History on the Rooftop: Kather and World Dragon

This lecture is part of the History on the Rooftop Lecture Series.

Year of the Amber Phoenix, 444 years since the Victory of Lanival the Redeemer. It is the 1st day in the 10th month of Nissa, the Maiden. It is currently winter. (3/17/2023)

Speaker

Lady of Elamiri Ayrell Evyntine-Vershir, Archmagess of Ilithi

You see Lady of Elamiri Ayrell Evyntine-Vershir, Archmagess of Ilithi, an Elf. Ayrell has elegant arched eyebrows, pointed ears and exquisite lashes accentuating lustrous sapphire eyes. Her deep blue-streaked raven hair is hip length and wavy, and is worn in an elegant upswept arrangement threaded with an ornate silversteel chain twined with pale mistglass Elamiri roses. She has fair skin and a gracefully slender figure. She appears to be an adult. She is in good shape.

She is wearing an ornate choker of duskbloom sapphires woven amid strands of lucent moonsilver, a sweeping gown of mauveine dreamweave belted with a line of duskbloom sapphires, a gleaming silver signet ring bearing an intricate family seal, a lifesculpted moonsilver wedding band cradling a trillion-cut twilight sapphire, a spiraling lilac moonsilver engagement band crowned by a blue Elamiri sapphire and some deep mauve dreamweave thigh boots overlaid with motes of duskbloom sapphire.

Location & Audience

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.

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.

Introduction

Ayrell says, "Good evening and welcome to the Shoan a Sidelkuloa."

Ayrell smiles.

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, "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

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."

The Trickster's Prank

Ayrell says, "It was then that Huldah crept into Hodierna's chamber one night. Finding her deep in contemplation, he inquired if she knew what would come to pass from the evening's work. To this, Hodierna replied that she knew all that may happen, but that the future was not set in stone. As she said to him "Much depends on one's efforts to forge one's own destiny."

Ayrell asks, "Huldah then said to her "You know, then, why I am here?" Hodierna simply nodded, unbinding her hair and shaking it loose. Her beautiful strands shone and shimmered like gold in the light as she spoke. "You are here because I asked it of you. You are here because you love to cause chaos. But does the weasel have the courage to meet his challenge?"

Ayrell says, "It was a playful barb, at which Huldah laughed before taking a pair of shears from a worktable. With an apologetic look, he then proceeded to chop off every strand of Hodierna's gleaming locks. The loss of her crowning glory left her so diminished, it brought tears to Huldah's eyes as he then asked Hodierna for forgiveness. Calmly, Hodierna hugged Huldah close and told him simply to be brave, or all would be for naught."

The Confrontation

Ayrell says, "The next morning, Huldah was confronted by Everild who demanded to know the meaning of what Huldah had done. In his defense, Huldah expressed that it was merely a prank and that no harm had been done. Everild, unconvinced by this argument, thundered at Huldah, asking him if he could not hear the weeping of his sisters due to this supposed prank."

Ayrell says, "Upon seeing the chaos that surrounded him, Huldah broke free of Everild's grasp and declared that he would find a way to replace Hodierna's hair. With a final threat, Everild informed Huldah that he had better correct the matter soon or he would smash every bone in Huldah's body."

Kertigen's Forge and the Moons

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, "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."

The Trickster's Request

Ayrell says, "Aware of Kertigen's distrust, Huldah forged ahead with a distraction by explaining to Kertigen why he had come. Leaving out certain details so as to avoid telling the entire story, Huldah told Kertigen of Hodierna's loss and requested him to use his skills to spin gold as fine as Hodierna's hair and imbue it with such magic that it would grow upon her head as her own."

Ayrell says, "With one last look upon Grazhir, Kertigen agreed, for Hodierna's sake, and went to work fashioning a long wave of reddish-gold strands, murmuring spells and enchantments over them until they were so fine, even the faintest breath was able to ruffle the strands. Exhausted, yet pleased with his efforts, Kertigen whispered one final spell over the gold before handing them to Huldah."

The Trickster's Return

Ayrell says, "When Huldah returned to the others, he found so much time had passed that the troubles facing Elanthia had been solved during his absence. No one seemed to notice Huldah's stealthy arrival, save for Damaris, who congratulated Huldah for sneaking in so quietly that even he, Damaris, had failed to notice. Once his presence was discovered, Huldah approached Hodierna and presented her with the skein of flowing gold hair, informing her that Kertigen had crafted it special for her and that as soon as she lifted it to her head it would take root and grow, restoring her beauty as it was before."

Ayrell says, "Hodierna and Huldah shared a secretive smile. Placing the gold upon her head, Hodierna leaned forward to place a sisterly kiss upon Huldah's cheek and whispered to him, and him alone, "my thanks, First Harvester." Though, for all Hodierna's happiness, Everild remained angry, stepping forward and again threatening to break Huldah's bones for having taken so long to return. It was only at Hodierna's pleading that Everild backed down, albeit with great reluctance."

Everild's Revenge

Ayrell says, "Now that Elanthia was no longer in peril, the Immortals returned to their homes, though the camaraderie that had been shared throughout the crises was now strained. Suspicion lingered regarding Huldah's actions and everyone appeared to have chosen sides, despite Hodierna's urgings to leave Huldah to make his reparations. It was while Huldah traveled that Everild crossed his path again, still angry about the prank, and broke Huldah's jaw with a single blow."

Ayrell says, "As Huldah lay dazed at Everild's feet, Everild said to him, "That is for your fine words. Try sweet-talking your way out of trouble now." And, with that, Everild left Huldah there to suffer his pain and humiliation."

The Trickster's Revelation

Ayrell says, "Focusing on the discomfort and frustration, Huldah realized the rift between himself and the other Immortals was growing. The way they were so quick to suspect and blame Huldah seemed a foreshadowing and he concluded he would be blamed for all that went awry, all because of his love for mischief and jokes which would be viewed as carelessness by those he loved."

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

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

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

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

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."

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, "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

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."

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, "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

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, "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."

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."

The Warrrior Ceremonies

Ayrell says, "The "Warrior Ceremonies" is the ritual in which a Warrior's rank is determined. This involves such things as marking the body with fire or purified knives or the bestowal of blessed amulets and talismans to guard against evil. Of all the rituals involved in this ceremony, the highest is that of walking across the Dragon's River. Additionally, where ornamentation is concerned, the highest ranking Warriors are said to bear the most, though all Warriors are adorned with a certain level of decoration in the form of gold and precious gems sanctified by the Second Shamans."

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."

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."

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, "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."

A Kather Myth

Ayrell recites:

   "From the nothingness came the most ancient and perfect beings in existence, the Dragons, born from the pure flames of the Sun which destroyed the nothingness.  Their own lives established, these great beings used their Fires of Life to create these planets and all life contained upon them.  And for ages they ruled over all, giving more and more life with their purifying fires."

Ayrell recites:

   "Then the upstarts came.  Foul creatures who fought against our Creators and Maintainers.  They defiled the perfect existence made by the Dragons by forming four moons to steal the glory of the Sun.  Soon, though, the upstarts declared war against the Creators, the Dragons.  Inside one of their filthy moons the upstarts created a new being - a Moon Dragon.  Blasphemy against the true Dragons, the gods were left with no choice but to take hand against the upstarts and end their profanation of existence."

Ayrell recites:

   "The war between the Sun Dragons and the upstarts with their Moon Dragon was long and harsh, but the upstarts could never withstand the powers of the Dragons.  They were defeated, and cast from the planet, forbidden from ever returning."

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 Unknowns

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 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."

Conclusion

Ayrell says, "With that, I pray this lecture has provided at least a few answers amidst the numerous questions that remain. It has been an honor to speak here tonight, and I thank you all for your support."

Ayrell smiles.

Ayrell curtsies gracefully.