Alluvian_Est-Endrati
08-03-2007, 12:59 PM
The Phoenix King and the Everqueen: Elven Aspects
Introduction
The High Elves of Ulthuan are a race that has long lived upon our world, their civilization stretching far back before even the rise of the earliest human civilizations. These ancient folk have had millennia to cultivate a remarkable culture and to become masters of many crafts, skills and subjects. One of the most remarkable aspects of their civilization however are the methods by which they are lead and ruled. Two remarkable individuals reside within the protection of the Isle of Ulthuan, the Phoenix King and the Everqueen. These two individuals are the physical embodiment of the ideals and traditions of the Elven folk.
Herein I shall discuss what I have been able to learn of these two remarkable individuals as well as how their successors are chosen. These mysteries were difficult to unveil, for the denizens of Ulthuan do not give up their secrets easily. Knowledge after all is power and the more we can learn about the various other folk of this world the better able we are to know our own place in the grand scheme of things.
The Phoenix King: Only the Worthy are Chosen
The Phoenix King is more akin to the King of Bretonnia than the Emperor in Altdorf. For while his power is not absolute in his island realm, it is far greater than that enjoyed by our own ruler. Over the long span of their history there have been numerous Phoenix Kings and, for the most part, the line of succession has been unchallenged. The one great incident in their history when this did occur however, the betrayal and attempted rise to power of Malekith. However he was cast out from the island of Ulthuan and thus began the long and bloody civil war of the elves.
However more information has since been learned about the process by which the Phoenix King is chosen. Apparently simply being next in line to the throne is not sufficient, for every candidate must partake in a ritual at the Shrine of Asuryan upon the Isle of the Flame. This location is difficult and perilous for outsiders to try and reach for it is zealously guarded by the Elves as one of the sites sacred to them. It is here that the aspiring Phoenix King must step into the light and flames within the shrine. Those found unworthy are horribly burned or destroyed, such as was the case apparently with the usurper Malekith.
Unwelcome visitors to the Shrine of Asuryan must face the Phoenix Guard. These deadly warriors are unsettling to face when they go to battle for they have taken oaths of silence. The skill of these warrior-monks is unquestioned and only those who have official business at the Shrine of Asuryan are ever allowed to pass.
However those more worthy vessels that emerge unscathed from the flames are forever changed. Within them now lies a secret power, gifted to them by their strange gods to aid them in protecting, leading and serving their people. These rituals are of great importance to the elves and no human or the member of any other race has ever been allowed to witness what occurs within the shrine.
The honored duty of protecting and serving the Phoenix King has long fallen to the White Lions of Chrace. These warriors long ago obtained their name as the White Lions for a ritual by which new members must prove their worth, by tracking down and defeating in hand to hand combat one of the fabled and deadly white lions of Chrace.
The Everqueen: Embodiment of the Goddess Isha
The Everqueen of the High Elves is often believed to be one of the most beautiful women on our world as well as one of the most powerful. When a new Everqueen is chosen it is said that she becomes the living embodiment of the power and will of their goddess Isha, the Earth Mother. Along with the Phoenix King she rules over the Elves of Ulthuan. In the minds of the elves the Everqueen and the Phoenix King form two halves, representing two very different natures of their people. These two rulers must strike a balance between one another, lest their realm fall to ruin and despair.
Much like the Phoenix King the Everqueen rises to her position via a special ceremony. This event occurs within the Gaean Vale at the Shrine of the Earth Mother within the realm of Avelorn. This sacred site to the elves is protected by many natural and magical defenses, it is said that even creatures much as could be found in the forests of Athel Loren may walk here at times.
Very little has been learned thus far about the secret rituals involving the Everqueen. What is known is that no male elf may participate or be anywhere near the sacred site during the ceremony. Only the soon-to-be Everqueen, the Handmaidens and other special women from the Isle may attend. Much longer than the ritual to crown a new Phoenix King the ceremonies within the Gaean Vale run for at least a week. When the Elven maiden finally emerges as the new Everqueen all can feel the great power she now wields and her bond with the land, the world and the people is well known.
Much as the Phoenix King has his Phoenix Guard the Everqueen is protected by female warriors known as the Handmaidens of the Everqueen. These fearless warrior-women are widely considered to be the among if not the most deadly warriors among the ranks of the High Elves. Only the most skilled and dedicated warrior-maidens are chosen to fill out the ranks of this elite bodyguard and to be selected or called to serve in such a manner is a great honor.
Introduction
The High Elves of Ulthuan are a race that has long lived upon our world, their civilization stretching far back before even the rise of the earliest human civilizations. These ancient folk have had millennia to cultivate a remarkable culture and to become masters of many crafts, skills and subjects. One of the most remarkable aspects of their civilization however are the methods by which they are lead and ruled. Two remarkable individuals reside within the protection of the Isle of Ulthuan, the Phoenix King and the Everqueen. These two individuals are the physical embodiment of the ideals and traditions of the Elven folk.
Herein I shall discuss what I have been able to learn of these two remarkable individuals as well as how their successors are chosen. These mysteries were difficult to unveil, for the denizens of Ulthuan do not give up their secrets easily. Knowledge after all is power and the more we can learn about the various other folk of this world the better able we are to know our own place in the grand scheme of things.
The Phoenix King: Only the Worthy are Chosen
The Phoenix King is more akin to the King of Bretonnia than the Emperor in Altdorf. For while his power is not absolute in his island realm, it is far greater than that enjoyed by our own ruler. Over the long span of their history there have been numerous Phoenix Kings and, for the most part, the line of succession has been unchallenged. The one great incident in their history when this did occur however, the betrayal and attempted rise to power of Malekith. However he was cast out from the island of Ulthuan and thus began the long and bloody civil war of the elves.
However more information has since been learned about the process by which the Phoenix King is chosen. Apparently simply being next in line to the throne is not sufficient, for every candidate must partake in a ritual at the Shrine of Asuryan upon the Isle of the Flame. This location is difficult and perilous for outsiders to try and reach for it is zealously guarded by the Elves as one of the sites sacred to them. It is here that the aspiring Phoenix King must step into the light and flames within the shrine. Those found unworthy are horribly burned or destroyed, such as was the case apparently with the usurper Malekith.
Unwelcome visitors to the Shrine of Asuryan must face the Phoenix Guard. These deadly warriors are unsettling to face when they go to battle for they have taken oaths of silence. The skill of these warrior-monks is unquestioned and only those who have official business at the Shrine of Asuryan are ever allowed to pass.
However those more worthy vessels that emerge unscathed from the flames are forever changed. Within them now lies a secret power, gifted to them by their strange gods to aid them in protecting, leading and serving their people. These rituals are of great importance to the elves and no human or the member of any other race has ever been allowed to witness what occurs within the shrine.
The honored duty of protecting and serving the Phoenix King has long fallen to the White Lions of Chrace. These warriors long ago obtained their name as the White Lions for a ritual by which new members must prove their worth, by tracking down and defeating in hand to hand combat one of the fabled and deadly white lions of Chrace.
The Everqueen: Embodiment of the Goddess Isha
The Everqueen of the High Elves is often believed to be one of the most beautiful women on our world as well as one of the most powerful. When a new Everqueen is chosen it is said that she becomes the living embodiment of the power and will of their goddess Isha, the Earth Mother. Along with the Phoenix King she rules over the Elves of Ulthuan. In the minds of the elves the Everqueen and the Phoenix King form two halves, representing two very different natures of their people. These two rulers must strike a balance between one another, lest their realm fall to ruin and despair.
Much like the Phoenix King the Everqueen rises to her position via a special ceremony. This event occurs within the Gaean Vale at the Shrine of the Earth Mother within the realm of Avelorn. This sacred site to the elves is protected by many natural and magical defenses, it is said that even creatures much as could be found in the forests of Athel Loren may walk here at times.
Very little has been learned thus far about the secret rituals involving the Everqueen. What is known is that no male elf may participate or be anywhere near the sacred site during the ceremony. Only the soon-to-be Everqueen, the Handmaidens and other special women from the Isle may attend. Much longer than the ritual to crown a new Phoenix King the ceremonies within the Gaean Vale run for at least a week. When the Elven maiden finally emerges as the new Everqueen all can feel the great power she now wields and her bond with the land, the world and the people is well known.
Much as the Phoenix King has his Phoenix Guard the Everqueen is protected by female warriors known as the Handmaidens of the Everqueen. These fearless warrior-women are widely considered to be the among if not the most deadly warriors among the ranks of the High Elves. Only the most skilled and dedicated warrior-maidens are chosen to fill out the ranks of this elite bodyguard and to be selected or called to serve in such a manner is a great honor.