PRAISE BE TO IDUNN

News

MASTER BAO SPEAKS

Year of the Monkey - Autumn

THE TWENTY-THIRD DAY OF THE LAST MONTH - It is obvious that we shall experience adversity in our devotion. But after coming so close, we cannot stop now. I shall entreat the heavens to protect us, and the ceremony of Appointment must continue as planned. We shall hold the ceremony on the final day of the year, and thus be able to start the new year with a new beginning. Noon seems a suitably auspicious time. --Master Bao

THE TWENTY-THIRD DAY OF THE LAST MONTH - Daniel Buta would like everyone to know that we are experiencing some problems with the Idunn website. If you have any doubts about what you see here, visit myself or Master Bao. ...Or, if you must, Michael Ace or Floralia.

THE TWENTY-SECOND DAY OF THE LAST MONTH - Hear, followers of Idunn, that Master Bao needs you to know that one of our own has been chosen by the hand of Idunn to be her Emissary during the upcoming Festival. Even during our last ceremony, Jill Smith was transformed into the Emissary: a Sacred Vessel containing a Pure Soul, which will soon pour forth and bless our sacrifice to Idunn. Lately, she is being held in Seclusion, guarded by our own Security Manager Michael Ace, so that the holiness of her being remains unsullied. Please do not attempt to make contact with her, as even the slightest impurity may cause her to lose her Grace and make her purpose unto Idunn forfeit. Just as Master Zhang Jiao passed his Gifts onto his brothers, so shall the Emissary pass her purity onto us at the Festival. It is only through the gifts of our Jill that Idunn will grace our town with her blessing and the bounty of her Orchards. Long life will be granted to the worthy who accept the offering of the Emissary with open arms. Let any who threaten our Festival and the Emissary be cast into the Darkness forever.

THE TWENTY-SECOND DAY OF THE LAST MONTH - Master Bao would like everyone to remain focused on their tasks, and remember, the year is drawing to a close. This is a sacred time.

THE TWENTIENTH DAY OF THE LAST MONTH - Master Bao would like to remind everyone that speaking with unenlightened outsiders can only lead to trouble. Any such queries should be directed to Master Bao himself, who will handle them with the grace and caution necessary.

THE TWENTIENTH DAY OF THE LAST MONTH - Let it be known that the portents for the coming Festival are chaotic; not surprising, given the significance of our undertaking. Master Bao is in deep consultation with his closest advisors, divining the best time for the Festival of Appointment. The Festival shall definitely take place this week, although it may be one or two days later than originally planned.

THE SEVENTEENTH DAY OF THE LAST MONTH - Master Bao would like to take this opportunity to review the Doctrine of Idunn, and also to record it for future reference.

• Idunn shall grant immortality to those who are worthy.
• Mankind proves itself worthy by heroic endeavors, as represented by the Adventurer.
• A human of great moral purity, the Emissary, must travel to Asgard to petition Idunn for her favor.
• When winter comes, the veil between this world and the next is the thinnest; therefore it is the best time for the ceremony.

THE SIXTEENTH DAY OF THE LAST MONTH - Be advised that it is all right to eat the apples you were given at the ceremony; in fact, their magic will fade after a time, so it is best to eat them as soon as possible. Parents, share your apples with your children, taking the opportunity to review some of the things Master Bao said in his speech.

THE FIFTEENTH DAY OF THE LAST MONTH - Master Bao would like to extend his thanks to the entire town for their participation in the early devotional ceremony yesterday. It's been a hectic couple of days, but Master Bao is happy to see the new level of community feeling present in the town.

THE THIRTEENTH DAY OF THE LAST MONTH - All should assemble in the town square by nine, for a special early devotional ceremony led by Master Bao.

THE FOURTH DAY OF THE LAST MONTH - Master Bao would like to take this opportunity to put to rest any rumors about outsiders snooping around Idunn or interfering with our computer systems. Rest assured that our sovereignty is completely secure, and there is no cause for alarm. I hate to bring this up on the holy celebration of the Sacred Artisan's Birth, but I look at it as another opportunity to reassure my children of their safety and security within the faith of Idunn. Ours is the appointed mastery of the entire Earth.

THE LAST DAY OF THE ELEVENTH MONTH - Remember not to falter in your devotions. If we are faithful, Idunn will reward us--but ONLY if we are faithful. Those who wish to assist shall know to contact me in the name of my immortal brother, he who first received the Essential Arts from the Sainted Hermit Zhuang Zi and then ascended to Heaven.

THE FOURTH DAY OF THE ELEVENTH MONTH - Preparations for the Festival of Appointment are proceeding on schedule. The Emissary is currently being cleansed in preparation for the ceremony. Remember us, the Emissary and the Adventurer in your devotions during this month. Winter fast approaches.

THE THIRTIETH DAY OF THE TENTH MONTH - I know the entire town is looking forward to the Night of Spirits Festival, and it's wonderful to see all the traditional paper lanterns and pumpkin lanterns lighting up our wonderful town! Monkey would be proud.

THE TWENTY-SECOND DAY OF THE TENTH MONTH - Some of our newest additions to our town may not be familiar with all the aspects of our beliefs. Remember to get proper instruction from your appointed Shepherd, because the upcoming Festival of Appointment is vital to our town. Each daily devotion is an opportunity for parents to educate their children about the wonders of Idunn and her task.

THE FIRST DAY OF THE TENTH MONTH - Harvest time is full upon us. Now is the time for gathering the fruits of our labors, both physical and spiritual. It is more important than ever that our town cleave together, refreshing ourselves in the wonderful spirit of community that helped us found our fair town.