Heen (Realm)/Heenite Highlights/November '07

Federation Falls
02 November 1007		Jadine
Since the beginning of the invasion of Belatuerra by the rogue forces of Daimons, Undead and Monsters, Heen has always stood against those that wish to destroy mankind, and those who do not respect the in-built right of humanity to rule this island. The naïve nobles of Vlaanderen however, decided to betray humanity, and give their allegiance to a Daimon horde leader by the name of Arcane. After a long time of Arcane obviously being just a Daimon, wandering across the lands of Belatuerra, the people of Vlaanderen suddenly decided that he was their God, an idea that lacks not only logic, but also evidence and experience.		Despite the warnings of Heen, that this could not be accepted, Arcane led the Vlaanderen Daimons into battle against many humans and took their regions whilst looting and pillaging where he went. Heen decided that this Daimon needed to be destroyed, as it posed a threat to humanity. The result was that Heen broke its Federation with Sint and Vlaanderen so that it could move to eliminate this threat, and plunged into war with Vlaanderen with the intention of destroying the Daimons, and helping to liberate Vlaanderen from their grasp. It is clear however, that if any nobles from Vlaanderen fight against Heen in this war, thy will be considered an enemy of humanity also.

The Move into Vlaanderen 08 November 1007 Thrydwulf A few realms over the last few days have been discussing how to deal with the ever growing threat that is Vlaanderen. The realm, lead by the Daimon Lord Arcane have been expanding rather rapidly since the day he came into power. The question the realms had been asking themselves was "how do we deal with this growing presence?" Vlaanderen, who now have at last count, 4 Daimons leaders fighting under their banner have been rampaging Khthon lands, and even declared war on the Republic of Fwuvoghor. However, Martana had a cunning plan up her sleeve, and reminded Arcane of his promise to humanity that he would rid the continent of the undead. So...off he trotted out of Reeds, and headed South West into the most Southern Mesh regions. Of course, this left Vlaanderen some Daimons fewer to defend themselves. So the Heenites moved out into Watto with their monster allies, preparing for an assault on Vlaanderen while Arcane was gone. Waiting for the news to reach their ears of Arcane battling Summoner, the Heenites set up camp in Naraka and prepared to lay siege to Reeds, only to find a Daimon force occupying the city, so plans changed. Then, as news of a battle reached their ears, the Heenites quickly started a friendly Take Over of Naraka and hoped to draw the Daimon Obstructing out from behind the walls. After spending a full day building trenches and small but useful fortifications in Naraka, the Heenites soon found they had more than Obstructing to deal with. Early scout reports this morning showed that Arcane had somehow managed to get back into Reeds (after being imprisoned), summon 240 Daimons from somewhere and call upon them, and Obstructing's unit to head out to Naraka in an attempt to stop the Take Over. The full Battle Report can be found to the right, along with some views from nobles who took part.

Battle Report 08 November 1007 Thrydwulf Battle in Naraka 1 - - Fror Saves Erin As the Heenites had been digging their fortifications for a whole day, they had a nice barricade between them and the Daimons. All the Heenites who were in Naraka stayed behind their fortifications when the Daimons could be heard heading their way. However, two small monster units lead by Hocud and Drool, already infront of the fortifications charged into the oncoming mass of Daimons. Two Heenite forces, lead by Bayloc and Mao who were late arriving from Watto also missed the barricades and ploughed straight into the Daimons along with the two other monster leaders: Hoof Hearted and Loud Tongue. This effectively cut short the Daimon charge and halted them against the stakes and trenches of the Heenites defences. Fighting valliantly in a constant shower of arrows from Obstructing's Daimons, the Heenites slaughtered every single one of Arcane's unit, although some were left wounded. As the last few Daimons stumbled blindly behind the fortifications, some of the Heenites attempted a charge on Obstructing. They were not enough in force however and were driven from the battlefield. All is not lost though, and as the night fades, and the Heenites regroup for a morning assault, hopes are running high.

Jana
08 November 1007		Jadine
On the 7th of November, a new person arrived in the stronghold of Tahgalez at the dead of night. It was someone that is infamous to all Judges of Belatuerra, and to many adventurers, and least of all, Summoner. It was the adventurer Jana, who was the most wanted person on the Summoner’s list of grudges for a long time. She and a group of adventurers had given Summoner a shock and had stolen from him something he coveted most dearly. She was denied permission to find sanctuary in most realms across the island, as many realms feared the “wrath” of the Necromancers Servants, which had been		promised to anyone who allowed her safety in their lands. Heen however, has never feared the Necromancers Servants, and was happy to give her a safe haven amongst the mass peril for a rogue peasant. Jana arrived in secrecy and sent a private correspondence to Jadine Baraedor to ask if she could stay. Jadine, holding a grudge to all Necromancers Servants, replied immediately with the affirmative. Hopefully, Jana can continue to hamper the undead whenever possible, this time, representing Heen, the enemy of the undead everywhere!!

Scenes From Naraka 09 November 1007 Thrydwulf Jadine's Battle Jadine's Battle Jadine describes the events from the second battle in Naraka - the Heenite's second loss, where the High Marshal was wounded. Fror's Battle Fror's Battle Fror describes his efforts in the second battle, how he dragged an unconscious Thrydwulf away from the front lines as his unit retreated. Jadine Cheers Fror Up Jadine Cheers Fror Up Jadine checks on Fror in his tent after the second battle and sees his despair. She encourages him to be strong and prepare for the next battle - and to go and see his wounded friends. Fror Visits His Comrades Fror Visits His Comrades On Jadine's Orders, Fror gets his head together and looks in on the wounded troop leaders from the first two battles, and then prepares for the evening's assault and victory! Arcane Is Deluded 10 November 1007 Thrydwulf The Heenites and their monster allies had been camped in Naraka for a while now. They had lost the first battle, and their friendly take over had been stopped. After rallying and losing the second battle, the Heenites might have seemed down and out...at least Arcane thought so: Orders from Arcane (1 day, 18 hours ago) Message sent to everyone in the region Naraka (24 recipients) Do you have enough already, or must we hunt you back to your capital, like the Mesh invaders? Leave now, and you can leave in peace. I have a temple opening to attend, so use the opportunity. – Arcane But Arcane was wrong. As the sun began to fall, the Heenites set out for the 3rd time. Even with reinforcements from Reeds, our forces were victorious. Arcane will have to wait to build his temple as he has been wounded, along with Obstructing - the other Daimon force in Naraka. Voices in the Wind 10 November 1007 Thrydwulf After the Heenite's first battle, strange events began to take place. As the Heenite's returned to their encampment to attend to their wounded, plan the future assaults and get some well earned rest, a loud voice could be heard on the wind. In the dead of the night, phrases were shouted backwards and forwards on the wind. Only snippets of each sentence could be heard, until finally High Marshall Thrydwulf shouted for them all to shut up because he needed some sleep. The identities of the voices is still not known, and indeed what the shouters actually meant is still lost on many of the nobles who were around. It does appear however, that certain nobles have extremely large sets of lungs to be able to shout so far... Voices in the Wind

Battle Report 09 November 1007 Jadine Battle in Naraka 2 - - Battle in Naraka 3 Battle 2: After the first battle in Nakara, the Heenites were confident of victory, as the Daimons had suffered heavy casualties and the leader of Vlaanderen, Arcane, had been wounded by the Heenites. This seems to fly in the face of many naïve nobles of Vlaanderen who worship this Daimon as their God, for what kind of God gets wounded by a small army of humans? Anyhow, the upcoming battle seemed to be in line for a Daimon slaughter, as all the infantry of the Daimons was either killed or wounded, and only the archer unit, led by Obstructing, was left. The camel charge of Heen is famous for being destructive to any form of life it comes up against, and the great cavalry masters, Jadine and Thrydwulf, were confident of victory. However, just as the forces of Heen were about to let out their war cry and cover the final 100 metres to the archers, 3 massive Daimons from the infantry division came and broke the charge. They must have healed just in time for the battle and they had done a good job of disrupting the line of Heenite camels and horses. Needless to say, those three Daimons were destroyed immediately, but the charge was broken, and the archer Daimons drew their melee weapons and began their task of hand-to-hand combat. The weight of numbers could do nothing against the larger Daimons after the unexpected arrival of the infantry Daimons, and Obstructing and his troops managed to fight off the attack. There were many casualties on both sides, the most notable being Obstructing and Thrydwulf Grancourt, the High Marshall of Heen. Battle 3: With the High Marshall of Heen wounded, and Queen Martana swamped with foreign diplomacy, Jadine Baraedor, Arch Priestess of Heen, have out the orders to change the line settings. Thrydwulf had spoken to her after the battle, during a brief bout of conciousness, and had suggested they move the cavalry further back to avoid any healed Daimons. Jadine forwarded the orders, and it was done. This time, there would be no mistake, although many of the traitorous nobles of Vlaanderen had decided to fight against their liberators. Let it be known to the world that Batman, Vig, Astinus, Shintok and Dionysus would rather serve Daimons that be freed from their oppression. Despite this influx of enemy forces, the Vlaanderen forces were soundly defeated, and the Heenites claimed the victory, leaving no Daimon unwounded. With the Heenite nobles healing, things were looking good again, and with other allied forces on the way, Heen was looking forward to the destruction of the Arcane and his Daimon consorts.

New Nobles
18 November 1007		Jadine
The last 3 weeks have seen an influx of nobles to the realm of Heen. They have come from many different places and have vastly different experiences, but they are all welcome, as there were not even enough Knights to fill the estates of the regions of Heen before their arrival. Jadine Baraedor was the main reason for the realm of Heen gaining enough Knights to support its regions. Thyk Whiteblood is a noble who came from the background of a commoner. He was an adventurer of Heen who has been responsible for the activation of two powerful unique items. He sold the Daimon Staff of Thunder to Valhalla, the ex-King of Vlaanderen, and the Wicked Scroll of Forbidden Knowledge to Jadine Baraedor, Arch Priestess of Heen. He became a noble of the realm of Heen and now commands a fine squad of soldiers under the banner of Latlan. He was an adventurer of Vlaanderen, but was converted by Jadine Baraedor. Amanda Deron is also a noble who came from the ranks of the adventurers of Belatuerra. Her last recommendation for nobility		came in, and she took the chance to join the mighty realm of Heen and fight against the Daimonic realm of Vlaanderen from the ranks of the Knights, rather than the ranks of the commoners. El Cid Rogala comes from the fallen realm of Khthon. He was recruited by Jadine Baraedor when Khthon was near to falling. She spoke to the members of the Valentic Order in Khthon and offered them a home in Heen, and El Cid has obviously taken her up on that offer. Grant Grimson and Caroline Tinsley both come from the fallen realm of Valentia. They both came following the offer of Jadine Baraedor of a home in her realm. Grant came before the fall of the Valentic Order, but when it was already a certainty, and Caroline, Haruspex Maximus of Valentia, came to join Heen when the last region of Valentia fell. Heen looks forward to a glorious future with a new crop of nobles in their ranks. The war against tyranny has new recruits.

Once More Unto the Breach 22 November 1007 Thrydwulf	Battle Report 22 November 1007 Thrydwulf Darez Suicides As mentioned in the article to the left, the Heenites had started where they left off in Naraka. This time, Medium T-Style and his unit of archers started the papers moving, and stationed themselves inside the town hall. However, after setting everything up in the morning, with troop leaders performing Civil Work and aiding in the turnover of ownership, scout reports came from Reeds of a unit approaching from the city. With some of the Heenites having been preparing fortifications, and others still approaching Naraka from Heen lands, nobody was particularly worried about the advancing unit. Some nobles from Ashborn could be seen heading into Naraka upon request from the High Marshal to aid with the TO, and as the 104 Vlaandereni soldiers advanced they stood and watched as the awesome camel charge of the Heenites swept into the battle and saved the eager Wolfgang ahead of the front line. In that single charge, 92 of the enemy were slain, and the rest were quickly mopped up. As can be seen from the battle report at the start of this article.
Daimons Destroyed (again) 24 November 1007 Fror Battle in Naraka – The Evening of the 24th November Two Vlaanderen daimon troops flew, trampled and trudged onto the field of battle, defended heavily by Heenite forces and overlooked by nobles, knights and lords from Ashborn. The Ashborn forces were not to take part in the battle, orders from their high council forbade it as relations with Vlaanderen were still of a stable situation. Strong winds over the rolling grass fields made firing any kind of projectile a game of chance and would make hitting your own allies just as possible as hitting the enemy. Luckily for the Heenite army, they relied more upon their cavalry units causing high amounts of casualties in their first charge. Pushing back any enemy units that stand in their way. Archers and infantry lined up together with cavalry holding behind the front lines, the normal Heenite hit and demolish setup. 188 horsemen keen to get into the fight stood watching as the first wave of daimons crashed into the infantry wall. As the initial blows of battle struck the first wounded began to appear, among them the daimon troop leader Astonishing. This being a giant blow for the daimons. Heenite men, encourage by this scene fought harder and faster than the daimons expected, heavy casualties for the daimon infantry unit quickly riled the Heenite cavalry into their charge. The cavalry charge finally arrived, wiping out the remaining daimons from Astonishing’s unit. This left only the unit commanded by Obstructing standing in the way of a Heenite victory. Eager to finish the fight the Heenite ranks became a mix of mounted and infantry men charging down the archer daimons. This caused confusion and men became stuck behind other units. This played into the hands of the daimons for a short time, giving them a chance to carry Naal O'Hlomhair, Marshal of the Celtic Army away from the field to be placed in a Vlaanderen prison. This riled the Heenites into a final push and Obstructing was injured in the melee enabling Heen to once again claim victory over a Vlaanderen force on the killing grounds of Naraka. As the last Daimon fled the field of battle a Heenite cheer could be heard from the remaining units left standing. The day was claimed by Heen, but only the following days would tell whether or not it was all in vain.	Battle Report 24 November 1007 Thrydwulf Daimons Destroyed
Another Day of Battles 25 November 1007 Thrydwulf they will come i promise!	Battle Reports 25 November 1007 Thrydwulf Linker and Lucilla Lost - - Arcane Captured!

The Blackest Day
26 November 1007		<Thrydwulf
This evening, not too very long ago, a brave hero of Heen was slain by Improbable and his Daimon unit in the region of Naraka. All Heen is in mourning. An official message was sent to all the rulers and generals of Beluaterra from the High Marshal Thrydwulf. It reads: "Today is a black day and all of Heen is in mourning. Forever will we remember the battle in Naraka on the eve of the 26th November. This day will be known as Erin's Day in the realm of Heen. One man who gave his life for our realm. A man who fought to the bitter end, and such a bitter end it is. Many of you have suffered losses too, and now i can sympathise with you greater. Erin was my first friend in Heen, he was my first liege and almost like a father where mine was so far away and the brother my real one could not live up to. Erin my friend, you will be remembered in my heart till the day i can join you in whatever place that may be. I know that you are listening, watching. Know that we hurt for you Erin, but your efforts to unite the people of your Celtic origins under the desert banner of Heen will never be forgotten. Your huge courage, spirit and most of all your friendship will never part from the memories of those who were blessed to have known you in your life that was taken from you so soon. Today is a black day and all of Heen is in mourning."		As the news spread, the Heenites encircled Erin and began to express their thoughts: (here follows roleplays regarding Erin's death) Naal O'Hlomhair: Naal's Only True Friend Jadine Baraedor: Mourning in Silence Mark Anthony Obeji: Riding Away Fror Dwarf: Long Live the Memory Medium T-Style: An Unlikely Request Tissaphernes Ulthran: Messenger of Bad News Martana Curs: I Wept Dear Heenites Foreign Condolences From: Baiko Hyral - High Marshal of Irombrozia Grego Nosferatu - Prime Minister of Fronen Roland Occam - Royal of Mesh Leani Marrion - Chancellor of Mesh Tarajist Balewind - Minister of Defence of Mesh JeanOlivier Chénier - King and Arch Priest of Republic of Fwuvoghor Battle Report: Erin's Dying Battle

Farewell Funeral
30 November 1007		<Thrydwulf
“A Celt’s destiny is to fight and die. It has been this way since the ancient times, and it shall be this way until the end of time…” Those were the words of Naal’s father when his uncle had passed away so many years ago. He had been witness to death so much, that the passing of a good man was to be celebrated and cherished, not treated with sorrow and loss. But for the first time, Naal felt nothing. He was numb, lifeless, like a living corpse. He stood before the Grand Guild House of the Celtic Order for what seemed hours, for his legs refused to move, and could only gazed up at the single spire that flew the flag of the Celtic Nation. Yet, on this day, the flag was gone and in its stead flew a solid black banderole that wafted lazily in the breeze, a symbol to all the corners of the world to see that a Hero of the Celts met his final destiny. Past the stone arches of the massive double doors, deep inside the master masonry of hallowed halls, a legion of banners hung from high rafters. On the right, between each ornately chiseled pillar, hung banners of the Celtic Order and on the left, banners bearing the seal of the O’Deghaidh clan, all in silent witness to the throngs of people below. Never before had the house of the Celts been so full, and never had anyone other than Celts walked within, but on this day the doors stood wide to allow all with honor to pay their last respects to the fallen. Between the pillars of stone and under the rafters of oak, a carpet of green and gold led the way to a marble alter. Upon it, under a silken banner of blue, red, yellow, and green, the still body of a regal Celt had been carefully laid as if put to sleep. He wore the tartan of the Celtic people, the blue and gold of the Celtic Nation, and upon his head was a golden crown bearing the symbol of his people. Clasped in his hands upon his chest was a single white rose – a rarity in the arid lands of Heen – placed as a symbol of his honor and charity in life. Somehow, amidst the haze of his heart, Naal found the strength to make his way to the raised steps behind the altar that lead to the sepulcher beyond and face the silent crowds. He looked upon the faces of the grieved, the eyes of his kin and strangers from distant lands, and took a deep breath. At the behest of the gathering, dressed in his finest kilt and sash, Seamus stood tall and proud, yet filled in grief, alongside the noble lady Alana. Next to the couple, the great Queen Martana, dressed in full royal regalia, stood with tearful eyes fixed upon the altar. In the front rows, Mark Anthony, Fror, Alastar, Thrydwulf, all nobles of the Celts of Heen, were gathered to say their final goodbyes to their friend, their comrade, their King of the Celts. Naal, eyes red and wet with fought back tears, nodded to his men at side of the steps, who proceeded to play a somber song upon their bagpipes. The music of the pipes echoed through the halls as muffled wails and sobs sung away to the tune. The Celts, the men and women whom wore the sash and kilts of the Order, placed their clasped fists against their heart and stood with head held down as if in prayer to the pipes. All through the song, the Celts stood as soldiers in dutiful pose, and not one let even a flinch escape their flesh until the song was finished. And when it was, all eyes went to the man upon the steps as he hung his head down and spoke: “The great father shall take him up and deliver blessings upon he that is brave,” Naal recited from memory. “And bestow upon him the crown of the heavens, for blessed is he that dies for his people in defense of the ancestors. Glory to thee, O’ son of the Celts, for thy soul is forever bound to the blood of my brothers and with ye I stand free. To ye I give my honor, for without thy sacrifice, I have naught, but given by thy grace shall I stand ever tall, invincible against tyranny, oppression, and the deceiver of men.” “O’, my fallen brother, beloved son of the Celts, live on with our fathers and together, guide me hand true. For it is with thy example that I am given strength and with thy spirit that I be given purpose to face he who shall rise ‘gainst me. Live on blessed brother, for thy duty be fulfilled and ye spirit given up to the heavens. With the blood of the fallen, the earth is consecrated and made holy, for the blood of a true Celt has been spilt to wash away the sins of generations.” “Let not the wrathful speak ills nor the spiteful do ye wrong, for thy duties be paid and thy promise kept in the name of thy clan. Rest now, noble hero of the tartan, and be venerated for generations to come.” “Our hearts belong to ye, noble son of the Celts, forever and ever… Let it be so.” Naal raised his head and opened his eyes to the tearful crowd below him and hesitated as he choked back fresh tears. As a man of great pride, Naal refused to allow even a single tear to escape him, but as he continued on his eyes, and heart, would gradually let loose. “What does it mean to be a Celt? For much of me life I never truly knew. I thought that I did, but until recently, I really knew nothing. Family is everything – the clan is everything – and without family, there is only death. This, to me, was the way of the Celts. Yet Erin challenged this notion, as he challenged everything in life, and made for all Celtic peoples a new definition.” “Erin saw beyond the boundaries of blood and believed that there was more to a man than the origins of his flesh. In Heen he saw promise. Erin loved this kingdom and its people and even when I questioned his values, he stood strong and shared with me what he saw.” “’The people of Heen ‘ave been good to me,’ he said. ‘They fight for the same things that our clans ‘ave and show the same virtues’. T’was not until I lived among ye that I saw the truth in his words and came to share in his views of the holy kingdom of Heen. That is why he chose this kingdom to found this guild. That is why it stands ‘ere today.” “Erin was a dreamer; A man who chose to achieve the impossible and build a new hope for our kind. Many o’ ye that stand ‘ere today know not the plight of the Celts and their struggles, but ye ‘ave shared in our tribulations for they be the same. Beset on all sides by powers that seek to destroy ye, ye refuse to give an inch and are willing to fight to the last. This is the way of the Celts – the way of all men of the tartan – and THAT is why Erin lays before ye now.”		“He gave unto ye, Celts and non-Celts alike, the greatest gift a man can give: His life. Before ye, in all of his glory, his body lay as testament of his oath to die defending ye. In glorious battle he let loose his fury and gave his soul to defend the honor of not only his clan, but the people of Heen. There is no greater gift a man can give and no honor higher than a Celt sacrificing himself for those not of his blood.” Naal’s cheeks were stained by the streams of tears escaping his eyes, but his voice remained strong and clear as his heart took hold and guided his every thought. As if possessed by the gods themselves, his voice carried outward even beyond the hall and the entryway to the guild, all the way to the masses of peasants waiting outside. “Hear me, sons and daughters of Heen, for the King of the Celts has given his life for ye! Forever shall the blood of the Celtic clans be grounded within these lands and ever shall the honor of the warrior live on in all of ye. On that fateful day, in the face of our greatest challenge, the blood of my ancestors has washed over ye and made ye into a new people. We are all, as dreamed by our begotten father, now one clan – Heenites, Jopponites, Celts, and so on – as one family.” “From this day forward, all men and women of this realm shall hear my oath and by my blood and the honor of my namesake be witness: Ye are my clan – my kin – every one of ye and I shall DIE in glorious battle as my Chieftain did before me!!” With a single motion, Naal removed a dagger from under his sash and held it high above his head as he spoke. “In honor of my fallen Chieftain, as set forth by his example, let now the O’Hlomhair be bonded with the people that Erin loved.” “By my blood,” Naal said as he thrust the dagger against the palm of his left hand and let his blood spill onto the sepulcher steps. “Let my oath be made.” Naal looked down at Erin’s corpse as fresh tears began drop from his chin. “Erin, my brother, I shall see ye very soon. And together again, in the great eternal battle, we shall stand back to back as always. Until then…” “… Goodbye my brother.” Naal put away his dagger and proudly walked down the steps to the altar where Erin’s body lay. There, he leaned over and kissed his cousin’s forehead and placed upon the altar a golden Cetlic charm, an heirloom of his clan, next to the dead Chieftain’s head. Once his ritual was done, he turned and walked to Seamus and knelt before him in respect, then stood and embraced him. Neither Naal nor Seamus could hold back their grief and the two men let out muffled wails of anguish while in each others’ embrace. Although it was a brief passage of time, to the two men, an eternity had elapsed. Naal’s captain walked up the steps and addressed the crowd: “All ye who wish to speak a few words may now step forward.” Unlimited Power Erin, my Da Tale of a Man The Queen's Speech But Sadness Left Fill Your Shoes Off the Mark Thrydwulf's Song Prayer For Erin Linker's Song See You Soon In Awe of the Love The eulogies were done, the sermons finished, the time had come for Erin to be interred upon his final resting place. Naal stood behind the altar where Erin’s body lay as Mark Anthtony, Seamus, Thrydwulf, and Fror stood at each corner and took up the silk banner that Erin laid upon. As each Celt began to carefully wrap Erin’s body with the banner, Naal spoke: “Our brother was taken up,” Naal recited from memory. “…By the four corners of the earth and embraced by the heavens. So do we do this now and wrap our brother in the sanctity of our clan.” The men held and tied the final tufts of cloth together and left Erin tightly bundled within the banner of his clan. Naal then proceeded to walk down to the altar as Alastar walked up from the mourners to meet him. The Six Celts then gently took up the body of Erin and carried him up the steps toward the sepulcher at the end of the hall. Two Celtic warriors dressed in their finest tartans over their chainmail armor, guarded the sepulcher entrance and stood in salute as the Celts carried the body within, followed by the true Celts of the Order. Inside the sepulcher was an impressive shrine made of granite and lime rock covered in Celtic inscriptions and charms. Being that the sepulcher was the newest addition to the Order guild house, no sarcophagus’ were present yet, but slots in the floors were already carved out in preparation for them. At the opposite end of the shrine a stone entryway had been carved out that lead into a smaller chamber lined in marble and gold trim. Above the overhead beam of the entryway, written in Celtic script, read the inscription: “Halla Dar Rí” Under the great domed ceiling lined in Celtic knots and murals depicting Celtic history, stood a grand open sarcophagus made of marble and gold. Behind the sarcophagus stood a marble effigy of Erin, made weeks before for the grand hall, with a plaque of gold bearing the inscription: “Erin O’Deagaidh, Chieftain and King of the Celts. Founder and ruler of the Celtic Order from 27 to 30. The brave shall strive to live as him as he lived in life.” The Celts brought Erin to the sarcophagus and carefully place him within. Naal then turned to the others watching and spoke the rest of the ritual: “We commit this body that the soul may rest and return to the earth from which it came. May the spirits take his soul and keep him, and may he guide us in our endeavors and lead us through darkness.” Together with Fror, Naal pulled up a marble slab from behind the sarcophagus and heaved it upon the coffin. The two men strained against the sheer weight of the lid, but slowly they moved it into place and with a loud clack of stone against stone, the sarcophagus was sealed… Forever. The service was done and Erin was laid to rest. All that remained was for the final send off for Erin – The celebration at the Guild pub in honor of the life of a great man.