That's fine, but there can be so much more if you are interested."

Danay says, "I happen to enjoy ritual a great deal and it is an important, even though infrequent, part of my character's life. What do I mean by ritual? I am referring to anything you do as a cleric from making an offering at your god's altar, to what you do when raising, to performing a wedding to leading a prayer service."

Danay says, "An easy way to start and get a feel for things is to just say prayers to your god. Go ahead and pray out loud, don't feel silly. Think about your character's relationship to their god and go from there. You can pray about a current event, your lovelife, your worries over a loved one, your sudden lack of faith, etc. Whatever is going on with your character basically."

Danay says, "Think about what sorts of things your god would like as an offering. Marlu is going to want a very different sort of offering than Imaera. "

Danay says, "Doing these sorts of simple things will help you get a deeper understanding of your god and how your character views the god and relates to the god. That understanding will serve as a foundation for if you want to get into bigger things later on like leading a prayer service for others."

Danay says, "To give an idea, I have done rituals that range from dedicating myself to service, to questioning my god and issuing a challenge, to rededication after learning the folly of the challenge, to removing myself officially from the service of a second god I had followed. Those were all personal."

Danay says, "I have participated in a couple Communes with others, I have married people, and I have led prayers and worship services for the Leya RP group I'm a member of. Those were all a bit more public. How much you want to do of any of that is entirely up to you."

Danay says, "When doing any ritual beyond informal personal prayers, I try to pick a central theme and then think of symbolism that will support that theme. The symbolism may come in the form of offerings or props, or just in your choice of words."

Danay says, "Merchants sell candles and incense from time to time and I always try to have a couple of each on hand in my locker that I can use. They are scripted items that make for a really nice touch."

Danay says, "Almost all rituals are better when they are focused and relatively brief, whether it's a wedding or a prayer service. They should also be targeted at the individuals participating and the reason they are all gathered together. "

Danay says, "If it's a prayer service, finding a way to get people to participate always goes over well and makes it more meaningful to those attending. Truekillr held a few masses in Lorminstra's temple during the vvrael invasions where he had people reach out and touch the altar and use the pray verb. It was simple and effective."

Danay says, "Last fall I led a candlelight service where I had everyone use the act command to light votive candles I had passed out. Again simple, but helped everyone feel a part of things."

Danay says, "When planning a wedding, I usually meet with the couple and design the service specifically for them. I find out which gods they follow, what sort of symbolism they prefer and ask if they have any special requests."

Danay says, "One couple had almost the entire ceremony written up and I just added my own touches. Other times I have had to do it totally from scratch so talked to them enough to try and get a feel for what sort of ceremony would suit them best."

Danay says, "When it comes to raising you will see everything from clerics who just cast the raise dead spell, to those who have a prayer and motions they go through. What you decide to do will depend on what your character is like and what god they follow. It's often best to have several ideas so nothing gets old and you can fit the circumstances. "

Danay says, "If you are raising in an invasion, you don't want to do things that add to the already horrid screen scroll. If you are raising a friend you might want to make it more personal. "

Danay says, "Most of the time I just touch my symbol and use the pray command. It's simple, yet still shows my reverence. If I am raising a friend or loved one, I often throw in an actual prayer with words. "

Danay says, "One last thing I want to touch on is communing. It's one of the most puzzling and unpredictable, yet potentially exciting things about being a cleric. First of all, it's usually a bad idea to commune for something frivolous."

Danay says, "Having said that, the first commune I cast was relatively frivolous, and it was successful. That proves the unpredictable part. "

Danay grins.

Lavinnia chuckles.

Piriotessa chuckles.

Danay says, "Whatever you do, don't commune just because it sounds cool, you are bored or because you just learned the spell and want to try it out. Have a specific reason. Unless it is some sort of emergency or an immediate situation, carefully plan out your ritual and the symbols you will use."

Danay says, "Most of all be clear, be patient and be repetitive. Design parts of the ritual that can be done over again without sounding too dumb. Basically when you cast the spell, it sort of acts like report to the GM's on duty."

Danay says, "If they are busy with other things, they may never show up to see what you are doing. They may look in right away. Or they may show up five minutes after you cast. Believe me, five minutes is a LONG time for this sort of thing, so be creative with your filler. "

Danay says, "Also, it has been said that you are much more likely to be successful if you have an appropriate symbol with you, and you cast the spell at the symbol."

Danay says, "If you do get a response, don't expect to be told inside information about an ongoing quest or to have the spirit or god tell you what to do with your life. They are going to almost always be vague with you and it will be up to your character to interpret whatever happens. "

Danay says, "Be prepared to RP to the best of your abilities. The gods are unpredictable. You never know who or what will show up. You never know if what shows up is going to put you on the hot seat for disturbing them. So be flexible."

Danay says, "Oh yeah, don't commune every week. The GM's and the Arkati hate that. I have cast the spell twice in two years and participated in one more where another character cast the spell for me when I was too young. That's three times more than some clerics I know."

Danay says, "The last thing I want to mention before opening up for questions is that when it comes to any sort of prepared ritual, macros are your friend. What I do is write everything out in a text file first, including act commands. Edit and spell check until it's the way you want it. Then paste it all into macros in the FE."

Danay says, "Once you have done that, rehearse it! Make sure it looks right in the game. Run through it a few times so you get the pacing right and you know which keys to hit when. When actually doing the ritual, don't go too fast! Remember that people not only need time to read the text on the screen, but they also need to absorb what it means."

Danay says, "One other method that works, and the one I am using right now....."

Danay grins.

Danay says, "Is to write everything out in a text file...."

Danay says, "And then paste it into the game window as you speak."

Danay says, "And proof it better than I did this talk."

Danay winks.

Lavinnia chuckles.

Piriotessa chuckles.

Danay says, "All right, I want to open up for questions."

Danay says, "In a moment I will unhush the room, and if you have a comment or question raise your hand. Your name will be taken and I will call on you in order."

Danay says, "I ask that if you are not the one who has been called on that you please be quiet and wait your turn so that we can all follow what is being said."

Danay says, "Also please keep your movements to a minimum."

*** Danay is allowing everyone to speak now. ***

Hazzardus asks, "So your really taking Questions? And who is the God of Jokes and Gags?"

Hazzardus's face turns slightly pale.

Hazzardus says, "hehe....little gag there....heh"

Hazzardus blinks.

Danay says, "Cholen is known to have a sense of humor like that, he is often worshipped by bards and those who are a bit silly in nature."

Hazzardus nods to Danay.

Hazzardus sits down.

Danay says, "I would like to urge all of you to please read the gods ducument from Simu to find out about the various gods so we don't have to cover each one here."

Rinsdel says, "at present are there any places to find a list of Rp groups that are already getting together"

Danay says, "I would suggest reading the gods folder on the Simu message boards."

Danay says, "You can ask if there are any groups for your god, and if there are none, you can ask to meet with others who are interested in forming one."

Danay says, "The gods folder is in the RP category."

Danay smiles.

Lorel asks, "I have a question about communing. The last thing I want is to bother any deity with a frivolous request. However, I'm interested in speaking to Lady Oleani to dedicate myself to Her and to ask Her guidance for my path. Is that considered frivolous?"

Danay says, "The tricky thing about communing is that we have to fight with the fact that what makes perfect sense to our characters may be seen as a bother by GMs."

Lorel nods.

Lorel says, "That is what I worry about"

Danay says, "I think what you want to do is one of the reasons we have Commune and I have done it."

Danay says, "I was successful in the fact that I got a response."

Lorel nods.

Danay says, "However, I should point out to everyone that often the response is not what you want."

Danay says, "You rarely get to actually speak to your god, but it does happen. More often spirits act as intermediaries."

Lorel nods.

Piriotessa nods to Danay.

Lorel says, "Thank you, Danay"

Lorel smiles at you.

Piriotessa says, "unless ya doing something to really upset yer particualar goddess an she comes just to yell at ya"

Piriotessa gazes in wonder at her surroundings.

Danay says, "So the main thing is, be very prepared, be very clear on why you are there, be patient, and if you as a player are disappointed, try to not have that effect your character."

Lorel nods.

Danay says, "Let your character filter everything that happens for herself."

Rosenthorn asks, "Danay I am but a vera young cleric, an although I hav been studyin hard, I am confused with raising the dead an nae havin the same amount of spirit as the person ye be resurectin....how can one tell aforehand, the amount of spirti one has?"

Danay says, "Use appraise, it will tell you what their max spirit is. ALWAYS use health to see how much you have. Do not depend on the game front end for that information because it can be wrong."

Piriotessa says, "last thing ya want to do is rely on the FE cause if you overrezz it's very costly"

Rosenthorn says, "please dont think I be stoopid...."

Rosenthorn asks, "but you lose blood rasin someone?"

Danay says, "Nay."

Danay says, "I would suggest for questions about raising to ask in the cleric folder. We already covered that information specifically last week."

Danay smiles at Rosenthorn.

Rosenthorn nods to Danay.

Ybtzina says, "first i would like to express my deepest gratituted to you for holding these seminars"

Danay smiles.

Ybtzina says, "i have found out a lot of things i didnt know"

Ybtzina says, "second is not really a question, but a comment"

Danay nods to Ybtzina.

Ybtzina says, "my spirit has been in the lands for nearly 2 years now"

Ybtzina says, "this is my first cleric body"

Ybtzina says, "i have done a lot of thinking about my first raise"

Ybtzina just touched a soft green Imaera symbol.

Danay smiles at Ybtzina.

Ybtzina says, "i guess i want it to be really special"

Danay nods to Ybtzina.

Ybtzina says, "it is, after all, the first one"

Danay says, "Aye, I will never forget my first."

Danay says, "I was scared silly."

Danay winks.

Ybtzina says, "thank you"

Ybtzina says, "im rather nevous myself"

Ybtzina says, "and its still 5 years away at least"

Ybtzina says, "im done"

Ybtzina smiles at Danay.

Danay smiles at Ybtzina.

Elswyth says, "Danay, great comments. I'm already thinking about how to incorporate some in my character's life. It never occured to me to invoke a god before blessing a weapon. Talk about a simple, but excellent idea."

Elswyth grins.

Danay smiles.

Danay says, "I have a macro"

(Danay raises her arms asking Leya to bless the weapon of the person before her)

Elswyth nods.

Elswyth says, "I enjoy doing weddings myself."

Elswyth says, "Was wondering if there anyway we can get the gods to produce some cleric specific items for weddings."

Danay says, "Your best bet is to do just like you have done."

Elswyth says, "A cord to handfast with, for ex, with a script."

Ybtzina asks, "i can answer that if i may?"

Danay says, "As merchants come around you will find they sell various items that will work well."

Danay says, "Just pick them up and hang onto them, that is what I do."

Elswyth nods.

Danay says, "Asking for scripted items is something I would not expect...."

Elswyth nods.

Danay says, "But there are merchants who sell ribbons and cords occasionally."

Danay says, "Another thing is if you are doing a plan C wedding for people..."

Danay says, "Often the couple will let the cleric get one of the items, that is how I had my robe made, something I always use now and will always treasure."

Elswyth says, "Ah."

Elswyth says, "Now there's a great idea."

Piriotessa removes a blackened Lorminstra prayerbook from in her eonake-threaded satchel.

Piriotessa shows Elswyth her Lorminstra prayerbook.

Lavinnia says, "That's how True has gotten many of his things."

Elswyth says, "Thanks."

Lavinnia nods to Danay.

Elswyth nods to Piriotessa.

Danay says, "It depends on how well you know the couple of course, they may need all the alteration slots themselves too."

Piriotessa says, "almost everyone you marry is more then happy to give the cleric presiding a gift"

Elswyth says, "Appreciate the talk."

Elswyth smiles at Danay.

Danay smiles.

Rylocke says, "recently i've been having rp' issues."

Rylocke says, "to asking myself what was Rylocke all about - beliefs - character and things"

Danay smiles.

Rylocke says, "you've cleared a great deal and cleared some light"

Danay nods.

Rylocke says, "with the crest merchant in landing a week ago or so."

Rylocke says, "i bought 3 crest Jastev - Ronan - Cholen ..plus a Fash'lo'nae symbol."

Rylocke says, "i could never find a God that would exentuate my character."

Danay says, "It can be hard."

Rylocke says, "like Cholen- funny guy - like me master of bad jokes - but too ..i dunno too..quilty"

Rylocke says, "it's brought me to the point in which I couldn't find one I wanted."

Danay says, "But RPing your quest of who you want to serve can also be very interesting and you can make the most of not being certain in that way."

Rylocke nods.

Piriotessa says, "remember you dont have to pick just 1 arkati either ...you can have a few you can call upon should mood strike"

Rylocke says, "eh, not my style."

Rylocke says, "i'm not a very religious man - maybe philisophical and insane combined."

Rylocke says, "i have wondered about worship of the 'spirits'"

Danay nods to Rylocke.

Rylocke grins.

Rylocke says, "i mean not all of elanthia knows of the arkati."

Danay says, "Some do worship spirits instead of the Arkati."

Elswyth nods.

Lavinnia nods.

Rylocke says, "i've gone to path of the wolf."

Rylocke taps a wolf head crest.

Danay says, "You don't have much to go on in the form of documentation so you just have to be careful that what you do makes sense in Elanthian terms."

Danay nods to Rylocke.

Rylocke asks, "and I was wondering will Elanthia ever - have spirit shrines ?"

Rylocke says, "i mean we are in the western hemisphere there should be sylvan gods and halfling gods out there."

Elswyth says, "Good question."

Lavinnia nods to Rylocke.

Piriotessa nods to Rylocke.

Rylocke says, "some civilizations ( in RL ) have lived in seclusion."

Danay says, "Well in a way there are some, or at least one....Aeia is seen as more of a spirit I think."

Danay says, "You can RP that you come from a place that worships a local well known spirit."

Rylocke asks, "you'd think the GM's would let a player create a god or a hierarchy of spirits ?"

Rylocke says, "like how Starsnuffers group came to be. in a way. i think."

Danay says, "Just do it, do it in a way that makes sense for your character and that doesn't go against what is already known."

Rylocke says, "and also with clerical issues."

Danay says, "The Arkati are a race, like elves and dwarves...."

Danay says, "That is why they are seen rather universally rather than through racial or cultural eyes."

Rylocke nods.

Rylocke asks, "imagine worship of the drakes ?"

Rylocke says, "ah ok back to the issue(s)."

Danay grins.

Rylocke says, "i am not a cleric. far from one. i have a relative though."

Rylocke says, "who is one. he is indeed . philosopical types. who reveres in scient and knowledge."

Danay nods to Rylocke.

Piriotessa says, "honoring the gods isn't cleric only, anyone can choose to honor them in their way..Setzier is a perfect example of that"

Piriotessa chuckles.

Rylocke asks, "oh and is there any other non-arkatian 'worship' groups ?"

Rylocke says, "anything involving wolves"

Rylocke whistles tunelessly to himself.

Danay says, "Start one."

Danay grins.

Elswyth nods to Danay.

Danay says, "But be clear on your focus and what you believe."

Rylocke says, "well thank you- you've shed some lights and one more thing."

Rylocke asks, "want to buy some crest ?"

Danay smiles.

(Rylocke puts his finger in his mouth, he taps the air ..you hear a small drum roll. Rylocke has just made another bad joke!)

Danay pokes Rylocke in the ribs.

Rylocke says, "ooaf"

Sati says, "mine is kind of silly after all the others"

Sati asks, "Would ya please give an example of appreciative symbols?"

Danay says, "Nothing is too silly."

Piriotessa taps an imflass Lorminstra symbol.

Lavinnia places her hand on her veniom Niima symbol.

Sati asks, "Also do you offer that symbol when you commune?"

Elswyth taps some shimmering opaline prayer beads.

Armaxis's ora Luukos symbol emits a soft grey glow.

Piriotessa taps a Lorminstra crest.

Danay says, "Anything like a medallion, sash or symbol you can buy at shops or merchants."

Sati says, "Alright"

Danay says, "I would hold it in my hand and cast at it."

Danay says, "I want to say here there is something I am not certain about...."

Danay says, "For example....the dagger is Leya's symbol...."

Sati asks, "Cast the commune spell at it?"

Piriotessa nods to Sati.

Danay says, "I am not sure how well it would work to use that instead of an actual symbol like this one"

Danay taps a carved ivory Leya symbol.

Danay says, "But it could be that you need to use what fitst best and hope it will work."

Sati says, "Thank you"

Danay says, "If you don't have what you need, just use something that seems to fit the best and work with it."

Eloia asks, "If someone follows a dark God, may they still be trusted?"

Danay grins.

Danay says, "That depends entirely on the person."

Eloia grins.

Lavinnia chuckles.

Danay says, "If they follow a god who is a liar, you should take that into consideration."

Danay says, "It will also depend on why and how they follow that god."

Danay says, "Also just knowing the person helps. In other words, you can't just make a judgement based on who they follow, but on who the person is."

Eloia asks, "One might ask the person how & why, then?"

Danay nods to Eloia.

Ioeth says, "I have a question about raising the dead."

Danay nods to Ioeth.

Ioeth asks, "What is the proper order to raise bodies in a room (considering that there is more than one raising cleric in the room and that there is a rotation set up)?"

Ioeth asks, "Is it to raise the person who died first or the person that came in the first?"

Ioeth says, "I ask this because I was recently told off and accused of 'title snatching'."

Danay says, "That really just depends on the situation and the clerics there. Normally who is brought in first, but there are exceptions."

Danay says, "I would suggest for questions about raising protocol that you ask on the cleric boards."

Ioeth says, "Thank you."

Danay says, "Also the logs of the raising forum and this one will be on the mentor site eventually for anyone to read."

Danay says, "The mentor site is found at mentors.play.net for anyone who does not know."

Danay smiles.

Armaxis says, "Just wanted to bring up a point on the 'creating a spirit' think Rylocke was speaking of.."

Armaxis says, "Er, thing."

Armaxis coughs.

Danay nods to Armaxis.

Armaxis says, "The Huntress wasn't originally part of the game, Bleeds, Kyrion and Warble RP'd a group and got the GM's to add her, I think...so anythings possible as long as you do it right."

Armaxis says, "Well, thats all."

Danay says, "The key is to just make sure you don't contradict any official information already out there and that what you are doing makes sense within Elanthian framework."

Danay smiles.

Armaxis nods to Danay.

Danay asks, "That was it for the raised hands. Does anyone else have any questions or comments?"

Danay says, "I want to thank Lavinnia and Piriotessa from the Lorekeepers for their help tonight."

Danay smiles.

Lavinnia smiles at Danay.

Awan says, "Lots of information on da Arkati cans be found in da Tomes of the Arkati at da Phoenix site"

Danay says, "And I most especially want to thank all of you for being such a polite and interested audience."

Danay smiles.

Danay says, "Now go convert the world."

Danay winks.