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Sentinels of the Isles: A treatise on Golden Saint / Dark Seducer culture and history within the Shivering Isles<br>
By Andoche Marier<br>
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Author's Note<br>
<br>
This volume attempts to catalogue and analyze known, suspected, and rumored facts about the two races that serve to maintain order within the Shivering Isles. It is by no means intended to serve as the authoritative work on the matter; rather, it is a personal effort on the part of the author to better understand these unique creatures.<br>
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In the Service of the Lord<br>
<br>
It is beyond the scope of this work to determine the origins of the Golden Saints and Dark Seducers. They are Daedra, and as such their base existence is a mystery to those mortal-born. The commonly held belief that all Daedra are incapable of Creation suggests that even Lord Sheogorath himself is not responsible for the genesis of these races. Yet, it is worth noting that the Prince of Madness has motives and powers that none may guess; to attempt to do so would only confuse the subject further.<br>
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It is enough, then, to see that they exist and know that it is so. Beyond this knowledge, however, it is curious that the Saints and Seducers serve Lord Sheogorath unerringly. This allegiance is ultimate and eternal, from all indications, but its source is unknown. Could it be that they themselves were tricked into service by the Madgod? Or do they simply ally themselves with the greatest power in the realm? Previous literary works suggest that Daedra choose to serve their masters so they might find protection and safe harbor. Clearly the Saints and Seducers have this in the Shivering Isles; indeed, they have fortresses which few not of their race are allowed to enter. They have power in the realm, acting as guardians of those who serve Lord Sheogorath. Constantly they vie for the favor of Our Lord, fighting any who oppose him and, at times, even each other. It is reasonable to assume, then, that they have made a willing choice to take up their role in the Isles.<br>
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Character and Society<br>
<br>
The immediate image called to mind when hearing the name "Golden Saint" suggests an angelic figure, elegant and benevolent. It is ironic then, that while the Golden Saints embody this image in form, their behavior is in stark contrast to it. The Saints are a proud, arrogant race, quick to anger and cruel in their punishment. There is no question that they view all in the Isles as inferior, and make no effort to hide this in their interactions. <br>
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Dark Seducers also exhibit little beyond their appearance to match their names. While they too assert their superiority over all others in the realm, they appear to have a more patient, introspective nature about them. They often appear humble in their dealings with mortals, and are known to be patient with the "lesser races."<br>
<br>
In fact, the terms "Golden Saint" and "Dark Seducer" are external constructs. While the two groups recognize and respond to these names, they have their own names for their races: The Aureal and the Mazken, respectively. It is possible the Daedra simply have no concern for the names and titles given to them by lesser beings, or perhaps they find amusement in the names. Further research into this subject is necessary but daunting, as the Saints and Seducers do not freely offer personal information about themselves.<br>
<br>
Other information can be gathered from observation. It is easy to see that the two groups are strongly militaristic in their societal structure; one's strength and discipline determines one's place in society. Military commanders, for example, are revered by their subordinates. With further observation, a second distinction becomes apparent: both societies are Matriarchal in nature. Females lead the guards within New Sheoth, and have the highest positions of power. Males, while not openly denigrated, are clearly subservient to their female superiors. It is unclear where this practice began, but has been wholly integrated into the daily lives of both races.<br>
<br><br>
Conflict and Conquest<br>
<br>
Any resident of the Shivering Isles can confirm that it is unwise to provoke the Golden Saints and Dark Seducers. They thrive on conflict and warfare, and are quick to punish any and all who disobey. Acting in their capacity as guardians of the realm does not satisfy them, however, and so they often engage in combat with one another, despite being garrisoned in areas where they are unlikely to interact. It is possible that this is more than an outlet for aggressive behavior; repeated engagements between the two races may be an effort to gain favor with Lord Sheogorath. If one can triumph over the other, it would prove superiority and a right to gain sole control over the realm. The battle for Cylarne is of particular interest, as both sides have been locked in combat with no hope of resolution for time beyond memory. Does this combat serve to sharpen the skills of the two sides, or weaken them when they could be directed elsewhere? If the conflict cannot be resolved, why then does Lord Sheogorath not step in and settle it himself?<br>
<br><br>
Religion and Ceremony<br>
<br>
Little is known about the private customs of the Golden Saints and Dark Seducers. They are reclusive when it comes to matters specific to their race, particularly regarding the mysterious process by which they return to the realm in the unlikely event of their death.<br>
<br>
It is common knowledge that Golden Saints and Dark Seducers, as Daedra, cannot be killed. The Animus of the Daedra is cast back into the darkness of Oblivion, and can return to the realm to take form once more. But reports of the time it takes for a Daedra to return to the realm from the Waters of Oblivion are anecdotal and inconclusive; the process by which this return occurs remains shrouded in mystery. Based on behavior patterns and strength of numbers, it can be deduced that the stronghold for each race plays some major part in this process. Common phrases in language (such as "May the chimes call you home") suggest that rather than merely a metaphor, sound may play some role in the sequence of events. It is believed that the chimes referenced by Saints and Seducers do indeed exist and are considered almost holy relics. Attempts to gain information about these chimes, or the process by which they are used, has been met with exceptional hostility and so have been abandoned.<br>
<br>
<br>
<br>
Any and all information regarding the Golden Saints and Dark Seducers, particularly relating to private customs and origins, should be brought to the attention of the author immediately. The greater the scope of our knowledge, the better our ability to understand these compelling creatures.
訳文 †
【訳文記述エリア】
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Islesの歩哨：Shibering IslesにおけるGolden Saint及びDark Seducerの文化と歴史に関する論稿<br>
Andoche Marier著<br>
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筆者より<br>
<br>
この論稿は、Shivering Isles内の秩序維持を使命とする2つの人種に関する事実を、よく知られたものから疑わしいもの、噂に過ぎないかも知れないものまで含めて分類し、考察を与えようとする試みである。これは彼女らの独特な様態を筆者自身がより良く理解する為の個人的努力の範疇に含まれるものであり、決してこの件に関する権威的研究では無い事を申し添えておく。<br>
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Lordに仕えるという事<br>
<br>
Golden SaintとDark Seducerの起源についてはこの研究の枠外である。彼女らはDaedraであり、その存在基盤がどこにあるのかは、は定命の者が理解を越えた謎なのだ。一般的にはDaedraには創造の力が備わっていないと信じられており、その延長で考えるとLord Sheogorathでさえ彼女らの存在に関しては一切関与していないという事になる。Prince of Madnessならば我々に想像もつかないような動機と、それを実現する力があるのかも知れない。しかしそういった事を議論しても本題から離れて話が混乱するばかりであるため、仕方の無い事であろう。<br>
<br>
彼女らは現に今そこにいるように存在しており、それをそのまま受け入れれば十分なのである。そうは言っても、なぜ彼女らがLord Sheogorathに的確な振る舞いで仕えているのかは興味をそそる事実ではある。その中世は絶対的で、永久不滅なのだ。どう考えてもその忠誠心の発生源は分からない。Madgodに唆されたから？そんな事があり得るだろうか？単にrealmで一番の実力者だから従っているだけなのか？近年の書物によるとDaedraは庇護と安息の地を求めて主人を選ぶ事があると言う。IslesにおけるSaintsとSeducerについてはその点明白だ。実際彼女らは限られた者しか立ち入りを許されない砦を所有している。彼女らはLord Sheogorathの従者の守り人としてrealmで力を振るっている。また、我々のLordへの忠誠を掛けて絶えず争ってもいる。戦いの相手はLordに逆らう者に限らず、お互い同士であることもしばしばである。彼女らは自分の意思でIslesにおける役割を選択しているのだと考えるのが妥当に思う。<br>
<br><br>
その性格と社会<br>
<br>
[Quote]Golden Saint[Quote]という名前からすぐ思い浮かぶのは天使の姿であり、優美で慈悲に満ちた存在であろう。しかし皮肉な事であるが、Golden Saintは容姿こそ名前通りであっても、その振舞いは全くもって対照的なのだ。Saintsはプライドが高く尊大な種族であり、怒り易く罪人に対しても冷酷である。彼女らは間違いなくIsles中の者全てを見下しており、会話においてもそれを隠そうとはしない。<br>
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名前に合致した外見から逸脱した振舞いという点ではDark Seducerも同じである。彼女らもrealm中全ての者を見下しているのは同様だが、その接し方はより辛抱強く、内省的であるように見受けられる。彼女らはしばしば定命の者に対しても謙虚に対応し、[Quote]劣等種[Quote]に対しても我慢強いと知られている。<br>
<br>
実は、[Quote]Golden Saint[Quote]や[Quote]Dark Seducer[Quote]という言葉は彼女らの社会の中で作られたものではない。確かにその呼び方を認識しているし返事するが、自分の種族についてはAureal、Mazkenという独自の名前を持っている。単に下等な存在によって付けられた名前や称号に興味がないのかも知れないし、そういった名前で呼ばれるのを面白がっているのかも知れない。もっと踏み込んだ調査が必要だが、SaintsもSeducerも自分たち自身の個人情報を気安くは提供してくれないので困難だ。<br>
<br>
Other information can be gathered from observation. It is easy to see that the two groups are strongly militaristic in their societal structure; one's strength and discipline determines one's place in society. Military commanders, for example, are revered by their subordinates. With further observation, a second distinction becomes apparent: both societies are Matriarchal in nature. Females lead the guards within New Sheoth, and have the highest positions of power. Males, while not openly denigrated, are clearly subservient to their female superiors. It is unclear where this practice began, but has been wholly integrated into the daily lives of both races.<br>
<br><br>
Conflict and Conquest<br>
<br>
Any resident of the Shivering Isles can confirm that it is unwise to provoke the Golden Saints and Dark Seducers. They thrive on conflict and warfare, and are quick to punish any and all who disobey. Acting in their capacity as guardians of the realm does not satisfy them, however, and so they often engage in combat with one another, despite being garrisoned in areas where they are unlikely to interact. It is possible that this is more than an outlet for aggressive behavior; repeated engagements between the two races may be an effort to gain favor with Lord Sheogorath. If one can triumph over the other, it would prove superiority and a right to gain sole control over the realm. The battle for Cylarne is of particular interest, as both sides have been locked in combat with no hope of resolution for time beyond memory. Does this combat serve to sharpen the skills of the two sides, or weaken them when they could be directed elsewhere? If the conflict cannot be resolved, why then does Lord Sheogorath not step in and settle it himself?<br>
<br><br>
Religion and Ceremony<br>
<br>
Little is known about the private customs of the Golden Saints and Dark Seducers. They are reclusive when it comes to matters specific to their race, particularly regarding the mysterious process by which they return to the realm in the unlikely event of their death.<br>
<br>
It is common knowledge that Golden Saints and Dark Seducers, as Daedra, cannot be killed. The Animus of the Daedra is cast back into the darkness of Oblivion, and can return to the realm to take form once more. But reports of the time it takes for a Daedra to return to the realm from the Waters of Oblivion are anecdotal and inconclusive; the process by which this return occurs remains shrouded in mystery. Based on behavior patterns and strength of numbers, it can be deduced that the stronghold for each race plays some major part in this process. Common phrases in language (such as "May the chimes call you home") suggest that rather than merely a metaphor, sound may play some role in the sequence of events. It is believed that the chimes referenced by Saints and Seducers do indeed exist and are considered almost holy relics. Attempts to gain information about these chimes, or the process by which they are used, has been met with exceptional hostility and so have been abandoned.<br>
<br>
<br>
<br>
Any and all information regarding the Golden Saints and Dark Seducers, particularly relating to private customs and origins, should be brought to the attention of the author immediately. The greater the scope of our knowledge, the better our ability to understand these compelling creatures.
