Unity Island

[Rhizome]

Once again Rhizome moves slowly to a bluff near the border of the Sielwood forest and stands attracting attention to those coming and going between Hlint and Fort Llast. When someone seems interested in him, he introduces himself simply as Rhizome and after a bit of small talk launches into this discourse:
"Long ago, when times were dire, yet not as dire as today, Queen Allurial spoke words of hope to me. She said: 'Unity is the savior of the heart.' I know now what she meant, as clear as the pristine creek. She meant that unity is the savior of the heart of this world, and without harmony of action our age will end in blood and darkness."
"Too long have we let surface divisions hold us apart. We squabble and feud based on race, class and religion. The great enemy cares not about these things. In his version of the end we will all be brought together in ash and horrid undead servitude, dwarf, gnome, human and elf all having blood worthy of filling his wells. His great evil is that he strives to make all life subject to his twisted will. The only vision which can balance Bloodstone's gathering momentum is to unify in life, for life."
Rhizome pauses, breathes and looks back toward the Sielwood forest for a moment before continuing.
"There are many ways to enact this vision, to bring it into the real. They are everyday and trivial and animate our actions and relationships. To these we must be mindful. But to come together in a grandÂtask is also sure to amplify our harmony. It is this which I stand here to propose to you now."
"If you have travelled Dregar, you have likely seen the sacred island at Corax Lake. It is where I have lived for many years now. It is my vision to convert this island into an island of harmony, and island of unity. On the island, along the water's edge, shrines will be erected to every god of Layonara. And in the center we will build a meeting place, where we can gather and discuss our commonalities and differences, where we can make plans and our bonds can grow."
"This project will take great effort from a great many people. I will not be able to do it on my own. We will need priests and priestessesÂfrom every faith. We will need builders and gatherers. We will need donations and moral support. The costs will be great. A recent appraisal of my rough plans said it would take 2 million gold coins to bring together all the resources and complete the work. But it also may take 2 million gold coins worth of personal effort, a collective endeavor sure to hieghten our unity even more. The rewards will far surpass whatever amout of gold is dedicated there."
"This island will not only benefit us adventurers. The island, you may know, is situated on the main road north of Pranzis. Amazing numbers of travellers, farmers, artisans pass by on thier way to and from the largest city and capitol of our world. In that sense, it will have an even greater effect, as it will spread the philosophy of harmony even further as well as allow us a means to communicate our ideas an objectives far and wide."
"In time and with your help, the sacred island at Corax Lake will one day become OUR sacred island. And one day soon to follow, our harmony will be the sacred weapon that preserves our diverse ways of life."
He stops and looks at you with great intensity.
"Can we come together on this? What part will you play?"

[Harlas Ravelkione]

* Kobal meets his stern gaze with a frown. *

Sorry lad. Yer views are noble indeed, but we are simply not built like tha'. Unity like ye be speakin' about will have to be based on trust. A sane person will never trust one of Corath or Ca'Duz. You want to see my kinsmen uniting with drow, who are attacking us relentlessly, kidnapping our children and using them as slaves or offerings in dark rituals. *shakes head* This is not goin' to happen, lad.
I am not helpin' ye to build shrines for Corath, Baraeon Ca'Duz, Grand or some of the other dark lords of our world. If shrines are erected to the likes of these, I will choose another route from Pranzis in my future travels.

* Kobal walks off. *

[Destropterammer]

*Hargranar eyes Rhizome with some concern*
Lad...oi see ye goal here, oi even respect it. But to think that every deity standin' soide boi soide in ye harmony. Well tha' isnt goin' to happen. Maybe you follow ye god and ye own goals by unitin' the deity's of us all. Bu' by doing so ye weaken us all too lad. Makin' Vorax sons stand and respect the same people tha' defile his name, kill his sons. Tha' will make us...me go against the sacret word tha' Vorax tells us to live by, make us mock his words and ignore his will. Nay oi say..Get ye gone *walks off*

[miltonyorkcastle]

*The Norseman stands at a distance, watching the people walk by, listening to Rhizome's speech. He chuckles at the dwarves' comments.* "They sound like me old master, they do. Stubborn dwarves," he mutters, not talking to anyone in particular. "I'll be here if this 'Bloodstone' tries a frontal attack on the queen, and I'll help in any fight to protect her, but you'll not find me joinin' any organizations or religious unity or whatever, Mr. Rhizome. No, you're going to have your hands full, and while you're buildin' a bunch of temples, I'll keep trainin' and watchin', and if Blood comes, I'll be ready."

[Andrios]

*Tha'Azail hangs back a little, leaning on his staff, waiting for the dwarves to have their say. As they depart he approaches and bows to Rhizome*

Comrade, it would seem we have our hands full. I have only been to Dregar once, briefly. I would like to offer my services in any way you see fit. I would gladly gather materials, or support others while they did so. I am not a great craftsman, but the skills that Aeridin has granted me are at your disposal. At the least, I will let all I come in contact with know of your designs. I will be ready should you require anything at all. May Aeridin bless your efforts.

*With a wave and a smile Tha'Azail continues on to Fort Llast*

[freemen2]

*Path sighs at hearing the dwarves* Rhiz, anything that is for the greater good of all, no matter who you pray too or where ye come from, am in *nods and walks away*

[stormspirit]

*Eldárwen smiles as she hears the speech*

I am with you on this Rhizome. Already the work starts.

[Ozy_Llewellyn]

*pokes the druid in the side*

And you still have the most hated individual in the planes with you. Thou maybe if I rallied support against the cause the gods would consider it just to spite me. I'll look into that option friend, results justify the methods after all.

Walk with natures balance.

[FlameStrike]

Although i am no priest, i will be glad to assist in this endeavor in any way i can. Unity is important now, but i will also have in mind what Kobal and Hargranar mentioned, for those are also issues to have in mind .

Synal'dur.

[Chief Waha]

What deh devil yeh talkin' about Rhiz? I t'ink yeh 'ave a better chance o' stoppin' deh tides or gettin' Ozy der universally admired *grins* den gettin' all deh gods teh work tehgether. *shakes his head sadly* Deh hard feelin's between gods are too deeply ingrained fer dat. I t'ink a better idea would beh teh make it a place o' no gods rather den all gods. Statues o' all deh races an' a communal gatherin' place where discussions takin' place widout bringin' religion inteh it. *sighs* Dat might not beh possible either t'ough. I t'ink der beh jus' too much bad blood all around.