An Introduction to Aeden Artisans

[danolt]

As a new group of refugees make there way from the ruins, I thought I would take a moment and introduce our guild.

Aeden Artisans is a Karavan/Tryker guild. We are not a group that is all things to all people. We are staunch believers in Jena and are opposed to the deceiver, Ma-Duk. Aeden Artisans is not for those who seek the path of least resistance. We are not a guild for those who fear self sufficiency, fear principles or fear taking up leadership roles.

Our guild is an old one, (formed in January of 2005). Our original vision was one of being self sufficient, somewhat aloof and even a bit exclusive. We have always been aware that conflict was coming and we stand together to face it.

There are reasons why Aeden Artisans has always been associated with the Karavan. Before the temple contest the Karavan had never harmed a Homin. That is certainly not true of the Kami. It was not so long ago, that if a handful of foragers were in the same area for a couple hours the Kami would come and “cleanse” the area with lightening. It can still happen today but they have become much more lax since open conflict began. Then of course there was the attempted assassination of Miana Sinia, protector of Jena’s Law, followed immediately by a Kami ambush at the ceremony of Jena’s Commandments. There is no tolerance in Ma-Duk he only desires to usurp the Creator by perverting the creation.

For those of you who have not read the words of Jena and Ma-Duk, I strongly encourage you to do so. The commandments of Jena are universal; they would fit any planet, any culture, at any time. The revelations of Ma-Duk are set to one place, with one purpose, to become a Kami and thus part of their collective. Jena is inclusive, reaching out. Ma-Duk is exclusive; you are either him or imbalance.

Once the temple contest began it was an easy choice on who to support and we did so with fervor. Aeden Artisans crafted more of the temple in Fairhaven then the 2nd and 3rd guilds combined. We took up arms against the enemy regardless of race; we have fought alongside fellow believers regardless of their origins. It is deeds that define, not birth.

We have been called zealots, accused of placing our faith in Jena above our responsibilities to the Lakelands. There is no conflict of interest. Without Jena there is no Lakelands! She is what stands between Homins and Kami transfiguration.

It is important to remember that the Karavan are not Jena. They are not symbiants of their god like the Kami. The Karavan are here to help us, to guide us, not to deliver us. We are responsible for ourselves.

As you look around Fairhaven and explore the mainland, as you consider guilds and factions, as you grow in strength and riches, look to your faith. To those of you who hear the call of Jena, there is a guild in the Lakelands who is also listening. We know what we are training for. We know what we believe in. We are teaching and listening, growing and cultivating. We are warriors, healers, explorers, politicians, crafters, casters, allies and foes. We are servants of Jena. We are AA.

Pero

[akede]

Very nice write-up. Although I rolled a Zorai and plan to be a Kami follower, I can greatly appreciate your strong RP stance. Makes for a much more interesting gaming experience.

Meshin

[danolt]

These are but a few of the origin stories of the Artisans. It was not the mighty Pero who reformed Aeden Artisans but Rhapsody the Faithful. Rhapsody, inspired by the Goddess, reformed the guild so that it might serve and love Jena with every fiber of its being.

_________________________________

If ever a tiny Tryker had begun their life with nothing in its favor it was Rhapsody. Other girls her own age were clever, graceful and could use multi word sentences. Rhapsody was a sickly child and a great burden upon her family. No one wanted her and she knew it.

Over the years she failed at everything she tried. She could not finish a story, words would simply fail her. She could not combine materials or create any useful patterns. Any sort of tool or weapon slipped from her grasp. As her age of passage approached, her parents eagerly awaited the release of their responsibility.

When that day finally came, her mother called to her with trembling hands and swollen eyes. "We have nothing to give you...You have taken it all."

As Rhapsody turned towards the complete unknown her father called out.

"Wait!"

"I know you can not understand this, but when your brothers died....I, we…” He fumbled in his pocket. "This... This pin belonged to my father and his father before him. It is a symbol, a symbol, of our family’s devotion..." he trailed off.

A dry tear ripped his soul.

Her father bitterly continued. "A goddess, a goddess who abandoned us, a goddess who has allowed all of this."

"Take it, take it and never stand before me again. Now go!"

Rhapsody reached out and grasped the offered medallion. She understood how it was made, the interlocking triangles, the colors, all of it. She broke free from her past and pinned the symbol upon a ragged cloak.

Softly, quickly, with the strength of eternity, she understood.

"I, Jena, am your Goddess, the Mother of Creation; you were made in my image. Love your goddess as you love every fiber of yourself..."

__________________________________

Utai smiled with a wistful remembrance at the inevitable expressions of the stunned disbelieving refugees as they passed through the gates of Fairhaven. She was heading back from the teleport point now, having looked for those chosen few, those conscripted by the call of the dual triangles.

"They will come, just like you did." Rhapsody had told her. "The Artisans will reform. Jena whispers to their blood, their past. The guardians of the gate will return."

None had come today.
____________________________________

The hum of perpetual energy radiated from the floating machine. Her eyes went wide with awe, weak-kneed and short of breath she moved closer to the teleporter. She had always considered the Karavan to be the masters of Atys, but there amongst them, standing half their height was a Homin more dignified then all of them combined.

The newly transported Tryker momentarily viewed his reflection in the sheen of the nearest Karavan face plate. His expression, his face, his eyes, his glorious ears, she shivered in complete joy as she took in the sight of him. She neared panic as he began to move, what if she would lose him? She had to get closer.

The handsome stranger was being greeted by the Mayor of Fair Haven, Still Wyler.

"I hear you have a Kitin problem" the glorious one said.
____________________________________

Iverem enjoyed the rhythmic huffs of the gathered Mektoub's, the gentle sound of hooves on dirt and hay. She drew comfort from the calm deliberate motions of the stable hands, the mounts, the travelers, the harmony within the tumult. The stable of Fair Haven, entrance to the Mainland, was a place she visited daily.

Most of the travelers were just beginning their journeys, some were obviously well traveled. The equipment of each individual made it easy to identify how successful they had been, but she had devised a better game. She would look at the expressions, the faces, the grins, the eyes, the frowns, the occasional grimace, and she would dream.

She failed to hear her destiny approach.

"Hello, my name is Rhapsody"
______________________________________

The homin looked over their shoulder. The village was small and getting smaller.

The buzzing sting of the tattoo needles was almost forgotten, yet it's mark had changed everything. In a few moments there would be a new land to match the new face and the new name.
______________________________________

Pipp spit on the artifact. She rubbed at the dirt, trying to free the design hidden underneath the grime. She could feel the rigid lines hidden by the years of neglect. She cast a wary glance at her surroundings once again. She knew wind was concealing the sounds of the outside world and that there would be little notice if a predator were to make a journey into the rubble.

She returned her attention to the shard and before long was lost in thought. As the lines became clear, the hairs on the back of her neck stood up. Realization.

_________________________________________________

Pipp was headed out of the city, on her way to investigate an old outpost site for the town guard. A clear voice, full of passion and sincerity, greeted Pipp as she entered the Fair Haven commons.


“The Time for cooperation is now. No race is strong enough to face our common threats. We must unite through our common beliefs, our common dreams. We must come together to protect our common desires, our common loves of hearth and home and my friends, unfortunately, we must prepare for our common enemies.

The Kitin will not care if you are a Tryker, Fyros, Zoari or Matis. The black, cloistered, Karavan will not deliver us. The Kami care more for a branch off a tree, then a Homin life. We must unite in peace and depend upon ourselves”

The crowd erupted in a cheer. The young Fyros garbed in simple fashionable attire, smiled with earnestly won satisfaction. Several of the listeners vaulted from their seats, smothering him with attention.

“So, what do you think?” Pipp turned to the new voice.

“Sounds pretty good to me.” Pipp replied.

Pipp quickly did an inventory of the Tryker woman standing before her. Pipp cataloged the details, noticing everything.

“Yes, it sounds nice. But I prefer something I can see, something I can touch, something I can Love. Jena has given us immortality, the tools to rebuild our cities and the protection necessary to do it and still they deny her.”

“I guess some of us just want more proof”

Rhapsody touched her cheek and smiled.

“Then you shall have it.”

[otaku157]

Your tales have grasped my heart. If ever you would take in a castoff Fyros, send for me.

[riveit]

Your tales have grasped my heart. If ever you would take in a castoff Fyros, send for me.

Pero! You have grasped a Fyros heart - don't squeeze it! Of course, we would take in a castoff Fyros. All races and nations of homins are one in the loving eyes of Jena. Seek her kingdom and you will be met halfway.


[Check your pm's]

[amnel]

/bump

HAHAHA

[riveit]

/bump

HAHAHA

*Riveit gives Rali a bump in rely.* Welcome back.

[greymage]

On a more practical note, we're mostly adults, several couples and families, with a few exceptions, most of those being children in one of the member families.

[elthunim]

For those who wish to know more about Aeden Artisans, the lore, and Atys in general, here are a few links that you may find useful:

The Lore Story of Atys
The Atys timeline
The Tryker Constitution
Factions on Atys
Aeden Artisans: our crafting skills
The blogs of Aeden Artisans

Our times are primarily US, but we have a few Europeans too. See Hechicera, Ryuchan, Lhyrs, Mythandri, Jezzer, Pero, or myself, or ask for Aeden Artisans officers in Universe chat, or contact us. A few of us like to trek newcomers from Fairhaven to Fount or Winds of Muse, with plenty of time for show and tell along the way.

[ponys]

*waves at AA*