The Nullivari

aimsiie · January 5, 2023

“Never forget, Never Forgive.”

Published: 10th of Malin's Welcome, Year 110 of the Second Age

Banner Created by : @Amyy_

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The Nullivari, a family distinguished and birthed from drive, fortitude, and the inherent willpower to survive. From humble beginnings, did Malithor Nullivari, the first of the bloodline, come to create a noble and powerful family which cherishes its values and kinsmen over all. His struggle was that of a lone man, seeking to push his name forward into the great records of elven history. It was his desire to gild the surname into the minds of all elven-kind, even by force if necessary.

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What began as a vision, came into fruition in the Silver City of Haelun’or. This is where Malithor Nullivari made a name for himself within the military, rising to the rank of a commander where he then left for a career in politics. His ability to bend the minds of those around him, allowed him to acquire a place within the Silver Council. His cunning nature, set a standard that all Nullivari strive for. A confidence which could be mistaken as arrogance. The family which he envisioned also began to grow alongside his own prowess. Malithor commanded the respect of his peers and obtained the admiration of his countrymen during his time in a leadership position. Alongside the great Sohaer Othelu Orrar, did he and his brother Thalon Nullivari push Haelun’or into a golden era of military glory and legislative revolution.

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After the death of the great Othelu, did the Nullivari move on from Haelun’or prior to the collapse of its government. Another member of the Nullivari Talonii, Thalon Nullivari found friendship in Ivarielle Ibarellan as she sought to establish her own dominion within the continent of Almaris. He acted as a guide and confidant, as well as a source of knowledge for the Princess to be. This is where the noble status of Virar was granted to Thalon and his wife the Lady Ro’ya Nullivari. As such, the pair have inherited a vast plot of lands thus named Eld Roth where they established the Nullivari Keep and since then, the entirety of the family dwells there with their servants and those who work the lands and vineyards surrounding the castle.

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The Nullivari hold many public roles within the Celian society, others hold more [Redacted] positions, which is the primary focus of the family at the moment. The Nullivari are among the first lords of Celia’nor and are viewed as regal and postured, friends to those deserving, and fiercely loyal agents of the Celian Crown. The trust that the Celia’norian monarchs of the Ibarellan hold in the family is unparalleled, and on visible display in public gatherings. As such, the Nullivari continue to serve Celia’nor devoutly and govern the dominion of Eld Roth to this day.

Current Celia’nor Governmental Involvements Directory

Thalon Nullivari : Grandmaster of the Order of the Gryphon [Redacted]

Ro’ya Nullivari : Lady of Festivities & Court Painter of Celia’nor

Kassian Nullivari : [Redacted for National Security Purposes]

Kallias Nullivari : [Redacted for National Security Purposes]

Éowyn Nullivari-Ibarellan : Laurir of Celia’nor

Zoddryk Nullivari : Master of the Forge

Valindra Nullivari : Court Mage of Celia’nor

[!] A meeting between the Nullivari in Eld Roth, discussing matters of State.

A Nullivari is often regal and poised in all they do. There is a certain eloquence in which they carry themselves that denotes a sense of pride in the very surname which they bear. There is a greed and hunger for power which often causes them to delve into more nefarious dealings such as espionage, black-market trade, politics, and more taboo practices that often come masked by the coy smile and titles wielded by a silver-tongued Nullivari. Many, due to their upbringing, see themselves in a ‘better than thou’ attitude. This stems from their struggle to get what they have earned based on their individual merit and qualities, rather than reaping the benefits sowed by another from their bloodline, for inheritance is a luxury not provided to youthful Nullivari. It is expected of each household member to carve their own way through life, not being born nor forced into anything that they do not wish to participate in. Thus, they take pride in their vocations and strive to attain the highest possible standards for their trades or professions. It is not uncommon for a Nullivari to begin or end their interactions and dealings with someone by repeating their house motto “Never Forget, Never Forgive.” out of pride or to instill their words into an absolute. While prideful, the Nullivari are often calm, collected, and meticulous, with inquisitive, eloquent, and thoughtful natures.

[!] An image of the lands of Eld Roth. Circa [Unknown]

Eld Roth is the name for the dominion and lands of the Nullivari situated just outside of the city of Fi’andria. The name Eld Roth holds traditional value to the Nullivari due to… [Redacted]. The landscape itself is a flourishing haven and is surrounded by vineyards with several keeps, manors, wineries, stables, cottages, and craftsmen houses littering the countryside and forest in which the main castle itself is nestled in. It is a bustling sanctum of work and lavish living which suits the lifestyle of a Nullivari, entertaining their inquisitive and hard-working natures. The styles of the Nullivari buildings are a juxtaposition to the traditional Fi’andrian architecture and claims a more dark and ominous feeling to the dreary forests of Eld Roth.

The Coming of Age Tradition most often occurs at the age of 40 years old - though this sometimes depends on the perceived maturity of each child on a more individual basis. This age is chosen due to the nature of the youth in question still being seen as a child in the eyes of society and the belief that although they themselves are old in the eyes of many of the other descendant races, they still have much to learn in the perspective of the elder-elves of the family.

Upon this special occasion, each Nullivari child receives a weapon, such as a sword or dagger, created specifically for them as a gift. This weapon is designed by the heads of the talonii to duly represent the individual’s personal characteristics. Furthermore, they will also be granted an estate separate to the family home in order to begin expanding their own lines. The size and grandness of such an estate is determined by both their position within the talonii itself, and their participation in family affairs.

The child in question will then choose from select markings to obtain within a small, family-only ceremony. These markings are as follows:

Honourable (Tiichiul)

Death of Adolescence (Nelithral)

Devotion (Nokglaur)

Upon the date of their 50th year within the realm, each member born of Nullivari blood will be given the option to take upon themselves the responsibility of what it is to be Fi’andrian nobility. With this age, comes adulthood which brings forth a newfound set of responsibilities and experiences available within the family structure. This bestowment of nobility challenges each youthful Nullivari to carve out their own place in the world and push themselves to be a representation of the familial ideals that have been ingrained in them during their adolescence. They are now able to freely voice their opinions at family meetings, challenge the directions of where the family should endeavor, and choose for themselves a venture that will lead them forth to their aspirations and eventual goals for their own households.

This bestowment of the Nullivari right of nobility grants each member a coin, inscribed upon it with the sigil of the Nullivari household. That insignia being an ashen skull, pierced by a blade with a serpent curling about the sword. This coin is carried by all adult members of the family in order to prove themselves to be of the talonii if their status is ever challenged.

[!] The bestowment of the Nullivari circlet upon Kallias Nullivari during his 50th year.

Following their Coming of Age ceremony, a Nullivari is deemed an appropriate age to begin courtship. However, any potential candidate must be brought forth to the heads of household and senior family members, for their approval. A high elf partner is encouraged, in order to maintain status within the talonii. If this approval is not obtained, courtship with this individual cannot go ahead. If it is discovered that a decision such as this has been overridden, and the relationship continued, any matrimony will be considered void in the eyes of the talonii and participation in future family affairs will be tremendously restricted.

Provided the talonii has given their official approval on a potential match, such taking place in a family meeting, one is free to wed this individual. A matrimonial ceremony must occur before a fire.

[!] Thalon and Ro’ya Nullivari in their youth.

With elves producing children rather infrequently, the birth of an elven child is already a particularly revered event. However, for the Nullivari, who value their talonii above all else, the birth of a new member is thus a vastly joyous and blessed occasion.

Therefore, the Nullivari celebrate frequently as a family during the long months of a pregnancy. Once labor is announced, flames are burned in and around each Nullivari home whilst awaiting the birth of the child. A fire is also lit within the room of birth itself, a symbol of sanctity, fortune and warmth.

During adolescence, there is an instillation of values within all children of the Nullivari. Cunning, resourcefulness, charity, and family are all cornerstones encouraged by the adult members of the family when raising the newest generations. Frequently, there is competition between generations as they possess a drive to sit at the high table of the family’s discussions. Yet, in their early youth that competition could manifest into a variety of different activities, studies, games, and even something as simple as how their room is designed. However, selflessness, good deeds, and support is also valued in order to further cultivate a well-rounded child.

[!] Lady Ro’ya Nullivari telling a story to her three young children.

Death, a solemn occasion within the Nullivari family. Be it natural passing or unnatural, when the soul of a Nullivari is ripped from the realm, it is offered one final goodbye. The body of the deceased is placed in a golden sarcophagus and given its last rites. From this point, it is cast into a massive flame, where the body is then melted down within the casket and the bones are incinerated into ash. Following this, every member of the family will remain until the casket melts in on itself and becomes nothing but a puddle of the metal from which it was casted from.

That metal is then carefully collected and kept in its liquid form where it is then gilded upon a statue of the deceased and placed within the catacombs below the main castle of the Nullivari Estate to be forever remembered and revered. After the statue is painted with the gold from the casket, it is blessed and a flame is lit beneath it, never to be expunged nor dispelled and thus, the fallen Nullivari is properly laid to rest.

[!] Thalon and Ro’ya Nullivari with their two sons, mourning the passing of a distant relative.

Power, Wealth, Family, Honor, and Loyalty. All cornerstones of the Nullivari values. Each different but linked to the other. It is in these values that each member of the family finds their own sense of morality. At their core, each Nullivari is individualistic, yet linked by a commonality of cause stemming from these beliefs and morals that they develop along their journey in life. For it is with pride and purpose that the family pushes itself to its limits and seeks to constantly better itself through an adaptation of all those ideals intertwined into a singular path. It is up to the Nullivari to choose what it is that keeps them going and there is a constant shift between the morality of good and evil within each. However, at the end of the day, there is but the family and each member would willingly sacrifice all they have for the good of what the Nullivari seek to preserve.

Family, to a Nullivari, is of greatest importance and of highest value within one’s life. A Nullivari is taught from birth that family comes first, for it is the priority above all else. Additionally, it is instilled into them that they must always defend one another and the name they bear, no matter the price.

The Nullivari share particularly close relationships with each other, there are no lies or secrecy between members. Thus, individuals from outside the bloodline are very rarely allowed any insight into family affairs, nor allowed entry into the family itself.

Many see the word ‘Power’ and assume it is the ability to control others. However, this is slightly tweaked in the mindset of the Nullivari. For it is not the ability to control others, but the ability to manipulate their minds to bend to the silver-tongued statements born forth from the maw of the Nullivari. While they are quite the imposing individuals, a Nullivari often lurks within the dim corners of the room, pulling upon the emotional strings of one's psyche and contorting others to their whims sometimes for naught but mere entertainment. They see power as the ability to control without being seen and thus is why they have the reputation for being the least known but most influential house within Celia’nor.

People tend to define loyalty and honor by what they are not; betrayal, abandonment, thievery. But, they are so much more than the absence of mistreatment. Loyalty is faithfulness, dedication, honesty and trust, all intertwined together. Honor is the bond between an individual and society, regarding others with great respect and esteem.

The Nullivari value these traits in all of their relationships, though hold them in highest regard amongst themselves, for the strength of a family, like the strength of an army, is in its loyalty to one another.

Like all people, wealth is a cherished and beloved concept to the Nullivari. Each adorns lavish sets of clothes or armors to reflect their status as nobles. It is not infrequent for Nullivari to separate and pool their wealth depending on the situation at hand. However, it is greatly encouraged that each branch of the family create their own bank in order to harbor the multitude of precious metals, rare artifacts, crafted weapons, and mina which each faction of the family holds dear. Yet, in a combined sense, the abundance of wealth that the Nullivari possess would seek to drive anyone mad with greed, perhaps that is why greed and a thirst for more, is often a pitfall for the members of the household.

The Nullivari are often described as devastatingly beautiful, standing tall with impeccable posture and an air of carefree confidence. Their pale skin and silver hair is complimented by their bright eyes which are primarily golden, though often vary into green-blue hues. Many of the Nullivari adorn scars - both a source of pride and a demonstration of the complex tribulations each has faced within their past.