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Investigation into the White Elk Tribe
Investigation into the White Elk Tribe
This book documents the research and discovery into the lost White Elk tribe. The investigation was conducted by the Earthkin Arcanum, lead and recorded by Xothar Eijaa Caecilia Agiliadottir Stonesoul. Particular sources are Amadeo Pneuma, Jasper Highfen, Angela Amana and fieldwork. This research is presented as of the 6th day of the 1st month of the year 152.

The White Elk Tribe were destroyed before AR 0, although the exact date is unknown. The tribe was composed of six sub-tribes each led by a chieftain, with the entire tribe overseen by a shaman. The White Elk tribe as a whole worshipped the spirit of prey, the White Elk and each of the sub-tribes presented a specific part of the White Elk. Only information on three of the sub-tribes remains, the Hoof, Eyes, and Antlers. Each sub-tribe also had a dedicated tomb, with a seventh central tomb overseen by the Shaman. Unfortunately only three tombs remain as four were lost to an avalanche in the Frozen Wastes.

We have only been able to locate a single story of the White Elk Tribe's demise. According to this tale, a large and deadly dragon only known as the "Black Wyrm" attacked the White Elk tribes. The tribe was unable to defeat the dragon and so decided to lure it into one of the tombs (theorized to be the central, largest tomb). Here the shaman and the six chieftains performed a ritual to bind the dragon to the tomb for all time. However, the Black Wyrm grew fat from immobility and from feasting on the corpses within the tomb and it's sheer weight caused the floor to collapse. The Black Wyrm fell to the ice flow caves near to the Grotto (although no records of such have been found), where it escaped into the Underdark. The dragon has never been sighted again, however a dead dragon in the Lowerdark has been found which matches the description of the Black Wyrm.

Scattered across the isle of Arelith and nearby isles are what are called "White Elk Stones". These stones allow access to the White Elk tombs and have a particular engraving which indicates which tomb it will allow access to. These stones carry the spirit, or fraction of a spirit, of a White Elk tribe-member. Returning these stones to the primary sarcophagi in the tomb will allow the spirit within to be to be released and ascend to the afterlife. In return, the stonebearer will receive a gem. The gem is created using a powerful form of "Place Magic". Additionally the white elk stones can be broken to allow one to raise the fallen, although this destroys the spirit within.

The Tomb of the Eye is the smallest of the three accessible tombs. Beginning on a bridge, the stonebearer will cross to a larger chamber with three paths. On the left and right are both levers which open the center way. This tomb is associated with the eye in that the stonebearer must be cautious due to traps. There are traps: on the bridge, scattered around the central room, and an unremoveable fire trap and an unremoveable poison trap in the two side corridors. The primary sarcophagus is across a very narrow bridge over a limitless black depth. This tomb will reward the stonebearer with an emerald, although it is noted that this tomb used to reward a star sapphire.

The Tomb of the Hoof is the largest tomb requiring the largest amount of walking, adhering it to the concept of the hoof. The Tomb of the Hoof also has traps, such a gas trap near a locked box. This tomb has a curious skull shaped stonework with an arrow pointing towards the primary sarcophagus within a ritual room. A shortcut allows the stonebearer to return more easily. This tomb rewards the stonebearer with a Beljuril.

The Tomb of the Antler begins on a wide staircase in a room typically filled with foes. This room leads to a bridge and then to another room before leading to a very large and long bridge. This bridge is easily defended, relating to the Antler, with many spots for archers to shoot incoming stonebearers while warriors keep intruders from passing. This tomb has a significantly higher number of warrior sarcophagi and warriors compared to the other two tombs. The primary sarcophagi in this tomb is raised on a high dais with additional lighting and significance. This tomb will reward a rogue stone.

The purpose of the White Elk stones to the White Elk Tribe is currently unknown. However, two theories have been offered:

Theory One: The White Elk Stones are used as a coming of age tool. A young White Elk warrior would need to search the world for a stone, use it to enter the tomb and prove their prowess. If they survive then they are rewarded with a specific stone which shows their sub-tribe affiliation. This theory fits with the fact that the tombs reward the stonebearer for their return, as well as for why the tombs are not heavily guarded and yet are quite specifically designed with the sub-tribe in mind.

Theory Two: The White Elk Tribe were well known across the land and sent warrior-scribes to different nations. The White Elk tribe were highly spiritual and their people could only ascend if brought to their lands, lest they be lost wandering forever. On death a warrior-scribe's spirit would be contained within a white elk stone they carried. It was once well known that if the stones were returned to the tribes then the stonebearer would be rewarded.

The second theory is supported with some physical evidence. The Arcane Tower Master Jasper Highfen found a White Elk Soul in the lower crags. He and and another researcher were able to guide the spirit to the White Elk lands. Upon entering the White Elk lands the spirit formed into the shape of a warrior, faded and left behind a greenstone.

However, the second theory does not explain why the white elk stones do not transmogrify upon entering the white elk land and require a specific location, or why their tombs are guarded against those bearing the stones. However, this theory does better explain the reason the stones are scattered.

Unfortunately the only theory on why the remaining stones represent only the remaining three tomb is that the other four tombs have been utterly destroyed and all the spirits held within the related stones will remain forever lost.

[[Category:Prehistory]][[Category:150-159 AR‏‎]][[Category:Bendir Dale‏‎]][[Category:Reports & Records]]‏‎