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Arkati of
the Month -- Ronan
by Telse Larol, Priest of Ronan
Elanthia is a diverse land, lush with the ideas and customs of numerous cultures. Few things capture that diversity like the theological preferences of its individual inhabitants. Many of Elanthia's people have chosen to follow the Arkati, a race of beings now considered deities. This column was established so that a bit of knowledge pertaining to the Arkati could be conveyed to a wide audience each month. Through this and subsequent articles I hope to give Elanthians a clear picture of the deities they worship or decide to worship in the future. This month's article will focus on Ronan.
Ronan, twin of Phoen, is the god of night and dreams. He is our guardian while we're at our most vulnerable and probably the greatest champion in the fight against the Lornon Arkati, particularly Luukos and Sheru. Although seeing any of the Arkati is a rare occurrence, it is known that Ronan appears as a gaunt man dressed entirely in black.
Below you will find a sample ritual for those interested in following Ronan. Due to the fact that I have devoted myself to Ronan my knowledge was sufficient, but in the future I will be calling on the followers of other deities to help me with the following section.
[Temple of Ronan, Courtyard]
The courtyard lawns are well kept and beautifully landscaped.
Many varieties of night-blooming flowers are planted in beds
bordering the temple walls, and tall cast iron lamposts are
placed evenly along the onyx flagstone path to provide light at
night. A high stone wall separates temple grounds from the rest
of the town.
Also in the room: Telse
Obvious paths: south.
Telse carefully places his black wax candle on the ground.
Telse removes a black steel broadsword from in his cloak.
Telse lights the black wax candle, which flickers and begins to burn.
A wisp of smoke rises from a twisted black wax candle as the hot wax drips and splutters.
The black wax candle flickers softly, casting a warm light throughout the area.
Telse raises the broadsword just above the candle, heating its edge.
Telse removes the broadsword from the flame and deftly slices the palm of his hand with it.
Telse winces.
Telse clasps his hands.
Telse stares dazedly into the flame of the candle.
Telse kneels down and begins to recite prayers.
This simple ritual consists of bloodletting as an example of your willingness to sacrifice yourself on behalf of a greater power. Your prayers must continue until the candle goes out. You will know they were answered if the flame turns black and extinguishes itself.