The Wayward Gun
- Intent: Fleshing out the Clan of Alana Mornami
- Image Credit: Image Source
- Canon: Echani
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- Links: N/A
- Name: Clan Mornami
- Classification: Clan
- Origins: Eshan
- Affiliation: While no one group has their affiliation, they more often then not attempt to associate themselves with either Sith leadership or dark side cults.
- Symbol: A shattered crescent moon is the symbol, signifying their allegiance to the Sith cause, their integrity, and their resolve to endure in the face of hardship.
- Domain: Currently on Weik. Originally based on Eshan, now scattered across the galaxy with cells operating in secrecy. Rarely do members fully integrated into Sith circles, while others remain rogue, no longer directly aligned with the clan but still heavily influenced by their teachings.
- Estimated Population: Unique
- Demographics: Over the years, the clan has slowly dwindled. Either from deaths in conflict, infighting, or being hunted down for their radical beliefs by other groups. There are not many left, in total, there are believed to be less than seventy members of the clan, with a vast majority living in isolation, attempting to foster their low numbers.
- Description: The Mornami Clan was once a respected group in the Echani warrior society, known for their disciplined and deadly fighting techniques. However, after several members attempted to establish a Sith cult, they were exiled from their homeworld, scattered throughout the galaxy, and their once proud traditions were fractured. Currently, the Mornami is a shadow of its former self, with its assassins working in isolated cells, often for hire, without the cohesive unity they once had. An element of their ideology still reveres the old religious practices of the Sith, though it has begun to collapse the clan from within.
- Distinctions: Mornami members typically retain their Echani physical characteristics—pale skin, silver or white hair, and intense eyes. However, the influence of Sith practices has subtly changed their appearance over generations. Some may have Force-related markings (such as Sith tattoos or ritual scars) on their skin. Their attire often reflects a fusion of traditional Echani warrior wear with Sith-inspired symbols and tend to favor darker colored attire, indicating their blend of both cultures.
- Force Sensitivity: High
- Membership: To join the Mornami Clan, one must prove their skill and dedication, either through assassination or missions to prove loyalty to the clan. Doing this is only one step towards membership. Many members, while part of the clan, have left in order to pursue their own aims, others remain rogue, often working as mercenaries or assassins in the shadows. There is no longer a strict initiation process—membership is defined more by passing several rigorous trials. In order to wed into the clan, these trials must be undertaken, and even then one can never be considered truly ‘one of them’.
- Climate: The Mornami's cultural climate is one of secrecy and suspicion. They no longer function as a single, cohesive group but are scattered and broken into cells. Trust is difficult to build within the clan, as many are wary of the internal power struggles and corruption that have lingered since their inception.
- Reputation: Those who are aware of Clan Mornami know better than to associate with them. They are viewed as extremists and borderline unhinged by other Echani groups. Several associates for assassination refuse to all the clan into its ranks due to a long history of breaking rules in order to promote or elevate their status within Sith political circles. Needless to say, there are several organizations that would consider their removal a benefit to the galaxy.
- Curios: Members of the clan are adorned in tattoos, with the first one they are given being the clan symbol, often at the age of four to six years of age. Ceremonial scarring is considered a rite of passage upon teenaged years, with higher ranking members of the clan sporting sets of tattoos to demonstrate their position within the clan. Upon being wed, tattoos are selected by the betrothed and placed upon the body; with one or more person allowed to enter into a marriage. Destroying or losing this tattoo in any fashion, dissolves the marriage in question.
- Philosophy: The Mornami Clan's philosophy is a bastardization of both Sith and Echani ideals. Originally, the Echani focused on perfecting combat and martial arts as a form of personal growth and self-expression. The Mornami twisted this concept by adopting Sith teachings, believing that the dark side of the Force could provide the power needed to perfect their skills and bring them closer to their ultimate goal—complete domination of the battlefield. The Sith Code was adapted to fit their combative traditions, leading them to view emotions like anger and hatred as tools to fuel their strength, but that to fully embrace and understand combat, one most bring these emotions out of their opponent before defeating to signify your dominance both mentally and physically. This can result in sparring between clan members devolving into brutal exchanges, which sometimes lead to death.
- Outward Views: The Mornami Clan is a unique blend of xenophiles and pragmatists, with an internal tension between embracing outside influences and maintaining their core, Sith-influenced traditions. On one hand, they acknowledge the importance of the Sith Code and Force teachings, which are viewed as tools to perfect their craft. They respect the power of the Force and see its potential across species. They are not necessarily xenophobic but do carry a sense of superiority when it comes to their combat prowess and their adoption of Sith philosophy; they are mighty and others are not.
While they are open to learning from other species and worlds—especially if it enhances their martial skills—there's a deep-rooted belief that no one but the Echani themselves can truly master combat as they do. The Mornami are keen to use other races' resources, but they will never view them as allies. - The Arts: The Mornami Clan has a unique and intimate relationship with the arts, one deeply rooted in their martial philosophy and the Sith teachings they've adopted. Rather than focusing on painting or traditional artistic mediums, the Mornami are skilled in sculpture, particularly carving stones and gems. This art form is not only a creative outlet but also a way to hone their hands for battle. By wearing down and shaping solid materials with their hands, they build physical strength, endurance, and precision—qualities they value in combat. Their sculptures are often abstract or minimalist, reflecting their philosophy of simplicity and efficiency. The process of carving these materials is a meditative ritual, requiring patience, focus, and strength. These sculptures are not just works of art but are often symbolic representations of their victories, their clan's history, or the dark side itself.
In addition to sculpture, the Mornami have a deep love for haikus and poetry. Their poetic traditions draw on their martial philosophy and Sith influences, with many of their haikus focusing on themes of war, strength, and the power of the dark side. These poems are often recited during gatherings or combat ceremonies, where members reflect on their missions, victories, or personal journeys. The haikus serve as a means of self-expression and reflection, capturing fleeting moments of emotion or insight in a structured and controlled form. This poetic tradition is also a way for Mornami members to bond with one another, sharing their inner thoughts and feelings through carefully chosen words.
The Mornami also prefer percussion instruments in their musical expressions, seeing rhythm and impact as a direct link to their combat prowess. They favor drums, cymbals, and other instruments that produce powerful, resonating sounds. The beats of the drums are seen as a reflection of the heartbeats of warriors, a call to action or a signal of unity. Their love for percussion aligns with their appreciation for physicality—like their sculptures, the rhythm is felt in the body as much as it is heard. Music, for the Mornami, is not just a form of artistic expression but a way to channel energy, synchronize movements, and reinforce the strength and discipline needed for their chosen path.
Mornami view the arts as an extension of their combat philosophy, using sculpture to toughen their hands, poetry to sharpen their minds and spirits, and percussion to connect the two aspects into one physical and mental rhythm. - Architecture: Mornami architecture is functional, focusing on strength, security, and secrecy. Having faced exile and hunted by the galactic powers, they prioritize hiding their presence rather than flaunting their influence. They prefer strategically designed structures that are easily defensible and blend into their surroundings, which in Weik, are often made of wood and decorated with Sith symbols considered important to the family. They favor underground or hidden bases, with some buildings designed to reflect Sith aesthetics—sharp, jagged lines, dark tones, and geometric patterns that reflect the rigidity and coldness of the Sith philosophy. These structures serve as reminders of their former glory and their ambition to one day return to power.
- Habits: The Mornami Clan maintains certain rituals and habits that reflect their combative culture and the influence of Sith philosophy. Sparring is a regular, ritualistic practice for the members, who train relentlessly to hone their martial skills and remain in peak condition. This is not just physical training but mental and emotional sharpening, as the act of combat is seen as a means to channel dark emotions and to try and tap into these primal instincts of fighting. Meditation, especially focused on cultivating dark side energy, is central to their practices, helping members to become attuned to the Force's corrupting nature. Many Mornami also participate in daily reflection, where they meditate on their individual failures or triumphs, and occasionally participate in private ceremonies or rituals to honor their fallen warriors.
- Lifestyle: The Mornami Clan does not live lavishly. Their exile has forced them to survive with minimal resources and to adapt. They value pragmatism over indulgence and live in austere conditions that are conducive to their training. While some members may adopt a more isolated lifestyle, preferring to live alone in order to reflect or focus on personal combat mastery, few maintain tight-knit cells that share a mutual understanding and goal—exacting vengeance, reestablishing their power, and perfecting their skills. They tend to keep to hidden, and while they may work with other factions or mercenary groups, they are unlikely to form permanent alliances or attachments outside their own clan.
- Laws: The Mornami Clan does not observe laws in the traditional sense. Instead, they adhere to a personal code that has its roots in both Sith and Echani philosophies. This code emphasizes strength, loyalty to the clan, and the pursuit of mastery through combat. Betrayal or failure to adhere to this code is punishable by exile, death, or becoming a target for the clan's assassins. Their laws are flexible, however, often adjusted to fit the needs of the moment. In practical terms, their "law" is a form of survivalism: only the strongest and most capable earn respect and remain in the fold. Those who become weak or fail to prove themselves are discarded without hesitation. The elder of the clan is decided and weighed by combat to the death, with the challenge to the elder able to be invoked at any time.
- Customs & Traditions: The Mornami's traditions revolve heavily around combat rituals, honor, and the blood pacts. A common custom is the ritualistic tattooing of Sith symbols after a successful kill or mission, a form of marking their accomplishments and affirming their place in the clan, as well as signifying marriage between one or more individuals. They also have ceremonies of remembrance for fallen members, where the clan will gather to meditate on the lessons learned from a member's life, death, and combat techniques.
Another custom that has evolved from Sith influence is the practice of blood oaths. Their respect for strength over kindness is evident in the way they treat subordinates and even allies. They are fiercely competitive within their ranks, with senior members often challenging younger ones to duels or tests of strength to keep them sharp, as well as to solidify their supremacy. Punctuality is important within the clan, as being late to a mission or a meeting could be seen as a sign of weakness or lack of respect, multiple offenses of this account can have dire consequences to the offender. - Education & Training: The Mornami Clan places the highest value on martial training, both physical and mental. Starting at the age of five, members are taught combat arts, espionage, stealth techniques, and the manipulation of the Force; if they are Force-sensitive. Education within the clan is not focused on traditional academic subjects, but on martial skills, tactics, and Sith teachings. Members who are not born Force-sensitive are trained in ways of philosophy, espionage, and alchemical techniques to supplement their abilities. The clan's teachings emphasize strength in all its forms: physical strength, mental fortitude, and the ability to both delve and recover from the desired level of instinctive combat.
- Diet: The Mornami's diet is basic and utilitarian, focusing on what sustains them for combat and survival. They favor high-protein, energy-rich foods to support their physically demanding lifestyle. Meat, particularly from predator species, is common in their meals, symbolizing their warrior nature and playing to the survivalist themes that they seem to enjoy. They are not particularly concerned with culinary indulgence but rather in ensuring that they have enough to sustain themselves. The consumption of alcohol is rare, reserved for ceremonial occasions or to mark special victories, but even then, it is consumed in moderation to avoid compromising one's abilities; drunkenness is another trait that is frowned upon. As a result, there are few dietary restrictions among the Mornami, though some may avoid foods that weaken them physically or mentally—such as heavy or overly rich foods, which could cause sluggishness or impair focus.
- Communication: The Mornami Clan communicates primarily through a combination of traditional Echani body language reading with a rare handful knowing the Sith language. Their body language is intricate and precise, often conveying entire messages with subtle shifts in posture, gesture, or facial expression. Force-sensitive members of the clan can use telepathic communication to relay thoughts and commands, allowing for silent communication during missions. For non-Force-sensitive members, tattoos help define and signify purpose and placement within the clan.
- Deadly Combat Prowess: The Mornami Clan excels in both traditional Echani martial arts and Sith combat techniques, making them a versatile and formidable force in assassination and battlefield tactics.
- Force Usage: Many Mornami members are skilled in manipulating the dark side of the Force, enhancing their abilities in combat. This gives them a unique edge, as they are able to combine their physical skills with Force-enhanced abilities to defeat enemies.
- Stealth and Subterfuge: Their training in both Echani stealth tactics and Sith deception makes them highly skilled at infiltration, sabotage, and subversive operations.
- Resilience and Adaptability: Having survived exile, the Mornami have learned to adapt and survive in difficult environments. They are capable of blending into various factions, from mercenary groups to Sith and other galactic powers, using their skills to maintain a presence even in the shadows.
- Internal Strife: The Mornami Clan is fractured, with many members holding different views on their legacy and future. Some are loyal to the Sith, while others are disillusioned and feel abandoned by their former masters.
- Corruption by the Dark Side: The Mornami's deep connection to the dark side has taken a toll on their collective psyche. Their dependence on dark emotions to fuel their abilities has led to infighting, distrust, and a loss of the original unity that defined them.
- Exiled Status: While some still operate within the Sith Order, many Mornami are rogue agents, unable to fully rejoin their former glory due to their banishment from Eshan. This leaves them vulnerable to being hunted by both their enemies and former allies.
The exact reason for why Clan Mornami devolved into its current incarnation, is not well known. It is believed that centuries prior, several members of the clan attempted to surrender the homeworld to an unknown power; though this has never been proven. The reality is simply, that Clan Mornami warped itself into a tool for other powers at the cost of their own individuality.
The Mornami Clan's fall from grace began when they sought to merge their revered combat traditions with the Sith Code. Initially, they believed the Sith teachings were a means in which to attune ones martial prowess, enhancing their abilities through losing oneself in primal instinct. Over time, however, their integration of Sith philosophy became more extreme, with some members fully adopting Sith practices, including dark rituals, body tattoos, and warping their martial practices to be more violent and lethal.
Echani elders viewed this shift as a perversion of their culture. Several groups condemned the Mornami Clan for tainting their traditions with Sith teachings and sought to expel them from Eshan, resulting in a brief but bloody conflict that drove the Mornami off world. The Mornami were exiled, and their former brethren turned their backs on them, leaving them to wander the galaxy as outcasts.
Despite their exile, the Mornami Clan continued to operate as a loose network of cells, working for hire as assassins, mercenaries, and spies. Some of them found refuge within the Sith Order, while a rare few rejected clan authority and defected, following their own philosophy.
Today, the Mornami Clan is a shadow of its former self, but its legacy lives on through its scattered members, each struggling to maintain their identity in the face of their shattered history. The clan may be exiled, but its members continue to uphold the twisted martial philosophy that is slowly destroying them over time.
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