Pillars of the Sharesessi
“Do not ask about the pillars. They are not for you, or even for us. They are a relic of a time long past – and such times are best forgotten.” - Kaleaithne, Sharesessi Scout, Member of the Naisessi or People of the River Tribe
Purpose / Function
The Pillars are five large, stone obelisks scattered across the Sharesessi Frontier. Although their exact purpose is unknown to easterners, they hold great cultural significance for the Sharesessi desert elf tribes. Tribes will frequently circle back during their travels to camp near their respective pillar. The Onasessi tribe visits their pillar the least – only once per year, for a highly religious ceremony that is ostensibly not open to outsiders. The Talasessi tribe visits the most, due to recent concerns about intrusion.
Ceremonies in relation to the pillars are somber, prolonged affairs. It is the duty of the tribe’s shaman to renew the hieroglyphs that cover the smooth stone. As they do so, the remainder of the tribe observes in quiet reverence. Each hieroglyph is carved into the stone, but highlighted with a pigment found within the Sharesessi Frontier. The color is dependent on the tribe in question.
Alterations
Only the Pillar of the Mount suffered any alterations. When eastern settlers first arrived in the Sharesessi Frontier, greedy industrialists followed. Suspecting that the desert elves possessed vast, hidden wealth, they sought any sign of permanent habitation. When a young Sharesessi elf made the mistake of leading one of these robber barons to the Pillar of the Mount, the man laid claim to the spot. He brought in heavy equipment and defiled the land. A combined force of different tribes – the first such emergency alliance in known history – descended on the robber baron and his workers. They drove them from the area, destroyed their equipment, and made clear that the Pillars were not to be trifled with.
Architecture
Each pillar is 50 feet tall from ground level to apex. Each of their five faces is 6 feet wide. The faces are perpendicular to the ground for the first 40 feet, before angling to merge at the center. Carved hieroglyphics of unknown origin cover the pillars from top to bottom. Studying the glyphs is difficult, as the elves drive off anyone who gets close. Most do not respond with direct violence – although the Corasessi will happily kill any that trespass near the Pillar of the Valley.
RUINED STRUCTURE
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