Geo

43 minutes ago, NordicG-d said:

well im currently banned and awaiting trial. ive been missing rp so much that today myself and @DPM roleplayed on teamspeak. i roleplayed as one of his many mistresses and it was very fun.

Ahahaha holy ****

I enjoyed the roleplay of Eath'Lur seemingly helping out new and unguided players at the Cloud Temple today.

np

A damp, murky scroll lays pinned near the notice in the Elven Lands. 

"Naruntah of Old Renatus." Is written in shakily scrawled text.

8 hours ago, Wrynntastic. said:

Since when did memes turn into; loosing all of your grammar and dis-joining your sentences?

 

You've obviously yet to brave like, most of the internet.

I confirm the creation of Coltaine Wick into a Lich.

Treshure I don't even remember you being GM is that bad?  I mean that in the most neutral way possible.

basically accepted mate

Couldn't handle my potions

Wtf I don't deserve no bullyin /s /s /s

Which GM applicants do you think would make good trials, currently?

Thanks a bunch for doing a swell job.

I am disappointed in you.

Ace.

The Herald Chrodraeos receives word of the proposal, scoffing as he reads the words.  "This man is he who leads a people so supposedly progressive?  I refuse to believe he so ignorantly meshes the prospects of Xionist ideals with the terrorism of these New Order massacres.  I shall hope the ways of the old lords keep our innocent and devout shrouded during this unjust manhunt.  Perhaps I must call upon a few rusty blades to snuff out this New Order's flame completely."

What a bloody champion.

*A formal writ with the symbols of the four different sects of Xion (The Sagacious Willow, The Black Sun, The Broken Sword, and The Shadowed Flame) is dispatched to the heads of many orders throughout the realm, most notably the Druids of the Aspects, Paladins of Xan, Clerics of Tahariae, Ascended of Aerial, Augurs of Yeu Rthulu and any other that would benefit from seeing it.*

To all denizens of the realm of who it may concern the following statement is an official edict from the Council of the Heralds of Xion.  Terrible news has made its way to us of a faction that calls itself the First Order terrorizing the realm and killing the innocent, as well as unleashing a Voidal Horror upon the Druid Oasis and trying to assassinate Herun of the Paladins of Xan.  This First Order, lead by a figure who calls himself The Lord of Torment who has committed these atrocities and claims their actions in the name of Xion.  We, The Council of Heralds of Xion do not recognize The First Order or The Lord of Torment as representatives of Xionist ideals and wish to put an end to their destruction swiftly and just, as we are sure you also do. 

Xionism is an ideology, a series of systems of beliefs that any may choose to follow.  It is not an order, or any one group but a way of living and believing.  Just as Canonism is not outlawed for the atrocities of the White Rose, the devout who follow the good book of Xion do not wish to have their ideologies stained by the greed and sin of others, such as The First Order.  The Council of Heralds implores ye of this realm, assist us in finding and detaining the Lord of Torment, Dralazar.  It is important to ensure his capture and deliver him to the Clerics of Tahariae so he may receive judgement.  Any others who are proven to be a member of The First Order should also be captured.

Written by Herald Chrodraeos

Signed, The Heralds of Xion

Vapor Apex, Kozilek, Arim, Chrodraeos.

1 minute ago, Adam_barnett said:

I for one look forward to this new culture, but what will happen to current priests. I don't believe its specified as to what happens to them or what their role is now, if there will be another topic that this is included in then ignore this.

Priests will function more or less how they were always intended to, to heal the wounded, to guide the lost and overall act as figures who spread faith and good will.  Religion is always something of importance, and the current priests should hopefully form into a tight-knit and helpful order.   I will also be doing a magic re-write of Muun'Trivazja in the near future, so stay tuned.

OOC disclaimer. 

Re-posting because I originally meant to leave the threads unlocked to gauge community feedback and hear out criticism and advice.

Re-posting because I originally meant to leave the thread unlocked to gauge community feedback and hear out criticism and advice.

This is the beginning of the Kharajyr turning over a new leaf.  In the past they were represented as large bestial tribal hunters and fearsome predators, I believe sometimes it was hard to make Kharajyr culture seem much different from Orcish culture in some ways.  To remedy this we plan to bring about a change in cultural beliefs amongst the Kharajyr in hopes that we attract can attract new life to the scene and provide their characters with longevity and interesting roleplay.

The fantasy and theme we are trying to live up to here is based very heavily off of the book The Art of Peace by Morihei Ueshiba (A must read) and is centralized around the idea of being a very wise and peace loving culture that is shrouded in some degree of mystery.  Our doors are open to Kharajyr and otherwise to come and roleplay with us as we put the past behind us and bury old habits such as our aztec styled blood sacrifices.  The Kharajyr are going to be exercising their love of cooking and eating and hosting festivals for everyone to attend.  Kept civil by the watchful eye of Xerdali Peacekeepers, our goal is to make ourselves as accessible as possible.  The home of the Kharajyr will be known as a sanctuary of wisdom, cheer and honor.  

More posts following this will appear shortly over the next week or so.

The Way of Bayla

The Art of Cana’hedo

The newfound culture of the Kharajyr very much revolves around something known as the Way of Bayla.  The Way of Bayla is a path with ancient roots stemming from the darkest times in our past when the Kharajyr did not have the knowledge or blessing of any deity.  Throughout evolution Kharajyr who have found themselves excluded from the main tribes have found themselves walking the path of Bayla to fight against sinful, primal urges.  These few deviants were looked up to and revered for their close connection to the world around them, and their wise and caring natures, being named Seers by the common populace.  Whilst the Way of Bayla is a path shrouded by mystery, it is a path intended to be taken on by any and all who strive for enlightenment.  

In Ancient Va’Khajrian Bayla means ‘Peace’, and Cana’hedo means ‘Serenity’.  These two words perfectly represent the goals of the Way of Bayla.  To achieve true enlightenment it is believed one must never stray from the path of Bayla, and that by truly living its values may bind the spirit of Bayla to one’s soul and allow them to ascend to the stars in the afterlife.  To enter into the gauntlet of Bayla and achieve Cana’hedo requires that one must dedicate their all, and wash away their sins of the past.   You must learn the Art of Cana’hedo, and live it.

What are the core values of Cana’hedo?

Loving all things.

It is love: to love yourself and the world around you, to love your creator and mother and child and spouse, the grass and the trees and the sky and the waves.  To love and appreciate this entire world and every living thing upon it, and understand that all of it is your home and all of its inhabitants are your friends, that is Cana’hedo.  It is to see the fallen and pray for them, to see the wounded and aid them, to see the sick and cure them.  To see the frail of mind and console them or to guide he who has little faith and ensure him everything will be alright, that is Cana’hedo.  

Helping the lost.

The love and care towards others brings the entire world that much closer together, and should that bond continue unbroken you will stand immune to even the greatest darkness.  Where joy thrives, however, there will always be the poor unfortunate souls of the world who wish misfortune and harm upon others, and it is always important to reach out to bring these individuals - so clouded in their own troubles - back into the light.  There as some truly blinded to the way of things, and will grow angry at your attempts to help them.  Do not relent, and you will deliver them from self destruction.  

Keeping the peace.

Then there are those who are violent and would seek to harm you or the ones you love, do not let them.  Do not be fooled, for the word Peace does not mean passive, and it is of paramount importance that the peace is kept as much as possible, and that injuries are prevented.  When someone hails sorcery or arrows upon you, raise up a shieldwall and protect your home from punctures and scorching.  When someone comes at you with a sharp blade, pick up something dense and blunt and knock them out.  If the opportunity presents itself, disarm them and restrain them.  Your objective is to strike them with a non-lethal force, and to ensure those around you are safe from harm.  

Respecting the body.

As much as you must care for others, you must also look after yourself.  Your own body is sacred, beautiful and natural, and he well rested and fed shall have the fortitude to weather any storm.  The body is the vessel that guards the soul, and thus he who does not eat nor look after himself will be considered astray from the path.  So eat, feed yourself and feed those around you, feed until you cannot no longer but do not display greed when others show need.  He who hoists a weight of grandeur is one who has proven their dedication to the body.  The purpose of mortality is to grow and evolve, physically, mentally and emotionally and he who would hinder this is true of sin.  Do not disfigure one another, and do not look down upon the disfigured, for their suffering at the hands of a soul who is lost is suffering enough.  Instead look down upon he who would disfigure another, or he who has disfigured himself, for they are lost and do respect the body.  

Revering the mind.

Argued by some as your entire or at the very least prime existence, revering the mind is fundamental to achieving Cana’hedo.  Contributing to the growth of your mind can range anywhere from expanding your pool of knowledge through lengthy study to nurturing your mind, allowing it the ease that rest provides.  So look to broaden your horizon:  travel the world, the land and the seas, like every moment may be your last; for when you are admitted to the stars that will be an opportunity missed.  Share your tales with friend and foe, educate and entertain.  Make them laugh, make them think, allow them to appreciate the lore of the world.  Better yet show them, show them the waves crashing against the rocks, the wolves that hunt the doe, or the ticking clockwork of a cutting edge invention.  To revere the mind is to help it grow continuously, and to open your deep wealth of knowledge for all to learn from.  He who is wise walks the path of Bayla.

Worshipping the great.

The past, present and future are all forged by sinner and apostle alike, yet to commemorate the sins of the weak is to further perpetuate and verify their deeds and that is a sin in itself.  Only through the remembrance of the greatest figures to ever contribute to the progression and caretaking of our world will we open up avenues for similar epics.  It is said that he who follows the path will ascend in the afterlife to join the stars, but it is he who has acted as a pillar of his virtues that will shine at the forefront.  Like the Goddess Metztli and her divine heralds, these bright stars and any who follows the path of Bayla true will be loved as they too were divine.  So adhere to history, embody bravery and valor, wake with honor and wisdom, and settle only for peace.  

You are the key to the gates of enlightenment, turn from past deeds and achieve serenity.

The Origins of the Way of Bayla.

During the Kharajyr’s stay in Athera the Kharajyr had mellowed from their savagery in Anthos.  No longer did they prey on the descendants or seek to participate in war and violence, but instead remained open and welcoming to the world on the island of Ohlokar, just off of the road to the Cloud Temple.  Many took this opportunity to befriend the Kharajyr and their people, and learn more about their culture and religion and some sought to use this vulnerability to harm them.  However the most pain would come from within their own people.

The Main group of Kharajyr, the remnants of the great Empire of old wore their nation’s name like a banner, proud and raised high.  The Kharajyr of Karakatua were nothing compared to the greatness of the past, but they were alive and they were living.  Unbeknownst to them another group of Kharajyr, a splinter group of considerable size had been living under the shadows of Felandria, hunting and preying on any who would be foolish enough to traverse the forest.  This group of Kharajyr, known as the Va’Kha (named, too after their beloved nation) revealed themselves to the Kharajyr of Karakatua.

The Va’Kha were once a band of great hunter Prides from Karakatua: The Hraji, Zashar, and Anaras Prides.  Most of the Kharajyr within their hunting pack were trained from the day they could hold a spear or draw a bowstring to stalk and kill game.  Due to this the Va’Kha held savagery close to their hearts and were as ruthless as the Dra’Metza during the rule of Xerdun’s father.  They were no different to any other Kharajyr, they were loyal to their friends and families, and they worshipped the Tlatlanni but they had not prepared to share a world with the Descendants.  Upon the Tlatlanni Tiazar gave up, Karakatua began to collapse.  It is no news that this caused the first exodus of the Kharajyr, and many began to flee Va’Khajra as they thought the arrival of the descendants meant the beginning of the end of the world.  Thus they either became Ape’Kha or left Asulon, to sail to foreign lands.

It is not known if the Va’Kha ever made it to Anthos or went someplace else entirely, however it is expected that they at one point in time did visit Anthos or perhaps found a different way to cross the verge into Athera.  Whilst they did not have a city to call their own, the Va’Kha seemed far more comfortable and happy than the Kharajyr of Karakatua, implying they had been there a while.  As the Va’Kha had fled after the fall of the Blood Emperor Tiazar, they had no knowledge of who the current Tlatlanni may be as no Tlatlanni had ever appeared within their own people.  Tiazar’s heir did flee with them however, a white-furred Tigrasi named Rokhan.  They looked to him as a leader until one day he lost his white fur, and ever since looked to him as a seer, a morale compass and someone who knew the way of things.

When the two groups they did not hit it off.  Karakatua was in a panic after the death of the Tlatlanni Morthawl, the only Tlatlanni to have carried his people across realms so many times.  Morthawl’s younger and more timid daughter Vyallu soon stepped up to lead her people as the next Tlatlanni.  This is the point where the two groups met and clashed, and the Kharajyr of Karakatua were concerned to see so many Kharajyr turning up that they had never heard of before.  They began to question all manner of things religion, culture, their existence.  The Va’Kha approached Karakatua with a built in respect before first impressions had even been given, as it was their duty to worship the Tlatlanni and because there was one Kharajyr there that the Va’Kha elders did recognise.  Sage Natayshi is the oldest living Kharajyr at this point in time, and the mother of the Tlatlanni Xerdun.

The Va’Kha revered the Sage Natayshi, however the Kharajyr of Karakatua did not like the Va’Kha very much.  Many saw them as uncivilised, savages and killers despite those very same attributes being the roots of their own society.  The Va’Kha did also not like how the Kharajyr of Karakatua were living, as they saw the flying aengudaemonic fortress; the Ordium to be unnatural and against the way of things.  The two groups grew distant, with the Va’Kha remaining in Felandria.  Any Kharajyr who agreed with the lifestyle of the Va’Kha would go to join them.  The void between the two groups grew wider and the Va’Kha continued to hunt as normal.  Karakatua did not give up however, they kept their eye on the predatorial group, watching everything they did.

During one of their hunts, the Va’Kha stumbled across some druids and thought that they were easy prey.  Karakatua was allied with the druidic order as of recent, and stepped out from behind the trees they’d been spying from to command the Va’Kha to cease.  The order came from none other than the Tlatlanni and her Moonblade himself.  The Va’Kha did not recognize the acclaimed authority of these Kharajyr within Felandria, as it was not their home to enforce rules in and thus did not relent, instead killing and maiming these druids and preparing them to be transported back to their camp.  The Tlatlanni and her Moonblade attacked the Va’Kha hunters, and were quickly overwhelmed as, unlike her father Vyallu was no warrior and her Moonblade was outnumbered.  

Whilst only defending themselves, the Va’Kha were looked down at for having harmed the Tlatlanni.  They grew angrier still, and the two groups began to attack each other regularly.  The Sage Natayshi tried to make peace between the two groups but she could not, it was driving her to the point of madness.  Soon, unable to bear the burden of leadership Tlatlanni Vyallu would commit suicide like her father and all the Tlatlanni before her.  Now Metztli was not pleased that her people were killing one another in large amounts and feared for their extinction, so to try and amend the problem she appointed Daro, the leader of the Va’Kha as Tlatlanni.  As he awoke with white fur Tlatlanni Daro’s faith in his goddess was restored fully, and he, too tried to mend the wound caused by this conflict.  The Kharajyr of Karakatua would not listen however.  

With the Ordium destroyed and no Tlatlanni to lead them the Aelkos tried to lead their people to sanctuary, eventually building a quaint home under the plateau of Haelun’Or.   Despite the Va’Kha being proud of their victory against Karakatua, Tlatlanni Daro had fallen into a state of depression.  He could not understand why his Goddess would reunite him with his people only to have them attack him and thrust hate upon his pack.  The seer Rokhan, son of Tiazar set out on a pilgrimage to learn just that, after having seen supposed signs from Metzti, he wandered the pilgrim’s path to try and decipher her messages as seers of the past had.

On his path Rokhan was led by the constellations of the moon, walking indefinitely until he reached the ocean.  In the sky the stars depicted many things, but one stood out above them all - a boat, a small fishing boat.  Rokhan set to work building this boat on his own and after  a day had passed deemed it seaworthy.  Rokhan sailed and sailed, braving the vicious seas in this mere wooden casket he had forged, his faith in the moon carrying him to safety.  After weeks of hunger and nausea the Kharajyr found land, not just any land, but one that would be soon named Vailor.  A small rock, shaped like a headstone jutted out from the sand where he had tied up his vessel and it drew his attention.  There was something written on it, not with chalks, or charcoal, or engravings with with blazing lunar fire.  At first it was blinding, but after growing accustomed to it the Kharajyr read what the message said, a simple word in old Va’Khajrian - ‘Dra’ meaning ‘The’.

Not too far off in the distance Rokhan found similar blue wisps drifting up into the air, the smoke of the divine fire rising into the night sky.  Moving towards it he found another stone with another singular word written upon it.  It soon became clear to him that he should follow the trail of messages, writing down what was written upon each one to see what could be made of them.  The words formed not a single sentence, but a large code of conduct to follow, a way of life, a new path.  They were not impossible feats nor were they obscure, but a single solution to the hardships of the Kharajyr people.  Rokhan’s documentation of the message, translated into common tongue is as follows:

“The blood of my children has been spilled, and their lives are thrown away, wasted.  You must teach them that life is sacred, all life and it must be nurtured not destroyed.  Teach them to love the living, the dead and anything inbetween.

They are blinded by their pride and their vanity and wage war upon one another for reasons that are petty.  They earn the ire of those who are clouded by the fog of war, and would risk the livelihood of everyone they love.  Teach them to put down their blades and instead raise their shields, to instead protect one another from the darkness that already hunts us.

Teach them that peace is the ultimate pleasure, the ultimate sacrifice and the ultimate reward.  Peace, love and light will always triumph over violence, darkness and sin.

They have turned away they poor, the hungry, the sick and the ignorant, locked their hearts in selfish isolation.  Teach them to educate the ignorant, heal the sick, feed the hungry and find work for the poor.  Teach them to open up their hearts to all, so that love can find them too.

Teach them to honor the cattle that gives itself up so that you may eat, and the rains that grow your crop.  Honor the criminal on the path to redemption, and the outcast that seeks the comfort of home.  Honor the stranger that gives you shelter, and the healer that mends the sick.  Honor the elder that guides the child, and the child that fills the air with their laughter.

Teach them to erect no temple in my name, and instead worship their own bodies as a beacon of health and strength.  Fill your bodies with energy, eat until you can eat no more.  One who is large is one who is well fed, healthy and happy.  Advocate happiness going forward, and you will find it easier to love the world.

Teach them that the whole world belongs to us, that no mountain is too high, no ocean too large.  Hunt down the secrets of the world, for they do not come to the idle.  Teach them to appreciate every last part of their experiences, highs and lows, and learn from them.

Teach them to be Kharajyr, to be loving, kind, welcoming.  Proud, grand and great yet humble and wise.  Gather the knowledge of the world and share it with others, and come together through faith and goodness.  Look to the words of your ancestors and history for answers, but do not be afraid to solve life’s troubles yourself.  

Teach them to trust in strong leadership and hard decisions.  Teach them to always question the unnatural and the inexplicable.

This is the Will of Metztli.”

It had taken Rokhan weeks to piece the message together, and it was taking a lot out of him.  Being alone in a foreign land was beginning to take its toll, but it was just the beginning for him, he in fact stayed there for a few more months to take time to truly come to understand and live in a state of Bayla.  Being raised under the shadow of the blood emperor had really shaped Rokhan as a person and repelled him in the opposite direction.  He understood what it meant to fight for what he believed in, but he knew the fine line between that and merciless slaughter.  He was a man of peace and goodwill, experienced and wise beyond his years - a perfect candidate to spread the word of Metztli to his despairing kin.  

Sailing back to Athera Rokhan had with him a documentation of his findings during his pilgrimage and wrote down the path in which one should be expected to traverse to reach enlightenment.  Rokhan returned during a Va’Kha festival, and whilst things weren’t too abnormal there was an air of unhappiness going around.  It was a shock to Rokhan when he entered the Tlatlanni’s tent only to find it empty, and outside by the rock of the waterfall none other than a tired, depressed Daro absent of his holy white fur.  Rokhan decided he would not let the darkness here infect him too and stood up before the tribes to speak.

“Kharajyr, rally to me.  Not for war, for it is a force of darkness, but instead to listen to the tales I bring.  Our people have been torn apart from the inside, the legacy of our race nearly snuffed out by our own hands.  The stars have went dark and the moon has turned silent, thus I departed on a pilgrimage to lands beyond this one, to find out where our destiny had vanished to.  There I found it, not in any physical treasure, but a philosophy written in the blinding fire of the Goddess.  Metztli has left us signs to follow, a road to redemption littered with strength and peace and forgiveness.  We cannot stay here, in a state of violence and savagery.  We must evolve into a force of peace and love, and rebuild our legacy from the ground up.  Reunite ourselves with the stars, and all our other kin and live together as one.  Only through each other will we find enlightenment.  This is the Will of Metztli.”

The mighty roar of the Va’Kha people resounded through their camp as they listened to the Rokhan herald this new ideology, and they followed him as he lead them away from the lands of Athera to Vailor where the descendant Kharajyr of Karakatua had been known to depart for previously.  In their search, Rokhan and his vagrant followers sailed the unfamiliar waters until they came across the jungle island of Xerdal.

Key points.

A people of peace, with a respect and love for the world and all creatures.

Deal with problems whilst avoiding putting others in danger.

Emphasis on festivals and music and a greater appreciation for cuisine.

Retiring old primal customs like sacrifices, aztec temples and the like.

Not as much interaction with the Goddess, but religion still important.

Humble with a focus on wisdom and learning, and obtaining enlightenment.

New simple architectural style opposing the grander ancient themes we have went with in the past.

Island is small and central, expanding only when things become crowded.

Gates are open to all, very warm and welcoming way of things.

Moved to the Archive. It shall be sorted into the appropriate category shortly.

Chrodraeos sits in a far off distant temple hoping his Xion loyalists aren't committing terrorist attacks in the name of Xion. 

OOC disclaimer.

This is the beginning of the Kharajyr turning over a new leaf.  In the past they were represented as large bestial tribal hunters and fearsome predators, I believe sometimes it was hard to make Kharajyr culture seem much different from Orcish culture in some ways.  To remedy this we plan to bring about a change in cultural beliefs amongst the Kharajyr in hopes that we attract can attract new life to the scene and provide their characters with longevity and interesting roleplay.

The fantasy and theme we are trying to live up to here is based very heavily off of the book The Art of Peace by Morihei Ueshiba (A must read) and is centralized around the idea of being a very wise and peace loving culture that is shrouded in some degree of mystery.  Our doors are open to Kharajyr and otherwise to come and roleplay with us as we put the past behind us and bury old habits such as our aztec styled blood sacrifices.  The Kharajyr are going to be exercising their love of cooking and eating and hosting festivals for everyone to attend.  Kept civil by the watchful eye of Xerdali Peacekeepers, our goal is to make ourselves as accessible as possible.  The home of the Kharajyr will be known as a sanctuary of wisdom, cheer and honor.  

More posts following this will appear shortly over the next week or so.

The Way of Bayla

The Art of Cana’hedo

The newfound culture of the Kharajyr very much revolves around something known as the Way of Bayla.  The Way of Bayla is a path with ancient roots stemming from the darkest times in our past when the Kharajyr did not have the knowledge or blessing of any deity.  Throughout evolution Kharajyr who have found themselves excluded from the main tribes have found themselves walking the path of Bayla to fight against sinful, primal urges.  These few deviants were looked up to and revered for their close connection to the world around them, and their wise and caring natures, being named Seers by the common populace.  Whilst the Way of Bayla is a path shrouded by mystery, it is a path intended to be taken on by any and all who strive for enlightenment.  

In Ancient Va’Khajrian Bayla means ‘Peace’, and Cana’hedo means ‘Serenity’.  These two words perfectly represent the goals of the Way of Bayla.  To achieve true enlightenment it is believed one must never stray from the path of Bayla, and that by truly living its values may bind the spirit of Bayla to one’s soul and allow them to ascend to the stars in the afterlife.  To enter into the gauntlet of Bayla and achieve Cana’hedo requires that one must dedicate their all, and wash away their sins of the past.   You must learn the Art of Cana’hedo, and live it.

What are the core values of Cana’hedo?

Loving all things.

It is love: to love yourself and the world around you, to love your creator and mother and child and spouse, the grass and the trees and the sky and the waves.  To love and appreciate this entire world and every living thing upon it, and understand that all of it is your home and all of its inhabitants are your friends, that is Cana’hedo.  It is to see the fallen and pray for them, to see the wounded and aid them, to see the sick and cure them.  To see the frail of mind and console them or to guide he who has little faith and ensure him everything will be alright, that is Cana’hedo.  

Helping the lost.

The love and care towards others brings the entire world that much closer together, and should that bond continue unbroken you will stand immune to even the greatest darkness.  Where joy thrives, however, there will always be the poor unfortunate souls of the world who wish misfortune and harm upon others, and it is always important to reach out to bring these individuals - so clouded in their own troubles - back into the light.  There as some truly blinded to the way of things, and will grow angry at your attempts to help them.  Do not relent, and you will deliver them from self destruction.  

Keeping the peace.

Then there are those who are violent and would seek to harm you or the ones you love, do not let them.  Do not be fooled, for the word Peace does not mean passive, and it is of paramount importance that the peace is kept as much as possible, and that injuries are prevented.  When someone hails sorcery or arrows upon you, raise up a shieldwall and protect your home from punctures and scorching.  When someone comes at you with a sharp blade, pick up something dense and blunt and knock them out.  If the opportunity presents itself, disarm them and restrain them.  Your objective is to strike them with a non-lethal force, and to ensure those around you are safe from harm.  

Respecting the body.

As much as you must care for others, you must also look after yourself.  Your own body is sacred, beautiful and natural, and he well rested and fed shall have the fortitude to weather any storm.  The body is the vessel that guards the soul, and thus he who does not eat nor look after himself will be considered astray from the path.  So eat, feed yourself and feed those around you, feed until you cannot no longer but do not display greed when others show need.  He who hoists a weight of grandeur is one who has proven their dedication to the body.  The purpose of mortality is to grow and evolve, physically, mentally and emotionally and he who would hinder this is true of sin.  Do not disfigure one another, and do not look down upon the disfigured, for their suffering at the hands of a soul who is lost is suffering enough.  Instead look down upon he who would disfigure another, or he who has disfigured himself, for they are lost and do respect the body.  

Revering the mind.

Argued by some as your entire or at the very least prime existence, revering the mind is fundamental to achieving Cana’hedo.  Contributing to the growth of your mind can range anywhere from expanding your pool of knowledge through lengthy study to nurturing your mind, allowing it the ease that rest provides.  So look to broaden your horizon:  travel the world, the land and the seas, like every moment may be your last; for when you are admitted to the stars that will be an opportunity missed.  Share your tales with friend and foe, educate and entertain.  Make them laugh, make them think, allow them to appreciate the lore of the world.  Better yet show them, show them the waves crashing against the rocks, the wolves that hunt the doe, or the ticking clockwork of a cutting edge invention.  To revere the mind is to help it grow continuously, and to open your deep wealth of knowledge for all to learn from.  He who is wise walks the path of Bayla.

Worshipping the great.

The past, present and future are all forged by sinner and apostle alike, yet to commemorate the sins of the weak is to further perpetuate and verify their deeds and that is a sin in itself.  Only through the remembrance of the greatest figures to ever contribute to the progression and caretaking of our world will we open up avenues for similar epics.  It is said that he who follows the path will ascend in the afterlife to join the stars, but it is he who has acted as a pillar of his virtues that will shine at the forefront.  Like the Goddess Metztli and her divine heralds, these bright stars and any who follows the path of Bayla true will be loved as they too were divine.  So adhere to history, embody bravery and valor, wake with honor and wisdom, and settle only for peace.  

You are the key to the gates of enlightenment, turn from past deeds and achieve serenity.

The Origins of the Way of Bayla.

During the Kharajyr’s stay in Athera the Kharajyr had mellowed from their savagery in Anthos.  No longer did they prey on the descendants or seek to participate in war and violence, but instead remained open and welcoming to the world on the island of Ohlokar, just off of the road to the Cloud Temple.  Many took this opportunity to befriend the Kharajyr and their people, and learn more about their culture and religion and some sought to use this vulnerability to harm them.  However the most pain would come from within their own people.

The Main group of Kharajyr, the remnants of the great Empire of old wore their nation’s name like a banner, proud and raised high.  The Kharajyr of Karakatua were nothing compared to the greatness of the past, but they were alive and they were living.  Unbeknownst to them another group of Kharajyr, a splinter group of considerable size had been living under the shadows of Felandria, hunting and preying on any who would be foolish enough to traverse the forest.  This group of Kharajyr, known as the Va’Kha (named, too after their beloved nation) revealed themselves to the Kharajyr of Karakatua.

The Va’Kha were once a band of great hunter Prides from Karakatua: The Hraji, Zashar, and Anaras Prides.  Most of the Kharajyr within their hunting pack were trained from the day they could hold a spear or draw a bowstring to stalk and kill game.  Due to this the Va’Kha held savagery close to their hearts and were as ruthless as the Dra’Metza during the rule of Xerdun’s father.  They were no different to any other Kharajyr, they were loyal to their friends and families, and they worshipped the Tlatlanni but they had not prepared to share a world with the Descendants.  Upon the Tlatlanni Tiazar gave up, Karakatua began to collapse.  It is no news that this caused the first exodus of the Kharajyr, and many began to flee Va’Khajra as they thought the arrival of the descendants meant the beginning of the end of the world.  Thus they either became Ape’Kha or left Asulon, to sail to foreign lands.

It is not known if the Va’Kha ever made it to Anthos or went someplace else entirely, however it is expected that they at one point in time did visit Anthos or perhaps found a different way to cross the verge into Athera.  Whilst they did not have a city to call their own, the Va’Kha seemed far more comfortable and happy than the Kharajyr of Karakatua, implying they had been there a while.  As the Va’Kha had fled after the fall of the Blood Emperor Tiazar, they had no knowledge of who the current Tlatlanni may be as no Tlatlanni had ever appeared within their own people.  Tiazar’s heir did flee with them however, a white-furred Tigrasi named Rokhan.  They looked to him as a leader until one day he lost his white fur, and ever since looked to him as a seer, a morale compass and someone who knew the way of things.

When the two groups they did not hit it off.  Karakatua was in a panic after the death of the Tlatlanni Morthawl, the only Tlatlanni to have carried his people across realms so many times.  Morthawl’s younger and more timid daughter Vyallu soon stepped up to lead her people as the next Tlatlanni.  This is the point where the two groups met and clashed, and the Kharajyr of Karakatua were concerned to see so many Kharajyr turning up that they had never heard of before.  They began to question all manner of things religion, culture, their existence.  The Va’Kha approached Karakatua with a built in respect before first impressions had even been given, as it was their duty to worship the Tlatlanni and because there was one Kharajyr there that the Va’Kha elders did recognise.  Sage Natayshi is the oldest living Kharajyr at this point in time, and the mother of the Tlatlanni Xerdun.

The Va’Kha revered the Sage Natayshi, however the Kharajyr of Karakatua did not like the Va’Kha very much.  Many saw them as uncivilised, savages and killers despite those very same attributes being the roots of their own society.  The Va’Kha did also not like how the Kharajyr of Karakatua were living, as they saw the flying aengudaemonic fortress; the Ordium to be unnatural and against the way of things.  The two groups grew distant, with the Va’Kha remaining in Felandria.  Any Kharajyr who agreed with the lifestyle of the Va’Kha would go to join them.  The void between the two groups grew wider and the Va’Kha continued to hunt as normal.  Karakatua did not give up however, they kept their eye on the predatorial group, watching everything they did.

During one of their hunts, the Va’Kha stumbled across some druids and thought that they were easy prey.  Karakatua was allied with the druidic order as of recent, and stepped out from behind the trees they’d been spying from to command the Va’Kha to cease.  The order came from none other than the Tlatlanni and her Moonblade himself.  The Va’Kha did not recognize the acclaimed authority of these Kharajyr within Felandria, as it was not their home to enforce rules in and thus did not relent, instead killing and maiming these druids and preparing them to be transported back to their camp.  The Tlatlanni and her Moonblade attacked the Va’Kha hunters, and were quickly overwhelmed as, unlike her father Vyallu was no warrior and her Moonblade was outnumbered.  

Whilst only defending themselves, the Va’Kha were looked down at for having harmed the Tlatlanni.  They grew angrier still, and the two groups began to attack each other regularly.  The Sage Natayshi tried to make peace between the two groups but she could not, it was driving her to the point of madness.  Soon, unable to bear the burden of leadership Tlatlanni Vyallu would commit suicide like her father and all the Tlatlanni before her.  Now Metztli was not pleased that her people were killing one another in large amounts and feared for their extinction, so to try and amend the problem she appointed Daro, the leader of the Va’Kha as Tlatlanni.  As he awoke with white fur Tlatlanni Daro’s faith in his goddess was restored fully, and he, too tried to mend the wound caused by this conflict.  The Kharajyr of Karakatua would not listen however.  

With the Ordium destroyed and no Tlatlanni to lead them the Aelkos tried to lead their people to sanctuary, eventually building a quaint home under the plateau of Haelun’Or.   Despite the Va’Kha being proud of their victory against Karakatua, Tlatlanni Daro had fallen into a state of depression.  He could not understand why his Goddess would reunite him with his people only to have them attack him and thrust hate upon his pack.  The seer Rokhan, son of Tiazar set out on a pilgrimage to learn just that, after having seen supposed signs from Metzti, he wandered the pilgrim’s path to try and decipher her messages as seers of the past had.

On his path Rokhan was led by the constellations of the moon, walking indefinitely until he reached the ocean.  In the sky the stars depicted many things, but one stood out above them all - a boat, a small fishing boat.  Rokhan set to work building this boat on his own and after  a day had passed deemed it seaworthy.  Rokhan sailed and sailed, braving the vicious seas in this mere wooden casket he had forged, his faith in the moon carrying him to safety.  After weeks of hunger and nausea the Kharajyr found land, not just any land, but one that would be soon named Vailor.  A small rock, shaped like a headstone jutted out from the sand where he had tied up his vessel and it drew his attention.  There was something written on it, not with chalks, or charcoal, or engravings with with blazing lunar fire.  At first it was blinding, but after growing accustomed to it the Kharajyr read what the message said, a simple word in old Va’Khajrian - ‘Dra’ meaning ‘The’.

Not too far off in the distance Rokhan found similar blue wisps drifting up into the air, the smoke of the divine fire rising into the night sky.  Moving towards it he found another stone with another singular word written upon it.  It soon became clear to him that he should follow the trail of messages, writing down what was written upon each one to see what could be made of them.  The words formed not a single sentence, but a large code of conduct to follow, a way of life, a new path.  They were not impossible feats nor were they obscure, but a single solution to the hardships of the Kharajyr people.  Rokhan’s documentation of the message, translated into common tongue is as follows:

“The blood of my children has been spilled, and their lives are thrown away, wasted.  You must teach them that life is sacred, all life and it must be nurtured not destroyed.  Teach them to love the living, the dead and anything inbetween.

They are blinded by their pride and their vanity and wage war upon one another for reasons that are petty.  They earn the ire of those who are clouded by the fog of war, and would risk the livelihood of everyone they love.  Teach them to put down their blades and instead raise their shields, to instead protect one another from the darkness that already hunts us.

Teach them that peace is the ultimate pleasure, the ultimate sacrifice and the ultimate reward.  Peace, love and light will always triumph over violence, darkness and sin.

They have turned away they poor, the hungry, the sick and the ignorant, locked their hearts in selfish isolation.  Teach them to educate the ignorant, heal the sick, feed the hungry and find work for the poor.  Teach them to open up their hearts to all, so that love can find them too.

Teach them to honor the cattle that gives itself up so that you may eat, and the rains that grow your crop.  Honor the criminal on the path to redemption, and the outcast that seeks the comfort of home.  Honor the stranger that gives you shelter, and the healer that mends the sick.  Honor the elder that guides the child, and the child that fills the air with their laughter.

Teach them to erect no temple in my name, and instead worship their own bodies as a beacon of health and strength.  Fill your bodies with energy, eat until you can eat no more.  One who is large is one who is well fed, healthy and happy.  Advocate happiness going forward, and you will find it easier to love the world.

Teach them that the whole world belongs to us, that no mountain is too high, no ocean too large.  Hunt down the secrets of the world, for they do not come to the idle.  Teach them to appreciate every last part of their experiences, highs and lows, and learn from them.

Teach them to be Kharajyr, to be loving, kind, welcoming.  Proud, grand and great yet humble and wise.  Gather the knowledge of the world and share it with others, and come together through faith and goodness.  Look to the words of your ancestors and history for answers, but do not be afraid to solve life’s troubles yourself.  

Teach them to trust in strong leadership and hard decisions.  Teach them to always question the unnatural and the inexplicable.

This is the Will of Metztli.”

It had taken Rokhan weeks to piece the message together, and it was taking a lot out of him.  Being alone in a foreign land was beginning to take its toll, but it was just the beginning for him, he in fact stayed there for a few more months to take time to truly come to understand and live in a state of Bayla.  Being raised under the shadow of the blood emperor had really shaped Rokhan as a person and repelled him in the opposite direction.  He understood what it meant to fight for what he believed in, but he knew the fine line between that and merciless slaughter.  He was a man of peace and goodwill, experienced and wise beyond his years - a perfect candidate to spread the word of Metztli to his despairing kin.  

Sailing back to Athera Rokhan had with him a documentation of his findings during his pilgrimage and wrote down the path in which one should be expected to traverse to reach enlightenment.  Rokhan returned during a Va’Kha festival, and whilst things weren’t too abnormal there was an air of unhappiness going around.  It was a shock to Rokhan when he entered the Tlatlanni’s tent only to find it empty, and outside by the rock of the waterfall none other than a tired, depressed Daro absent of his holy white fur.  Rokhan decided he would not let the darkness here infect him too and stood up before the tribes to speak.

“Kharajyr, rally to me.  Not for war, for it is a force of darkness, but instead to listen to the tales I bring.  Our people have been torn apart from the inside, the legacy of our race nearly snuffed out by our own hands.  The stars have went dark and the moon has turned silent, thus I departed on a pilgrimage to lands beyond this one, to find out where our destiny had vanished to.  There I found it, not in any physical treasure, but a philosophy written in the blinding fire of the Goddess.  Metztli has left us signs to follow, a road to redemption littered with strength and peace and forgiveness.  We cannot stay here, in a state of violence and savagery.  We must evolve into a force of peace and love, and rebuild our legacy from the ground up.  Reunite ourselves with the stars, and all our other kin and live together as one.  Only through each other will we find enlightenment.  This is the Will of Metztli.”

The mighty roar of the Va’Kha people resounded through their camp as they listened to the Rokhan herald this new ideology, and they followed him as he lead them away from the lands of Athera to Vailor where the descendant Kharajyr of Karakatua had been known to depart for previously.  In their search, Rokhan and his vagrant followers sailed the unfamiliar waters until they came across the jungle island of Xerdal.

Key points.

A people of peace, with a respect and love for the world and all creatures.

Deal with problems whilst avoiding putting others in danger.

Emphasis on festivals and music and a greater appreciation for cuisine.

Retiring old primal customs like sacrifices, aztec temples and the like.

Not as much interaction with the Goddess, but religion still important.

Humble with a focus on wisdom and learning, and obtaining enlightenment.

New simple architectural style opposing the grander ancient themes we have went with in the past.

Island is small and central, expanding only when things become crowded.

Gates are open to all, very warm and welcoming way of things.

I used to roleplay a mime and massacre people in really creepy fucked up roleplay.  It was pretty dope.

Indeed I took part.

Chrodraeos and Kraal had spoken at length after his resurrection.  The old, frail wizard stares with tired eyes as the ancient Lich glides down the sacred halls of the temple, out into the snow, to go south to find civilisation.  "Fear the Old Dark, brother."

Finally, you may be promoted from Admin to VAT.  Ahoo!

You've influenced me more than anyone in this community, Urasept.  It's going to be so strange without your presence.  Take care mate.

Player Whitelisted.

Player Whitelisted.