Art by Numirya

The clans of Wood Elven culture, also known as Mali’ame Seeds, are traditionally larger groups of one or multiple families coming together under the ideals of a single clan. They are the embodiment of cultural diversity among the Mali’ame people due to how unique each seed can be compared to others. Some seeds were nomadic, social people with a knack for living off the beaten path while others were solitary and isolated, adapted to certain terrain.

The concept of the Mali’ame seeds was originally created after the disappearance of Malin and the dispersal of the elves. When Irrin Sirame led her people into the wild to continue following the old ways, the Era of the Seeds began as families of elves came together to form these clans. It was only after the betrayal of Archdruid Garthon and the mourning of Irrin Sirame for the banishment of Taynei’hiylu that the seeds began to fade away into forgotten lore.

In the present day, old and new seeds have sprung back to life with a vigor for cultural revival. Old bloodlines from the days long past welcome in new and unrelated faces to their ranks, bolstering kinship among elvenkind. The colors of seed ilmyumier, the tattooed markings that traditionally signify members of a seed with deeper meaning, are notable throughout the Vale of Nevaehlen. 

The current gathering of seeds within the Vale of Nevaehlen are a varied mixture of greater and wandering seeds that all call the village community home. These seeds are… 

Art by mikki

Overview:

The Arvellon are one of the smaller and lesser known tribes amongst the first migration of Mali’ame. The ways of the Autumnal Watchers are deeply rooted in Aspectism and the Mani pantheon, basing their various styles and values upon that of the old ‘ame teachings. The Arvellon are tricksters known to have a lust for life, being fun loving and cheerful people who often perform tricks and pranks on those deserving of it or simply for fun. Like most other seeds, the Arvellon worship a select few Mani in particular. Felixii The Wildcat, and Kwakwani the Trickster Raven.

Ilmyumier: 

An orange sleeve of tribal designs that are centered upon the bicep and shoulder with blank orange leading onto a smaller section of designs that wrap just below the wrist. Topping the sleeve, upon the shoulder, is the head of a wildcat and two raven wings.

Chieftain: Eretria Arvellon (Mewliet)

Art by nikadonna

Overview:

The Caerme’onn are among the oldest and most known seeds in Mali’ame history, dating back to the Princedom of Laureh’lin. They are devout keepers of Mali’ame culture and lore, prominent leaders, and fierce protectors whose ranks have included the likes of Princes, Chieftains, and even Archdruii. They hold the values of loyalty, strength, ambition, determination, and leadership. Alongside the theme of leadership, these antler-marked mali are notable among the Wild Faith as followers to Amaethon, Prince of Cervidae, and Bolomormaa, Wild Princess of Bears. The blending between the two Mani exemplifies the Caerme’onn’s duty to nurture and protect equally.

Ilmyumier:

Stag’s antlers are marked in sanguine dyes under the eyes, upon the chest, upon the arms, or a mixture of the three. 

Chieftain: Miven Caerme’onn (WestCarolina)

Art by nikadonna

Overview: 

The Norväyn are an ancient group of warriors, craftsmen, and storytellers from Malin’s Age that were adopted into the Mali’ame after the great schisms of elves. They hold the pillars of honor, patience, and legacy while pressing the concept of a balance between logic and emotion. For them, duty to their home and kin is the highest calling one could pursue and doing so honorably assures their names are never forgotten. They choose to follow Morea, the Wolf, as their patron Mani. They believe that the Wolf is not only an embodiment of ferocity, but also a spirit of clever hunters and loyalty to the pack.

Ilmyumier:

Green-grey markings etched into the flesh of each member via an elvish knotwork of branches that all begin from the stylized image of a wolf skull crowned with the canopy of a tree. The marking is placed on the Norväyn’s dominant arm, taking up most of the shoulder and bicep, and curled just slightly farther in every direction of the body. 

Chieftain: Eonan Norväyn (ThumperJack_)

Art by nikadonna

Overview:

The Sirame, the devoted followers of Irrin Sirame, emulate the mother of the Mali’ame culture and the very concept of seeds through preservation of religion in times both dim and bright. They are often seen as teachers, priests, and scholars that spread knowledge of the Mali’ame to wherever the woodland folk remain in the world. They choose to worship the Aspects primarily as was the way of Irrin Sirame, acknowledging the Mani spirits though claiming no patron from their pantheon. Their values include faith, unity, stewardship, fortitude, and a deep connection to the wild.

Ilmyumier:

The depiction of the green dragon, Taynei’hiylu, wraps up and down one arm entirely, snaking over the flesh in flight. The ‘ame may adorn themselves over the rest of their body in viridian flame, should they wish to, but it is not required.

Chieftain: Aedrie Sirame (searose143), Oryl Sirame (epicworld123)

Fledgling Seeds

Seeds of the past and families that have yet to establish themselves as a full Nevaehli tribe, yet are recognized as seeds and welcomed into the woodland embrace.

Established on the 11th of Snow's Maiden, S.A. 116

The organized order of the watch for the Mali’ame dwelling within Nevaehlen’s woodland embrace. Originally intended to serve as quartermasters and sergeants, the recent chapter of the Staghelms has been re-established as an order based on vigilance and defense over the canopies that hang above their reclaimed home. They are expected to be an example of everything a Greenblade is meant to be and more as warriors accustomed to the Wild Faith and entrusted with the protection of Nevaehlen’s people, its way of life, and those that direct the current of the Vale.

With the oaths taken, the Staghelm will be expected to maintain a new line of duties different from the basic expectations of a Greenblade. These duties are:

To serve as guard to not only the council of the Eternal Concord but as the protector of the village itself. The very first to the walls and the very last to leave.

To train the Greenblades of the village in the arts of combat, ensuring the safety of the Vale through not only their spear and shield but also through the study of defense.

To patrol the woodland borders and watch the horizons beyond the Vale for the encroaching, long shadows of darkness that claw at the woodland walls. Even within the walls, they are the vigilant hand that ensures both law and tradition are upheld.

A Staghelm is bound by their tenets, wearing them like armor over their hearts to shield themselves from corruption. These warriors are meant to be the very best of what a Mali’ame protector can be, exemplars among their kin and examples for those who wish to be more. It is a strict code to follow and the punishments for breaking it are severe.

Courage. A Staghelm must be prepared to act in the defense of their people and ready to do whatever they must. They cannot shy away from the uncomfortable or flee in the face of indecision. 

Faith. A Staghelm’s fervor in the Aspects and their Mani spirits must be absolute, beholden to no other source of divinity. 

Integrity. To walk the way of the Staghelm is to be a warrior of a firm word and loyal ambition, never one of wayward acts befitting the unlearned rogue.

Justice. Always must the Staghelm be vigilant against those who would break our laws and traditions. They shall not give in to exception or inducement.

Hope. The Staghelm shall always be a beacon in the chaos that is Almaris, one crowned by Amaethon’s antlers for all the Mali’ame to rally beside. 

Unlike the Greenblades whom every person living within the Vale is expected to serve as, the Staghelms take an oath upon being chosen for the honor of wearing the stag’s antlers. The oath is taken before a brazier prepared in honor of Amaethon, the Stag Prince of Justice, where the Valeseer (Or a presiding Wild Chief) cuts open the Staghelm’s palm over the flames and wraps the wound in an Ameonn’tuveh, or silkwood, cloth to seal the oath with blood.

The oath is not one to be taken lightly. For those that break from the tenets with malicious and evil intent, and their crimes are not worthy of death, the hand used in the binding ceremony is removed. The sacred law of the wild is then called and the offender is left to tend and survive the wound themselves. This is not to say that retirement from the order is forbidden or frowned upon. The active duties taken on by a Staghelm, with permission from the Valeseer, may be retired from. However, the tenets are forever binding, even after retirement.

I pledge myself to Amaethon’s rite,

To justice for all that I call kin and all that I love,

To vigilance against all that I call foe and all that I fear,

I shall be a keeper of these woods, a tender of the hearth.

Let no corruption taint my heart, let no evil corrode my strength,

I, Staghelm, stamp my mark. None shall pass my watch.

For those interested in joining the antler-crowned Oathmen of Nevaehlen, they need only prove themselves and their desire to serve the militia of Vale by performing their duties as a Greenblade fully and going the extra distance. They are then welcome to approach a Wild Chief, or the Valeseer themselves, to ask for the chance to step up. They may be offered a place in the order before this if the leadership of the Halerir’elame sees them fit for it.

Wrote and adapted from the Father Circle Code of Conduct

on the 94th Year of the Second Age

The Authority of the Stag

          As Amaethon presides over his brothers and sisters upon the Mani pantheon, so do the Eternal Concord keep watch over the Vale of Nevaehlen as guiding hands, stalwart shields, and when necessary; the bearers of justice. Each role upon the concord is granted the authority to oversee certain duties in the village and to administer them as they see fit. 

          When village-kin find themselves with a matter that requires the attention of the Concord, they should always consider when and where is an appropriate time to bring it up. If the Concord member in question is in the midst of debate, handling a separate situation, or in the midst of combat then waiting for that appropriate moment would be wise and essential.

The Matriarch

          As the guiding head of Nevaehlen, the Matriarch serves the people as a teacher and motherly presence comparable to even that of Bolommormaa or Cerridwen herself. She has the final say on all matters concerning the village, though divides these duties amongst the rest of the Concord. Her advice is provided to aid in this and better guide the decisions of the Concord as a whole. 

The Eldarch

          The Matriarch’s hand, the Eldarch, is an individual meant to serve as her second in guiding the efforts of the Concord and advising the other members in caring for the village. While they do not have the same authority of the Matriarch, they are a means of reaching her without interrupting her busy day-to-day.

The Valeseer

          The commander of the Halerir’elame, the Valeseer, oversees all matters of the military and the Vale’s safety. They organize the defense and training of the village kin, equip all with the necessary means to fight, and ensure that all are following the laws and traditions of the Vale. To disobey their word is to invite swift punishment.

The Keeper

          The Keeper is the master of keys and stewardry. They manage the housing of every villager and see to the welcoming of new kin to the Vale’s woodland walls while being an example of what it means to be a villager of Nevaehlen.

The Triumvirate of Wild Chiefs

          Just as the Matriarch has her Eldarch, the Valeseer has the three Wild Chiefs to aid in commanding the Halerir’elame. They are meant to serve as the captains of the military and act as the hands and enforcers to the Valeseer’s decisions, while also advising them on matters of the Vale’s safety.

The Greenblades

          The village militia that each and every member of the Vale must take part in. Every Greenblade has the authority to defend the village, its inhabitants, and the culture that resides within it. They, however, do not have the authority to make decisions regarding the dealing of punishment for criminal offenses, diplomacy and foreign affairs, and other matters left in the hands of the Concord. This, of course, does not pertain to matters of life and death such as self-defense, the removal of banished individuals, or executing those who are marked for death. Further authority to act may be given by members of the Concord.

The Conduct of the Stag

          The following are topics and their descriptions of how all villagers of the Vale and guests are required and expected to act. All those who visit or live amongst the Vale of Nevaehlen must abide by these rules. The code is subject to change.

Topics

         § 1 - On Classifications of Conduct

          § 1.01 Required to protect the Vale from any harm to the land or its members

          § 1.02 Required to protect fellow brethren of the Vale

          § 1.03 Required to uphold the tenets, culture, and faith of the Vale

          § 1.04 Required to remove any dark mages from the Vale

          § 1.05 Required to preserve and protect the Father Tree

          § 1.06 Required to uphold the very Code of Conduct

          § 1.07 Avoid political matters on Father Circle grounds

          § 1.08 Required to maintain one allegiance to the Vale, without holdings or affiliations to other nations or settlements.

         § 2 - On Classifications of Crime

         § 2.01 Crimes Against Nature

         § 2.01.1 - Voidal Magic- When a person or group of magi who possesses, practices or attempts to practice the conjuring of spells, creatures, or items of voidal origin within the village are to vacate the premises or be marked for death. 

         § 2.01.2 - Land Destruction- When a person or group who deliberately destroys, or attempts to destroy an environment are to vacate the premises. 

         § 2.01.3 - Animal Cruelty- When a person or group who deliberately harms, or attempts to harm an animal with malicious intent are to vacate the premises. 

         § 2.01.4 - Disturbance of Nature- When a non-druid person or group who intentionally acts in a means to disrupt nature's peace are to vacate the premises.

         § 2.01.5 - Disturbance of the Father Tree- When a person or group attempts, or successfully attacks, harms, or destroys the Father Tree, a banishment is warranted. 

         § 2.01.6 - Interbreeding- When a person or group suggests, attempts to, or engages in romantic relations between an elf and that of another race, a banishment is warranted. 

         § 2.02 - Crimes Against Citizens

         § 2.02.1 - Violence-  When a person or group attempts or successfully kidnaps, assaults, murders, or harrasses members of the Vale, a banishment and shun are warranted within the village.

         § 2.02.2 - Theft- When a person or group attempts or successfully steals the property of a member, a warning will be administered.

         § 2.03 - Crimes Against the Village

         § 2.03.1 - Disturbance of the Peace - When a person or group, intentionally or unintentionally, disrupts the peace and sanctuary of the village, a warning will be administered. 

         § 2.03.2 - Destruction of Property- When a person or group attempts or successfully sabotages, destroys, or vandalizes property within the Vale, a banishment is warranted. 

         § 2.04 - Crimes Against the Vale

         § 2.04.1 - Propaganda- When a person or group spreads false information about the Vale of Nevaehlen, whether the slander is within or outside the Vale, a banishment is warranted. 

         § 2.04.2 - Vigilantism- When a person or group acts on enforcing the law or pursuing matters of the Vale without the authority of the Concord, a banishment is warranted.

         § 2.04.3 - Treason- When a person or group betrays information or aid to enemies of the Vale with the intent of harming the village or its people, a shun is warranted.

         § 3 - On Classifications of Entry

         § 3.01 Dark Mages- Individuals who possess or practice the use of dark magics and/or dark magic items are not welcomed within the village; ie, Necromancy, voidal magic, demons. Any who are found within the village will be removed from the premises or marked for death. 

         § 3.02 Unnatural Creatures- Any unnatural creature is not welcomed within the village; ie, Undead, voidal constructs. Exceptions can be made for Sorvians depending on their intentions. Any who are found within the village will be removed from the premises or marked for death.

         § 3.03 Refusal to Leave- Any individual or group who refuses to leave upon order of the members of the Father Circle or Vale, a banishment will be warranted.

         § 3.04 Concealed Identity- All individuals and groups are expected to remove any helmets, masks, hoods, cloaks, etcetera upon entry to the Vale. Refusal will result in a warning and barred entry. Exceptions to the rule include Halerir’elame and Vale residents.

         § 4 - On Classifications of Punishments

         § 4.01 Banishment- The person or group is not allowed entry within the Vale of Nevaehlen.

         § 4.02 Shun- The person or group will not be spoken to and are not allowed within the Vale of Nevaehlen. 

         § 4.03 Marked for Death- The person or group will be killed on sight within the territories of the Vale without pleas or mercy.

**Under special cases where any of the above is brought to a member of the Concord, further punishments may be dealt depending on the situation.

`

“How many lands have we left behind as desolate wastelands? How many more will we leave in ruin, before we as druii realize that we must go beyond what we have traditionally done? The descendants of this world are greedy, and cursed. They take, and take, and take. I will not let them take more, if I can help it. Will you do what must be done? Or will you fall into complacency, as so many others have?”

 - Yulnir Caerme’onn

Art by Ultragiffy

Culture 

Carrying out the Father Circle’s sacred duty of reclamation to nature upon this ruined city, the druii and their fellow elves have made it their own, taking great care and initiative in the protection and preservation of the newly established glade. The commune they have created roots itself in primal wood elven tradition, considering it vital that they do all within their power to diminish their impact, and that of the ruin they have settled within, upon the surrounding environment.

Driven by this belief in reclamation, citizens occupy both abandoned and reformed homes and burrows, while also putting previous structures to use as places of gathering; be it for teaching, training, working or lounging. A number of institutions are established for denizens to participate in within the glade, ranging from the traditionalist craftsmen and women of the Treesingers, to the Priesthood of the Wild Faith, to the informal militia of the Rangers, a number of familial Seeds and, of course, the Father Circle itself.

Particularly influential in the survival methods of the local elves is the Treesingers guild and its teachings, having been founded in memory and honor of the first elves to cultivate the Ame’lie trees. These versatile and varied trees were once, as the story goes, gifted to the Mali’ame as a means for them to live in greater harmony with nature, avoiding excess consumption of its resources through hunting and gathering. From these trees the commune is able to source goods such as clothing, tools, weapons, herbs, food, alcohol and more in a way that is entirely sustainable when managed with care. This prevents over-reliance on the more fragile, less plentiful resources of the nearby land.

The Father Circle and the Priesthood of the Wild Faith make up the cultural heart of Nevaehlen and oversee a majority of its festivals and events, with the former additionally responsible for the commune’s leadership under the Raitheans- Archdruids by another name. The Rangers, meanwhile, serve to defend the land that they call home; conscripting anyone of suitable age and ability to their cause, for complacency is not the natural path, and all must fight for what is theirs.

While small in size, the glade promotes a unified, collectivist spirit amongst those living in Nevaehlen. Beyond the duties and professions of those bustling village peoples, are the core values that lie amongst the varying seeds.  

The Father Circle - Druids

“You act as if the realm is kind and harmonic. Here's a dose of reality.”

- Sister Lioness, Andria Tresery, Raithean of Summer

Art by Edil Akolli

Of great warriors and protectors of nature, the Father Circle contains some of the most primal, experienced survivalists with the purpose to enact the druidic duties in a more proactive manner. The fold partakes in warrior-esque traditions from training, and smithing, to rituals strengthening the spirit and mind.

The Circle as a whole functions as one pack -- one kin that breathes the same air and bleeds through a single vein. Members are taught how to wield a weapon above all else so that they might prepare adequately to cut down the unworldly abominations that threaten the balance. The path of destruction and reclamation of what has corrupted and/or taken over the land is one of the most radical ideals the circle focuses on. 

[For more information on the Father Circle, click here.]

Seeds - Wood Elven Families

Seeds are the ancient families of the wood elves, first established when Irrin Sirame led her people away from the collapse of Malin’s kingdom, and into the woods. Each of these tribes carry with them a unique cultural identity. Many bear sacred markings, known as Ilmyumier, which is a way of visually upholding the values of an individual, or of the tribe itself. 

Each Seed has a chieftain who is responsible for guiding those that have become part of their family, or wish to take their trials. Some find their identity as hunters, others as crafters, and others still - sticking true to the nomadic nature of the Mali’ame - are wanderers. 

It is the Seeds that embody the culture of the Mali’ame, and provide unity and individuality to all who take part in it. The Seeds keep the Mali’ame legacy alive and ever-growing. From the collapse of nations to the rise of villages, this structure is what keeps the ‘ame tied to their roots and to the very balance they’re meant to steward.
 

Three of these Seeds have been established within Nevaehlen upon its founding;

The Caerme’onn are the one of the eldest seeds of the Mali’ame, and are characterized as leaders, warriors, and devout aspectists. Their name is one steeped in history, with many figures legendary amongst the Mali’ame stemming from its lines. 

The Sirame are a priestly seed established in recognition of Irrin Sirame herself. Their focus is upon the continuation and preservation of the Mali’ame peoples’ culture, and they pay unique homage and respect to the Green Dragaar Taynei’hiylu.

The Tresery Seed and its origins lie deep within the savannah. Known as the Lions of Tresery, this Seed devotes itself to the following of the Great Lion Spirit Mahae which promotes the legend to strengthen one's self to face and overcome any odds. Though a smaller Seed, Pride, Courage, Leadership, and Loyalty are seen within every member and known in some form to their fellow kin on the deeds and achievements done. 

[For more information on the Caerme'onn, click here. For Sirame. For Tresery.]

elNarnsae’ame - The Wild Priests

“The wild path is the way we can live harmoniously in this world. As druids, we must teach the descendants a way to live in balance, otherwise we accept the opposite. That descendants are a threat to the balance. It would pit us against our brothers and sisters. In this way we keep our love for others, while still serving the aspects, and this world.” 

- Awaiti Sirame

Art by Benjamin Giletti

A major part of the wood elven culture is tied to the elNarnsae’ame, the Wild Faith. The Wild Faith and priests of this path aid the Father Circle Druii in teaching the citizens the duty of upholding the balance by serving nature. The Priests are representatives typically donning several ilyumier, hosting trials, rituals, and lessons of the wood elven culture. 

In both ancient and modern times, wood elves have lived in small, close knit communities densely tucked away under canopying forests. They travel with their kin, worshipping the Aspects as well as the great animal spirits, Mani. In harmony with the Druidic fold, both Priests and Father Circle Druii will fight for reclamation and balance within nature.

[For more information on the elNarnsae’ame, click here.]

Rangers - Citizens Militia 

“Test us, will they? Very well, lliran- let us show them the wilds’ way.”

-An experienced Ranger directing her kin.

Art by Vernossiel

Foregoing the creation of any typical guard force, the defence of Nevaehlen is a duty shared by all that reside within. Organized into a loose militia, those denizens who are of age and of able body are expected to raise their blades and their bows in service to the whole, to shed their blood and risk their lives to preserve that which is theirs. This, to ensure that none take for granted the land they reside upon, and to remain in tune with the natural order of things.

Leadership of the Rangers of Nevaehlen is not strictly outlined, and instead depends upon the knowledge the closely bound group has of one-another. Those with the most experience and capability are recognized by their peers, and their lead is followed when occasion for it arises. By living, training, and fighting together, the Rangers of Nevaehlen form a closely knit band of friends and kin unified towards a simple and singular purpose; to preserve what is theirs.

Apothecary - Village Healers

Art by Ann Kondrat

The humble apothecary is a staple institution of Nevaehlen, and a place not only of physical healing, but mental healing as well. Staffed by any citizen appropriately educated for the endeavor, the Apothecary serves to remedy both the physical and psychological woes of those who find themselves within its homey, cluttered interior. By focusing on the mental state of the patient as much as their physical one, the medics offer an open ear and words of advice for what troubles the patient. Healing, it is believed, is a process as much about the mind as the body.

As all things in Nevaehlen, the apothecary is a communal project towards which all citizens are asked to contribute. From group expeditions in search of valuable herbs, or a willingness to volunteer in an emergency, it is the duty of the community to support and aid their own. Lessons are frequently held to ensure more of the population is able to staff the Apothecary, and any funds collected through its services to outsiders go towards the betterment of the settlement. For those living within, its services come free of charge.

[OOC: Special thanks to @Kalehart for helping me write this post! Also thank you to @NomadGaiafor ideas!]