The Trial of Suffering

Messages for the Order of the Toa-Sung Brotherhood (formerly Brotherhood Guild)
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Grief
Posts: 39
Joined: Fri Sep 09, 2016 8:40 am
Guild: Brotherhood
Temple: Death

The Trial of Suffering

Post by Grief »

The Trial of Suffering:
The Physical Journey


Despite rumors to the contrary, the Brotherhood does not intentionally seek suffering for its own sake. However, we Brotherhood members fully realize that the suffering we endure offers the rich opportunity to become empowered, growing stronger both mentally and physically. The suffering and self-denial that we accept and overcome often aids us in our search for further enlightenment and a more intuitive understanding of the ways of the Brother.

The Trial of Suffering is a voluntary program for current members, but is required for all new members transferring into our midst. The Trial is designed to be physically challenging and grueling, and yet ultimately rewarding. Those who succeed are admired for their dedication to the guild, its beliefs, and the pursuit of enlightenment.


Guidelines are as follows:
  1. After speaking with the GM or a GL, participants must post on the Brotherhood Guild Board to inform all guild brethren of the commencement of suffering. This post should contain all the following information:
    • Brother's Name, Level and Guildlevel as of beginning of Trial
    • A statement that they are beginning the Trial of Suffering.
    • The current date (OOC).
    • What they expect to learn.
  2. The GM and/or GL will send participants on certain quests during the Trial of Suffering. These quests will focus primarily on physical challenge, and must be completed within the specified time frame.
  3. Members are required to suffer for no less than one (1) week and one (1) day, and for no more than three (3) weeks and (3) days. All time requirements are OOC. Progress is evaluated each one (1) week and one (1) day period.
  4. Participants will be given the prefix "Endurer of Agony" as a means of distinguishing them from the non-participants in the guild. When the Trial of Suffering is complete, your original prefix will be restored.
  5. Participants are to wear a wool robe and sandals for the duration of their suffering. This is for the sake of simplicity and humility, as well as to identify participants at a glance.
  6. Participants are required to tithe 75% and donate to the guild coffers all gold earned during this time period.
  7. Excellent roleplay -- appropriate for a suffering member seeking enlightenment -- is expected to be demonstrated in the participant's personal description, emotes, says, tells, and message board posts.
  8. Rings of Recall, Rings of Group Teleport, Crystals, and Magical Compasses are NOT allowed. Brotherhood Guild Rings ARE allowed. However, it is preferable that members instead walk back to the guild, whenever possible. Guild officers will not summon you during this time.
  9. ANY items that assist you in your offensive or defensive capabilities may NOT be worn. This restriction includes, but is not limited to:
    1. Charms
    2. Weapons
    3. Mounts
    4. Armor and Armor Enchants
    5. NSU or MSU spells
  10. Resurrections are not allowed. A visit to Naria after each death is a telling indication of who is truly committed to suffering and overcoming challenge, and who is not. Being raised from the dead is discouraged but not forbidden.
  11. Exit interviews are required for those who have survived the Trial. The submission of answers to a brief questionnaire may be necessary.
  12. Those who successfully complete the Trial of Suffering will receive the "Calloused Knuckles" item. Additional awards will be available based on the perceived time and effort of the participant, and may include:
    1. Roleplay points for those who have shown superb roleplay during the Trial.
    2. Favor may be bestowed upon the worthy individual by our patron, Kilogoth.
    3. One (1) of the following Guildlevel 50+ items:
      • Spiritual Wrist Guard
      • Spiritual Ring
      • Thick Braided Cord
      • A Reasonable Guild Item Perceived as Having Equal or Lesser Value to the Above

We encourage those who have completed the Trial of Suffering to continue their pursuit of strength in the face of suffering. Daily challenges will reinforce our need to be resolute and steadfast. Do not needlessly seek to suffer, but accept suffering as it comes, and the enlightenment that so often accompanies it. While the structured Trial of Suffering may end, your journey through suffering continually renews.

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