Kiiztria

Aden stood over his makeshift war table, peering over the handmade map and wooden figurines - he was plotting. Pieces upon pieces moved about this board - a game he was regularly found playing with his ‘other half,’ that fateful Carrion Prince. A forceful bond brought about by broken shackles. “Everything will come together. The Drakaakrin march with us, the prophecy continues to bleed truth.” Why did he even trudge down this path? For power? For Glory? Everything was a foggy and distant memory for those entangled souls; To not remember what it was like to be someone who cared about his morality or mortality. They were trivial scales in a world wrought with corruption that didn’t dare ask for either of their guidance. A shame, truly, and yet the Kingdoms are only inspired to be righteous when they believe our legions are at fault. “How exciting. The eternal war has begun,” called that spittle-ridden, gurgling voice as that eye upon the blade glared at Aden. The siege of Karosgrad, the death of the People’s Queen, and the corrupting of the masses. What else could I possibly take credit for and what more will come? There will be mountains of bodies and oceans of blood - all pawns in my ever-evolving vision of the perfect Empire. “Ready the nobility and call the legions.” Fire begets fire. Your eternity soon comes.

Cruelty, but it will always be her fate. The farfolk heard the tears of that familiar elf spatter onto the floor of that quiet home as he worked on a set of jewels after the evening’s events with that one he ‘fondly’ knew as Laelia. “You knew it would come to this, dearest. You waste your tears,” he called out to her as he seemed unbothered by the woman’s state. “I know. I just wish things could be different,” she responded as her wounds were tended to. “And yet they are ever the same. Those who cross my path are intertwined with my fate. She will be in the Hells among my legions as I foretold her.” And yet, despite these cold words, there was a certain tinge of forgiveness in his heart for Laelia, the Betrayer. Perhaps, in this form, she could be around forever with her true family - us wretched followers of the Black Faith.

FOR HONOR, FOR THE CREED, FOR THE MOON TABLE OF CONTENTS Origin Beliefs Culture Structure Weapons Attire Faith ☽ ORIGIN ☾ Dark elves have always been a ragtag group of individuals- never truly belonging even in their own nation states. Even now our race remains divided upon their religious beliefs and their cultural practices. We are no different. The Tudorix believe in serving a purpose in life- namely that of the protection of elvenkind through martial prowess, dedication, and servitude toward our reunification. With the calling of Prince Galahad Ilumrin, we finally have our purpose called upon: to live, breathe, and die for our kin to be united under one banner. We have heed the call and will continue to abide by our oaths to our kin until death finally claims our soul. For Honor, For the Creed, For the Moon. ☽ BELIEFS ☾ Honor Honor is the most important facet of Caurosian society. Without one’s honor, they are worthless, and if they are worthless then they are not one of us. Honor comes in many forms and requires one to remain true to their given word- whether that be on paper or in verbal agreement, honor is showing up to fight for your kin if you are able bodied, and honor is abiding by the laws that have been established by those who have granted us sanctuary. One’s honor can be challenged by any of those of Caurost if they truly believe they have disgraced the belief. If the allegations are made, with or without dignification, the accused may challenge the accuser to a public duel where the conditions of victory are decided between the two parties in front of either the High Prince or the Archon of Tudorix. The Creed The Creed is taken by all of those who are either born into this life or those who wish to identify with it. Upon their 50th year of life or their initiation, they are to swear a recited oath by memory to the High Prince and the Archon to affirm their loyalty. After the reciting, their palms will be cut by the blade of the Archon to affirm their blood oath - the same blade that all of [name] had been cut on before. “I, [name], kneel before you to swear my service to you and this state. By my blood, I will protect our kin until I bleed no more. By my honor, I will remain loyal to my kin and this sanctuary otherwise my head hangs from your gallows. By my sword, I will be your tool to guide and preserve Elven Unity for without it, we will fall. For Honor, for the Creed, and for the Moon.” It is something that all need to identify with and uphold lest they wish to be listed as a Creedbreaker. Even those who have been denoted as Creedbreakers are not outcast from the Sanctuary of Elves, but will no longer be able to bear the armor or the ranks that come with being in the Vanguard. The Moon The Moon is the most common thing amongst all sects of Dark Elves. She is a representation of the first Maehr as it was Her honor and creed that broke us free from our own clawing madness. Rituals, ceremonies, and iconography within our sect will always be within Her view- the Moon. ☽ CULTURE ☾ Those of House Tudorix have truly and fully assimilated to that of Caurosian beliefs and dogma. Such is the way of a warrior focused family inside a state founded by like-minded individuals. There is a lot of overlap between the familial beliefs and Caurosian Creeds - this is a primary reason why Tudorix claimed home under the High Prince. CAUROSIAN CREEDS Defense of the Home A home is a gift and a privilege. If it is threatened, all must take up arms to protect it in whatever way they can. Rejection of Apathy Those who sink into an apathetic and sluggish state of mind contribute nothing to their family and culture. One must always reject the temptation of stagnation. Rejection of Cowardice One must face all threats and challenges with bravery. To run away is to reject the opportunity for success, against all Caurosian values. Discipline of the Mind The mind carries one’s full potential, the beginning and end of all things. One is expected to hone it, harnessing their emotions and ambitions into tangible productivity. The Quest for Self-Improvement No single person can achieve perfection, but they must ever strive for it, lest they grow content with mediocrity. ☽ STRUCTURE ☾ Regardless of the standing structure of Tudorix, they will still respect their superiors and commands of their standing officers within the High Prince’s Military. All of those who are Honorbound are obligated to lend blood and blade to the Crown Prince and their endeavors for elven betterment. That being said, dark elves have their own identification amongst their fellow kin to ensure further order. Archon The Archon is the head of House. They are the embodiment of the oaths taken and the honor they continuously uphold. Their duties include ensuring that their Honorbound remain loyal to the Crown Prince as well as their kin. An Archon is a lifelong position held until either their passing or ‘retirement’ in which the Creedkeepers determine amongst themselves who is the next rightful Archon. Creedkeepers The Creedkeepers are a group of elite warriors tasked with ensuring the day-to-day operations of the military if the Archon is either occupied or indisposed. They are used to relay or settle any squabbles within the ranks and ensure the maintenance and well-being of their kin. Honorbound The Honorbound are those who have taken their oath and continue to abide by it. Seeking to ascend the ranks to eventual Creedkeepers. Honorbound are able to sponsor initiates in order for them to eventually join their ranks as fellow warriors. Initiates Initiates are those who are too young to have taken the oath or outsiders who wish to eventually claim the oath. They offer their sword until they are recognized ☽ WEAPONS ☾ Viewed akin to an artist’s paintbrush or a smith’s hammer, a weapon in the hands of any mali’ker is seen as a mere tool for warfare. Yet, one’s choice of weaponry or manner of fighting is as sacred as any other practice followed by the Tudorix. All maehr are encouraged to choose how they fight, whether it be blade, sorcery or otherwise. Pride and honor are found in the art of one’s methods, so long as they are dedicated to fighting for the creeds and beliefs they uphold. Favored amongst the mali’ker of Caurost, are brutal and destructive means of warfare, meant to bring fear to one’s enemies and awe to one’s people. This is typically displayed with serrated blades, spiked cudgels, alchemically-treated arrows, or elemental magics. ☽ ATTIRE ☾ Those of Tudorix typically have two different types of attire that they wear amongst themselves. That being that of ceremonial or combative garb. These, of course, can be interchanged at times when more relaxed environments are present. However, every member of the family will always have at least two variations of attire. Ceremonial This is the garb typically worn by those in positions of government, but also whenever the family is invited to events outside Caurost where the host’s militia will be offering protection. These all coming in a variety of colors ranging from dull blues to vibrant oranges - it is all about displaying who they are as a person and what one might expect when interacting with them. Combative This garb varies from every person within the family and their preference for fighting style. Those who lean toward the elements may wear casual robes, others might adorn full plate armor, and others might have more loose clothing to allow more free movement. At the end of the day, it comes down to the practicality and their combat style. ☽ FAITH ☾ Rooted in the vastly differing traditions of those before, the honorable maehr show great reverence to the Mother Moon itself, attributing it to various concepts or personifying it through figures like the first maehr Velulaei or the spirit of the moon Luara. Its origin in their salvation sticks within the hearts of the Maehr’uhier, a broad belief and faith that will never be forgotten even between different clans and houses. More commonly to those outside of priesthood, the Tudorix view their fallen ancestors and figures of legend as people to emulate and show utmost respect. Rather than viewing themselves one and the same as the orcish spirits, they see their deceased heroes and loved ones as something divorced entirely from spiritual practice. While the religious practices of those in the Ilmurin Vanguard are accepting of those with shamanistic backgrounds, to call their ancestors and themselves the same as uruk-kind is something the people oppose. Other honorbound maehr who are scattered across the world are more friendly to the idea of a connection between their spirits and orcish ones. Shrines to both folk heroes and the Moon are often found publicly in city streets, while those most important to a clan or house are found within households. Offerings are left at these altars, many of which are burnt so that the departed (which are most likely cremated) may make use of them in the realm after. There is a particular emphasis put on the ancestor Malin within the lands of the Vanguard, for it is he who sent his daughter across uncharted seas in search of wisdom, leading to the maehr becoming the knowledgeable souls they are today.

Issued by Lady Marywen Tudorix, Equitor & Keeper of Coin of the Ivory Crown 16th of The Deep Cold, 202 S.A. After receiving numerous suggestions and fervent wishes from the populace, the Princedom of Caurost is pleased to announce the establishment of the Eldercoin Market Hall. Here, visitors may select from a variety of goods, including but not limited to: horse whistles, alchemical goods, drawn portraits, and more. If you’re interested in purchasing a stall, please contact Lady Marywen Tudorix ((@ Kiiztria on discord or Unwittingly in-game)) Marywen Tudorix Lady Equitor & Keeper of Coin of the Ivory Crown

An elfess sat within the tavern in Caurost as the Swiv bards meandered in to sing the tune, "I think the Khan should be invited to sing at our once a year tournament. Thoughts?" @ivery

"Let us hope her flame does not burn the wick too quickly, Galahad. Otherwise perhaps she, like Veluc and I, will restore some bastion of hope for a people so lost." She commented as she absently polished her dulling blade.

In the dark recesses of a home unknown sat that farfolk and his cat-like snake reading the letter that was slipped beneath his door. The only thing that seemed to illuminate the room was that nearby fire and the burning end of that cigarette… and yet that ever chain smoking man had stopped to ponder his feelings. “Unsurprised, but disappointed,” he stated toward that striith that had coiled around his neck, “Her potential is gone and it leaves an emptiness that needs filled. Ambition unseen in centuries.” There was a quietness that filled the room as he finally took another drag from that cigarette. Perhaps it was his poor attempt at mourning what was lost… it was not her, but everything she represented. She was a part of his own Eternal War and despite everything that is what he truly cared about from her. “In the end, she still blamed me for her decisions, but everything after being blessed was of her own design,” He exclaimed as he tossed the missive within the flames of his hearth - perhaps if the letter no longer existed, neither did her fate. “And yet still, her place will always be beneath my boot. See you in Hell.”

Marywen's own gaze read idly over the missive, that stern expression never fading even at the cessation of the war. Though as those words rang in her ears, that paper was folded and left back on that oaken table. "We are opportunistic, Galahad," her words firm. "The names of those spilled in this forest may be forgotten, but their contribution will be remembered. This vision seems to finally be bearing fruit."

A zar’akal ponders the scene with an abundantly crooked cheshire grin forever plastered upon its hideous visage. He stood there letting out only a series of gargled clicks and rattles from its throat before it trudged off elsewhere It was a bold thing to attack someone deemed as a pillar and to bring their head back to the doorstep, but to sign their names upon the missive was a death sentence. A rebellion had been sparked. No, war. How would the Prophet and his Pillars respond to such an egregious attack? How far did the pair’s reach truly go? Questions raced through the ever-plagued entity’s mind. A reminder. “That note, yes. What of that note? What were we meant to do… A letter. Yes. Perhaps we will finally write.” And with that the Prince of Carrion would begin his letter - a response to the once ‘friend,’ Cordelia.

DISCUSSION OVER DRINK 14th of The Deep Cold, Year 136 of the Second Age To the Blessed Citizenry of Haelun’or and allies of the Blessed Silver State, The Eternal Library has long stood as the heart of elcihi’thilln; within this ancient Bastion, we pursue progress through the cultivation and maintenance of knowledge. As times change, so, too, do the ways in which our citizenry engages in the endless pursuit of scholarship. A fervor for debate has arisen in recent days; the large attendance at the Public Forums, held some time over a decade ago, serves as proof for this returning trend. To quote the words of dedicated scholar, councillor, and servant of elcihi, Lleinde Tillun’sae, debate has always been the language of Mali'thill. The Public Forums are a space for the discussion of serious topics, but we occasionally desire to debate more lighthearted subjects. It has been long since we have had a proper debate, but in light of recent discussions about the suppression vs. regulation of emotions within elcihi’thilln, the time has come for us to clear the clouds from our memory. For this reason, the Eternal Library and the Tavern shall partner to host a night of merriment and blithe conversation. All citizenry are invited to the event – all are encouraged to contribute to elcihi’thilln’s endless pursuit of progress through discussion over drink. Maehr’sae hiylun’ehya. EVENT DETAILS DEBATE TOPICS -Red wine vs. White wine -Purity of red hair -General space to broach the topic of what is pure and impure PRIZES FOR MOST ELOQUENT - Custom Made Wine developed by Visaj Reserves - Clothing Voucher (Custom Made) - "Elven Etiquette", "The M&H2," and "The M&H 3" by Lucion Sullas + "Analysis M&H” by Lelien Lazul - Enchanted ‘Megaphone’ provided by the Bardic College Signed, Mediir’indor Azaerin Visaj Okarir’maehr Celestia Astramaris OOC Information: Location: The Tavern When: Saturday, July 15th @ 3PM EST

@oliviaaahr $100

Skin: 3 Bid: $20 IGN: Beelligerent Discord: You already have it

Rent Free