The Ancestral Halls of the Hartstone
Written by: Anonymous
Date: Thursday, March 30th, 2006
Addressed to: Everyone
Many years have passed since trouble has found the Hartstone, but it
seems the fates struck back with a vengeance. The Hartstone tutor, Dain,
first began experiencing only slight troubles; having spells of cold and
uttering strange phrases that he could not remember stating when warmth
returned to his limbs. For several months these spells continued while
gradually getting worse, causing Dain to utter angry words at those of
his guild, calling them unworthy and false druids.
Various members of the guild attempted to speak with him during these
spells, and after a lot of effort, managed to unearth several important
clues that partially explained the spells that Dain was experiencing.
Statements about the Hall of the Ancestors and the Spiritual Flame were
coupled with accusations of neglect and unworthiness. As the situation
continued, Dain started mentioning the stones were cold and empty and
that the grove stood abandoned in the gloom.
For many months, the Hartstone searched everywhere they could until they
finally uncovered an ancient grove with a circle of massive trees in a
dark corner of the Serenwilde forest. Experimentation quickly showed
there to be more to the circle than first appeared, as it reacted to
certain symbols and sacrifices that were placed in between the trees.
The search continued, and finally, after many months the Hartstone
managed to recreate six rituals, each keyed to a different aspect of
their teachings.
As each of the rituals were carried out, the Druids managed to once more
activate the cold monoliths within their Grove, sending great flashes of
light into the air over the Serenwilde that managed to attract the
attention of many others, many of which subsequently demanded to be
informed and involved. Argument was prevented and as the last stone in
the Hartstone grove finally burst into life once more, the circle was
complete and the druids quickly discovered that touching the Stone of
the Present now took them to the sacred caves of their ancestors.
Inside the caves, many things were discovered, not least among which the
Hall of the Ancestors. Here discussion ensued as the druids attempted to
find a way to light the flame of the spirits once more and appease the
Ancestors. Much was attempted, but after a while their continued effort
finally paid off, and the Spiritual Flame once more burst into life
within the Hall of the Ancestors.
The ancestral halls of the Hartstone have once more been opened by the
guild and the Spiritual Flame once more functions as a connection
between the Druids and their Ancestors. What long term consequences are
attached to these events remains to be seen.
Penned by My hand on the 10th of Juliary, in the year 143 CE.