Clan Loa'Chil

[ColonelKuehl1 560]

 

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The Loa descended, referring to a region of the legendary city of Magara’lin. The deep lakes dubbed Loa remained upon the lowest depths of the Ancestral mountain existed various underground lakes and treacherous labyrinthine rivers. Most Ker who lived within these caverns dared not venture into risky territories. Said space was known to have been sealed away due to the disease and giant monsters lurking within. Very few denizens of the depths known to navigate, let alone survive. The Ker of old found life within the depths one resulting in abnormal living conditions, creatures and that which surprised even the wisest and most traveled of Mali kind. 

The Loa’chil of the Deep Lakes

 

To the earliest of the lake dwellers, such things that brought fear to the Mali diseases were simply challenges scarcely worth crying over. The great Serpents of the territories dubbed lakes of Luara, mentors who befriended the intellect of the lurkers. Within the earliest legends, the locals of the depths befriended an enormous serpent they referred to as Loa. The latter acted as a protector and guide to the Ker of this region. The tribes were led toward various discoveries, lending it venom in the Loa’Chil tribe’s time of need and allowing the skin it shed to armor the warriors. 

 

To be a Loa’Chil is to follow the tribes of the waters of Loa, a more isolated section of the Lakes of Luara. Famously curious, to see that which can be molded into methods of agents of wondrous effects to be akin to gold and a newfound secret akin to a gem. Historically the Loa’Chil are practitioners of medicine and seekers of knowledge. The past discoveries led to the Loa’chil toward the reputation of river doctors or the superstitious river witches. Yet, their abilities were scarcely utilized within ancient times. Historically the Loa’Chil are practitioners of medicine and seekers of knowledge. 

 

Upon the end of Magara'lin, many Ker was led into a significant exodus from the ancient homelands of Axios. Remarkably few Mali’ker remained, one of the more notable clans being the Loa’Chil, who saw little point in an exodus.  The Caverns grew more swamp-like and far more inhospitable, which did not phase the devolving aquatic clan for many a year. The years dragged on, forcing the clan to degrade into a more primitive state. Many tribes inevitably departed from the Cavernous lands until finally the Loa’Chil, excited their lands as the descendants reemerged upon Axios. Having lost most ties with the outside world, the first Ker to escape were met with hostility, leading the clan to prefer a quiet life within the marshlands. The Loa’Chil would eventually move on with the descendants, only ever interacting with other tribes of Mali, gaining a reputation as unorthodox healers, utilizing mysterious pacts with essential medicine.

 

In recent days the Loa’Chil, through family tragedy, have lost their way from time to time. In recent years, the Loa’Chil have often focused on evolving their combative methods, having emerged from obscurity into positions of power within the recently emerged Ker. Loa'Chil, no matter what profession, acts as silent leaders and menders continuing on their path of fulfilling their infinite hunger for evolution.

 

Culture

Loa’Chil are often known as “aquatic” in their nature, often preferring to remain close to lakes, swamps, or oceans. Living off of fishing or considerable game mastery of such lands are essential to the Loa’Chil thought not to be limited by such lands. A phrase of the Loa’Chil repeat, value knowledge over gold. Outwardly the Loa’Chil maintain a humble appearance as an echo of their tribal roots, often fashioning themselves outwardly as tribesmen despite putting more scholarly ambitions at the forefront of their traditions. Loa’Chil pride themselves on their expertise in anatomy, poisons, and medicine.

 

A Loa’Chil mediating within the ruins of his homeland.

 

Connection to Serpents

A serpent is a creature seen with reverence throughout the Loa’Chil. To them, they are the very embodiment of what it means to be Loa’Chil. They remain symbols of rebirth, transformation, healing, and immortality as they shed their skin. The following traits embody members of the clans and have to be proven by its retainers through rituals.

 

 Rebirth

The connection to a serpent’s rebirth often translates into the shedding of one’s skin. Unlike most more outwardly civilized clans, Loa’Chil’s thick white warpaint is textured to appear as the scales of a serpent, often worn during ceremonies or for more zealous members. The coated warpaint is particularly dense in texture within specific environments. However, it is taboo to simply wash off as it requires great humility, sweat, and effort to shed off naturally. Very often, Loa’Chil will coat themselves, and most commonly, will send initiates on their first task in the action of shedding their skin and figuratively being born into the clan. Growth and evolution are a trait valued above all else within the formerly wild tribe of Ker. To the Loa’Chil descendant or not, all are animals and must adapt in body and spirit. The Practice naturally evolves one's soul and mind through a pilgrimage. This is followed by consuming a  herbal mixture causing a dream-like hallucination. Through various studies, the elder clan member interprets dreams to provide further guidance to the clan member. After however long it takes for the warpaint to shed, the Ker may return home, enlightened on the next step of their eternal evolution.

 

Transformation

Loa’Chil, throughout their time in the clan, undergoes a ritual throughout an extended period. To become kin to the Serpents is not to feel the sting of their bites. Over time Loa’Chil is given tattoos with ink concocted by varying doses of snake venom. The more “art” the member has upon their body is seen as a symbol of status and celebration.  Should a Loa’Chil not attempt to take in more of what is called marks. Markings are often drawn amidst ceremonial gatherings, continually accumulating in size based upon the number of marks given to a Loa’Chil. Should a Loa’Chil accumulate, their tenth mark is treated as a grand event, often joined with feasting, intensive medical care, and honored friends of the clan. Each mark is simply a scale, a detailed piece representing their patron and the animal they feel closest to. Every work of art done upon the member acts as another step into the Loa’Chils evolution.

 

Healing

Healing remains a critical element of the Loa’Chil; learning medicine is often a priority, as essential treatment remains a gateway to all scholarly pursuits. Should one not pass basic medicine schools, they are barred from any other secrets within the clan. Clan members will often journey for more and more information to improve their knowledge and seek out crafts to enhance their abilities.  Clan members regularly receive education on anatomy and herbs. Should a Loa’Chil follow the path of a warrior, medical knowledge is to be held to a similar value as one who knows to heal can easily destroy.

 

Immortality

Something of an unreachable goal for most of the descendants, the Loa’Chil are heavily prideful of their status as Mali. Unbound by time or of death yet, immortality is the furthest thing from the truth for most Mali. Loa’Chil believes that improving upon a mortal life is one of great honor in the eyes of the Ancestors. One is genuinely eternal through memory effort and discovery, spreading and sharing the great vitality through whichever means a Loa’Chil may uncover as is a saying to the Loa’Chil. The mind may grow weak, and certain elements may shatter even the greatest of wills. 

 

Physical Appearance/Attitude

Loa’Chil eyes are typically bright marine green, having a somewhat ominous flair. Very naturally, a Loa’Chil will have a moderately dark complexion. Loa’Chil most commonly has variations of white and black hair. Loa’Chil skin tones vary from a lighter gray to a much darker complexion. Loa’Chil may often come off as incredibly pragmatic if not cold, often preferring to view everything through an objective lens. Loa’Chil is taught to be highly self-reliant and usually expects success within themselves. This is not to say they are entirely lone wolves, though they will typically appear very much reserved. 

 

Clothing

Loa’Chil maintains the look of the wild scholar. Loa’Chil retains much of the clan's tribal regalia from the past while modernizing themselves in various new tailoring techniques. The clan has stuck to the use of leathers and chiton instead of the traditional usage of silk.  

 

Taboos

The deepest caves where exiles of the clans are sent.

 

The Cancer of the Void

Voidal magics are an affront to the core ideals of the Loa’Chil. An unnatural poison which the Loa’Chil desire distance from. That which saps vitality and turns one into a shriveling husk.  The power of the void is not questioned; it is an affront to both the Ancestors and spirits that guide the Loa’Chil. Clan members who practice voidal arts are condemned and exiled from the clan with only the harshest of haste. Studies into the voidal arts remain forbidden to the clan and are seen as non beneficial in every respect.

 

Dark Magic

As is natural for many Dark Magics are to be seen with equal disdain. While seen through a scholarly lens, their understanding of dark magics are solely reliant on a desire to defend themselves. Many a questionable tome may catch a Loa’Chils interest though primarily out of a desire to better themselves in the face of such foes. As for members who may rely on dark magics, especially that of Necromancy, they are  killed with no chance of redemption.

 

Combat

 

Loa’Chil typically prefers the use of axes, javelins, and bows, having grown used to the philosophy of “ambush or be ambushed.” Clan members have perfected their throwing techniques at a young age in the event of an encounter with abnormally large creatures. Crudeness and effectiveness are preferred by the clan.

Hand to Hand

Loa’Chil martial traditions include hand to hand for those who follow a more athletic path. With their desire for certainty, the clan often practices a mix of precise strikes based upon medical knowledge, throws, grapples, and submissions. The Covert nature of the Loa’Chils warriors often provides interest in various efficient surefire methods of combat even within the realm of unarmed combat. While not often utilized outside of competition clan members often find interest in the opposite of their family creed. Many may even state knowing the opposite of healing is simply strength. 

 

Patrons

The Loa’Chil traveling to shrines that remain within the lakes.

 

Akezo

The primary patron of the Loa’Chil are marked in any possible location on a member's body. A spirit of healing and vitality, Akezo is seen as the greatest patron of the clan. Healing remains an essential trait in the practice of the Loa’Chil, alongside striving for vitality. Akezo is the most venerable as it is believed in its earliest eras. The winged serpent spoke to Ker of the ancient lakes. Akezo guided and led the Loa’Chil into the lakes of Loa with the form of a deep serpent, teaching the Ker to master the likes of medicine and methods of healing. The Loa’Chil take on a benevolent role among the circles of Ker, often preferring the lives of healers. Beyond the winged serpent being the ideal healer, a strong and healthy Loa’Chil is usually excellent, even having been brought to a scientific standard of physical training. Shrines to Akezo are a mainstay of Loa’Chil territories or halls, though they are often built within pilgrimage sights. All Loa’Chil rituals are typically conducted under Akezos' gaze. As of recently the clan having departed from its isolation desires to once more speak with Akezo once more to perhaps regain their ancient wisdom. 

 

Kaas

While many spirits centered more firmly on the art of healing may smile upon the Loa’Chil, survival and traditional Ker warrior practices remain a guiding principle. Under the Loa’Chils patron Kaas. Kaas taught the Loa’Chil of pragmatism. As a spirit of necessity. Evil action for a good reason, that which the Loa’Chil learned to be necessary for the sake of progress. Many Loa’chil, while not inherently immoral, are taught the willingness of less honorable actions for the sake of the overall benefit of the Ker. The Teachings of Kaas apply to both combative and scholarly pursuits. Loa’Chil is no stranger to combat and will prefer more stealthy methods or the use of their natural environment.  What others may see as dirty methods, deceit being art in Kaas’s teachings and a necessity to defend one home. For the progress of healing, one may cause harm in experimentation. Failure can often be fatal though a condition. Most Loa’Chil may remain numb to any experimental accidents should one have lost their lives in the pursuit. While pragmatism is a widespread practice, lengths such as voidal or dark magics are typically forbidden within the clan, very much seen as defiance of Akezo's own teachings. Through these teachings, Loa’Chil is often characteristically blunt and incredibly straightforward, continually not fearing to speak of topics others may avoid within discussions. 

 

Membership

 

 The Patriarch

Netseth Loa’Chil- ColonelKuehl1

 

Clan Members

 Genova Loa’Chil- Revan2817

Irashi Loa’Cchil- MacAhRonii

Vaeril Loa’Chil- AgentofDeath

Asphodel Loa’Chil- teawithchipped

 

 

[xepphir 353]

Spoiler

Loa'Chil? More like Loa'Chad

 

[Minuvas 3193]

Good lore. Look forward to meeting them in game.