The Beekeeper's Chalice

Background

The 9 immortals, who were sent to the Continent when it was first created, were tasked with governing and guiding the human race, but over time, they faded to myth and legend. Together, they represented the virtues of humanity, and while their faces are never shown, each can be recognised by their unique outfits and their respective symbols, surfacing throughout history in tales and fiction to aid those in need. The Beekeeper was one of the Nine, patron of community, loyalty, and nourishment, and their symbol was the Chalice. Many works of literature and art recount the myths of the 9, from tapestries and paintings to poems and folktales, and the legend of The Beekeeper's Chalice is no exception. It is one that has sparked endless intrigue, and countless quests and crusades to obtain it. It is theorised this chalice produces a unique elixir of magical and legendary properties, commonly known as 'Chalicegold' or the 'Honey of Life' (derived from Mellum Vitae, in the language of the gods). No one is quite sure whether this legend holds any grain of truth, or if it is merely derived from the virtues and desires of humanity itself. Almost everyone will have come across this legend in some form at some point in their lives, but which, if any, form of the tale is true is highly debated. This legend, regardless of its truth, is an incredibly powerful symbol in human society, highlighting the importance of loyalty and community, and a valued reflection of the stories and identities of farming communities, especially in an age where their livelihoods are under constant threat from industry and war.

However, it seems the true message of this tale is something many have forgotten. One, in days to come, the people of the Continent would do well to remember...

The Legend of the Beekeeper's Chalice

Long ago, the Beekeeper had rewarded the loyalty of their people with a chalice. No ordinary chalice, but one which produced infinite magical honey. It is said when a single drop touches soil, even the most barren land blossoms. Crops grow abundantly, revitalises dying plants and restores balance to overworked earth. A single spoonful provides nourishment for a full day to body, mind, and spirit. It is especially potent during famine, bringing strength without diminishing the chalice’s stores. Never again would this village have to suffer from famine or poverty. But in return for their gift, the Beekeeper made them vow a promise- never would they misuse the powers of the Chalice; they must only call upon it in times of their direst need. Because unbeknownst to them, the reapings of the Chalice came at a price...

For many years, the community benefited from the magic of the Chalice, and so did their village flourished, growing and expanding into a prosperous city. But over time, the vow was forgotten, and soon enough they became greedy. When a new mayor came to power, he lusted over the power of the Chalice, and stole it from the Beekeeper's sacred shrine. He forced unnatural growth from the land, pouring it greedily across his fields. In the beginning, farmers were delighted by their plentiful harvests and encouraged produce, but when flowers began blooming out of season, and branches of trees breaking under the weight of twisted, rotting fruit, they soon became suspicious. Over time, their fields grew dry and infertile, and while crops grew large, they were shrivelled and blackened. Bees grew aggressive and troubled, until one day the completly disappeared. Blight plagued the fields and orchards of the once thriving city, and food and preserves which should have lasted them the year spoiled in days. Starving and malnourished, the people called upon the Beekeeper, but they received no answer. People across the city queued for miles to receive a spoonful of the sacred honey to quell their growing hunger, and prayed each night to the gods of harvest and their revered Beekeeper, distraught and confused as to what they had done to suffer such retribution...

A humble beekeeper, rumoured to be a descendant of the Beekeeper themself, noticed the land’s decline and the suffering of her people. Well versed in the history of the Chalice, and the sacred duties it represented, she soon realised the true cause of their city's punishment; they had forgotten their vow, and broken their sacred promise. They had grown greedy, and were prioritising wealth and prosperity above the values they had once treasured; Loyalty, Community, Agriculture, Fairness. She began preaching to people her message, her ancestors message, and quickly her message spread. Suffering citizens looked up to see their Mayor and his advisors lounging comfortably in luxury, ignoring their plight as they guzzled the chalicegold. It wasn't long before protests broke out on the city streets, campaigning for change, campaigning for them to wake up and see the truth. The divided city came together as one to fight for their values, and under their insistence the mayor was forced to resign. The humble descendant is voted the new Mayor, and she is said to have governed justly for many years. The bees soon returned, and crops grew healthily again, the nutrients of the soils magically replenished. Slowly, the community began to heal, their lesson learned, strengthened by renewed loyalty and shared purpose...