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Continuing on the art journey through the bathhouse, our next stop is the haunting soul-etching mural of the First Demon. Recently unearthed from the depths of the Ash Crypt, a series of these mystical plates reveal the first Elf turned Demon, and Death herself. These artifacts not only offer a glimpse into the origins of demon kin but also challenge our understanding of history, art, and the metaphysical.

Cheeky Content

This page contain elven shenanigans that may not be suitable for shy human eyes, such as suggestive themes, crude humor, and butts. Viewer discretion is advised.

Samil: The First Demon

This immense mural of demonic legend shows Samil, the first Elf to be turned into a Demon. Marking the beginning of her entire kin, which came to rule the Abyss and build the greatest city that ever was. But now, after the great cave in, the city is a labyrinthine ruin and her people scattered, calling themselves Fiends.

The artwork has been nicknamed “Death’s Only Friend” due to Samil being possibly the only figure in history who genuinely was on good terms with Death. According to the story she was later granted immortality so that Death would have someone like-minded to talk to throughout the eons.

To continue Samil’s story, visit the Ash Crypt where several more of the murals are on display.

Art facts

Artist: Unknown. Size: 76 x 30 arms, 14:1 scale.
Medium: Soul etching.
Style: Ancient demonic artifact.
Trivia: This etching is lent to Elize by Thylia Tawse and is part of a lager series of murals found in the Ash Crypt.

What are Soul-Etchings?

Soul-etching is the demonic art of binding a memory to metal, which creates a ghostly apparition floating in the air in front of the metal plate. Though our understanding of this long-lost art is limited, from what we can tell the quality and size of the image is dependent on the skill of the artist, the clarity of the memory, as well as how many souls were sacrificed during its creation.

Only plates from ancient history now remains and are rare indeed to come by. But recently, a treasure trove of truly gigantic plates was found deep inside the Ash Crypt, proving the suspicion that Demons resided there in the distant past.

These plates make up a series of memories of Samil and tells of her deeds and the origin of the entire demon kin. Her legend was already known through fragments and plates from witnesses, but what makes these plates so special, apart from their size and quality, is that they are made with the first-hand memories of Samil herself.

Did you know?

  • Soul-etchings do not tarnish with time, but they do require recharging every few years. This happens automatically if someone dies close by, else a soul sorcerer can transfer a collected soul to it.
  • As it requires a memory to create, it has been argued that soul-etchings can only show true events. Though others have strongly objected to this theory because, as can be seen on this etching, they sometimes depict mythological figures. In any case, they give a unique view into history and the beliefs of the time, whether you take them literally or not.

Mythology: Death’s Three Gifts

When Death was hatched into the world, she was given gifts from each of her three parents.

A bell, mother Life gifted, pure in tone to sooth the dying into accepting their fate.

A cloak, father Time gifted, with it she appears anywhere she wishes.

A scythe, seer Darkness gifted, to sever souls from mortal flesh. So sharp it could cleave the world in twain. (∞d4)

Her twin sister, Change, also received three gifts, but that’s a story for another flame.

Trivia

The story mentions that Death likes to lounge on a swing, as the steady swaying reminds her of the unrelenting advance of her father, Time, and that eventually all souls will be hers.

“My mother, Life, and my sister, Change, try as they might, but it won’t matter in the long run,” she told her friend.

Read the entire story when you visit. If you can’t read demon, we have it translated to elven and human!

Disclaimers

Everyone: This artwork is located in the Masquerade Hall, so don’t forget to put on a mask before you enter.

Sensitive souls: Though many feel unease viewing this artwork, we can assure you that the rumors are not true. It is not cursed, nor does the recent deaths have any connection to it. But just in case, should you hear the ringing of a bell or see the image move, might we suggest you see a physician with all due haste.

Fiends: Worshiping is fine, but please refrain from sacrificing anyone (not even the willing).

Humans: You might be disappointed to see that the image isn’t as clear as in this printed reproduction when you view it in person. This is because of your weak soul having only a tenuous connection to the Beyond, which is where the soul-etching actually resides.