Unveiling the Shadows of the Khajiit: The Ultimate 2000+ Word Guide to Elseweyr Lore
As one who has studied the cat-folk of Elsweyr for decades untold, the chance to unveil their hidden truths is an honor beyond measure. Let us tread deep into the shrouded alleys of Corinthe, the sun-broken ruins of Orcrest, and the whispering sugar forests of Tenmar as we uncover what binds furstock to furstock. Read on for the ultimate insight into Azura‘s secretive children!
Khajiit Breeds – Feline Form Reflects Fate
Unlike the settled races of mer and men, the Khajiit morph throughout their long lives as moon-phase gives way to moon-phase. The Aspect affects not only appearance but lifespan, abilities and the role they play in clan and society. By what cosmic thread then are these breeds bound by blood and birth? Attend and mine eyes shall unveil parting shadows.
| Breed | Lifespan | Skills | Size | Example Roles |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alfiq | 50 years | Magic Resistant, Agile | Housecat | Spellweavers, Messengers |
| Cathay | 60 years | Strong, Fierce Warriors | Bipedal | Warriors, Hunters |
| Cathay-Raht | 80 years | Tall, Fast | Larger Bipedal | Skirmishers, Scouts |
| Dagi | 70 years | Tree-Dwelling, Stealthy | Mid-Size | Raiders, Saboteurs |
| Ohmes | 40 years | Quick, Charismatic | Humanoid | Rogues, Clergy |
| Ohmes-raht | 55 years | Hardy, Versatile | Slightly Larger | Battlemages, Chiefs |
| Pahmar | 30 years | Powerful Legs, Stamina | Quadruped | Mounts, Beasts of Burden |
| Pahmar-raht | 55 years | Thick Mane & Hide | Larger Quadruped | Heavy Mounts, Siege Tows |
| Senche | 50 years | Giant, Fast | Full Tiger | Mounts, War Beasts |
| Senche-raht | 80 years | Colossal, Hardy | Larger Tiger | Living Siege Towers |
| Suthay | 55 years | Well-Rounded, Clever | Semi-Bipedal | Scribes, Merchants |
| Suthay-raht | 65 years | Tall, Agile Jumpers | Larger Semi-Bipedal | Acrobats, Thieves |
| Tojay | 55 years | Sure-Footed Climbers | Quadruped | Gatherers, Lookouts |
| Tojay-raht | 72 years | Extreme Climbers | Larger Quadruped | Elite Scouts |
But why do twins born under the same sign tread different paths? Are jungle shadows and arid dunes not both Elsweyr? Chirranirr Wide-Eye singles out the entity "Ja-Kha‘jay – the Lunar Lattice" as architect of this diversity across neonetheless united Khajiiti kindren. By its cycles are the aspects ever reshaped anew like Pahiit‘s ever-changing sand-shapes.
We must renounce our narrow vision of singular breed morphology then. Under Masser and Secunda‘s radiance, one Aspect flows seamlessly to another in the fullness of seasons. They represent the manifold faces the divine takes living flesh as. In renouncing false uniformity, we find strength and community through diversity.
Religious Orders Guide Khajiiti Faith
While outsiders often perceive the catfolk as eccentric hedonists, the faithful of the Riddle‘Thar can be quite devout in ritual practice. Beyond the famous Mane and his wayward manes, several lesser orders wield widespread spiritual authority among the masses through re-interpretation of holy scripts and omens. Let us appraise their creeds and deeds now.
The Renrijra Krin spit venom on the foreign boot that "treads the sugar" and whip their pagan pride against empire and dominion alike. But views soften among commoners for the order‘s charity efforts. Their chantries run orphanages and hospitals that shame neglectful Imperial bureaus. Rumors speak of secret deals to treat rebel knife wounds too. Are these heretics or saintly Robin Hoods?
Whispers carry of savageWere-Jaguar Knights that stalk the wilds. Sworn to sacred Yfir since mythic epochs, they cull corrupted lesser spirits that may pervert the lunar tide. Some claim twisted visions precede their crusades. Does Sheggorath toy with werebeast minds? Their savagery seems assured either way.
Ancestral reverence persists through the families tending spirit trees like the holy Mournhold‘s Solitude. The Matriarch Siinzirra still permits no logging near its boughs so Kaalaisa the ancient may dream undisturbed. What visions haunt that hoary spirit‘s slumber one wonders…
Sites like the Temple of Two Moons Dance also draw in pilgrims to glean insight from its twin pools of still silver water that reflect the twin moons. The silent guardians of its sacred pools are said to drown the false-hearted who despoil their tranquil surface however.
Clearly faith takes many forms under the bright twin lamps. While foreign faiths are often marked taboo, some aspects of the Divines like Stendarr‘s mercy earn respect. But from cave to canopy, no gods eclipse the moons‘ radiance in Khajiiti hearts.
Political Factions – Claws Extended in the Coridors of Power
Beyond the spiritual sphere, influential political movements have risen, receded, split and reformed across the eras as sugar-winds shift sand and rulers. Some cling to memory of divided Elsweyr‘s past glories, while others yearn for modern consolidation of pride and purpose. Outsider races dismiss Khajiiti factionalism as intrinsic fickleness. But the causes run deeper than the moons‘ mercurial phases into the very marrow of mythic origins.
None roar louder with old Anequinan pride than the Renrijra Krin bandits. Once abolished slave-soldiers from Tiber‘s legions, they wage shadow wars against Imperial and Crown forces from the Tenmar Forest. While\ labeled extremists, moderate rivals respect their martial tradition like the Mane Akkhuz-ri‘s honored Guards.
But growls answer from Pelletinian allies like the devout Mane‘s Pride coalition. Compromisers call to broker lasting peace and Nordic independence from external manipulators. Some though decry complacence with foreigners devaluing Sugar and autonomy. The prospect of a self-determined Kingdom beckons to gathering patriots and opportunists alike.
Yet silent schemers bear mention too – clandestine cabals who operate above crown or holy title. TheDragonguard‘s remaining whisperers hold secrets that could dethrone emperor and dominion alike. Meanwhile Razum-dar‘s expanding "Eyes of the Queen" spy network would rival Phynaster‘s own scrutiny. Plots spin on eight intriguer‘s wheels it would seem!
What outcomes then for Khajiit kind? Will Anequinan radicals ignite revolution? Can Pelletine brokers court Continential support? Do subterranean players set the board anew? By Two Moons‘ grace may the next Mane see the bramble path ahead.
Conclusion – Lifting the Mystic Veil
By Moon and Star! I hope you journeyed as revelator and truth-seeker both in reviewing the collected arcana unveiled herein. May it grant outsider insight and inspire Khajiiti alike to reflect on the twin lamp‘s sublime brillance.
We stand now enlightened yet still humbled I pray before fate‘s predilections. By the Night Moon‘s shadowy expanse does our dance seem small, yet are we not greater than each step alone? For beyond missteps or stumbles, the Lunar Lattice ever bids our wandering paws… homeward. Be well walker!