(Kairn and Kaz Ithelanen, by @trinn c. 2019).

Song

"Who am I?"

The One-Eyed Coyote sat on the edge of the hill and bore witness to one last sunset. In the distance, the Bear Mani clashed with the trees. It had been some time since the former King of the Dominion of Malin had been a person. Flesh, living blood, and not an animal.

However, as he died, it dawned on him.

I am Kairn.

With that, Brother Leatherback passed on to the Eternal Forest. Fate was awfully cruel, dictating that such a man would go to paradise, but such was the way of the world. Hundreds, if not a thousand, people killed under his command. Cities sacked, villages razed, men and women killed. 

As Kairn awoke, it was like the same day when he was cast out of the sky by Malchaediel. A humiliating defeat, one that left him so awestruck that he turned into a Coyote for much of the rest of his natural life. One of the founders of the Ichorian Way alongside Valor, Kairn was likewise responsible for the proliferation of Blood Magic amongst the Druids. Though, arguably, Leatherback was always a Draoi. An Ish'urkal - Dark Shaman - who learned Druidism and wielded sanguine Hemomancy as a belligerent crutch. Called the Green Wizard by the humans, Kairn had lived much of his life alone, and forsaked violence in his later years to make peace with his immoral past as a war criminal. Though he had always craved peace, it was fate that he would always wage war, and some tragedy always brought it to his doorstep. 

"Owl?" He greeted his old teacher with surprise before he gazed upon this new, unfamiliar world.

Veni, Vidi, Vici.

"I came, I saw, I conquered!"

Prince of Hares

[Aubin Cortale]

Swiftness, Agility, Abscondence, Youth

The Prince of Hares is a flighty and elusive character who, above all else, values his own hide. Being among the smallest of the Demi-gods, he understands best that survival cannot always be achieved by ferocity. Sometimes, it is the meek who prevail, and those who hope to be swift enough to escape harm’s way look to Nehnis, praying on his celerity. When a hunter’s quarry escapes them, the cunning Prince of Leporidae is said to be to blame for granting his favor to running prey. As such, it is not uncommon for a hunting party to pray to the cunning prince, that they might be blessed with agility rather than their game. The Prince of Hares may be a skittish, nimble thing, but he is no coward. He is a testament to the tenacity of the small, who must triumph despite the many rigors they face.

Nehnis also shares a strange relationship with the Princess of Turtles, Llan’sae. Where the terra-backed sovereign favores wisdom and preparative foresight, The Hare favors instant action. As such, he has become a symbol for the excitable, and oft-times reckless.

Ilmyumier

THE HARE’S JAUNT

The Hare’s Jaunt is less a marker of standing among the Mali’ame, as it is rather an expression of one’s exuberant joy. It is not uncommon for one wishing to ascribe more depth to the tattoo to stamp a new rabbit’s print on their body for each encounter they have survived.

Rites

OFFERINGS

Ginseng, Rabbit’s Feet, Carrots, Hay, Clovers, Verbena, Tulips, Mallow, Wildberries

GAMES

There is no simpler way to venerate the Prince of Hares than to engage in every day merriment. Foot Races and other such games are a way that Nehnis is worshiped every day.

THE HARE MOON

There is a more traditional rite to honor that of the Prince, typically done in the dead of night under the light of the full moon - when the veil between the mortal realm and Fae realm is the thinnest. Gathered within a field of flowers and grass on a clear night, a child who has come of age will go out into the wilderness with their family and loved ones to celebrate the last night of childhood - spending the evening collecting offering flowers in the field under the moon’s guidance. Once a substantial amount of flowers has been collected by the group, a simple pyre is constructed in the middle of the field where the flowers are to be burned, to symbolize the discarding of childish whims and the first step towards adolescence. The rest of the night is spent with their family in the field, savoring the last day and looking forward to the next. 

PRAYERS

Common

“Nimble Nehnis, prince of the agile,

Whose swiftness carries kin home.

We give to you our devotion.

We show you our respect for your kind,

O’fast and abounding Nehnis, show us your blessing.”

Elven

“Hiuwan Nehnis, Ellauru’leh resiyueriian

Heya vulhiuwan myumier talonii lin.

Kaean’leh tilrun nae illerae.

Kaean’leh Sirame aynae’leh lye myumierae.

O’hiylu marnkaeleh’ehya Nehnis, nae’leh ahern kae illera.”

"The following is an account of my memories, fractured and swimming, from the final trial of The Green Priesthood."

       "The High Priestess has only just now left my side. I can still taste the bitterness of that dry, dusty concoction of what I can only imagine must be a nauseating quantity of hallucinogens. My head is still reeling from my trip here, staring at the shadows of the cloth over my eyes and bumbling through the forest after her. Alas, I am here, at the precipice of failure or success, and the wheels of fate are in an uncontrollable snowball of motion. Oddly, fear of either option is gnawing at my stomach. There is nothing left to do now but offer myself to the Wild Gods for judgement. May you see your strength through my spirit, Morea."

       "It was somewhere between Amaethea and the edge of the forest when the drugs began to take hold. When I look up to the treetops, they have become like stretching, ominous fingers. They reach up and far away into the sky and swallow the sky. I feel my soul sinking. As if nothing but some spiritual web is holding my body and my soul together, my body lags behind... like a wayward kite behind a trotting toddler.

       My skin has become feathers. No, more like clouds... Light and free, as if I could think about it hard enough and will myself to blow away with the breeze. I'm smiling. I don't mean to, but I just am. Even still, I smile, and there is a flash of concern within me that this is somehow unbefitting of me to react this way. But, then again... The worry isn't so bad. It would be easier for me to truly fly away from this place than to focus on worrying. In fact, it is hard to think about one thing at once for very long. I is hard to think about one thing at once for very long. It    is         hard      thinking       "

       "At one point I must have rolled over, for now I find myself among unfamiliar trees. I do not know these faces, they are all strangers to me.

They do not speak like I'm used to. Though, the earth has begun to chatter in such strange ways, now. It used to sing to me, wordlessly, and I understood it. So why the whispers?

                       My hands feel like flippers as I crawl about on my knees. My stomach has lofted itself in my throat, hungry and aching... I found myself trying to pinch at the dirt after a longbug. Sentillpedee. Cen-ti-pede.

There's a disturbing crunch as I bite down into it, but by the time my mind realized the nonsense I had consumed it. Twice."

       "The animals in the treefinger shadows have begun to taunt me. I see the PackLord's children dashing among the sunrays in packs around me, as if I am some downed prey animal.

I don't think I'd mind being torn limb from limb.

So here I am, writing the experience of a mauling, obviously."

T   ----------        S         d          ~       l                        --      r

  .

                                   .                                                    .

"I've awoken somewhere without any of my previous possessions. The strange wounds on my body don't indicate foul play, for I look like I have just unearthed myself from a premature grave. I reach to my side and panic briefly, before I recall passing my staff to my wife before submitting myself to this trial. I breathe a long sigh of relief.

I must not have had a sip of water the entire time. My throat nearly stuck to itself as I swallowed down hard. My head throbs like the fury of a stone giant's pulse.

       I've begun wandering my way back towards the sound of a distant river. I can already feel the chill of the water rushing down my throat and into my belly. I've forgotten the pain of hunger, but my body aches as if a carriage had barreled over me at some point. Or perhaps I really was at the mercy of wild animals. I suppose I'll never know.

       The visions are strange and haunting, but their meaning I must ponder upon more. I am here, however, between the borders of the nation and these bewitching wood. So I shall go, now, and recount my tale. What a beautifully strange world this is." 

She reached the shore, the voices halting as she made contact with the sand. It feels fuzzy, and seems to absorb her in a way. The sound of the ocean is different- seeming to be warped in the same way her surroundings were. The ocean parts for her, in her drugged state. She sees the fish swimming about, and all of the flora that lives at the bottom of the ocean. The fish- which usually frightened her seemed welcoming as she submerged herself in the cool water.  She was content watching the colors, floating for a moment as she felt at peace for the first time in a long, long time. “What are you doing?” echoed a voice. Briar turned about, seeing a familiar face. “What are you doing?” Asked Tahlia again, floating in front of Briar, her legs had become a mermaid tail. Briar tilted her head, though said nothing of Tahlia’s new legs, “Enjoying the colors- I never realized how beautiful fish were,” Briar hummed, tilting her head back to continue watching the fish, her eyes no longer focused on Tahlia. “You have a task to complete Briar, you need to come home,” A new voice calls. Briar looks back to see Amaesil, with a mermaid tail himself. “Just a bit longer- everything looks so lovely,” she said, outstretching her arms like a child. “Mama, please come home,” A new voice called, and this one Briar knew without looking. 

Seeing her daughter filled her with a new sense of determination and she willed herself up after a moment to swim, zig zagging through the waves. Everything was loopy and weird- but she was determined nonetheless. As she approached the shore and the Tahorran docks, a wave crashed over her, dragging her under. She didn’t struggle, the drugs making her calm as she looked up at the sky through the ocean. She sunk deeper and deeper, looking up at the moon and sun that appeared for her- perfectly balanced. She laid in the sand at the bottom of the ocean. The water began to suddenly recede from the ocean, draining until only Briar was left dry in the sand. A giant frog appears above her, speaking, “may peace and balance continue to guide you on your journey.” The frog simply stated before hopping away with a large guttural ribbit. Briar awakes in the sand, on the shore of the Tahorran docks. Whether she swam or was washed upon shore by the wave is blacked out from her mind- though she arrived back safe to Elvenesse regardless.

The story of Kardem Vallei'ahern Puerokar's Final Trial

Slowly the powder began to distort the forest around her, and Kardem’s teacher faded into the swirling colors that were once the foliage. She would rub at her eyes, attempting to clear the blurriness from her vision, but it was to no avail. Kardem was once again cast into a blurry world bursting with color. She falls to her back, and takes in the world for a moment. 

The swirling colors would take on the patterns of her tapestries and totems in the Puerokar manor. Tribal rabbits chasing each other through the pale blue of the evening sky as a gradient of purple and pink began to encroach on the scene. She would giggle, reaching up to attempt to touch the visions, but her movement would cause them to scatter about the edges of her vision.

“Kardem.”

A firm, but warm voice came from all around her, and the young elfess shot up.

“Haelun.”

Puerokar would stumble to her feet, calling out to the voice of her mother, only to get no answer. The forest was difficult to navigate, her vision still blurry, but she pressed on into a random direction. In her search, Kardem would come across the coastline and in the water would be a figure kneeling in the water. The light of the setting sun would make it impossible to see the figure clearly, but there would be a chanting coming from her, as if she was praying. Kardem’s eyes welled up with tears as she attempted to get closer to the woman, but with each step she took the woman went deeper into the sea. 

“Haelun! Come back! Don’t go!” she would plead with the figure, but her childish pleading was only met with the figure disappearing into the water and appearing on the far shore.

“Vallei’ahern are of the sea Little Bunny.” The voice boomed around her, surrounding the sobbing elf with a familiar motherly warmth she had missed for so long, “Test your mantle once again, and I promise I will be here through your trial.”

The Child Winema of the Puerokar swallowed hard, forcing her tears into determination as she plunged herself into the sea. The cold water caused the young woman to gasp and panic upon her first few strokes, swirling visions of creatures below her feet making her flail in place. Fear crept in and began to absorb her. 

“Kardem,” came the voice of her mother once again, encouraging her to continue. 

She looked to the phantom on the shore, determination finding her once more. The girl was so desperate to return to her family that it drove her forward. Tribal images of dolphins followed Kardem as she fought the waves, the Vallei’ahern patron Hamatsa supporting her the rest of the way. As she crawled her way onto the shore, her mother was once again nowhere to be found.

“Haelun!” she screamed, her heart beginning to falter once more as the moon rose in the sky. The girl doubled over in the sand, tears streaming down her face as she sobbed. Before her the moonlight reflected off the waves and began to pool before her. The light, calming and faintly shining with the silver glow of the moon took the form of a rabbit before her. Kardem would stare in shock at the figure, rubbing her eyes once more as she tried to make sense of what was before her. The rabbit climbed onto her lap and reached up, placing its nose on hers before moving to hop away. It would turn back to her and stare as if waiting for her to follow. 

So she did. The forest filled with brightly colored flowers, each one bursting with orbs of light from the moon, each becoming a leverette as Kardem approached. The rabbit led the girl to the familiar lake near the city, the one with the willow she loved more than anything. From the cave beside it came another creature. A bear made of weaved willow branches, with leaves for fur and teeth of sharpened twigs. It barred the path ahead of her, standing on its hind legs and roaring. Kardem would stumble back in terror, the voice of her mother echoing in the valley. 

“The first Winema was of the Molimo Kardem. Of the Bear and Rabbit. The blessings of Bolomormaa are required to continue your path.”

The bear would roar again, taking a step closer to Kardem. She would swallow hard once again and stand, roaring back at the creature. It would step back, dropping down to all fours and roaring again. Once again Kardem would roar back, her voice carrying across the lake and through the cliffs of Elvenesse. The bear made of willow collapsed into twigs, and the Rabbit made of moonlight showed her the path forward. 

Her journey ended in the garden she grew upon her first trial, the rabbit hopping into the field of Black Cohosh and Helonia’s Root that she herself planted. Kardem entered her garden, and upon the blanket she left in the cave sat a figure. The familiar smell of her Haelun’s perfume drifted through the air as she approached the hazy figure. She sat there, along with an old owl that watched her with glowing yellow eyes.

“Kar. You have done well to get here my child. My legacy.”

The young elf would collapse onto the ground beside the woman, hugging her tightly as she cried. 

“I miss you too much Haelun.” she would sob, “Why did the Father have to take you so soon? Out of everyone else you healed, out of all of the disgusting creatures that crawl this earth, why couldn’t you have gotten to live?”

Her mother would pet her head, cooing in a soft voice, “Because it was to make you strong Little Bunny. Everything you have done, all the hardships you have endured, they have made you stronger. We do not learn by having easy lives.”

Kardem would only nod, unable to actually speak through her tears.

“Sleep now Kardem. You have been deemed worthy by our patron. You have earned your title as Winema, and you have made me more proud than I could possibly express.”

As her mothers parting words echoed through her mind, she would find herself falling fast asleep in her garden. In the morning she realized, unfortunately, it was all just a wild dream.

They stood there for what felt like forever, tears starting to roll down her cheeks she took a hesitant step forwards towards the blue-eyed girl. Though as soon as Yumanea had taken that step the small girl had without hesitation stepped right off the edge “Wait!” The ‘ame called out, crouching down to look over the edge that she had just seen her long dead friend step off of for the second time. Hearing some whispering behind her, Yuma slowly turned to see what it was “come on!” the voice called “follow me!” they said again. To Yuma’s surprise, it was her friend! With some excitement now, Yumanea slowly moved from the edge of the cliff and started trying to jog over to her friend that as soon as Yumanea came closer began running off into the woods.

Still hearing the girls voice, Yumanea tried her best to keep up and not lose her in the brush. She kept calling out to her “Lets go, Lets go!” Not paying attention to almost anything other than the girl, Yumanea ended up tripping over a root, letting out a yelp and falling into the dirt. No longer hearing the voices the woman laid in the dirt for some time, most likely trying to listen for the girl’s sweet voice. But the girl didn’t seem to call out to her again.

Moving her hair out of the way of her face, Yuma held onto the tree next to her for support while she tried to stand. Her head starting to spin she placed her hand on her forehead as she tried to move forward “where..did you go?” she asked quietly, still looking for her deceased friend who had run off without her after her fall. Swaying side to side as she walked, a thought popped into her head “maybe she’s gone home…” muttered the woman, pausing in her spot. Rustling in the trees would be heard below by Yumanea, the woman looking upwards at what looked to be another one of her deceased friends…lily, her feline companion. Offering a small wave in greeting, Yuma kept her head tilted upwards to see her cat that was in reality…a crow. Lily remained silent for some time before she began to speak! “we have to go home, I will guide you. Be wary of Marshall…he will trick you” The ‘ame gave a sharp nod, stumbling backwards some. Her companion was now on the move, taking flight and starting on her way out of the woods and on her way home. Though while following the flying feline, she starts to hear small pitter pattering behind her. This frightens the woman, not even bothering to look behind her. 

The feline friend of hers would soon lead her out of the woods…she was home.. “where is my sister?” she asked herself, swaying forward as she started moving again, going inside the gates to find who she was looking for

After a few minutes she stopped running, sitting by a tree and resting. her head was spinning in circles and once again, the things around her looked weird. in the distance she heard crying, the voice of a child wailing across the forest. This crying was all too familiar to her, as it was her own. Laltyl covered her ears and shook her head, "just stop.." she pleaded, until the crying stopped. her closed eyes would open and in front of her would be a tiger, of all things. the petite elfess jumped for a moment in fear before tilting her head, recognizing the tiger. it was Diego, her deceased companion. though, he looked very alive to her. she began to tear up, reaching forward and hugging the tiger, in reality, she was hugging a log. the large cat purred, nuzzling his nose onto her shoulder and chuffing softly.

Laltyl let go of Diego and stood up, wiping her tears and looking around again, this time, she ignored the cries, remembering that she needed to go home. home, thats right,  she had a new home now, with family that actually loved and supported her. she needed to get back to them, her worst fear would be losing what she had gained. so, Laltyl started walking along the forest, the tiger actually following her, though he seemed translucent, like just a memory of him. as she walked, Laltyl came across that woman once again. at the sight of her face, the elfess felt as if she shrank in size, feeling a pressure on her. the Woman began to talk loudly at Laltyl, giving her insults, calling her names, degrading her everything. at this she felt small and weak, but Diego stood at her side, and she saw the red fox once again. not only that, but an eagle flew by and lets out a bird call. she knew what these meant. Laltyl wasn't small anymore, she wasn't weak, in fact, she was stronger than ever. so, she looked at the woman, once again feeling her normal size and spoke back, saying eveeything she was now, and how proud of herself she was. the act would now force the woman to shut her mouth, looking down and not speaking anymore. Laltyl walked triumphantly around her and soon enough found a bridge. Diego no longer followed, in fact, he had disappeared but she didn't notice. 

Laltyl ran through the bridge and found her way to the Elvenesse gates, looking up at them happily, having surpassed her fears and troubles.

“O’ Haelun’Lle,
Kae’leh tal’hiylun nae illere,
Iyal il’nae’leh aheral iheiuhii kae illereh,
Kaeleh’ehya hiylun fiyem bilokera
tilrunen’onn myumin y’kae’leh.”
- The Prayer of New Beginning

Purpose
“The way of thousands of mali’ame now lives on in you. You show the world who we are.”

The Wild Priesthood serves as an order of representatives of the ancient mali’ame culture that stems from Irrin Sirame, the mother of all wood elves. They are spiritual and cultural teachers, torchbearers of the traditions and wisdom of the tribes that came before. It is their duty to pass on the ancient traditions, and way of life to new mali'ame, and to show the rest of the world the value in their way of life. These semi nomadic priests perform ceremonies, and blessings on their pilgrimages out into the world, and for their people.

Origin

For as long as the memories of the wood elven race span, the priests of the balance have been there at the center of their people, a guiding hand in the preservation of the mali’ame way, traditions, and culture.

In ancient times, the Irrinite Tribes lived as nomads in the deep woods, traveling with their tribes as they worshiped the aspects, and the pantheon of mani. In order to thrive within the woodland realm, these tribes often traversed miles and miles to seek the wisdom and guidance of the first druids in their groves. They would come to hold the druids as great teachers, and they viewed them with a great deal of veneration and respect. From them, the mali’ame people learned how to live in complete harmony with the forests, truly living as one with the balance.

Soon, a great war devastated the woodland tribes, who were forced to agglomerate back into cities. Living amongst the folk of cities, their sacred traditions and practices soon fell from memory, eroding like the bank of a stream. The mali’ame had forgotten how to live within the balance. 

After many long years of conflict within the realm of Anthos, the Wood Elves of Laurelin retreated to the woodland, finally beginning the path to regaining their ancient roots. Old Seeds emerged from their centuries-long isolation in the forest as they saw their city-kin finally rekindle their true path.

For nearly three of the last centuries of recorded history, the Priesthood of Naelurir had guided the Wood Elven people in matters spiritual. It has served through the days of Laureh’lin, Linandria, Caras Eldar, and Irrinor . However, in the waning days of Irrinor, the order nearly found its end. 

Now, a new generation of mali’ame takes on the mantle as priests of the balance. Just like the ancient druii who once were the central guides of the ancient Seeds, and their fathers who served as priests within the Naelurir, this new order will serve as a beacon for their people. The rebirth of our connection to the forest. 

Culture

The Order of the Wild Priests considers itself naturally duty bound to aid the Mother and Father circle of druii in anything pertaining to their duty to the balance and the aspects. They do not consider themselves a circle of druids, but rather as representatives of the wood elven way of life. While they host druids among their ranks, there is no official structure for the druii of the rite. No path written into the scrolls of the new priesthood. If one wishes to become a druid, that is for them to decide, and may approach a druidic priest if they wish, or take to the Mother or Father grove in search of a teacher.

The training of a wild priest is an arduous path, marked by many hours of study, and grueling training to match. Acolytes of the priesthood must become adept warriors, they must learn to hunt and go to war, and heal the most gruesome of wounds that may befall the mali’ame. They are made to endure pain and suffering to gauge their dedication to the path and to the Aspects. In addition, they must learn the basics of the healing arts, using herbalism and mundane medicine to tend to the wounds of their kin, and stave off death. Tasks are similar to the dedicancies of druids of the Mother and Father circle, they learn these skills, and gather the knowledge they need to guide their kin in the ancient ways. 

A Green Priest is expected to embody all the traits of an ideal wood elf- and one who lives in harmony with the balance:

Strength
To be able to fight like one of Cernunnos’ beasts. To be a fierce warrior able to draw blood from any opponent made of flesh. To be able to protect and guard your people, til your last breath.

Knowledge
To know all traditions, rituals and teachings that make the wood elves what they are. To have extensive knowledge of the Aspects and what they stand for, and to follow their way above all else. To revere Irrin, and Malin and keep to their teachings.

Self Control
To always have a leash on your own emotions. To be cool, sensible and calm. To refrain from wanton giving of offense and to make decisions on faith, pragmatism and experience, not blind emotion.

Leadership
To find joy in teaching and guiding others onto the Aspects path. To aspire to be a role model, someone to look up to and follow. To be outgoing, firm when needed, understanding when required, clear and easy to comprehend.
 

Loyalty
To be undyingly devout to your own people and to the path of the forest. To never bend or sway from your convictions to keep both alive and thriving, to make the ultimate sacrifice to protect the well being of either if necessary.

Tasks & Trials

When one first comes to the order of the Wild Faith, seeking to become one of these ancient torchbearers of the wood elven culture, there are a set of trials set before them- in order to mold them, and shape them into a proper priest that may pass down the knowledge and rites of the mali'ame people. In order to become a fully realized priest or priestess, one must first complete these trials, with the oversight of a priest. When they are complete, the Acolyte will have finished their staff, which serves as a priest's "badge of office".

Trial of Growth
At the beginning of their path, an acolyte must begin a garden, or small grotto. Within this garden, they must plant a medical herb, a vegetable, a fruit, an edible herb, and a tree. They may plant more if they wish, and it is encouraged that they do more than the minimum. This garden must be kept alive through their trials. At the end of their trials, they must craft a staff from parts of their tree.

Trial of Healing
Just as a priest must carry the strength of the father, they must also possess the healing grace of the mother. After studying the herbs of this world, and their healing properties, an acolyte must tend to the wounds of another using the properties of plants found within the wilds. This should be something bigger than a small cut, something that, left untreated, could prove fatal, or crippling. 

Trial of the Hunt
An acolyte of the priesthood must be able to defend their faith, and the wilds if it should come to it. Thus, they must show proficiency with a weapon of some sort, be it a bow, axe, sword, spear, or other weapon. To pass this trial, an acolyte must show their prowess in a hunt, or by defeating another priest in single combat.

Trial of the Aspects
A trial that may be completed at any time during an acolyte’s path. An acolyte must bring two offerings- one to the tree of Cernunnos, and another to the tree of Cerridwen, and explain all they know of the aspects to their overseeing priest. When they are finished, they must properly offer what they’ve brought, reciting the proper offering prayer for each aspect.

Trial of the Mani
A trial that may be completed at any time during an acolyte’s path. An acolyte must bring an offering to any shrine of the mani, and explain all they know of the mani to their overseeing priest. When they are finished, they must properly offer what they’ve brought, reciting the proper prayer to the mani in question. It is important that an Acolyte demonstrates understanding of the mani as a whole, in addition to the mani they’ve made an offering to, or hope to become a priest or priestess of.

Trial of the River
One of the final tasks in the lineup- a test of strength, endurance, and control. An acolyte must carry a heavy stone to a small, but rushing river. In order to succeed in this task, the acolyte must carry the stone through the river- directly to the other side. They may take as many tries as they need, and may practice as much as they need beforehand. If a teacher has any other manner in which they can test their acolyte’s endurance, they may do so instead. IE. Climbing a mountain carrying rocks, and other such tasks.

The Trial of Reflection

The final trial in the way of becoming the priest. Also called “facing the mirror”, an acolyte is blindfolded, and brought deep into the woods. They are given herbs that induce visions, and are told to make their way home, unblindfolded. While in the woods, they will face visions and beasts alike, and use their skills to make it home. (OOC NOTE: For this one, make them write a short story about their character’s experience, like a forum post or a google doc, as making them emote at nothing while they’re on their own in a forest is boring.)  

Acolytes, Priests, High Priests, and Oracles

The current members of the priesthood. These wild priests actively perform their duties mainly in and around the realms of Elvenesse, but also travel throughout the world, spreading the word of the aspects through their deeds. Priests who count themselves as druids are additionally marked with their totem.

Ranks

Acolyte- A mali’ame or otherwise who has begun their priesthood trials, and has made their oath to the wood elven people, to guide them as best as they can. They train beneath the guideship of a wild priest, who oversees their trials and handles the process for them.

Wild Priest - A mali’ame who has fully passed through their priesthood trials, and is ready to serve as a cultural representative of the mali’ame people, as countless others have before them. They know the traditions, customs, and practices of the wood elven people, and help lead cultural ceremonies and rites for their brothers and sisters. Fully realized priests also hold a vote on matters of moots.

High Priest - A priest elected by the their brothers and sisters to help guide the priesthood into tomorrow. They are among the wisest, and most knowledgeable of the order, and help represent the priesthood of the wood elves within the government of Elvenesse. They call, and lead moots, and give direction to the order as a whole.

Oracle - Priests or Priestesses that have dedicated a lifetime of service to the mali’ame people, and whose knowledge of our people’s rites and customs is unrivaled. These are the elders of our people- guides and scholars, who have contributed a vast amount to the priesthood, and raised countless priests of their own. The only way to become an Oracle is to be welcomed in by those who currently stand as one. When this happens, a totem pole will be raised, a log of their victories and contributions to the priesthood and the mali’ame people.

Oracles
Sister Orison - Awaiti, of the Sirame - Priestess of Sha’maidan
 

High Priests
Sister Fox - Sonna, of the Vuln'miruel - Priestess of Sonnos and Bolomormaa
Sister Iris - Aedrie, of the Sirame - Priestess of Ohowaki

Medli Amaeden - Priestess of Hamatsa

Wild Priests
Sister Caracal - Renae, of the Arvellon - Priestess of Ohowaki
Sister Autumn - Nivndil, of The Asimulum - Priestess of Bolomormaa
Sister Phoenix - Seraphina, of the Arvellon - Priestess of Norra
Sister Marten - Eretria, of the Arvellon - Priestess of Felexii
Brother Coyote - Laetranis, of the Tahorran - Priest of Nemglan
Brother Hummingbird - Becclain, of the Arvellon - Priest of Kholibrii, Felixii, and Ohowaki

Brother Bluejay - Hareven, of the Lorenthus Clan - Priest of Bolomormaa

Sister Lioness - Andria, of the Tresery - Priestess of Mahae

Brother Leopard - Miklaeil, of the Arvellon - Priest of Felixii

Sister Raven - Layla, of the Arvellon - Priestess of Kwakwani

Brother Rainbow - Skylar, of the Taliame’onn - Priest of Kholibrii

Sister Bear - Miven, of Caerme'onn - Priestess of Bolomormaa

Laltyl, of the Arvellon - Priestess of Machana
Brother Moonlight - Eryn, of the Sirame
Artanis, of the Caerme’onn
Abelas, of the Caerme’onn

Acolytes
Laedrad, of the Tresery
Mordün, of the Sirame
Titania, of Hawksong

    6th of the Amber Cold, 1670

    Liturgical prayers to be spoken during the process of Ritual Offering

Prayer to the Aspects

Prayers to the Aspects should be spoken after a material offering has been given. The Aspects are primordial beings, their life-force and spirit encompasses all natural living things. Thus the prayers spoken to honour and beseech boon from them are broad and diverse.

Essense of War

Spoken by Mali’ame warriors before going into battle. They are to drink the essence of Cernunnos, a vial of boar’s blood, before speaking these words.

Common:

“O’ Lord of Death, strengthen my arm:

In our time of need, I beg you to come to your people’s aid.

Fill my heart with the honor of those past as I face this newest trial

As we remember you in all our earthly troubles.

Benevolent mother, wipe fear from my heart:

Never abandoning your children, always tender,

Preserve me that I may see my children and yours live,

I place my trust in you to hold my life from the end.”

Elven:

“O’ Laurir’Orkina, kae’leh wy’anuh ceruereh

Ito kaean’leh enet’adiln, kae nae’leh lye medinera adontere.

Nae kae’leh taliyna lentere il’Sirame bilokereh, ay’kinal karin’ento

Wyl kaean nae peritherae, ito kaean’leh lluman.

Haelun’Lle, lluman kae’leh hiylun myumiera’onn:

Partuva nae’leh y’Malii suliera, partuva llean.

Kae’leh hiylun evara, iyal kae’leh nae’leh Malii’ehya yallran oerneh suliere, karinto.

Kae ay’nae halere, kae’leh hiylun taynan’ehya tennae kae’leh eth myumiera.

Heart of the Hunt

To thank the Aspects for a successful hunt. Spoken after an offering from the hunt has been prepared and gifted.

Common:

“O’ father of the hunt,

Blessed be to this bounty, whose hide will clothe our young,

Whose flesh will fill our stomachs.

As we take from your realm, we give back

So our souls may be one with the great balance”

Elven:

“O’ Maln’Orran,

Aheral ito iyl fihn, tuvehn kaen’leh Maliian evareh,

Taliiynan’ehya kaean’leh hilyunan fihereh karin’ento.

Kaean nae’leh tuvan, kaean illerae’yem

kaeanleh’ehya hiylunan ito tal’Meracahe orern lenterih karin’ento.”

New Beginning

Done during Spring, the season of rebirth. A prayer spoken after offering a braid of one’s hair to the Aspects, beseeching a new beginning.

Common:

“O’ compassionate mother,

I offer you a piece of my essence,

So that you may imbue me with your sacred breath,

And reform my soul anew,

Free of the burdens on my shoulders.”

Elven:

“O’ Haelun’Lle,

Kae’leh tal’hiylun nae illere,

Iyal il’nae’leh aheral iheiuhii kae illereh,

Kaeleh’ehya hiylun fiyem bilokera

tilrunen’onn myumin y’kae’leh.”

The Essence of Healing

A prayer spoken by healers seeking the mother’s grace when treating a patient. They are to drink Cerridwen’s essence, sacred Attunement springwater, before speaking these words.

Common:

“O’ earth Mother, benevolent to the weak and weary,

Who spreads the gifts of life and good health over the emerald wilds.

You who gifted me my own life, and their life,

Pray for my soul and bless my hands with your healing light.

O' compassionate Mother, look down upon me,

I ask that you help your dutiful servant,

so they may continue to serve you and spread your goodness across the land.

Elven:

“O’ Haelun’Taynan, orlle ay’adiln divcerun’ehya,

lae heya elillern’tayna lentera hiyluan’ehya y’ameantaynei.

nae heya kae’leh taynan illerale, kae’leh wynan’anuh il’sulwaleh, nae’leh ehya orahernan illera.

O’ Haelun’lle, y’kae anoh’suliera, kae ay’nae’leh tilrunhaleral mediera adontere,

iyul kae orern nae tilruereh, nae’leh ehya lle’saere karin’ento.”

Prayer of Fortitude

A prayer spoken when seeking strength of soul and mind. Spoken after providing part of yourself as an offering, a braid of hair, or a drop of blood.

Common:   

“Let nothing shake my soul,

Let nothing strike fear in my heart,

For when the world falls apart, I remember this:

The Aspects never fade.

Your faith in them gives you the world

Whoever has the light of the lord and lady lacks nothing;

The Mother and Father alone bring great treasures”

Elven:

“Oerne kae’leh ethereh,

Oerne kae’leh hiylun’ito khel myumiereh

Ay’heya tuvan ullrere, kae iyl perithere:

Eletaliynan orchulne ullrer.

Nae’eh ay’eletaliynan mayilere nae tuvan illere.

Heya elsul’elemaln elehaelun’ehya ay’divtuvan oradilne;

Elehaelun Elemaln’ehya sioln maorakal myumiereyae.”

A Mother’s Gift

A prayer to beseech good health for a newborn child. Words spoken after the child’s umbilical cord, or baby teeth, have been offered.

Common:

“O gentle mother,

And benevolent lady of life,

Grant this my joyous bequest;

Send out your grace on (he/she)

Fill them with life unending,

And start them on the path of goodness

That they may spread life and happiness

To all that lay their eyes upon them”

Elven:

“O Leyuan Haelun,

Lari’Taynaan ehya,

Kae iyl adonten illera;

Nae’leh ahernan y’(lae/hae) myumiera

(lae/hae) il’taynaan ordiveth ahera,

y’Elnarnsaenlle’ehya annilera

Iyal (lae/hae) taynan orwyn’ehya oerneh maeluere

Iyl’ehya y’heya suliera y’(lae/hae) oerneh illere.”

Last Rites

Spoken over a dying Elf, or shortly after their passing, to bring peace to the departing Spirit and guide them on.

Common:

O' Mother, look upon me now.

See here that your gift of life has ended,

That his/her heart is still and his/her Spirit weary.

May you bring him/her to peace and slumber eternal.

O' Father, look upon me now.

See here that your gift of the hunt has ended,

That his/her voice is silent and his/her blood grows cold.

May you bring him/her to honour and strength undying.

You have held this Spirit until the end,

And he/she now passes into the Balance.

Flesh to soil, blood to water, bone to dust.

Blessed be.

Elven:

O' Haelun, y'kae oerneh suliera.

ito suliera, iyul nae'leh illern'taynan ethere,

Iyul divhiuw ito lae'leh/hae'leh taliiynan, divcerun'ehya ito hae'leh/lae'leh hiylun.

Oerneh nae ito hileia lae/hae myumiera, ciwn'ehya uell.     

O' Maln, y'kae oerneh suliera.

ito suliera iyul nae'leh illern'orran ethere,

Iyul leyun ito lae'leh/hae'leh iheiuhii, lae'leh/hae'leh ehya taliiynan feta lentera.

Oerneh nae ito Sirame lae/hae myumiera, cerun'ehya uell.   

nae iyl'hiylun, tenna eth, myumierala karinte,

lae'ehya/hae'ehya Meracahe narna.

taliyna ito nor, taliiyna ito vallei, tur ito malomii.

Ahernal ito.

Prayers to Mani

Prayers spoken to the great Mani Princes when you have hunted one of their respective flock, for example, if you have taken the life of an elk to feed you and your family, provide offering and prayer to the elk’s prince- Amaethon.  Or when you seek wisdom, or a trait that they embody.

Offer to the Mani a nonconsumable piece of your hunt such as a piece of bone, a feather or a hoof (if applicable). Set down a clay jar and light a stick of incense before the Mani shrine, as the scent will draw their attention. Then, speak your prayer.

To Amaethon, Prince of Cervidae

Prayers to Amaethon should be spoken when elk, deer or caribou have been hunted. Amaethon embodies gentleness and compassion, and can be prayed to for those desiring these traits.

Common:

“Great Prince of Mighty Elk,

Whose flock run abound the deep woods and great plains,

We give to you our devotion.

We show to you our respect for your kind.

Oh wise and gentle Amaethon, show us your blessing.”

Elven:

“Ellaurir’Amean, Amaethon,

Heya lye mamean marwehnsaenan’ehya ito narneyae,

Kaean’leh tilrun nae illerae.

Kaean’leh Sirame aynae’leh lye myumierae.

Oh maehran lle’ehya Amaethon, nae’leh ahern kae illera.”

To Nemglan, Prince of Eagles

Prayers to Nemglan should be spoken by those interacting with Hawks, Eagles, Falcons and other birds of prey, and those seeking the traits of freedom and independence.

Common:

“Unbound Nemglan of the blue skies,

Whose hawks and falcons keep watchful vigil,

We give to you our devotion.

We show to you our respect for your kind.

Oh Nemglan, free and proud, show us your blessing.”

Elven:

“Ordivtilruer Nemglan, Ellaurir ay’vallelaecaelean.

Heya tahorranan mettaonn’ehya viran suliereyae,

Kaean’leh tilrun nae illerae.

Kaean’leh Sirame aynae’leh lye myumierae.

Oh maehran lle’ehya Nemglan, nae’leh ahern kae illera.”

To Moccus, Prince of Boars

Moccus embodies stalwartness and conviction. Prayers are spoken to him by those seeking those traits, and those who have hunted the wild boars of the realm.

Common:

“Moccus the stalwart. The immovable.

He whose tusks uproot mountains.

We give to you our devotion.

We show to you our respect for your kind.

Oh Moccus, the indomitable, show us your blessing.”

Elven:

“Laran Moccus. Oem heya ordivhiuw ito nae’leh.

Lae heya cerun malarehan lomera.

Kaean’leh tilrun nae illerae.

Kaean’leh Sirame aynae’leh lye myumierae.

Oh Moccus, ordivtilrun, nae’leh ahern kae illera.”

To Morea, Prince of Wolves

Those seeking good relationship with wolves and hounds pray to Morea, as well as those who seek ferocity and bravery.

Common:

“Morea, Prince of the Pack

Whose howl can be heard by all who gaze at the moon,

We give to you our devotion

We show to you our respect for your kind.

Oh Morea, the ferocious, show us your blessing.”

Elven:

“Morea, Ellaurir’Chirran

Heya iheihuii Velulaei hiuwera,

Kaean’leh tilrun nae illerae.

Kaean’leh Sirame aynae’leh lye myumierae.

Oh Morea, llytan, nae’leh ahern kae illera.”

To Machana, Prince of Steeds

A strong rider will always offer prayer to Machana, as well as wayward souls seeking swiftness and loyalty.

Common:

“Machana, whose hooves flattened the great fields

Whose harras run supreme in the prairie,

We give to you our devotion,

We show to you our respect for your kind,

Oh Machana, the swift, show us your blessing.”

Elven:

“Machana, heya wynan’anoh marwehnsaenan hiuwera

Heya’leh lye divohn wehnsaenan ito narneyae,

Kaean’leh tilrun nae illerae.

Kaean’leh Sirame aynae’leh lye myumierae.

Oh Machana, leyuan, nae’leh ahern kae illera.”

To Bolomormaa, Princess of Bears

Bolomormaa embodies the spirit of the Mother Bear, a patron for mothers and women.

Common:

“Protective Bolomormaa, Princess of Bears.

Whose strength and ferocity guards the young and weak,

We give to you our devotion.

We show to you our respect for your kind.

Oh Bolomormaa, gentle yet mighty, show us your blessing.”

Elven:

“Elevarir Bolomormaa, Ellaurir ay’Lenotsan.

Heya’leh cerun orhil’ehya adilnan okarere,

Kaean’leh tilrun nae illerae.

Kaean’leh Sirame aynae’leh lye myumierae

Oh Bolomormaa llean, ehya llytan, nae’leh ahern kae illera.”

To Mahae, The Great Lion Spirit

Mahae symbolizes that of Courage and Pride, a blessing of moral and strength gifted to warriors about to charge into the heat of battle. 

Common:

"Prince of the Wild, I name you Mahae.

Whose charge is strength and guardianship,

We ask for your blessing of honour,

That we may take up your spirit hereafter.

Great Spirit of the Lion, bless us with your voice."

Elven:

"ellaurir ay'Ame, kae Mahae nae sanere.

cerun okansaen'ehya ito heya'leh myumin,

kaean nae'leh Sirame ahern'onn adonterae,

iyul kaean hiylun myumierae.

Marhiylun maehae'onn, nae'leh iheiuhii il'kaean ahera."

Kwakwani - The Trickster Raven

The Raven is a mischievous but kind-hearted trickster, and represents a quiet cunning and forward creativity that makes it attractive to artists, singers and poets.

Common:

“Melodic Kwakwani, Prince of Wit and Song,

Beautiful is your artistry.

We give you our devotion

And honour for your people.

Oh clever and liberated Kwakwani, give us your blessing.”

Elven:

“Lennielan Kwakwani, Ellaurir ay’Vulliran Len’ehya,

leyuan ito nae’leh orvalmsae.

kaean’leh tilrun nae illerae,

kaean’leh Sirame aynae’leh lye myumierae.

Oh Kwakwani vullan divtulrun’ehya, nae’leh ahern kae illera.”

Felixii - The Silent Watcher

The Wildcat makes not a peep as it stalks the deep woods. Her presence is unknown to many, and has become a patron for practitioners of stealth, and keepers of secrets.

Common:

“Elusive Felixi, Prince of the Forest

Whose secrets by many are sought,

We give you our devotion

And honour for your people.

O' Felixi, Seer of Truth, give us your blessing.”

Elven:

Marvull Felixi, Ellaurir’leh Ame            

Heya'leh taliyuan uell uhiereyae,            

Kaean'leh tilrun nae illerae.            

Kaean'leh Sirame aynae'leh lye myumierae.        

O' Felixi, sulierir'madivulie, kae'leh ahern kaean illera.

Ohowaki - Keeper of Knowledge 

Like many other cultures, Wood Elves consider the Owl a symbol of wisdom. Ohowaki has long been a sharer of knowledge to the forgotten-folk, and has become a patron of scholars.

Common:

“Knowledgable Ohowaki , Princess of Owls.

Whose hunts are silent,

We give you our devotion.

And honour for your people.

Oh Ohowaki wise, but graceful, give us your blessing.”

Elven:

“Ohowaki maehran, Ellaurir ay’Ibaran.                

lyun ito heya’leh orrarnan,                

kaean’leh tilrun nae illerae.                

kaean’leh Sirame aynae’leh lye myumierae        

Oh Ohowaki ormaehr, ehya leyuan, nae’leh ahern kae illera.”