Notices penned in sober black ink on stark white sheets of parchment paper have found themselves tacked to the walls of several well-to-do establishments around mainland Kermoria, from Riverhaven to Hibarnhvidar.
Drogor. Dergati. Kerenhappuch. Ushnish. Harawep. Botolf. Trothfang. Zachriedek. Huldah. Idon. Aldauth. Be'ort. Asketi.
How often do these hallowed name touch your mind?
When was the last time you offered these Gods and Goddesses a moment of prayer?
As this year draws to a close and Shosandu approaches, now is the time for sober recollection and humble orison. The Hollow Eve festival is a joyous and convivial affair. But let us never forget that the foundation of this celebration is first and foremost supplication unto the Dark Immortals. To appease Them, to acknowledge Their power, to honor Their names, and to assure Them that we will not turn from Them, but rather, turn to Them in reverence and in awe.
Lord Be'ort teaches us a valuable lesson - the danger of revelry without temperance. It is now our duty to put that lesson to practice, to show Him that we hear and understand.
Now, in the heart of Winter, at the mercy of bitter cold and savage frost, our hearts and minds need turn to the Mistress Asketi of the North Wind. She, who holds the souls of the living and the dead in judgment, watches over us all. What does She see? The faithful and pious? The earnest and pure? Or the willfully ignorant, the arrogant, the avaricious, the neglectful, and the sinful?
It is never too late for worship or atonement. People of Elanthia, however you choose to celebrate the festival of Hollow Eve, I ask that you spare even a single roisan of your time for contemplation, meditation, and prayer. As you evaluate your hard-earned and well-won treasures, consider a simple offering to the Goddess Asketi. Take yourselves to Her holy places, shrines, and altars and, therein, offer what praises and prayers you may. Symbols of the adder, Her favored creature, are always and readily accepted. Additionally, should anyone seek aid in the act of offering, I will be available at the High Temple on the summit of Asketi's Mount. The Mistress of the North Wind may indeed look favorably upon any pilgrims who endeavor to make the treacherous journey to Her high temple.
There is but one remaining word of warning. I simply wish to remind all goodly children of Elanthia that Necromancy is anathema, an unforgivable sin, and a crime unto the heavens and your fellow creatures. All, all of the Immortals hold it in abhorrence. Practitioners of Necromancy, as well as Sorcery, are guilty, irregardless of how they claim to use such evil arts. This is a crucial and decisive time. The actions of all will be held in scrutiny. The great arachnid of Captain Kurmin is, itself, blessed of the Goddess Harawep, and will provide neither solace nor sanctuary for those who offend the Gods, or whose souls are found wanting.
Think judiciously about the company you keep.
Above all, cleave to your faith and to the righteous path. Honor the Dark Immortals, and Asketi of the North Wind. And may you and yours enjoy this high holy day of Shosandu in peace, health, and happiness.
Hisakna'hhs'Izzu'hhr
Whiteburn
