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The World of Teréth End - Supplements |
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"A song in your heart Inscribed on steps of Paldan Conservatory  |
Book of Philosophy In many respects, Dekàlan philosophies of mirror western philosophies found on Earth. Its formation has mostly evolved from religious (Pathic) thought and question and borrows heavily (or parallels) from select Elve philosophies. One major difference in the evolution of Dekàlan philosophies from those developed elsewhere, was the undisputed (in the time of the empire) evidence of the existence of gods. So whereas many Earth philosophies may have been inspired by the question of the existence or non-existence of gods, the philosophies of the Dekàlans focused more on understanding the gods and the greater Uren purpose within the Zaratam. The Kdar Krydàrën is not an often used word late in the Fourth Age. The cloistered keeps of the Dekàlan outlands once provided the only civilized influence for days of hard travel. Established by priests, scholars and monks, the kdar (as they came to be known) were both milestones of Uren expansion into unfriendly reaches of Teréth End, and pillars of learning, philosophy, and faith. While many kdar were founded by religious orders, others were formed by people wishing to remove themselves from the pressures and influences of Dekàlan life. In these secluded environments, they could study and learn and grow in ways unknown to their urban brethren. The term kdar (and krydàrën beforehand) refer to the structure and the group of people within. There are four main types of kdar; philosophical, religious, scholarly and military, though most evolved into a composite of two or more. Philosophical kdar concerned themselves with the secrets of life, and the mysteries of the Uren soul and purpose. Within these kdar it was common to find monks exploring the Uren condition and limitations through endless exercises in abstinence from food, water, people, and paradoxically enough -- thought. Members of a Candalan kdar in the 10th century claimed that through deep meditation they could travel vast distances without their bodies. Though ethereal travel may not have been the goal of the kdar, the study of the mysteries of Uren nature had uncovered fruit. Further experimentation with this practice is believed by some to have greatly angered the Elve, and have been a factor that precipitated the war two centuries later. Religious kdar were often missionary enclaves devoted to spreading the word of a deity, or providing outlanders with access to religious services. With the possible exception of Pathic kdar, very few developed with devotion to one Dekàlan god. Even the kdar of Zyrr became a melting pot of Pathic and Draunish worship. Scholarly kdar have served many purposes such as; housing libraries, observatories, etc. Following the fall of the Dekàlan empire, in many areas, local kdar have served as oasis of history and knowledge lost during the war. When first learned that regional kdar might harbor treasures of information, many were looted and left to rebuild. Others, learning from this, hid their libraries in secret caches before being found and razed. The location of many such caches have long been lost. Military kdar first appeared in Ummon, but quickly arose in all areas of the Dekàlan empire where proficient and resourceful combatants were needed. The most famous military kdar was built near Jadth. The Esara'shal Kdar studied the strange unarmed and simple weapon techniques of the Sha'al and within generations were able to adapt the alien movements to Uren use. Though the Uren monks were not as strong as their Sha'al adversaries, they became nearly as lethal.
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Philosophies Acentran Dekalàn Kdar Adashart
(Oth) Supplements Art Information Esara'shal Kdar: A small krydàrën founded south of Jadth in the first century HK, the Esara'shal (Way of the Reptile) observed, adopted, and modified the fighting techniques of the indigineous Sha'al. When Dekàlans first came to the Dreamlands, they were amazed and awed at the strength and grace of the lizard men. A handful of visionaries realized that the style could be adapted for Uren use, and turned against their "unsavory" hosts. (see more) |
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| Ref. PHB (Player's Handbook), © Wizards of the Coast  |
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