Lady Kadesha speaks on Lorminstra
Pan Arkati Festival 5102
Recorded and edited by Morgiest Frostgiant


Kadesha says, "I have been asked this evening to talk about one of my even more favorite subjects then drinking, the Goddess Lorminstra."
Kadesha lifts her Lorminstra symbol reverently to her lips, and its image of a golden key on a field of black pulses for a moment with a pale glow.
Kadesha says, "I am not sure there is much that I could say about Lorminstra that is not already common knowledge, or would be, if any research even the easiest to find tomes of the great libraries of Elanthia."
Kadesha says, "but some will get more personal as well."
Kadesha says, "Of all the Arkati, Lorminstra is definitely one we deal with the most in our lives; particularly when for whatever reason our lives suddenly come to an end. "
Kadesha says, "Thus, whether you revere her or loathe her, it certainly is useful for you to know about her and her province."
Dovezkry comes back into focus.
Kadesha says, "Lorminstra is formally known as the Gatekeeper, and Goddess of Death and Rebirth, Winter and Deliverance."
Kadesha says, "Lorminstra s preferred humanoid manifestation is that of a thin woman with black hair and pale alabaster skin. She wears two layers of robes, black over white, and at her side dangles a ring of keys, one for every soul. In manner, she is somber yet caring. "
Kadesha just left.
Kadesha just arrived.
Kadesha coughs.
Kadesha says, "Sorry about that"
Kadesha says, "Nice image of the good Lady there on the North wall"
Kadesha points at the north wall.
Kadesha just touched the north wall.
Kadesha says, "Lorminstra is the Goddess of Death and Rebirth. She is the eldest offspring of Koar and Lumnis. Lorminstra is also the Goddess of Winter, that annual "death" of nature which parallels the death and rebirth of souls. "
Kadesha says, "Lorminstra is also the Keeper of the Ebon Gate. It is her decision whether a soul is allowed to return to Elanthia each time an appeal is made via a ritual of resurrection, and even Koar will not gainsay her decision. "
Kadesha says, "This is a fact that some followers of the Lornon Arkati wish to deny, however in spite of what they wish to believe, there can be no denying."
Kadesha says, "While it may be true that any of the Arkati can enable a soul to return to the body, it is still solely up to Lorminstra as to whether or not she will allow that soul's return.. so yes they can return the soul to the body, but only if she allows that souls return."
Kadesha says, "Whether a soul is allowed to return or not, of course, depends upon whether or not one has favor with Lorminstra, that which we commonly refer to as deeds."
Kadesha says, "sorry, the official stuff is a bit dry but.. I feel neccessarry as part of this"
Kadesha says, "There are various ways in the land to obtain deeds, and I am not going to get into that much, but to say please make sure you have them, and then to make a certain point."
Kadesha says, "No Matter how you obtain them, it is only Lorminstra who will honor your deeds. No Matter whom you swear loyalty to, if you die, and wish ressurection, it is solely Her province"
Kadesha says, "Now, there are some who resent Lorminstra, regard her as a greedy goddess, in that she accepts in tribute our gems or other items of value, in return for granting a deed."
Kadesha asks, "Clearly she is not greedy, as the items of value we give she certainly has no need of. Do you really think Lorminstra, eldest daughter of Koar and Lumnis, really needs your puny little diamond?"
Kadesha smiles.
Kadesha says, "Of course not! I really don't believe there is a gem shop up there on the moon of Liabo where Lorminstra sells all her gems and then deposits the silvers in the First Bank of Liabo."
Kadesha asks, "bet theyd have some good merchants if so, eh?"
Kadesha chuckles.
Kadesha says, "No, but we are asked to give these things of value, to demonstrate that we value her gift of another chance at life more than we value a couple pretty rocks."
Kadesha says, "It is true she is the only Arkati that we are asked to pay a tribute to, but then she is also the only Arkati who gives back what she gives in return."
Kadesha says, "Furthermore, she freely gives this gift of another chance to life to any and all who seek her for it. You can indeed be a faithful servant of her nemeisis Luukos, and yet she still will allow you another chance."
Kadesha narrows her eyes.
Kadesha says, "She is nicer then me"
Kadesha says, "And if you are in such a bind, you of all people need another chance."
Kadesha nods.
Kadesha says, "So, while those folk may call her greedy, or worse, a fool; I call that Mercy."
Kadesha says, "She grants this extraordinary mercy to any and all who would merely humble themselves enough to pay her tribute, regardless of what sort of person they are in life. She lends this favor without bias, to any who seek it."
Kadesha says, "This, is not greed, but Mercy."
Kadesha says, "Lorminstra regards Luukos enslavement of souls to animate his undead as abominable. She supports her brother, Ronan, in his struggle against Luukos minions, and also petitions Koar frequently to take direct measures to curb Luukos activities."
Kadesha says, "i suppose this is why she grant's belly crawlers mercy, she really desires redemption rather then undeath."
Kadesha just left.
Kadesha just arrived.
Kadesha says, "Tis only fitting now that I mention a bit about Voln."
Kadesha says, "While not directly a servant of Lorminstra, Voln does owe much to her and shares her hatred of Luukos. Tales suggest that Voln's very existence is a result of Lorminstra's constant entreaties to Koar for some direct action to counter the spreading curse of Luukos' undead."
Kadesha says, "Lorminstra, was known to have made some appearances during the Vvrael wars."
Kadesha says, "Appearng then in mortal form as a young Elven lass, she was instrumental in selecting and guiding the Chosen in their quest to find the Stones of Virtue."
Kadesha says, "She also was key to rallying and uniting all of the Arkati in their resistance of the Vvrael."
Kadesha says, "That was one incident in history in whih all of the Arkati, even those of Lormon, worked together with those of Liabo, as the emergence of the Vvrael was a threat to all of them, regardless of their normal interests and pursuits."
Kadesha says, "However, the Vvrael story is a whole nother can of worms, and other then to say I am glad we were successful, it is not my position now to get more into that."
Kadesha slowly empties her lungs.
Kadesha asks, "now.. before I go on to more personal things, any questions thus far?"
Morgiest raises his hand.
Kadesha nods to Morgiest.
Morgiest stands up.
Basdahl asks, "Aye, are you trying to make converts out of the follers of Luukos, or speak upon the virtues of Lorminstra?"
Basdahl says, "Pardon me for speaking out of turn"
The tingling sensation and sense of security leaves Dovezkry.
Morgiest asks, "Does Lorminstra require any special service of her priesthodd?"
Kadesha says, "Merely speak on her virtues, if they see the light, all the better"
Kadesha turns to face Morgiest.
Basdahl nods.
Kadesha says, "I have never been given any special edicts, I would simply expect any priest, as well as other follower, to show the same reverence for life that She does."
Basdahl raises his hand.
Morgiest asks, "I mean, does she have any specific goals for her priesthood? Other then just returnin the dead to life?"
Kadesha says, "granted we are mortal and can falter, but attitude should be consistant with her own, even if in our own weakness we might take actions we later regret"
Morgiest asks, "So she has no specific goals that are commonly known then? Besides the preservation of life?"
Kadesha says, "I would believe reverence for life would go beyond mere raising the dead. Having respect for the patient being major. Also, how we treat our fellows as well, and foes"
Morgiest nods to Kadesha.
Morgiest says, "Thanke"
Morgiest sits down.
Kadesha says, "She absolutely loaths Luukos enlaving the undead, and I believe gladly supports that war"
Antinymous raises his hand.
Angelrise raises her hand.
Kadesha says, "ok think Basdahl was next"
Basdahl nods.
Basdahl asks, "What of one that freely gives themselves to Luukos?"
Kadesha winces.
Basdahl asks, "And becomes bound to the unlife, as a lich or such?"
(Morgiest makes the symbol of turning..)
Morgiest whistles tunelessly to himself.
Basdahl says, "What of their soul, when it's parted with their body?
Basdahl asks, "Does it merely pass through the gates? Even if at one time it curried favor with the Lady?"
Kadesha says, "Well..I can think of the words of the monk Tiaza awhile back, when she said some will be lost, and some will not see the light until it is too late, lucky for them they may yet find hope in release from undeath when they learn it's not the promise they believed"
Kadesha says, "I fear such souls would fall to Luukos grasp, he does get some, unfortunately"
Kadesha frowns.
Basdahl nods.
Kadesha points at Angelrise.
Angelrise rubs her chin thoughtfully.
Kadesha asks, "you had a question?"
Angelrise asks something in Giantman.
Angelrise asks, "Do you think it possible that some of the other Arkati may work in conjunction with Lorminstra when it comes to raising the dead?"
Angelrise coughs.
Angelrise says, "pardon."
Angelrise says, "I have seen many entreaties unto other Gods or Goddesses that result in a sucessful return to the land of the living."
Kadesha says, "All Arkati have the power to raise the dead, even the dark ones, but only Lorminstra allows the soul to return to the body, and only if that soul has her favor"
Angelrise nods.
Kadesha points at Antinymous.
Antinymous asks, "Are there any ways to lose favor with Lorminstra, that is, that which we call deeds, other than through death?"
Kadesha says, "Well, symbol of mana takes them.. but I am utterly unaware of Lorminstra ever extracting one without returning life"
Atlanteax says, "Sometimes you can give your deed to another very young member"
Atlanteax nods to Kadesha.
Kadesha says, "Oh yes, that also, for the Voln task"
Kadesha points at Xanthias.
Kadesha smiles at Elforia.
Xanthias asks, "if a Cleric attempts to resurrect you but fails, do you not also loose a deed zen?"
Kadesha says, "Not anymore, fortunately the penalty to the corpse was corrected and now only the cleric suffers"
Xanthias nods.
Morstanya says, "ahh, but monks like suffering, it reaffirms them somehow"
Morstanya smiles.
Kadesha says, "Save me the need th thwap some ill trained clergy, if the wish to risk themselves I don't mind so much"
Kadesha says, "Ok shall move onward now"
Kadesha says, "And now, time to get more personal."
Kadesha says, "Events of my very early past had much to do with the path I have chosen. I don't wish to bore all with a detailed biography about me, as this is supposed to be about Lorminstra. briefly, however.."
Kadesha says, "I was orphaned as an infant when my remote Dwarven village was anhiliated in an invasion of undead. I don't remember my natural parents, having been but days old at the time, but they somehow managed to hide me somewhere while I fell quietly asleep through the whole ordeal, thus surviving. I have been known to sleep through the oddest occurrences ever since. "
Kadesha stares off into space.
Kadesha says, "My adoptive mother, a very kind hearted dark elf healer named Leiamy, had heard of the devastation to my village, and found me when she came with a small party seeking to aid any survivors. Leiamy is also a dedicated master of the order of Voln, and as I grew old enough she taught me about the order and about my past, thus I dedicated my life to the cause of Voln and service to Lorminstra. "
Kadesha says, "I lived most of my life serving with zeal, and releasing the undead with reckless abandon. It is only looking back now to the fall which came to be, that I see now in redemption the true depths of the Lady's mercy."
Kadesha says, "There came a time when I got really lonely. I felt I had reached and end to purpose in life, and my desire to come home to a house not empty started to creep into my desires above my faith. I also began to feel such a life was futility, the battle never ending, and I entered a depressive period. At this time, seeds were planted by the enemy of souls and I was eventually snared into the coils of Luukos. "
Kadesha hangs her head.
Kadesha says, "Anyways, in spite of my fall, deep within my heart never turned from Lorminstra, and the shame I felt and anguish of that captivity is hard to describe, I still place the blame on myself most of all, thus it still hurts much to remember. Of course Luukos had a hand in it, but had I not given him that hand he wouldn't have."
Kadesha says, "In spite of my faithlessness, Lorminstra had mercy, and eventually, with the aid of the honorable Truekillr and more friends who stood by me than I though possible, my soul and life was redeemed from the clutches of the serpent."
Faint tendrils of incense drift through the air, the wild rose-scented smoke dispersing about the lustrous gold censer on Elforia's belt.
Kadesha says, "Again I apologize for this bit of personal story diversion, but I simply cannot truly speak of the Lady and yet omit that which revealed her nature to me more then any mere doctrine taught ever could."
Kadesha blushes a nice shade of rosy pink.
Kadesha says, "All my years prior to the fall, my faith was moved solely on belief in doctrine and principles. It was only after redemption that faith became truly alive, and I was blessed with the Lady's manifest presence."
Kadesha says, "There are five such manifestations now which I have been blessed enough to have a part in. I hope you here will know as I tell of them that it is not an attempt to boast of my good fortunes, but rather to demonstrate that in each and every instance, Lorminstra's grace was made clearly manifest."
Kadesha says, "She first manifested to me, giving comfort and assurance, in a time where I was struggling with doubt as to whether I had truly been redeemed from the Serpent. I might add, he is a rather sore loser, and I battled many months with post redemptive attacks. It was one particular nasty such attack, which had involved the sacrifice of both myself and my son that sent me scurrying to her on my knees, only to be met with the sweetest of presence and gentles of touch, and I knew then I was truly free at last."
Kadesha smiles quietly to herself.
Kadesha says, "My renewed faith came just in time, too... as it was then that nine really ugly liches crawled out of a tomb up here and began all sort of chaos."
Kadesha rubs Iscikella gently.
Kadesha stares off into space.
Iscikella shivers.
Kadesha says, "Was another elder of reknown, after having seen a display of the liches power, specifically their tactic of instantly spirit deathing someone.. who had advised perhaps it was best to not directly confront these evil beings, seeking instead some other way to defeat them."
Kadesha says, "Well, such a passive approach simply did not suit my Dwarfness.. seems I haven't a passive bone in my body. I can't stand here and argue which tactic would be the wiser course of action. Wisdom never was my strongest suit, as I confess readily to being lead with my heart first before my head. None the less.. while I think I could probably cause the good Lumnis fits, Lorminstra must at least be pleased with my spunk if not my brains."
Kadesha grins sheepishly.
Kadesha leans on Iscikella.
Iscikella smiles at Kadesha.
Kadesha says, "In truth I believe it's simply my faith in Her willingness to intervene, that she has responded.. but not just my faith, moreso her mercy for the soul whom I interceded for."
Kadesha says, "The next three manifestations of Lorminstra have all came while engaged in toe to toe confrontations with the liches. In each case there, it was not my own soul being shredded, but a dear friend's.. Iscikella and Vonka to be specific, and Elymir or Thulevier the culprit liches. In each instance as well, Lorminstra came though, demonstrating her mercy again."
Iscikella shudders.
Kadesha says, "It's only fitting to add, I suppose, that I got lichlynched a few dozen times between these episodes of Lorminstra's grace, using her grace in deeds instead"
Kadesha stares off into space.
Iscikella begins chuckling at Kadesha.
Kadesha says, "I either too stubborn or too stupid to back down from a good fight though"
Kadesha says, "The first such battle was when Elymir literally snatched Vonka, killed her, and proceeded to attempt to steal her very soul. Several of us made repeated attempts to rescue Vonka to no avail, while Elymir began to do horribly unspeakable things to her body. Each time one of us would reach vonka, he would teleport her off elsewhere.. and each time I tried to preserve her, he blocked it via various magical means."
Kadesha narrows her eyes.
Kadesha mutters something about liches.
Kadesha says, "Finally, I again caught up to the both of them just outside the temple, on the ramp. I realized I simply was powerless alone to stop Elymir's intentions. It was then and there that I casted perhaps the most utterly unprepared and unceremonial commune ever, nd prayed that most holy of prayers, simply crying out, 'Lorminstra.. Heeeeeelllp!'"
Kadesha says, "I am pleased to anounce such decorum was adequate, and Elymir for the time being was sent scurrying away from Vonka."
Kadesha flashes a wide grin.
Kadesha says, "The next lichly confrontation which Lorminstra responded to, happened late one eve when I was tired and fixing to rest for the night. I went to chat with Iscikella just to visit as friends, making light conversation, when our visit was rudely interrupted."
Some pink web-like patterns rise up into the air, as the faint scent of wild rose emanates from the lustrous gold censer on Elforia's belt.
Kadesha says, "This was during the time the Vishmiir were constantly being an annoyance. Shortly after oe of their attacks again sought to make me even shorter.. our peace was disturbed a second time, by Elymir."
Iscikella bites her lip.
Kadesha says, "Elymir was fond of disturbing the peace"
Kadesha grumbles.
Iscikella smirks.
Kadesha says, "Elymir began to taunt Iscikella, as he often does, first he touched Iscikella's cheek, and in so doing, drained her of a bit of essence. I sent Iscikella then a bit of my spirit to rejuvinate her, and grumbled about how the cursed undead belonged passed the Ebon gate. The I felt a warmth spread over me and my symbol began to glow a bright white. The warmth spread outward reaching toward the staue which Elymir had animated. Suddenly the statue hissed and glared at me, seems Elymir dod not much like Lorminstra's light and warmth."
Lewk nods.
Kadesha says, "Elymir then boasted not to be fooled by our gods, saying they could not protect us so long as the staff was within their grasp. Funny how the staff still is not in their grasp several months later then this event occured. I replied to him then, that he could have his staff, and I would still have Lorminstra, and that I was trusting in her."
Iscikella smiles at Desorceri.
Kadesha says, "Was much more discussion and taunting of Iscikella done by Elymir, when he then again drained her of essence, this time almost completely. I again sent Iscikella my essense, being left myself about totally drained."
Kadesha says, "Suddenly a sudden warmth filled the emptiness within me, the sensation spreading outward from my Lorminstra symbol... and I was filled again of essence."
Desorceri nods to Iscikella.
Kadesha grins ear-to-ear.
Kadesha says, "That was incredibly special to me"
Kadesha says, "Was yet more debate as Elymir continued to taunt Iscikella, and it was then after assuring her of Lorminstra's watching and caring, that I received my mark. More importanty though, was that Iscikella was unharmed, and Lorminstra gave her solace in the security of her own soul in spite of Elymir. I am not sayin Iscikella had doubts, as she has been most firm in her own resolve against the liches. I am only saying that Lorminstra, in her mercy, could see comfort was needed, and came to give it, unsolicited."
Kadesha smiles at Iscikella.
Iscikella smiles at Kadesha.
Kadesha points at Iscikella.
Kadesha says, "She is one stubborn Sylph"
Iscikella begins chuckling at Kadesha.
Kadesha says, "don't underestimate her own faith"
Kadesha just hugged Iscikella.
Kadesha says, "The final manifestation was a smaller event, when Thulevier came to haunt Vonka while her and I were visiting."
Kadesha says, "Thulevier caused Vonka to feel pain, and taunted her in typicl lichly fashion"
Desorceri deftly slings an embossed veniom-banded shield over his shoulder in one graceful movement.
Kadesha says, "we were right here in this hall, and I pointed to the north wall and told Vonka Lorminstra held her key too"
Kadesha says, "Vonka then touched the golden key she wears, but Thulevier also touched it and turned it crimson"
Kadesha says, "That was a gift I gave her, and well, that really made me angry"
Kadesha mutters something about liches.
Kadesha says, "Anyway I asked Vonka to pass it to me, and I prayed over it, and it was again turned golden, and Thulevier.."
Kadesha chuckles.
Kadesha says, "Thulevier ran off all sorts of in a huff"
Kadesha says, "Each time Lorminstra's presence was revealed, the liches seemed to be gone in a hurry"
Kadesha flashes a wide grin.
Iscikella begins chuckling at Kadesha.
Kadesha says, "Anyway, that concludes my lecture, unless there are more questions"
Morstanya raises her hand.
Morstanya smiles.
Kadesha nods to Morstanya.
Morstanya asks, "can you say lichlynched three times real fast outloud ?"
Morstanya grins.
Iscikella begins chuckling at Morstanya.
Kadesha chuckles.
Kabriel smiles at Kadesha.
Kadesha says, "probably not"
Kadesha grins at Morstanya.
Morstanya says, "didnt think so"
Kadesha says, "ran outta rum so won't try"
Kadesha grins at Morstanya.
Kadesha says, "gave Silon my last rum, oh dear"
Morstanya says, "say, you know, I had a bit of a notion listening to all this"
Kadesha asks, "any more questions besides if I can say lichlynched three times?"