Irradiated Insight

[Gunner]

The doors of the Irradiated Shrine open wide once more, the warm glow from within spreading outward though the shadow that darkens it's threshold this time is not one of the Warden. In fact the one that steps out doesn't seem to hold a title at all yet. . .

'For a long while now, most of Esshar has been lookin' at the Tribes with a weary eye. The breaking of bonds, the capture and ritualistic slaughter of those with minor transgressions, the influx of outsiders that all seem to have been brought in to strengthen the size and ideals of one particular sect within the tribes. It is abundantly clear with the most recent actions of the Voice and her War-Chiefs that they are intent on taking shortcuts to appease the spirits of the land and continuing the downward slide that will only lead to the tribes becoming the vanguard for 'The Family'.

If that is what the tribes wish to become, cannon fodder and meat-shields for a calamitous threat that will sooner turn them all into blood bags and drug-addicts, then I will not stand in the way. If that is what my home wishes to do to itself then I only hope that the spirits can restore what is lost and will not abandon them as they have in the past. Or worse then that, I hope that Sibyl and Enna do not plan to do what I believe they will. For someone who wished to dwell so heavily on the inaction and poor choices of my own mother I find it says a lot that The Voice walks a path so dangerously close to her own. Will the Mire and Nyx be swapped out so easily for The Family and Nikolai? For Asphodel and Illythia? I ask the tribes to think on this matter before seeking ruin for themselves. A wonder why someone so helbent on escaping the shadow cast by their mother would chose to name her daughter in her honor.

I for one will not raise a hand against family on any accord. I will not see harm brought to either of my homes by my own hand. And I know that there are others within Moxtli that harbor similar sentiments.

That is why, under authority given to me by the Warden of Starfall, I open the doors of the Irradiated Shrine to any and all  from the tribes that wish to seek guidance and possible refuge from the actions of The Voice and her War-Chiefs.

And one question posed to those that still follow the Voice and her cult. When has a Cirque ever had the best interests of Moxtli in mind? .'
May the Spirits Guide You All

- Wynne A. Meztin

[Theori]

Reports spread, some quicker, some slower, of the resignation and departure of the Head Shaman of the Moxtli, the Teraphim known as Enna following an argument with Sibyl Cirque. A strange golden crown upon her head, the Head Shaman spoke to Sibyl;

"There's sorrow. Who's to know which way the dice will fall, but the spirits scream as we consort with the undead and madmen. Alone, we may have lost this war. With these allies, we will lose our way, and all because none within the tribes have the spine or raw power to challenge you, our tyrant."

Snippets of the ensuing conversation are spread, through bystanders or perhaps other agents, but those reported by most are the following, something that may offer a glimpse into the Teraphim's mind:

"I've been standing, stagnant, in this place for years because I saw potential, but its staggered. People whisper in the shadows, conspiring your death because you, if nothing else complimentary can be said about you, are a monolith of power. So all one can do is conspire, or leave. So many of the tribes have grown spineless in fear of you. Not me; there was no point in challenging you, I figured that out some time ago. You don't consider advice unless it fits with what you want, you aren't swayed."

...

"I'll not be a party to this any longer. I'm tired of the Moxtli, tired of your suspicion and scorn, rightful as it may be, and, of course, I'm not particular bothered by your labelling of me as a coward. Its simply a way you can continue to pretend that everyone else is wrong."

What exactly the Voice's reply was, nor the motive for the departure in the first place is unknown, as is whether it had anything to do with Wynne Meztin's words, though the timing at the least is perhaps noteworthy.

[Gunner]

The doors of the Irradiated Shrine open once more though this time in the dead of night as the full moon reaches its highest point in the sky. The same woman steps through its threshold, though now standing as The Warden of Starfall...

What I witnessed tonight was nothing short of a tragedy... 
When I last spoke of the ruin I imagined the Cirque family would bring upon the tribes, I had no idea that something so calamitous was in the works. But here we are with a new age of ruin truly upon us. Entire families erased. Almost an entire people eradicated from the face of Esshar because of the desires of one woman eclipsed what was right for the tribes and the spirits. And the worst part about it all. The part that makes me want to scream into the night sky is that we all stood by and allowed it to happen. 
Even if we raised our weapons in the final moments to stop the ritual once it was already underway our inaction has come at a large cost. 

My inaction, has come at a large cost.
Ankhesenamon . . .I'm sorry. We shall do right by your name.

A new dawn rises for us tomorrow and its light guide's our path. For now we mourn and contemplate under the cool glow of the moon. 
The balance has been disrupted and its time that we stop preparing to react to the next terrible occurrence or abomination to walk our lands.
Proactivity. Development. Growth.

We will make it through to our brighter tomorrow in spite of it all. 
Spirits guide you all..

~~ Wynne Meztin

A call has been put out to any artificers, spiritualists or those otherwise adept in scientific studies pertaining to the Lifestream and the ethereal. Those interested in working on projects or proposing their own for the betterment of Esshar are urged to approached Wynne Meztin whenever convenient. 

[Gunner]

Rumor spreads that shortly after the dawn of the new year that a familiar figure has returned to the Irradiated Shrine. Silence came in the following nights, though it changed one morning as the Warden of Starfall emerged to make her first appearance after supposedly dying at the Battle of Starfall. 

"Did... Anyone actually check? No matter... Starfall Stands, though now there are clearly other issues."

⫷-☽☾-⫸

"After all these years, most will know all I've ever done is desire to help. To give my insight freely to those who were in need, whether particularly wanted or not. Well, for those tired of hearing my voice, perhaps even glad to hear of my supposed 'demise' at the hands of Ariel, I'd hate to disappoint but as you can see I am still very much alive and kicking. But perhaps you'll find solace in knowing that after all this time I am tired of giving my advice to those that refuse to hear it out even after I have been prove correct in my assessments time and time again.  I'll not waste my breath on those that haven't the sense or ability to hear it. 

Take your shortcuts. Abandon your morals. Become the scourge you seem dead-set on becoming. 

Just know that the time of me talking is through... 

It is no secret that shortly before Asphodel's attempt at ruining Esshar's future, there was some commotion growing around the Shrine. I will reiterate my call from some time ago. If you desire to lend your aid to the betterment of Esshar. If you want to help me with my work and learn of the spirts as you do so. Come to me. 

If you are intent on wasting my time...

Don't

Lastly... Any of you renting rooms within the Shrine. You have until the end of the year to contact me and explain why you need to own property there. There is a guest room for public use if needed, I would ask that only those intent on aiding in my or the Shrine's business own property within... Should you not get in contact with me within the allotted time you will be evicted. I will take your things. You will not get them back. 

On that note, remember... Eat your fruits and veggies. Don't call ogres ugly. Respect the Dragons. Hold dearly the Light. And may the Sprits guide your path."

~~Warden Wynne A. Meztin

With the repairs to Starfall itself completed and the return of the Warden it seems that the work happening within the Shrine has continued, though now there seem to be quite a few more weapons seen in the hands of the shrine attendants.  Those owning property within the shrine are encouraged to contact Wynne before the year 1873 comes to pass. (Oct. 1st Deadline) There are also rumors and murmurings of a series of pilgrimages planned in the near future, culminating with a better funded expedition. Those interested in supporting the Shrine or the Warden are encouraged to write or otherwise contact Wynne Meztin in person. 

[Gunner]

After the conclusion of the Warden's most recent class rumors begin to spread of a certain announcement that had been made. 
The next morning, the first announcement to come from the shrine in nearly a decade is made. 

⫷-☽☾-⫸

It has been over twenty years since my father passed along the responsibility and authority of the Warden to me. A little longer since I took the mantle of Keeper of The Irradiated Shrine as my own with the lack of attention the Shrine had been receiving. I've toiled in the gardens, I've communed with spirits by the pond, truly I'd like to believe that I brought a little more life to the area then there had been since Warden Gardios walked these paths. This has been a role I've taken pride in since my youth and will always take pride in until I pass on. Though with this new generation of students in Starfall, despite how rowdy and violent a lot of you seem to be, there is also a great deal of potential in a lot of you to excel in whatever it is you put your mind to.  Beyond that I, and I likely speak for a good deal of those from my generation, am becoming more and more comfortable with the idea of passing along what we've built and restored to you so that the reins can be taken, and you all can forge the Esshar that you want. 

With that said, I believe it is time for me to pass along one of the responsibilities I've cherished since my teenage years. As such, I've named Mayra Zheng of House Leonaus as the Keeper of the Irradiated Shrine. I have full faith in Ms. Zheng to rise to the occasion. Though this is not just a title akin to a groundskeeper for the shrine.  I have given her full jurisdiction to act with the authority of the Warden.  Give her the respect you would give me. Listen to her as you would listen to me, because when Ms. Zheng makes a judgement, it is as if I am doing the same. 

On that note though.... Study hard. Eat your veggies. Don't do drugs. Respect the Dragons. Hold dearly the Light. And May the Spirits Guide your paths to the future I know you all have it in you to achieve. 

~Warden Wynne A. Meztin

Soon after the announcement is made rumors begin to circulate that this may be the last class Warden Meztin will serve as Warden for, though when asked about it no comment was made other than a distinctly sassy eye-roll.