Practices and ceremonies of worship
SC24 Prompt 28
Wave 3 | Prompt 8: The practices and ceremonies of worship
Type: Tradition/Ritual
Another tradition, I made a few already, but this one had to be of worship. While getting some AI help for the prompt about an organization that fights corruption, I also wanted to use the “Wings of Sunlight” title for the prose it came up with.
The Wings of Sunlight is a revered tradition within the Sunlit Vanguard. This enchanting event takes place in the late afternoon, just before sunset. During the heyday of the Sunlit Vanguard, members engaged in the art of crafting intricate Sun Catchers. These radiant creations were made using materials that refracted light, such as colorful glass. At sunset, the members adorned themselves with these radiant Sun Catchers and took to the skies, performing a breathtaking aerial display with their majestic dragonkin, captivating all who were fortunate enough to witness the spectacle.
The “Sun Catchers” idea was also from the AI generated prompt, I liked that one a lot. I’d imagine that the tradition changed over time, as this started during when the Vanguard was active and hadn’t merged into the Dragonguard yet.
During the Twenty Year Scourge, the Sunlit Vanguard remained a steadfast force, and it was during this time that a member conceived the idea of commemorating the Vanguard's first birthday. This individual's childhood memories were filled with the sight of a quartz crystal pendant hanging by the kitchen window, a cherished possession of their mother. To honor their mother and the hometown they held dear, the concept of crafting a Sun Catcher was born. The entire group enthusiastically embraced the idea, and once the Sun Catcher was created, they returned to their duties.
During a practice session for aerial maneuvers, one member adorned with the Sun Catcher produced entrancing patterns on the ground, catching the attention of another member who eagerly joined in. The breathtaking display of aerial acrobatics soon became a monthly tradition, drawing admiration from the rest of the Vanguard.
That Sun Catcher idea reminded me of a crystal pendant my mom had hanging by the kitchen window. At high noon, the sun would shine through it, casting a kaleidoscope of rainbows across the kitchen. I used that for the basis of this history here.
A few dedicated members have expanded upon the tradition, transforming it into a solemn worship ceremony. During this ceremony, the act of crafting the Sun Catcher is seen as representing a fresh start following the Scourge, while the breathtaking aerial display is regarded as a symbol of shedding new light in celebration of the otherwise dark times.
And this is the part that makes this tradition a "ceremony of worship" for the prompt. I had to do something! Only a small group of people interpreted it this way, and in modern times, this part has been omitted since the Scourge has been over for a century now.
After the Sunlit Vanguard merged into the Dragonguard, some members continued the tradition, albeit reserving the spectacle for the Sunlit Vanguard's birthday instead of monthly performances. This tradition eventually found its way to diverse communities of the Guardians, where it began to flourish and spread.