Dokk Alflar, Dusk Elves
Encounter with the Dokk Alflar
Report by Jarrik Stonewell, Veteran Ranger
Date: 28th of Springmourn 520 ASD
Location: The Forests of Northren Thordukar
The forest enveloped our small group as we desperately sought refuge from the relentless pursuit of worgs. Our path came to an abrupt halt as we reached a wall of dense, ancient growth, leaving us trapped and outnumbered. The menacing howls of the worgs intensified, almost taunting us in our moment of desperation. We braced ourselves for what seemed like an inevitable confrontation.
In the dim radius of our flickering torchlight, glowing yellow eyes emerged from the shadows. Gripping my hunting dagger tightly, I couldn't help but feel its insignificance against the looming threat. A sense of resignation washed over me as I prepared to face my fate. However, a sudden metallic sound cleaved through the air, and the worg's head tumbled cleanly from its shoulders.
Amidst the ensuing chaos of yelps, snarls, and the clash of weapons, I glimpsed the arrival of our saviors. Elves, unlike any I had encountered before, entered the torchlight. Towering and robust, they possessed a lanky grace that set them apart. Their skin bore the hues of the forest, while their predominantly pale hair cascaded like ethereal waterfalls. Their eyes shimmered like gemstones, captivating in the dance of the torchlight.
I took note of their unconventional attire, adorned with symbols of skulls and death, worn with an air of casual nonchalance. The leader, a formidable female standing a head taller than the Elsa elves I had grown accustomed to in the southern realms, nodded to me before her band swiftly melted back into the darkness, as if they were but apparitions of the night.
Report Continues:
The encounter with the enigmatic group of elves, whom I have come to learn are known as the Dokk Alflar, left a lasting impression on me. Their swift and deadly intervention saved our lives, turning the tide of what seemed like an inevitable demise. While their appearance and demeanor were unlike any elves I had encountered before, their skills in battle were undeniable.
The Dokk Alflar's affiliation with symbols of skulls and death, though initially disconcerting, seemed to be an intrinsic part of their identity. Their connection to the shadows and their proficiency in combat marked them as a formidable force. Their brief nod of acknowledgement to me indicated a level of mutual respect, despite our differences.
As a veteran ranger, I have encountered various beings and witnessed their diverse cultures, but the Dokk Alflar stand out as a unique and mysterious faction within the elven realms. Their presence in these lands raises questions and ignites a curiosity within me. I am determined to uncover more about their origins, beliefs, and the role they play in the intricate tapestry of this forest.
In the days to come, I shall continue my observations and gather any information I can on the Dokk Alflar, aiming to shed light on their enigmatic existence and their potential significance within the realm.
Jarrik Stonewell, Veteran Ranger
The Dragging Shadows: A Tale of the Dokk Alflar's Descent
Once, in a time long forgotten, the Dokk Alflar, known to many as the Drow or Trow, reveled in the embrace of freedom. But this tale does not harken back to the era before the unseelie-change, when our physical forms took on the hue of midnight, or even to our arrival in the Night Below. No, the seeds of our plight were sown much earlier, within the heart of the Swart Alflar, generations prior to those transformative events. The emergence of the thirteen high houses forever altered our destiny, as power became concentrated in the hands of noble elites and their loyal knights.
Gone were the days when the sacred orb spider adorned the heraldry of all, for now only the queen alone had the privilege of displaying this symbol of authority. Her every word became a divine decree, shaping the course of our lives. At her side stood the prince, donning the hunting spider, while another bore the scorpion seal. These once-revered totemic creatures, once representative of our collective identity, now became the exclusive emblems of the thirteen high houses.
Initially, the high houses seized control over the military, restricting the right to wield weapons larger than a mere dagger to those bearing noble names or holding military rank. Their dominion soon extended to other realms, including our centers of learning, the pursuit of arcane magic, and even our sacred spaces. The high families claimed their actions were driven by a desire to cultivate excellence among us, but it was not long before those possessing skill and power were either adopted or wedded into the ranks of the thirteen families. To reject this offer of advancement was to be consigned to oblivion, stripped of recognition. Ambition and success became the sole currency of worth in our society.
The establishment of a caste system swiftly followed, with individuals blessed with divine magic or innate sorcerous gifts ascending to the highest echelons. Warriors, hunters, mages, artists, craftsmen, and merchants found themselves ranked below, each layer beneath the one before it. At the very bottom, bearing the weight of societal scorn, were the toiling workers and laborers. Regardless of one's talents, birth as a noble always ensured superiority over commoners. As Queen Kalaenora solidified her rule and propagated her personal creed of ambition, self-indulgence, and female supremacy, male Dokk Alflar found themselves relegated beneath their female counterparts within the social hierarchy, except for those of lower birth.
The concerns voiced by our fellow elves about the changes being thrust upon the Swart Alflar by the thirteen houses were not unfounded. Equality and freedom languished, gradually snuffed out like candles in a gusty wind, as Queen Kalaenora, the first and final Swart Alflar Empress, focused solely on securing her own position and validating her claim as the chosen vessel of our ancestor gods. Many of us did not seek to undergo the transformative Unseelie-Rite, nor did we desire to initiate the War of Betrayers. Instead, we were forced to submit to the bidding of our rulers. And when their allies abandoned them and their armies grew weak and scattered, we did not implore them to lead us into the depths of the darkened caverns. We became their slaves, ensnared as tightly as the other elves they had conquered, perhaps even more so. Our once-admired and trusted nobles, our leaders, coerced us into embracing the shadows, bidding us to dance with darkness and succumb to evil. Our people, once bearers of freedom's torch, became entangled in a
web of deceit and manipulation woven in the depths of those stygian realms. The nobility honed their skills in the art of control, employing propaganda, lies, and rhetoric to reshape our history, fostering a sense of grievance and rationalizing heinous and immoral acts in the name of power.
For ages untold, the commoners endured the illusion of freedom while being shackled by the oppressive weight of their existence. They toiled as the lifeblood, their sweat and toil constructing the magnificent fortress cities that adorned the sunless realms of the nobles. But with each passing decade, their plight grew ever more dire. Murder and subterfuge became the accepted means to transcend the limitations of one's birth caste. The society that once prized individual worth and celebrated diverse skills devolved into a cesspool of ruthless ambition and vindictive revenge.
It was during this bleak era that Queen Kalaenora and her sons, elevating themselves to the status of prime ancestor gods, declared their absolute dominion over all others. They propagated the notion that all Dokk Alflar were subject to their rule, along with their clergy and the descendants of their noble lineage. This audacious claim shattered the illusion of collective harmony that had entrapped us for far too long, awakening a flicker of resistance within our hearts.
The awakening was not immediate nor unanimous, for the tendrils of fear and complacency had firmly taken hold. However, in the face of this unprecedented arrogance and the subjugation of our very existence, whispers of dissent began to resonate within the minds of the Dokk Alflar. A clandestine resistance, fueled by memories of a time when freedom danced upon the winds, kindled a rebellious spirit that yearned to break free from the chains of darkness.
Through hidden channels and secret gatherings, a network of like-minded individuals coalesced, each one longing to restore the balance of power and reclaim the essence of our lost heritage. They delved deep into the annals of history, piecing together fragments of forgotten knowledge and forgotten tales, rekindling the collective memory of a people whose spirit had been suppressed but not extinguished.
As the stories of our past were unraveled and shared, a glimmer of hope emerged, a beacon guiding the Dokk Alflar towards a future where freedom and equality could once again prevail. The clandestine movement, though cloaked in the shroud of darkness, fostered a sense of unity and purpose among those who yearned for change. They were determined to forge a path that would sever the chains that bound them to servitude and illuminate a new era, where the Dokk Alflar would rise as guardians of their own destiny.
The road ahead was treacherous, filled with uncertainty and peril. Yet, the Dokk Alflar historian, driven by the duty to record this chapter of our turbulent history, chronicled the tale of a people who refused to surrender to the all-consuming darkness. Their story would be etched into the annals of time, serving as a testament to the indomitable spirit that resided within the hearts of the Dokk Alflar, reminding future generations that not all who dwell in darkness are willing inhabitants but are often those who are dragged there against their will.
A Hundred Years of Heresy: The Dawn of the Dokk Alflar
In the wake of the rebellion, an era of dissent and defiance swept through our fortress cities, giving birth to heretical beliefs that challenged the authority of Queen Kalaenora. The flames of rebellion, fueled by desperation and a thirst for change, spread like wildfire, consuming the hearts and minds of many. Some sought solace in the embrace of fiends, dark gods, and forbidden powers, while others clung steadfastly to the worship of our ancestral deities, as our people had done for generations.
The response from the ruling powers and the burgeoning Church of Queen Kalaenora was swift and merciless—a brutal and bloody inquisition. For a hundred years, our people endured unspeakable horrors as the fires of persecution burned relentlessly, and the instruments of torture echoed with the cries of the accused. The suffering seemed endless, and hope waned as the oppressive weight of tyranny threatened to crush our spirits.
Amidst this turmoil, a courageous group of individuals clandestinely rallied their forces, their actions masquerading as a civil war in the eyes of the ruling nobles. In truth, it was a daring sacrifice—a diversion crafted to distract the oppressors while allowing many to escape the clutches of the Tyrant Clergy and the cruelty of the noble castes. Together, we embarked on a perilous journey, driven by the unwavering determination to taste freedom once more.
As we fled, leaving behind the identity of the Swart Alflar, we embraced a new name: the Dokk Alflar, the people of dusk and twilight. Bound by our shared desire for liberation, we forged ahead, guided by the light of bravery and heroism. The night below, with all its horrors, became our crucible. We ventured through its treacherous depths, unyielding in our pursuit of a better future.
After what felt like an eternity, we emerged from the subterranean darkness and discovered the lands that our ancestors had once called home. There, bathed in the radiant sunlight and breathing in the crisp, untainted air, we found solace. In the shelter of the dark forest, our resolve hardened, and we made an oath—a solemn vow to never again be enslaved by tyrants.
The Dokk Alflar had risen from the ashes, resilient and united, with an unquenchable thirst for freedom coursing through our veins. We reclaimed our autonomy, casting aside the yoke of oppression that had burdened us for far too long. Our ancestors' spirits whispered in the rustling leaves, urging us to embrace our newfound independence and chart our own destiny.
In the centuries that followed, the Dokk Alflar would cultivate a society founded on principles of equality, self-determination, and resilience. We nurtured a culture that celebrated individuality and honored the wisdom passed down through generations. Our land became a sanctuary, a refuge where the echoes of persecution grew faint, and the flames of heresy transformed into the embers of strength and unity.
The tale of our struggle, spanning a hundred years of heresy, serves as a testament to the indomitable spirit that resides within us. It reminds us of the price paid for freedom and the importance of safeguarding it for future generations. The Dokk Alflar, the people of dusk and twilight, shall forever be guided by the memory of our arduous journey—a journey that led us from the depths of darkness to the radiant embrace of the sunlit realm, where we stand tall as a testament to the triumph of the free spirit.
Darkness gives way to light
In the great dark woods of the North we made a new life, a life where we would be free and our destiny our own. We would drain the taint of the unseelie curse and learn to adapt to the sun light realms, though I will admit we still found the darkness comforting, the moon and stars more to our liking then the blue skies and retained our ease at being underground or surrounded by stone. We are not the Swart Alflar, we can never be that again nor should anyone ever call us drow for we abandoned that corrupt and degenerate path. We are the Dokk Alflar the elves of the Dark Northern Forests, enemies of all who would steal the freedoms of others. Let the wicked know that they alone do not command the darkness as their ally for we have stood in the shadow of pure evil, faced the temptations of its hedonistic embrace and we were strong enough to walk away!
Culture
Art & Architecture
The Enigmatic Ghost Cities of the Dokk Alflar
The art and architecture of the Dokk Alflar encapsulate their profound connection to nature and their unique reverence for the past. Like most other Alflar societies, the Dokk Alflar construct their cities in harmony with the natural world, incorporating large, sturdy trees and magnificent rock formations as the foundation for their buildings. However, it is their peculiar and haunting underground realms, known as Ghost Cities, that truly set them apart.
The Ghost Cities of the Dokk Alflar serve a dual purpose, functioning as catacombs and necropolises. Within these enigmatic subterranean realms, one can witness a mesmerizing spectacle—a city of the departed, meticulously crafted to resemble a thriving metropolis. Instead of conventional houses, stores, and temples, the Ghost Cities are adorned with tombs containing the cremated remains of the departed. Every corner of these ethereal domains is permeated with an otherworldly stillness, as if time itself has been suspended within their silent depths.
Upon entering these mysterious Ghost Cities, the Dokk Alflar approach with utmost reverence and a profound sense of connection to their ancestors. It is believed that the presence of the Ghost Cities provides solace and tranquility to the restless spirits of their forebears. The statues and intricate carvings that adorn the Ghost Cities evoke a semblance of life frozen in perpetual stasis, imbuing these subterranean realms with an uncanny semblance of existence.
The artistry of the Dokk Alflar is not confined solely to the Ghost Cities. Aboveground, their architectural marvels blend seamlessly with the natural environment. The Dokk Alflar possess a remarkable skill for harmoniously integrating their structures with the surrounding landscape. The towering trees and majestic rock formations serve as the foundation and framework for their buildings, intertwining nature and artifice in a breathtaking symbiosis.
In their aboveground cities, one can find a fusion of organic and constructed elements. Buildings emerge from the earth like extensions of the landscape, seamlessly blending with the natural contours and textures. The Dokk Alflar's architectural prowess is not merely functional but also artistic, as they strive to create spaces that embody their reverence for nature and ancestral spirits.
Artistic expression among the Dokk Alflar extends beyond architecture and into various forms of visual arts. Intricate carvings, delicate sculptures, and evocative paintings grace the interiors of their dwellings and public spaces. These artworks often depict scenes from nature, celestial bodies, and ethereal beings, reflecting the profound connection the Dokk Alflar have with the natural world and the spiritual realm.
A Tiny Rural Dokk Alflar Village
Foods & Cuisine
A Flavorsome Feast in the Realm of the Dokk Alflar
In the realm of the Dokk Alflar, food is a celebration of bold and robust flavors that awaken the senses and invigorate the palate. Their diet revolves around a few key elements that define their culinary traditions, ensuring a harmonious blend of taste and texture.
Mushrooms reign supreme in the gastronomy of the Dokk Alflar. These fascinating fungi play a prominent role in their cuisine, with vast mushroom farms dotting the forests and caverns of their domain. The Dokk Alflar have mastered the art of cultivating and harvesting various edible mushrooms, offering a ready and abundant source of fungal delicacies. From small earthy mushroms to thick meaty ones, the Dokk Alflar's mushroom dishes showcase the diverse flavors and textures that these remarkable organisms possess.
Venturing into the dark corners of the Myrkyr Forest, the Dokk Alflar also indulge in the consumption of giant arthropods that dwell beneath the surface. These subterranean creatures, with their unique flavors and succulent meat, add a touch of adventure to the Dokk Alflar's culinary repertoire. Their inclusion in meals provides a distinctive taste and a connection to the haunting depths from which they originate.
The bounty of the Myrkyr Forest extends beyond arthropods, as game meat harvested from the forest is considered a special treat reserved for festive occasions. The Dokk Alflar revere the flavors of venison, boar, and other wild game, showcasing their skill in preparing and cooking these meats to perfection. The richness and depth of these game meats add a luxurious touch to their celebratory feasts.
To complement their diverse protein sources, the Dokk Alflar embrace a wide range of strong and vibrant flavors. Spices, both local and imported, hold a special place in their hearts. Their dishes are often generously seasoned, utilizing a plethora of spices to create a symphony of tastes. From fiery heat to tangy sourness, savory umami to decadent sweetness, the Dokk Alflar embrace any flavor that can evoke a powerful response.
Accompanying their meals are rich and flavorful sauces that burst with complexity. These sauces, meticulously crafted from herbs, spices, and other aromatic ingredients, elevate the dining experience to new heights. They enhance the flavors of the dishes, creating a harmonious balance and indulging the Dokk Alflar's passion for intense taste sensations.
While the Dokk Alflar savor bold and potent flavors, they exhibit a peculiar aversion to excessive salt usage. They consider the overuse of salt beyond what is necessary for preservation or enhancing freshness to be somewhat vulgar. Instead, their focus lies in the art of skillful seasoning, utilizing a myriad of aromatic herbs and spices to elevate their dishes without relying heavily on salt.
In addition to their culinary indulgences, the Dokk Alflar are connoisseurs of strongly spiced meads and infused alcoholic beverages. These libations, carefully crafted with a variety of fruits, vegetables, herbs, and even clam juice, offer a plethora of robust flavors to complement their hearty meals. Elaborate cocktails further showcase their love for inventive and powerful flavor combinations.
Overall, the cuisine of the Dokk Alflar is a testament to their adventurous spirit and their desire to savor the full range of sensory experiences. With mushrooms, arthropods, game meats, and an array of spices at the heart of their gastronomy, their feasts are a captivating journey into the realm of intense and memorable flavors.
Common Customs, traditions and rituals
Dokk Alflar Lunar Oracle
Common Customs
Ancestors, Totems, and Spirits: The Pillars of Dokk Alflar Faith
In the realm of the Dokk Alflar, the foundation of their spiritual beliefs lies in the reverence and veneration of their ancestors. Above all else, the spirits of their forebears are held in the highest regard. It is a tradition that stretches back to ancient times, a deep connection to their lineage and a profound respect for those who came before. The Dokk Alflar understand that they are shaped by the actions and wisdom of their ancestors, and thus they honor and seek guidance from them.
Within the ancestral pantheon, there is a special place reserved for heroic ancestors and those who have performed great deeds. These individuals are regarded as saints, embodying the noble qualities and virtues that the Dokk Alflar hold dear. Even among the living, the elderly are given great reverence and respect, with the most advanced in age earning the esteemed title of "living ancestor." Such individuals are seen as repositories of wisdom and experience, and their words carry weight within the community.
Second to the ancestors, the Dokk Alflar revere the totem beasts that inhabit their forests and surroundings. Long ago, they recognized the significance of these creatures and embraced them as worthy of worship and respect. The totem animals hold a special place in Dokk Alflar Druidism and Shamanism traditions, serving as guides and sources of spiritual wisdom. Although many sacred totems were lost or corrupted during the fall of the Swart Alflar, there is a dedicated movement within the Dokk Alflar community to rediscover and reconnect with these ancient totems. One such totem spirit that holds great significance is the Ghost Spinner. Once a spider psychopomp, it captured lost souls in its webs and guided them safely to the realm of the dead. Though some believe the Ghost Spinner was consumed by Queen Kalaenora upon her ascension to goddesshood, there remains a flicker of hope among the Dokk Alflar that this revered spirit can be revived and separated from the corrupt queen. The Ghost Spinner, a symbol of fate, trickery, and the savior of the forgotten dead, continues to be venerated by those who seek its return.
Lastly, the Dokk Alflar hold reverence for a diverse array of spirits, representing animals, elemental forces, and the fey. While these spirits may not hold the same level of prominence as the ancestors or the totems, they are still regarded as significant entities deserving of respect and homage. Many major settlements within the Dokk Alflar realm have dedicated spaces and altars where these spirits are acknowledged and honored. These minor alters, alongside those dedicated to ancestors and totem animals, serve as reminders of the interconnectedness between the Dokk Alflar and the world of spirits, where animal spirits, elemental forces, and forest faeries play a vital role in the natural order.
For the Dokk Alflar, their spiritual practices are an integral part of their daily lives. The deep-rooted veneration of ancestors, the pursuit of reestablishing connections with ancient totems, and the reverence for spirits all shape their understanding of the world and their place within it. By embracing these pillars of faith, the Dokk Alflar seek wisdom, guidance, and harmony with the spiritual realm that surrounds them.
The Magical Moon: Queen of Nocturnal Totems
For the Dokk Alflar, the emergence of the full moon upon their return to the surface was a momentous occasion, validating the ancient legends that had been passed down through generations. The moon became a symbol of wonder, mystery, and enchantment, rekindling the old myths and superstitions that had long been cherished in their hearts.
In Dokk Alflar belief, the moon is revered as the queen of the nocturnal totem animals. They believe that these creatures, under the moon's watchful gaze, come alive in the night, singing praises to their celestial ruler. According to their folklore, the moon dances across the sky with each cycle, gracefully shedding her radiant silver gown, until she stands naked and dark, merging with the night in a spirited dance of revelry and abandon.
The Dokk Alflar, captivated by the moon's allure, are drawn to the esoteric mysteries it holds. Cults dedicated to the moon's magic often seek out sacred places in the wilderness, engaging in wild howling, dancing, and acts that could be described as pleasant hedonism or polite debaucheries. These Moon Seekers, while known for their tendency towards reckless rituals, also possess a deep connection to the ebb and flow of magic. Their spellcasters hold vital knowledge of esoteric and nature mysteries, providing insights and understanding that benefit the Dokk Alflar community as a whole.
The moon's influence extends beyond rituals and magic. It shapes the Dokk Alflar's perception of time, guiding their calendar and serving as a celestial marker for various festivals and celebrations. Lunar cycles are observed with great reverence, and specific rituals are performed during significant lunar events such as eclipses or rare celestial alignments. The moon's waxing and waning phases are believed to hold sway over the tides of magic, influencing the potency and accessibility of their arcane arts.
Redemption, a Sacred Journey
The Dokk Alflar embrace the concept of redemption with profound sincerity and humility. They acknowledge the dark chapter in their history when they were part of the Swart Alflar and participated in acts of evil. However, they refuse to use the circumstances of their past as an excuse or absolution. Instead, they firmly believe in the power of personal growth and the genuine pursuit of redemption.
To the Dokk Alflar, redemption is not a mere proclamation or empty gesture; it is a lifelong journey of self-reflection, atonement, and transformation. They understand that true redemption requires sincere efforts to make amends for past wrongs and to become better individuals. They do not shy away from acknowledging their own guilt, accepting responsibility for their actions, and seeking forgiveness from those they have harmed.
The Dokk Alflar hold a deep conviction that denying the opportunity for redemption is a form of hypocrisy. They believe that every sentient being, regardless of their past transgressions, deserves a chance to change their ways and embrace a path of goodness and righteousness. When faced with adversaries, the Dokk Alflar prioritize offering them the chance to abandon their evil ways and find redemption. They firmly believe that true redemption can only be achieved through the exercise of free will and the genuine desire to change.
However, the Dokk Alflar also recognize that redemption is not guaranteed for everyone. While they are committed to providing opportunities for transformation, they understand that some individuals may be unwilling or resistant to change. In such cases, the Dokk Alflar do not hesitate to take decisive action to protect themselves and others from further harm. They balance their compassion with the necessity of ensuring justice and safeguarding their community.
The pursuit of redemption is deeply ingrained in the Dokk Alflar's culture and moral compass. They view it as an ongoing process that requires constant self-reflection, learning, and growth. By embracing the principles of redemption, the Dokk Alflar strive to create a society that values accountability, compassion, and the belief in the potential for positive change in all beings.
Holidays
The Day of the Dancing Dead and Night of Lost Spirits
During the waning days of autumn, when the boundary between the realms of the living and the dead is at its thinnest, the Dokk Alflar engage in a cherished tradition known as the Day of the Dancing Dead and Night of Lost Spirits. This momentous occasion is marked by vibrant festivities, culinary delights, games, and exquisite attire, all dedicated to welcoming the return of their ancestors to the realm of the living.
The streets come alive with the mesmerizing whirl of masked dancers adorned in colorful skull masks, embodying the spirits of the departed. Magical lights, evoking the ethereal glow of lost souls, dance and weave through the night sky, creating an otherworldly ambiance. Even death itself is transformed into a spectacle of vivid hues and jubilant celebration.
Central to this tradition are the spirit lanterns, crafted from hollowed stone or shimmering silver and intricately carved with sacred runes. These lanterns, illuminated by sacred candles and imbued with magical light, serve as beacons to guide lost and wounded souls back to their ancestral tombs and temples. It is believed that these ancestral spirits, guided by the warm glow of the lanterns, may find solace, forgiveness, and reunion with their kin, alleviating the burden of their restless existence in the afterlife.
The Day of the Dancing Dead and Night of Lost Spirits embodies the profound duality that characterizes Dokk Alflar culture. It is a celebration that radiates with vibrant colors, joyous revelry, and a deep appreciation for the gift of life. Yet, at its core, it is also a solemn and reverential acknowledgment of the ancestors, a time to reflect on their legacy and seek forgiveness for their transgressions.
Birth & Baptismal Rites
The Soul Cleansing
In the distant past, when the ancestors of the Dokk Alflar first emerged from the depths and returned to the surface realms, they bore the physical marks and otherworldly powers that identified them as the fallen Swart Alflar. They lamented the fact that they had been transformed into this state by the oppressive noble castes. However, through diligent work and the study of the Unseelie Rite that had brought about their transformation, the Dokk Alflar discovered a way to cleanse their people of the dark fey magic that tainted them.
The Soul Cleansing is a ritual created by the Dokk Alflar to mark the birth of a new member of their community and to absolve them of any sins committed by their ancestors. The ritual acknowledges the burdens carried by the newborn's soul and calls upon the moon to accept and cast them into the void. This sacred ceremony is conducted beneath an open night sky or within the depths of the earth, where the earth mother is invoked to swallow the burdens into the deep darkness below. The ritual is overseen by a divine spellcaster, and it is a solemn affair, culminating in a joyous celebration to honor the newfound freedom of the child from the influence of evil ancestor spirits.
In the present era, the need for the Soul Cleansing ritual has diminished, as there is no trace of the Unseelie Rite among the Dokk Alflar. However, many still choose to practice the ritual as an act of reverence and respect for their ancestors, who never lived to witness the liberation of their people from the curse of the drow. It serves as a reminder of the long journey they have undertaken to reclaim their identity and cleanse themselves of the dark fey taint that once plagued them.
Funerary and Memorial customs
In the Dokk Alflar culture, where the veneration of ancestors holds great significance, funerary and memorial customs take on a paramount role. When a Dokk Alflar passes away, they are typically cremated, honoring the tradition that has been passed down through generations. The ashes of the deceased are then carefully placed within beautifully crafted vessels, symbolizing the importance of preserving the memory and spirit of the departed.
These vessels find their resting place in family tombs, which are sacred spaces maintained by successive generations. The tombs serve as a physical link between the living and the deceased, providing a place for the Dokk Alflar to connect with their ancestors and pay homage to their legacies. These sacred spaces are often adorned with intricate carvings, depicting scenes from the lives of the honored dead, and illuminated by gentle, ethereal lights that cast a peaceful glow throughout the chamber.
In addition to family tombs, the Dokk Alflar have built grand catacomb necropolises beneath their major cities. These sprawling underground realms serve as communal resting places for those who have passed, creating a sense of unity and shared ancestral reverence. The catacombs, with their winding corridors and chambers, house countless vessels containing the remains of the departed. It is here that the Dokk Alflar gather to honor their ancestors collectively, offering prayers, performing rituals, and recounting stories of their accomplishments.
For the Dokk Alflar, the commemoration of their honored dead goes beyond mourning their loss. It is a time of celebration, as they reflect on the lives lived and the legacies left behind. Festivals and ceremonies are held in honor of the departed, where the Dokk Alflar come together to share stories, music, and dance. These celebrations are filled with both joy and reverence, embodying the belief that the spirits of their ancestors are present and watching over them.
The comfort and well-being of the deceased in the next world are of equal importance to the Dokk Alflar. They believe that by honoring and celebrating their ancestors, they contribute to their continued peace and happiness in the afterlife. Offerings of food, drink, and other cherished items are made to the ancestral spirits, symbolizing the ongoing connection between the living and the dead. It is believed that these offerings sustain the spirits and ensure their contentment, as they embark on their eternal journey.
The ancestors stand with me, the moon watches over me and the spirits of the forest protect me. I am never alone, can you say the same? -Draenett Foelaenson Dokk Alflar Druid
You act as if your immoral choices make you strong, what strength is there in having a will so weak you can not resist greedy self indulgence? What strength is there in your sniviling apathy and pettiness? No you are weak, weak of will, weak of mind, weak of soul and tethered to your wretchedness by cowardice! -Kacha Kennasdottir Dokk Alflar Warrior Priestess to a a captured Drow Foe.
You ask why I am so calm? Why you see no anger, no fear, no sorrow in my eyes? Even now as all hope seems lost? Because I know what you do not, I see what you can not, and I trust in the truth they speak to me -Sabune Nhoquealsdottir Dokk Alflar Oracle
"True strength lies not in the absence of wicked thoughts, but in the unwavering denial to act upon them." - Common Dokk Alflar saying
Comments