12-16-2007, 05:16 PM
Greetings fellow feline lovers!
I'm making a quest revolving around Khajiit lore. I was directed here as a good place to ask for help.
I aim to bring a quest to vanilla oblivion that introduces some deeper Khajiit lore to the gameworld, but it'd be great if that lore agreed with your own (lets face it, lore on Khajiit is extremely limited and open to interpretation).
Anyone who can cast an eye over this text and give pointers as to the lore validity would be greatly appreciated. Names, dates, culture etc.
Rid-T'krin-ri'Dariit - The Forgotten Mane
First, for those members of the Elder Council not briefed in the nuances of Khajiit society and Manes, a few brief paragraphs of introduction.
Manes
For those not familiar with Khajiit society the word 'Mane' may not mean much. In essence, a Mane is a leader of birthright, albeit not hereditary as in most other cultures.
A Manes birthright depends on, like most things seem to in Elsweyr, ja-Kha'jay (Moonstrings) - a magical force influenced by Nirm's twin-moons Masser and Secunda. Manes may only be born during the rare alignment of Masser and Secunda, something that attributes to them a divine right to rule. Many Khajiit believe there is only one Mane who is reincarnated at each new alignment when a third moon appears in the sky.
What is certain is that there are no chronicles of two (or more) Manes being prominent during the same period. The Manes right to rule sees him sit right at the top of Khajiit power, above all nobility and government.
Manes and Politics
Although not unheard of, Manes generally do not interfere in the direct governance of Elsweyr. Their political role is primarily one of Head of State, passing motions decided upon in the chambers of government and facilitating the unique power-sharing system in operation in Elsweyr.
I have read many times that the Manes reach is one of a 'thinly-veiled dictatorship' and, while technically true, it is rarely realised. The Khajiit word for Rules is thjizzrini ('foolish concepts'), which ought to give insight into their view of civil obedience.
Manes and Religion
Born under the Third Moon, Manes are destined to be spiritual conduits for Khajiit religion. It is perhaps this role which defines the Mane most clearly - a spiritual leader who presides over his litter above all other power structures.
This fact illustrates the power of belief inherent in Khajiit society. It's not so much that the Mane demands the respect of government, but that the Mane has the respect of most Khajiit. Government must remain sensitive to this loyalty lest they find their positions untenable. It is this element of Khajiit society that empowers the Mane more than any other.
Dariit
The Etymology of the name Dariit is worthy of explanation. In Khajiit tongue (Ta'Agra) 'iit' means 'to walk'. It is often used to describe what one does or is e.g. Khaj (desert) iit (to walk) compound to become Khajiit, or 'Desert Walker'. 'Dar' is closest to our word thief.
In Ta'Agra this does not necessarily have bad connotations and can equally be used to describe someone who is cunning, clever or skilled in use of their hands. Exactly how Dariit was bestowed with this name is unknown and your speculation is as good as mine.
Born to clan Krin, Dariit (or Rid-T'krin-Ri'Dariit to title him fully) seems to have broken somewhat with convention. On his ascension he quickly sought to use his power for political ends. Seizing control of the twin governments he started to open diplomatic channels with many of Elsweyr's neighbours, including Tamriel.
How he justified such autocratic action is unknown, although all accounts seem to signify a highly philosophical and reflective feline. Perhaps the Ta'Agra phrase "q'zi no vano thzina valizz" (when I contradict myself I tell the truth) may help us understand.
Dariit and the Empire
For a long time the borders of Elsweyr have been closed to the Empire and, save for Skooma smuggling, trade and exchange has been almost non- existent. Thus, despite the best intentions of our spy networks, the period of Dariit's ascendancy is not exactly clear.
A good estimate seems to place him right before the 5 Year War between Elsweyr and Valenwood (3E 394-3E 399), more than 40 years ago. What makes Dariit most peculiar among Manes is that there seems to be record of him visiting Imperial City several times for an audience with Uriel VII, our late Emperor.
I cannot divulge my source of this information nor would it be prudent to do so. The senior members among you ought to understand this best (and may even be aware of these meetings already). Regardless, such meetings are unheard of before or since.
Our archives hint at Dariit's eagerness to open Elsweyrs borders to Imperial trade, albeit in exchange for the acceptance of his absolute authority over the land of Elsweyr. We cannot be sure of his manner of home governance, though he did aggressively pursue a foreign policy unseen in Elsweyr for many eras. It should be noted that many Khajiit refugees spread from Elsweyr during this time.
While it may paint a rather bleak picture that right before the 5 Year War the leading Khajiit authority was being courted by the Emperor, we should consider such meetings in historical context.
3E 989-3E 399 saw the empire ruled by Jagar Tharn in the guise of Uriel VII, I seek not to implicate Dariit in any complicity or warmongering on his part. Whilst it would be easy for us to attribute blame in his direction (especially in light of his autocratic tendencies), it should be noted all records of Dariit cease after his final meeting with 'Uriel VII' in 3E 390, a meeting that was ultimately with Jagar Tharn himself.
The Madness of Dariit
Dariit carried an amulet with him at all times with which he was said to confer on important matters. A close scribe of the Emperor describes;
"On audience with Uriel VII, the Khajiit Mane Dariit exhibited some eccentric behaviour. Often he would drift out of conversation, withdrawing into himself. Mumbling incoherently in his Khajiit tongue he would touch the amulet around his neck on which was depicted an unknown lady. The Emperor waits patiently on such occasions with sadness in his eyes, torn between his desire to improve diplomatic relations with Elsweyr and bargaining with an autocratic madcat. Dariit appears to call the amulet 'Neff'."
The Disappearance of Dariit
In 3E 390 Dariit would make his last journey to the Imperial City. Little is known of this visit although we can speculate that it did not end well. Unknown to Dariit he was meeting with an imposter, Jagar Tharn, and as with many meetings of this era it probably was more destructive than constructive.
Soon after came the 5 Years War, almost certainly a cruel manipulation by Tharn. Those uncertain 5 years obscure much in the land of Elsweyr, though important Khajiit acquaintances of mine are adamant that Dariit never left the Imperial City, either alive or dead.
The Importance of Dariit
The legacy that this feline left is an incomplete as the cat himself. Was he a revolutionary statesman - a new breed of Khajiit ruler - or a despised despot twisted by madness?
I am recommending that you fund more research in this matter which may be of utmost importance to the relations between The Empire and Elsweyr. Autocratic or not, Dariit displayed a fondness for The Empire that could only benefit our interests in Elsweyr. We should seek to exploit his legacy in any way that we can.
I'm making a quest revolving around Khajiit lore. I was directed here as a good place to ask for help.
I aim to bring a quest to vanilla oblivion that introduces some deeper Khajiit lore to the gameworld, but it'd be great if that lore agreed with your own (lets face it, lore on Khajiit is extremely limited and open to interpretation).
Anyone who can cast an eye over this text and give pointers as to the lore validity would be greatly appreciated. Names, dates, culture etc.
Rid-T'krin-ri'Dariit - The Forgotten Mane
First, for those members of the Elder Council not briefed in the nuances of Khajiit society and Manes, a few brief paragraphs of introduction.
Manes
For those not familiar with Khajiit society the word 'Mane' may not mean much. In essence, a Mane is a leader of birthright, albeit not hereditary as in most other cultures.
A Manes birthright depends on, like most things seem to in Elsweyr, ja-Kha'jay (Moonstrings) - a magical force influenced by Nirm's twin-moons Masser and Secunda. Manes may only be born during the rare alignment of Masser and Secunda, something that attributes to them a divine right to rule. Many Khajiit believe there is only one Mane who is reincarnated at each new alignment when a third moon appears in the sky.
What is certain is that there are no chronicles of two (or more) Manes being prominent during the same period. The Manes right to rule sees him sit right at the top of Khajiit power, above all nobility and government.
Manes and Politics
Although not unheard of, Manes generally do not interfere in the direct governance of Elsweyr. Their political role is primarily one of Head of State, passing motions decided upon in the chambers of government and facilitating the unique power-sharing system in operation in Elsweyr.
I have read many times that the Manes reach is one of a 'thinly-veiled dictatorship' and, while technically true, it is rarely realised. The Khajiit word for Rules is thjizzrini ('foolish concepts'), which ought to give insight into their view of civil obedience.
Manes and Religion
Born under the Third Moon, Manes are destined to be spiritual conduits for Khajiit religion. It is perhaps this role which defines the Mane most clearly - a spiritual leader who presides over his litter above all other power structures.
This fact illustrates the power of belief inherent in Khajiit society. It's not so much that the Mane demands the respect of government, but that the Mane has the respect of most Khajiit. Government must remain sensitive to this loyalty lest they find their positions untenable. It is this element of Khajiit society that empowers the Mane more than any other.
Dariit
The Etymology of the name Dariit is worthy of explanation. In Khajiit tongue (Ta'Agra) 'iit' means 'to walk'. It is often used to describe what one does or is e.g. Khaj (desert) iit (to walk) compound to become Khajiit, or 'Desert Walker'. 'Dar' is closest to our word thief.
In Ta'Agra this does not necessarily have bad connotations and can equally be used to describe someone who is cunning, clever or skilled in use of their hands. Exactly how Dariit was bestowed with this name is unknown and your speculation is as good as mine.
Born to clan Krin, Dariit (or Rid-T'krin-Ri'Dariit to title him fully) seems to have broken somewhat with convention. On his ascension he quickly sought to use his power for political ends. Seizing control of the twin governments he started to open diplomatic channels with many of Elsweyr's neighbours, including Tamriel.
How he justified such autocratic action is unknown, although all accounts seem to signify a highly philosophical and reflective feline. Perhaps the Ta'Agra phrase "q'zi no vano thzina valizz" (when I contradict myself I tell the truth) may help us understand.
Dariit and the Empire
For a long time the borders of Elsweyr have been closed to the Empire and, save for Skooma smuggling, trade and exchange has been almost non- existent. Thus, despite the best intentions of our spy networks, the period of Dariit's ascendancy is not exactly clear.
A good estimate seems to place him right before the 5 Year War between Elsweyr and Valenwood (3E 394-3E 399), more than 40 years ago. What makes Dariit most peculiar among Manes is that there seems to be record of him visiting Imperial City several times for an audience with Uriel VII, our late Emperor.
I cannot divulge my source of this information nor would it be prudent to do so. The senior members among you ought to understand this best (and may even be aware of these meetings already). Regardless, such meetings are unheard of before or since.
Our archives hint at Dariit's eagerness to open Elsweyrs borders to Imperial trade, albeit in exchange for the acceptance of his absolute authority over the land of Elsweyr. We cannot be sure of his manner of home governance, though he did aggressively pursue a foreign policy unseen in Elsweyr for many eras. It should be noted that many Khajiit refugees spread from Elsweyr during this time.
While it may paint a rather bleak picture that right before the 5 Year War the leading Khajiit authority was being courted by the Emperor, we should consider such meetings in historical context.
3E 989-3E 399 saw the empire ruled by Jagar Tharn in the guise of Uriel VII, I seek not to implicate Dariit in any complicity or warmongering on his part. Whilst it would be easy for us to attribute blame in his direction (especially in light of his autocratic tendencies), it should be noted all records of Dariit cease after his final meeting with 'Uriel VII' in 3E 390, a meeting that was ultimately with Jagar Tharn himself.
The Madness of Dariit
Dariit carried an amulet with him at all times with which he was said to confer on important matters. A close scribe of the Emperor describes;
"On audience with Uriel VII, the Khajiit Mane Dariit exhibited some eccentric behaviour. Often he would drift out of conversation, withdrawing into himself. Mumbling incoherently in his Khajiit tongue he would touch the amulet around his neck on which was depicted an unknown lady. The Emperor waits patiently on such occasions with sadness in his eyes, torn between his desire to improve diplomatic relations with Elsweyr and bargaining with an autocratic madcat. Dariit appears to call the amulet 'Neff'."
The Disappearance of Dariit
In 3E 390 Dariit would make his last journey to the Imperial City. Little is known of this visit although we can speculate that it did not end well. Unknown to Dariit he was meeting with an imposter, Jagar Tharn, and as with many meetings of this era it probably was more destructive than constructive.
Soon after came the 5 Years War, almost certainly a cruel manipulation by Tharn. Those uncertain 5 years obscure much in the land of Elsweyr, though important Khajiit acquaintances of mine are adamant that Dariit never left the Imperial City, either alive or dead.
The Importance of Dariit
The legacy that this feline left is an incomplete as the cat himself. Was he a revolutionary statesman - a new breed of Khajiit ruler - or a despised despot twisted by madness?
I am recommending that you fund more research in this matter which may be of utmost importance to the relations between The Empire and Elsweyr. Autocratic or not, Dariit displayed a fondness for The Empire that could only benefit our interests in Elsweyr. We should seek to exploit his legacy in any way that we can.
hrug: