Clan Des'Nox

[Dakirennis 959]

 

Clan Des'Nox

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In Midnight Clad

 

 

Origin and History

 

Rooting from ancient Axios, the Maki'ker of Des'Nox were originally a nomadic clan. While they tended to keep to the elven lands, they were almost hermit-like with their caution of outsiders, new members only joining after marrying into the family. As roamers, most children of Des'Nox grew up learning to hunt and craft things that could be sold for the betterment of the clan. Some member even selling their services as mercenaries. However over time the main family line found it’s way back into the fold of the elven people, even assuming the reigns of leadership over the dark elves for a few centuries and bringing them back into Ancestral and Spiritualism after their own awakening. From the days of the Fringe until this very day, the Des'Nox seek to enlighten and protect their people, as watchers in the night.

 

 

Ancestral Awakening

 

Not long after the Des’Nox assumed control over their people from the hands of the Old Families under the banner of Haelun’or, an estranged priestess joined their settlement preaching Khel’s old ways of the Ancestors. The seeds of elder tradition having been planted, Clan Patriarch Dak’ir began to seek out any and all historical information. So far was he in his devotion that he pledged his life to these ways, learning to communicate with them to voice their wishes via the teachings of honored orcish shamans. The ‘Ker soon learnt more of his people… long forgotten histories, names, and eldritch orders. And soon began preach the Old Ways and brought the word of the Ancestors to the dark elven people once again. But of course those of his family would also become devout followers and over the decades various orders devoted to them were created. But the traditions of the Ordinators have held firm with the family. Members becoming strange priests or zealous warriors that don the gold colored plate and enforce the will of the Ancestors.

 

 

Vindication

 

Inspired by visions and sights of Ancestors that donned golden chitten and once protected the ancient dark elven homelands, Dak’ir created the Ordinators strive to enforce that same safety and to spread the will of the Ancestors with sometimes vicious zeal. Members of Clan Des’Nox sometimes take personal oaths to the Ancestors before taking the golden face. Their armors marked with hanging scrolls with these written sacred oaths, trophies from battles or heretical purges, or idols made in dedication to their favored Spirits. The sons and daughters of the night favor Luara and Kor the most for their connection to the dark elven people, bestowing many offerings and prayers to these Spirits.

 

 

The Des'Nox clan venerate the Ancestors above all else. They pray or reflect on the actions of their forebears for guidance. However in the recent centuries Spiritualism has become more prevalent, the clan favoring Luara and Kor the most. As of now, no other belief is accepted within the clan. To turn your back on the Ancestors and the Sprits is to turn your back on your family.

 

 

Culture

 

The Night

The Des'Nox hold a great affinity for the night. As they were originally nomadic, the night offered direction and protection from the usual daylight dangers. But to them, the night was so much more. In concealing themselves, using the stars as guides, and even hunting. To them, the night’s fall was akin to a loving embrace. Watching over them

 

Names

The Des'Nox clan has a strange way of naming it's children. They use a combination of syllables from the parent's names as a way of symbolizing the unity between two mates. It's not uncommon for names to be passed down through the generations. (For example: Dak'ir's father was Dak'rezar). Traditionally, the mother's name comes first for their daughters and the father's name would come first for the sons. Full names imply that the member was either a bastard or simply married (or adopted) into the family. This roots from the original clan father’s belief of passion. Des’Nox believe that the effort and care taken to create a child should represent that bond. Hence why the parents names are needed to create the new name. Bastards find themselves with a whole name simple because they are usually raised by a single parent. Those who abandon their children cast out and exiled.

 

 

Appearance

Mali'ker of the Des'Nox prefer to keep their lines as pure as possible. Various shades of crimson highlight their eyes, hair of pure ebony, and their skin a deep grey. All members clad themselves in the colors of the night sky, various blues, silver, and black. Simple clothing or robes being the usual choice of clothing, however some Des'Nox tend to mix plates of armor into their attire as both a means of protection and as a form of fashion. These plates are almost always the same golden color of the Ordinators, to represent that these honored warriors are always in their hearts and minds.

 

Rite of passage

In the early to mid teens of young Des'Nox children, they go through a trial to enter adulthood. A simple test of survival and mettle. The clan will simply leave the child or children behind and return for them at a later date. With the only rule really being that you may not follow the clan, some parents will give their child supplies. While helping them is not against the rules, it is more simply frowned upon. For example: Giving your child a knife is nothing compared to giving it a bow and arrows. By giving them supplies, you're seen as not having faith in their abilities to survive. As well, all children must have found an acceptable ‘piece of night’ to complete their rites.
 

Celebration

Their pleasures are simple. But celebrating is something the clan frequently enjoys. Weather it be the birth of a newborn, the bond between two lovers, or even a successful hunt. A Des'Nox will turn it into a festivity accompanied by tale telling, drinking and music. They often favoring various string and percussion instruments.
 
Craftsmanship

The vagabond clan did what it could to make a living. While most were adept hunters and herbalists, coin was still needed for a living. Most clansmen were skilled craftsmen and tailors. From dresses to wooden toys and even carved jewelry, the clan honed their skills for the betterment of the family.
 
Black Stone Bracelets

Most notable of their craftsmanship are the simple black stone bracelets most, if not all, Des'Nox are seen wearing. Mainly being something parents gave their children or juveniles gave their allure, it represented their love for that person. They were usually crafted from dark colored rocks, such as onyx or obsidian. The Night Father called these stones ‘pieces of night’ as the clan’s love for the night sky represented in these stones. It was thought that the more beautiful the bracelet, the more that person cared. As the clan was poor, it meant acquiring gems or carving stones would either take a lot of time to find or cost them more than they could afford. As it was mainly given to another as a clan tradition, these bracelets were almost never given to those outside of the clan.

 

Magic

Most Des'nox either show open distaste or simply do not care for magic, believing it corrupts the mind and body, weakening it. In recent recent years, various shamanisms have become common with their worship of the Spirits coming more into the light.
 

OOC

Spoiler

This is not a recruiting clan. New members are only added through marriage or adopted through the clan's beliefs and ideologies.