Difference between revisions of "Dakhor"

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{{book ref|Elantris|58}}{{magic system
|system=Dakhor
|related=|related=[[Devotion]], [[Dominion]]{{wob ref|4090}}
|focus=FormsBone forms{{wob ref|10831}}
|prereq=Sacrifice
|world=Sel
|type=End-Positive{{wob ref|7114}}
|books=[[Elantris]]
}}{{uncanonical}}{{theory}}
The '''Dakhor''' is a theorized magic system on [[Sel]], and has been theorized to be a gateway through [[Dominion]] to the [[Dor]], independent from [[AonDor]].{{annotation ref|Elantris|chapter=60-3|link=annotation-elantris-60-3}}{{wob ref|4216}} Its official name is not clear, but the known users of this system are the monks of [[Dakhor Monastery]] in [[Fjorden]], like [[Dilaf]].
 
The Dakhor monks themselves are a newer development than [[Elantrian]]s.{{annotation ref|Elantris|chapter=63|link=annotation-elantris-chapter-63}} In fact, [[Wyrn]] was preparing to use them against Elantris before [[The Reod|the city fell on its own]].
 
Its exact mechanics are so far unclear, but will be explored more fully in the [[Elantris sequel]].{{qa ref|799|10|Speaking of sequels, here's what I'M planning|date=Oct, 2004}} As such, this article looks at the small clues related to this magic, and is incomplete until the sequel to ''[[Elantris]]''.
 
== Prerequisites ==
In order to access the [[Dor]] through the Dakhor magic system, a few things have to occur. For now, itIt appears that the practitioners of Dakhor have to be Fjordell, since we've never seen one of another race. However, we've never been told it's impossible, so this could be wrong. The next requirement is something intrinsic to the way [[InvestitureFjordell]]s are related to the Shards that power them. Assuming that DominionChanting is actually the Shard behind Dakhor, in order to gain access to the magic you must perform some act that follows the intent,{{wob ref|4032}} presumably by Dominating someone or something. This may be in the form of killing someone, another thing we've seenalso used to grant different powers withand the Dakhorchants system.{{book ref|Elantris|62}} The amount of Investiture in the people killed is far more important than the number of people killed.{{wob ref|1742}} The last potential prerequisite shown so far is the use of chanting. It seems extremelyare likely that the chants that are used mayto determine how the person is changed, and what type of bone growths form.{{book ref|Elantris|36}}{{book ref|Elantris|58}}
 
=== Bone growth ===
The bones of the person accessing Dakhor begin to grow and twist.{{book ref|Elantris|58}} Since the [[Investiture]]s of [[Sel]] are all form based,{{book ref|aol|part=ars}} the shape of the bone twists is what determines what powers a user of Dakhor can access.{{book ref|Elantris|58}} The shapes that they twist into are ancient Fjordell characters.{{book ref|Elantris|63}} Dakhor users appear like twisted figures with arms like knotted tree branches and tight skin pulled over strange ridges.{{book ref|Elantris|57}} Their bones appear as if a piece of metal had been inserted beneath the skin and their skeleton appears twisted and carved.{{book ref|Elantris|58}} While they are abnormal, the Dakhor monks don't seem deformed or inhuman.{{annotation ref|Elantris|chapter=58-1|link=annotation-elantris-58-1/}} Their bone growth is subtle enough that a robe can hide it.{{book ref|Elantris|58}} Even with the initially repulsive nature of the bone twists, they still have a beautiful shape.{{book ref|Elantris|63}} The bone twists are also known to glow, specifically when teleportation{{book ref|Elantris|60}} or enhanced strength is being used.{{book ref|Elantris|61}}
 
=== Sacrifices ===
In order to access certain powers of Dakhor, living sacrifices must be made.{{book ref|Elantris|62}} A ritual needs to be preformed before the people can be killed, and Dakhor users cannot just slaughter people immediately.{{annotation ref|Elantris|chapter=60-2|link=annotation-elantris-60-2}} The amount of Investiture in the people killed is far more important than the number of people killed.{{wob ref|1742}} A sacrifice will have their soul twisted, not stolen.{{wob ref|48}}
 
== Effects and Abilites ==
Regardless of how the Dakhor system is accessed, there appear to beare some constant effects. TheDakhor bonescan ofgrant theseveral personabilities, accessingsome Dakhorof beginwhich toare growpart andof twist.{{bookthe ref|Elantris|58}}standard Theability shapesset thatfor theymonks twistof intoDakhor are ancient Fjordell charactersmonastery.{{book ref|Elantris|epilogue}}The Whilefirst they are abnormal,is the Dakhorextreme monksstrength don'tof seemanyone deformedwho oruses inhumanDakhor.{{annotationbook ref|Elantris|chapter=58-1|link=annotation-elantris-58-1/}} TheirThe bonebones growthof isthe subtlethe enoughDakhor thatmonks aare robealmost can hide it.indestructible,{{book ref|Elantris|5862}} Evenalthough withthis themay initiallyjust repulsivebe naturepart of the boneincreased twists,strength they still have a beautiful shape.{{book ref|Elantris|epilogue}}Those Sincewho theuse InvestituresDakhor ofcan Selreceive areenhanced allspeed formas based,well.{{book ref|aolElantris|part=ars58}} theAnother shapemore ofcostly thepower boneis twiststeleportation. isIn whatexchange determinesfor whatone powersperson's adeath, large usergroups of Dakhorpeople can accessbe transported instantaneously somewhere.{{book ref|Elantris|5860}} The bonebody twistsand arespirit alsoof knownthe toperson glow,who specificallyis whensacrificed teleportation{{bookis ref|Elantris|60}}used orto enhancedpower strengththis is being usedability.{{book ref|Elantris|61}}
 
Another seeminglyability magicgranted powerby usedDakhor bycan Fjordenchange changeda [[Dilaf|Dilafperson's]] appearance, fromsuch thatas of a Fjordell to an Arelenerace.{{book ref|Elantris|60}} This seems likely to be a capability of the Dakhor magic system; changing what race a person looks to be. This could presumably be used to change any aspect of a person's appearance. Dakhor can also grant the ability to negate [[Aon]]s drawn by Elantrians.[[Elantrian]]s,{{book ref|Elantris|56}} though it is also possible for Dakhor to be negated by [[AonDor]].{{wob ref|3014}} Another ability that can be given through Dakhor is a resistance to attacks from the Dor.{{book ref|Elantris|62}} This power requires the deaths of 50fifty menpeople to be granted and is rarely given. It is unknown if the ability to negate Aons and the resistance to Dor attacks are two separate abilities or both tied to the same type of bone shape. Dakhor users live longer than a regular human.{{book ref|Elantris|58}}
The Dakhor magic system can grant several abilities that we've seen so far. The first is the extreme strength of anyone who uses Dakhor.{{book ref|Elantris|58}} The bones of the the Dakhor monks are almost indestructible too,{{book ref|Elantris|62}} although this may just be part of the increased strength they have. Those who use Dakhor can receive enhanced speed as well.{{book ref|Elantris|58}} Another more costly power is teleportation. In exchange for one man's death, large groups of people can be transported instantaneously somewhere.{{book ref|Elantris|60}} The body and spirit of the man who is sacrificed is used to power this ability. These four powers appear to be part of the standard ability set for monks of Dakhor monastery.
 
If a [[Bloodsealer]] were to use Bloodsealing on the bones of someone who used Dakhor, the bones would still be able to access the Dor.{{wob ref|10831}} If a [[kandra]] were to get the bones of a Dakhor monk they would get Dakhor abilities, but it would take more than just the bones.{{wob ref|152}}
Another seemingly magic power used by Fjorden changed [[Dilaf|Dilaf's]] appearance from that of a Fjordell to an Arelene.{{book ref|Elantris|60}} This seems likely to be a capability of the Dakhor magic system; changing what race a person looks to be. This could presumably be used to change any aspect of a person's appearance. Dakhor can also grant the ability to negate [[Aon]]s drawn by Elantrians.{{book ref|Elantris|56}} Another ability that can be given through Dakhor is a resistance to attacks from the Dor.{{book ref|Elantris|62}} This power requires the deaths of 50 men to be granted and is rarely given. It is unknown if the ability to negate Aons and the resistance to Dor attacks are two separate abilities or both tied to the same type of bone shape.
 
==Relationship To Fjorden==
If a [[Bloodsealer]] were to use Bloodsealing on the bones of someone who used Dakhor, the bones would still be able to access the Dor.{{wob ref|10831}}
Dakhor has a specific tie to the land of Fjorden. Like all Selish magic, Dakhor will decrease in power the future from Fjorden a user gets.{{wob ref|8617}} It is better than AonDor and [[Forgery]] at bringing the power with the user.{{wob ref|5190}}{{wob ref|6157}}
 
== Known Dakhor ==
*[[Hrathen]], although only one arm.
*[[Dilaf]]
*[[Mal]]
 
== Notes ==
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