The Judgement of a Luminary

Daskalos

Special thanks to @Damariel, @Omei, and @Rashar for helping set this all up!

Daskalos glances at the assembled and smiles broadly. "Normally, it is my duty to perform the Judgement Ritual, but Lucus has done all of Maelok's trials within the guild, and so I pass this honor to him. Lucus?"


Melantha enters quietly, rendering an abbreviated bow to those gathered before taking her place in the assembly.

Crusader Lucus Morrog says, "Those who bear the title of Luminary have been tested. Mind and body, in battle and in faith. Each has been broken and tempered, and then reborn in fire and Light. You have been tested, Acolyte. Tried and found worthy by your peers, and by your leaders."

Abruptly, Lucus begins to shine as his spark comes to life.

In contrast to the slowly fading words that echo throughout the air, his aura intensifies rapidly.

The glow separates into distinct threads and branches outward, connecting each and every living soul present with shimmering threads of light.

An anticipatory silence spreads across the top of the watchtower.

Crusader Lucus Morrog says, "Who stands prepared for their rebirth?""

Silence reigns again, as if the watchtower itself waits for someone to step forward.

Kindled Soul Maelok says, "I will face the fire."

The strands of light burn into brilliance, threatening to blind you and yet doing nothing to obscure the unfolding scene.

The threads branch out once more, extending from each living individual in Maelok's direction.

Crusader Lucus Morrog says, "Then answer true, Acolyte. Which is the weakest foe, the one we must seek inward to find? It breeds complacency and doubt. It slows our steps, and keeps our eyes from the Dawn. What must you avoid, to keep from following the path of our forebears?"

The words resound across the watchtower forcefully, and the strands of light flare briefly.

Kindled Soul Maelok says, "Apathy."

The threads of light pulse, and a distinct warmth begins to pervade the chamber. Drawing close to Maelok, they begin to undulate, seeking him but not yet making contact.

Crusader Lucus Morrog says, "And which is the insidious threat? Wicked suggestions borne of soft whispers, dark deeds committed with pure intent. The curse of acceptance without wisdom, these are the weapons of the subtle foe."

The concentrated beam of light which rises from the top of the Luminary watchtower flares brighter, painting the sky above in a vivid contrast of light and shadow.

Kindled Soul Maelok says, "Shadow."

Once again the strands of light shift, moving into a glowing spiral around Maelok and drawing ever closer, ever hotter.

The occasional brush of light against his skin seems to cause him no visible harm.

Crusader Lucus Morrog says, "The easiest threat to identify is often the hardest to defeat. What must be destroyed, to bring the Dawn?"

The heat is more intense, now - more palpable - causing the air to ripple like a mirage.

Kindled Soul Maelok says, "Undeath and Corruption must be destroyed."

Incandescent now, the spiral of light reaches up and over Maelok, cloaking his form like a blazing web of fire.

The heat radiates from Maelok in thick waves that press outward, causing the air to rush around you.

Crusader Lucus Morrog says, "Then may you be judged Maelok, and your soul found worthy of the title Luminary and the honor of fighting alongside us."

A thousand spears of light form in an instant, separating from that cloak of fire and piercing Maelok from every direction.

The heat is staggering - it blazes like an inferno in the center of the chamber as he is lifted from the ground, pulled up and suffused with such a glow that it emerges from his eyes and mouth.

His silent scream lasts for a fleeting eternity, until abruptly the glow fades, the spears dissipate, and Maelok, the newest living Luminary, is laid gently upon the floor.

There is a flare of light from the Luminary watchtower as Maelok completes his Judgement by the Light, taking his rightful place among the ranks of the Luminaries.

You say, "Congratulations, Maelok!"

Renarin gives Maelok a respectful salute.

Knight-Aspirant Renarin says, "Well done."

Rashar's approving rumble is like thunder, which is drowned out by the very real peal that those tempestuous wings produces as he spreads them. A quick nod to the crowd and he takes flight in a flurry of frigid wind and static.

Plato McCloud, Wrath of the Phoenix says, "Congratulations fellow guildmate."

Rashar says, "Duanathar."
Rashar is swiftly carried into the skies and out of sight by a tempestuous pair of elemental wings.

Mistress Melantha, fio Raimuv Cyraeni says, "Well done, Maelok!"

Maelok bows respectfully.

Crusader Lucus Morrog says to Kindled Soul Maelok, "Good job!"