The Arch Shaman Daggerhigh has summoned you, candidates, to appear before him. It is time to choose a shaman to be a godstalker for the tribe

He brings you before the central fire and has you all sit in a circle. He regards you all, calmly, coolly, taking his time with his thoughts before he speaks.

He sits with very deliberate actions, straightening his ceremonial gear as he does, the necklaces of bones, the mask, the bracelets and anklets; some you have seen, others are too sacred for every day.

Once on the ground with the rest of you, his legs crossed under him, he leans forward and stirs the pot stewing over the fire pit. A bubbling brew can be seen inside.

He withdraws the dipping spoon and sips. He smiles slightly and sits back again, regarding you all. Is he proud? Sad? Both perhaps? His smile slips away and he speaks.

“Gather round the roaring fire initiates, the gods are seeking one dedicated soul to follow the starry path of ancient wisdom."

“You have before you cups of brew, a special tea that will open your eyes and take the top off of your skull. Your spirits shall wander the astral world to experience the ancestors in full blossom."

“Drink…Drink deep…and remember…”

You do as he says, lifting the cups you had not seen till he mentioned them, putting the wooden bowls to your mouths, and draining the hot acidic liquid.

As you drink the strong medicine you begin to feel its effects immediately.

The drums beat…pounding rolls through your body, now forgotten, a twig by the wayside, unneeded. You are one with the rhythm.

You feel yourselves falling away now, peeling open, your true nature releasing into the sky.

Up…out…up…up…

Far away but all around you at once Daggerhigh speaks again.

“You see them now, don’t you? The ones that came before. And the ones before that.”

“They walk among you now…searching…appraising…one of you shall be become a shaman and join the unbroken line…They are choosing…they are choosing…”

“Who will it be…?” “Who will it be…?” “Who will it be…?”