Clan Loa'chil

[ColonelKuehl1 560]

           

(Credits to Xepphir)

Genesis- Trozet

 

 

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Clan Loa'chil or the Serpent Born in Vel’luah, Are those who practice a balanced path of a Warrior and healer; they are followers of a way brought about by their Ancestor Waenia Loa'chil. Waenia began her life as a vengeful brigand lingering in the swamps of Axios. Waenia and her kin lived violent lives within the harsh marshlands boasting themselves as the mightiest of Mali's kind due to their isolation and proficiency in their thieving craft. Often Mali travelers found the lands inhospitable and would often find an unfortunate end through the poisonous plant life if not robbed by the residents. The deep snakes and crackadonks would take travelers by surprise. Waenia's tribe challenged and bested all of these things, bringing a sense of overwhelming pride. The clan lived by the tenant of survival of the fittest. Survival was integral as the clan soon challenged the marshland territories surrounding Axios.

 

The Maehr, an order of warriors led by Velulaei, Malin's wisest daughter and commander in the war with Iblees in the effort to uncover the mysteries of the surrounding world through their travels, dared to enter these lands. The armed force, fresh from their visit from Krugmar and on the way toward their inevitable fate, was met with Waenia’s followers. Waenia was undefeated then and challenged the Maehr. Axe in hand, she asked for a challenge in return for their weapons and valuables. Uradas raised his glaive and took the challenge confidently. The two stared at one another as tensions grew – debating each other's next moves. They would finally clash; within just a few seconds, Uradas defeated Waenia, his blade both severing her hand and marking a sizable wound across her chest. 

 

Uradas would leave his felled foe to their end as he continued. While he remained merciless, his wife, the Primarch Velulaei, showed mercy toward the warrior. In front of the wounded Waenia, an enormous winged serpent was called upon; gracing the fallen warrior with that she was unfamiliar with, mercy. Velulaei utilized an art learned during her journeys. Waenia stood up, realizing her life was spared, and her hand returned to her figure. One who once believed in nothing grew enthralled by the serpent and its summoner. Waenia saw true might before her. Waenia and her tribe would then follow Velulaei, becoming Maehr in their own right.

 

The rest of the story would be that of the rest of the Maehr, the overwhelming curse and madness. Waenia and her tribe rampaged various Mali cities until they finally obtained their freedom. They were finally waking up from their nightmare. Waenia, whose actions were founded on the madness brought about by the red mist, felt sickened by their blood stained hands. The former brute found a distaste for what had occurred and silently followed Velulaei during their mountainous domain's establishment and creation. The warrior remained troubled throughout the design of Velulaei's lands. Still a student, she never adjusted to the more civilized Mali, often feeling better off elsewhere. However, she truly enjoyed the simplicity of her former life, though still a fool, and believed herself strong for the sake of being strong by simply defeating all that passed her old home. Waenia requested residence within the most untamed lands, a peculiar underground lake full of treacherous marshes and the worst of Mangralins wildlife. Many of Waenia's tribe and children lingered within the territories. The wildlife proved dangerous with sickness and disease within the depths of these caves. It became more and more prevalent an issue for the wild Mali’ker

 

As a student of Velulaei, Waenia quickly came to both a realization and infatuation with one's ability to endure stability and discipline. Waenia recalled how Akezo returned to her what she valued, now making a pact that her clan would grow unstoppable, her children unshakeable, free from sickness, and a way to live with the firm might of the Python. Within the deep lakes, Waenia’s clan named themselves after the lake called Loa, meaning Serpent. Those born within this lake were known as the Loa'chil. The locals believed the spirits gifted this lake and built perfect souls to prepare the Mali’ker for the afterlife. Wild Mali’ker established guiding principles to better themselves as offerings to Death through preparation. 

 

The lake lurkers were known for their spiritual and practical combat and healing abilities. Their experiences in unreached lands battling chaotic beasts and unforeseen foes lent them the skills to heal, fight, and feel connected to the spirits. Not long after establishing their domain, the fated dreaded civil war. The one who insisted on swearing off violence among their kind found her kind perpetuating such—a more incredible monster using her lands to conduct dark rituals in secret within the illusive wilds. Ancient Loa'chil warriors’ accounts remained vague though they spoke of the horrors infesting their lands. What Waenia swore would turn into service toward Uradas, having been first to learn of her mentor Velulaei’s demise, she vowed to be a Vindicator to eliminate the Azul rebellion. As the flame of her old violent nature succumbed, Waenia drew her axe and left behind the Vindicator’s armor, to Uradas dismay, favoring being light on her feet.  Waenia took her tribe from territory to territory, lurking like a cloud and emerging like an explosion. The last of the Azulites fled, terrified by the mark of Python scales upon dark, bloodied warriors. With hardly any Azulite’s left breathing, Waenia returned to her dominion, shredding any sickness that may linger within her people, her quest not ending until her inevitable demise in battle.

 

The Loa'chil saw little reason to flee from their homelands after the Azulite war remained until the descendants returned to Axios. Inevitably the lower city proved pointless to stay within, most of the local’s knowledge scattered and the remnants seeing little progress within their lands. The Loa'chil thought to follow behind the many Mali’ker who departed in ages past. A following of Mali’ker dressed in leathers and lurker chiton stepped into the open cold, biting at the scarcely prepared warriors accustomed to their lush depths, retreating in following of the descendants from a distance until the eras. 

 

 

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Synopsis

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Loa'chil are a mix of tribal warriors and wild shamans typically adorned in charms and the hides of subterranean or aquatic beasts. Loa'chil often feels more at home within milder climates. The clan's most notable feature beyond their malachite eyes is the elaborate art on their bodies. Modern Loa’chil continues to follow Waenia’s way of life. They embrace and live amongst the chaos of nature's spirits, praising and paying respect to malicious forces to test their kin. A Loa’chil does so in hopes of becoming headstrong in both the body, mind, and spirit for life’s challenges. 

 

Notably, Loa'chil are quick to adapt or enjoy more open spaces such as forests, isolated marshes, or mountainous highlands, often spending their free time training, learning the art of survival, or zealously following the spirits all in the name of growing their connection to their roots.

 

The clan is uncharacteristic of most Elves. Maehr can be described as rugged, appreciating simplistic familial values. On values, Loa’chil often like sentimentality over materialistic values, holding higher weight on items they crafted or obtained. Often will display affection through creating these gifts or physical means, some saying being ferried around by a Loa’chil is a significant display of love and a source of jealousy should another do it, for one exception regarding their marriage ritual. 

 

Almost all members of the Loa’chil are obsessive over their health, most often boasting the pinnacle of Dark Elves regarding sheer physical prowess and athleticism, often treating what would typically be intense physical training as a fun pass time. A Loa’chil prides themselves greatly in their physical prowess, constantly finding means of flaunting their physique whenever or dressing as a means to do such. 

The Loa’chil mentality is prideful companionship. They have a superiority complex regarding their clans. They often see themselves as the strongest, though in a strange twist, they want to elevate those viewed as weak. Those who join the Loa’chil will be welcome to an inviting pack of warriors and hunters and will themselves be comfortable as another component of strength to the Den.

 

 

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Appearance

 

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Blood Loa’chil has characteristically dark skin, exceptional height, and hair color ranges between Black and  White. They are both natural and trained to have athletic builds. However, the most notable feature is the clan's trademark malachite eyes, often remarked as providing a mysterious nature to the line of warriors and shaman. 

(Clan head of the Loa'chil)

(Art by Unnibear)

 

Clothing, Charms, & Aesthetics

The Loa'chil traditionally wear garments that reflect their rough upbringing in the less-than-welcoming marshes they called home. Their attire is usually made of up hides and scales collected from the various marshland beasts they would slay. Occasionally, however, one may find a Loa’chil adorned in silk pieces. Typically, the Loa'chil will carry a more rugged look to them. Their attire is more liberal, sometimes tattered, but usually minimal if not in full armor. However, it is common to see them donning a piece or two of armor with their more casual clothing. While meant for the harsh terrain they lived in, their garbs will often be accented with gems, spiritual charms, and precious metals they have collected in their travels. Additionally, the Loa'chil will always keep whichever limb they decide to play their family 'scale' tattoo upon fully exposed so that their mark can be openly seen. Of course, this only differs when they are forced to wear a proper armor set.

 

Tattoos Akezos scale

 A trademark of the clan are Akezos’ scales. Upon the arm of a Loa'chil are serpentine scales drawn on after a Loa'chil sustains an injury.  A wound healed earns one a scale, scars received, and close calls. Glorious acts of healing are celebrated through these scales as a badge of honor for a Loa'chil. 

 

 

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Snake Taming

(Credits too Matias Cabezas)

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Following the common trend of the Loa’chil snake, taming is a common practice. What Loa’chil tame may vary between Pythons to even more venomous breeds of snakes. Loa’chil traditionally train serpents to use their venom, though also as a pet or an aesthetic to themselves, to discipline a serpent to rest upon a warrior, fearlessly being something of a feat to most clan members. 

 

Often the shamans of the clan may be accompanied by one or multiple serpents wrapped around their bodies or one wrapped around their shoulders. How they keep them still is a mystery to most, though they are notably always on their best behavior. 

 

 

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Warrior Culture | Devotion to Kor

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The Loa'chil clan directly worships and follows Kors's principles and fights in his honor. Kor is the spirit and keeper of the dead; he allows mortals to join the spirits within his paradise. Loa'chil believes that within Stargush, one is rewarded for their life. The Ambition of a Greater Ancestral is to live in a way worthy of the prize and die with life behind one worthy of song and tale. A Loa'chil’s devotion to Kor is expressed through zeal; in destroying the undead and praising the mother of the Loa'chil Waena in her prior ardor. Loa’chil expresses their acceptance and willingness of death by adorning a war paint. These war paints are typically light gray and symbolize the Loa’chil’s devotion to their values and integrity. 

 

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Remnant culture

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Far and few know that Loa'chil are the most recent departures from Magara'lin. Their tribal demeanor and characteristics are rooted within the culture of the Maehr, known as the remnants. Leaving Magara’lin after Velulaei's demise was not unanimous. The Loa'chil were among those clans that remained until an expedition of Mali'ker shamans arrived. After a party of Loa'chil led by one known as Orion, the Loa'chil exited from Magara’lin, carrying the newly formed tradition. 

 

The remnants were isolationists who roamed the dangerous caverns in small migrating packs. The Loa'chil did the same despite all paths leading to their deep marshland-like homes. Those of the deep caverns forgot the seasons. The depths were forever humid, and resources scarce. Hunting any creature to extinction would prove dire for not just the Loa'chil clan but the entirety of the cavernous domains to survive. To avoid extinguishing valuable chiton and resources, Loa'chil would often travel from place to place to gather various crops, mainly harvesting mushrooms and hunting lurkers for all materials the creature would provide. Loa’chil rarely settled and never found themselves attached to any particular lands. Instead, their strength drew ire, love, and tribute as they went through Magara’lin.  Even after he passed, Waenia’s sons, daughters, and followers mastered this lifestyle far before the lavish lords of the upper levels. 

 

The chaos in Magara’lin was grounds for a challenge for all who remained. Only the most skilled who mastered the terrain found themselves thriving. Amongst those were the Loa’chil – hardly phased by the landscape's precarious state.  Following the simple laws of the modern Magara’lin, survival of the fittest, the path of the Lunar Wells, glimmers of Luara’s divine light within the eternal darkness laid throughout Magara’lin, inadvertently enforcing the balance of resources within the land depths.

 

 

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Spirits

 

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Loa'chil are traditionally spiritualist. However, they emphasize the collection of spirits relevant to the themes of survival. While the Loa'chil praise Luara as all good Mali’ker do, they have their own more minor pantheon of which they share their distinctive beliefs and interpretations.

 

 

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Taluhny aeth lynaarva  (House of Serenity)

(Loa'chil depiction of Akezo)

 

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Akezo- The great winged serpent is an icon of the Loa'chil. The Spirit of healing and vitality has a dual purpose and significance within the eyes of the Loa'chil. Waenia's return was lost, and the wounds endured no longer allowed the former brigand to live on and mature. Akezo is fundamentally the Spirit of healing; in the Loa'chil's eyes, they are the heart of survival in one's vitality.

 

Kor- Death is inevitable for all, and survival is denying death. As such, the Loa'chil's veneration of Kor is one of service. Undead or anything that the Loa'chil consider an offense to their final destination is often hunted by the clan. The clan also believes each of its achievements throughout its lifespan to make themselves more valuable of a soul to Kor upon their inevitable end, enabling themselves as a proper final offering.  

 

Jevex- Hard work and self-sacrifice for the pack is something the Loa'chil must take to heart. Laziness is frowned upon, and self sacrifice is a righteous act favorable in the eyes of the pack and any other spirit worthy of praise. 

 

Dazkur- Protection and loyalty should go without explanation; clan Loa'chil acts like a pact for those worthy of such or those who can bolster the clan's stride. Dazker is a standard that extends to the clan and those under their protection. 

 

Votar- Loa'chil are known as the wild clan. As such, the Spirit of the hunt is given as a subject of adoration. However, beyond the simple act of hunting, the philosophy behind Votar is pragmatic, at best, the natural order of survival of the fittest. 

 

Laklul-  Is A  patron of their old home and favored swamps. More recently, the Loa'chil have paid more homage to the great Frog for its significance in their ancestral homeland.

 

Sigurzurz-  Is a  celebrated lesser of Leyd appearing as a bison naturally embodying endurance. Sigurzurz is a great bison man of untold resilience. To a Loa'chil, having the will to endure and resolve to succeed is the purest form of strength. 

 

Vulka- The lady of war is one beloved by the Loa'chil. Wisdom in battle is as essential to a warrior as raw power, as a wise warrior can overcome any climb, any greater struggle, as Vulka embodies the mind of a true warrior. Vulka to the Loa’chil is often portrayed as a Ker warrior holding both a spear and shield.

 

Kaas- Despite being a lesser of Vulka, they hold the respect of the Loa'chil; subtlety is a means of peace and not to be mistaken with cowardice. Waenia prayed to the python Kaas to conceal herself during the civil war in Mangralin, cleansing her deep jungles through the use of the terrain. To hide oneself is a means of rest and security.

 

 

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Taluhny aeth trukretzh (House of Troubles)

 

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Weania was one of many demons; they were violent upon meeting with Velulaei yet grew calmer upon the beginning of their new life within Magara’lin. The various shamans looked upon most of her studies with fear, often leading to her being referred to as a Witch. Through Waenia's studies, she discovered her view of the spirits. 

 

"They are as they are; some deserve praise, others respect, a few scorned."

 

The concept of the House of Trouble is one of necessity for the Loa’chil. While other Mali complains about the world's limitations, be it hunger and despair, the Loa’chil acknowledge these struggles as factors that drive life. To leave one on their feet, challenge, and give purpose to life are all values and tenets that hold true.  While considered harmful, these spirits are held with respect by the Loa'chil, not worshiped.

 

Kinul- Disease, Pestilence, and failure are the foulest of all tastes. The disease is a test of will, and the foul taste of failure brings one to life to pressure them to become their best. Kinul, unlike the others, is also seen as a foe yet one to be respected in eternal war with Akezo at all times. 

 

Enrohk- The lady of blood lust and savagery. They are what the Loa'chil believe to be a baser nature of all things savage, wild through order; any being may be able to become orderly. First, however, one must reflect on their baser nature in troubled times.

 

Krathol- Hunger, pain, and despair are all things that drive one to move. Hunger causes one to move, appreciate food, and inspire challenges. Avoiding pain is the greatest motivation of all who wish to achieve greatness, protect themselves, or allow safety within their ranks.

 

Veist- Illusion and Tricks are regularly used to sharpen one's wit perception and wisdom. The wise are those who strive, and experiences bring forth insight; overcoming tricks is an experience and path toward such to empower one for their future struggles. 

 

Ogrol- Despair, sapped strength, and entrapment are Ogrols spheres for the Loa'chil. He is a reminder of what it is to be weak, a lesson to cherish one's strength. 

 

 

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Rites of Passage

 

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While the days of Waenia are gone, the Loa’chil praise Akezo in what they refer to as the Python’s Path.  A common theme of the Loa'chils trials revolves around proving endurance and resolve within lands that breed strength.  

 

Offering to Waenia- Most ancestors are open about what offer is granted. However, Waenia often prefers spoils of the hunt, typically those of more incredible difficulty. After receiving an offering, Waenia's test proceeds as the Mali’ker are tasked within the ancestral realm to seek her out within her ancient proving grounds. 

 

Honor Seeking- Loa'chil often seeks out means to find an identity for themselves and a combative challenge. Should they not be within their lands, a Loa'chil may follow a vague quest to perform a service to slay something to aid a city, be it offering a mercenary service or challenging a powerful foe. (This trial, however, cannot be acted upon should it go against the interest of the Clan Lord, typically that of the appeal of Nor'asath and the Maehr)

 

The Proving Grounds- In ancient times, the Loa'chil belonged to the proving grounds of Mangra’lin. These lands were deep jungles with glistening lakes, towering and stout mushrooms, and the roaming presence of beasts. Walking within such a territory is for one to walk with Death. New Loa'chil are instructed how to survive, though they are forged within the Proving Grounds. Proving Grounds are often prayed upon and blessed before usage, whether real deep wilds or alternative means. 

 

Serpents Kiss- As something of a baptism for members and Blood related Loa’chil reaching their teens one of the many serpents is utilized in a ritual to bite and inject venom into the host. After a few prayers and moments of undergoing the snake venom, the host is immediately treated, thus earning their first scale and made into a Loa’chil 

 

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Marriage Customs

 

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Proposals typically begin in a simple exchange of words between both individuals, akin to other traditional marriages. A simple proposal between lovers rarely, however, do the Loa’chil bother with arranged marriages, often seeing no benefit to such. 

 

Pre-marriage involves several encounters between both sides of the family. First, there is an exchange of culture, understanding, and gift-giving, and the two who are to be wed must exchange three gifts before marriage.

 

To begin the tradition of gift giving, a gemstone that matches each individual's customary eye color is gifted to each partner; for a Loa'chil, they would provide jewelry with malachite origins, whereas another may be made with amethyst to represent the other eye color.

Secondly are trophy exchanges. Loa'chil creates bonds through collective might. Both parties will exchange a trophy of a great foe to affirm that bond in strength. This may vary.

 

Lastly is the bonding totem. When families join the Loa'chil, the family members of those to be wed will carve or forge a unique two-headed, two-faced totem to represent both families in an image representing their ancestors and a favored spirit. The totem appears during the wedding ceremony and remains within the newlyweds' home. 

 

Finally, after these exchanges, a ceremony is planned between both parties, traditionally at night under Luara's gaze. A torch-lit procession leads the ceremony. The bride is carried to the proper location by the selected carrier and said individual is one with much trust held by the clan due to the somewhat taboo nature of ferrying another partner. 

 

After the bride is carried to the ceremony, there is a wild affair followed by a rite under Luara and a blessing granted to both to celebrate their bond. Finally, the bride and groom both have their capes tied together as one under the sight of their bonding totem ending with a simple kiss.

At the chosen location, a grand feast would be held with roaring fires and a wide selection of game meats. Music is a customary must, along with dancing. The afterparty is typically led by the clan with the expectation of extraordinary energy around the fire-lit festival grounds ending the joyous occasion in exhaustion before the couple takes the totem together to their home. 

 

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Clan Laws & Code of Conduct

 

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On Magic

Loa'chil refuses anything that may prove defiant of a spirit's wishes or that which may diminish their vitality; Void Magicks, Necromancy, Mysticism, or anything regarding the Undead, is met with disdain. Should Loa'chil harbor Voidal Magicks, they will be disconnected or exiled from the clan.

They will be exterminated if Loa'chil holds abhorrent Dark Magicks that insult Kor. 

 

On Conflict

Disagreements between clan members are often judged upon merit. Trials between clan members are up to the clan leader; these can vary based on the degree of the conflict. Should it be over an object or a hide, other hunters can testify who struck the killing blow, or each can simply duel one another in unarmed combat if the matter requires a more substantial resolution. 

 

Honorable Roles

 

Clan Lord- This individual is the head of the clan and remains as such until they step down or are challenged for said title. It is not an inherited title but one earned through the Loa'chil's meritorious values though it is often given to a blood family member. An individual can challenge this title by proving their usefulness, making a case for why and having the support of the rest of the clan.

 

Vulyza- A role was given to the partner of the Clan lord. However, this remains a flexible role as a caregiver to the clan or anything the partner desires.

 

Taul Aegur- This is a title given to one individual with the talent to cut the hunts, preserve the trophies, cook, and cater to the clan with remarkable skill. This culinary knowledge is passed down from several generations of Loa'chil chefs. The Cook Master, in particular, is trusted with the ancient understanding of Magra’lin cooking and recipes of yore. 

 

lyeotAegur- A role given to the Veteran warriors of the clan, acting as both a champion and trainer to the new members, often guiding the newcomers. Generally, they assume the mentor role, sending Loa'chil on great journeys worthy of stories. 

 

 

Should anyone wish to join the clan or may be interested in a character, DM ColonelKuehl#6302

 

               

Edited June 6, 2023 by ColonelKuehl1

[CorweenieTheJedi 892]

An old 'ker read through the tome, and a smile formed across his scarred face.

 

"A clan that truly understands the meaning of honour and duty" the Valin'dar elder said to no-one in particular.

 

"May the ancients guide them well through this harsh world"