The Weeping Banner

Scrub scrub away, Lady of the Slain
Wipe away those tears brought from strife
Wash wash away, all the blood and pain.
Carry the dead into the afterlife.
May the banshees cry
So that no hatred will spread
May they listen to their sweet lullaby
So that all may atone for the bloodshed

--Melody of Ceana, Lady of the Slain.

The Weeping Banner, also called the 'Banshee's Banner', is one of the legendary Brontn' Mora. -- which means 'Great Gift' in Elafi tongue. It's said there is an uncountable amount of these artifacts bestowed upon them by the Wild Gods. Some, however, have remained lost, while others unclaimed. The Weeping Banner in particular is said to be granted to them by Ceana, the druidic Wild God of Warfare and those who die during it.

It Weeps

The Banner is named so for the red 'tears' it drips whenever an important individual in the world dies. This person can be anyone; be they someone despised by the Elafi themselves or someone beloved, it does not matter. The banner sheds tears for anyone whose death spells turmoil to those around them. When the banner drips, death comes, and the Elafi people immediately know that someone truly great has finally perished.
The banner also turns red when a particularly violent or bloody conflict occurs; dripping more 'tears' based upon how much blood is spilled from the conflict. This period of time is widely regarded as the herald to tragedy by the Elafi people. A red banner means many needless deaths, so much so that even Ceana cannot keep up with the souls lost during the battle.
During the The Purging of Asenboll , the banner turned deep red and dripped so many tears that they came out in crimson strands, pooling into a puddle of blood below. Whimpering cries could be heard as the banner wept so much blood that its keepers were urged to place a cauldron beneath it, which was filled halfway towards the top. This tragic event moved many druids to tears themselves, whom knew that such a horrible battle would mean substantial loss of life. The mere sight of this had lead the druids to tears themselves, whom knew that such a sight would be the prelude to a battle that meant a substantial loss of life.
The situation was so drastic that many Elafi soldiers were sent to comb through Kalni in hopes of finding what could possibly be yielding so much distress to the banner. When they came upon Asenboll, they found ash and molten rock in its place. Only three survivors were found amidst the rubble. while the entire population was burnt to ash.

Significance

The Weeping Banner carries great importance to the Elafi people. When a universally loved or important person dies, the banner is said to shed a single crimson tear. The weeping banner is said to turn a bright red during a perilous period that would threaten their very way of life. Although both of these events have been recorded to occur, the Weeping Banner still remains blue after 25 years. It acts as a solemn alarm for the Elafi people.
The banner rarely turns red or bleeds; but when the banner turns crimson, it's said that Ceana herself wishes to raise the tapestry in battle as a flag against whoever dared instigate the war that caused it to weep.

Item type

Religious / Ritualistic

Rarity

Unique

Dimensions

180x120 In

Base Price

Priceless

Related Myths

• The Fae