Tukha: the Power of Eastrun
Though no longer recognized by the Manwin of Eastrun, the concept of tukha is still very much a part of Daizu and Hayao thinking. It is true that the tribes of these barbarous peoples are ruled by their chieftains (wang and kancho, respectively) but they are not the only ones in a tribe with power or influence. In fact, there often arise certain inspired, if only temporarily so, leaders who might eclipse the chieftain.
These men (shunzhang liang and kaizoku daiyu) are said to possess the tukha of one or more of the Four Winds. There is always a portent attached to gaining the tukha so that their favor can be recognized by the least sophisticated and most cynical alike.
Those blessed with the tukha might only hold it for a single raid or war party. They might hold it for an entire campaign. Generally, they are recognized until the action they promised is complete, or until they die, or until something as equally portentous befalls them. It is well known that the tukha can be withdrawn if the possessor is not bold or audacious enough with it.
Taking the Mark
The first Mark of the Lanari was given involuntarily to men, women and children who were counted the family and followers of Lan Ferona. In latter generations, the Mark was taken voluntarily by their descendants who disavowed land and titles, and who took up the peculiar lifestyle of that people bearing Lan's name.
The Mark is now only taken after coming of age. Lanari youth are encouraged to spend at least a year outside of their community sometime after reaching age 16. Only those who go out into the world and find themselves tempted by it, and yet return to their people are permitted to take the Mark. This period of voluntary exile is called the Kasata and those who leave the community are Kastanir.
Upon returning, they are greeted in the traditional manner, "You are seen upon the road."
At which point a tattoo is given upon the face, and the Kasato (or convert) is accepted among the Lanari.
Upon returning, they are greeted in the traditional manner, "You are seen upon the road."
Instead of answering, "And I will be counted," as with different clans meeting upon the road, their response is: “And I would be counted.”
At which point a Wayspeaker is called for and the three questions are asked. One, “What did the uncounted (necontato) offer you?” The expected answer is, “Everything—and none of it was mine.” Two, “What did you become among them?” The expected answer is, “I was as they were—but I was not as they are.” Three, “Why have you come?” The expected answer is, "I choose to be counted.”
At which point a Wayspeaker is called for and the three questions are asked. One, “What did the uncounted (necontato) offer you?” The expected answer is, “Everything—and none of it was mine.” Two, “What did you become among them?” The expected answer is, “I was as they were—but I was not as they are.” Three, “Why have you come?” The expected answer is, "I choose to be counted.”
At which point a tattoo is given upon the face, and the Kasato (or convert) is accepted among the Lanari.
One of those who has taken the mark and who is faithful to his community is prophesied to one day rule all of the Provinces as the Lion of Ferona. He will then restore that proud people to lands that are their own. Their sons will be princes and their daughters will be sought as prizes. Only then will the Lanari settle down and hold to lands and titles among the people.
The ultimate disgrace is for a Lanari to have been put to death and to undergo the skarna -- where the mark is flayed or abraded from his skin. This particular judgement is reserved for those who have committed irredeemable crimes. And for those who commit truly abominable acts, skarna can occur while they are still alive.
The ultimate disgrace is for a Lanari to have been put to death and to undergo the skarna -- where the mark is flayed or abraded from his skin. This particular judgement is reserved for those who have committed irredeemable crimes. And for those who commit truly abominable acts, skarna can occur while they are still alive.
Tournament of Flowers
The Tournament of Flowers is a painting by Ylarec the Bard. While painted in 5260, it shows the miracle-working of the first paladin of the Church of Westrun in 5130. The original hangs over the Seige Prominent of the Red Avengers in Rath.
Swordmaiden
The Competitor
The Competitor is a sculpture which dates back to the Age of the Vyrum. It was installed in the portico of the courtyard of the new Moderasia of Peakshadow, built by High King Agon.
The Princes of Ald Noeri
The Princes of Ald Noeri is a famous sculpture from the Vyrum Age. It's sculptor is unknown.
It purports to shows the White Prince and Black Prince of Ald Noeri in mid celebration, with what is supposed to be a Meni female. The sages of history indicate that an ald named Noeri appears nowhere in the ledgers of that ancient empire. It may have been a mythical place -- its name means something like starlight.
The sculpture is in the Banyan Garden in the City of Laketon, Saklan. While it is clearly depicting two Vyrum males, it appears to many of that place to be two elves with a human woman, and the motif fits a settlement that is long known for its half-elven rulers.
The Glorious Lady
The Glorious Lady is a famous sculpture dating to the Vyrum age. It is attributed to the sculptor Egygax of Giancolis about whom little is known, save that his name is chiseled into the base of many works.
In it, a decidedly Vyrum-appearing Mother Nature (Baere) pours out her blessings on the ground, to coax forth the greenery of the world. A version of this work was embedded into the rock face of the mountain at Ald Ciula on a grand scale and remains one of the wonders of the world.
The original statue from which the edifice was modeled is located in Ald Giancolis, where its sculptor was born.
The Tambkin Stele
The Tambkin Stele is stone relief work that was recovered from the floor of the Great Sea. It is believed to predate the Cataclysm that ended the 3rd Age, with most scholars fixing a late 2nd Age date.
It depicts the fighting formation of the Tambkin, which made the Companies of Tamb such a formidable peace-keeping force in the Second Age.
The Gnummor Stele
The Gnummor Stele is a relief carving in stone which most sages believe is dated from the early 4th Age, and depicting a pre-cataclysmic scene from the 3rd Age. This stele is in place at the Plaza of Liberation in the City of Treft.
While early studies of it assumed it was made in the 3rd Age during the height of the Gnomish Era, recent scholarship agrees on the latter date given the polemical nature of the depiction of the Gnomes (background) themselves.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)