The New Notion Club Archives
Advertisement
The New Notion Club Archives

Ôn-Eno, a Honnin of the Tori-yî order, stood as the younger of the two priests, yet carried a senior role within their esteemed ranks. Despite his slightly earlier initiation compared to his companion Ôn-Tomu, Eno respected the wisdom of the elder priest and maintained a harmonious relationship, given their shared outlook and values. Eno's fervent dedication to the order was matched by his remarkable intellect, and his charismatic and congenial nature endeared him to his fellow clerics. Ascending swiftly through the Tori-Ji hierarchy, Eno attained the influential position of High Priest at a remarkably youthful age of thirty-three. His commitment to the order's beliefs was unmistakable, evident not only in his leadership but also through his personal appearance. As a typical Honnin, Eno possessed a squat, dark-skinned physique adorned with tattoos that signified his status. Notably, a prominent tattoo of a stylized jungle bird, symbolizing his order, graced his throat. Eno's attire was a reflection of his ceremonial role and authority. Typically clad in a simple loin cloth, he donned an elaborate costume during sacred rituals. This ornate ensemble included a heavy robe, trousers, and a beaked cowl, leaving only his striking black eyes and adorned chest exposed. Intricately decorated with colorful feathers and delicate metal mirrors, Eno's ceremonial garb embodied the sacred nature of his duties. Ôn-Eno's personal chamber within the temple mirrored his esteemed standing. Although considered opulent by his people's standards, it exuded an understated elegance that harmonized with the natural surroundings. Crafted by skilled Honnin artisans, the furnishings boasted exquisite detail, with frames hewn from single blocks of wood and cushions woven from the fronds of the Fukui fern. A towering Suranku, a unique trunk-like storage piece, took center stage, hewn from the impressive trunk of a Futotte tree. Intricately carved depictions of woodland birds adorned Eno's wardrobe, hinting at the cabinet's enchanted nature. Should anyone other than Eno dare to touch the chest, a cacophony of screeching birds was unleashed from the wood, serving as an audible alarm rather than a harmful deterrent. Within the Suranku, Eno safeguarded a collection of garments and items vital for Tori-Yî rituals. Among them were vibrant robes, feathered smocks, pants adorned with beads and mirrors, and three distinct staves that signified his rank within the order. While two of the staves bore symbolic significance, the third held a power that Eno, as a devoted servant of Oku-Tori, wielded with reverence and authority.

Advertisement