Eskerith/Presentations/True Way to Worship 08 21 2026

[World Dragon Temple] (1042101) Columns of purple quartz rise stoically toward the vaulted ceiling high above, supporting the rough-hewn obsidian walls of the Temple. Embroidered gold carpeting marks a clear path beneath them, receding deeper into the shadowy confines of the structure. Wooden torches rest within iron sconces set high upon the columns, casting a dim, flickering light upon the area.You also see a black Moongate, a long-legged tanned boar, an ornery Shadow Servant, a droopy-eared mastiff puppy, a sleek golden panther with enigmatic violet eyes that is sitting and the Temple Gates.

Also here: Knight Errant Trajan, Sothios who is shrouded in shifting shadows, Damaris' Storyteller Zynell who is emanating a bright holy aura, Dragon Zealot Isaish, Lanahh'zhra Elizzibiana who is shadowed by the spectral image of a grey-eyed viper formed of fire and smoke, Fortuneteller Vaelyra, Witchy Woman Kiashandra who is trailed by blazing fire-roses that smolder into ethereal ash, Gypsy Amabalis, Lillianelle who is emanating a bright holy aura, Fearless Crobin, Valta Varna Mistanna who is being harassed by an intrigue of phantasmal kittens, Desert Blossom Zersha who is surrounded by spectral storybooks, Reverend Gragnel, Dragon Priest Eskerith, Mistress of Stitches Seltzer and Dragon Zealot Garthic. Obvious exits: south.

You see Dragon Priest Eskerith Krathkal, Pejek'zhra of Muspar'i, a S'Kra Mur Empath. Eskerith's eyes are lost within the hollow sockets of a forbidding dragon-skull mask. His lips are barely visible, framed by a maw of long teeth. Twisting out from the forehead, twin horns arc in regal courses above his head, lending an air of might to his silhouette. He is in good shape.

He is wearing a dark-scaled desert shroud clasped by a heavy iron yeehar cloak pin, a dark steel chain crafted from interlocking links of discolored metal, a dragon-embroidered cassock of copper Velakan linen overlain with pale khiynit, a simple niello ring, a faded black prayer sash embroidered with a fierce dragon, a shrunken yeehar skull with twin howlite spheres set into the eye sockets, some sand-hued Velakan linen pants, a pair of brown yeehar-hide sandals with rawhide straps and a dark steel tailband embossed with a black-on-black niello dragon.

Eskerith articulately says in a Musparan accent, "More wonderful people, you all do me a great honor in joining for this."

Eskerith happily says in a Musparan accent, "Ahh, some early folks, how wonderful. Thank you for being prompt."

Eskerith articulately says in a Musparan accent, "I'm going to give a few more roisan for folks to make their way here."

Eskerith articulately says in a Musparan accent, "I assume some are possibly coming from the airship or having to ride the sand barge over this way."

Eskerith bluntly says in a Musparan accent, "Alright, I suppose now is as good a time as any..."

Eskerith loudly says in a Musparan accent, "Greetings, all. I am Eskerith Krathkal, a Dragon Priest and citizen of this beautiful city of Muspar'i."

Eskerith bobs a brief, respectful bow.

Eskerith matter-of-factly says in a Musparan accent, "I am a member of the Empath's Guild and proudly serve the people of Elanthia who require my services as a healer."

Eskerith smiles broadly at the gathered audience before him.

Eskerith matter-of-factly says in a Musparan accent, "My whole life has been spent worshipping at this very temple we now reside in. It was built as a refuge for those who practice the true path of the Dragon Priest, like myself."

(Eskerith makes large, dramatic sweeps of both arms as if to draw attention to the grandeur of the temple.)

Eskerith articulately says in a Musparan accent, "Here, we who seek peaceful days and the continued slumber of the mighty World Dragon have been graciously given a space to observe the rites and rituals that have been passed down to us through generations of our kin."

Eskerith's tail undulates passively just above the ground.

Eskerith honestly says in a Musparan accent, "The worship and praise performed here are in line with the teachings of Sh'kial himself and are not to be confused with the necromantic dealings and violent sacrifices done to the south."

Eskerith sadly says in a Musparan accent, "Though that is a grave misconception which brings frequent hardships to my kind."

Eskerith's shoulders bow as if under some great burden.

Eskerith mutters to himself.

Eskerith articulately says in a Musparan accent, "Moving on..."

Eskerith proudly says in a Musparan accent, "Today, I have the great honor of conducting a few of our sacred rituals with you who are in attendance. Feel free to simply observe, or perhaps participate if you feel moved to do so."

Eskerith nods politely.

Eskerith articulately says in a Musparan accent, "Normally, we conduct these in private or amongst our congregation only, due to the persecution of the Empire or the prejudice of the general population towards us."

Eskerith commandingly says in a Musparan accent, "However, as I am one of the more well-traveled of my people, my elders have permitted me to share this with you all."

Eskerith smiles.

Eskerith cautiously says in a Musparan accent, "Many of my fellow Dragon Priests do not feel it is worth the risk of bodily harm to put themselves on display, as I am right now."

Eskerith casually observes the area.

Eskerith boldly says in a Musparan accent, "I, personally, have no fear of death. I have seen much of it in my time as a member of the Empath's Guild, and I highly expect that I will see more of it in the future."

Eskerith bravely says in a Musparan accent, "Likewise, I have made the journey beyond death many times, and it does not intimidate me in the least."

Eskerith seriously says in a Musparan accent, "So, with all that said, I would kindly ask that you please respect this holy place and do not dishonor this temple or the followers who have bravely come to join in peaceful worship."

Eskerith earnestly says in a Musparan accent, "Throughout this service, I shall attempt to narrate the actions I take and provide some commentary so that those who are unfamiliar or curious can know more about why we do the things we do."

Eskerith matter-of-factly says in a Musparan accent, "This is not common in our traditional worship it is a kindness I am attempting to share with you all, and I hope it provides you with some insight."

Eskerith smiles hopefully at the audience.

Eskerith loudly says in a Musparan accent, "Now, without further ado, let me take us to the altar, and I shall begin. Please JOIN me now if you have not already done so. I will give you a moment before I walk away."

Eskerith nods.

Eskerith articulately says in a Musparan accent, "The temple isn't a small place by any means, and I hope to offer a tour of it in the future."

[World Dragon Temple, Main Chamber] (1042106) Polished obsidian walls supported by columns of purple quartz encircle the vast chamber where an overbearing stillness permeates the air. Rays of light filtering through the large stained glass dome high above bathe the massive altar in a profusion of refracted colors, adding to the serenity. Suspended beneath the circular balcony winding its way around the upper reaches of the chamber hangs a large tapestry.

Also here: Reverend Gragnel, Desert Blossom Zersha who is surrounded by spectral storybooks, Valta Varna Mistanna who is being harassed by an intrigue of phantasmal kittens, Fearless Crobin, Lillianelle who is emanating a bright holy aura, Gypsy Amabalis, Witchy Woman Kiashandra who is trailed by blazing fire-roses that smolder into ethereal ash, Fortuneteller Vaelyra, Damaris' Storyteller Zynell who is emanating a bright holy aura, Sothios who is shrouded in shifting shadows, Knight Errant Trajan, Tale Singer Gwennllian, Ahneya, Shrine Keeper Aedie who is emanating a bright holy aura, Jahrissk, Temple Maiden Cherisse who is shrouded in ghostly flames, Lord Knight Hebion, Spirit Guide Dilemma who is shrouded in ghostly flames, Valynn, Butcher Tweedee, Dragon Priest Eskerith, Dragon Zealot Garthic, Mistress of Stitches Seltzer, Dragon Zealot Isaish and Lanahh'zhra Elizzibiana who is shadowed by the spectral image of a grey-eyed viper formed of fire and smoke. Obvious exits: northeast, east, west, northwest.

Eskerith dusts himself off.

Eskerith articulately says in a Musparan accent, "First, I shall prepare the altar for the rituals I will conduct. This is no different than how one would treat the altar of most of the Immortals, so there should be little that would come as a surprise."

Eskerith gets a flask of pure spring water from inside a pocket.

Eskerith wisely says in a Musparan accent, "However, we do not use holy water. That is typically something which has been blessed by the Immortals and imbued with their power. The mighty World Dragon does not grant a boon such as that, so instead we use the best possible water we can find."

Eskerith sagely says in a Musparan accent, "This has a twofold meaning for us who worship the World Dragon here in the desert. Water is valuable to all who live here and something to be treated with a sense of respect and not to be used wastefully. Likewise, something gained from a spring or a lake is thought to embody the purity of Elanthia's natural resources."

(Eskerith cleans the altar, pouring the water onto a rag in his other hand and scrubbing dutifully. Time and time again, he pours more of the water onto the rag as well as the altar, ensuring that all traces of dirt or grime have been washed away.)

(Eskerith then turns his attention to a brazier resting on the altar, adding more tinder and coaxing the small fire into a blaze. After a few moments of work, he steps back, nodding his head in satisfaction with a look of pride on his face.)

Eskerith puts his water in a well-used first aid kit stamped with herb emblems.

Eskerith articulately says in a Musparan accent, "For the first offering, I will follow the steps that are traditional to the true Dragon Priests. This ritual has been passed down to us through the ages and remains as one of the most common we conduct."

Eskerith methodically says in a Musparan accent, "If you want to know more about the details, as well as some history surrounding my people, it can be found in the book Isth'hhtaw'hhs Shh'oiyvh-ur."

Eskerith articulately says in a Musparan accent, "This wonderful piece of literature is located in either the Royal Library or the Cleric Guild Library here in the city."

Eskerith openly says in a Musparan accent, "I highly recommend it to anyone who wants to know the honorable origins of the true Dragon Priests and what sets us apart from those who falsely claim the name and have committed such horrible acts throughout history."

Eskerith's tail undulates in an agitated fashion.

Eskerith gazes off into the distance.

Eskerith articulately says in a Musparan accent, "Anyways, moving on..."

(Eskerith opens his bag and pulls out a large woolly sheepskin rolled up and tied with a string. He cuts the string and unrolls it, holding it outwards in both arms. The pelt glistens in the light as if it had been covered in tiny shards of polished nacre, and a strong floral scent permeates the area, carrying a somewhat bitter tang to it.)

Eskerith matter-of-factly says in a Musparan accent, "I feel the need to inform you that this is no ordinary sheepskin. It has been specially prepared for this occasion by some of my fellow priests."

Eskerith honestly says in a Musparan accent, "I find it important to note that I, personally, live a life where I do no harm to other creatures of this world. So I often seek outside sources for the materials that I need for my worship."

Eskerith articulately says in a Musparan accent, "My friends and family here in the city have been very helpful in that regard."

Eskerith nods in agreement.

Eskerith slowly says in a Musparan accent, "This skin has been treated with vinegar that has been infused with cactus blossoms native to the desert and pure white pearls, then allowed to dry for some time. The vinegar causes the pearls to break apart, eventually dissolving into the liquid, and also turns the petals of the flowers black."

Eskerith reverentially says in a Musparan accent, "The pearls, of course, represent the former moon Grazhir and its breaking. An act that heralded the arrival of the great and powerful World Dragon. While the blossoms are a symbol of the life in Elanthia before the World Dragon burnt it to ash, their blackening represents that great calamity."

Eskerith flicks the tip of his tail toward the ground sharply.

Eskerith articulately says in a Musparan accent, "I will now place it in the fire so that it may be consumed by flame. This is done to "feed" the World Dragon and ensure it does not rise from its slumber due to hunger."

(Eskerith carefully puts sheepskin in a large brazier atop the altar. The moment it makes contact with the fuel, it sizzles, immediately catching fire to the woolly hide. Thick licks of flame quickly spread across the pelt entirely in mere seconds, consuming the dense fur before starting to work on the skin beneath.)

Eskerith slowly says in a Musparan accent, "As it burns, we recite the holy mantra. I shall do this first in the traditional S'Kra language and then repeat in common for those here who are not familiar with my mother tongue."

Eskerith chants in a bass voice:

   "Kho, Shh'oiyvh-ur.
    Aensmo'ku'par gamant'oshu,
    Peh'grkhh'a saarpahamin.
    Zhratal, paha'hhyssk'et.
    Hat'hhs kho'lohogi.
    Uraan kapo'hhs Peri'el ku
    Aggahh'hhs em tu malk.
    S'sa ku'hhrki'hhsigen re'halen."

Eskerith loudly says in a Musparan accent, "Which loosely translates to..."

Eskerith chants in a bass voice:

   "Hark, Great Dragon
    We gather in the House of Spirit,
    Humbly bringing a food offering.
    Take now, taste this fire.
    Be satisfied by your children.
    Hear the songs of Peri'el and
    Have golden dreams of peace.
    Be eased by the spirit of the found, forever."

(Eskerith glances at the brazier as sheepskin crackles and pops with bursts of heat and flame. After a moment, you can see that it has finally been consumed, leaving nothing but ash. Eskerith takes a nearby rod, using it to rake and spread the coals within the bottom basin.)

Eskerith articulately says in a Musparan accent, "As the first offering symbolizes sating the World Dragon's hunger, this next offering is meant to represent quenching its thirst. This part of the rituals today is not something common to all worshippers, but it is something which my kin have always practiced."

Eskerith matter-of-factly says in a Musparan accent, "For this, I have acquired some blood from livestock to use. Animals have always been the preferred choice for this, never from one of the sentient races. Never."

Eskerith fiercely says in a Musparan accent, "That way was not the way that was taught to us by Sh'kial, and we have never sought to change our sacred traditions."

Eskerith gets a bottle of donkey blood from inside a pocket.

Eskerith articulately says in a Musparan accent, "Again, I received the aid of one of my fellow priests in getting this. There are typically prayers involved during the slaughter and other rituals that take place during the collection. I'll not go into them today it would take a long time to explain."

Eskerith slowly says in a Musparan accent, "But, as I am sworn to do no harm to living creatures, I never take part in this process. I merely only know what others have told me as far as what happens during this."

Eskerith articulately says in a Musparan accent, "Right then, might as well get to it."

(Eskerith pours the blood into the brazier, moving his hand this way and that to spread it across the flame, which immediately starts to dim until it's barely a flicker of light. As it settles to the bottom, the blood sizzles on the hot coals and burning embers, snuffing out the fire with a cloud of thick smoke.)

(Eskerith takes the nearby rod once more and uses it to shift the coals around, ensuring that the fire has been completely put out. Nodding his head, he says a soft prayer under his breath as he returns the rod to the nearby hook. He turns to face you once more, a smile on his face and a look of pride in his slitted eyes.)

Eskerith articulately says in a Musparan accent, "This symbolizes the quenching of both the thirst and the fire that swept across our lands. As with the sheepskin, this is thought to sate the World Dragon and inspire it to continue in its slumber."

Eskerith articulately says in a Musparan accent, "And, with that, I have reached the end of my rituals for today. There are others which are unique to my family, and perhaps I will share those with you all as well at a later date. I feel I have taken enough of your time and attention for the moment."

Eskerith's tail undulates passively just above the ground.

Eskerith loudly says in a Musparan accent, "Thank you all for joining me, and if any others wish to make offerings, the altar is yours to use. You may whisper to me, and I shall do my best to keep a proper order so that all may have the opportunity and time they need."

Eskerith loudly says in a Musparan accent, " Though it is not required you do so if you do not wish. This is a space for all to worship in peace."

Eskerith warningly says in a Musparan accent, "Once again, all I ask is that you please be respectful and show the honor and reverence that is rightfully due."

Eskerith casually observes the area.