What do women in Kinyn wear? Part 3

Here's another dress Nessa wears in "The Healer and the Pirate," sketched by Julie.  It's a fancy dress--a true one-piece garment without a separate bodice at all.  It laces up the sides to flatter the waist. It's made of something we called silk in the book, though it's not actually made from silkworm cocoons. Elves and fairies both make fabric similar to silk, through magic, though it's quite costly--in fact, this dress costs at least two months' wages to a common man. The seams are so fine it's likely it was sewn together by fairies or magic.

The skirt is three fine layers, though the illustration doesn't particularly reflect that. Flowing sleeves are gathered at the elbow.

The undershirt doesn't look particularly feminine.  Interesting; I wonder what the story is behind that...

What do women in Kinyn wear? Part 2

Picking up from last week, here's a sketch that Julie did and Maggie salvaged from having a lavender bodice.

This is another of Nessa's dresses from “The Healer and the Pirate." The bodice has pink summer daisy designs woven in, and there is a slim matching skirt.  With its fairly high neckline and long hemline, it's just slightly reminiscent of something a child would wear to a festival.

The sleeves belong to a separate shift worn underneath the dress. They are gathered at the bicep and wrist and edged with sky blue lace.  The skirt is also edged with lace to match the shift.

In Renaissance times on Earth, lace was incredibly costly, as poor women would work all day to make just a miniscule amount of lace.  In Kinyn, however, several varieties of caterpillars spin cocoons which can be easily pulled apart into lace. A quick dip in vinegar sets the lace, preventing it from falling apart when it's used.

This is actually a ready-made dress, acquired in a clothing shop in a fairly small town. In towns and even cities, women tend to sew their families' clothes, while the wealthy have clothes custom-made for them. However, many towns on main roads--even small towns--have small shops selling clothing for travelers passing through. Ready-made clothes are costly but are often more finely-sewn than their homemade counterparts.

A wide placket in the back of the bodice (not pictured) allows this to fit a wider variety of body types. Nessa is slimmer than the ideal figure in Kinyn, so she can lace the bodice as tightly as it will go.

What kind of government does Kinyn have?

In some ways, Kinyn is like the Amercian Old West, in that there’s not much in the way of formalized central government.  Officially, the Elf Queen Leina currently rules over the world; however, she rarely becomes involved in the affairs of mortals, or even those of fallen Elves. Most towns are governed informally by town elders.

Since the fall of the races, human clans have risen over much of the land. Bandits now terrorize many of the southwestern forests. Pirates rule the seas. Lately, men who call themselves governors have established their authority over certain territories. Instead of following the Savior, these men think only of their own gain. In The Healer and the Pirate Nessa meets someone whose life is about to be altered due to a governor’s selfishness...  But I don’t want to spoil you too much on that.

What kind of magic exists in Kinyn?

There are many kinds of magic and supernatural forces in Kinyn. Elves and a few other creatures can perform spells calling on their innate strength. Some followers of the Savior consider these types of spells wicked, but others believe they are only forbidden for humans. These spells are entirely reliant on the strength, focus, and talent of the caster.

Some creatures, such as Asri, Eaml, and some fairies, have innate abilities which many would consider magic. These powers can be honed, just as a person can learn to cook or farm. These abilities generally work consistently, but overuse can leave the user tired or even temporarily incapacitated.

A third kind of magic is called “dust magic,” which uses magical herbs, powders, and the like. Pixie dust is one example of dust magic, and there are even tales of dust that can heal. Elves sometimes use dust and spells to create magical artifacts. These can be very dangerous if they fall into the wrong hands. Artifacts aren't just broken pots. They're magical items of mayhem.

Finally, some would dub spells which call upon the gods a form of magic. Many people in Kinyn call on the gods, and some priests and priestesses are sometimes able to do impressive works in the names of these gods.

Non-believers might argue the Redeemed call upon their Savior for magic, but that’s not really true. Instead, those who follow the Savior petition Him for miracles. The Savior appears to pay no special heed to those in power, nor does He respond to recited spells and incantations. He hears every prayer, but He sometimes answers in unexpected ways. The Redeemed know His power is greater than any magic.

What races inhabit Kinyn? - Asri

Previously, we’ve talked about 3 of the 4 high races in Kinyn: Elves, Eaml and Sespin. Today we’re giving you a very small preview of the final race.

The Asri:

When he bowed his head and closed his eyes, the sun caught the silver highlights in his blue hair. Moments later the light glinting off Nicoli's head covered his body, distorting his figure. The light faded and a beautiful gray winged horse, much slimmer than the ones on the farm, stood where her grandfather had been. His silver mane shone in contrast with his black muzzle and dark, knowing eyes. He spread his glossy feathered wings wide and whinnied to her.

--from The Healer and the Pirate

The Asri (pronounced AZ-ree) served as the guardians of the air but were cast from the skies after the fall of the races. They have skin white as the clouds and hair the color of the sky, with pointed ears. Their frames are often slender and they share the pointed ears of the elves, though longer. All Asri have the ability to change into winged horses but are no longer light enough to live in the clouds. Most are born with other innate abilities as well, which can range from calling to the trees to forcing someone to tell the truth. Their natural lifespan is several times a human’s.

Not many have seen the Asri. Many years ago, the clan split in two; most of them have taken to the mountains and others left the main continent in a great Exodus. You can find out more about them in The Healer and the Pirate!

(Oh, and as an aside, “Asri” is reportedly Turkish for “far out” and “modern.” )

What races inhabit Kinyn? - The Sespin

The figure leapt over the waves, shining in the moonlight. The whole top half looked like a shapely woman, with flowing blue-green hair and scales covering her chest. Instead of legs she had a shimmering tail. She dove into the water, sending up a splash of water from her huge back fin. Nessa leaned out even farther, wanting to see her again.

--from The Healer and the Pirate

We've already spoken of the Elves and the Eaml. Here is the third of the four high races.

Of all the high races, the Sespin are the only ones who still guard their domain; the ocean. Silvery scales cover the Sespin from their fish tails to the napes of their necks. Both males and females have long shiny hair that can be any color found in the coral reefs. Their scale-like ears lay flat against their heads. The native tongue is sung, not spoken, and their voices are musical, often enchanting to sailors. On Earth they would be known as Mermaids or Sirens.

Before they fell, the Sespin were able to shift into human form. However, that ability has been lost. They have no innate magic but rely on potions and artifacts they’ve devised. They stay young until they reach about 100 years, when they start to age. Eventually, they plant themselves as coral on the ocean floor. The stories of the Savior have spread even into their undersea realms, though most Sespin instead serve the sea god Girgul.

How is Christmas celebrated in Kinyn?

Luke 2:11-14
11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. 12 And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes , lying in a manger. 13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, 14 Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.

There are several festivals and holidays in Kinyn, but the one most reminiscent of Christmas is simply called “The Lights.”

A spectacular light show marks the start of winter in Kinyn. These brilliant lights dance across the sky in waves of blue, purple, and pink for three nights before fading into the dark. Across Kinyn, all races, from the Elves to the fairies to the Sespin in the sea, gather each night to celebrate the Creation with shared meals and dancing.

To the Redeemed, the Lights take on a special meaning. It is said that during the Lights, hundreds of years ago, a human from another world spoke to an Elf of a Savior who died to save those who put their faith in Him. During the Lights, the Redeemed remember this good news that changed their whole world. They meet with other believers and share a rich supper.

After the meal and fellowship, the Redeemed dance under the lights, singing praises to the Savior and thanking Him for His blessings. On the third night, when the lights fade, the believers gather around the fire. If any of the Redeemed have received a Scene in the last year, they will recite them. A few others share as they feel led, and then a town elder tells the story of the Savior’s birth. The festivities close with a prayer for their loved ones and all those around them.

May you enjoy this season with your loved ones, whatever you celebrate.

What races inhabit Kinyn? - The Eaml

Last week we talked about the Elves in Kinyn. But this week, we present a never-before-heard-of race. A race that is unique only to Kinyn. 

The Eaml:

Former guardians of the land, the Eaml look mostly like sturdy, attractive, tan humans but they have clawed hands and lions’ tails. They are able to take the form of winged lions and lionesses.  


Each Eaml is born with a various innate ability to affect or transform others. They were the first race to fall to greed and corruption, and were so cursed by the Elves that few Eaml survive.  

We hope to see you next week when we reveal another new race, one you've likely only heard of if you've read The Healer and the Pirate.

What races inhabit Kinyn? - The Elves

What races inhabit Kinyn? This is a HUGE topic--so huge we will split it up.

When the God over all created Kinyn, He formed the four high races to guard the world and its inhabitants: the Asri for the sky, the Eaml for the land, the Sespin for the sea; and the Elves to watch over all. The high races grew arrogant and fell, and even among the Elves, few remained pure. As darkness tainted all of Kinyn, a Fallen Elf brought news of a humble Savior from another world. Through faith, the Fallen can be redeemed...

The Elves:
The Elves are ruled by a queen, and were charged with the task of tending to the mortal races. As the races fell, the Elves withdrew from their duties, cloaking themselves in the forests. The Fallen among the Elves lost their immortality and were cast from the clan. While some of the Fallen took on a normal life, many turned to thieving, and some even posed as gods.

Many Elves have innate telepathy, and are gifted with magic. They often use this magic to create countless magical artifacts, both for their own use, and to use to bless the lesser races. Most of the Fallen have lost their telepathic ability and have resorted to concocting dust magic or artifacts used to do more harm than good.

Elves are tall and strong, with earth-toned hair. Their skin ranges from pale to dark, and anything in-between. They have long, pointed ears. The High Elves have a faint glow about them.

Check back next week! There are plenty of races to cover...and maybe some you haven't heard of!

Topic: What are the religions of Kinyn?

 
1 Corinthians 8:5-6 (NASB):
For even if there are so-called gods whether in heaven or on earth, as indeed there are many gods and many lords, yet for us there is but one God, the Father, from whom are all things and we exist for Him; and one Lord, Jesus Christ, by whom are all things, and we exist through Him.

Ages ago, an Elf brought news of a Savior to Kinyn. This Savior, the only son of the God over all, died for any who would believe, whether human or Elf, fairy or goblin. Believers who have put their faith in the Savior are called the Redeemed. Those who are able make a pilgrimage to a Reclaimed temple and learn more from the Mitsans, monks and nuns who have dedicated their lives to the Savior.

Sadly, most of the people of Kinyn believe in false gods, such as the gods of the sea and the sky, or even the leader or god of a town. The Redeemed know that some of these gods are imaginary. Others are real in the sense that they have magic and have asserted their authority. None have the power to save creatures from their wrongdoing, nor can they grant eternal life.