#xarxes

I so enjoy watching other people's paintings progress, so I'm trying to get braver at sharing things as I start them, too!

I'm an artist, and my friend who is obsessed with Skyrim (the reason why I even play the game) had a birthday this month. I was scrolling online to see if I could order something for them and found the cheap, made-to-print spiral notebook version of the Oghma Infinium and thought... I can do that, but better. So I did.

I took a few creative liberties and obviously it's not EXACT but my friend thinks it's cool and I think it's cool so. There it is.

progress pictures from Snapchat (please excuse the typos) below:

The order of Jephre had no magnificent chantry but a hidden grove very similar to the Eldergleam Sanctuary. Bosmeri exiles from Valenwood weren't uncommon to see there, but they often worked to repent for their exile. The priests would tend to the hidden natural wonders across their landscape and soothe the spirirs of nature. Or even answer their requests to promote peace between the parties.

Archivists fell under the order of Xarxes. They were known to keep archives in a few major cities, but not just anyone could wander into their collections. Obviously, they were protective of their secrets and knowledge, so only highly esteemed snelves could have clearance. Even if they had permission, they were still highly monitored. Good luck stealing from their archives when they stood.

Initiate Paladins had grueling entry exams such as the pilgrimage of the Forgotten Vale, but it went much further after that. They'd be made to sit in the cold with just their robes and recite teachings of Auriel. Usually, their training sessions were held during the day so Auriel could witness.

Trinimac wasn't as popular as others in the Falmeri pantheon, but his order was far from weak. Those devoted to Trinimac often pledged to uphold the image of an honorable warrior like their patron god. However, they could be a bit brutal at times, so they were effective executioners of justice.

The Chantry of Magnus was theorized to be where current day Winterhold stands, but scholars debate on the myth.

Magnus was very popular among any mage in the Falmeri dominion. When a Snow Elf won a magical duel, they'd give thanks to Magnus for their survival.

Necromancy was looked down upon unless it was for channeling purposes. It was a rare practice but often used for guidance from previous masters in desperate times. In all practices, they tried to steer away from using a corpse. They viewed it as tearing the soul from Aetherius.

The priests and priestesses of Mara cared for children orphaned by their mother perishing at birth.

Interestingly, there was a phenomenon coined by Falmeri healers called "Mara's Rage." It was said when a falmer was horrifically assaulted, Mara would give the victim a piece of her aedric anger. Her anger would fuel the victims, and they would pursue their assiliant for revenge.

The One Who Watches

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"In the two most common origin myths, Xarxes appears either as Auri-El's scribe, recording events at his side since the beginning of time, or as a Merethic Aldmeri priest of Auri-El who was elevated to divinity by the higher deity. The latter story is consistent with the High Elves' conceit that they are directly descended from the Aedra, and can, in certain miraculous circumstances, apotheosize and re-ascend to godly status."