History on the Rooftop: Kather and World Dragon - Revision history

EVYNTINE: /* Location & Audience */

2023-03-18T16:33:17Z

Location & Audience

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	'''[[Shoan_a_Sidelkuloa\|Shoan a Sidelkuloa, Outdoor Stage]] '''		'''[[Shoan_a_Sidelkuloa\|Shoan a Sidelkuloa, Outdoor Stage]] '''

	The simple stage consists of a raised platform of wood planks. Lanterns provide light for nighttime performances. You also see a ~~tapered~~ ~~cutlass,~~ an ~~enormous~~ ~~fiery~~ ~~fissure,~~ a ~~stone seat, a stone seat~~ and a door.		The simple stage consists of a raised platform of wood planks. Lanterns provide light for nighttime performances. You also see a thick nomlas wool blanket embroidered with twining vines and a door.

	Also here: Wild Card [[Enthal]] who is darkened by an unnatural shadow, [[Sothios]] who is engulfed by a tsunami of cerulean light, Soul Surgeon [[Zynell]] who is emanating a bright holy aura, Salvitoriel, Priestess Jaelia who is sitting, Blessed of Katamba [[Ghust]] who is sitting, Adelphine who is sitting, Philomath [[Miskton]], Zfora, Langen Esturi [[Nilme]] who is sitting, Life Waver [[Ysilda]], Truthseeker [[Elurora]] and Mountain Lord [[Ezerak]].		Also here: Wild Card [[Enthal]] who is darkened by an unnatural shadow, [[Sothios]] who is engulfed by a tsunami of cerulean light, Soul Surgeon [[Zynell]] who is emanating a bright holy aura, Salvitoriel, Priestess Jaelia who is sitting, Blessed of Katamba [[Ghust]] who is sitting, Adelphine who is sitting, Philomath [[Miskton]], Zfora, Langen Esturi [[Nilme]] who is sitting, Life Waver [[Ysilda]], Truthseeker [[Elurora]] and Mountain Lord [[Ezerak]].

EVYNTINE: /* Introduction */

2023-03-18T15:28:53Z

Introduction

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	[[Ayrell]] says, "It is with great pleasure that I announce the topic this evening is yet another brought forward by request. A subject about which I am honored to be of assistance in offering forth knowledge in hopes that it may provide a better understanding for those with an interest in the matter to be discussed."		[[Ayrell]] says, "It is with great pleasure that I announce the topic this evening is yet another brought forward by request. A subject about which I am honored to be of assistance in offering forth knowledge in hopes that it may provide a better understanding for those with an interest in the matter to be discussed."

	[[Ayrell]] says, "The request, I should say, was for discussion and insight regarding a race of people known as the Kather. In addition to this, and with a very particular reason in mind, I have prepared a brief review of history surrounding the World Dragon and its origins within the moon Grazhir. Although the connection may not be clear at first, I assure all will make sense before this lecture reaches its conclusion."		[[Ayrell]] says, "The request, I should say, was for discussion and insight regarding a race of people known as the [[Kather]]. In addition to this, and with a very particular reason in mind, I have prepared a brief review of history surrounding the [[World Dragon]] and its origins within the moon [[Grazhir]]. Although the connection may not be clear at first, I assure all will make sense before this lecture reaches its conclusion."

	[[Ayrell]] says, "That being said, I shall begin with the history of the World Dragon. Or, shall I say, the popular story of its creation."		[[Ayrell]] says, "That being said, I shall begin with the history of the [[World Dragon]]. Or, shall I say, the popular story of its creation."

	== [[A Trickster's Tale]] ==		== [[A Trickster's Tale]] ==

EVYNTINE: /* A Trickster's Tale */

2023-03-18T15:27:55Z

A Trickster's Tale

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	[[Ayrell]] says, "As some of you may know, there is a fascinating book written by Gwyneira Greenmantle titled [[A Trickster's Tale]]. In this, it tells an interesting version of events surrounding the early days of [[Elanthia]]. Back when the lands were bathed in an eternal summer, which may sound glorious but, in fact, wreaked havoc on the world. The never-ending heat dried up the rivers, withered plants, and slowly starved the animals until [[Truffenyi]] decided something must be done."		[[Ayrell]] says, "As some of you may know, there is a fascinating book written by Gwyneira Greenmantle titled [[A Trickster's Tale]]. In this, it tells an interesting version of events surrounding the early days of [[Elanthia]]. Back when the lands were bathed in an eternal summer, which may sound glorious but, in fact, wreaked havoc on the world. The never-ending heat dried up the rivers, withered plants, and slowly starved the animals until [[Truffenyi]] decided something must be done."

	[[Ayrell]] says, "Out of fear for his creation, [[Truffenyi]] approached the other ~~immortals~~ for help. For several days, they scrutinized the lands in search of some idea of what they could do to make the world flourish."		[[Ayrell]] says, "Out of fear for his creation, [[Truffenyi]] approached the other Immortals for help. For several days, they scrutinized the lands in search of some idea of what they could do to make the world flourish."

	=== The Trickster's Prank ===		=== The Trickster's Prank ===

EVYNTINE: /* The Connection */

2023-03-18T15:26:44Z

The Connection

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	[[Ayrell]] says, "And that brings us to the point in this lecture where the earlier discussion of the [[World Dragon]] may spark some interest when considered alongside a certain excerpt from what Pralel lists as an old [[Kather]] myth."		[[Ayrell]] says, "And that brings us to the point in this lecture where the earlier discussion of the [[World Dragon]] may spark some interest when considered alongside a certain excerpt from what Pralel lists as an old [[Kather]] myth."

	[[Ayrell]] says, "Before I begin with this portion, I want to stress the fact that this is clearly listed in Pralel s writing as a myth, much the same as we have our own stories about our own deities, and this is, in no way, intended as any accusation or implication of one being right or wrong. It is merely an interesting take, on both sides, with a few details that overlap in the most intriguing of ways."		[[Ayrell]] says, "Before I begin with this portion, I want to stress the fact that this is clearly listed in Pralel's writing as a myth, much the same as we have our own stories about our own deities, and this is, in no way, intended as any accusation or implication of one being right or wrong. It is merely an interesting take, on both sides, with a few details that overlap in the most intriguing of ways."

	[[Ayrell]] says, "Now - usually, it is not my way to simply read from a book, as that can be rather tedious for both the lecturer and the lectured. That being said, in this case, I feel it would do the myth injustice to change the wording, therefore, I shall recite the story as Pralel told it, so as to maintain the integrity of the tale."		[[Ayrell]] says, "Now - usually, it is not my way to simply read from a book, as that can be rather tedious for both the lecturer and the lectured. That being said, in this case, I feel it would do the myth injustice to change the wording, therefore, I shall recite the story as Pralel told it, so as to maintain the integrity of the tale."

EVYNTINE: /* Kertigen's Forge and the Moons */

2023-03-18T15:25:08Z

Kertigen's Forge and the Moons

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	[[Ayrell]] says, "It was to [[Kertigen]]'s forge [[Huldah]] traveled upon leaving [[Everild]] and the others to their mourning over the loss of [[Hodierna]]'s hair. [[Kertigen]] was overseeing the finishing touches on the moons [[Phelim]] commissioned him to craft and was hard at work when [[Huldah]] arrived."		[[Ayrell]] says, "It was to [[Kertigen]]'s forge [[Huldah]] traveled upon leaving [[Everild]] and the others to their mourning over the loss of [[Hodierna]]'s hair. [[Kertigen]] was overseeing the finishing touches on the moons [[Phelim]] commissioned him to craft and was hard at work when [[Huldah]] arrived."

	[[Ayrell]] says, "These moons, it is said, numbered four three of which were already finished. Blue [[Xibar]], red [[Yavash]], and golden [[Katamba]]. The fourth, gold-kissed ivory [[Grazhir]], remained cooling on the anvil from its final tempering. At the sight of it, [[Huldah]] approached, running his hands over the surface, lingering there with a loving touch. Gazing down at the pale moon, he whispered, "So beautiful you are now, but wait until they see the wonderful surprise you now hold within."		[[Ayrell]] says, "These moons, it is said, numbered four - three of which were already finished. Blue [[Xibar]], red [[Yavash]], and golden [[Katamba]]. The fourth, gold-kissed ivory [[Grazhir]], remained cooling on the anvil from its final tempering. At the sight of it, [[Huldah]] approached, running his hands over the surface, lingering there with a loving touch. Gazing down at the pale moon, he whispered, "So beautiful you are now, but wait until they see the wonderful surprise you now hold within."

	[[Ayrell]] says, "Assuming the worst, [[Kertigen]] hurried over to inspect [[Grazhir]] in fear that [[Huldah]] may have somehow damaged it. Demanding to know what [[Huldah]] was doing, [[Huldah]] replied that he was merely admiring [[Kertigen]]'s fine work. Hesitant, [[Kertigen]] examined the moon once again. On the surface, it appeared unharmed. Somewhat less bright than before, as if a shadow now lay within, dimming it slightly. Although he couldn't explain why, there had been something in the way [[Huldah]] touched [[Grazhir]], and the look in his eyes, that left [[Kertigen]] feeling uneasy."		[[Ayrell]] says, "Assuming the worst, [[Kertigen]] hurried over to inspect [[Grazhir]] in fear that [[Huldah]] may have somehow damaged it. Demanding to know what [[Huldah]] was doing, [[Huldah]] replied that he was merely admiring [[Kertigen]]'s fine work. Hesitant, [[Kertigen]] examined the moon once again. On the surface, it appeared unharmed. Somewhat less bright than before, as if a shadow now lay within, dimming it slightly. Although he couldn't explain why, there had been something in the way [[Huldah]] touched [[Grazhir]], and the look in his eyes, that left [[Kertigen]] feeling uneasy."

EVYNTINE: /* The Unknowns */

2023-03-18T15:22:30Z

The Unknowns

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	[[Ayrell]] gives a slight nod.		[[Ayrell]] gives a slight nod.

	[[Ayrell]] says, "It is this myth that has always captured my attention when reviewing my notes on the Kather. It is also this myth which has sparked several wonderful debates among myself and friends over the years. The question - or questions - of possible connections between the history we know, and the history as told by the Kather."		[[Ayrell]] says, "It is this myth that has always captured my attention when reviewing my notes on the [[Kather]]. It is also this myth which has sparked several wonderful debates among myself and friends over the years. The question - or questions - of possible connections between the history we know, and the history as told by the [[Kather]]."

	[[Ayrell]] asks, "So, what are these questions, you might ask? Well, the first would be... are the four moons referenced by the Kather the same four moons our stories claim to have been forged by Kertigen's hands? Is the Kather moon dragon the same as the World Dragon Huldah is said to have created inside Grazhir? Or do the Kather speak of four other moons created by some other force in some long-forgotten history too far in the past for our libraries to have documented? From these four unknown moons, was a different dragon born, as a sort of prequel to what happened with our Immortals and the World Dragon? Or is the Kather myth simply a different telling of the story we know, focused on a different view, with alterations made so as to bolster the Kather spirit through a belief of victory over our Immortals? Though, to be fair, if we are to question the validity of the Kather history, one must also ask - could it be OUR story that has been altered to make our Immortals into the heroes?"		[[Ayrell]] asks, "So, what are these questions, you might ask? Well, the first would be... are the four moons referenced by the [[Kather]] the same four moons our stories claim to have been forged by [[Kertigen]]'s hands? Is the [[Kather]] moon dragon the same as the [[World Dragon]] [[Huldah]] is said to have created inside [[Grazhir]]? Or do the [[Kather]] speak of four other moons created by some other force in some long-forgotten history too far in the past for our libraries to have documented? From these four unknown moons, was a different dragon born, as a sort of prequel to what happened with our Immortals and the [[World Dragon]]? Or is the [[Kather]] myth simply a different telling of the story we know, focused on a different view, with alterations made so as to bolster the [[Kather]] spirit through a belief of victory over our Immortals? Though, to be fair, if we are to question the validity of the [[Kather]] history, one must also ask - could it be OUR story that has been altered to make our Immortals into the heroes?"

	[[Ayrell]] says, "As you can see, there are a great many unknowns when considering a history such as this. For that very reason, I choose not to let the questions alter my faith in any way. We know what we know, and have seen what we have seen, and it is by the favor of our Immortals that many - if not all - of us in attendance this evening are standing here, alive, today. But that does not mean we cannot at least ponder the possibilities in our search for knowledge."		[[Ayrell]] says, "As you can see, there are a great many unknowns when considering a history such as this. For that very reason, I choose not to let the questions alter my faith in any way. We know what we know, and have seen what we have seen, and it is by the favor of our Immortals that many - if not all - of us in attendance this evening are standing here, alive, today. But that does not mean we cannot at least ponder the possibilities in our search for knowledge."

EVYNTINE: /* A Kather Myth */

2023-03-18T15:20:48Z

A Kather Myth

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	[[Ayrell]] recites:		[[Ayrell]] recites:

	"The Sun Dragons again began their peaceful and kind rule over our world. And we, the noble Kather, who fought by the side of the Dragons so long ago, were raised up to be first among the gods. We have kept, and will keep, the ancient ways of the Dragons, and fulfill our holy task to wipe all desecration left by the upstarts from the planet. Let our Warriors purify themselves in the depths of the world's flames, and take the Fires of Life into their own bodies. From the flames comes strength and the will to do the justice of the gods."		"The Sun Dragons again began their peaceful and kind rule over our world. And we, the noble [[Kather]], who fought by the side of the Dragons so long ago, were raised up to be first among the gods. We have kept, and will keep, the ancient ways of the Dragons, and fulfill our holy task to wipe all desecration left by the upstarts from the planet. Let our Warriors purify themselves in the depths of the world's flames, and take the Fires of Life into their own bodies. From the flames comes strength and the will to do the justice of the gods."

	=== The Unknowns ===		=== The Unknowns ===

EVYNTINE: /* The Connection */

2023-03-18T15:20:05Z

The Connection

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	== The Connection ==		== The Connection ==

	[[Ayrell]] says, "And that brings us to the point in this lecture where the earlier discussion of the World Dragon may spark some interest when considered alongside a certain excerpt from what Pralel lists as an old Kather myth."		[[Ayrell]] says, "And that brings us to the point in this lecture where the earlier discussion of the [[World Dragon]] may spark some interest when considered alongside a certain excerpt from what Pralel lists as an old [[Kather]] myth."

	[[Ayrell]] says, "Before I begin with this portion, I want to stress the fact that this is clearly listed in Pralel s writing as a myth, much the same as we have our own stories about our own deities, and this is, in no way, intended as any accusation or implication of one being right or wrong. It is merely an interesting take, on both sides, with a few details that overlap in the most intriguing of ways."		[[Ayrell]] says, "Before I begin with this portion, I want to stress the fact that this is clearly listed in Pralel s writing as a myth, much the same as we have our own stories about our own deities, and this is, in no way, intended as any accusation or implication of one being right or wrong. It is merely an interesting take, on both sides, with a few details that overlap in the most intriguing of ways."

EVYNTINE: /* The Kather */

2023-03-18T15:19:26Z

The Kather

EVYNTINE: /* The World Dragon */

2023-03-18T15:12:18Z

The World Dragon

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	[[Ayrell]] says, "Anger then came with the knowledge that the others knew nothing of the reason for why he did what he did. For it was the cutting of [[Hodierna]]'s hair which brought an end to the endless summer. The first harvest, as it were. Feeling unappreciated and misunderstood, [[Huldah]] staggered the rest of the way home and fell into bed, exhausted and pained, only to dream dreams of reconciliation and revenge."		[[Ayrell]] says, "Anger then came with the knowledge that the others knew nothing of the reason for why he did what he did. For it was the cutting of [[Hodierna]]'s hair which brought an end to the endless summer. The first harvest, as it were. Feeling unappreciated and misunderstood, [[Huldah]] staggered the rest of the way home and fell into bed, exhausted and pained, only to dream dreams of reconciliation and revenge."

	== The World Dragon ==		== The [[World Dragon]] ==

	[[Ayrell]] says, "The story states that the years passed slowly from that day onward, the faintest hint of shadow in Grazhir's heart gradually darkening and spreading. It describes the "surprise" Huldah placed within the moon as a wondrous gift to the lands - the first dragon, intended to be gentle and wise. However, as the beast grew, it fed upon its father's pain and anguished dreams reflective of an eternity of the other Immortals’ suspicions, thus twisting the dragon with hate. A raging reflection of Huldah's inner torment."		[[Ayrell]] says, "The story states that the years passed slowly from that day onward, the faintest hint of shadow in [[Grazhir]]'s heart gradually darkening and spreading. It describes the "surprise" [[Huldah]] placed within the moon as a wondrous gift to the lands - the first dragon, intended to be gentle and wise. However, as the beast grew, it fed upon its father's pain and anguished dreams reflective of an eternity of the other Immortals’ suspicions, thus twisting the dragon with hate. A raging reflection of [[Huldah]]'s inner torment."

	=== Grazhir Shatters ===		=== [[Grazhir]] Shatters ===

	[[Ayrell]] says, "It is from this point that the story of the World Dragon and Grazhir are more prominently known. The hatching of the World Dragon from within Grazhir which sent shards of the broken moon raining down upon Elanthia. Drawn to the inner fire of the land, the World Dragon attacked, consuming the energy and warmth until the Immortals feared it would destroy Elanthia and turn its attention to the sun. War was waged, during which the golden surface of Katamba was burned black by the dragon's breath, yet no damage was able to be done to the World Dragon, itself, leaving the Immortals with what they believed to be their only remaining option - if they could not kill the dragon, they would simply put it to sleep."		[[Ayrell]] says, "It is from this point that the story of the [[World Dragon]] and [[Grazhir]] are more prominently known. The hatching of the [[World Dragon]] from within [[Grazhir]] which sent shards of the broken moon raining down upon [[Elanthia]]. Drawn to the inner fire of the land, the [[World Dragon]] attacked, consuming the energy and warmth until the Immortals feared it would destroy [[Elanthia]] and turn its attention to the sun. War was waged, during which the golden surface of [[Katamba]] was burned black by the dragon's breath, yet no damage was able to be done to the [[World Dragon]], itself, leaving the Immortals with what they believed to be their only remaining option - if they could not kill the dragon, they would simply put it to sleep."

	=== The Dragon Slumbers ===		=== The Dragon Slumbers ===

	[[Ayrell]] says, "At Peri'~~el’s~~ suggestion, Phelim's sand was used to lull the World Dragon into slumber after which the body was then placed within the center of Elanthia to replenish the heat it had consumed and serve as a new source of energy for the lands. It is the eternal song of Peri'el which keeps the World Dragon asleep, thus preventing it from waking and once again enacting its destruction upon the world."		[[Ayrell]] says, "At [[Peri'el]]’s suggestion, [[Phelim]]'s sand was used to lull the [[World Dragon]] into slumber after which the body was then placed within the center of [[Elanthia]] to replenish the heat it had consumed and serve as a new source of energy for the lands. It is the eternal song of [[Peri'el]] which keeps the [[World Dragon]] asleep, thus preventing it from waking and once again enacting its destruction upon the world."

	== The Kather ==		== The Kather ==

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	[[Ayrell]] says, "At [[Peri'el]]’s suggestion, [[Phelim]]'s sand was used to lull the [[World Dragon]] into slumber after which the body was then placed within the center of [[Elanthia]] to replenish the heat it had consumed and serve as a new source of energy for the lands. It is the eternal song of [[Peri'el]] which keeps the [[World Dragon]] asleep, thus preventing it from waking and once again enacting its destruction upon the world."		[[Ayrell]] says, "At [[Peri'el]]’s suggestion, [[Phelim]]'s sand was used to lull the [[World Dragon]] into slumber after which the body was then placed within the center of [[Elanthia]] to replenish the heat it had consumed and serve as a new source of energy for the lands. It is the eternal song of [[Peri'el]] which keeps the [[World Dragon]] asleep, thus preventing it from waking and once again enacting its destruction upon the world."

	== The Kather ==		== The [[Kather]] ==

	[[Ayrell]] says, "Which brings us to the end of that particular history and to the beginning of what I am sure you are all anxious to hear. The very reason this lecture was requested. That being, the mystery that is the Kather."		[[Ayrell]] says, "Which brings us to the end of that particular history and to the beginning of what I am sure you are all anxious to hear. The very reason this lecture was requested. That being, the mystery that is the [[Kather]]."

	[[Ayrell]] says, "So, what exactly are the Kather? According to a book written by Pralel Erigowia, they are a race of beings known to dwell in the rocky lands to the northwest of Forfedhdar. Regrettably, there is not a great deal known about them, due to a marked hostility they are known to show when approached by outsiders. Pralel was able to provide some interesting insight, however, and it is from this insight I have drawn while preparing the information I will relay this evening."		[[Ayrell]] says, "So, what exactly are the [[Kather]]? According to a book written by Pralel Erigowia, they are a race of beings known to dwell in the rocky lands to the northwest of [[Forfedhdar]]. Regrettably, there is not a great deal known about them, due to a marked hostility they are known to show when approached by outsiders. Pralel was able to provide some interesting insight, however, and it is from this insight I have drawn while preparing the information I will relay this evening."

	=== Religion ===		=== Religion ===

	[[Ayrell]] says, "According to Pralel, religion is of the utmost importance to the Kather. For it is the Dragons they worship, believing them to be the creators of this world and the givers of life. In Kather belief, the Dragons are said to have provided the warmth in the chill caverns of their dwelling, the fire to see in the dark, and the knowledge to forge in those flames, among other boons of an advanced society. Based on Kather myths, however, the Dragons left the world long ago to watch over it from afar. In their stead, the Kather worship what they consider the Gift of the Dragons, deemed by many to be the incarnation of their power. That gift being - fire."		[[Ayrell]] says, "According to Pralel, religion is of the utmost importance to the [[Kather]]. For it is the Dragons they worship, believing them to be the creators of this world and the givers of life. In [[Kather]] belief, the Dragons are said to have provided the warmth in the chill caverns of their dwelling, the fire to see in the dark, and the knowledge to forge in those flames, among other boons of an advanced society. Based on [[Kather]] myths, however, the Dragons left the world long ago to watch over it from afar. In their stead, the [[Kather]] worship what they consider the Gift of the Dragons, deemed by many to be the incarnation of their power. That gift being - fire."

	[[Ayrell]] says, "Purity - obtained through religious rituals and ceremonies - is a way of life for the Kather as they seek to better please their gods. Some ceremonies are known to be quite elaborate while others are as mundane as preparing simple utensils for use, such as knives or bowls. Mention is made of one important series of rituals known as the "Warrior Ceremonies," which will be addressed in greater detail shortly."		[[Ayrell]] says, "Purity - obtained through religious rituals and ceremonies - is a way of life for the [[Kather]] as they seek to better please their gods. Some ceremonies are known to be quite elaborate while others are as mundane as preparing simple utensils for use, such as knives or bowls. Mention is made of one important series of rituals known as the "Warrior Ceremonies," which will be addressed in greater detail shortly."

	=== Homes and the Heartblaze ===		=== Homes and the Heartblaze ===

	[[Ayrell]] says, "As for shelter, the Kather are said to dwell within the canyons and caverns in the rocky lands northwest of Forfedhdar, having tunneled through the underground to create their homes in a distinct architectural style that is all their own. As one might expect, given their beliefs, these tunnels and caverns are said to be filled with sacred, life-giving fire. Some in the form of massive bonfires, while others are arranged in rows of torches to illuminate the corridors."		[[Ayrell]] says, "As for shelter, the [[Kather]] are said to dwell within the canyons and caverns in the rocky lands northwest of [[Forfedhdar]], having tunneled through the underground to create their homes in a distinct architectural style that is all their own. As one might expect, given their beliefs, these tunnels and caverns are said to be filled with sacred, life-giving fire. Some in the form of massive bonfires, while others are arranged in rows of torches to illuminate the corridors."

	[[Ayrell]] says, "It is said that it is difficult to take three steps within a Kather city and not be surrounded by the light of countless flames. Each home also bears what the Kather refer to as a "heartblaze." A small hearth used for light, warmth, cooking, and prayers, considered to be the heart and blood of the home and the family residing within."		[[Ayrell]] says, "It is said that it is difficult to take three steps within a [[Kather]] city and not be surrounded by the light of countless flames. Each home also bears what the [[Kather]] refer to as a "heartblaze." A small hearth used for light, warmth, cooking, and prayers, considered to be the heart and blood of the home and the family residing within."

	=== The Castes ===		=== The Castes ===

	[[Ayrell]] says, "Where Kather society is concerned, it is difficult to explain without sounding a bit like a textbook, so I do apologize in advance. But it is important to note that they utilize a caste system among their people. Four, to be exact. The Shamans, the Warriors, the Watchers, and the Workers."		[[Ayrell]] says, "Where [[Kather]] society is concerned, it is difficult to explain without sounding a bit like a textbook, so I do apologize in advance. But it is important to note that they utilize a caste system among their people. Four, to be exact. The Shamans, the Warriors, the Watchers, and the Workers."

	[[Ayrell]] says, "These castes are the foundation of the Kather people and their way of life. Each is given their own area in which to live, their matrimonial prospects limited to members of their own caste. Children born of these unions are naturally brought into whichever caste to which their parents belong, as there is no changing of one's role within Kather society. They work as four parts of a whole, serving their own purpose, to ensure the survival and growth of their people as well as fulfilling the wishes of the gods."		[[Ayrell]] says, "These castes are the foundation of the [[Kather]] people and their way of life. Each is given their own area in which to live, their matrimonial prospects limited to members of their own caste. Children born of these unions are naturally brought into whichever caste to which their parents belong, as there is no changing of one's role within [[Kather]] society. They work as four parts of a whole, serving their own purpose, to ensure the survival and growth of their people as well as fulfilling the wishes of the gods."

	=== The Shamans ===		=== The Shamans ===

	[[Ayrell]] says, "To start, we shall begin with an explanation on the Kather Shamans. The Kather are ruled by their Shamans, the ones who pass down the Word of the Dragons and see to its enforcement. These Shamans are responsible for overseeing the worship of the gods and are afforded the greatest respect by all Kather."		[[Ayrell]] says, "To start, we shall begin with an explanation on the [[Kather]] Shamans. The [[Kather]] are ruled by their Shamans, the ones who pass down the Word of the Dragons and see to its enforcement. These Shamans are responsible for overseeing the worship of the gods and are afforded the greatest respect by all [[Kather]]."

	[[Ayrell]] says, "The Shamans, however, are also divided into three levels. These are the Apprentice Shamans, the Second Shamans, and the First Shamans. Apprentice Shamans assist in purification rites to prepare items for use in various rituals. Though their most important task is that of tending the Kather fires, as only a member of the Shaman caste is permitted to restore and renew the sacred fires said to give the city life. It is their responsibility to constantly be on the lookout so as to prevent the death of even a single flame - for it is said that the death of the Kather fires would soon be followed by the deaths of the Kather, themselves."		[[Ayrell]] says, "The Shamans, however, are also divided into three levels. These are the Apprentice Shamans, the Second Shamans, and the First Shamans. Apprentice Shamans assist in purification rites to prepare items for use in various rituals. Though their most important task is that of tending the [[Kather]] fires, as only a member of the Shaman caste is permitted to restore and renew the sacred fires said to give the city life. It is their responsibility to constantly be on the lookout so as to prevent the death of even a single flame - for it is said that the death of the [[Kather]] fires would soon be followed by the deaths of the [[Kather]], themselves."

	[[Ayrell]] says, "Above the Apprentice Shamans are the Second Shamans. While the Apprentice Shamans assist with the purification rites, it is the Second Shamans who perform the actual rituals. In Kather belief, the use of non-purified items in any ritual would bring ill fortune, therefore, all items utilized during these rituals must first be purified by flame. It is also the Second Shamans who oversee large gatherings of Kather for prayers around their bonfires. The aforementioned "Warrior Ceremonies" are also conducted by the Second Shamans."		[[Ayrell]] says, "Above the Apprentice Shamans are the Second Shamans. While the Apprentice Shamans assist with the purification rites, it is the Second Shamans who perform the actual rituals. In [[Kather]] belief, the use of non-purified items in any ritual would bring ill fortune, therefore, all items utilized during these rituals must first be purified by flame. It is also the Second Shamans who oversee large gatherings of [[Kather]] for prayers around their bonfires. The aforementioned "Warrior Ceremonies" are also conducted by the Second Shamans."

	[[Ayrell]] says, "Thirdly, we have the First Shamans, also known as the Shamans of the Talon. These Shamans are the only ones allowed to bless and place gifts to the Dragons before the Pit's altar. This is, in fact, their main duty. As for what these gifts may entail, it is said that heretics discovered among the Kather are stripped of their belongings before their execution. Materials such as gold and ruby are viewed as items of special interest, although anything the First Shamans deem worthy are then blessed and placed in the central altar of the Kather to be offered up as gifts to the gods."		[[Ayrell]] says, "Thirdly, we have the First Shamans, also known as the Shamans of the Talon. These Shamans are the only ones allowed to bless and place gifts to the Dragons before the Pit's altar. This is, in fact, their main duty. As for what these gifts may entail, it is said that heretics discovered among the [[Kather]] are stripped of their belongings before their execution. Materials such as gold and ruby are viewed as items of special interest, although anything the First Shamans deem worthy are then blessed and placed in the central altar of the [[Kather]] to be offered up as gifts to the gods."

	=== The Warriors ===		=== The Warriors ===

	[[Ayrell]] says, "In order of rank, the Warrior Caste ranks second, just below the Shamans. These are the Kathers' greatest fighters whose duty is to protect the city from anyone who would dare invade the Dragons' lands. They are also said to battle against the hordes of infidels who refuse to submit to the will of the Dragons. These warriors serve their gods through combat, thereby partaking in the elaborate "Warrior Ceremonies" as a demonstration of their fitness and ability to continue their service as the Talons of the Dragons."		[[Ayrell]] says, "In order of rank, the Warrior Caste ranks second, just below the Shamans. These are the [[Kathers]]' greatest fighters whose duty is to protect the city from anyone who would dare invade the Dragons' lands. They are also said to battle against the hordes of infidels who refuse to submit to the will of the Dragons. These warriors serve their gods through combat, thereby partaking in the elaborate "Warrior Ceremonies" as a demonstration of their fitness and ability to continue their service as the Talons of the Dragons."

	=== The Warrrior Ceremonies ===		=== The Warrrior Ceremonies ===
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	=== The Watchers ===		=== The Watchers ===

	[[Ayrell]] says, "Next, there is the Watcher caste. These Kather are said to serve many purposes within their society, though rarely are they seen within the city where the other Kather dwell. The Watchers are charged with acting as scouts and explorers, as well as sentries and patrols. They are considered the Eyes of the Dragons, much as the Shamans are the Word of the Dragons and the Warriors are the Talons."		[[Ayrell]] says, "Next, there is the Watcher caste. These [[Kather]] are said to serve many purposes within their society, though rarely are they seen within the city where the other [[Kather]] dwell. The Watchers are charged with acting as scouts and explorers, as well as sentries and patrols. They are considered the Eyes of the Dragons, much as the Shamans are the Word of the Dragons and the Warriors are the Talons."

	=== The Workers ===		=== The Workers ===

	[[Ayrell]] says, "Lastly, there are the Workers. As one might expect, these Kather make up the largest number of their people, their ranks including those artisans who create the sacred jewelry worn and used by the Shamans and Warriors. Also among the Workers are the diggers whose efforts aid in building the Kather homes, creating new tunnels, and repairing the old. Although they are the lowest ranking of the Kather, they are no less important to the Kather society. Especially as it is the Worker caste who tend the farms and provide food to the others."		[[Ayrell]] says, "Lastly, there are the Workers. As one might expect, these [[Kather]] make up the largest number of their people, their ranks including those artisans who create the sacred jewelry worn and used by the Shamans and Warriors. Also among the Workers are the diggers whose efforts aid in building the [[Kather]] homes, creating new tunnels, and repairing the old. Although they are the lowest ranking of the [[Kather]], they are no less important to the [[Kather]] society. Especially as it is the Worker caste who tend the farms and provide food to the others."

	== The Connection ==		== The Connection ==