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Music

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“ᴀɴᴅ ᴛʜᴜꜱ, ᴛʜᴇ ᴠᴏɪᴄᴇ ᴏꜰ ɪꜱᴠɪɴ ꜱᴏᴜɴᴅᴇᴅ, 

ᴀɴᴅ ᴡʏʀᴠᴜɴ'ꜱ ᴍᴏꜱᴛ ᴅᴇᴠᴏᴜᴛ ɢᴀᴛʜᴇʀᴇᴅ ᴜɴᴅᴇʀ ᴛʜᴇ ᴡᴀʏꜱʜʀɪɴᴇ ᴏꜰ ᴅᴇᴀᴛʜ”

-Proclamation of Conclave-

 {❆}

Among the Snow Elves of Fenn, the most faithful to Wyrvun gather around an ancient order of priests.

Bound together by oath, they serve and uphold the Aengul of Sorrow's teachings. 

 “ᴛʜᴇ ᴏʀᴅᴇʀ ᴏꜰ ᴠɪɢɪʟᴀɴᴛꜱ” 

Through the religion of Isvinity and their position as Fenn’s main religious body, they labour to ensure that Wyrvun’s influence over the realm and its people remains unyielding and that the Wyrvunic Concord is respected. The Concord is the underlying binding contract that all Mali’fenn are subject to. Wyrvun restored the sanity of the Mali’fenn and bestowed upon them the divine right to rule over the lands of Fin’hesin, the realms of eternal winter upon the mortal world, as its protectors. In this capacity, it is the duty of the Snow Elves to protect Fin’hesin, nourish the life within, and stave off any who wish to corrupt those lands. Upon the deaths of the Mali’fenn, their souls are to travel to Fin’ciwn, the Aengul’s own realm of eternal winter, also known as Isvin, where they might rest forever in eternal slumber alongside Wyrvun. In return, they are to impart upon Wyrvun the collective wisdom of their lived experiences and most importantly, pass on the names of those many deceased so that they can be remembered.

In this day and age, the order is deeply interwoven in Fennic society and its members are heavily respected. They take the role of Priests, archivists, healers, warriors, teachers, and monks, among many others, as they guide the Fennic people through the many hardships that life in the frozen tundra can offer. 

Though they are now established, this was not always the case, as their long history can attest.

“Cold Preserves. Cold Purifies. Cold Remembers.”

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AELTHOS’ BAND BELOW AND THE INJURED ONDNARCH FLYING ABOVE

The Order of Vigilant’s lengthy history spans back around a thousand years, its earliest documented event happening not long after the corruption of Aelthos’ Band.  It is said that the Fennic diaspora in their addled state gave worship to the corrupted dragon Ondnarch, forming the predecessor to the actual order. Their methods are since lost, but it was not uncommon for some of the ‘fenn to follow him into battle against the Dwarves. 

Eventually, the battle against Ondnarch was won and the freed form of Wyrvun was released. The Concord was struck between Wyrvun and the ‘fenn, where in return for restored sanity the Mali’fenn would give worship to Wyrvun and watch over his realm of Fin’hesin while he was too weak to do so. The ‘fenn fulfilled these duties, but the religion was disorganised, appearing in many forms because none could come to a decision on the correct way to revere him. To remedy this, Wyrvun delivered a message to Siol of the Atmorice Bloodline; it is said that in a dream Wyrvun appeared before Siol and directed her to shepherd the ‘fenn and not allow them to become corrupted like him. This event was followed by the establishment of the Priesthood of Wyrvun, where under Siol the ‘fenn established the temples and wayshrines that have littered the domain of Fin’hesin since.

This form of worship usually consisted of ceremonies, offerings, and pilgrimages at and to the various Wayshrines. A ‘fenn was expected to go on countless such journeys over the years, especially at important parts of their life. In a similar manner to the Princedom of Fenn, the Priesthood would fall upon hard times with the destruction of Tahu’lareh and the dispersion of the Fennic population. It was not until the time of Vytrek Tundrak that the Mali’fenn were reunited as one and the city of Ikur’fiyem was established, and as such, discussion of the Priesthood was brought up once more, where it underwent a reformation into the Order of Vigilants that we see today.

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WYRVUN APPEARING IN SIOL’S DREAM

“ɪᴛ ɪꜱ ᴏᴜʀ ᴅᴜᴛʏ ᴛᴏ ʀᴇᴍᴇᴍʙᴇʀ. ᴛᴏ ɴᴇᴠᴇʀ ꜰᴏʀɢᴇᴛ ᴛʜᴏꜱᴇ ᴡʜᴏ ʜᴀᴠᴇ ɢᴏɴᴇ.”

-Teachings of Wyrvun-

Formed during the time of the Fennic Remnants, the Vigilants represent the most devout followers of Wyrvun. They are an order of Priests bound by oath to serve the Aengul of Sorrow. Recognized by their typically white robes and adorning metallic dragon horns, these faithful are responsible for upholding the Wyrvunic Concord, serving the Fennic people, and defending the wayshrines scattered around Fin’hesin. However, even now the Vigilants go through countless reformations as the Mali’fenn slowly uncover more information about Wyrvun, and new revelations in the land of Azuras have led to new paths being formed and old ones abandoned. 

The Order recognizes four main pillars that each represent a facet of Wyrvun’s teachings and coincides with the Cycle of Death, the Fennic way of life: Death, Deliverance, Solace, Remembrance. A wayshrine is dedicated to each path and individuals of said path are charged with its defence and upkeep, and a Vigilant is assigned a path by Wyrvun himself, which is reflective of who they are as a person.

 {❆}

 ❆[ The Path of Death ] ❆

“ᴡᴇ ᴍᴜꜱᴛ ᴘʀᴏᴛᴇᴄᴛ ᴛʜᴇ ʟɪɴᴇ ʙᴇᴛᴡᴇᴇɴ ʟɪꜰᴇ ᴀɴᴅ ᴅᴇᴀᴛʜ”

Wyrvun teaches us that in the end, all are greeted with the cold embrace of death. It is the great equalizer where all ‘fenn, having lived a faithful life, are welcomed into the realm of Isvin. As such, Vigilants who embody this path seek to protect the sanctity of death, those who pass, and the souls of those yet living so they may be granted a peaceful rest. Morticians, Crypt Keepers, Exorcists; as ice quiets, so too do Vigilants of Death.

 ❆[ The Path of Deliverance ] ❆

“ᴡᴇ ᴍᴜꜱᴛ ɢɪᴠᴇ ᴅᴇʟɪᴠᴇʀᴀɴᴄᴇ ᴛᴏ ᴛʜᴏꜱᴇ ᴡʜᴏ ꜱᴜꜰꜰᴇʀ”

Wyrvun teaches us that there are those who live in constant suffering, tainted and corrupted, and that even they are deserving of empathy and mercy, as are all beings. As such, Vigilants who embody this path are tasked with ending the suffering of those afflicted by the many evil curses of the world and are expected to act with grace and decorum while doing so. Warriors, Healers, Purifiers; as ice numbs, so too do the Vigilants of Deliverance.

 ❆[ The Path of Solace] ❆

“ᴡᴇ ᴍᴜꜱᴛ ʙʀɪɴɢ ꜱᴏʟᴀᴄᴇ ᴛᴏ ᴛʜᴏꜱᴇ ɪɴ ᴅᴇꜱᴘᴀɪʀ”

Wyrvun teaches us that sorrow is an integral and inescapable part of life and that it is your duty to your kin to shoulder the burden, as Wyrvun did for the ‘fenn. As such, Vigilants who embody this path are expected to be heavily involved in Fennic society with a focus on relieving the pains of their Mali’fenn kin. Coordinators, Friends, Confidants; as ice weeps, so too do Vigilants of Solace.

 ❆[ The Path of Remembrance ] ❆

“ᴡᴇ ᴍᴜꜱᴛ ʀᴇᴍᴇᴍʙᴇʀ ᴛʜᴏꜱᴇ ᴡʜᴏ ᴄᴀᴍᴇ ʙᴇꜰᴏʀᴇ”

Wyrvun teaches us that we must remember those who came before and preserve knowledge of past events so it may be passed down through generations and never forgotten. As such, Vigilants who embody this path dwell on times long past and put a particular focus on being witnesses to events ongoing. Archivers, Historians, Storytellers; as ice preserves, so too do Vigilants of Remembrance.

 {❆}

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As with any religious order, the Vigilants follow a strict hierarchy.

From the highest of ranks to the newly joined, all are expected to respect the structure of the order. 

❆⊱ ᴠɪɢɪʟᴀɴᴛ - This title represents the majority of those within the order. They are the devout of Wyrvun, his priests in the mortal realm, whose mission is to uphold his beliefs and teachings. One attains this rank after completing many trials and going through a selective recruitment process. Only when such trials are completed and acknowledged does one become a Vigilant. 

There are Vigilants of each Path. Each tends to their specific Wayshrine and has different roles and responsibilities.

Upon attaining vigilancy, one will be granted a moniker that represents a value or attribute related to their path. The title, carefully chosen, is granted to one who represent the value or attribute best, above all others, and is expected to serve as both example and correction to the faithful. 

An example would be Vigilant of Discipline, under the Path of Deliverance, the title given to one who embodies this attribute better than any other.

❆⊱ ᴀʀᴄʜᴠɪɢɪʟᴀɴᴛ - Standing above the Vigilants are four Archvigilants, one for each path, that hold dominion over their respective wayshrine and the Vigilants bound to it. No more than four may be recognized at any given time, and so, it is a position passed down through generations and held until one steps down or perishes. It is a station of leadership and great responsibility, as together, their council serves as the final authority in matters of faith. It is a powerful position in Fennic society.

Upon taking the position, the Archvigilant is entrusted with ancient relics held by their predecessors, each path having different relics.  They must safeguard these items and ensure that they are passed on to their successor.

When ascending to Archvigilancy, one would have to let go of their previous moniker to be simply referred to as their path. For example, “Death” or “The Archvigilant of Death”, as they now represent the path in its entirety. 

❆⊱ ʜɪɢʜ ᴠɪɢɪʟᴀɴᴛ  - The highest rank within the order, the role of High Vigilant serves as the overseer to the Vigilants and can only be achieved when directly chosen by the previous High Vigilant after many years of faithful service to Wyrvun. They have the power to call the conclave, a meeting between all the Vigilants where a wide range of topics can be discussed and, in rare situations, they have the ability to break a tie in Archvigilant votings. In general, they serve as a figurehead for the Vigilants and are there to offer advice for both the Order of Vigilants and the populace alike.

VIGILANTS GATHERING FOR A CONCLAVE

༒︎⊰‿̩͙⊰• ❆•⊱‿̩͙⊱༒︎

J O I N I N G

Joining the Order of Vigilants is no easy feat. To be one with Wyrvun’s most devout, an aspirant Vigilant must go through two rounds of trials and prove themselves to those already in the order. Entry is very restrictive and only a few ever make it to the final trials. Therefore, attaining Vigilancy is seen as a great accomplishment among the ‘fenn.

❆⊱ ᴘʀᴏꜱᴘᴇᴄᴛ  - The first step in the path of Vigilancy, a Prospect is one above the age of 18 who has expressed their wish to join the order. If a Vigilant accepts them, they may commence the process of trialing the Prospect to see if they are worthy of progressing to the next rank. 

A Prospect must complete a set of four trials, each representing the different paths, in a specific order, preferably under the watchful gaze of a Vigilant of that path. 

[Trial of Remembrance] -  The first trial, to test one’s capacity to research, remember and accurately transcribe knowledge. The Prospect must write a chronicle recounting the life and achievements of one of the many deceased, preferably a Snow Elf. It is a most sacred and daunting task where one must research and put to paper a biography of the chosen dead, immortalising them. Effort, quality, and accuracy are expected. Should the work be of exceptional writing, it may be displayed next to the tomb of the deceased and/or the library should they not be in the crypts.

[Trial of Solace] -  The second trial is to test one’s capacity to form connections, understand others, and create. The Prospect is tasked with meeting a person they aren’t acquainted with, chosen by the examiner, and must then proceed to form a bond. Then, the aspiring Vigilant must craft an item based on said person and their understanding of them. In the end, the examiner and the chosen person will judge the creation, both in its quality and its likeness to them. Should the item meet the standards, it may be gifted to the chosen person or displayed in the Vigilant halls for all to see.

[Trial of Deliverance] -  The third trial, to test one’s willpower and their capacity to adapt, survive and triumph. The Prospect is tasked with venturing into the tundra on their lonesome. Equipped with nothing, they may use whatever they find to craft tools and weapons necessary to surviving in the frozen wilderness. Only when they slay a worthy beast, may they return to the Wayshrine of Deliverance, where their examiner awaits, and offer their prize as a sacrifice to the Aengul, if it meets the evaluator’s standards. A trophy may be kept by the Prospect, be it a cape fashioned from the creature’s fur or a dagger from its claws, talons, or even bones, to remember the hunt.

[Trial of Death] - The fourth and final trial is to test one’s faith, devotion, comprehension, and capacity to improvise even when pushed at the brink of death. The Prospect is tasked with bathing in a frozen lake, where, under the watch of their examiner, they will allow themselves to be ritually drowned in ice cold water. It is believed that when the sweet embrace of death is only inches away, the things most important to an individual flashes before one’s eyes. These visions are thought to be a dream sent by the Aengul of Sorrow himself, that the Prospect must recount and make sense of to their examiner once awakened from their near death experience. It is this vision, if properly understood, that will determine their path, should they succeed.

❆⊱ ɴᴏᴠɪᴛɪᴀᴛᴇ  - Only when a Prospect completes the trial of Death, may they be considered to become a Novitiate by an Archvigilant.

It is when one ascends to a Novitiate that the true trials begin. Assigned to an already established Vigilant or Archvigilant, preferably of the same chosen path, a Novitiate is expected to learn under their new mentor, effectively squiring under them. In turn, the mentor will constantly be judging their apprentice, handing out trials as they see fit in order to make sure they have what it takes. At any given point, should the examiner deem their student unworthy, they may fail them, effectively barring them from continuing on the path to Vigilancy, until it is deemed otherwise by the council. However, should the opposite be true, and a Novitiate aces all their trials and lessons, the aspirant would be presented to the Archivigilants for review, where a final inspection will determine if they are accepted into the order or not.

Should the answer be positive, the Novitiate ascends to Full Vigilancy. It is at this point where their mentor, after their long and careful examination, would bestow upon the new Vigilant their moniker, which would have been chosen based on how one acted during their tenure as a Novitiate.

༒︎⊰⊰• ────༻❆༺ ────•⊱⊱༒︎

In the name of Wyrvun, Aengul of Sorrow

I pledge my devotion for all to know

The Frost beckons and I answer the call

A Vigilant rises, pray I never fall.

༒︎⊰⊰• ────༻❆༺ ────•⊱⊱༒︎

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Once a Novitiate ascends to Vigilancy they are given many new responsibilities and are expected to fulfill a number of roles in Fennic society. From simple day to day tasks to more occasional grand events, these roles are separated by path. Though every Vigilant may perform every task, it is encouraged that Vigilants of a Wayshrine tend in priority to the roles of their specified path. 

༒︎⊰⊰• ────༻❆༺ ────•⊱⊱༒︎

༺[ Vigilants of Death ]༻

A Vigilant of Death is the invisible thread that holds the order together. A more esoteric path, those who join these ranks focus on spirituality and the inner workings of Snow Elven society and its faithful. They are a reserved group, tasked with the most sacred duty of guarding the boundary between life and death.

༒︎⊰⊰• ────༻❆༺ ────•⊱⊱༒︎

༺[ Vigilants of Deliverance ]༻

A Vigilant of Deliverance is the shield of the Order and the Mali’fenn. To be on the path of Deliverance is to know danger and combat. They are trained and disciplined warrior-priests who specialize in supporting the warriors of the Ivae’fenn and fighting the unholy: those that corrupt death & demons.

༒︎⊰⊰• ────༻❆༺ ────•⊱⊱༒︎

༺[ Vigilants of Solace]༻

A Vigilant of Solace has a vital role within the Order, for they are the very heart of the Mali’fenn. When life is filled with despair and sorrow, it is they who would extend a shining hand. These Vigilants are focused outward and always have the people at heart.

༒︎⊰⊰• ────༻❆༺ ────•⊱⊱༒︎

༺[ Vigilants of Remembrance ]༻

A Vigilant of Remembrance is the backbone of the Order, tasked with safeguarding knowledge that has been preserved through generations. They are archivers, focused on accumulating knowledge and teaching it. They also spread the story of Wyrvun to both the Mali’fenn and any would-be listener.

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ᴛʜᴇ ᴏʀᴅᴇʀ ᴏꜰ ᴠɪɢɪʟᴀɴᴛꜱ

❆ From the office of the High Vigilant ❆

༒︎⊰⊰• ────༻❆༺ ────•⊱⊱༒︎

With the establishment of the Order of Vigilants once more the time has come for the First Conclave of Azuras in order to organise our ranks and begin our mission once more to shepherd the people of Fenn with Wyrvun’s tenants at heart. Every Vigilant is required to respond to this missive or show up to the Conclave or their role and Moniker shall be forfeit.

༒︎⊰‿̩͙⊰• ❆ •⊱‿̩͙⊱༒︎

Wyrvun liewynh y'kaean

-Wyrvun smiles upon us-

OOC:

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NÚRON ATMORICE, Speaker of the Archonic Council, Archon of the Atmorice Bloodline, High Vigilant of the Order of Vigilants and Wyrvun’s Most Devoted Follower

What is it that drives you, gives you purpose? Why do you wake in the morning when the sun rises above the distant mountains and casts shadows across the world? Is it your choice, or are you a sheep who follows those who guide you to the prosperity of your ancestors? Regardless of what you say or think, there is nothing wrong with that.

There was a time, in my youth, when I looked upon the endless snowdrifts and barren stones of the north and wondered what future awaited our people. The tundra is cruel, it strips weakness from the bones and leaves only endurance behind. Many looked upon it and saw only hardship, isolation, and hunger.

Yet I saw something different. I saw hearths burning within halls filled with laughter. I saw children racing between the pines while their elders shared stories beside warm tables. I saw mali’fenn standing not as scattered people clawing through winter, but as kin bound together by purpose and trust. A people who would never again need to fear starvation or abandonment so long as they stood beside one another.

I dreamed of a land where strength was not inherited solely through blood or ancient name, but earned through will, devotion, and labor. Where any among us- hunter, laborer, scholar, warrior- might rise should they possess the courage to strive for more. Not because destiny handed them greatness, but because they reached for it with their own hands.

That dream was never one of comfort alone, for peace is not idleness, community is not complacency. A thriving people are not built by those who merely exist within the confines of a settlement and wait for others to shape the future for them. They are built by those who wake each morn with purpose in their heart.

And so I ask again: what drives you?

What vision of the future compels you forward? What mark shall you leave upon your kin, your people, and the generations that come after you? Will you simply walk the path laid before you, or will you help carve a new one through the snow?

The future of Fenn will not be decided by its leaders alone. It shall be decided by every soul who choose to build something greater.

Signed,

Elyndra Tathvir

Archon of the Tathvir Bloodline

To all our Mali’fenn kin of honoured Bloodline and bloodless alike:

The following missive is to declare that the dishounorable Lyun Sylric is hereby banished from all Fennic lands and prohibited from communication with any and all Mali’fenn or affiliates with the Fennic Remnants, excepting the council to immediately follow.

The Sylric has but one chance to appear before the Archonic council for judgement before kin and Wyrvun. Should this summons not be answered then they will forfeit their right to life and will be declared Kill on Sight with a bounty of Two-Hundred and Fifty minae.

The following are the crimes that are accused:

Attempted Murder,
Threats,
Aystra’isvin.

The Atmorice Bloodline now exercises its right to summon the Archonic council.

Núron Atmorice,

Archon of the Atmorice Bloodline, Wyrvun’s Most Devoted Follower.

To the so-called ‘Witch Kingdom’ of Rimeglem,

The cowardly lackeys of the Black Church.

We tore your banners asunder, sycophants! It was the prayer of my pet hound Cilwen, that you’d come and attend our meeting, that she might have taken a femur from the “Bitch King” himself, to gnaw upon. Perhaps it may’ve chipped a tooth on that bone-- it’d have been the greatest injury suffered by any number of our combatants! 

Where were you?

Many a Norlander warned us, hollering to us as we passed on mounted steeds to our wedding we held last year. 

“The Tundra is a Warzone!” 

“Be ye ware, Fennick Elves, turn back or face ye doom!”

But even as we passed the banners announcing our arrival to our Blessed Boreal, what you call your Rime. We remained unharassed. There was nothing but the breeze of Fin’heisn that occupied our ears after the oaths made at the altar. No wistful cries, no necrotic shackles, nor the shuffle of undead feet.

Where were you?

I sit here now, in the heart of the hearth, surrounded by kith and kin after the conclusion of the meeting. I wiped the ass of a horse (Isinvairë) with the banner of your Clingdom, the crown you so desperately try to hold onto, and threw it onto the fire in my own hearth, here, in the heart of the Tundra.

Where were you?

A hundred times, I have walked up to your keep. Children play in its shadow, you know. I waited, lulling, preparing an ambush in the woods of your keep. But not even a stirring came from it. Not a single individual came or went. I wonder, if I walk a cannon up to it and blast down the door, shall I find anything of note inside?

Cob webs? 

Abandoned halls?

Is it all a front? The house of a hoarder's stash?

No one fears you. I cannot even bring myself, as a supposed enemy, to respect you, for as far as I have seen, there is no tact to respect. There is no ability. Come out and fight me, Bitch King! Do you fear a fight finally brought to your own halls?

Come out and fight, Bitch King! Do you stick your head into the snow, praying we simply disappear, as I surround you with canons and ballistae? 

Sally forth! I grow bored with this game. The Wyrm rests within its den and calls its domain its own, unbothered by the gnats that wander here and fro.

Where are you, o you who proclaim strength? Show your sword arm, ‘King of the Undead.’ Show the strength of your Rimeglen, before the Tundra swallows your keep whole, and you learn again to fear the living, sons and daughters of Wyrvun.

We are your doom,

We are your penance,

Emaelia Drakon

Speaker of the Archonic Council, Archon of Drakon, Archvigilant of War.

To all Mali’fenn,

Of Honored Bloodline and Bloodless alike:

Long has a state of diaspora dishonored our forebears. Disunity is not the mark of a Fenn, a Guardian is no wanderer, but a warrior.

Harken, Mali’fenn, blooded and bloodless. Be fearful no longer- uncertain no longer. Let unity reign, and in the cold embrace of our Lord's realm shall the Archons be called to speak.

Let it be known: the Drakon Bloodline now exercises its right to summon the Archonic council. We shall dispel the chaos of idle muttering and empty words, and in its place, forge a future shaped by the will of the Mali’fenn.

Emaelia Drakon,

Archon of the Drakon Bloodline, Archvigilant of War, Vigilant of Discipline

History

The Tathvir Bloodline traces its roots to the icy, mountainous reaches of Wyrvun’s domain, where the Princedom was founded. The lineage was founded by Amara Tathvir, a matriarch renowned for both her courage in battle and her care for her people. She fought alongside her frostborn kin to defend their homes from threats, establishing a legacy of valor amongst the mali'fenn.

Under Amara’s guidance, the Tathvir flourished. Many scions became healers of great renown, while others took up arms of blades, bows, and spears alike to protect the Princedom in its wars and crises. The bloodline’s influence grew, not merely through strength, but through great commitment to the wellbeing of the Fennic people.

Amara’s death marked a turning point. Bereft of her guiding hand, the Tathvir experienced a brief period of uncertainty and internal strife. Yet even in this, the values she instilled endured. From this moment arose the tradition of electing an Archon, a senior Tathvir entrusted with leading and upholding the responsibilities of the bloodline.

Through the centuries, the Tathvir have evolved from defenders of the Princedom to the living embodiment of Fennic unity. They became mediators, first responders, and guardians, ensuring that no conflict festers and no soul is left uncared for. Their history is not measured merely in battles won or enemies defeated, but in the countless lives touched and protected by their enduring efforts.

Modern Leadership: Elyndra Tathvir

In the present age, the Tathvir lineage is guided by Elyndra Tathvir, who has assumed the mantle of Archon with an ambitious vision. Recognizing the need to adapt the bloodline’s traditions to a changing world, Elyndra has dedicated herself to the revival and unification of the Fennic people, seeking to ensure that the values of the Tathvir remain relevant for a modern era.

Under her leadership, the structure of governance has been reformed. Elyndra has overseen a thorough reorganization of the Fennic state, revising the Ivae’fenn to better reflect the expected principles of structure. Her reforms are not merely administrative, they are deeply cultural and redefine what it means to be a proud member of Fenn in a time where the survival of the people demands adaptability as much as tradition.

Elyndra has also updated the standards and the goals of the bloodline, emphasizing accountability, compassion, and presence in new and tangible ways. She has expanded the scope of the Tathvir’s duties, reinforcing the expectation that each member actively contributes to the wellbeing of the community while remaining a living embodiment of justice, guidance, and support.

Beliefs

The Tathvir believe that the strength of the Mali’fenn lies not in dominance, but in unity. To them, Wyrvun’s domain is not merely the frozen north, it is the endurance of a people bound together against it. Survival is not an individual act, but a collective one.

They do not see themselves as chosen above others, nor as the strongest among their kin. Instead, they believe they are responsible. They are responsible for:

• The wellbeing of their people.
• The resolution of internal conflict.
• The safe integration or removal of outsiders.

Values

Unity Above All

No pride, feud, or ideology outweighs the survival of the people.

Compassion as Duty

Kindness is not optional, it is expected.

Fair Justice

Every voice is heard, every judgement is considered.

But once decided, it is upheld.

Presence

A Tathvir does not abandon others, physically or emotionally.

Understanding Before Action

To act without knowing is to risk harming one’s own.

Traditions

Ceremonial Traditions

Life Celebrations

• When a child is born, the bloodline gathers to honor the new life and parents.
• Prayers of protection and wellbeing are offered, gifts are exchanged, and a communal feast is held.
• A book is passed around for members to write encouragement, wisdom, or memories for the child to read when they come of age.

Death and Remembrance

• Members may choose burial in the crypts or cremation.
• Cremated remains are partially solidified into a colored marble and added to the Mural of Lost Souls, a wooden plaque shaped like an otter, with initials etched on the front.
• A blessing and a commemorative feast follow, ensuring every life is honored.

Marriage

• Couples must survive together in the frozen woods of the tundra for a month, demonstrating endurance and unity.
• Upon returning, they present an offering to the Archon and bring a slain beast as proof of their ability to provide.
• Only then may the union be formally celebrated, symbolizing shared responsibility and commitment.

Moral & Social Traditions

The Open Hearth

• Regular gatherings where any ‘fenn may voice grievances.
• Tathvir mediate as guides, refusing to hear another is considered a failure.

Judgement Circles

• Disputes are settled in the presence of witnesses.
• Both sides speak, and a Tathvir (or group) renders judgement with a focus on resolution.

The Taking-In

• A sacred act in which a Tathvir formally assumes responsibility for another—orphans, lost ‘fenn, or even outsiders.
• Once taken in, they are considered family, reinforcing the bloodline’s role as guardians.

The River Vigil

• Before major decisions, a Tathvir retreats to solitude, often near water, to reflect and prepare judgements.

The Promise of Presence

• Abandoning someone in need is a deep cultural failing.
• Acts of atonement follow if this principle is not upheld, emphasizing steadfastness and support.

Combat Style

The Responders

The Tathvir do not fight for glory, they fight to end conflict with minimal loss.

The Hearthguard

• Defensive fighters
• Protect allies and control space
• Use short spears, shields, and bows

The Wayblades

• Agile skirmishers
• Focus on mobility, disarming, and disabling
• Use light blades and bows

Combat Philosophy

• End fights quickly
• Protect others first
• Kill only when necessary

“A victory that costs your people is no victory at all.”

Characteristics

Among the Mali’fenn bloodlines, the Tathvirs stand apart as the most distinct from their kin. Tracing their lineage back to Amara Tathvir, the family is notable for its members’ more compact physiques. As with many Mali’fenn, silver hair is common, often paired with turquoise eyes. On rare occasions, these eyes are accented by a faint ring of gold.

Known as the most welcoming of the bloodlines, the Tathvir are characterized by their warm, approachable nature and a keen emotional awareness of those around them. Their temperament is marked by patience and attentiveness, though they are fully capable of firmness when the situation demands it.

Clothing

The Tathvir distinguish clearly between their daily attire and that worn during ceremony, reflecting the nature of their role among the ‘fenn.

Daily Attire

In their day-to-day lives, the Tathvir dress in muted, practical tones of grey, worn whites, and soft earthen colors. Their clothing is layered, durable, and unassuming, meant for long hours spent among others. 

They do not seek to stand apart in appearance, instead they aim to be approachable and familiar, a presence others can turn to without hesitation.

Ceremonial Attire

In contrast, during gatherings, rituals, and moments of unity, the Tathvir don brighter colors: blues, teals, whites, and accents of gold.

These garments are not worn for status, but as a symbol.

• Blue and teal represent the flow of community and connection
• White reflects shared identity among the ‘fenn
• Gold accents signify the value of unity and the bonds between people

Accessories

• River-worn beads or polished stones
• Subtle jewelry symbolizing bonds with others

Relations With Others

The Tathvir carry themselves with an open warmth that sets them apart from many of their kin, though this kindness is never without intention. They do not see the other bloodlines as rivals to be measured against, but as parts of a whole that must remain in balance. Where others may approach with caution or pride, the Tathvir approach with understanding, seeking not to judge immediately- but to listen, observe, and guide where able.

To the other Mali’fenn, the Tathvir are often seen as approachable and dependable, if at times overly lenient or idealistic. Their willingness to hear all sides and extend patience can be mistaken for softness, though those who know them well understand that their resolve, once set, is not easily shaken. They are not distant, nor aloof- instead, they are present and often place themselves at the center of tension to ease them.

When interacting with other bloodlines the Tathvir favor small, meaningful gestures over grand displays. A steady hand placed upon a shoulder in reassurance, an offered seat by the fire, or the simple act of remaining to listen long after others have left- these are the ways in which they show respect. They do not demand recognition, nor do they seek to assert dominance. Rather, they foster trust through consistency, ensuring that their presence is felt as supportive.

Though they strive to maintain harmony among all, the Tathvir are not blind to the differences between bloodlines. They understand that some are harsher, more rigid, or more insular than others. Even so they do not turn away, but remain steadfast in their belief that unity is not found in sameness, but in the willingness to stand beside one another despite it.

Politics

The Tathvir are Malinist, but with a distinct interpretation:

They avoid unnecessary foreign entanglement, but will act when the safety of Fenn is threatened, internal unity begins to fracture, or when outsiders disrupt the balance of their people. They serve as mediators between bloodlines, gatekeepers for outsiders, and stabilizers in times of unrest.

Trials

The Three Charges of the Tathvir

A Tathvir is not recognized by age, nor by blood alone, but by what they are willing to carry. Before one is named fully trusted among the Tathvir, they must undertake three charges, each reflecting a pillar of the bloodline. These are not trials to be passed, but responsibilities to be borne.

1. The Charge of Presence

The purpose of the Charge of Presence is to test whether or not the Tathvir truly embodies compassion, patience, and emotional strength. The charge places the initiate in charge of caring for someone in need over a set period. This could be an injured ‘fenn, a grieving individual, an outcast, or anyone in need of assistance.

This tests their ability to stay when uncomfortable, their ability to listen to another’s complaints or worries, and their commitment to others. Reasons for failure can include abandoning their responsibilities, treating the task as a burden, or acting dismissively or impatiently.

Completion is not measured by outcome, recovery, or success in any conventional sense. Instead, the trial is judged by a single question: 

Were they truly present?

The final word is given by the one who was cared for, or by an overseeing elder who does not ask whether the initiate performed well, but whether they remained with sincerity, patience, and care when it would have been easier not to.

2. The Charge of Judgement

The purpose of the Charge of Judgement is to test the Tathvir’s fairness, wisdom, and control. The trial places the initiate in the middle of a real or staged dispute. They must hear all sides, ask questions, and deliver a judgement.

This tests their ability to listen fully, their ability to avoid bias, and their ability to remain calm under the stress of a hard choice. There is never a perfect answer, and failure or completion is entirely dependent on the situation as every dispute is different.

The final word is given by a senior member who reviews the reasoning why the judgement was given, as flawed judgement made with care is more important than a perfect one made blindly.

3. The Charge of Burden

The purpose of the Charge of Burden is to test the Tathvir’s leadership under pressure, their capability for self-sacrifice, and their ability to act in crisis. The charge places the initiate in a high-pressure scenario such as escorting a group through danger, responding to an attack, or protecting multiple people with limited resources.

This tests their fight or flight, their prioritization skill, and their choice of self-preservation. Again, there are no perfect answers to this, and completion is based upon their explanation of who they chose to protect, why, and what they would do differently if they had the chance.

4. The Naming at the Hearth

After all three charges, the initiate Tathvir stands before their kin. An elder or Archon asks three questions:

“Will you stand when others fall?”

“Will you listen when others shout?”

“Will you remain when others leave?”

If they answer and are accepted, they are named a recognized Tathvir. Symbolically, this is represented with either a marking or tattoo of their choice, or a worn piece of jewelry given after completion.

The Trial of Union (Marriage)

The purpose of the Trial of Union is to ensure that couples intending to marry understand endurance, shared responsibility, and the bloodline’s values. The pair is tasked with surviving a month in the tundra, providing for one another, and presenting an offering to the Archon accompanied by a slain beast.

Completion is judged on survival and whether the couple demonstrated cooperation, compassion, and the ability to bear hardship together.

The Trial of Guardianship

The purpose of this trial is to prepare a Tathvir for formally taking responsibility for another whether it be an orphan, lost ‘fenn, or an outsider. The to-be guardian is tasked with caring for an animal for a set period, responsible for providing shelter, training, and protection.

Completion is judged on the condition of the animal following the duration of the trial, and focuses on consistency, empathy, and responsibility.

The Trial of Leadership

The purpose of this trial is to test whether a Tathvir is ready to hold formal authority or guide others. The to-be elder or leader is placed in a scenario requiring decision-making over multiple members of the bloodline, resolving disputes, allocating resources, or responding to crises.

Completion is judged on one’s fairness, clarity of judgement, accountability, and the ability to balance compassion with practicality.

Bloodline Relics

Mural of Lost Souls (REMADE)

A wooden plaque shaped like an otter, with initials etched on the front. While it had been lost after the fall of Fenn, it has been remade by Elyndra Tathvir to recognize those who forged what exists today.

Sword of Skalaer

A grey-tinted blade sitting at roughly 3’ in length, connected to a dark leather-wrapped handle through a silver crossguard. The crossguard is decorated to resemble the outspread wings of an eagle. While the blade bore many scuffs and scratches from its years of use, its edges are still sharpened and well-kept. This blade has been passed through generations of the bloodline, always handed down to the strongest Tathvir. The wielder of the blade is tasked with defending the bloodline.

Lost Relics

• Ring of Skalaer - A faint glow resonates from this silver ring when held in the light. The ring itself depicts a small wyrm wrapping itself around the wearer’s finger before consuming its own tail. This elegant relic has been passed down from generation to generation, always worn by the eldest Tathvir.
• Wax Otter Seal - The elegant looking wax seal is a small stamp decorated with an otter inside of an intricate wooden box. Alongside the stamp sat a small jar of red wax. The Archon would typically use these tools to mark official documents and seal letters.
• Quill of the Tathvir - This quill is devised of two components - the stem and the feather. The feather is interchangeable and as such, the owner of the quill can pick a feather that represents their personality. Once picked, the feather is attached to a small copper stem, which has a small otter carved alongside the name Tathvir underneath. The quill is gifted to the one who assists the Archon in writing reports and documents.