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 The Book of Kampar

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Rennek Cor
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Rennek Cor


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Join date : 2013-01-15

The Book of Kampar Empty
PostSubject: The Book of Kampar   The Book of Kampar I_icon_minitimeFri Jan 18, 2013 12:20 am

The Holy book of the Order of Kampar. This is an unnoficial copy of the holy works, taken from the open sourced book on the orders holosite: http://kamparspath.com/ . This is to be used for academic reasons only and reference.


The Book of Kampar HolyBookS
Picture of the original copy of The Book of Kampar


Book of Kampar – Chapter 1


1 The Great Ewok, Kampar, created the first life on Kamparas - Ewoks. 2 He wanted his children to grow and evolve by their own accord. 3 However, as the millennia dragged on, his children failed to show the slightest signs of advancement. 4 Seeing the signs of his failure, Kampar created more beings - his Disciples - to help instill advanced qualities into his children, and hopefully, aid their evolution. 5 Despite their new found guidance, the Great Ewok´s children continued to disappoint Kampar. 6 They seemed incapable of even the most fundamental sentient behaviours.

7 Kampar´s disappointment at their failure spawned in him a renewed desire to see his creations evolve. 8 He spread variations of his original species throughout the galaxy, hoping that these new creations would one day evolve into more advanced species with the guidance of his Disciples. 9 Kampar toiled diligently at this for many years, spreading untold numbers of his children around the galaxy. 10 Unfortunately, even Kampar´s divine memory was not enough to hold all of his creations, and Kampar began to forget and lose touch with his second attempts at intelligent life. 11 He knew not that many of his variations had evolved into star faring races. 12 Kampar retreated into himself, not knowing that his mission had been a success, rather than a failure like he believed. 13 The Great Ewok now exists spiritually, his body fading away from our existence. He focuses himself inward, pouring over the memories of his trials. 14 Many millennia have passed since the days of Kampar. 15 Ruins and records of his vast accomplishments have lain buried, undiscovered, just waiting to be found. Until now...

16 The Prophets of the Great Ewok and his Disciples conduct ceremonial hunting of Kampar´s first attempts at life. 17 By ritualistically hunting and consuming these Ewoks, the Prophets hope to grow closer to Kampar, eventually awakening him and allowing Kampar to see his vast accomplishments. 18 After an Ewok has been slain and consumed, its remains are bundled together and brought to its soul tree. 19 A symbolic talisman helps guide the hunter to the specific tree. 20 The remains are left at the base of the tree, and a large ceremony is conducted at the Kamparas Temple. 21 This ensures that the Ewok´s spirit ascends to Kampar, using the soul tree as a conduit to his spiritual plane.


Book of Kampar – Chapter 2


1 It was of Kampar´s mind that spawning life in his own image would be a simple and fulfilling task. 2 While the task was simple at first - sculpting body and appearance - Kampar discovered that there were many things he had overlooked. 3 Facets of the mind, overlooked by Kampar in his enthusiasm, were left undeveloped and infantile. 4 Kampar named his new creations ´Ewoks´. 5 The infant creatures on Kamparas soon grew and diversified, drawing on the initial knowledge planted in their minds by Kampar himself.

6 Kampar´s joy was beyond words. He observed them learning how to hunt, how to build shelters. 7 His creations continued on this course multiple generations, but with each new year their progress waned. 8 It became evident to Kampar that his children would not fulfill all his expectations on their own. 9 He would not give up on his children. He withdrew back into his mind, forging twelve disciples. 10 In these twelve, he included parts of himself. They would serve as the guiding force for his Ewoks.

11 Kampar released them one by one into the world, with instruction to aide his creatures in becoming an advanced species. 12 Lhepo, to celebrate life, birth, and to heal the infirm. 13 Kettink, to inspire love, romance and above all, pleasure. 14 Niffi, to imbue expression, song, and dance into their culture. 15 Okori, to instill qualities of honour, loyalty, and commitment. 16 Farys, to infuse a love for adventure, travel, and storytelling. 17 Tesarrii, to show the benefits of work, accomplishment, and truthfulness. 18 Oodlud, to guarantee abundant food, water, and natural resources. 19 Pipet, to teach of advanced thought and wisdom. 20 Rooppay, to bring good luck, fortune, and victory. 21 Warwils, to introduce thoughts of greed and chaos, as well as pain. 22 Chtan, to demonstrate aggression and prepare for war. 23 And finally, Auhawyk, to ferry spirits into the afterlife, and mark the passage of time. 24 Thus, Kampar´s disciples were born, and introduced to the world. They were beings with astonishing power, not unlike Kampar himself. 25 The Ewoks below grew to regard them as demigods, who required their worship. 26 Kampar´s disciples provided everything for the Ewoks, facilitating every advancement. 27 Those who showed qualities of Kampar were rewarded, while non-believers were punished and ridiculed.

28 Centuries passed on Kamparas, with the disciples managing the daily affairs of the Ewoks. 29 Kampar himself would disappear for years at a time, overly confident in his disciples abilities to tend to his flock of children. 30 Slowly, the Ewoks began to rely on their demigods to provide them with everything. Their progress slowed to a standstill. 31 With all their wanton desires supplied in bulk, they ceased hunting. They ceased to question the great meanings of the universe. 32 It seemed to Kampar that nothing he could do through action, or even inaction, would bring his creatures to the level he so desired.


Foundation of Rituals


1 Kampar had long determined that to simplify and enforce beliefs, his creations would need great rituals encompassing all aspects of their early life. 2 He spent many generations creating great stone monoliths, made with the blackest and strongest rock found on Kamparas itself. 3 For each ritual, he created a monolith - each identical down to the finest measurement. 4 And on their towering faces, Kampar carved intricate glyphs depicting aspects of the ceremony. 5 With these monoliths complete, he placed them in a perfect circle centred around a large slab of stone. 6 This immense stone, longer and wider than any of the monoliths, was set into the ground - It´s sheer size hidden by tonnes of earth. 7 On this stone, Kampar carved two things: 8 On the top, a large face with two ears set high atop it´s head and an intricate neck piece below. It was an image of Kampar himself. 9 And around the side, a string of small detailed scripts, still yet undecipherable.

10 Around the monoliths, a copse of great trees was planted. Their roots travelled deep into the past, and their trunks stretched far out into space. 11 A path lined with flat, polished stones, intersected the circle of monoliths and travelled under a great arbour of branches. 12 It was here that Kampar wanted to first meet his new children. He planned to stay hidden from them, and let them discover him by themselves. 13 Kampar knew it would not take long, for he had forged a great curiosity deep within the Ewoks.

14 It was but days before a group of three Ewoks marched down the path towards the great stone slab. Behind it, stood Kampar. 15 The centre Ewok wore a leather hood topped with a feral skull, and carried a wooden staff. 16 "You are the one I have seen in my sleep" The Ewok said while stepping forward. His two companions knelt in honour of the great Kampar. 17 Kampar was surprised at the creature´s knowledge of him, for he had stayed hidden since the race´s creation and had placed no other monuments. 18 Kampar reached into the creature´s mind, examining every facet. He poured over the small creature´s thoughts and memories.

19 It took but an instant to learn of the Ewok´s name: Shaman. Shaman possessed advanced knowledge of Kampar. Kampar was elated. 20 "Yes, Shaman, it is I. Kampar, the Great Ewok." Kampar spoke after several moments. "You knew of me in advance. You shall become this tribe´s leader." 21 Shaman now bowed before the god ahead of him. "I have seen that you will teach us of great rituals. Rituals that will benefit our new lives" 22 "Through these great stones, you will learn. For I have laid it all before you," Was Kampar´s reply. 23 The Ewok, Shaman, spent many days at the great monoliths of Kampar. The two others would visit often, bringing plates of food for Shaman and Kampar. 24 Kampar ate none. He stood motionless, watching this new life learn from the vastness of his mind.

25 These monoliths were not just carved stone. Through their creation, a spiritual link was forged into Kampar´s mind. 26 The glyphs were radiant and solid with Kampar´s joy and accomplishment. They glowed under both sun and moon. 27 With the passage of days, Kampar´s enthusiasm did not relent. He disappeared from the site, turning to the Ewok village. 28 Still, Shaman read from the stones, learning to create the symbols by his own hand. He copied them down on papyrus - paper created from local reeds. 29 Shaman brought this collection back to his village, telling the stories described to all the population. 30 He told of soul trees, life celebrations, ritual hunting, as well of how to create sturdier homes and warmer clothing.

31 When Shaman himself was near death, a great pyre was constructed. On the night of his passing, his body was cremated over the fire. 32 Shaman´s spirit carried on, and at dawn of the next day, he was reborn as an Ewok child. 33 The reborn Shaman would carry all the same memories and knowledge, yet be distinct in his or her personality and appearance. 34 With each passing century, the Ewok tribes would become increasingly advanced, forming their own basic writing similar to Kampar´s. 35 This period of advancement soon came to an end. Shaman, having existed and retained memories for a thousand years, was the key to the Ewok´s progress. 36 When Shaman was not reborn at dawn, fear spread across the world.

37 Kampar immediately felt this, and appeared to the villagers. "Do not fear, my creatures. You have progressed to the point I have foreseen for ages" 38 "The spirit of Shaman felt you had learned as much as he could ever teach you. He felt he was no longer needed" 39 Years passed. Slowly the Ewok tribes reverted to archaic forms of the great rituals. They had lost the meaning behind the ceremonies. 40 Kampar dispared at his children´s sudden downturn. The glyphs on the monoliths dimmed and grew ragged. 41 The ewoks, no longer able to interpret the carved glyphs, became embroiled in war - blaming opposing tribes for Shaman´s dissapearance.

42 At the height of a skirmish at the monoliths, Kampar struck down the ewok elders who dared befoul the holy place with senseless violence. 43 "ENOUGH!" Kampar boomed. The sky darkened and cracked with lightening and thunder. 44 "You are but simple creatures. You fight over skins, over plots of land. I am ashamed of you, my children." 45 "You go to war with sharpened sticks and march to a booming drum. Do you not remember the tools true usage? Why do you not make music, or hunt wild animals? You have forgotten too much." 46 "I have seen now that you cannot live without guidance." Kampar once again dissapeared, returning to the great workshop of his mind. 47 There, he forged his 12 disciples to carry on the work of Shaman. Each was given Kampar´s knowledge on a small group of subjects. 48 This lacked the unity and balance of Shaman, but Kampar knew it would let his disciples watch the ewoks more closely, and give them a greater influence. 49 The 12 Disciples descended onto Kamparas, and soon returned order to the waring tribes. 50 They restored order, once again teaching the great rituals of life. Kampar was pleased.


The Tribal Wars - Chapter 1

1 Before the arrival of Kampar´s 12 disciples to the villages of Kamparas, there was great conflict. 2 The few large tribes that had existed since the beginning of recollection were split into dozens of smaller waring factions. 3 Competition for basic resources and luxuries alike was fierce. 4 Tenuous alliances were formed, lasting no more than weeks before being dissolved in bloody conflict. 5 Trust and friendship were scarce during these times. Wisdom and chivalry were all but a myth. 6 Thousands of Ewoks lay on hundreds of battlefields - their swords and shields scavenged only hours after their death. 7 Without the proper death ritual, spirits of the dead could never hope to find their way to Kampar and the next life.

8 Months before the Great Cessation, two large families had massed together tens of smaller bands of warriors in opposition. 9 The family elders - Keteya and Sinyah - would soon become infamous among the dark teachings of Chtan. 10 In the valley, the two factions met. The Monument to Kampar overlooked from a hill to the east - a great fire consuming its living walls. 11 Thousands of Ewoks under the banner of Keteya stood to the north, their fur streaked with bright blue war paint. 12 To the south, an equal sized conglomeration stood under the banner of Sinyah - their fur ablaze with fiery orange dye, and their bodies adorned with the bones of the conquered. 13 The two elders descended into the valley alone, facing each other eye to eye for one last time. 14 They glared into each other´s eyes. They spoke naught. 15 After many tense moments, each placed a hand on their sword hilt. Drums and horns on both sides of the Valley erupted in the sounds of death. 16 The two elders drew their weapons - not to attack, but exchange. 17 Keteya took the hilt of Sinyah´s roughly crafted blade. The guard was studded with thorns from the poisonous Tikaut plant. 18 Sinyah, taking hold of Keteya´s weapons, examined it´s finely crafted surface - it appeared to glow, even shrug off the falling soot from Kampar´s monument.

19 The chorus of drums and horns now reached their pinnacle - Both sides let out horrendous screams as they began to charge down into the valley. 20 Those who fell on the slopes were quickly trampled under the boots of hundreds. 21 Foot falls of thousands reverberated throughout the land. The earth quaked beneath. 22 The two forces met with a great explosion. Stone, leather, flesh and bone, all became one. 23 Yet, despite the close quarters and mass of Ewoks, the two Elders fought alone.

24 They parried each other´s blows with unmatched skill. Hours passed, and the battle raged around them - the cries of pain and clash of arms deflected from their minds. 25 Neither elder could gain an advantage - his opponent quickly taking advantage of an unseen fault. 26 Dawn quickly turned to Dusk, and then to dawn again. 27 In the mists of morning, the two elders staggered. Strikes that were once strong and accurate now landed harmlessly in the dirt. 28 The two collapsed, dropping their weapons in exhaustion. Silence reached out over the valley. 29 When Keteya awoke, he heard and saw nothing. He reached to his head and felt blood. He then felt immense pain, and knew he had grievous wounds. 30 "Sinyah - you have wounded me" He said weakly, not knowing where his great opponent was. 31 "No, my enemy - it is you who have wounded me!" Sinyah responded, pain and fear in his voice.

32 Sinyah dragged himself towards the voice of Keteya - his legs were no longer obeying his mind. Sinyah too, knew that the end was near. 33 Both elders laid on the battlefield, not one sound could be heard for miles. 34 "Sinyah, what do you see?" Keteya asked. 35 Sinyah paused, blood draining from his head. "Death." 36 No living creature visited the valley below the Monument of Kampar for many months. 37 Nothing - no one had survived the battle. Flesh now decayed upon the cursed ground. The ground´s wounds, however, would never disappear. 38 Stained with the blood of thousands, the Valley of Corpses is still unvisited by living beings. 39 Birds, worms, even plants, do not dare disturb the wandering spirits. 40 Spirits who can never be returned to Kampar.


The Tribal Wars - Chapter 2

1 With dust still settling on the Valley of Corpses, a number of the remaining minor tribes gathered together. 2 A leader - Otair - emerged from the many hundreds. He had grown tired of the seemingly eternal conflict. 3 He promised the other tribes an end to their struggles. He promised peace, at last. 4 Otair asked each tribe in turn: "Why is it you are fighting?" 5 Each question was met with long pauses, and blame of wrong doing placed upon another tribe. 6 No Ewok present - not even Otair himself - knew the answer. Those that did had perished long ago in forgotten battles. 7 Otair asked each tribe to put aside their grudges, and cease their pointless retaliations. 8 He told everyone in attendance to meet him at the Monoliths of Kampar in eight days. Those in attendance of the meeting would spread the word to all they could find.

9 During these eight days, Otair had much work to accomplish. He returned home to his tribe. 10 As he arrived at his birth village, he found it a smouldering pile of ash and red hot stone. 11 The closest neighbouring village was another three days march north. Otair knew he had no time to waste. 12 He found the village just as he remembered - Nestled into the foot of a great immovable glacier. 13 It´s people already knew of the strike against his village. Otair´s brother, Aidus had arrived a day prior with the news. 14 Otair gathered the people in the village square. He told them of his goal. 15 Many objected. "Neighbouring tribes have captured our territory! It cannot stay in their hands - it is ours!" 16 Otair´s arguments relented. He had neither the time, nor the energy for such a debate right now. He urged the citizens to come with him to the Monoliths. 17 At Dawn, Otair commenced his long journey to the Monoliths of Kampar.

18 No villagers seemed to follow, and he saw no living Ewok along the paths. 19 He arrived at the Monoliths, four days after setting off from the glacial village. 20 Otair found no one waiting. Many hours still remained before the start of the 8th day. 21 Otair stood at the precipice amongst the remains of once massive trees. He stared down at the valley below, seeing for himself what devastation and horror was possible. 22 The sun was well below the horizon now. A chill whistled through Otair´s fur as he stood alone on the cliff. 23 The night´s silence was broken by the sound of a small caravan approaching. Torches burned brightly in the hands of the arriving Ewoks. 24 Otair felt uneasy. He hid himself amongst the charred stumps as the caravan came closer. 25 Words drifted towards him, still faint. Words of hatred. Words of betrayal.

26 The caravan of Ewoks fanned outwards from the centre monolith. Their pack animals and carts sitting unattended, defiling Kampar´s great stone. 27 As they grew closer to Otair, he saw the outlines of axes, swords, and spears. Their clothing was tattered and bloodied, their fur mottled and uncared for. 28 Otair remained as still as possible, willing himself to melt into the surrounding ash and debris. 29 "There he is!" Shouted one Ewok. He was taller than Otair, his voice guttural and harsh. 30 Otair could not move, his limbs would not obey his mind´s sudden urge to take flight. 31 The group descended on Otair, grabbing him by his fur and dragging him towards the great stone of Kampar. 32 Finally, Otair fought back, kicking and clawing at those who dared to touch him. But he was only one Ewok, one Ewok versus many. 33 Otair felt himself moving faster as he was thrown on to the giant stone monolith. The pack animals had now moved away, allowing the group of marauding Ewoks to converge on the stone. 34 "What are you doing?!" Otair yelled out. He received no verbal answer from those around him - only a strong foot stepping on his back.

35 Otair could feel the coldness of the stone. It felt lifeless, and resonated with horrible whispers and gasps as he pressed his ear against it. 36 Dawn had finally arrived. Mists swirled below in the Valley of Corpses, hiding the horrific view, and suppressing the awful stench. 37 Aidus, the first of many Ewoks reached the peak of a hill in the surrounding grassland. He could see what was transpiring at the Monoliths. 38 Far off, a shadowed figure stood with an axe raised above his head. Aidus began to run. 39 At the crest of the next hill, Aidus saw the axe come down upon the great stone. 40 Aidus stopped in his tracks. His chest heaved as he struggled for breath. His vision blurred. 41 On the cold stone, Otair saw a lone Ewok on the hills beyond. 42 He felt a rush of air, then a sharp but brief sting. 43 He saw the lone Ewok fall to his knees upon the next hill. 44 Otair´s vision blurred. He fought desperately to keep his eyes open, but soon gave in to the eternal peace that would await.


The Tribal Wars - Chapter 3

1 Aidus, brother of Otair, broke into a run. Shedding his heavy pack to the ground behind, he drew his stone hammer. 2 The wind tugged at his cloak, straining the broach, until it too fell to the ground behind him. 3 Aidus ran towards Kampar´s Monument, desperate to avenge the murder of his brother. 4 He watched the marauding Ewoks. He watched as they defiled those sacred grounds. 5 He counted. Twelve Ewoks stood at the Monument. Twelve Ewoks who would soon regret their actions. 6 Fortunately for Aidus, several other arriving Ewoks witnessed what had transpired. They too, ran with haste towards the Monument.

7 Aidus was still unnoticed as he arrived at the Monument. He barreled towards the closest Ewok, killing him with a single blow to the head. 8 Aidus continued towards the next Ewok, losing no momentum. The surrounding marauders, surprised at his presence, were slow to react. 9 He swung his hammer once again, striking the next Ewok in the chest - killing him before he hit the ground. 10 The next Ewok also proved easy to dispatch, despite the added time to react. 11 The sound of clashing arms once again resonated throughout the land as more Ewoks arrived - their weapons drawn and ready.

12 Aidus made his way towards his brother, tripping and wounding Ewoks as he moved. 13 Blood pooled on the monument´s stone surface, flowing along the engraved lines forming the image of Kampar himself. 14 Aidus saw his brother´s headless body, lying limp on the stone. He once again fell to his knees, his vision blurred with tears. 15 His stone hammer fell to the ground as Aidus reached for his brother´s lifeless hand. 16 Foes and allies danced around him, locked in deadly struggle. Aidus was oblivious to it all. 17 His thoughts drifted back to the glacial village. If he had given support to his brother. If they had traveled together. 18 If he had only acted like a brother, Otair would not be lying here like this.

19 A sharp sting tore Aidus back into reality. He arched his back and screamed in pain as blood started to flow from the gash on his back. 20 Aidus turned to see a large, brutish looking Ewok staring down at him. It clenched a huge axe, dripping with more blood than could have possibly come from Aidus´s injury. 21 The Ewok´s fur was matted and unwashed. Drops of blood had dried on it´s face, likely from some grievous injury inflicted on another. 22 Aidus scrambled for his stone hammer in an effort to defend himself. 23 As the Ewok raised the axe above his head, readying to strike, Aidus began to realize just who this Ewok was. 24 It was the same Ewok who had killed his brother. The same axe that had beheaded his brother, still wet with his blood, long after it should have dried. 25 Aidus felt a drop of blood hit him on the head. Finally gripping his hammer, he attempted to swing it towards his attacker.

26 The Ewok towering over him, however, was faster - The axe was already gaining speed as it swung down at Aidus. 27 At the last moment, Aidus rolled out of the way. 28 The axe sliced through the wooden handle of his hammer, and impacted into the ground with a great thump. 29 Aidus lunged at the Ewok, sending them both tumbling across the grassy field towards the precipice edge. 30 The two gnawed and kicked at each other as they rolled over the charred and burned ground towards the edge. 31 Aidus felt the ground give way, and grabbed for something solid. He felt a great weight pulling him downwards. 32 Looking down, Aidus saw the large Ewok desperately trying to keep his grip on his ankle. 33 With a swift kick, Aidus sent the Ewok falling. It felt like minutes before Aidus saw him disappear into the mists covering the Valley of Corpses.

34 Aidus´s grip started to loosen. Earth and rocks tumbled down the cliff as he scrambled to gain a foothold. 35 He closed his eyes, fearing to look down. With his brother´s killer now dead, he felt at peace. 36 Aidus slowly prepared himself for his own death. He prayed to Kampar, asking to be spared the agony. 37 A hand reached down, grabbing hold of Aidus. "Thank Kampar!" Aidus said with joy - his prayer having been answered. 38 "Kampar? Nay, it´s Ilias." says a female voice from above. "Let me help you up." 39 Aidus kept himself low to the ground, holding the dirt tightly in his hands - treasuring it. He finally opened his eyes. 40 "So who´s Kampar? A friend of yours?" Ilias asked. She was beautiful, despite the sweat and blood matting her fur. 41 "It´s not... Him... Is it?" she added, nodding her head towards the body of Otair. 42 Tears started to fill Aidus´s eyes again. He looked over at the bloody stone monument, and the body resting on top of it. 43 Aidus clumsily rose to his feat and ran towards Otair. "Otair.. My brother.." He said as he grabbed a furry hand, once again collapsing. 44 "Here..." Ilias´s voice seemed distant behind him. She draped a tattered linen over Otair´s body.

45 Ilias placed a hand on Aidus´s shoulder. "Come, get something to eat." 46 A fire had been hastily built. The remaining Ewoks huddled around it, cooking the meat of a newly felled beast. 47 Ilias handed Aidus a piece, and sat him down next to the fire - facing the monument. 48 A flash of lightening spooked the Ewoks surrounding Aidus. The crack of thunder followed almost instantaneously. The storm was close. 49 The sky darkened, turning day to night in seconds. Lightening flashed again, hitting just feet away from the monument - and Otair´s body. 50 Aidus recoiled - his ears ached from the thunderous crack. He did not turn away - he could not. 5 His eyes were fixed on the hole that had opened up in the sky. Bright, wondrous light poured down, casting Otair and the monument in a white light. 52 He saw the body of his brother start to stir. Aidus was astonished - his brother was dead, yet here in front of his very eyes, Otair moved!

53 Aidus creped forward on his hands and knees, towards the monument. Each movement was arduous, as if the bright light caused resistance to all those around. 54 Otair´s body lifted from the monument, still draped in linen. His arms and legs dangled limply from their sockets. 55 Aidus fought with all the strength left in his body. He moved closer to the monument. The bright light pressed down on him with weight he could never have imagined. 56 With his last ounce of strength, Aidus reached out for his brother. 57 Grabbing `hold of the linen, Aidus collapsed - finally succumbing to the light´s resistance. 58 Aidus awoke to a familiar voice. "Are you alright? Aidus?" It said. It was the voice of Ilias. 59 Aidus searched for his brother, the linen shroud still clenched in his hand. "What happened..?" 60 "He´s gone.. Otair, your brother. He floated away. The storm´s gone too - can you hear the birds?"


Estius & The Afterlife - Chapter 1

1 Our first life is spent among the physical. We populate Kamparas. 2 We live, die, love, and hate. We feel, experience joy and pain, sorrow and anger. 3 Our first life is short. It has an end, which comes only when it wishes. 4 With our death, our first life is celebrated. 5 Placed amongst the tangled roots of our family´s Soul Tree, we begin our next journey. 6 Our second life is spent among the Great Ewoks: Kampar and his 12. 7 This life is long. It is eternal. It has no end.

8 At first, we feel nothing. We simply exist as we begin our travels up the Great Tree. 9 Far below we can see the roots of the Great Tree mingling with the infinite stars in the sky. 10 The first branch of the Great Tree is home to Oodlud. 11 Here we appear in peak form, our prime of life. We have no desires, except for nourishment. 12 Oodlud tells us that we must complete one final trial for him, before we can reach the great Kampar. 13 Until we succeed, we shall remain on this branch for eternity. 14 Oodlud asks only that we grow him a years worth of grain from a handful of seeds. 15 We baulk - Eternity to farm a years worth of wheat? 16 Those who tarry soon find that even in the afterlife, the seasons come and go. 17 If one has followed the teachings of Oodlud, the task is certainly possible. 18 Those who ignored Oodlud are not as fortunate. 19 After much effort in cultivation, a pile of grain is soon amassed at the doorstep of Oodlud. 20 With his blessing, we soon continue our journey towards Kampar.

21 The second branch of the Great Tree is home to Lhepo. 22 Now we feel alive. We can bear children and heal our wounds. 23 We still appear in peak form, and now feel the need for nourishment - a gift from Oodlud. 24 Lhepo tells us that we must complete one final trial for him, before we can reach the great Kampar. 25 Until we succeed, we shall remain on this branch for eternity. 26 Lhepo asks only that we save a creature from the clutches of death. 27 One must act with haste, or risk failure. Extra chances may not come quickly. 28 Expanses of grassland and forest house precious life giving plants, which we must seek out. 29 With great care and attention, vitality and life is returned to this creature. 30 Lhepo provides us with a satchel of herbs, and we continue our journey to Kampar.

31 The third branch of the Great Tree is home to Warwils. 32 Here we feel fear, taste pain, and long for riches. The gifts of Oodlud and Lhepo still follow us. 33 Warwils tells us that we must complete one final trial for him, before we can reach the great Kampar. 34 Until we succeed, we shall remain on this branch for eternity. 35 Warwils does not ask anything of us. He flashes glimpses of great riches instead. 36 This brief glimpse haunts us - we must have such beauty to ourselves. 37 While Warwils sleeps, we sneak one by one to pilfer his hoard. 38 Those who are caught are lashed and thrown out. They will heal their wounds and retry on another night. 39 We who succeed are praised by Warwils - but we too are lashed. 40 "Every creature must know pain", he tells us. 41 Finally, Warwils allows us to continue our journey up the Great Tree, on towards Kampar.

42 The fourth branch of the Great Tree is home to Chtan. 43 Here we learn to lie. We feel hate, and have anger flow through us. 44 Many stop to dull the ache of their backs, or scrounge nutrition from the lands. 45 Chtan tells us that we must complete one final trial for him, before we can reach the great Kampar 46 Until we succeed, we shall remain on this branch for eternity. 47 Chtan, like Warwils, does not ask. He laughs as we are pitted against each other in combat. 48 Matchmaking is neither fair, nor balanced. 49 Those who have not spent their hours sparring are reduced to waiting for an opponent more inept than they themselves. 50 Opponents face off, grappling, punching and kicking. Blood stains the dirt. 51 Winners feel no glory, only the beating of their heart above the roar of the crowd. 52 Chtan permits us to continue on our journey up the Great Tree, on towards Kampar.

53 The fifth branch of the Great Tree is home to Pipet. 54 Here our minds are formed. We contemplate, learn, and experience. 55 Our anger is tempered, but the teachings of the previous Great Ewoks still follow in our shadows. 56 Pipet tells us that we must complete one final trial for him, before we can reach the great Kampar 57 Until we succeed, we shall remain on this branch for eternity. 58 Pipet asks that we interpret the hundreds of stone monoliths that dot his lands. 59 One could spend ages here amongst the giant black stones and not recognize a single character. 60 Those with a keen memory may recall some of these stories, passed down by our Elders. 61 Successful recitation garners only small praise from this Great Ewok. 62 The wise Pipet expects discussion and interpretation of the events depicted. 63 Finally, Pipet permits us to continue on our journey up the Great Tree, on towards Kampar.

64 The sixth branch of the Great Tree is home to Tessarri. 65 Now, with the gift of hindsight, we expect to breeze our way to Kampar. 66 How could we have known that the remaining 12 would increase the stakes. 67 Tessarri tells us that we must complete one final task for her, before we can reach the great Kampar. 68 Until we succeed, we shall remain on this branch for eternity. 69 Tessarri asks that we accomplish a great feat - we must climb to the next branch. 70 The Great Tree´s bark provides many avenues for ascent, but not all reach the seventh branch. 71 Many spend unknown ages climbing and falling. Few reach their goal. 72 Even fewer tell Tessarri they are incapable of the climb. 73 "You have made an effort, and your words truthful " she says. 74 Tessarri permits us to continue on our journey up the Great Tree, on towards Kampar.


Estius & The Afterlife - Chapter 2

1 The seventh branch of the Great Tree is home to Okori. 2 We have now learned the universal value of truth in both words and actions. 3 "Welcome to my bountiful lands", the honourable Okori tells us. 4 Okori presents us with a puzzle. "You must show me the way to the eighth branch." 5 Until we succeed, we shall remain on this branch for eternity. 6 Many tell him outright of their commitment to ascent. They do not pass. 7 Others tell him of their commitment to the Great Ewok, to Kampar. A few ascend. 8 The remaining few work together in small groups. Those who try to gain an edge of their companions go no further. 9 As in the writings of Okori, loyalty to our companions triumphs over personal gain. 10 Those who see this are permitted to continue our journey up the Great Tree, on towards Kampar.

11 The eighth branch of the Great Tree is home to Kettink. 12 We now know of commitment, of honour. Okori taught us so. 13 Kettink appears before us. We are awe struck by her beauty - we must have her. 14 She says nothing of the next branch, only winking before continuing on her way. 15 Many decide to woo her with their accomplishments; Reaching the eighth branch must surely mean something! 16 Others choose pick wild flowers. Their sweet fragrance can lure the coldest of creatures. 17 Fewer ply their skills on driftwood and soft stone. Intricate carvings, all of the Great Ewok himself. 18 Fewer still form bonds with each other. The flowers and carvings are received not by a Deity, but by a spirit. 19 Love blossoms, and Kettink smiles, wishing us well. 20 Hand in hand, Kettink opens the path, letting us continue our journey up the Great Tree, on towards Kampar.

21 The ninth branch of the Great Tree is home to Niffi. 22 Here we learn of pleasure; love courses through us as we walk with our partner. 23 Niffi presents us with our carvings - each and every one a model of Kampar, the Great Ewok. "These are wrong." 24 Confused, we set to work. New material is collected and carved. 25 Again, Niffi casts our carvings aside. "Wrong," she says. 26 We work, for a second time. Details are changed, enhanced. 27 "Wrong," she says. 28 Some throw their tools aside in anger. Different material is gathered. 29 Reeds are woven into baskets; Leather into clothing; Clay into pottery; All adorned with intricate patterns. 30 "This," she says, "is correct. You have expressed your true self." 31 Niffi points the way to the next branch, and we continue our journey up the Great Tree, on towards Kampar.

32 The tenth branch of the Great Tree is home to Rooppay. 33 We now express ourselves. Song and dance enrich us. 34 Groups form around newly built fires. Sweet music fills the air. 35 Rooppay appears, dice in hand, and a glint in his eye. 36 He teaches us a game. There is no skill involved - it´s down the roll of a die. 37 We amuse ourselves. Wagers are placed. 38 We grow confident in our dice tossing abilities, some feel they can influence the outcome. 39 Rooppay appears again, this time with a wager none can resist. 40 "Winners ascend. Just toss the dice!" He says, peaking our interest. 41 A game of chance decides who is worth of reaching the next branch. 42 Rooppay wishes the winners good fortune, and sends us on to continue our journey up the Great Tree, on towards Kampar.

43 The eleventh branch of the Great Tree is home to Farys. 44 Here, luck is on our side. We still taste our recent victory. 45 Farys has built a great fire. wooden seats frame its perimeter. 46 "Kind soul, tell me of your journey!" 47 We tell him, one by one. 48 Some keep it simple, for they lack skill in words. 49 Others tell long winded stories, putting many to sleep. 50 A few string together epic ballads of their travel and adventures. Their stories captivate all in attendance. 51 Farys seems enchanted by those few ballads, his every emotion etched in his face. 52 When the fire dies down, Farys allows the successful to continue their journey up the Great Tree, on towards Kampar.

53 The twelfth branch of the Great Tree is home to Auhawyk. 54 With Kampar´s perch in sight, we now know the joy of adventure and truly appreciate our travels. 55 So few spirits have made it this far, few familiar faces remain. 56 Auhawyk appears old and wise. He has seen infinitely more seasons than any of us have. 57 He says to us, simply: "Tell me the meaning of life, and you will meet the Great Ewok." 58 Throughout our first life, we all contemplated that question, never coming up with an answer. 59 Auhawyk sees that the recent trials have changed us, more than we have realized ourselves. 60 One by one, we whisper in Auhawyk´s ear. 61 "Yes," he says, "you have studied the teachings of Kampar well." 62 Auhawyk points the way, letting me complete the final climb up the Great Tree, on towards Kampar.

Estius & The Afterlife - Chapter 3


1 I now know all. My body and mind are in perfect physique. 2 The view from the top of the Great Tree is stunning. Each branch is visible below 3 Infinite worlds glimmer further below; Thin roots extend out to touch each, and ferry the souls of the deceased. 4 The perch of Kampar is rolling grassland, with great stone pillars forming a circle in the center. 5 Between these pillars sits Kampar. The Great Ewok. His golden neck chain glimmers in the light cast by infinite stars. 6 He speaks: "Greetings my son. During your life you embodied everything I sought to teach. For that, I thank you." 7 "In reward, I grant you the power to affect the physical worlds below you. But be warned, use of this power will harm your spirit, for eternity." 8 I spend many worldly seasons pondering over the idea - Kampar´s perch shows no signs of aging, but the worlds below freeze and thaw.

9 The myriads of things one could do with omnipotence overflows in my mind. 10 One could toy with those living their first life - sudden noises, ghostly figures. 11 Or one could simply watch their children´s children´s children grow old. 12 The thought of focusing on one being - planting the meaning of life in his or her mind, tempted me greatly. 13 I chose none of those. 14 Instead, my name will be known for eternity. Not just to Kampar - but to all his children.

15 Slowly, the story of the branch of Oodlud was etched in stone. 16 In turn, my joints have ached. 17 Slowly, the story of the branch of Lhepo was etched in stone. 18 In turn, my fur has turned grey. 19 Slowly, the story of the branch of Warwils was etched in stone. 20 In turn, the gift of hearing has faded. 21 Slowly, the story of the branch of Chtan was etched in stone. 22 In turn, the joy of texture has dulled. 23 Slowly, the story of the branch of Pipet was etched in stone. 24 In turn, the smell of the world has faded. 25 Slowly, the story of the branch of Tesarrii was etched in stone. 26 In turn, the joy of flavour has dulled. 27 Slowly, the story of the branch of Okori was etched in stone. 28 In turn, the gift of sight has faded. 29 With the loss of so much, finishing my work became a daunting prospect. 30 I continued, and slowly, the story of the branch of Kettink was etched in stone. 31 In turn, the sound of my voice faded. 32 Slowly, the story of the branch of Niffi was etched in stone. 33 In turn, my skin has become cracked and dry. 34 Slowly, the story of the branch of Rooppay was etched in stone. 35 In turn, a great fever overcame me. 36 Slowly, the story of the branch of Farys was etched in stone. 37 In turn, horrible boils appeared on my body. 38 Slowly, the story of the branch of Auhawyk was etched in stone. 39 In turn, my bones became weak and brittle. 40 Finally, the story of my arrival to Kampar´s perch was etched in stone. 41 Finally, it felt like my spirit would be crushed.

42 But Kampar would not allow it. 43 He spoke: "My son. You chose the selfless task; The hardest task." 44 "You have once again shown me your dedication to my teachings. I thank you." 45 The Great Ewok, Kampar, removed my pain. He has the power to remove all pain. 46 While my body serves as a warning to those about to use their granted powers, 47 My spirit serves as a guide; A guide to all children of Kampar. 48 The first life of Estius was unremarkable and went unrecorded and forgotten. 49 The second life, however, shall be spoken about for all the eternities to come.
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The Book of Kampar
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