The Mantle of Isenril.
The hallowed Mantle of Isenril, is perhaps the Sunburst Sepulchre's most holiest of artifacts. Isenril Lorthrien was the first Oracle to the Goddess Aushurie, revered and respected throughout all of Lorthwyn. The Mantle is kept in the Reliquial at the Sanctuary of Laeloria, the home and residence of the current Oracles to the goddess, and seat of the Sunburst Sepulchre.
The mantle is fabled to have been woven from fragments of a fallen star, crushed and made into the rarest of threads so that it would never dull. Despite the dubious claim, likely being an exaggeration by the cult of Isenril, the flawless Ivory of the mantle seemly has never diminished even unto this day. But this is not what makes the Mantle significant, no. The stain that covers the nape around the neck and hood is what makes the Mantle special. It is the blood of the martyred Isenril Lorthrien, the mantle she wore when she was murdered during the siege of Arl'lanithor, during the darkest days of the Sundering. There are many accounts and retellings of this story, for the manner of her death would shock all of Lorthwyn. Considered to be the most well-known story of the sundering, recorded in many different works of art and literature throughout all of Evalaw. The final confrontation between the two bitter rivals and former friends; The Oracle Isenril Lorthrien and the Warrior Queen of Valnoria, Telos Urithair I.
This bitter enmity came to its climax when Telos confronted Isenril upon the steps of the Sunburst Sepulchre itself, one of the holiest places to Aushurie. With the temple guard slain, or having fled to the citadel of Arl'lanithor. Only the Exalt and her attendants remained, entrusting Aushurie Aegis to protect them. Telos proceeded to drag the Exalt through the streets of Arl'lanithor, before the bridge that led to the walls of the great citadel, there Telos would here before the eyes of all committed the infamous act of Striking Isenrils head clean off, leaving her to blood to flow before the horrified defenders of the citadel, whilst holding her head on high. The Oracles broken body was gathered up by her attendance and swiftly taken away from Arl'lanithor, she would be laid to rest many leagues away in the, then modest temple of her birth in Laeloria. When the mantle was removed when they began preparing the body for burial, the first of a series of miracles began to occur.
The story goes that as a blind priest of the temple was handed the mantle, he suddenly let out a gasp in astonishment, his eyesight had been entirely restored. Upon inspecting further, it was found that the man, born blind for all his years could suddenly see for the first time in a century. Shortly after, a series of other miracles were performed, and quickly the assumption was made that those who had experienced these blessings had come in contact with the Oracle after her murder. These miracles were recorded in the illuminations of Diallia; a series of Illuminated manuscripts created by Diallia, a priestess of the Sepulchre from the 9th century of the first age. 703 miricles in total were recorded in total, each one of these miracles has been depicted in the windows of the Grand Temple of Laeloria.
Very quickly word spread, and with it pilgrims and the faithful began to flock to see the Oracles resting place. A shrine was dedicated to Isenril was later erected as word of the miracles spread. Her body would be interned here, where it has remained so to this very day, the old temple being converted into the Sanctuary of Laeloria in years to come to accommodate the residence of the current Oracles and the Pilgrims wishing to visit the shrine.
The Mantle itself is now used purely for ceremonial purposes and for pilgrims to come and gaze upon in its reliquary when visiting the shrine to Isenril. The Mantle is taken out once a year and worn by the current Oracle in a ceremonial service on the anniversary of her Martyrdom. This remembrance ceremony is held before the gathered masses upon the steps of the Grand Temple before the gathered masses, and the Miracles of Isenril and read aloud while prayers are made and offerings lefts before the steps. The ceremony is symbolic, for it was upon the steps of the Temple of Arl'lanithor where Isenril was confronted by Telos Urithair. When the ceremony concludes a procession is lead through the city of Laeloria to mark the final moments of Isenril.
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Clothing / Accessory
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