TownCrier/Faction Attraction/Obsidian Tower

This is a creative work set in the world of Elanthia, attributed to its original author(s). It does not necessarily represent the official lore of GemStone IV.

Title: Faction Attraction - Obsidian Tower

Author:

Dark Elves. A race held in mystery and sometimes scrutiny throughout the world of Elanthia. It is a history rife with power, struggle, and questionable decisions made for what some believe to be the greater good. Aptly named for delving into what some would consider the darker arts, many have emerged from the barren Southron Wastes and many parts of the world. While the world remains apprehensive, there has been a warming to the unique cultures and practices.

Many are familiar with the Faendryl, due to their history with the Elven Nations and the footprint established throughout the annals of history. But oft-forgotten are the Dark Elves from Sharath and Eh'lah, the Dhe'nar, whose lore remains shrouded in mystery and, as some would argue, obfuscated with rumors and urban legends. And so this Faction Attraction hopes to dispel some of the conjecture from the group occupying the dark tower near the Sentoph in Wehnimer's Landing, directly from the source. This is The Obsidian Tower.

Before the TownCrier delves into the heart of the home of the Dhe'nar here in the north, I offer a note from Talinvor and hope to clarify some of the points made.

A Note from Talinvor

Gentle reader,

It has been too long to have left you waiting for this installment of the Town Crier interview with the Obsidian Tower. I apologize that I have taken over the interview, but it was - I promise, for good reason. As such, it has taken a different format compared to the others as responses were forwarded via correspondence.

But all is not quite so simple when it comes to Dhe’nar. As it is, as elves, we have no real sense of urgency for things that are...well, not very urgent. Plus, as it was - Yardie, who approached us for an interview, was not so keen to traverse our halls, and not all those that call the Tower home, were eager for inquiries.

It did behoove me to obtain the attention and opinions of the Obsidian Tower council, however. They are the de facto leadership of this small outpost in the north. They did, in turn, answer how they saw fit. Uniquely, their responses were appropriate for their castes (Warrior, Temple, Warlock) and reflect the subtle differences in view and objectives. My own responses reflect closer to the role of Lorekeeper among the Dhe'nar (which is a part of the Warlock Caste) as my answers tend to contain more explanation

The Councilroom of the Obsidian Tower holds the seats of power among the Castes. Two to the left and two to the right of the middle throne made of deep obsidian, which represents the Highlord - the current head of the Tower itself. For now, it is held by Avaia. The rolaren throne, which represents the Warrior Caste is currently held by Tabubu, the Onyx throne, which represents the Warlock Caste is held by Archious, the Black Ora throne which represents the Temple Caste (and is currently vacant), and finally the clear Glaes throne is held by a noble caste (currently Warlock) and represents the Worker Caste effectively, but also serves as a balance of power between the remaining noble caste representatives. This chair is held by me, Talinvor. It is here that I presided over the questions submitted.

To clarify our leadership, it is considered separate from what the Cooperative Houses of Elanthia considers to be leadership. Within, we hold separate status for CHE officers, meaning there can be non-dhe’nar within our structure as officers, with the exception of the Chair (which will always be the Highlord). They are however, to whom the CHE organization defers for decision making, but they are both loyal and acquiesce to the Dhe’nar council of the Tower if major decisions regarding the structure or membership are required. This is designed to keep the integrity of the culture intact, and prevent it from losing sight of its intended purpose.

~~Talinvor~~

A Note from Yardie

To my fellow readers,

As a correspondent of the TownCrier and as the interviewer of the MHOs and CHEs of Elanthia, it is crucial to keep bias from swaying the thoughts and feelings of the reader. Yes, it is my task to interview, question, and offer my commentary on the unique natures of each house; however, never to the point where personal feelings might become a distraction. I hold certain convictions fast, and it would be most unfair for those convictions to influence my work negatively nor sway you, the reader, to the detriment of the Dhe'nar. Therefore, I chose not to enter the Obsidian Tower but instead hired an associate in my, ah, familiar practices to do so. This way, a fresh perspective on this unique culture graces the reader with not only the integrity of the TownCrier, but also the integrity of this group that has graciously answered this request for an interview.

I offer my sincerest thanks to Talinvor and those who partook in answering my questions for the Obsidian Tower. While the lack of in-person interaction (solely my fault) prevented a decent follow-up, my associate has done a substantial job. Otherwise, I will be down millions of silver for his work.

I also thank the reader for your understanding and patience.

I remain,

Yardie

The link to the visit can be found here: Log

Questions

From Talinvor: Onto the questions! Yardie presented me with a list, and I passed the page over to each of the present members of the council for a response. Below are the queries presented:

1. For a person unfamiliar with the Obsidian Tower, can you please explain what it represents?

Tabubu (Warrior Caste) The Obsidian Tower represents more than mere words can express. To the Dhe’nar it is a way of life and the pursuit of preserving its culture while evolving and the achievement of Power. Those within the walls are a family committed to perfection in all its forms; be it of the mind, the body or one another. To bring the Family to new heights, to demand the most from its members and to ensure that strength and rigor is rewarded.

Archious (Warlock Caste) The Tower represents a few things. First, it is an extension of Sharath's governance into a separate region. It's a way for far-flung Firstborn to access support and resources for whatever brought them here, and it is a way for Sharath to monitor the Dhe'nar and the local population. It's also a beacon of culture, something to anchor its people and a visible symbol of their presence.

Talinvor (Lorekeeper/Warlock Caste) The Tower is a northern outpost that reflects the pattern of authority structure in Sharath by having representation for each of the castes. Firstborn settling into the northern frontier hoped to not only be able to have a physical icon for our people, but provide support and education for those that wished to embrace The Way.

Avaia (Temple Caste) The Obsidian Tower is a focal point for all of the Firstborn, or Dhe'nar as you know us, who have come to the Northlands.

2. How did the Obsidian Tower come to be? Did you feel there was a need for the Dhe'nar to coalesce together and find their way?

Tabubu (Warrior Caste) Dhe’nar and Khanshael left Sharath as the world started to trespass upon its borders. Our brethren took time to learn the way of the lands and naturally found a use to make a permanent stand.

Archious (Warlock Caste) This ties to number one. A Dhe'nar or two in a new place doesn't warrant any sort of investment but as numbers grow, it's necessary to establish the kind of centralized authority that is common to the Dhe'nar. As more came here, they naturally formed this association and once it grew large enough, it would naturally attract attention from Sharath itself.

Talinvor (Lorekeeper) The origin of the Obsidian Tower was due to three specific Dhe’nar. Kris’a’flach Shtar’sha Soci’dyim and Lo’mah Shtar’khadesh Sho’nae’dyim - better known as Warlock StarsnufferSunslayer and Priestess Starshadow Kinslayer. And the third, who preferred to simply be known as the Warrior, Kree Morlain. The three of them had been released from their caste duties and traveled north to settle freely in what was once an open frontier and not under any other political jurisdiction. They began to gather others like them, and those that believed in the dhe’nar creed - Khanshael, elves, half-elves, humans, etc. Each could find a place of value within the obsidian walls.

Avaia (Temple Caste) The Tower was brought into being by the Founders Starsnuffer, Starshadow, and Kree who foresaw the need to gather together all of the Family in this part of the world.

3. Could you explain to us what is the Way? Is it limited for the Dhe'nar? How is the Way taught and enforced in the Obsidian Tower?

Tabubu (Warrior Caste) I think Mnar answered this question the best. “The Way, most simply, is a code of conduct which all true Dhe’nar follow in the attempt to perfect themselves. It allows the skilled thinker to analyze all the choices presented to him and then discern the end results of each, permitting him to choose the path that will lead to his goals: literally the Way to follow to power. In a wider scope, the Way also dictates that for the Elven race to achieve its place once again with the Arkati, they must unite, rather than remain divided. The Way, then teaches coming to power by perfecting oneself as well as using this power to unify the Elven race. Do note, the exact meanings of the “Way” vary as much as individuals do. What is correct to one Dhe’nar might be incorrect to another; these differences are often readily visible across Caste boundaries.”

Archious (Warlock Caste) The Way is different for every person. It is that person's path to their perfect self, which must obviously be as unique as individuals are. The way is open to any who are willing to try to perfect themselves. One cannot teach another how to follow the Way, only guide them to find their own path, but each must walk it for themselves. There is no need to enforce the Way, each member of Dhe'nar society naturally settles into the role that suits them. The lowest can make themselves into something great through great effort and the highest can fall to the bottom rung of the ladder if no effort is made.

Talinvor (Lorekeeper) The Way is a path of moral behaviors, designed to bring us full circle to then help the next generation of our people. The goal is eventual ascension, as our ancestor Noi’sho’rah achieved. Though ideally it is a hope to reunify the elves and follow the steps of perfection - spiraling upward as we progress. It consists of the following steps: Family, Self Perfection, Opinion, Power - where the path often strays with the desire for personal power. Continuing then, is Honor, Unity and back to Family. Attempting to ascend as a whole people is, what may consider an impossible goal, and remains as a consideration why we have not yet done so. For myself, I believe with enough merit, we can ascend as an individual as Noi’sho’rah once did - with great merit and a lifetime of achievement for the betterment of our people.

Avaia (Temple Caste) I suggest you find a copy of the document Regarding the Way, a Treatise by Mnar Akurion. Perhaps in the Wehnimers's Landing Library. That would be a good place to start. The Way is open to all Elvenkind who seek it with Purity of intention.

4. For newcomers, what are the requirements to join the Obsidian Tower? How does this apply to non-Dhenar? Can you explain to us what the q'hale is?

Tabubu (Warrior Caste) There are no requirements. Everyone has a use. But we are a culture-oriented house for the Dhe’nar. If you like to join the Tower, you need to express interest with one of its members and it goes from there. It is not for the weak of heart, and often takes some time to achieve. There are Legions that are for those not of pure blood.

Archious (Warlock Caste) How one joins the Tower is by willingly giving up all possessions and even one's identity in service to the Tower. For some this means becoming q'halae, for others, the Legion, for others, service to a specific Firstborn or caste. In giving up everything, one can begin to follow the Way and be built into something better.

Talinvor (Lorekeeper) There are different requirements depending on what your role would be. For Dhe’nar, it is the most difficult path. One must become q’halae and be treated as nothing. A Dhe’nar does not learn pride, until they have learned humility. And, they must learn to defeat a worthy opponent without reliance on any gear - for only through sheer survival are we worthy of our blood. Thirdly, they must learn the basics of Dhe’narsi. For Khanshael, they are accepted as our companions - respected for their clan. They have no particular requirements, beyond understanding the cultures associated with the Tower. For any non-Dhe’nar or non-Khanshael, there is the path of the Obsidian Legion. They are our protectors and serve as needed at the discretion of the Council. While they do not have any sort of ritual to perform as the Dhe’nar do, they still must be familiar with the cultures within the Tower and may have assignments of protection.

Avaia (Temple Caste) One must be able to hold vultite weaponry and donate a one-time 500,000 silver fee. For non-Dhe'nar the basics of initiation are the same. The q'halae are those who devote themselves to in-depth study of The Way under the tutelage of the various Castes.

5. Are there any future events you will be running or previous events that we have missed this year?'

Tabubu (Warrior Caste) Talinvor and Meliyara are to host Tower Tellings starting the last Tuesday of the month, starting in October.

Talinvor (Lorekeeper) We generally hold weekly House hunts every Niiman (Thursday) at 9pm Elven barring special events or circumstances. Often we will do bandit bounties out of Mist Harbor or Solhaven, and Kreigh hosts us on his ships for Open Sea Adventures typically out of Solhaven as well. I will start Tower Tellings again on the last Tilamaires (Tuesday) of every month, starting in Jastatos (October). Keep an eye on news, calendars and Town Crier announcements for new events.

6. For anyone who wishes to join, who should they speak to?

Tabubu (Warrior Caste) Anyone from the Obsidian Tower.

Talinvor Yes, anyone from the Obsidian Tower. If unable to reach us in person, a letter letting us know how and when to best reach out is an option as well. Postal mail is wonderfully convenient! Most generally will make general inquiries, or take note of our House Hunts and request to tag along for a bit. The most important thing is to make yourself known to a member well enough for them to believe you have a sincere interest and willingness to learn the culture. We are willing to put in a great deal of effort to those with interest, and it is expected that those interested do as well. We are far more than just a locker house, and hold the culture and investment into community to be our goal.

Avaia Any member of the Obsidian Tower can direct inquiries in the proper direction. You will know us by the Obsidian Rose Pin we wear.

7. Are there any prominent or famous members of the Tower throughout the lands?

Tabubu (Warrior Caste) The founders of course and current occupants. Each can be given a short elaborate greatness description. Perhaps haikus even.

Talinvor (Lorekeeper) The original founders, Starsnuffer, Starshadow, and Kree of course. But there are many more such as Celtic, Lochraven, Igrak, Saltstone..I could go on. Many of these influential people were given their own rooms which we continue to maintain. The entire Tower section of our building is dedicated to those that came before us. Evarin and Debia were influential to me specifically as a q’hali and constructed the house museum that houses a collection of items with loresongs associated with both Dhe’nar and Khanshael cultures. In current times, most here in these regions have heard of me, so I fill that role now. Meliyara is also now demonstrating an impressive influence and has become very well known herself.

Avaia (Temple Caste) Fame is not something with which a follower of the Way concerns themselves. Those who know, know.

8. If you have other questions you can think of or a final statement you wish to make, please share.

Tabubu (Warrior Caste) Walk in Power

Avaia (Temple Caste) Nothing is True. Everything is Permitted.

Final Statement from Talinvor

 After I was able to acquire the council’s answers, I hired a swift runner to deliver the responses back to Yardie to fulfill the agreement. I hope dear reader, that you find the answers enlightening and know that we consider ourselves Family to any eager to find The Way.