The Onyx Sanctum
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Dark elves of the Old Ways. The few who follow an elder path under the guidance of their Ancestors and in the service of the Spirit that created them. The Mali’ker of Onyx have had a long and bloody history. All in the name of seeking home and heritage. The Mali’ker who follow the Onyx Path in essence follow the Old Ways of the Dark Elves preached by Velulaei in the times of ancient Axios within the depths of Magarah’lin. Worshippers of the Spirits and venerators of the Ancestors, these solemn few do all they can to cling to the Old Way and honor the Spirit who’d given them life and a chance to redeem themselves in their own way for their sins against their kin.
Contents
History
Ancient History
The Story of all dark elves started with The Maehr. A Force of scholars during the age of Malins elven Empire. These Mali traveled with Velulaei, the daughter of Malin. For Information on the history of the Dark Elves, visit here
Magara'lin
Margara'lin was the first city of the Mali'ker, who thrived beneath Velulaei's guidance and Luara's light. It is said to this day, Azul is trapped beneath for his crimes against the dark elves. Screaming endlessly into the city he destroyed.
Modern History, 1700’s and what has yet to come.
A Caravan departs from Vira’ker, the clans of Des’nox, Uuthilini and Isilioleth set off. Fleeing Vira’ker to pursue their faith in Luara and the Ancestors.
Vira’ker lasted between the end of Atlas and the start of Arcas. Founded beneath Clan Syllar. The land flourished for a short spell, with the death of Avurak Syllar, Vira’ker fell to a spread depression. Many ker leaving to seek comfort they could not find within the coastal city. The seat of power shifted within Vira’ker. With the appointed Prince mantel falling upon Xavis Ashwood, Dak’ir Des’nox spoke to the ker. Asking that they teach the Mali’ker of the past, and where they came. To bring them into Luara’s light. Xavis refused, within the following days a caravan departed from the coastal city.
This would mark the founding of the Onyx Sanctum. Within the wilds of Arcas Dak’ir gathered what faithful they could. A fourth clan joined them upon this journey, Jusmia. Garza Respite, those of Onyx call the encampment. The Sanctum moved back east within the years. More ker joining them upon their path. Far north in the mountains, the Mali’ker built within dark and barren caverns. This connected to a vast under realm within the mountains. Within the darkness, blue eyes could be seen, Near constantly, staring up at the lights of the Sanctum. Lurkers, horrid insects. Growing monstrously in size, with enough strength in their front mandibles to crush boulders. Equipped with blue saliva that can paralyze the entire form upon contact with skin. Routine cleanups turned more dangerous as timed passed.
Soon trouble came from another source within the under realm. Who demanded the Mali’ker move or vassal beneath them. One last hunting party was sent outward, to cull the numbers of the lurkers. What should have been a normal hunt turned sour, as the nest was not comprised of one brood mother. Several rested within, given time and hidden away within a mineshaft. They breed, growing too numerous in size to combat with small numbers. Startled with a firework, the first of the brood awoke. Screeching to their kin. One by one, they started to dive from the gravel-filled mineshaft. Rapidly, the beast piled onto one another. Causing the wooden barriers of the mineshaft to collapse. Sending the Lurkers fleeing from their nest, bringing the stone roofs of the caverns downward. Molten Magma swelling up. Barely escaping the ordeal. The Mali’ker packed their belongings. Sending another caravan out. Soon finding new lands to settle within. Finding the Sanctum is no easy ordeal as the pathway is not clear. No road connects or leaves the land.
It was here that the Mali’ker within the city of New Maraga’lin reached out to their brothers and sisters. Forming the Concordat. The Onyx Sanctum and the Kingdom of Renelia-Gladewyn united. To protect, educate, and move forward together. As the Maehr intended. Beneath the light of Luara and guidance of Velulaei. With ties to the trade town of Asimu'lei slowly forming.
Culture and Religion
The Onyx Culture
The Mali’ker of the Sanctum is devoted to the spirits, any outside influence may not stay within its hollow halls. The Sanctum teaches devotion to the Spirit Luara, who blessed the Mali’ker. The white wolf, Mother Moon. Her calming light guides Onyx forward. Reconnected with their roots to the Maehr, these Mali’ker spread word of Luara to any ‘ker that will listen. Offering those interested a deeper devotion to the Spirits in general. These remnants of the Maehr dapple in spiritual worship on a broad spectrum. Holding the spirit that saved their ancestors, Luara, above all other spirits. It is an Onyx Taboo to keep grand shrines or Totems to Luara under ground, not minding statues or smaller personal shrines. Totems are larger shrines are made on the surface for Luara to see. The Elemental Spirits are given respect, for their nature makes them apart of every day life and general survival.
What sets The Sanctum aside from other dark elven settlements is their strict and upheld worship of Ancestors, treating Ancestral Souls within Stargush’Struh as if they were spirits, giving praise, especially to their own ancestors within the Maehr. This belief was born through the zealous of the first Vindicators that protected the Maehr during the war of Azul and escorted them to safety. This would forever cement the belief that Mali’ker that laid down their lives for their kin deserved praise from the living.
Fashion
Most any Mali’ker will tell you they enjoy wearing whatever they damn well please. Certain trends are common among the Mali’ker, especially those of Onyx.
Metallic adornments, beads, ritualistic markings, and clan coloring is common among the ker. They enjoy comfort and performance within their clothing. The more Ashlandic Ker adorn parts of a metallic plate. Offering them protection over their clothing.
Two Modern Mali’ker address one another. One adorned in the metallic plate, etched with clan markings, adorning a shawl across their back. The other is adorned in a wool vest over an ivory long collar shirt.
An Ancient Jusmia, adorn in ritualistic robes and armor.
A Mali'ker noble, proud child of Luara. Adorn in a bright vest and lace collar
Two Seers of the Mali'ker rest after a day of worship. Partaking in ritual smoke. Wearing long robes
A proud Mali'ker trader stands tall. Adorn in a fine leather jerkin
A Mali'ker Seer, adorn in ritualistic piercings, adornments. Wearing a fine red robe, carrying a ceremonial blade.
This Mali'ker adorns metallic plate. A red shawl is draped across his back. A proud servant of the ancestors and Luara
Mali'ker gather at the market, fine garbs are bought and sold, Fine colorful robes to vibrant pieces of cloth work, leather mocks, and bound furs.
Religious Devotion
Mali’ker prepare a celebration of an Ancestor, performing pre-ritual rites before an Ancestral Shrine.
The Onyx Sanctum upholds devotion to several aspects of Dark Elven ways. Learning from their ancestors before, Onyx upholds the Old Ways. As the long passed Maehr once did, religious worship is vital to their everyday life. Their greatest desire, simply turning the Mali’kers gaze to Luara’s guiding light.
In their daily life, when not in pursuit of spreading the name of Luara to the Mali’ker, these Dark Elves offer praise to the Moon Mother. Many find time to make praise for spirits and ancestors they are personally close too. This way of life forbids the worship of what the Onyx Sanctum declares as false idols. In reference to such beings as the Aspects of the Druids and Mali’ame, Xan and his Paladin followers, Anguel and Daemonic worship, Worship of certain evil or harmful Dark Spirits. This path demands a devotion to Luara, and respect of the Ancestors. The Onyx Sanctum does not take kindly to their kin refusing to worship Luara, voidal magi, Dark Magi such as Blood mages, Host of the Parasite of Rancor, Frostwitches, or similar taboo magi. Such, or unwillingness to forsake such magics for Luara’s light is seen as an act of heresy against the Moon Mother.
Luara
Luara, preparing to rise as Aztan falls from the sky.
As the Maehr wish, the Onyx Sanctum offers praise to Luara. The Spirit that saved their ancestors and granted them a place within Stargush’Struh. Saving ravaged minds, granting dark skin and ruby eyes that would come to the color of other gemstones through the generations. The Onyx Sanctum enforces worship of Luara, as it is required to live within these hallowed grounds.
In accordance with the will of Luara, the Onyx Sanctum does not believe in shedding Mali’ker blood unless attacked or if the Mali’ker in question is indeed a heretic that refuses to see the light of Mother Moon. With Luara in heart, Onyx strides forward to a new age. Lead by the guiding light of Luara. The Mali’ker of the Sanctum desire worship to Luara above all else. Making it their goal in life to get as many Mali'ker to look towards Luara's light. Items of worth, offerings, and occasional sacrifice are offered to Luara above all other spirits.
Common Prayers to Luara
Luara, Spirit of the Moon, White Wolf of the Night Sky, Architect of the Mali’Ker, illumine me. Light my path by night, and forbid that I forget you by day. In the depths of the deepest cavern, may your pure light still find me. May your soft luminescence guide your people, and brighten the footprints of our blessed Ancestors. May your divine radiance burn out the eyes of those who lurk in the darkness; the Spider, the Azulite, the dark magi. Protect us, Oh Luminous One. May we never fall from the purity of your light.
Luara, Mother Moon, the salvation of the Mali’ker, guiding light of Velulaei the Prophetess and the Maehr. I shall follow in the calming light you offer to us. As you have for our ancestors, to any that see your light, and any Mali’ker that see’s your light after me. May I and all Mali’ker that see your light remember your blessings upon us. Our place within Stargush’Struh with my ancestors.
Bless me with the sight of your light Luara, as I tread these lands. Guide my steps forward, over these hills. Through vast fields and mountains. Over high sea and running rivers. Across heavy tundra and shifting sands. Luara, who watches above all Mali’ker. Grant me clarity, as you have for any who see your light.
Patron Spirits
The Onyx Sanctum allows the worship of other spirits aside Luara as long as they give praise to the Mother Moon. This is in the form of personal worship of these spirits than enforced worship of spirits aside from Luara. As the clans and Mali’ker of the Sanctum offer praise to many spirits in addition to a dedication to Luara. As the Maehr once did, as does Onyx.
Patreon spirits are spirits that do not have mandatory worship such as Luara. These range from several of the spirits, most taking up the Spirit their clan gave praise to in their personal life. Shrines are erected in honor of these spirits. Where any may leave offerings that are later burned.
The Ancestors
The Onyx Seers
Death
Politics
The Patriarch
Army
The Council
The Citizens
The Concordat
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