Eikroth's Order of Skalds

I write this with trembling hands and a body drained of energy after consecutive sleepless nights. My eyes sting with the strain of deciphering ancient texts, but the urgency of revelation compels me to keep going.
I have another inspiring discovery about the awe-inspiring world of the Thralls' (or Aetherborn, if you prefer) Origin. This group, famed as poets who believed in expansive knowledge through life experience, almost defies categorization. Religious group? Sure. Educational institution? The most thorough and successful one I've ever heard of. Cult? Well, by some conceptions, probably, at least in certain cases. Moving along, herein lies an analysis drawn from countless hours of translating cryptic scripts, damaged manuscripts and half-scorched scrolls. Our journey into the depths of the past begins now.

A Fraternity Beyond Poetry

The “Saga of Jarnulf” (manuscript dated circa 9th Century, by Earthly reckoning) reveals that being a ‘Skald’ encompassed more than just poetry and wisdom. It was an embodiment - a way of life featuring rigorous physical training, intellectual pursuits, spiritual enlightenment, and survival skills. They were perceived as living encyclopedias in human form – a trait that bestowed upon them both respect and wariness.
Guardians of Knowledge
In “The Eddic Verses” (fragmentary scroll), there’s mention that these Skalds were trusted with guarding esoteric knowledge – secrets received from the gods, and sometimes Thralls themselves. Their poems were encoded messages relaying complex truths about our eventual shared history with these entities. At least, this is how early Thralls saw it.
The Shadow War
“The Chronicle of Shadows” (damaged clay tablet; language unknown until recently) suggests a covert war against those who sought to exploit Thralls for power. The Skalds were critical players in this conflict due to their unique position at society’s heart and fringe simultaneously.
Mysteries Unresolved
There are still numerous gaps in our understanding due to missing or ambiguous details resulting from ravages time has inflicted on these sources. We don’t yet fully comprehend the extent or nature of Skald-Thrall interactions or how deeply they shaped our Aetherborn.
Crucially though, it is clear that the Order wasn’t merely a group focused on poetic prowess but an ancient organization protecting humanity and Thralls alike from unseen threats while preserving wisdom across generations.
Having stumbled upon this goldmine within the ‘Tan Foundation archives’, I couldn’t ignore its significance nor could I let it remain concealed under layers dust any longer. It is necessary we revisit our past, question narratives handed down unquestioningly over centuries, and seek to understand our true relationship with Thralls - which isn’t necessarily adversarial as we’ve been led to believe by contemporary interpretations.
Though much remains unsaid due to both time constraints and my present circumstances dodging relentless pursuers from Nehushtan Foundation, rest assured each fragmented piece will find its way into light soon enough.
Until then,
Enoch

Type

Religious, Holy Order