A letter bearing the seal of the Royal Family arrives to your residence in Glacikaldr, hand delivered by a messenger clad in what is likely slightly excessive protection from the cold. It arrives alongside a letter of introduction, allowing for the entrance into the barrier and granting a meeting with the Queen. To the fair Queen Cessair Wolf-Fanged,  I thank you for your letter and concern for our Kingdom, know it has reached my halls and that your previous presence within them has not been forgotten. I will honor your request for a meeting, and look upon its outcome with favor. Our people have suffered greatly from the attacks from Dawn's Reverie, so the face of every ally is a welcomed sight in these times. As to your concerns as to the conduct of Investigator Von Derk, do not worry, he has been thoroughly reprimanded for his conduct. I hold your words in high esteem, and do not fret that your past was overlooked. Your numerous deeds in aid of this Kingdom will be remembered as long as I live. I look forward to our meeting, Queen Jocelyn Kilvaro

A letter bearing the royal crest arrives at your doorstep, delivered by a royal messenger. To my loyal vassal, Lady Redwillow, I thank you for your diligent work in investigating these matters, though I am afraid your conclusions have been incorrect. This war has been entirely defensive in nature, to give up now would be to openly declare that when we are attacked we will roll over. I have made a promise to the people that I will not let the acts of Dawn's Reverie go unpunished.  Something you have written concerns me, however. You have stated you were protected by wards put in place by those who have long since been declaring their open hostility to us. You are to report to the Capital at once to discuss any potential risks your fortress may have been exposed to, and to ensure that you yourself have not been effected by dream magics, for your safety. Please also prepare your report on any involvement the other forces may have had in any of the attacks thus far that you have uncovered. Fighting a multiple front war would be quite disadvantageous if we do not know of it ahead of time. Ensure your fortress is on high alert while you are gone. While Dawn's Reverie has yet to attack any military targets, and has only aimed for civilian ones, we are not certain this will remain the case. May the Father-God watch over you, Queen Jocelyn Kilvaro

A letter is delivered to your keep, bearing the mark of the Eastlake Guild. The penmanship is not quite as precise as it once was. Dear Lady Redwillow, My deepest thanks for your aid in these times of crisis. I have not been in contact with the Queen as of yet, and I pray this letter reaches you before you attempt to do so yourself. I say this not as an official, but a neighbor. I recommend against drawing any attention to yourself thay you have been involving yourself with those of Dawn's Reverie. In times of war little good comes about as being portrayed as a sympathizer or traitor and I do not wish to see our soldier's blades pointed at someone as loyal as yourself. I know you have had meetings with their leader, but I recommend that you cease such or at minimum keep it more discreet. As to your cries for peace, I too wish the same. I have seen too much death already. This cycle of bloodshed doesn't end well. Unfortunately, you must remember that it is Dawn's Reverie who declared hostilities against the Kingdom, going as far as demanding us to sacrifice an entire city of people. If you truly wish to pursue this route, and can convince those against us to sit down for peace, I shall support you in trying to set up a meeting. Though even in such a case I doubt the conditions of it will be favorable. May the Divines bless your path, Guildmaster Mikael You receive no response from the capital.

To your door first arrives a letter it bears the mark of the guild, the words seem to have been sent in kind, brief and intentional. You notice a shake in the penmanship, however. My greetings to the Queen of the North Cessair,  Your presence is welcomed within our halls by me. I would offer to come there, but I do not doubt your network has toldyou already why this would be impossible. Be safe on yourtravels, there are many dangers about. Guildmaster Johnson Mikael A letter from the Queen has not yet arrived.

An excerpt from a book written about the Caretaker titled: "Rituals of the Mother: A Guide For Holy Folk, Vol. 1"    Rite of Survival   The Rite of Survival is a practice of great importance for those aiming to show worth, and is one of the simplest practices to perform, as there are not many regulations as to who or how it must be performed. There are however, traditions that can be followed for instances that hold significance. The rite has two ways it is performed in a ceremonial practice most commonly. The first of which is where one prepares chosen strong opponents and then facing them all at once or consecutively one after another. The other option is of a more intense nature. It involves making an offering to the Holy Mother, and entering into an arena that has been consecrated and is designed to handle the ritual. One such arena built for this purpose is the Grand Colosseum of the North West. If a sufficient offering is given and the Mother is willing, then the true rite shall begin. A horde of foes most dangerous begin to appear. In the most extreme of cases even warriors from Hemathyll could be called into action. It is to be noted, that in this instance, the chances of your survival are often not considered. You either run, win, or die.   Rite of Blood   A rite of penance, this ritual is performed most often as an act to seek forgiveness from the Mother. There are only two outcomes for this ritual, forgiveness, at least in part, or your death. This ritual can only be performed upon one's self. No external forces may aid the individual, help them in performing it beyond instructing as to how, nor attempt to force it upon another. It is an act between the individual and the Goddess, so even watching as it occurs, except in the instance where a witness is absolutely required, is considered heresy. To perform this upon one's self, first you must prepare an offering fitting of your sins, then three cuts are to be made. First to the wrists, then to the throat. No effort is to be made in advance to protect one's self should it go poorly, lest you incur the wrath of the divine. Those that do not require blood to survive need not perform this ritual, as it will have no effect. The one performing this ritual must remain in a prayer position on their knees until the conclusion of this ritual. It is not necessary to take any measures to ensure the blood drains, the Mother will ensure that it does. While bleeding, no words are to be uttered, no begs for forgiveness, not praises. It is a time to reflect, to come to terms with what you have done. The Mother is fair, if you are deserving to be forgiven, then you shall be. Do not sully yourself or her.   Rite of Renewal   This rite varies wildly depending on the size of the body that is performing the tithe. A simply farm need only a small shrine, place their tithe upon the altar and offer up a prayer. If performed on behalf of a nation, a larger ceremony is to be held. While only one holy folk is needed to bless the ritual, it is best if as many followers as possible are present in order to give their thanks. The most important aspect of this ritual is sincerity. Nothing is to be gained through this ritual, for it is an offering of thanks. It is not a request for more blessings or to seek forgiveness for being shunned. It is a ritual of celebration, of joy, of gratitude. It is to be taken seriously, however. As failing to be thankful for all you have received from the Divine is a heavy sin to bare, and the Mother does not look kindly upon those that continue like this.   Rite of Transition   One of the most complex and important rituals for any true believer. A funerary rite where a new body for the afterlife is created. The first step of this ritual is to prepare a coffin of wood, enchanted to seal whatever is placed inside. It is important that this box be durable and the bark to still be on the wood, as well as large enough to hold the body and however much blood may be poured. The exact type of wood should be selected based off who the individual was in their life, and be chosen to represent them. A bed of thorns is then to be made within the coffin. The thorns should be sharp, but not large enough to pierce the body completely through. It is crucial that the thorns be sharp enough to draw blood from the body, when possible. The coffin is then to be transported to a site that has been consecrated. These are most often large temples, holy sites, and other large notable locations. A Holy Folk of the Mother is then to bless the coffin before the deceased is placed into it. The true rite can then begin. A prayer is said of the deceased, and a funeral is held. Then, any who wish to may pour some of their own blood into the coffin. It is alright even if the blood of some of these individuals has acidic, or other dangerous properties, the Mother can be trusted to handle such things. The blood should be proportional to what the individual meant to them in life. This blood is what makes up the body of those who enter into Hemathyll. The bodies of such individuals can vary wildly, and can change within Hemathyll, but this ritual shall form the base that they shall grow from for the rest of eternity. Specific details of this process can be found in books that speak more in depth on Hemathyll itself. After the blood is poured into the coffin, the cover is to be placed atop and nailed in with bones. The creatures these bones come from are to be picked with great care. Each nail is to come from a different creature, the stronger each creature is, and the more nails used, the better. Finally, a prayer should be said over the deceased. If no body or piece of a body is able to be recovered for the rite, it can also be performed with an object that was highly important to them. It is non-ideal to do this, however. If the soul is accepted into Hemathyll, from the wood of the coffin crimson roses will begin to bloom. The quantity of roses differs from instance to instance. They are then to be buried without disturbing the coffin. This is most often done by placing the coffin into a larger tomb, or by very carefully lowering it into the soil, and covering it up to the flowers. Any who disturb the coffin are sure to face the wrath of the Goddess in the most extreme form. If the soul is not accepted, then withered flower petals shall pour out from within the coffin. Disposal is irrelevant.   Rite of Thorn   This rite is one rarely practiced, due to the extreme circumstance under which it is carried out. It is a ritual only performed upon those that have been marked to receive it by the Holy Mother. The mark will take the form of a thorn piercing the individual through. The rite is one in name only, for it is not truly a single ritual. The true nature of the Rite of Thorn is more so undertaken whenever one encounters such an individual. They are to be completely shunned by those of the faith. Those that are known to associate with them anyways are also to be shunned. Trade may not be conducted with them. Their name is not to be uttered. The image of them is not even to be distributed. Any records of them are to be destroyed. It is to be as if they never existed in the first place. Hostile acts are not to be taken either.   Rite of Blooming   This rite is performed to ordain new Holy Folk. It is worth noting that this is not a ritual to accept a new believer into the faith. This rite is to be carried out to confer upon an aspirant the authority to conduct rites and speak as one approved by the Mother. This ritual must be performed by an existing Holy Folk of high standing. The ritual, unlike with most, is specifically to be performed without any material offerings. Instead, the recipient of the rite should have given their offering through devotion, prayer, and  acts of service to the Divine. The Holy Folk conducting the rite has the authority to give their own test to the recipient, though these tests should be quick in nature. Once the ritual begins, the Holy Folk shall begin with a reading of the Wild Orders written in the document covering them. After each mandate, they are to ask the participate to affirm that they will uphold them. The participant shall then be handed a rose that has yet to bloom, and they shall then address the Mother directly, and silently. No guidance can be given as to what to say during this period. If the Mother accepts the individual, the rose shall bloom with petals of crystalized blood. This flower is an emblem, signifying one's approval by the Mother, and it is to be treated with extreme reverence. Both individuals dress in ceremonial garb during the ritual. It must also take place within a consecrated site.   Ceremonial Attire   While the attire each individually wears during ceremonies is uniquely their own, there are a couple commonalities and traditions that should be followed when one is having their own garb made. Firstly, it must be fashioned solely of materials gathered from beasts hunted by yourself, without any aide. It can be adorned, however with plants and gemstones. This attire should be kept in pristine condition, as to not present one's self before the Mother in an unclean manner. Taking care of the attire is a form of worship as well.   Attitude   When performing rites for the Mother, it is important to take up a proper attitude. While it is common knowledge that one must humble themself before the Divine, when one is in front of the Mother, they must also take care to not present themself as weak. As they are the Divine that rules over growth and survival, strength is incredibly important in an individual, so it is a balancing act one must take to act in a humble manner, but not so much so that you betray these core beliefs. Pride is as much of a sin as indignity.   Offerings   When choosing what to present to the Holy Mother, what matters most is sincerity and thoughtfulness. A child presenting their first rabbit hunted is much more significant than a dragonslayer presenting the same. It is also important to consider the offering in relation to what you are praying for. Even when not asking for a single thing, the gaze of a Divine alone is more than most people could ever deserve. A proper showing of gratitude is needed in order to truly attempt to in some small way repay them for that gesture. Beyond that, however, the content of a prayer should be thought through more than simply giving a helping of trinkets relating to their domain. When praying for thankfulness over high crop yields, a tithe of those crops would be appropriate. When asking for their blessing before going into the flames of war, a helping of blood and protective herbs would be a better offering. One must also consider the quality of the items themself. Ensure you check each and every grain for signs that it may be of low quality. Every drop of blood from fitting creatures. It is these acts of care that truly make for an offering. That being said, there is more to an offering than simply the items themselves. Your actions are an offering as well. When praying, ensure every word of that prayer was chosen with care. Plan what you will say ahead of time, as to not fumble your words by making it up on the spot. The prayer by itself is often times just as impactful as the offering itself. It is also possible to offer more than simply items of value. Creation of a new shrine is a wonderful offering. Finding a new believer and bringing them to the faith is another wonderful offering. Once again, sincerity is the key.   Pseudonyms   There are many titles by which the Mother is referred to by, this is but a small sample of them; Holy Mother, Deas Sanguine, Divine of Growth, Divine of Blood, Divine of Wrath, Horned One, Crowned Thorn, Bloodied Deer, Caretaker, and Head of the Triumvirate.   Altar Creation   There are many ways to make an altar to the divine. Whether they be inside of your home or in a grand cathedral all share certain traits that tie them together. Firstly, when creating your altar it is important to determine what you are dedicating it to. Simply trying to make one for the Mother is not sufficient. They have many aspects, and present in many different forms. When making a shrine to the aspect of growth it is important to have heavy ties to nature present, whether that be plant or animal life it does not make a difference. You could also make an altar of their bloodier domains, in which case an altar that is fit to contain a large amount of blood would be recommended as well as having sources of blood nearby. You could also make an altar attempting to unify these various concepts, which can present in many ways as well. What matters most is that it is designed with intent. The Mother will know when true care is put into one of their shrines. Not everyone is an architect, and they do not expect temples to be built by laymen, but as a Holy Folk, it is all the more important for you to inspect your altars thoroughly and ensure they are up to standard. It is also worth noting whether your altars have been kept in repair. There is little more disrespectful than allowing your altar to wither away and fall into disrepair. Like your ceremonial garb, ensure you take care of your altars always.   Final Note   You do not need to be afraid when praying to the Mother. They care for those that care for themselves and show proper respect. Ensure that you follow the tenets of the faith, show true sincerity, and you shall know the Mother's embrace.