Seeking the Isle's wind Guardian
A pilgrimage for those who seek to connect with the winds…
Cíntwe
High upon Windsong mountain, scattered statues with holes carved in the center line a long covered path, allowing the wind to sing as one climbs. Months of raging blizzards had hidden away the statues, and the Elders say the ones who carved them were the first to walk this island. Large avian protectors circle overhead and sit upon rocks and trees, turning their watchful gaze upon you. If you treat them kindly, they will fly alongside you as you ascend to the very peak of the mountain, where you may commune with this spirit returned.
Cíntwe is a protector, and sometimes a fickle being. Sometimes the winds they send are calm and gentle, while some can be strong and destructive. It is often said that it depends on their mood, and the health of their haunting. The winds in Xaaida have been difficult to predict until the Guardian’s return, and travel outside the island was deemed impossible. As the Phantomeres protect the mountain, and Cíntwe protects them, Cíntwe’s wrath is swift if you are to harm the Phantomeres or destroy the mountain. Despite how fiercely protective they are of their flock, they hold a soft spot for songs and dance, and those who care for the Phantomeres. If you were to treat the protectors with kindness or sing alongside the guardian, you will find the winds turn more frequently in your favor.
Cíntwe is the guardian and embodiment of the very winds across Xaaida themselves, and appears in the early morning as the sun rises. Although they can be vicious, they are also known for their playful, almost childish nature. Those they have blessed find Cíntwe treating them like a friend, singing with them and swirling around them, even allowing a ride on their back. Additionally, the Phantomeres will come to the blessed of Cíntwe, treat them as one of their own, and have even shown to form a bond with them.
The Pilgrimage
This pilgrimage is a challenging journey. It must be undertaken by a single character, accompanied only by their bond if they so choose. It is a long journey, so adequate preparation should be made, and a weapon should be carried as the wildlife around and upon the mountain can be deadly. You may travel with others to the base of Windsong mountain if you so choose for safety, but the climb to the peak must be made by you and your bond alone.
The pilgrimage is a dangerous journey, and the mountain is treacherous. All species must know at least three tiers of magic before undertaking the journey to and up Windsong mountain.
The first two steps of the pilgrimage have a minimum requirement of 1 shaded fullbody, with a simple scenic background OR 775 words. Then, to commune with Cíntwe in the third step, you must complete one of these three requirements:
- 1 shaded halfbody character, complex background OR
- 1 shaded halfbody character + 1 shaded halfbody guardian, medium background OR
- 1275 words.
"It is of the utmost importance that you remember to be respectful of all Spirits when on this Pilgrimage. Fae spirits are always in communication with the Guardian of the area! Word travels quickly, so actions that may have caused grievance with a Fae, can very well cause grievance with their Guardian as well!"
Information
Name: Cíntwe
Pronounced: [xin-twə]
Age: Unknown
Gender: Neutral
Classification: Guardian
Affiliation: Wind
Alignment: Neutral, protective
Active: 4am - 6am, at dawn
Abilities:
- Wind generation and creation
- Sonic Soundwave
- Super Speed
Length: 80 ft / 24.5 m
Weight: 960 lbs / 435.5 kg lbs
Bestows:
- Dawn Cloud Tail
- Hybrid’s Wings
- Phantomere’s Horns
- Blessing
- Curse
Shrine Location:
- At the peak of Windsong Mountain, encircled by stones with a hole cut in their centers, allowing the wind to whistle throughout the ring.
Summoning Circle
Stones stand proudly at the peak of Windsong Mountain, with round holes cut in their center. The singing stones’ surfaces are mostly smoothed, and stand about knee high to the tallest Draken, and head height to Nyulop kits.
The Windsong Shrine
Sat in the center of the circle of singing stones, a small structure stands. It is a small structure with a wooden roof, with large windows to feel the breeze. Despite how strong the winds can be across the rest of the mountain, they are nothing more than a gentle breeze here. Small wind chimes hang from the door.
Shrine's Altars
Traditional shrine altars have a very simplistic design. Usually they consist of a flat surface on a thinner slab of cut and smoothed stone, creating a table-like structure. At the far back is the Altar Window, this consists of two slender stone pillars supporting a cut rectangular piece. This area is usually decorated with bells, chimes, candles and flowers. It is believed that the purpose of these windows is to see into the realm of the Spirits.
Prayer is usually undertaken at the altars, and offerings to Spirits are left on the flat surface. Surprisingly, these offerings are usually gone upon the next visit...
Recent efforts have cleaned up this shrine, though there are frequent icicles still sparkling from the edges. Carefully crafted beads, woven goods, and other such offerings hang upon it, gently waving in the wind. Instruments rest against it, used in previous pilgrimages to play with Cíntwe.
To be Blessed, to be Cursed
Should you desire to be Blessed...
There are three important tasks which must be done.
1. You must climb the mountain where the shrine is located.
2. You must treat the Phantomeres with respect or kindness, offering them food if you may.
3. You must offer a song to the wind, joining the ring of stones in song to call Cíntwe to you.
Completion of these tasks will result in a Guardian's Blessing and one of the Blessed APs.
Dawn's Blessing: Anyone blessed by Cíntwe finds that the winds are more frequently in their favor, be it good winds for sailing, or gentle breezes when performing delicate tasks.
Should you desire to be Cursed...
There are three important tasks which must be done.
1. You must climb the mountain where the shrine is located, and potentially damage the statues along the path.
2. Act hostile toward the Phantomeres. If they attack you, you may have to fight back.
3. Upon reaching the peak, prevent the stones from singing.
Completion of these tasks will result in a Guardian's Curse.
Phantom's Wrath: Anyone cursed by Cíntwe can not gain the favor of the Phantomeres and finds the winds are frequently against them.
Strangely, if you are cursed by Cíntwe, it seems the Wraithels will not attack.
Cíntwe Blessings
If one of your characters is to take the Pilgrimage to Cíntwe and is blessed, you may use a Phantomere as a bond creature for any one character of your choice, current or future. You can unlock additional bonds with additional pilgrimages.
You can locate these upgrades in the "Other" tab of the upgrade directories for all species.
Dawn Cloud Tail
Hybrid’s Wings
Phantomere’s Horns
