Calari

**This article, Calari, was written by Nepechri. It may be linked to any page without asking for the author's permission.**

## Calari

The Star of the Calari, taking colours from each of the three *Hostari*.

## Xenos Species

### **Sub-species**

Laurëar
Silyar
Undómi

## Physical Appearance

### **Eye colour**

Gold, grey, blue

"*The story of the universe is a grand symphony, many behold the notes but few can comprehend the chords and their progression. We have faithfully recorded all of what we have seen, so that the great music and its wonder be not lost forever.* "
—Fangawë, King of the Laurëar
The **Calari** are a humanoid Xenos species which inhabit the hidden realm of Laurëanórë far beyond the eastern fringe of the galaxy. Most know very little about them to outsiders, with most of their existence being little more than a rumour or legend.

They are said to be very distant kindred to the Eldar, sundered in the distant past and now with many differences lying between. According to their own legends, Silwë, a former god of the Aeldari Pantheon, left the pantheon and brought his followers to the furthest reaches of the galaxy where they could settle in peace. Unlike their Eldar brethren, they do not die of old age, although they can be killed through other conventional means. They are an ancient folk, with its eldest members being those who have lived for millions of years; they value the beauty, song, but also preservation of elder things and memory.

## Nomenclature and Classification

The name "*Calari*" signifies "People of Light" in the language of the Calari. Light is considered an important part of their culture and identity, and is the love of all the people. Two chief lights they reverence- the golden light of their brilliant sun and the silver-white light of their god Silwë. In addition to this, gold and white silver are both precious metals to the Calari, and used in everything that they do.

## Biology

The *Calari* are held to be descended from very ancient Eldar, from the earliest days of the War in Heaven, and as such are sometimes called a subspecies of Eldar, although in reality they are almost a completely different species. Like them, they are taller than men, and generally lithe of build and fair-skinned, although they differ in looks from the other Eldar, looking less angular in both eyes and facial expression and not having as slanted eyes. The evolution which they have undergone has made them a distinct species from their progenitors, and differ in some internal operations as well as reproduction. After a child is conceived, it takes a solar year and a half usually before they are born. A Calar reaches physical maturity at approximately a solar century, and is considered mature at two centuries.

A notable difference with the parent species are a drastically increased lifespan. The Calari do not die of natural cause, but only if their bodies are killed through weapon or poison; once their bodies (known as the Hröa) die, their souls (known as the Fëa) return to the *Mardi Lúmion* ("Halls of Time"), where they abide within the bounds of the materium. It is speculated that the *Mardi Lúmion* is a device constructed in a similar manner to an Infinity Circuit, except that the souls retain their individuality. Each Calari is granted a ring, known as a *corma*, which facilitates their journey to the afterlife, much like an Eldar Spirit Stone, it does not need to be brought to the physical *Mardi Lúmion*- they will be brought by the power of the ring as long as it has not been separated from them or destroyed prior to their death.

In addition to physical difference, they also differ in their temperament and pyschic abilities. They feel emotions less keenly than their cousins, and tend to be more stable of mind and will, which drives them less to excess; however, while they still are potent pyskers and they recognise the dangers of the warp, they are not as skilled as their Aeldari counterparts. While they can be proud, they tend to be less so than their counterparts, and take pity on the rest of the universe, rejecting the strong xenophobia of their cousins. They still share a common hatred of chaos and especially of Saneesh, but have less to fear from her due to their distance. However, Slaneesh still desires their souls; meaning they must keep up a constant vigilance never to let her forces destroy them and their work.

## History

### Origins

During the War in Heaven, only a short time after the creation of the Eldar, Asuryan decided to make a boundary between the Materium and the Immaterium to bar the gods from convening with the Eldar. Silwë, the god of preservation and memory, could not abide being separated from the young Eldar, especially those whom he most loved. He rejected the edict of Asuryan, and in order to better protect himself and his people and to converse with them, he abandoned the Immaterium and entered into the Materium, from then on walking in a vessel which contains the power of his psychic nature.

To avoid the wroth of the Eldar gods, Silwë fled alongside his remaining loyal followers to the far reaches of the galaxy while the other gods remained embroiled in combat. Because of his rejection of the will of Asuryan, he was forgotten from the pantheon and was blotted out from the memory of the other Eldar. However, far away from the other Eldar, he used his power to establish a protected realm around a bright golden sun known as Vása, which became known as "Laurëanórë", or "Land of Gold". Choosing the system as the limit of his domain, he began to shape it according to his designs, so that the Eldar there might live in prosperity.

The Eldar who accompanied him began to change and grow apart from their cousins, and to develop the traits characteristics for their race. This is said to come from the power of Silwë himself (who keenly desired their preservation and memory), that they grew and changed to become a new species entirely. They did not suffer death due to natural causes, only from harm to the body . They were also kinder and milder of spirit, although still fell and fey when it comes to protecting their realm. And so it came to pass that the Eldar changed in body and in mind into the Calari, a people apart from the Eldar.

### New Civilisation

Although now separated from their kindred and protected by the power of Silwë, many of the Calari desired to know of the farthest reaches of the galaxy, to see its beauty and wonder, and to record all that transpired into memory. The three tribes that had come to Laurëanórë, each led by their own King, divided on the course to take in regards to the galaxy. The largest, the Undómi, desired to enjoy the newfound bliss they had won, and to defend themselves from outside influences which could mar their life and cause their destruction. The Silyar, desiring to behold once again the beautiful things of the Galaxy and keep them in memory, argued against the Undómi.

For long the debate between the tribes continued before the throne of Silwë, who harkened but made decision. It was until the King of the smallest tribe, the Laurëar, offered a middle course: to remain protected in the realm, where they preserve their peace and well-being, while observing and recording from afar the courses and workings of the universe. This compromise, although it left some unease, was accepted and confirmed in judgement of Silwë, who also wished these things to be.

Silwë, and with the psychic assistance of the Silyar and Laurëar and the greatest craftsmen of the Undómi, worked to create marvelous devices, combined with the wisdom of all of the Calari and imbued with his own power. These devices were capable of perceiving events and details uncounted distances and times, across both realspace and the warp, with nigh-perfect clarity and perception. These works, which became known as the Sarsurii (singular: Sarsurië, "seeing glass") are the among the greatest works created, and remain some of the chief treasures of the race. Silwë admits that these works are so special, they were within his power to create once only.

From then on, the Calari developed the way of living which they have followed for millions of years. The Sarsurii were placed into the care of the Laurëar, who would have the wisdom and skill to operate them, gazing through the galaxy to observe and to see. The Silyar would preserve what had been seen into memory and song. The Undómi would focus on the other aspects of the realm, and take delight in their own works and the beauty of the realm of Laurëanórë. Each role suited these tribes well, and the Calari enjoyed countless years of peace.

### The Birth of Saneesh

The Calari foreboded the Fall of the Aeldari long before it came to pass. The Calari, which had eschewed the development of technology the main Eldar did, were disgusted by the debauchery and evil workings of the bloated and decaying Empire, although they themselves had been quite forgotten by the Eldar. Silwë prophesied that great evil would become of it, and increased the protections on the realm from outside attacks. Powerful wards now surrounded the system, allowing none to enter or pass without the knowledge and the will of Silwë. These wards became known as the "Leaguer of Laurëanórë".

Although the Calari had not had contact with the Eldar for millions of years, they decided to break the silence to send emissaries to warn the Eldar of their upcoming doom. However, for the late Eldar immersed in pleasure, the arrival of messengers went unheeded and ignored, as almost none would listen, barring a few who themselves had already sensed the danger. Realising that the end was fast approaching, the Calari retreated behind the Leaguer, waited, and braced themselves.

When the fall came, it was swift and deadly, and the Calari, feeling the pain of their distant brethren, knew what had befallen immediately. Slaneesh devoured millions upon millions of Aeldari souls, and swallowed up their gods, even the very ones which in eons past had been kin to Silwë. Silwë sat in grief, and his people did likewise, for however far the Aeldari had fallen, nevertheless the loss was grievous to them and to the galaxy. As grief as Silwë's pain was, he also recognised that he had chosen well in choosing to remain in the Materium, for now the other Eldar gods had been left exposed to the perils of the new god of chaos.

Despite the psychic pain experienced by the Calari, the realm was not destroyed by the birth of the new chaos god. The forces of Slaneesh could never get close to the realm, nor cross the Leaguer, on account that it was in very remote area of real space and far away from the Eye of Terror and other warp rifts where chaos is most powerful, making it extraordinary difficult for the followers of Slaneesh to reach.

Since the birth of Slaneesh, the Calari have been vigilant in the defense of their way of life. On several occasions, captains of the Undómi led several victories against chaos hosts trying to break through the Leaguer, driving them back. Because of the hurts put upon the world by the forces of Chaos, the Calari bitterly reject anything pertaining to chaos, and wish for its total destruction.

## Laurëanórë

**Laurëanórë** is a system of planets which orbit around the star Vása, and the realm of the Laurëar. The name "*Laurëanórë*" comes from "Laurëa", which signifies 'golden', in reference to the brilliant golden light which the sun exhibits, but it also shares a name with the first of the three kindreds of the Calari. There are four core planets, each with their own role to play in the civilisation, and an additional series of planets to defend the outer reaches of the realm known as the *Sandastan*. Beyond these planets, the Leaguer of Laurëanórë is a series of powerful wards to protect against hostile invasion, marking the endpoint of the realm.

### Oromardë

From the Calari word signifying the "High Hall" or "High Seat", is the principal homeworld of the Calari and the planet orbiting most close to Vása. It is here that Calari of all kindreds dwell in greatest numbers, although each has their own realm on another planet. Travel to this planet is common for festivals and common gatherings, and while many dwell permanently, many abide only for a season. The planet has a single moon, called *Ithil*, which orbits around it. But the reason for its centrality is clear- for it is where the god Silwë abides with his people.

It is on this planet that upon the great mountain Tarmentar ("high place of the King") the Siltúriond ("palace of light") is built, the great palace of Silwë. A magnificent structure of gold, silver, and magical white stone, its beauty and size is staggering to behold. Magnificent towers, chambers and parapets of many levels ascending the great mountains, with bright banners. There are no sources of light, for by day, the stone captures the light of the sun which illuminates it, while at night a more gentle silver light is given off, allowing no darkness in the palace but yet allowing one to gaze into the beautiful stars. At the top of the mountain and the palace, the great citadel Mahalma stands proud, even fairer than all of the levels below it. It is here that Silwë makes his dwelling, although he may go elsewhere for a time, and it is said that few things can evade his piercing gaze from the lofty height of the Tarmentar.

At the foot of Tarmentar, the great city of Cormëtalma stretches for miles, made of masterly carven hewn stone. Houses, halls, manses, chambers of all kinds, theatres, baths and gardens exist alongside smooth and beautifully paved roads. Music and laughter are extremely common, and tears are rare, except in the halls of some of the Silyar. Members of all the *Hostari* live there, although there are districts where each the kindred live with their own. Before the great gate of the Siltúriond, there is a massive plaza full of fountains and greenery, yet open to huge numbers. This is known as the Alatrithil- "the great ring"- where festivals are held and Silwë will address his people assembled. Even when not in use for ceremonies, it is a common place for meeting and conversing.

There are other cities and settlements on the planet, as well as many features of great natural beauty- mountains, rivers, lakes, forests, as well as a gentle peacefulness to the world. The final major element of the world is the secluded *Mardi Lúmion*, the residing place of the Calari who have perished. There they abide, and live a quasi-physicals existence in a place of quiet and repose. They may sometimes be granted permission to speak to loved ones left behind, but most enjoy the quiet and solitary existence in the gardens and halls of the *Mardi Lúmion*.

### Nolwë

From the Calari word signifying "wisdom", Nolwë is the home planet of the Laurëar, and the next closest planet to Oromardë. The planet is known for its presence of golden light, where many things have shades of gold. With sprawling forests filled with trees of golden leaves, clear blue lakes and rivers, and hills and valleys covered with brilliant golden grass, the planet has a rich and solemn appearance. The least inhabited of all of the core worlds because of the Laurëar's small size, nevertheless the whole planet seems filled with the natural music produced by the world itself and not just of its inhabitants.

The principal settlement is the city of Tercenya ("insight"), the main home of the Laurëar, beautiful and yet differently organised than even the great city of Cormëtalma. Fangawë, King of the Laurëar, rules from a beautiful golden palace, called the*Ainalaurëa* ("blessed gold"). The palace is also the Mardë Terceno ("hall of sight"), the great chamber where the Sarsurii are kept and used by the Laurëar to see afar the doings of the galaxy for the sake of preservation and remembrance.

### Enyalë

Enyalë ("to remember") is the realm of the Silyar, and the third planet from Vása. Like Nolwë, much of the landscape is influence by the light and has special organisms to reflect the tastes of the Silyar. Much of the planet is silvery-white and green, with light blue water from special minerals in the planet's surface. This planet is the only other planet besides Oromardë to have a moon, which is known as *Ceuran*, which is highly venerated by the Silyar for its gentle silver light. A key feature of this planet is the relative silence; unlike Nolwë, where the whole planet was in a constant music, outside of settlements the world of Enyalë is tranquil and serene, allowing for one to clear their thoughts and meditate.

The chief settlement of the planet is the city of Lanya, the chief settlement of the Silyar. Here you will find music, the sad but profound music of the Silyar, which teaches patience and respect for memory. Láminwë, King of the Silyar, rules from his Ceurano Túrion ("palace of the moon"). It holds the *Mardi Nyárëo*, the "halls of history"- the recording of everything seen by the Laurëar transcribed onto books, tapestries, or passed on through oral song and legend. This structure is truly massive, and it is the treasure of the Silyar, who work diligently to maintain it and expand to it, building further downward and outward from the city. It is so large as to be almost labyrinthine in structure, and dwarves the dwellings of the Silyar.

### Carë

Carë ("to make") is the last of the core planets in the realm, and is the home of the Undómi, the largest of the three kindreds of the Calari. Although the furthest from the home planet, in some ways the planet is most akin to the central planet of Oromardë. Unlike the planets of Nolwë and Enyalë, rather than a dominant colour scheme, the planet features many different types of terrain, flora and fauna. This is not to say that it is not beautiful, but that it is beautiful in a different way. It is by far the most populated of the planets, but the Undómi have found a way to build and accommodate without marring the natural beauty of the planet.

The planet's chief settlement is Taras Tamoron, the "city of the smiths", which is the largest of the cities outside of the realm's capital of Cormëtalma. It is a city full of noise and life, with the Undómi's delight in building and training in arms, and is often full of people and activity. In the centre of the city, the Túriondtúra ("great palace") is an architectural marvel, a building of massive proportions but also beauty and austerity. The largest of the palaces besides for Siltúriond, it is the seat of Nerdwë, King of the Undómi, who designed it himself. Here the greatest smiths, architects and warriors come to train and test their skills; weapons of great potency are forged, grand building plans are made, and bladework unlike any other is practiced.

### Sandastan

The Sandastan ("shield wall") are a series of outlying planets in an orbiting ring which lie close to the Leaguer surrounding the realm. These planets are the line of defense to protect from anything trying to breach the Leaguer and attack the realm. They are home to hosts of largely Undómi armies who spend their long lives training and waiting to protect the realm from any threat. Each of these worlds is fortified with planet-wide massive citadels known as *Minassi*, of which craftsmen of the Undómi constantly work to constantly update and perfect to make nigh-impregnable. Should an enemy break through the Leaguer, they would find themselves against a vast defense network.

## Society

The society of the Calari is paternalistic and hierarchical, but in practice most of the species live free lives under the general authority. The supreme authority in the society is the god Silwë, who is considered the *Ingaran* or "High King". Below him, each of the three kindreds has their own King (*Haran*) who rules over the whole *Hostar*, and these are in turn assisted by *Condor*, or princes from the royal house or of other distinguished families, who oversee smaller segments. These leaders are supposed to help guide the people, but are also function as aid people can turn to in times of distress or need. These leaders have power, but are trusted to use this power for their good of their people, with abuses being reported potentially even to Silwë. Below these, each family has its own leaders

Because of the relative peace and tranquility of the realm, these leaders largely function as arbiters between disputes. Crime is extremely rare, and many people are able to lead lives of peace. Each of the various parts of Calari civilisation fit together in a symbiotic manner, where the other parts complement each other, like a great orchestra each with its own part but contributing to the whole. The society also tends to be insular and a little defensive, knowing that the powerful forces out in the galaxy would want to come and destroy them and the life that they have.

### Culture

Culture is very important to the Calari, as the beautiful is something which ought to be expressed, cherished, and preserved. All Calari have a deep attachment to music, with each *Hostar* varying it differently. All build and make beautiful things, although what and how and to what degree all differ. Each Calar tries to contribute something for the betterment of the society as a whole, according to his desires and skill. The result is a beautiful diversity of thought and expression put into music, visual art, and action, which at the same time is ordered by a common love of beauty than unites the whole in a kind of consonance.

The religion of the Calari is centred around Silwë, the god who walks among them. They know him, and yet love him and worship him as a god, grateful for the many gifts he has given the species and blessed the land with. There is no formal organised religion, but instead one which mostly focuses in prayers and songs of gratitude and intercessions for protection and for preservation. Silwë is kindly and gentle to his people, but fierce against all those who would seek to destroy his realm and the hard work for which he labored for countless years.

The Calari are monogamous and mate for life, and do not remarry or mate with others outside of marriage. They view the mating bond as something sacred which ought to be preserved only for one other. In the case where one is in love with another who is married to another, they will simply refuse to wed and to mate. In marriage, through mating the Calari produce children, and it is seen as the duty of the family raise the children well. In cases where the couple are from multiple *Hostari* (for example, if a Laurëa marries an Undómë), they will have be of the *Hostar* of the father in question.

Since the Calari are an insular and defensive society, very rarely do they permit groups to go and venture beyond the Leaguer. While many Undómi train as part of the armies which remain ever vigilant in case of an attack, they are more defensive than offensive or adventurous. A handful of the civilisation, out of a desire to see and to preserve the wonders in the rest of the universe, are given leave to go beyond the Leaguer, usually in groups. More often than not, they never return, perishing on their journeys and only returning in spirit, although some never return at all.

## Subdivisions

The Calari are divided into three major kindreds or peoples, known as *"Hostari"* (singular *Hostar*). They are not biologically different species (although for convenience they are sometimes labeled as "subspecies"), but have different physiological traits and gifts which they excel at. They intermarry, with children exhibiting some physical traits of either parent; however, following the patriarchal structure of the society, the children always belong to the Hostar of their father, even if they do not appear so at first glance.

### Laurëar

The "*Laurëar*" (singular "*Laurëa*"), the "People of Gold", are the first of the three kindreds, and the smallest in number. They share a name with the adjective which signifies "golden" in their language, and are named after the light of the star which gives light to the system, the greatest of the lights which Silwë has created. Their hair and their eyes are golden like the light of the sun, and they are said to have the brightest and the keenest eyes.

The highest and most noble of the tribes, they are said to be the most wise and far-seeing, the ones who watch the galaxy from afar. They delight in the beauty of the universe and all it contains. Neither passive nor brash, they strike a middle temperament between their two kindreds, and are decisive yet cautious and thinking when it comes to act. Their music is clear, deep, and complex, weaving together both sorrow and joy together in proper measure to form magnificent and beautiful melodies and harmonies. The members of this tribe are usually the most powerful pyskers of the race, and quite powerful when it comes to defense. Headed by King Fangawë, said to be the wisest of all in the realm bar Silwë himself.

### Silyar

The "*Silyar*" (singular "*Silya*") are the second of the three major kindreds, being larger than the Laurëar yet smaller than the Undómi. Their name means the "people of shining white" or "people of Silwë", and they are called such on account of Silwë's bright white light which radiates from his vessel. Their hair is silver, and their eyes grey, and they are known to be gentle and thoughtful of look and lithe of build.

Although not the highest of the kindreds, they share much in common with the god they share a close name with. They are the recorders and preservers of memory, those who weave the history of the galaxy onto the great tapestries and keep records in the libraries. They are cool, calm, and reserved; they are not hasty to act and always take time in counsel. They experience and contemplate on the grief and woes of the galaxy, and hence their music is chiefly sad; however, even in grief they learn patience and show forth great beauty which comprehending the whole brings. Headed by King Láminwë, whose memory and recollection is said to be unparalleled in all the realm, a man of sorrow but also of patience and resolution.

### Undómi

The last of the kindreds, the name "*Undómi*" (singular "*Undómë*") signifies "People of the Twilight", the people of neither the white or golden lights, but instead those in which neither light shines the most clearly. They are the largest kindred of the *Calari*, and also have more diversity in kind. While the kindred is united in the common trait blue eyes, the Undómi have two possible colours of hair- black, the main one of the kindred, but also red. They are fair of face but also strong of build, appearing more hardy than the other kindreds, although the others are not weak by any means.

The Undómi are warriors, builders and craftsmen, of great skill. They delight in the skill of arms and the works of their hands, and have wrought many things of great worth and value. They love all things beautiful and fair, and despise that which may destroy it. They are more fiery and fell than their kindred, more bold and likely to take decisive action. They are fierce and doughty opponents, and the weapons which they craft are beyond the skill of many of the greatest work of other race. They are currently headed by King Nerdwë, an enormously strong warrior and master craftsman of greatest skill.