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[THE PROMISE]

THE PROMISE



In the era of desolation, where the lands lie barren and dry,
Ephia's Well stands as a sanctuary 'neath the somber sky.
A prophecy unfolds, whispered by the weeping breeze,
Of a time when life shall burgeon, carried by tears that appease.

The sacred waters of B'aara, a wellspring of life's embrace,
Sheltered in Ephia's haven, a divine, enduring grace.
But in the shadows, a prophecy foretells a change,
A transformation through sacrifice, in a world estranged.

Behold the barren lands, where once lush gardens thrived,
As B'aara's children weep, and from their eyes, life derived.
Ephia's Well, a refuge in the midst of the arid despair,
Holds the chalice of promise, awaiting the penitent's prayer.

The prophecy whispers of a future yet to unfold,
Where tears of penance shall turn the currents of old.
Ephia's Well, the cradle of hope in this age of blight,
Shall witness the resurrection, as tears restore the light.

In barren lands, the prophecy finds its silent place,
A narrative of redemption, unfolding through tears of grace.
Ephia's Well, the bastion where the waters of life converge,
Shall be the genesis of a new era, as B'aara's blessings surge.

Dear Jordan Clearcreek,

I extend my gratitude for the invitation to the Metaphysical Roundtable. Although I may not be well-versed in the intricacies of such gatherings, I welcome the opportunity to engage in philosophical discourse. Your initiative to foster dialogue among representatives of various faiths is commendable, and I accept your invitation with an open heart and mind.

Please consider my participation confirmed for the upcoming event on Subat 16th. I look forward to the discussions and the exchange of perspectives.

With appreciation,
Farideh Goldbard
Waterbearer of the Weeping Mother

[An ashfolk, clad in modest white attire, approaches the Sandstone College with a carefully sealed letter in hand. With a respectful nod, the ashfolk hands the letter to a passing student, ensuring it reaches Jordan Clearcreek.]

Dear Mister Hu Prak,

I hope this letter finds you in good health. I wanted to follow up on my previous letter regarding the proposal for a contest to gather creative ideas for the Feast of B'aara. Your expertise and creativity would add immense value to such an initiative. If you haven't had the chance to review my earlier letter, I would be grateful if you could spare a moment to consider the proposal. Your involvement would greatly contribute to making this year's Feast truly exceptional.

Looking forward to your response.

Warm regards,
Farideh Goldbard
Waterbearer of the Weeping Mother

[The diminutive ashfolk, clad in oversized tunics, sprints through the Krak des Roses, his urgency and mismatched attire drawing curious glances. In one hand, he clutches a rolled parchment, marked with the name "Hu Prak." With a comical flourish, he delivers the letter, leaving bystanders both bemused and entertained.]

Esteemed Exchequer Sol Auk Sol Auk,

May the enduring shade of Mother B'aara's grace envelop your path. I extend my deepest gratitude for your prompt and informative response.

Your generosity in offering the Basalt Table and two Chairs is truly magnificent and will undoubtedly add a unique touch to the B'aarat Hymns Contest. However, I must express a concern born out of practicality and the diverse tastes of our community. While such exquisite basalt craftsmanship may be highly prized among the stonefolk, it might not resonate as strongly with the wider audience expected to participate in the contest.

Considering the eclectic mix of individuals likely to partake in the event, I wonder if there might be an alternative prize that could capture the hearts and aspirations of a broader spectrum of contestants. Your insight on this matter would be invaluable, and I eagerly await your suggestion.

In the spirit of maintaining the generous hand you've extended, I also wish to revisit the matter of the B'aarat Almshouse. The needs there are pressing, and I wonder if the Consortium could contribute beds crafted from basalt. Such a gesture would not only fulfill a practical need but also symbolize the enduring support of the Consortium for the well-being of our community. I am confident that Baetu the Blind, the devoted priest overseeing the Almshouse, would be overjoyed at such a thoughtful and substantial contribution.

On a more personal note, I confess to having succumbed to tormented slumber in recent nights, pulled into the abyss that lurks beneath Ephia's Well. But fear not, for I have emerged from that shadowed realm, and my resolve to aid the people of the Well remains unbroken. I stand ready to face whatever challenges may arise and ensure the sanctity of Mother B'aara's teachings.

May the trade winds carry this missive swiftly to you, and I eagerly anticipate your esteemed counsel on the matters presented.

With respect and gratitude,
Farideh Golbarg, Waterbearer of the Weeping Mother

[In the lively plaza, a swift ashfolk, donned in sacred white, weaves through traders. Spotting Consortium merchants, it sprints, delivering the letter with a flourish. Bemused, the merchants exchange glances as the ashfolk vanishes into the crowd.]

[this]

Dear Mister Corvo,

In the sands of Ephia's Well, our conversations weave like the desert winds, carrying thoughts and reflections. I understand your sentiments, and it is not a lack of faith that plagues our realm but the veils of misunderstanding draped over the profound teachings of the divine.

We live in a time of strife, where the wisdom of the Wheel is forgotten, and false knowledge takes root. The temples we build are not just structures of stone; they are reminders, echoes of the Path of the Wheel, calling people to rediscover the harmony that has been obscured.

Your observant gaze discerns that the issue is not with the sun itself, but with this sun – a manifestation of misguided beliefs and misconceptions. Together, may we strive to cast away the winds of ignorance and uncover the true essence of the divine teachings.

To unravel the mysteries of Emir, venture to the Temple of B'aara and seek the wisdom of the sister within. She, the bearer of sacred knowledge, first unfolded the tales of Emir to me.

In unity and understanding,
Farideh Goldbarg, Waterbearer of the Weeping Mother

[An ashfolk, swift as the desert breeze, darts through the arid expanse of the Tablet. Clutching a parchment, the diminutive figure maneuvers with surprising agility. The letter in her tiny hands hints at the importance of its contents, destined for Riccardo Corvo.]

... not... yet. cheers, this tale has not ended.

[BACKSTORY]

BACKSTORY

Farideh Golbarg was a refugee who sought shelter in the unforgiving desert of Ephia's Well. Her family had been torn apart by marauders during a devastating raid, leaving her orphaned and alone in the harsh desert.

Her early days were marked by wandering alone through the desolation. During those difficult times, her grandmother, in a time now treasured as a cherished memory, shared tales of The Mother, B'aara. Farideh's grandmother imparted the teachings and myths of The Mother, emphasizing the importance of water, purity, and the cleansing of wickedness.

These stories left a profound impact on Farideh, instilling in her a deep appreciation for the significance of water in the arid desert and the need to protect its sanctity. As she sought refuge in Ephia's Well, she carried her grandmother's teachings and the tales of The Mother with her, nurturing her devotion to the faith.

A SHORT WEEK WITHIN THE WELL

She survived the desert, but not the very home of her Mother, Ephia's Well. Before even being able to actually help the Feast of B'aara happen, Farideh fell victim of creatures that she did not know nor understand. Others fell and came back. But for some reason, the heavens did not answer to her pleas.

I had PLANS for her, as usual. I tried playing for the first time a Lawful Good character for a change, but I could not resist and, more than once, I felt like she was actually a Chaotic Crazy Good Lunatic. It was a fun come back to EFU. The server is feeling fresh and the player base/ DMs stand as delightful as I once knew them.

Let's see what other tales come to me next so I can share them with you.

[THE PROUD MAN]

THE PROUD MAN



In a land where rivers of silver did flow,
Lived a man who claimed, "I'm purer than snow."
With his head held so high, and his heart full of gold,
He thought himself better, his virtues untold.

Like a beacon of light, he dazzled the crowd,
With vanity's song, he sang clear and loud.
But a storm was approaching, a tempest so grand,
For pride was the shifting and treacherous sand.

As he gazed at the river, the bright, blazing light,
Reflecting his ego, so pure and so bright,
His vision was blinded, the river did gleam,
His arrogance crumbled like shattered glass dreams.

With no sight to guide him, he stumbled and fell,
Into waters that roared like a merciless spell.
Blinded and helpless, he met a cruel fate,
In the depths of the river, his pride sealed his state.

So remember this tale, when your ego does soar,
For pride comes before the great fall's roaring roar.
In rivers of silver, or wherever you roam,
Stay humble, dear traveler, and find your way home.

Dear Mister Hu Prak,

I trust this letter finds you in good health and high spirits. I wish to extend my heartfelt appreciation for your recent efforts in gathering the community's attention through your creative contest on the animals that best represent Ephia's Well. I for once, learned a lot with you. It was heartening to witness the excitement and participation it generated.

As the Feast of B'aara approaches, I am certain that your ingenuity can play a pivotal role in elevating the upcoming event to new heights. With your demonstrated ability to spark interest and gather support, I have a proposal that could greatly benefit the Feast and our community as a whole.

How about organizing a contest for ideas of activities that could take place during the Feast, just like the one you did, but this time to generate interest in contributing with ideas? This contest would encourage community members to submit their creative ideas for activities and events that can take place during the Feast of B'aara. The top three most imaginative and engaging ideas would have the honour of being integrated into the official festival program. These activities could encompass art, music, games, and more, all celebrating the spirit of B'aara. I believe this initiative will not only make the Feast more memorable but also foster unity and collaboration within our community.

Furthermore, this contest can serve as an opportunity to gather signatures from enthusiastic participants who are eager to support and take part in the upcoming Feast. It may also attract potential sponsors who recognize the value of contributing to such a meaningful event.

Your expertise and passion for community engagement make you the perfect person to lead this endeavour. I am confident that your guidance will ensure its success. If you find this proposal appealing, I would be delighted to assist in any way possible to make it a reality.

Please consider this suggestion, and if you have any questions or require assistance, do not hesitate to reach out. Together, we can make this year's Feast of B'aara truly exceptional.

May B'aara's blessings guide you in your endeavours, and I look forward to your response.

Warm regards,
Farideh Goldbard
Waterbearer of the Weeping Mother

[An eccentric ashfolk, donned in tunics two sizes too large for his small frame, dashes into the Krak des Roses in search of a certain Hu Prak. On this hand, a parchment addressed to Hu Prak.]

Dear Mister Corvo,

As a fellow traveler on this journey through life, I'm sharing a hymn I penned in honor of B'aara, the Weeping Mother. It's a tribute to her grace and the healing embrace she offers to all her children, regardless of their beliefs.

Feel free to listen to these verses in your own time, and remember that the waters of B'aara offer solace to those who seek it. She watches over us all, her tears a source of boundless compassion.

In this shared moment, I hope you find a connection with the faith of the Weeping Mother, and I'm here to answer any questions or engage in discussions you might have.

Wishing you peace and understanding,
Farideh Goldbarg
Waterbearer of the Weeping Mother

[An ashfolk, small but swift, dashes through the bustling Krak des Roses. Clutched in her tiny hands, a rolled-up parchment seems almost comically oversized in her grasp. She zips around market stalls and dodges patrons with impressive agility, on her mission to deliver a letter to Ricardo Corvo.]

Esteemed Mister Benjazar,

I hope this letter finds you in good health and high spirits as we approach the Feast of B'aara. I write to you with two purposes that I believe you should be aware of. Firstly, I wish to inform you of the actions I have taken regarding the forthcoming feast, and secondly, I require your support in an important matter.

In my unwavering devotion to B'aara and our beloved Ephia's Well, I have reached out to Exchequer Sol Auk Sol Auk of the Consortium. My intent is to request sponsorship for the feast, which would encompass providing much-needed dinars to the B'aarat Almshouse in the Tablet, as well as an item of interest for the winner of the B'aarat Hymns Contest, a new addition to the celebration that I believe would elevate our festivities.

This contest will call upon the most devoted and creative voices of our community to compose and perform their heartfelt hymns to B'aara, to praise Her waters, and to tell the tales of salvation they bring. I believe that such an event would truly embody the spirit of the Feast of B'aara, bringing us closer to our Mother through song and devotion.

To this end, I would like to ask for your assistance in organizing the B'aarat Hymns Contest. I would be deeply grateful if you could oversee the selection of judges, find more sponsors, and ensure that this contest becomes an integral part of our celebration. Your expertise in event organization and your dedication to our Ephia's Well would be invaluable in making this contest a resounding success.

Furthermore, I have reached out to Captain Naelin and Lieutenant Sephidra of the Torchbearers to propose an expedition to the sacred sites of our faith. While they have yet to give their official consent, I am hopeful that they will agree to undertake this endeavor. This expedition will serve as a source of inspiration for the contestants, unearthing ancient hymns, lore, and archaeological objects dedicated to The Weeping Mother. Collaborating with the Torchbearers in this endeavor would provide a unique and profound experience for all participants. I believe these sacred discoveries will enrich the contest and deepen our connection to our faith's history and values.

Should you have any questions or require further information regarding this, please do not hesitate to reach out to me. It is my hope that together we can create a Feast of B'aara that will be talked about and remembered for years to come.

In anticipation of your guidance and wisdom in this matter,
Farideh Golbarg, Waterbearer of the Weeping Mother

[An ashfolk, their white robes shimmering like desert sands, solemnly approaches the towering gates of the Krak des Roses, trembling as they hand over the letter to a towering guard.]

Honourable Captain Naelin and Lieutenant Sephidra,

I hope this message finds you well and full of determination as you continue your noble endeavours in overseeing the expeditions and archaeological research within our beloved Ephia's Well. I write to you today with a proposal that I believe would not only further the knowledge of our history and faith but also contribute significantly to the upcoming Feast of B'aara.

Our faith in B'aara is deeply rooted in the sacred places and lore passed down through the generations. These sites, imbued with the presence of The Mother, contain secrets and treasures of immense importance. It is my fervent wish that we organize an expedition to these hallowed grounds, to explore, discover, and unearth that which has long been concealed.

Unveiling the hidden history of our faith would be a priceless contribution to the upcoming Feast of B'aara. The sacred sites hold mysteries and knowledge that could enrich our celebrations, deepen our connection to The Mother, and strengthen our faith even further. I believe that our fellow devotees would be inspired and enlightened by the treasures brought to light, and it would make the feast a truly memorable event.

This endeavour could encompass various sacred sites, from the very heart of Ephia's Well to the farthest reaches of the desert. I trust in your leadership, as the dedicated guardians of our heritage, to organize and oversee this crucial expedition with your well-trained teams.

The potential of this exploration excites me greatly, and I believe it is a testament to our devotion to B'aara. With your skills and dedication, we may unlock the ancient wisdom and blessings hidden within the sands.

Please consider this proposal and its significance to our faith. I eagerly await your response, and I have faith that your wisdom will guide this endeavour.

In devotion to The Mother and anticipation of your collaboration,
Farideh Goldbarg, Waterbearer of the Weeping Mother

[With haste, an ashfolk in crisp white attire bursts into the Torchbearer Hall, nearly stumbling over their own robes, and in a humorous fluster, presents a letter addressed to Captain Naelin and Lieutenant Sephidra.]

Esteemed Exchequer Sol Auk Sol Auk,

I hope this letter finds you well and your pockets even fuller, for I've heard many a whispered tale of your proficiency in coin matters. I must admit my ignorance, for I'm not quite certain what an Exchequer does, but it sounds quite important! If you ever find yourself in my company, I would be most grateful if you could spare a moment to enlighten me on this fine title.

Now, my purpose in writing to you today is twofold. First, the Feast of B'aara approaches, a time when we, the faithful children of the Mother, come together to celebrate her grace. It is also an opportunity to aid those less fortunate. You, being of the Gold League, are often painted as one who cares not for the destitute, but I believe this is a chance to prove such badmouthing wrong. We aim to purchase much-needed beds for the refugees seeking solace and healing at the B'aarat Almshouse in the Tablet. I'm confident that Baetu the Blind, the dedicated priest overseeing the Almshouse, will rejoice at your generosity.

Secondly, I kindly request the Consortium's sponsorship in the form of a special object of your collection to grace as a prize in our humble B'aarat Hymns Contest. We aim to reward the most devout and skilled participant with an adequate reward, making it a day to be remembered for years to come.

I understand that these endeavours may not directly line your own purse, dear Exchequer, but I believe the spirit of unity, compassion, and generosity that the Feast of B'aara embodies aligns perfectly with the values of the Consortium. Your support would not only bring joy to the hearts of many but also reflect the grace of the Mother Herself.

And may I offer one more reason to consider our plea? Word of the Consortium's involvement in the preparations for the Feast would undoubtedly reach the sultan's ears, and we can imagine the delight it would bring him. In these times, a good word from the sultan to the city of Baz'eel might prove quite beneficial to the Consortium's interests and bring back good opportunities of growth for Ephia's Well itself.

May the trade winds carry this request to your ears, and may you find it within your considerable influence to grant us your favour. Your name would be remembered with gratitude and sung in the hymns of B'aara for generations to come.

With hopeful anticipation,
Farideh Golbarg, Waterbearer of the Weeping Mother

[An ashfolk, with their white attire standing out, frantically chases after Consortium merchants, finally thrusting the letter into the hands of one startled trader.]

[THE TURN OF THE WHEEL]

THE TURN OF THE WHEEL



In Eumar Almilad, the Age of Birth, we're told,
The Wheel's first turn, creation's stories unfold.
Before, a void, life could not yet reside,
Then the Wheel set in motion, with purpose and pride.

As the Wheel journeyed, Sun, Moon, and Sky,
Waters and Ash, Life's dance in the high,
Mingling with gods in a garden of delight,
The cosmos unfolded, weaving its intricate flight.

Now in Waqt Almashaqa, the Time of Hardships, we tread,
Where many turn from wisdom, in shadows they're spread.
The Wheel departs the heavens, leaving us alone,
Yet the faithful build houses, claim the wisdom as their own.

Allahab Alakhin, the Hot Flame's cruel blaze,
A curse upon all in these dire days.
Kindled in the sky, a fire's wrathful rage,
The Wheel burns and turns, its pages flip the page.

For B'aara, the Immolation she faced in the past,
By Pra'raj's hand, a sacrifice vast.
The Immolation shall come again, a prophecy to learn,
This time, Her children shall feel the flames burn.

As the Wheel spins, its wisdom unfolds,
Four Ages repeating, as the cosmic story is told.
With each rotation, a new chapter takes the stage,
The future's secrets, written on a celestial page.

B'aara's children, unite, as one voice we've spun,
Beneath the scorching sun, our hearts beat as one.
As the time of the looming Immolation draws near,
In Mother's tears, we find solace and hold what's dear.

[THE TURTLE AND THE ASH SALAMANDER]

THE TURTLE AND THE ASH SALAMANDER



In Ephia's Well, where sands do blow,
A tale of wits I now bestow.
Of a turtle, slow and wise,
A lesson learned beneath the skies.

The ash salamander, fierce and fast,
In fiery dance, its prey surpassed.
But the turtle, with a thoughtful gaze,
Sought a way to meet this fiery blaze.

With patience and with cunning mind,
The turtle's plan it hoped to find.
In stillness, it withdrew its head,
A sanctuary from the fiery spread.

The ash salamander, in its haste,
Sought to devour with fiery taste.
But the turtle, calm and slow,
Ducked within its shell below.

The flames danced, they raged and flared,
Around the turtle, unimpaired.
In stillness, it found its power,
Awaiting the salamander's final hour.

As the ash salamander tired and ceased,
The turtle's victory was now released.
With wisdom and with patience near,
It overcame the fiery fear.

So heed this tale, my friends, with care,
A lesson of intelligence rare.
In thoughtfulness and wise retreat,
Even the strongest foes we can defeat.