The Awen Moot

[get_off_my_lawn]

Who: Taryn Shadow-Walker, any members of Awen and visiting fellows
What: The Moot aka Awen Court
When: Backdated to the night of June 27th because I suck (half moon)
Where: Alilany
Warnings: there will be some combat and bloodshed

Notes: Here is a reference for how Moots are done in the Werewolf: the Apocalypse canon that Taryn is based off of. There are some differences, like being held on the half moon instead of full moon and the structure is a lot looser. Anyone that ICly looked into what a 'moot' is will find some very old tales mentioning wolf 'beastmen' and how they would gather every month to reaffirm themselves. And that's about it.


Alilany was always a rustic, peaceful city in Lerrian, full of beastmen, fae and some humans. Very tribal with little technology, more magic, and sense of home to any that were able to relax in the forests that surrounded the capital of Awen. Even the Warders, the special beastmen guard the capital were rarely seen, blending into the environment easily. But with the Moot, it was different.

Now, the spiritual center that Alilany was became more pronounced as the shamans went about cleansing the city and preparing it, as if the receive Gaia herself. Who knew, perhaps Mother Earth would grace the Moot with her presence. Earthy music filtered through the air - drums and pipes, but mostly drums - and the large clearing in the center of the city was ready for those who wished to participate in the Moot - be it spiritual communication, airing of grievances, petitions to the Ar-Righ, or simply the Revel at the end. The Warders were far more visible, meeting and greeting any foreign dignitaries that chose to attend. Weaponry was allowed at the Moot, for only a fool would draw their weapon at a Moot outside of formal challenge, so there was no need to ban them. Awen was, after all, a strong nation if small.

There was no throne in the clearing for the Ar-Righ to sit upon. No, that wasn't how Taryn or her lineage did things. Instead, there was a large boulder containing some of the gemstones from Arird to the southern end of the clearing, big enough to serve a similar function as a throne, with torches on either side and trophies from the battle with the Raiders on display. In the very center of the clearing was an impressive bonfire, easily controlled by the shamans nearby. Musicians to one side, others were seated on the ground or standing around and there was no specific place for the foreign dignitaries. If they were expecting special seating, they wouldn't find any favor, though if they moved to position themselves close to the rock, Taryn would have room made for them.

With a loud howl that carried and echoed off the trees, Taryn called the Moot with the ceremonial tribute. Beastmen of all sorts raised their voices to join her, howling, growling, warbling and even some of the humans mimicked the wolf's howl. The drums and other music faded so all that could be heard was the beautiful chorus of the people of Awen calling out to the land. After a few seconds, the Opening Howl ended and there was silence save for the crackling of the bonfire and any quiet muttering from those visiting that didn't know what to expect.

Comments

Inner Sky

[get_off_my_lawn]

Taryn walked to the fire in the center, the shamans tending it backed off, and the flames died down some. Flickering light illuminated the Ar-Righ as she held her arms out to her side and turned her head up toward the night sky. This is the religious, most ceremonial part of the Moot.

"We have gathered in this sacred place of Gaia, having called our brothers and sisters of Gaia, and we now call our brothers and sisters of Luna."

Taryn turned to the east. "East Wind! Bringer of the dawn of clear air! East Wind! You who showed us the mirror side, the other side of the Velvet Curtain, come to us! We thank you for your clear thought and bright light."

As she spoke those words, a cat beastman wearing a mask of the East Wind steps from that side as starts to dance about the bonfire. Taryn then turns to the south. "South Wind! Bringer of the eternal fire! South Wind! You who gave us the fire of rage within, that we may strike swiftly against our enemies, come to us! We thank you for your fiery anger and your guardian protection!"

Jumping out from behind the Ar-Righ's rock, a lizard beastman wearing a mask of the South Wind appears with a ferocious hiss and joins the other dancing about the bonfire. Taryn then turned to the west. "West Wind! Bringer of the rain! West Wind! You who gave us the Changing Ways, come to us! We thank you for the many shapes you've shared with us!"

Dropping down from the trees at the western edge of the clearing was a hawk beastman wearing the mask of the West Wind. He spread his wings out and bowed to the Ar-Righ in a flourish then joined the other two in dancing about the fire. Turning the to the north, Taryn continued.

"North Wind! Bringer of cold from the mountain! North Wind! You who brought us the Gifts and the Sacred Ways, come to us! We thank you for your great wisdom and great strength!" And with those words, from the northern part of the clearing came a white wolf beastman wearing a mask of the North Wind. With an icy howl, he, too, joins in the dancing.

Taryn then raised her hands above her and looked up to the sky. "Inner Wind! Bringer of blessings from Gaia, from within us! You who hold our Mother's power within us, come to us all! We thank you for your spirit, and your inner peace."

All four dancers stopped then at their respective cardinal point as all present felt a swelling of power, of a connection to the land around them. They could feel the hum of the earth beneath their feet, the whistle of the wind in their ears, and if any present had never felt like the land itself was alive... there was a first for everything.

"Now is the time to offer your own personal prayers to Gaia. Perhaps she will answer, but know we are never alone. Take a few moments to speak from your heart with her. And then I will hear matters of business as we crack the bone."

The bonfire roared back to full life as the shamans returned to tending it. The silence of the drums and flutes would remain for now. All four beastmen wearing the masks were in deep prayer until the Inner Sky was over, then they would put the masks away.

[ooc: Anyone who wishes to offer prayers or question them during this time may. Any gods that wish to stop by may. Any visitors that want to talk to each other over the strangeness of the Awen Moot can do so. Taryn will be available to talk as needed.]

Cracking of the Bone

[get_off_my_lawn]

After proper time for spirituality was given, Taryn moved back to the rock and clapped her hands together. A thunder-like sound rippled through the air, grabbing everyone's attention.

"For those joining us that have no idea what is going on, worried about ceremony and social mistakes, this is the time in which I will hear my people's concerns, requests and grievances may be aired," Taryn explained. "I will hear one at a time and if discussion is needed, those involved may add to it, but keep in mind, the decision I make is final. Luna hides half her face tonight, so tempers will stay calm."

Her lips curl then, flashing a bit of fang. "This is also the time for formal challenges can be issued should more... human means of settling disputes fails. Formal challenges are things of honor and are to be treated as such to those visiting us from other kingdoms. While within Awen borders, only a coward turns down an honorable challenge. These are not merely means to get rid of rivals. Dishonorable acts within the Challenge Circle will be dealt with by me personally."

Relaxing, Taryn then gestures to the gathering. "Speak now."

[ooc: Start a new thread for each thing to be brought to Taryn. It is possible to threadjack if it is something of discussion. Any challenges, must be brought before Taryn and then issued to the one in question. i.e. "Ar-Righ, I wish to issue a challenge." Then the character turns to whoever they are challenging, calls them out and states exactly why they are challenging that character.]

Songs and Stories

[get_off_my_lawn]

The drums and the flutes kicked up as the Cracking of the Bone ended. Now was the time to tell tales of glory and honor, to boast and impress. These stories can be of anything, as the skalds and human bards will be listening.

And this started out with a young beastmen jumping into the center of the clearing and telling his tale of the battle against the raiders, about how he and his group pulled a firedrake out of the sky with their bare hands, using ropes launched onto the beast. Tales of how his battle-brother survived the drake's fire to drive his spear right into its eye. Yes, this is a bloody tale, but one of battle. And one of Victory!

Taryn howls her enjoyment in the tale when it's done. Who's next?

[ooc: Anyone who wants to tell a tale or a story is free to. They need not be of battle, they can be of silly things. Tales teach as well as entertain.]

The Revel

[get_off_my_lawn]

With the tales told, it was time to bring the Moot to a close.

"Let us finish this night with what many of Dagaria do best - revel. In the woods to the north, there is a great stag of twelve points. He bears a scar along his left flank from claws. This stag has escaped many hunts before. Tonight, he offers himself as a sacrifice to Awen... should we manage to catch him."

Taryn moves about the clearing, looking at each that she knew was a warrior. "This hunt is to be lead by a great warrior - the Wyrm Foe. Let me see who among us will have the honor of leading us on the hunt."

[ooc: Any character interested in being the Wyrm Foe, post a blank comment under this and Taryn will assess each potential Wyrm Foe. If no one is interested (or she doesn't think the PC is suited), she'll choose an npc. Basically, this is the ceremonial hunt and party at the end of the Moot. There will be ample alcohol and food for a feast. Go ahead and start your own threads for the hunt/party aspect.]