List of Terms

Daksha: Literally translated as "Circle". The belief of a cyclical, circular, eternal universe and that everything is connected. It is also used as the name of the new Krioth religion.

Daresh: Literally "To Twirl/Spin". The followers of Usif, and devoted to Daksha. Also the ritualistic meditation of twirling endlessly throughout a night; this is where they get their name.

Dakot: A wooden bead necklace given to Daresh and Initiates. Used as a meditative focus.

Darfa: Literally "To Make Good". A good deed. Also used for the time where an initiate goes into the world to perform good, selfless deeds for others.

Vhascayo: Shortened version of the city's name Vhasa Cay Ovo

A young man dressed in robes and wooden necklaces - his hair long and braided - made his way through the mountainous territory past the Seyirvae lands of Duzeyawash. He lead a group of farmers and workers who only knew the Krioth through the Daresh's deeds and the Keepers willingness to assist in mining. The Daresh had gained a reputation of arriving to where they were most needed - specifically destitute villages - and aiding them. They were never there to preach, as they believed they would spread awareness of Daksha by performing good deeds. Indeed, many villagers in the past had asked their Daresh to show them the way through the

Many of the peaks were not as tall as in the distance, and the land was not even, yet to these steppe people the mountains might have seemed overwhelming at times. Dirt paths weaved and snaked around rivers, and sometimes drawbridges were the only way to get across. The distance between Duzeyawash and Vhascayo was no more than a day, yet this rough territory made the trip much longer than it should be.

Midday of the 2nd day, the boy unceremoniously turned to the group and said, "We've arrived."

Only a few homes lay claim to the feet of this particular mountain - the tallest in the region by far. Yet the looks were deceiving. Farms made up the bottom tier of the city, and the boy led the group further into what seemed like a cavern. Tunnels were carved into the mountain and stairs continued up and up. Occasionally gateways led to houses, stores, and paths that seem to hang off the mountain side.

Finally, an entourage of more men and women with their hair braided into a bun led the group into a plateau in the mountain. Here lay the main monastery, and Daresh walked to and fro.

In truth, the main monastery was a collection of buildings all bunched into the plateau, giving it a more immense look than what it actually was. Nonetheless, it was a culmination of centuries of craftmanship by the Krioth. Builders had managed to combine designs from the lowlands and mountain dwellings, and thanks to its donations, it was now the most visited pilgrimage location for the Daresh (the followers of the belief of Daksha), and Krioth as a whole.

Water drums clunk in rhythmic fashion, and many Daresh sat in meditation along the cold stone.

The main entrance to the monastery was fashioned from reddened Oak and lined with silver in some areas. An old man sat in front of a drove of Daresh, as they all meditated together. The Daresh leading the group signaled them to wait for a few moments. After a few moments, the older man stood and put his index and middle finger to his forehead and moved them forward as a sign of greeting. Shortly thereafter, the large group sitting stood and imitated him, leaving.

The entourage were presented, "This is Ragata, leader of the Daresh, Father of all Krioth, and follower of Usif."

This was the usual tale since the rise of Vhascayo. The Daresh were the followers of Usif since his death, and were easily identified by a few features.

• They all wore the flax tunics, and a cow hides in the winter
• They wear a Dakot, a wooden bead necklace which they rub when in meditation at times
• They do not cut their hair since they decide to join them, and usually wear it braided. Both men and women
• Once an initiate is officially recognized as a Daresh, they wear their hair in a bun
• During some nights, they twirl together for the entire duration of dark until sun rise. This is a form of ritual meditation and endurance training
• They practice further endurance and pain resistance by staying out in the cold and high altitudes for prolonged periods of times, or hitting each other with sticks. Though they also practice wrestling, it is less common (this would change with Lautar's arrival from the Miecoth lands)

"How do I become an initiate?"

The simplest way is to merely ask an initiate or a Daresh to show you the way to Vhasa Cay Ovo and let a leading Daresh know of your intention. You will be given a mentor, robes, and a Dakot.

"Congratulations, you're now an initiate! What now?"

Now comes the more difficult part. Generally you are to stay under your mentor's guidance, and they will teach you to meditate. These first few years will be spent learning about Daksha, Usif, meditation, going on pilgrimages around the mountains, and most importantly, how to write. It is also expected of you to help with the farms of the city, or another type of manual labor. Many Daresh seek artistic past times; a favorite being scenic paintings and poem writing, so expect to partake in these as well. Once your mentor believes you are ready, he will allow you to perform your first Darfa - good deed.

This is what has made the Daresh known both in and out of Krioth lands. Once you are ready, Darfa pertains to setting out into the world and helping others. This aid can be anywhere from helping farmers in exchange of only food and board, herders keep track of their animals, and new families construct their homes. They return under two different conditions. One: Have helped enough to where it would be more beneficial to move onto another place, or Two: Have villagers ask to become initiates themselves.

In truth, everything is a bit more complicated, and some situations differ from time to time. For example, while they believe every human is the same (we all bleed, we all die), they still follow the guidance of the oldest, and widely accepted as learned and influential Daresh. This is an honorary role, which means it is not hereditary nor permanent (can be challenged).