Xorus (prime): Difference between revisions

The official GemStone IV encyclopedia.
Jump to navigation Jump to search
mNo edit summary
(heavy re-write / additions)
Line 1: Line 1:
'''Xorus Kul'shin''' is an occultist and Vice Chancellor Emeritus of the Hazalred Thaumaturgical Institute, one of many temporary heads of the Faendryl antiquaries society. He is a specialist in esoteric lore and heterodox or apocryphal theology from the [[Age of Darkness]], the archaeology of cryptic and malevolent pre-historical sites especially regarding the Ur-Daemon, and the recovery of antiquities or dangerous artifacts. This often involves forming necessary relationships with cults, dark figures, and unlawful orders. He has often remarked that the Palestra are fine for keeping watch on the ambitious summoner, who is rather limited in what he has the power to conjure regardless, but that they are most often missing entirely those forces who would unearth long buried eldritch horrors and the truly apocalyptic hazards.
'''Xorus Kul'shin''' is the ecclesiastical iron fist of an [[Ur-Daemon]] cult in the [[Southron Wastes]]. Very little is known of their nature, except that if they exist, they must masquerade as ordinary members of society. Whether they "worship demons" or merely act as a false religion for some other purpose is unknown. He is thought to have been the author of numerous controversial works over the past thousand years, often with the intent of spreading dark magic and forbidden knowledge.


He is a member of the Order of the Black Flame, an aristocratic secret society --- also known by other names such as the Balefire Club and the Black Claw, in reference to the six-fingered talons rumored in ancient texts to have been possessed by the Ur-Daemon --- with dubious ties to both the figurative and literal underworlds, often the subject of conspiracy theories regarding the Senary. The society is thought to have been founded by the "old money" of noble families from the [[Age of Chaos]] who have chaffed under the meritocratic and novelty-driven reforms of Faendryl society since the time of the Sea Elf war.
In the past few decades he has most often been seen in the [[Wehnimer's Landing]] region, perhaps as a result of the malevolent powers which kept making themselves known. Often a shadow in the background, he is known to portray himself as a [[Faendryl]] loyalist, while his vision for the world is surely anything but Elven. He treats knowledge as a weapon rather than an expression of sincerity, and seems dedicated to the ideal of making the world more dangerous.


===Recent History===
While few beyond the [[Southron Wastes]] know of his religion, he has been recognized as such by Val Lys'aen'fel Illistim. They had some encounter centuries ago near the ruins of [[Maelshyve]], where the specialist in Dark Elven cults nearly escaped with her life. Perhaps not coincidentally, Xorus has rarely been known to visit [[Ta'Illistim]]. In recent years he has begun using his own name, but whether it is a "name" or a title is not clear. He was almost killed by [[flow storms]] trying to breach the [[Drake's Shrine]], which he confesses has considerably weakened his power over magic.

In the past few decades he has most often been seen in the [[Wehnimer's Landing]] region, perhaps as a result of the malevolent powers which kept making themselves known. He was present for the vergence of the [[Elemental Confluence]] at the hands of the madman [[Alusius]], informed the Ithzir of Kol'Tarsken that [[Althedeus]] is dead, and vied for control of the [[Ur-Daemon#Talon of Toullaire|Talon of Toullaire]] which was in the possession of Grand Magister [[Dennet Kestrel]] of the Hall of Mages. The daughter [[Naimorai Kestrel]], who was truly the young [[Raznel]] before becoming lost in a temporal accident, "confessed" that he has taught her dark magic. He has also been accused of having ties with [[Quinshon]] and [[Grishom Stone]]. His principal concern is working with the [[hooded figure]]s and [[Orders of the Turamzzyrian Empire#The Sheruvian Order|Sheruvian Order]] over the [[Uthex Kathiasas|ancient artifacts]] in the [[The Broken Lands|Broken Lands]].

Xorus is known to be a member of the [[Order of the Shadow]], the [[Faendryl Enclave]], and served as Mayor [[Cruxophim]]'s advisor on the occult and dark magic. While often the subject of suspicions, he has seemingly never acted against the interests of the town. He has pointed out repeatedly that had his plan been followed in sealing the Ithzir portal of 5116 Modern Era, rather than a course of action inevitably requiring the stealing of plinite from the Hall of Mages, the whole historical thread of events would have never happened. This is ironic as he also asserts the flow of history cannot be changed.


==The Ur-Daemon Cult==
==The Ur-Daemon Cult==
'''Xorus Kul'shin''' is actually the ecclesiastical iron fist of an [[Ur-Daemon]] cult in the [[Southron Wastes]]. Very little is known of their nature, except that if they exist, they must masquerade as ordinary members of society. Whether they "worship demons" or merely act as a false religion for some other purpose is unknown. He is thought to have been the author of numerous controversial works over the past thousand years, often with the intent of spreading dark magic and forbidden knowledge. These were mostly written under various pseudonyms and it is unclear which name is his assumed Faendryl identity.
<nowiki>*</nowiki> [[The Ordeal]] (5117 Modern Era)<br>

<nowiki>*</nowiki> [[The Birth of the Dark Elves]]
"Xorus" is known to be a hereditary title in some dead language meaning "Dreadlord", while the false surname "Kul'shin" is [[Iruaric]] for "Shadow of Death." This "Cult of Kron'khaal" or "The Ageless" is thought to involve reincarnation rituals, transferring the souls and perhaps memories of dead cultists into young children. His theological role in the cult revolves around killing the gods and bringing about the end of all things. Consequently, he is considerably removed from the power centers of their order, and has a fractious and often violent relationship with his brethren who hold ire over his failure with the Vvrael.

===History===

In his youth he is thought to have helped orchestrate the destruction of the [[Kannalan Empire]], as the cult has traditionally preferred to keep the westerlands in a state of chaos until the return of their Dark Lord. This is supposed to be [[Despana]] herself, who they believe was Dark Elven, at least originally. The origins of the cult may stem from surviving remnants of her forces around [[Maelshyve]] and splinters from the exiled House Faendryl. While they claim this "incarnation" of their order was founded by Despana, they also maintain it has always existed in some form, and that there is an inherent draw in all of the Elven bloodlines to return "home" and reacquire their birth right as Dark Elves. They believe that this is the true form of the race, and that fair elves were cursed by the Arkati, keeping the Old Ones sleeping.

Often a shadow in the background, he is known to portray himself as a [[Faendryl]] loyalist, while his vision for the world is surely anything but Elven. He treats knowledge as a weapon rather than an expression of sincerity, and seems dedicated to the ideal of making the world more dangerous. While few beyond the [[Southron Wastes]] know of his religion, he has been identified as such by Val Lys'aen'fel Illistim. They had some encounter centuries ago near the ruins of [[Maelshyve]], where the specialist in Dark Elven cults nearly escaped with her life. Perhaps not coincidentally, he is rarely ever seen in [[Ta'Illistim]]. This might have proved problematic for him were it not for the fact that it is unclear that she ever existed. She may merely be a glamour much as the rumored Dark Elven members of the [[Orders of the Turamzzyrian Empire#The Erudites of Fash'lo'nae|Erudites of Fash'lo'nae]].

In recent years he has begun using his own "name" for some reason, which masks his identity in civil society with respect to Ta'Faendryl. He was almost killed by [[flow storms]] trying to breach the [[Drake's Shrine]] in 5098 Modern Era, which he confesses has considerably weakened his power over magic. (This was a failed attempt to reach the [[Eye of the Drake]] first. They have shared theological roots with Marluvian and Vvrael cultists, but these are considered schisms or heretical sects.) While his powers over the flows of essence in terms of conventional sorcery have largely returned, he still has little to no power over pure [[anti-mana]] and some of the other black arts. He would hope his powers might be fully restored within a century, but he intends on "waking up the Ur-Daemon" with his researches much sooner.


==Presumed Authorship==
==Presumed Authorship==
In the past few decades he has seemingly taken to using the name "Xorus", but there are perhaps countless older works under various pseudonyms.

===Scholarship===
<nowiki>*</nowiki> [[Concerning Extrachthonic Flora and Chthonic Concerns (essay)|Concerning Extrachthonic Flora and Chthonic Concerns]] (5117 Modern Era)<br>
<nowiki>*</nowiki> [[Concerning Extrachthonic Flora and Chthonic Concerns (essay)|Concerning Extrachthonic Flora and Chthonic Concerns]] (5117 Modern Era)<br>
<nowiki>*</nowiki> [[The Exsanguination of the Ashrim Isle]] (5115 Modern Era)<br>
<nowiki>*</nowiki> [[The Exsanguination of the Ashrim Isle]] (5115 Modern Era)<br>
Line 18: Line 34:
<nowiki>*</nowiki> [[The Dark Path (essay)]] (5102 Modern Era)
<nowiki>*</nowiki> [[The Dark Path (essay)]] (5102 Modern Era)


===Cult Works===
<nowiki>*</nowiki> [[The Ordeal]] (5117 Modern Era)<br>
<nowiki>*</nowiki> [[The Birth of the Dark Elves]] (4753 Modern Era?)


[[category:Adventurers]]
[[category:Adventurers]]

Revision as of 05:24, 31 January 2018

Xorus Kul'shin is an occultist and Vice Chancellor Emeritus of the Hazalred Thaumaturgical Institute, one of many temporary heads of the Faendryl antiquaries society. He is a specialist in esoteric lore and heterodox or apocryphal theology from the Age of Darkness, the archaeology of cryptic and malevolent pre-historical sites especially regarding the Ur-Daemon, and the recovery of antiquities or dangerous artifacts. This often involves forming necessary relationships with cults, dark figures, and unlawful orders. He has often remarked that the Palestra are fine for keeping watch on the ambitious summoner, who is rather limited in what he has the power to conjure regardless, but that they are most often missing entirely those forces who would unearth long buried eldritch horrors and the truly apocalyptic hazards.

He is a member of the Order of the Black Flame, an aristocratic secret society --- also known by other names such as the Balefire Club and the Black Claw, in reference to the six-fingered talons rumored in ancient texts to have been possessed by the Ur-Daemon --- with dubious ties to both the figurative and literal underworlds, often the subject of conspiracy theories regarding the Senary. The society is thought to have been founded by the "old money" of noble families from the Age of Chaos who have chaffed under the meritocratic and novelty-driven reforms of Faendryl society since the time of the Sea Elf war.

Recent History

In the past few decades he has most often been seen in the Wehnimer's Landing region, perhaps as a result of the malevolent powers which kept making themselves known. He was present for the vergence of the Elemental Confluence at the hands of the madman Alusius, informed the Ithzir of Kol'Tarsken that Althedeus is dead, and vied for control of the Talon of Toullaire which was in the possession of Grand Magister Dennet Kestrel of the Hall of Mages. The daughter Naimorai Kestrel, who was truly the young Raznel before becoming lost in a temporal accident, "confessed" that he has taught her dark magic. He has also been accused of having ties with Quinshon and Grishom Stone. His principal concern is working with the hooded figures and Sheruvian Order over the ancient artifacts in the Broken Lands.

Xorus is known to be a member of the Order of the Shadow, the Faendryl Enclave, and served as Mayor Cruxophim's advisor on the occult and dark magic. While often the subject of suspicions, he has seemingly never acted against the interests of the town. He has pointed out repeatedly that had his plan been followed in sealing the Ithzir portal of 5116 Modern Era, rather than a course of action inevitably requiring the stealing of plinite from the Hall of Mages, the whole historical thread of events would have never happened. This is ironic as he also asserts the flow of history cannot be changed.

The Ur-Daemon Cult

Xorus Kul'shin is actually the ecclesiastical iron fist of an Ur-Daemon cult in the Southron Wastes. Very little is known of their nature, except that if they exist, they must masquerade as ordinary members of society. Whether they "worship demons" or merely act as a false religion for some other purpose is unknown. He is thought to have been the author of numerous controversial works over the past thousand years, often with the intent of spreading dark magic and forbidden knowledge. These were mostly written under various pseudonyms and it is unclear which name is his assumed Faendryl identity.

"Xorus" is known to be a hereditary title in some dead language meaning "Dreadlord", while the false surname "Kul'shin" is Iruaric for "Shadow of Death." This "Cult of Kron'khaal" or "The Ageless" is thought to involve reincarnation rituals, transferring the souls and perhaps memories of dead cultists into young children. His theological role in the cult revolves around killing the gods and bringing about the end of all things. Consequently, he is considerably removed from the power centers of their order, and has a fractious and often violent relationship with his brethren who hold ire over his failure with the Vvrael.

History

In his youth he is thought to have helped orchestrate the destruction of the Kannalan Empire, as the cult has traditionally preferred to keep the westerlands in a state of chaos until the return of their Dark Lord. This is supposed to be Despana herself, who they believe was Dark Elven, at least originally. The origins of the cult may stem from surviving remnants of her forces around Maelshyve and splinters from the exiled House Faendryl. While they claim this "incarnation" of their order was founded by Despana, they also maintain it has always existed in some form, and that there is an inherent draw in all of the Elven bloodlines to return "home" and reacquire their birth right as Dark Elves. They believe that this is the true form of the race, and that fair elves were cursed by the Arkati, keeping the Old Ones sleeping.

Often a shadow in the background, he is known to portray himself as a Faendryl loyalist, while his vision for the world is surely anything but Elven. He treats knowledge as a weapon rather than an expression of sincerity, and seems dedicated to the ideal of making the world more dangerous. While few beyond the Southron Wastes know of his religion, he has been identified as such by Val Lys'aen'fel Illistim. They had some encounter centuries ago near the ruins of Maelshyve, where the specialist in Dark Elven cults nearly escaped with her life. Perhaps not coincidentally, he is rarely ever seen in Ta'Illistim. This might have proved problematic for him were it not for the fact that it is unclear that she ever existed. She may merely be a glamour much as the rumored Dark Elven members of the Erudites of Fash'lo'nae.

In recent years he has begun using his own "name" for some reason, which masks his identity in civil society with respect to Ta'Faendryl. He was almost killed by flow storms trying to breach the Drake's Shrine in 5098 Modern Era, which he confesses has considerably weakened his power over magic. (This was a failed attempt to reach the Eye of the Drake first. They have shared theological roots with Marluvian and Vvrael cultists, but these are considered schisms or heretical sects.) While his powers over the flows of essence in terms of conventional sorcery have largely returned, he still has little to no power over pure anti-mana and some of the other black arts. He would hope his powers might be fully restored within a century, but he intends on "waking up the Ur-Daemon" with his researches much sooner.

Presumed Authorship

In the past few decades he has seemingly taken to using the name "Xorus", but there are perhaps countless older works under various pseudonyms.

Scholarship

* Concerning Extrachthonic Flora and Chthonic Concerns (5117 Modern Era)
* The Exsanguination of the Ashrim Isle (5115 Modern Era)
* The Broken Lands and Ki-lin (Lecture) (5115 Modern Era)
* Charters of Banking Reform (5115 Modern Era)
* Letter to the Argent Mirror (and Patriarch) (5115 Modern Era)
* The Inevitability of the Exile (5114 Modern Era)
* The Dark Path (essay) (5102 Modern Era)

Cult Works

* The Ordeal (5117 Modern Era)
* The Birth of the Dark Elves (4753 Modern Era?)