The Isle of Muad'Dib and the Temple of Horjin
Posted: Thu Jul 08, 2004 2:54 pm
Back in the Technomage (I'm not even going to attempt spelling it --ed.) Era, the Isle of Muad'Dib was terraformed by Sagittarius, a great hunter and geomancer.It was divided into several different kinds of terrain, each separated by mountains.The southern part of the island became the Aloaco Desert, a stark wasteland populated with hearty animals and plants.To the east lies the Heidus Tem Jungle, a veritable rainforest full of big game and exotic wildlife.To the west, the Nervena Plains, an expansive prairie, was created.And finally, to the north are the Sagittandi Mountains. It is here that Sagittarius spent most of his life, for within the Sagittandi Mountains lie flora and fauna never before seen. Centaurs, satyrs, dragons, chimerae, unicorns, even wyverns.But the greatest population within the Sagittandi Mountains are the pegasi. They are so numerous that different breeds have come into existence, and they have begun spreading over the island. Indeed, pegasi now reside in the Nervena Plains and the Aloaco Desert. The Heidus Tem Jungle is difficult for them to survive in, and is safe from the pegasi for now.Not that the pegasi are violent. In fact, they are very peaceful. One breed, however, is not peaceful. These pegasi developed antlers, in much the same way as deer. In addition, they became incredibly territorial. They were referred to as Stags by Sagittarius, and are almost always slain on sight, even to this day. (They taste good too. Especially with a light honey glaze. --ed.)However, they are as prolific as they are territorial, and threatened to take over the entire island of Muad'Dib. And so the Hunters of the Stag were born, a small group of survivalists who were dedicated to protecting the fragile and delicate enviromental balance of the island.The followers of Horjin took interest in the Hunters of the Stag, and worked together very extensively to protect Muad'Dib and all of it's inhabitants. Eventually, the Hunters of the Stag and the followers of Horjin became synonymous. The recorded history of the Hunters of the Stag and the followers of Horjin begins with the ceremony and celebration that joined the two groups. The Hunters of the Stag took down epic proportions of Stag before the celebration, and the feast was incredible.Things remained much the same for many years, up until the short reign of Kaiser Lacrymosa II. The dedication of the Isle of Muad'Dib as a National Game Preserve, Wildlife Refuge, and Sacred Hunting Ground was a triumph for the years of dedication of the Hunters of the Stag, and the building of a Temple of Horjin at the island's center only strengthened the determination and resolve of the Hunters. Now most of the Hunters of the Stag reside within the Temple, ranging out from there to perform the Rite of the Sacred Hunt, the Rite of the Questing Stone, and the Ritual of the Sacred Hunt.The Questing Stone was placed in the center of the island of Muad'Dib by Sagittarius himself. Inscribed into it are the nine tenets of the Hunters of the Stag. It also defines the Sacred Hunt, the Quarry, and outlines the rites and rituals of the sect.The Rite of the Questing Stone is a way for a Hunter of the Stag to atone for breaking one of the tenets of the sect, and is performed by a single Hunter. Only the Hunters know the secrets of their rites and rituals, and they have succeded so far in preventing others from finding out about them.The tenets of the sect are as follows:1. HospitalityEveryone, regardless of race, creed, or nationality, shall be provided hospice.2. The Sacred HuntYou have been granted a Sacred Hunt and a Quarry. It is your purpose to pursue them without relenting.3. PeaceWe are more than animals, and armed conflict is the way of beasts. Do not fight without honor or reason.4. ArtistryArt is what seperates man from beast. The pursuit of the arts, in any form, should take precedence in your life.5. CommuneShow others the respect you wish to receive yourself.6. DomainThe Island is sacred land. Treat it as such, and punish those who don't.7. DestructionShould the Island, the arts, or nature ever be threatened, it is your responsibility to protect them with your life.8. StationShow respect to those of higher station than you, but only respect they deserve.9. MissionProtect and serve the Temple of Horjin, for it is your life, your love, and your home. I Like You, But I Don't Want To See You Working With Subatomic Particles.Edited by: Fax Celestis at: 7/8/04 4:20 pm