TURAC - Gathering the Faithful

TURAC - Gathering the Faithful
Threaded by BlackRose
Original events occured in 1995

Vanessa: Yes, you heard right! The Holy Armandian Church is growing! We now count with two High Priestess Lady Black Death and Rose.
Our newest addition to the High Counsel is Mick! She's now the Archbishopess of the Holy Roman Armandian Church! Two little children of Darkness were baptized today in the name of Armand: Lisa Jordan and BlackRose. If you want to follow and worship Armand, this is the place!
Erin: Please, I to wish to join with the Holy Church. I wish to become a part of the Sainted Martyr Armand and to be baptised in his spirit.
Mary: *on her knees before Rose and clutching a photo-size copy of 'The Temaptation of Amadeo'*
I'm here Rose! I heard the call! I'm ready to take my vows, if Armand will have me.
*singing hymns of praise as I stroke his picture*
Rose: Oh, Mary! I'm so glad you wish to join our church! :-D You were one of the first to realize that Memnoch was riddled w/ lies. Yay! I am still awaiting word from my beloved Cardinalette about when, where, and how our baptism ceremonies will take place. But until the official service, you may now consider yourself a member of the Unholy Roman Armandian Church! Yay! (applause)
Gewwa: YES! I want to follow and worship the great vampire Armand, pleeeeeeeeese. Baptise me in his name and I will give my blood in honour of Armand.
Ginger: Yes, I too would like to worship at the feet of Armand in this holy place.
CCJ: Indeed!!! How does one join? Can I be a prietess?
Ginger: Let me be a roving Catholic televangelist for the new god of this age! Please! I can fake a stigmata as well as the next person! I swear... grovel grovel...
LadyBD: This is a requirement for the Sacred Cult of Lestat, just next door. *Grin*
CCJ: I'd gladly give my blood for His Highness, Armand!!!
Ginger: Look! The statue of the god Armand is crying blood tears! It's a sign from on high!!
CCJ: A miracle!! Armand be praised!!!!
LadyBD: *LOL* Oh yes, now THIS is a requirement for Armand.
Ginger: No donation will be too large for me to accept.
CCJ: Yeah- what she said!
LadyBD: Ginger - you are truly worthy. Come and join us in celebration of his Most High Impishness!
Vanessa: Okay, everyone. (Yes, I'm supposed to be off line and I will go off line as soon as I finish posting this! :-P )
Anyway, the "Armand worshipers sect" is now ready to be joined by new members. Anyone interestested????
CCJ: Oh! Me! Me!
Vanessa: We have Stephanie Buday and Myself as the "Popess", "Bishopess", and "Archbishopess"
(Yes, Steph and I do a lot of work for this sect. We basically run the whole thing! *wink*) Anyway, Lady Black Death and Rose are the High Priestess of this sect. If you want to join, ask LadyBD or Rose to baptize you in the name of Armand!
CCJ: Um- and how would I go about doing that?
LadyBD: Well, you do something like this. Post, as a reply regarding the Armand Sect...
"Um- and how would I go about doing that?"
*GRIN*
Now then, my dear. Would you like to be baptized?
CCJ: What does one bring to a vampire pot-luck?
LadyBD: *Giggle* Well, Mick is in charge of the B-B-Q, so bring some very rare meat. Blood pudding is always in fashion, of course. Red wine is very popular... and I happen to know Armand has a thing for chocolate. *grin*
Rose: YES! Chocolate! More proof of the Greatness of Armand! I know a place in Miami where they have the best Brazilian chocolate! Oh, man, chocolate over a light cookie with a creamy cashew filling, chocolate flavored with rum, chocolate and a sweet, alcohol laced cream! Yumm! I'm getting hungry now!
Rose: All those wishing to be baptised into the Unholy Roman Armandian Church must respond to this by Friday, July 28! E-mail me or LadyBD with your name and reason(s) for joining the church. A formal ceremony will be held on Monday, 31 July! If you don't respond by the 28th, you'll have to wait till next time, or prove your worthy to have a private service! :-)
BlackRose: OK, hold on a minute... I think I'm already in, but I never got a formal baptism! I'm praying at the shrine of the Lord God Armand Almighty, and I'm not even baptised! Eeek! Maybe you'd better toss my name in there, just to make sure I'm not setting infidel feel on hallowed ground. =)
Elane: I too would like to worship the all mighty god Armand. To keep his spirit burning inside of us. Nothing is to great to take on to be close to our blessed dark angel. I'm ready to prove my love! Accept me for everything I can offer such as my devotion and love.
LadyBD: Well, he's not exactly a God. More like a demi-god. Think of the Church as the Paris coven, take two. *grin* We just get to take showers every now and again, and instead of Satanic rituals we have a potluck every Wednesday night. He's quite serious about leading the crusade, however, and I support him completely in this.
Death to the foul pretender, Dora!!
FOR THE GREATER GLORY OF ARMAND!
Buni: :::Jumping up and down::::
I haven't seen any choir boys in this holy church yet...I'm no boy but I am a good Chistmas caroler (once I've had a few hard drinks).
So...Can I be the choir-bunny.
Does this require begging a lot?
KimVamp: I want to be baptized (& a few other things) in the name of Armand!!!!!!!!Please count me in................
Rose: The following is a paid advertisement. Whoops! Sorry, wrong disclaimer!
The following is based on a character created by Anne Rice. I in no way wish to offend or make any money by using his name! You might say this is a spec, but we among the aba-r family see it as a better reality. It was written by myself, Rose Del Latte, under the guidance, inspiration and contribution of my fellow high priestess, LadyBD. Oh, and there might be a spoiler for those of you who haven't finished Memnoch, so watch out!
Dim the lights, the Baptism ceremony begins...
It is midnight, Tuesday, August first, ninteen hundred and ninty-five. The doors of the Cathedral Of Armand have just closed. The music has begun.
The gothic sound fills the halls of the church with its dark, fantastical melody. Torches cast an eerie illumination from their sconces on the walls. The chandeliers have all been lit. Hundreds of candles hover over the congregation. The mahagony pews gleam in the firey light. Marius' paintings are illuminated on the ceiling of nave and apse, ghastly, beautiful depictions of saints and angels, demons and devils. In the center, above the throne, still radiant in egg tempra after years and years have passed over it, is the Temptation Of Amadeo. Two long black candles in pewter sconces on the wall flicker on either side. The great black marble altar has been set. The baptismal font holds a small amount of Armand's sacred blood; enough to baptize sixteen fledglings.
Armand is seated in his throne- a great mahogany and leather structure, ornately carved with various flowers and fleur-de-lis and accented by writhing figures. He is resplendent in his robe, a magnificent angel in black with blood red trim. Seated at the right side of Armand, in a throne of more simple design, is the Popess, Vanessa Delvalle. She wears the robes of the Popess, a deep burgundy, a dark blood red, from head to foot, a vision. At Armand's left side, in her own throne, is seated the Cardinalette, Stephanie Buday. She is stunning in the bright crimson robe of the Cardinalette. At the right hand of the Popess are her counselors- BlackRose and Kimberlea Klein. They are a gorgeous pair in black trimmed with gold. Next to Kimberlea is seated the Advisor to the Popess, April Mist, beautiful in her black robe trimmed with silver. On the left side of the Cardinalette is seated the Archbishopess, Mick Coleman. She is a vision in black lined with royal blue. Next to Mick are the High Priestesses, Lady Black Death and Rose Del Latte. They compliment beautifully the spectrum of shades in their black robes lined with emerald green. The Bishopess, Catherine, is seated next to Rose, striking, in her robes of black lined with royal purple. There is an empty chair waiting...
The Priestesses of the church, Katie Scrivener and Ginger Pope are standing at the top of the steps, where the fledglings will descend and receive thier new robes. Along the aisle, on the deep crimson carpet are the members of the church. They wear black robes lined with black and hold a blood red candle in their hands. Katie and Ginger, like the other officers of the Church, we the amulet of Armand around their throats, denoting their rank as priestesses. The fledglings are assembled in the back of the church, waiting.
The High Priestesses rise and approach the font at the foot of the altar. This is the cue; silently the fledglings begin to enter the church in a single line. Sixteen white robes gleam in the unholy light. They each hold a blood red rose, gently, for they still have thorns. Now as the reach the altar, they stop.
The first fledgling to be baptized is Claudia. She will immediatley take her postion on the altar at the side of Catherine, for Claudia is not only becoming a member, but the personal Secretary to the High Priestesses. She stands before LadyBD and Rose at the font. The High Priestesses say in unison, "Because you have shown your love for Armand in your heart and soul, we baptize you in His name. Hail Armand!"
Claudia repeats, "Hail Armand!" Rose draws a letter A in blood on her forehead. Claudia turns to LadyBD, who draws an A on her throat. Claudia ascends the steps of the altar and places her rose at the feet of Armand. Armand touches her head and whispers to her, "I love you, my Claudia." Then Katie gives Claudia her robes, black trimmed with with white, and she takes her seat next to Catherine.
Nathan approaches the font. The High Priestesses look at him and say, "Because you have shown your love for Armand in your heart and soul, we baptize you in His name. Hail Armand!" Nathan repeats, "Hail Armand!" Rose draws the A on his forehead and LadyBD draws the A on his throat. Nathan ascends the steps of the alcove, and kneeling before Armand, places his rose at his feet. Armand places his hand on Nathan's head and whispers to him, "I have faith in you; I know you will serve me well." Ginger gives Nathan his new robes, black on black, and he descends the steps, taking a seat in the first row of pews.
Katrianna approaches the font. The High Priestesses look at her and say, "Because you have shown your love for Armand in your heart and soul, we baptize you in His name. Hail Armand!" Katrianna repeats, "Hail Armand!" Rose draws the A on her forehead and LadyBD draws the A on her throat. Katrianna ascends the steps of the alcove, kneels and places her rose at Armand's feet. He puts his hand on her head and whispers, "My beautiful Katrianna, how happy you have made me." Katie gives Katrianna her new robes and she descends the alcove, taking a seat next to Nathan. Gabrielle approaches the font. The High Priestesses look at her and say, "Because you have shown your love for Armand in your heart and soul, we baptize you in His name. Hail Armand!" Gabrielle repeats, "Hail Armand!" Rose draws the A on her forehead and LadyBD draws the A on her throat.
Gabrielle ascends the steps of the alcove and kneels before Armand, placing her rose at his feet. He puts his hand on her head and whispers, "Gabrielle, my sweet, you saw through the lies, for that I love you." Ginger gives Gabrielle her new robes and she descends the steps of the alcove, taking a seat next to Katrianna.
Alchemyst approaches the font. The High Priestesses look at her and say, "Because you have shown your love for Armand in your heart and soul, we baptize you in His name. Hail Armand!" Alchemyst repeats, "Hail Armand!" Rose draws the A on her forehead and LadyBD draws the A on her throat. Alchemyst ascends the steps of the alcove, kneels before Armand and places her rose at his feet. He touches her head and whispers,"My Alchemyst, my wild one, I am proud of you tonight." Katie gives Alchemyst her new robes and she descends the steps, taking a seat next to Gabrielle.
Scarlett approaches the font. The High Priestesses look at her and say, "Because you have shown your love for Armand in you heart and soul, we baptize you in His name. Hail Armand!" Scarlett repeats, "Hail Armand!" Rose draws the A on her forehead and LadyBD draws the A on her throat. She ascends the steps of the alcove, kneels and places her rose at Armand's feet. Armand places his hand on her head and whispers, "Scarlett, do not grieve for me. I am here, as I will always be, my love." Ginger gives Scarlett her new robes. Scarlett descends the steps of the alcove and takes a seat next to Alchemyst.
Tina approaches the font. The High Priestesses look at her and say, "Because you have shown your love for Armand in your heart and soul, we baptize you in,His name. Hail Armand!" Tina repeats, "Hail Armand!" Rose draws the A on her forehead and LadyBD draws the A on her throat. Tina ascends the steps of the alcove, kneels before Armand and lays her rose at his feet. He places his hands on her head and whispers, "Your loyalty to me touches my heart, my lovely Tina." Katie gives Tina her new robes, and she descends the steps, taking a seat next to Scarlett.
Vampire Eyes approaches the font. The High Priestesses look at her and say, "Because you have shown your love for Armand in your heart and soul, we baptize you in His name. Hail Armand!" Vampire Eyes repeats, "Hail Armand!" Rose draws the A on her forehead and LadyBD draws the A on her throat. Vampire Eyes ascends the steps of the alcove, kneeling before Armand, laying her rose at his feet. Armand places his hands on her head and whispers, "Vampire Eyes, my eyes see the love in your soul, the love that reflects mine a thousands times deeper into eternity." Ginger gives Vampire Eyes her new robes, and she descends the steps of the alcove, taking a seat next to Tina.
Adonia approaches the font. The High Priestesses look at her and say, "Because you have shown your love for Armand in your heart and soul, we baptize you in His name. Hail Armand!" Adonia repeats, "Hail Armand!" Rose draws the A on her forehead and LadyBD draws the A on her throat. Adonia ascends the steps of the alcove, kneels before Armand and lays her rose at his feet. He places his hands on her head and whispers, "My Adonia, you have filled me with joy, for I know your love is pure." Katie gives Adonia her new robes and she descends the steps, taking a seat next to Vampire Eyes.
Jaime approaches the font. The High Priestesses look at her and say, "Because you have shown your love for Armand in your heart and soul, we baptize you in His name. Hail Armand!" Jaime repeats, "Hail Armand!" Rose draws the A on her forehead and LadyBD draws the A on her throat. Jaime ascends the steps of the alcove, kneels and places her rose at Armand's feet. Armand lays his hands on her head and whispers, "Jamie, my faithful one, your devotion to me is without question, as is my love for you." Ginger gives Jaime her new robes, and she descends the steps, taking a seat next to Adonia.
Gabe approaches the font. The High Priestesses look at him and say, "Because you have shown your love for Armand in your heart and soul, we baptize you in His name. Hail Armand!" Gabe repeats, "Hail Armand!" Rose draws the A on his forehead and LadyBD draws the A on his throat. Gabe ascends the steps, kneels and places his rose at Armand's feet. Armand lays his hand on Gabe's head and whispers, "Gabe, I trust in you. You will not let me down. You will help me triumph." Katie gives Gabe his new robes, and he descends the steps, taking a seat next to Jaime.
Ponine approaches the font. The High Priestesses look at her and say, "Because you have shown your love for Armand in your heart and soul, we bapitze you in His name. Hail Armand!" Ponine repeats, "Hail Armand!" Rose draws the A on her forehead and LadyBD draws the A on her throat. Ponine ascends the steps of the alcove, kneels and lays her rose at Armand's feet. Armand places his hands on her head and whispers, "Dearest Ponine, your sweet presence has increased the beauty of this church a thousandfold." Ginger gives Ponine her new robes, and she descends the steps, taking a seat next to Gabe.
Nicholas approaches the font. The High Priestesses look at him and say, "Because you have shown your love for Armand in your heart and soul, we baptize you in His name. Hail Armand!" Nicholas repeats, "Hail Armand!" Rose draws the A on his forehead and LadyBD draws the A on his throat. Nicholas ascends the steps of the alcove, kneels and places his rose at Armand's feet. Armand lays his hands on Nicholas' head and whispers, "Nicholas, my friend, you are a gift to the church." Katie gives Nicholas his new robes and he descends the steps, taking a seat next to Ponine.
Elane approaches the font. The High Priestesses look at her and say, "Because you have shown your love for Armand in your heart and soul, we baptize you in His name. Hail Armand!" Elane repeats, "Hail Armand!" Rose draws the A on her forehead and LadyBD draws the A on her throat. Elane ascends the steps of the alcove, kneels before Armand, places her rose at his feet. Armand places his hands on her head and whispers, "You have never stopped believing in me. For that- my love to you." Ginger gives Elane her new robes, and she descends, taking a seat next to Nicholas.
Bunicula approaches the font. The High Priestesses look at her and say, "Because you have shown your love for Armand in your heart and soul, we baptize you in His name. Hail Armand!" Bunicula repeats, "Hail Armand!" Rose draws the A on her forehead and LadyBD draws the A on her throat.Bunicula ascends the steps of the alcove, kneels before Armand, lays her rose at his feet. Armand places his hands on her head and whispers, "Bunicula, your devotion to me runs sweetly through your veins, burning inside you." Katie gives Bunicula her new robes and she decends the steps, taking a seat next to Elane.
The last fledgling to be baptized is BlackRose Worme. She approaches the font. The High Priestesses look at her and say, "Because you have shown your love for Armand in your heart and soul, we baptize you in His name. Hail Armand!" Rose draws the A on her forehead and LadyBD draws the A on her throat. BlackRose ascends the steps and kneels and lays her rose at Armand's feet. "BlackRose, you who know me, know that I love you." Ginger gives BlackRose her new robes and she descends the steps, taking a seat next to Bunicula. The congregation stands now. The new members place their new robes on over their white ones. The High Priestesses return to their places on the alcove.
Armand approaches the altar, the great black marble structure, and looks at the congregation seated before him. "My fledglings, tonight you have taken a Dark Vow. You have pledged your souls in service to me. For your devotion, I am grateful. For your love, I am overwhlemed. Seeing you all gathered here has given me a new vitality, a new thirst for life! As I look at your beautiful faces, so heartbreakingly innocent of the horrors you may face, I feel your anxiety, your desire, your pride. For too long we have lived in the shadows, in silence. For too long others have told our tale. But no longer, my fledglings. Now it is time to rise and give voice to your passions! We have come together in a great purpose - for a great quest. To speak out against the evil slander which currently passes for fact in the thin guise of fiction. One woman has, with this abominable work, caused terrible grief among the faithful. She has stolen the good name of my dear friend Lestat, twisted his words into dreadful lies. Even worse... she reported my own untimely demise. For this crime, against this creature, we do gather together now! I speak of none other than the most foul fiend Dora! Who, masquerading as an author of fiction, sought only to further her ministry by using the fantastic and unbelievable tales in this book - and by using my own death! Rise with me now, my children! Rise against the foul blasphemer Dora! Rise and proclaim the truth!" The entire congregation is on it's feet now, fists in the air, chanting, "KILL DORA! KILL DORA! KILL DORA!" Armand makes a respectful little bow, and smiles. The Popess and Cardinalette are behind him as he walks down the aisle. Following suit are the Counselors, the Advisor, the Arch-Bishopess, the High Priestesses, the Bishopess, the Secretary, and the Priestesses. The congregation follows the order out of the church and into to the night...
Claudia: I can't stop crying. The ceremony was so beautiful. I treasure my Black robe, lined in white. Seeing him again brought tears to my eyes. I must go now to my private alter & worship the beloved Armand.
What a beautiful ceremony, it couldn't have been more darker, more full of Armandian respect or Armandian love. I truly feelt honored to be part of all that.
BlackRose W: The ceremony was breathtaking. I looked around the cathedral, and how stunning the Popess, the Cardinalette, the Counselors, Advisors, Archbishopess, and High Priestesses were. And then I heard Armand's silky voice I was spellbound, and I feared I might faint. But, it was comforting to be in the company of these other fine fledglings. I'm so honoured.
Hail Armand - Your wish is my command
Buni: I too was absolutely thrilled to be included in such beauty. And how lovely every one looked.
I just have one question... How long do I have to keep this bloody 'A' sign painted on my forehead and throat. It's getting kind of sticky.
LadyBD: *LOL* Then wash it off, Bunny! Just don't drink it. I'd hate to have to kill you. *giggle*
Elane: My friends the ceromony was beautiful! I can't stop thinking about. I'd like to thank my sisters and brothers for taking me in with such love I promise to respect and cherish our God Armand. I hope to hear from all of you soon.
With the utmost love we shall keep the spirit of our beautiful god burning with in all of us.
Ben: Reject them now before it is too late. They intend a life and eternal life of subservience and non-thinking. Be yourself. Be free and independant. Join me in my struggle to cruch the Armandian Church. Do not be fooled by beauty and ceremony. Anyone can achieve this with very little effort. I fear you have been led astray.the church is not the way for you. Trust me. Join the ranks of my faithful and LIVE.
Jeri: Two words: Animal Farm
Three words: short attention span
Lots of words: You don't seriously expect anyone to pass up the sheer sqirming pleasure of idolatry do you? If so you can't have tried it yourself (no doubt for lack of a proper object, so you are stuck with yourself as subject)... personally I adore it, when those three little words above aren't getting in the way =) which they do, with great regularity. Serial idolatry, the Way of the Media Age.
Not that independence doesn't also have its bracing thrill... but why confine yourself to just that particular kind? Let me ride your brain for a while, battling fiercely with sword in hand, wind in hair. Hardship, victory, and pain, always dissolving eventually into warm baths, and a lover's arms... and the prospect of another fight on the plains, or an ambush, a secret assassination. An honorable death. Daring, clean, powerful.
Refreshing for a while. But too limiting for eternity.
If there's one thing worse than being stuck with a two-party system, it's being stuck with a one-party system! So Lord B., glad to see you around.
LadyBD: AWAY, YE FOUL SPIRIT!
This pretender, in the name of freedom and independance, does in fact represent the darkest of forces - the very heart of evil. I speak of none other than MEMNOCH himself! We fight to expose the truth behind the lies in that blasphemous work, to expose Dora and her ilk for what they are! Turn your backs, Children of Darkness, away from the father of lies.
FOR THE GREATER GLORY OF ARMAND!
Adonia: Someone help me out here. Who is this "Lord Benjamin" person?
Nevertheless...
ALL HAIL ARMAND!!!
Vanessa: Adonia, my child, fear not! Lord Benjamin? A Heretic, a conspirator, infidel... *shrug* Nothing to worry about. The truth is with us! Armand shall protect us.
Adonia: That's what I thought. Thanks.
You will never shake my faith in my beloved Armand, Heretic! My love and loyalty belong to him, and him alone!
Elane: This is unconcievable that you would turn your back to the beutiful Armand. I was dropped a note from someone asking me to turn my back on the church. Such thoughts sicken me for I took a pledge and promised to love our dark angel. I shall never walk away from him and our church, and I feel those who do commit such things should be destroyed to clense the church of the essance of disloyalty.
Rose: Yes Elane! You must continue to be strong for Armand! TURAC will not be defeated by the petty efforts of a handful of infidels!
(Continued in "TURAC - The Heretic War")