The Athri'onn

[TwistedFries 550]

The Athri’onn Bloodline

The Serpent-Tongued

 

 

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Introduction

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The Athri’onn bloodline was once a small and lesser-known group of Mali’Aheral that wandered the realm. They were often described as intelligent yet reserved people; priding themselves on the knowledge they held. It was not uncommon for an Athri’onn to take on many different professions and or paths in life. It was widely accepted since the times of old. For example, it was not unusual to see an Athri’onn work as a soldier, healer, blacksmith, mage, et cetera. Those of this bloodline have been known to be quite versatile and resourceful given their long existence in the realm.

 

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Etymology

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The name Athri’onn is derived from the elven words- ‘Athri’, which means snake, and ‘Onn’, which means born of or kin to. Together, these two elven affixes form the name Athri’onn and translated means ‘Kin of the snake’. It’s said that the name is very befitting for the members of this bloodline because of their often clever and cunning personalities.

 

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History

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The Athri’onn Talonnii did not become an important group for some time as they originally came from behind the walls of the Silver State; also known as Haelun’or. As those of the Athri’onn began to collect knowledge and power for themselves the realm slowly remembered their name. Their constant pursuit of knowledge has led them to interesting positions and roles throughout history.

 

The lineage of the Athri’onn Talonnii is somewhat confusing and tricky to figure out for outsiders. Though, those who bore the blood of the serpent find that their kin is easily identifiable to them. This ancient and now mighty family first started with the union between Tanarya, and Ocatellor Athri’onn; two High Elves who lived within the Silver State. In time they had three kids of their own; two daughters and one son. These three siblings would then go on to have children of their own. 

 

One of the most notable lines would be that of Celeste Athri’onn who birthed two twin daughters and later passed because of health complications. One of her daughters, Renae Athri’onn, would go on to elevate the status of her family by leading for many years in her adulthood. Renae would also go on to recruit and legitimize her distant Sylric half-siblings sired by her father.

 

As of the present day, the Athri’onn family resides within the lands of Celia’nor and owns private land right outside of the capital city; Fi’Andria. The Athri’onn family has sworn loyalty to all of the rulers and will continue to uphold their oaths by protecting and helping to progress the lands they call home. Many of the current members have become great scholars and magnificent practitioners of the various forms of magic throughout the realm.

 

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Traditions | Rites & Rituals

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Courtship - The courtship process for this Talonnii is something of great importance; though, it is not all that different from the way it is done in Celia’norian culture. During a courtship, the couple becomes accustomed to one another and decides if there will be an engagement, concluding with the celebration of marriage. If a member of a courting pair is of noble standing, the permission of the head of that household must be given.  Some common courtship practices for an Athri’onn may include gifting something to their partner, demonstrating one of their talents/skills, or preparing a romantic dinner or picnic. 

 

Matrimony - The ceremony performed during the union between an Athri’onn and their desired partner is something that has been done for ages. This ceremonial tradition has been done in the past with only the couple in attendance, but this changed in time. As of now, the Athri’onn, their partner, and the two families may be present for this sacred ritual. A second and more public ceremony may be held after this one is completed. To begin the ritual, the couple must first cut each other’s lips with a fine blade. Next, the Athri’onn must bring forth a wooden bowl before cutting each other’s hands over it. As the wooden bowl fills with their blood the Athri’onn must then use the blood to mark each of their foreheads; this is meant to signify the union between their blood. They then can quickly say their vows before pledging to each other that they are, “One flesh, one heart, one soul, always and forever.” Finally, to end the ritual, the couple must kiss with the open cuts on their lips. 

 

The Birth of a Hatchling - The birth of an Athri’onn child is said to be an extremely joyous occasion for the entire family as they all gather to await the newborn babe. As per custom, after the delivery of the newborn, family members would place a kiss on the newborn’s forehead as an act of good luck or protection. Lastly, to show how grateful they are for the child a great fest will be prepared for all present.

 

The Ceremonial Hunt - After the compelton of their hatchling trials, the young serpent must then find a serpent elder that could teach them the art of combat. They must go through many intense sessions of training with an elder so that they can be deemed ready for the hunt. Once deemed ready by the elder they must then speak with the reigning head of the house so they can receive approval again. After approval, the hunt would be prepared, and thereafter the feast would be prepared should the hunt be successful. 

 

 

The Mark of the Serpent - Once the ceremonial hunt has been completed and the young Athri’onn has been named a full member or “fully-grown” to the rest of the family, they are to then receive the mark of the serpent. The marking ceremony must be done in private with only the young Athri’onn and the artist present. The serpent mark must be placed somewhere hidden and no one is to know the location of the marking except the head of the house. 

 

Funeral - When an Athri’onn passes there are specific traditions and rites that need to be performed. The deceased’s corpse should be cleaned and their marking removed swiftly before any outsiders see. From there a wooden pyre must be constructed and the corpse laid on top to burn. Personal items or memorabilia may be placed onto the pyre as well should they want it all to burn. Next, everyone would cut the palms of their hands to pour some of their blood into a wooden bowl that's passed around. The blood would then be poured onto the pyre to burn as well; symbolizing unity amongst the family.

 

Honoring the Ancestors - To honor one’s ancestors for this Talonnii is something essential for their way of life. The Athri’onn say that the ancestors paved the way for the newer generation of members. The newer generations of Athri’onn are to learn right from wrong and the like from their ancestors. There’s one simple way to honor one’s ancestors and this is by creating small shrines for each individual person. The shrine should have either a painting, drawing, or sculpture of the person, and colored candles representing different things. The last few things on the shrine would be an iron dagger, a stone bowl, some paper, and a charcoal pencil that would all be arranged together. As per custom, one must write their desired words on a small piece of paper before pouring a drop of blood onto the piece of paper. You must then set it aflame and cast it into the stone bowl to burn away. It’s believed that by burning the words they might reach our ancestors. 

 

To Honor Living Blood - Similar to honoring one’s ancestors, this ritual would instead be for the living Athri’onn. Small shrines may be constructed for any living members so that their family may cast protection on them from a distance. The shrine should once again have either a painting, drawing, or sculpture of the person, colored candles representing different things, an iron dagger, a stone bowl, firewood, and sometimes herbs. As per the Athri’onn custom, one must cut the palm of their hand and allow for blood to trickle onto a burning flame in the stone bowl using the firewood. It’s believed that through supplying them with blood their vigor may increase. 

 

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Markings

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The marking/tattoo that members of this bloodline place onto their bodies signify their completion of their Hatchling Trials. One may choose the specifics of how their mark may look, but it must have some semblance to a snake. The marking process and the mark itself are meant to be kept a secret from all others; only the Serpent Father or Mother may know the placement of one's mark. To have the serpent mark means one is considered to be a full-fledged member of the family and knows what it means to be a serpent, "clever, charming, and cunning."
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Later in life, an older Athri'onn may go on to mark themselves with other tattoos of serpents on different spots of their body. Sometimes to represent things such as the passing of a lover, a new chapter in life that may have opened, or to simply signify a milestone in age. Furthermore, some members may opt to just addon to their preexisting serpent mark.
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Hatchling Trials

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Trial of Cunning

The hatchling must prepare to set out to meet three strangers. They must then retrieve information through sheer cunningness and also determine whether they are a useful connection. You must converse with them casually to retrieve the specific pieces information.
 

Trial of Perception
The hatchling must write a book on a topic of their choosing, no matter how brief or extensive. They must set out and find all the information they can on the topic. It is preferred that the topic be interesting/unique as it will go into the family library. The book will be judged by the Elder issuing the trial, they will decided whether the young serpent has passed or not. 
 

Trial of Control
In this trial the hatchling will have two options for what they will be tasked to do. In the first option, the hatchling would be forced to tame a wild snake without any external aid. This can be done by any means necessary, though the instructor would have to instruct them on the best ways to do it prior. In the second option, the hatchling must place their hand into a bag filled with a highly venomous snake. 

Trial of Action

In the final trial, the young serpent must be trained in combat further. Once they have been deemed adequate warriors by their instructor, then they will be sent on a hunt. Lastly, the young Athri'onn would be made to fight a beast of the instructors choosing.

 

 

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Values

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Family - The Athri’onn find themselves caring for those of their family more than anything else. They are taught to fight and defend their family and name no matter the cost, however, this does not mean they should charge head-first into any situation without any prior thought. A common phrase used by those of this bloodline to show unity and love for their kin would be “Always and Forever”.

 

Knowledge & Power - The Athri’onn believe that with obtaining great knowledge comes true power. Those of this bloodline use knowledge as a means to manipulate or get what they want; often for personal gain or to help their family in some way. 

 

Secrecy - Members of the Athri’onn are sworn to secrecy by the head of the family. They are to not spread family secrets or gossip to those who are not of their blood; outsiders. It’s said that through this secrecy and avoidance of gossip they have been able to survive for ages.

 

Inner Passion -  It’s strongly encouraged for members of this family to find their true passion in life. To find their preferred occupation and to become the best in their field. All are given the same opportunity unless they are deliberately trying to cause harm or partake in any forbidden knowledge.

 

Love & Intimacy - The concept of love to the members of this family is something unique and freeform. The beliefs and traditions for this topic may vary between members of the Athri’onn as they have adopted many different cultures over the ages. Regardless of that, there are core beliefs and traditions for those who wish to honor their familial culture. For example, it’s thought that love is the strongest emotion one could feel and it should be carefully welcomed. It’s rumored that love may have been the downfall of many great Athri’onn.

 

Inner Balance - The Athri’onn Talonnii believes that it’s important for one to be able to control their emotions and achieve inner balance through practice.

 

The Soul - In the Athri’onn Talonnii, the soul of a Descendant is considered to be deeply sacred. It’s said that the soul is what makes each person unique and different. It’s also thought that the soul is where one’s deepest desires reside. Those of the Athri’onn take it upon themselves to ensure the progression of their soul and the continued absence of corruption in it.

 

The Protection of the Realm - Because of influence from members who devoted themselves to the Aspects, the idea of protecting nature has become quite important to the Athri’onn family. Though, not many members will take extreme enough action to accomplish h true balance of the natural world. More so, members will step in if Voidal corruption had played a part or anything related.

 

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Physical Traits & Appearance

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Regarding physical traits, each Athri’onn normally reaches heights of 6 feet and above by the time they reach adulthood. Their skin is usually on the fair side, though some are found to be paler than others and their hair colors range vastly: Ginger, Blonde, Silver, and Gray -- all of which can be seen in the Athri’onn. However, eye color usually stays within a certain spectrum of color, ranging between blues and violets mostly, though rarely will a gray make an appearance.
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As for the attire that you will find various Athri’onn adorning, it would be very rare for a member of the Athri’onn to not be dressed in something high in class. Each serpent tends to adorn itself in the finest clothing the world may offer. From fancy yet tough suits of armor to finely woven robes and dresses. To represent the Athri’onn, some will wear the colors green, gray, or gold; however, not everyone chooses to stand out so boldly.

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Join the family discord! 

https://discord.gg/Eh59xq8E5h

 

Don’t be afraid to shoot one of us a DM about joining the family either!

TwistedFries#1055 or air#1521

 

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Creators/Helpers:

 

Head Writers: TwistedFries & CephalonAir

Helpers: TheHeftyDonut

 

 

[Krugallah 361]

Haedir Athri'onn smiles, excited to see the Serpents of Celia'nor grow and thrive further and further. "The future is ours, and soon, the present will be as well."

[VoxyNoir 973]

Spoiler

This was really informative and engaging to read. Looking forward to see similar content! Go athri'onn power!