Aurë’naerï | Oathsworn of the Sun

[Amayonnaise 1535]

Oathsworn of the Sun

 

-= Creation of the Seed =-

The Aurë’naerï are a Seed that follow the Old Aspectist Rites, revering the Mother and Father of the Eternal Forest as opposed to the Mani of the Wild Faith. Founded in the year 1963 FA | 167 SA by the Sun Druid Avyndriel Vaeloryïs, the Aurë’naerï primarily serve their kin through scribing tomes and historical annals, providing education on the Aspects, and serving Malin’s children as needed.

 

Spoiler

Realm of Almaris

Following the Dominion’s fall at the end of Atlas, and the loss of Tahariae’s Gifts soon after, a redheaded elfess known as Anya Calithil spent the following centuries roaming the various realms with little purpose. It was not until the mid of Almaris that she eventually received a letter from her father, Aenor Calithil, requesting her presence. Following a brief reunion in Yong Ping, the pair would eventually seek residency within the Vale of Nevaehlen, receiving a warm welcome and peaceful home with their many feline companions. 

After settling, Anya would soon learn of her Mother’s demise, falling into an intense mourning for the fallen Wisteria Druid, Renn Vaeloryïs. Her newfound home would ease her grief however, with new friends that had once known her Mother quite well and were eager to share many tales of the once-reknowned Druidess and former Queen of the Dominion. Anya’s unease at residing in a single location for so long would be quick to settle; now surrounded by Mali belonging to eras near forgotten, just as she did.

Seeking a connection to her fallen Mother, and a new purpose to serve in the new era, Anya was notably well-educated on the Aspectist Rites prior to the Wild Faith’s introduction and soon began a dedicancy with Tailesin the Lynx as her mentor. Following her scholarly habits, Anya eventually stumbled across a series of tomes detailing the four schools of Aspectist Philosophy, resulting in a period of intense research that would cultivate the rise of a new Herald of the Emerald Way.

Whilst Anya was undertaking her dedicancy, following in her Mother’s footsteps, her father had begun a similar journey with a different mentor. However, whilst their relocation to the Vale had aided in them becoming closer for a time, a new relationship between her father and a Nevaehlen Druidess would eventually cause irreversible damage.

Anya’s initial reluctance to accept the Druidess as a motherly figure would soon ease, granting the pair her blessing upon noting the happiness they brought one another. However, once the pair were wed, Anya began to see a daunting change within her father. Their relationship would slowly become strained, and eventually result in the disownment of her Father when Anya became swallowed by a seabird of Fae origins. Her flesh melted and warped, rendering her into a near formless husk of rasped breathing once spat out by the creature. Her father would take a single glance at her, before sprinting off to prioritise his new wife’s safety in lieu of his daughter of four centuries. Anya would never forget the betrayal felt by her father’s abandonment.

Soon after the traumatising event, saved by Nedai Arvellon whom she would forevermore call ‘Brother’, Anya departed the Vale to finish her dedicancy beyond the village’s walls. Her flesh was soon returned to its original, unscathed state by her wife Alatáriel, though the Ilmyumier of the Calithil she had adorned up her back and around her neck was now absent. She would continue with her attunement shortly after, spurred by a devout determination to finalise her study of the Emerald Path and call upon the first of the Emerald Heralds from the Eternal Forest - the Oracle Orison herself.

Graced with the Oracle’s gentle guidance and esteemed wisdom, Anya would soon face her attunement within the pools of a Xannic Chancery and be granted her totem of Sun, alongside the selected name of Avyndriel Vaeloryïs, daughter of Renn Vaeloryïs.
 

 

Realm of Aevos

As the descendants fled from the overwhelming forces of the Mori, Avyndriel allied herself with the Princess Idril Sylvaeri, joining her forces alongside their new home upon Aevos. Following the departure of her mentor to the Eternal Forest, Avyndriel had gained new mentors in the form of Zaelyn Arvellon and Elenora Divadri of the Sun Circle; a Druidic Sect working alongside the Paladins of Xan. She would eventually rise alongside them as their third Archdruid, despite her meager control of the Druidic Arts, and serve the Circle for a short period before departing with her wife on a belated vacation following their marriage.

Some decades later, leaving her wife behind to rest within an oasis found among their travels, Avyndriel would return to the central realm to find the Vale of Nevaehlen barren. A war with the Silver State had resulted in not only the village becoming subjugated, but the loss of their leaders who fled from their defeat, and their community cleaved in half.

She would soon learn of her own father’s departure some time before the War, vanishing from the lives of the Nevaehlenites as he had her own some decades before. Avyndriel found herself contemplating what path she should now take - to become the flagbearer of the Acaele’thil Seed her father had founded from their bloodline despite no longer bearing the Ilmyumier, or to simply serve the lost Mali of Nevaehlen as best she could as a single soul.

An unlikely reunion with her eldest brother Kairn Ithelanen, following an emotional discussion with the Nevaehlenites’ new matriarch Dyonne Alusa regarding her future, would result in a renewed resolve and a clear focus. These Mali had experienced an intense betrayal by their village elders, and now needed to recover and rebuild as best they could. Avyndriel would grant them her loyalty and wisdom, relinquishing the name of Acaele’thil to cast the Seed to dust, and rising as the first Aurë’naerï - Oathsworn of the Sun.

She would soon be followed by other Mali previously seeking the Acaele’thil Seed - now enraptured by the elfess evoking the sun’s warmth and swearing to them an oath of absolute loyalty.

As the Seed gradually grew, Kairn’s words from their reunion would ring within her ears and upon her lips - forging part of the Oath taken by each Aurë’naerï upon the completion of their trials. The Aurë’naerï would never feel the same loneliness that lingered within Avyndriel’s heart, and such would become her promise as Matriarch.

 

“Our spirits will remain forever interwoven, regardless of time or distance.”

- Kairn Ithelanen   

 

 

Matrons of the Forest

The Matrons are the two individuals whose teachings guided and inspired the first Matriarch, Avyndriel, in the creation of the Aurë’naerï. These former Druii now serve the Aspects in the Eternal Forest, with only their memory and writings remaining in the material world. The Matrons are not figures to be revered within the Seed, but instead acknowledged as cultural Elders who guided Avyndriel upon her path resulting in the creation of the Aurë’naerï.

 

Awaiti of Emerald

Spoiler

Awaiti Sirame, the Matron of Emerald, is the original creator and scribe of the Emerald Path. For a child raised in the Dominion, during the height of the revival of the Mali’ame Culture, Avyndriel found herself all-knowing in the faith of Aspectism. It was only when she read upon Awaiti’s teachings of Emerald, within her fourth century of life, that she found her knowledge of the Aspects challenged with new concepts and understandings.

Following through in her Dedicancy, Avyndriel devoted herself henceforth to the Way of Emerald, and carried its influence through to the creation of the Aurë’naerï Seed, as seen in the Principles themselves.

 

Renn of Wisteria

Spoiler

Renn Vaeloryïs, the Matron of Wisteria, is the birth mother of Avyndriel herself, and the woman who raised and educated Avyndriel in the Aspectist faith. Renn herself served the Druidic Order for centuries; leading as Archdruid of the Mother Grove on numerous occasions, serving as Hierophant and Elder of the Order for aeons, and even leading the Dominion itself as Queen.

With very few remembering even her name, Avyndriel devoted herself to recovering the entire lost histories of the Druidic Order and restoring the status of not only her Mother, but other fallen Elders. It was through this devotion, and reverence of her own Mother, that Avyndriel reinforced the necessity of written history, shared among all Mali regardless of politics or culture.

 

 

-= Aurë’naerï Philosophy =-

The Aurë’naerï are free to follow any philosophy they seek, or even none at all, though the Seed itself closely follows the ideals and morals of the Ways of Emerald and the Mother. Thus, most members of the Aurë’naerï follow one of these two sects.

 

Way of Emerald

Indomitable Will | Great Courage | Emotional Resilience | Foresight

Spoiler

The Way of Emerald speaks of resilience and clarity. To perceive the world as it is, in both shadows and light. To strengthen one’s Will, remaining resolute in the face of darkness. To not ignore fear and pain, but rather embrace it - using it as a fuel to drive forth courage and determination. 

It also encourages critical thinking; to find the flaws in philosophy and faith, and thus seek answers and understanding. To blindly follow doctrine is to stagnate in growth, but to seek new concepts and understandings is to strengthen faith and progress culture.

 

Way of the Mother

Societal Balance | Loyalty & Duty | Universal Respect | Purity & Healing

Spoiler

The Way of the Mother speaks of purity and patience. To understand the necessity of balance in culture and creeds. To remain loyal and dutiful to faith and kin. To respect and acknowledge the presence of other religions and cultures, however to always reserve true Worship for the Aspects themselves. Whilst Mani may be prayed to in their service as Guardians of the Forest, and Mali may be remembered in the form of murals and carvings, only the Aspects may be truly worshipped in full.

Those that follow this path often practice true purity, in the form of abstaining from toxic inhalations and vices, and through their use of mundane healing. True, devout followers of the Mother are those that are patient, respectful, and wholly attuned to Nature regardless of their Druidic gifts.

 

-= Aurë’naerï Principles =-

Loyalty
To remain faithful to Seed and kin.
 

Resilience
To rise as the Sun does, regardless of how many times it sets.
 

Devotion
To acknowledge the Aspects’ as the true Deities of the Forest, and revere them above all others.
 

Knowledge
To scribe and recite all knowledge, ensuring all that are lost are never forgotten.
 

Patience
To retain control without emotional restraint.
 

-= Seed Tenets =-

 

I. Aurë’naerï have sworn an oath to uphold the Aspects’ Will, protect and educate the Children of Malin, and to scribe knowledge for the libraries of Mali.
 

i. To uphold the Aspects’ Will is to retain the balance of nature. Aurë’naerï must never forget that the Aspects’ reside above all others in the Eternal Forest. It is them who must be revered foremost, though Aurë’naerï are free to worship Mani or other Aenguls as well.
 

ii. Conflicts between the Children of Malin are natural, as all siblings fight. Aurë’naerï are permitted to serve those they have sworn fealty to, but must never permit such conflict to come between Seed Members.
 

iii. Recording and reciting all knowledge is paramount to ensuring the lost are never forgotten, and the past is never repeated. A Mali that lives a millenia is not expected to remember every breath. We must scribe to ensure all is never lost.

 

II. The Aurë’naerï are devout Oathsworn, having passed trials and earnt their Ilmyumiers. As such, the name “Aurë’naerï” may not be inherited through marriage or birth.
 

i. Any descendant may become Aurë’naerï, though they will remain oathsworn to Malin’s Children regardless.
 

ii. A descendant belonging to another Seed may also join the Aurë’naerï, as long as the tenets are adhered to. The Aurë’naerï will encourage loyalty to both Seeds, as per their Principles.

 

III. To associate with darkspawn, without just cause, or possess any form of corrupt Magicks is to break one’s Oath and betray the Will of the Aspects.
 

i. Justification of one’s crime of association will be judged by the entirety of the Seed, requiring a majority vote.

 

-= Ilmyumier & Appearance =-

 

Ilmyumier & Markings

The Aurë’naerï Ilmyumier is a very simple golden sun inked in the location of the Aurë’naerï’s choosing. The most common locations for this ilmyumier are the forehead, neck, or shoulders. It may only be granted by an Elder of the Aurë’naerï, or the Parriarch themselves, upon the completion of the Initiate Trials.

Other sun-themed imagery may be added around this ilmyumier to create a larger image, such as a full sleeve upon the arm or leg. Bardmancy is also often utilised to make the ilmyumier glow akin to the sun.
 

Clothing & Accessories

The Aurë’naerï often don their own individual styles and outfits, though during formal events may choose to represent their Seed more directly. Iconography representing the Aspects and Sun are typically most prominent, in the form of fabric colours, embroidery, and headdresses.

Symbolism relating to their selected Way, such as Emerald or the Mother, may also be present in a subtle form. More devout Aurë’naerï may even go as far as to paint their skin with similar designs, and weave flora and jewels through braids within their hair.

 

-= Aurë’naerï Household =-

 

Seed Echelons

Seed Parriarch

The Aurë’naerï Seed is led by the Parriarch; an Elder selected through a high majority vote by all members of the Seed. This Parriarch is responsible for approving the completion of all Initiate trials, handling conflict both within and regarding the Seed, and representing the Seed in all formal affairs. The Parriarch must never act alone, and must always seek the council of their kin.

The First Seed Parriarch was Avyndriel Vaeloryïs, the original founder of the Seed. 

 

Elders

Elders of the Aurë’naerï are those who have been part of the Seed for a notable length of time, have demonstrated their application of the Seeds’ Principles in all facets of life, and have upheld the tenets consistently. These Aurë’naerï are honoured with the rank of ‘Elder’, and are permitted to conduct trials for Initiates to join the Seed.

 

Aurë’naerï

All who have been granted the name of Aurë’naerï have completed their trials and sworn their oath. All Aurë’naerï are equal, bar the Parriarch themself, though even the Parriarch is not permitted to act alone without seeking council first. 

 

Architecture & Lifestyle

While the Aurë’naerï Seed lacks a Patron Mani, the members themselves hold a close affinity with animals due to their Aspectist culture. Within the primary homestead itself, where the Parriarch resides, only small creatures are permitted within - and often of a more feline nature. This tradition began due to Avyndriel herself favouring her ginger cat Ser Augustus, and requiring all larger creatures to remain outside to cater towards the feline’s sensitive nature.

The homestead itself is often constructed with high ceilings and open, spacious balconies. The walls are almost entirely shelved and filled with a variety of tomes, relics, and other curious items. The Aurë’naerï home is typically compared to some form of museum due to its contents, with murals built into walls depicting historical events overlooking lounges prepared for tea and entertaining. The members’ rooms are always tucked away beneath the main halls, allowing the home to be relatively open for visitors and exploration.

 

-= Initiate Trials =-

 

Trial of Devotion

The first trial of the Aurë’naerï is a discussion to assess their intent and reasoning for seeking the Seed, and their level of knowledge on the Aspectist faith and Ways of Emerald and the Mother. The Initiate is given a book to scribe notes on the conversation held, and tasked with studying the Aspects further if their knowledge is found lacking. 

 

Trial of Knowledge

The Aurë’naerï are scholars and scribes, adding to the libraries of Mali to ensure knowledge is spread, and histories are not forgotten. For this trial, the Initiate must write a sizeable tome of twenty pages or more, on a topic that has not already been covered in great detail. They must present this tome to the Elder residing over their trials, and then donate direct copies to all libraries of Malin’s kin.

 

Trial of Loyalty

The Final Trial of the Aurë’naerï is to demonstrate their loyalty to their future kin by protecting and defending them against all threats. The Initiate must embark on a short journey with an Aurë’naerï, facing some form of threat to their home and culture, be it an encroaching predator, severely scarred and blighted land, or some other great threat. The Elder residing over their trials must approve of the severity of their task.

 

-= Aurë’naerï Rites =-

 

Cerridwen’s Harvest

Spoiler

Cerridwen’s Harvest is a grand festival celebrating the first harvest following the Winter Season. Attendees are encouraged to adorn themselves in all sorts of attire paying tribute to Cerridwen and her domain - be it flowers, wheat, corn, leaves, or other lively plants and crops. 

The festival begins with a communal ‘Blessing of the Fields’, during which all Druii and non-Druii alike stand hand in hand before fields of freshly planted crops and bless them with Aspectist prayers. Next, a series of playful activities are held such as, and not limited to, drinking and dancing, a theatrical play, Aspectist prayers and rituals, flower-weaving, and pumpkin carving. Combative activities are not present for they reside in Cernunnos’ domain, nor are Mani to be revered during this festival, in place of Cerridwen.

The entire festival is always completed with a Grand Feast and prayer to the Mother of the Harvest herself, heralding her for her bounty and blessings upon all crops, creatures, and life upon the realm.

 

Oath of Matrimony

Spoiler

The Oath of Matrimony serves as an alternative ceremony for the Aurë’naerï, and may be altered to work alongside other Seed or Cultural marriage rites.

Once stood upon the altar, the wedding couple must place one hand upon the other’s. The residing officiant will then gently wrap and knot a single coloured ribbon around their conjoined hands. The wedding couple must then say their vows, serving as an oath to one another, and then melt the knot upon the tip of a candle so that it may never be undone.

Whilst this ribbon remains intact, the couple must remain true to their vows. Should any vow be broken, or the couple seek to part, the ribbon must be cut as the melted knot cannot be untied. Should the couple seek to reunite, they must speak new vows with a new ribbon, as the previous ribbon cannot be retied. All Aurë’naerï must remember that once an oath is broken, it cannot be retaken without acknowledging their original misdeed.

 

Setting of a Sun

Spoiler

The Setting of a Sun is the rite of mourning following the death of an Aurë’naerï.

A grave is dug in a small field, meadow, or glade, and the fallen Aurë’naerï is laid within. A large assortment of flowers, crops, and other natural materials is laid around the deceased kin, covering all but their face - upon which a golden sun is painted ‘pon their brow with similar dots on their eyelids. 

All who knew the fallen are welcome to stand at sunset and speak of the Aurë’naerï’s life, sharing stories, anecdotes, laughs, and tears. The presiding Parriarch of the Aurë’naerï remains seated, scribing all words spoken to keep a written history of the fallen, lest they ever be forgotten.

As the Sun’s light fades, the hole is filled with soft soil and seeds are buried within to be nourished by the Aurë’naerï’s decomposing form. The newly scribed tome is added to a sacred section of the Aurë’naerï library, ensuring their fallen kin are not lost to history.

 

Artist: Morgan Rogers

Author: Amayonnaise

Spoiler

This post has been a few months of work with regular distractions, but I am so happy to finally have it complete and published. I didn't receive much in the way of editors and advice etc, but I revised it near endlessly myself and shared it with a few close friends to bounce ideas and get more inspiration.

@Candle You have been an incredibly welcoming, patient, and accepting person throughout my return to LotC, the Vale Community, and the construction of my new Seed. After being heavily redirected and instructed to change my projects in the past, I have definitely felt much more accepted and welcome to run wild with my ideas under your leadership. Get ready for endless Aurë’naerï to start running around!

If you are interested in this Seed and would like to meet Avyndriel to learn more about it, please contact me either on:

LotC Main Server - Amayonnaise

Discord | .amayonnaise.