The Family Wick

[gavyn 1362]

The Family Wick

A history by Goran Wick, 1984

 

---

Spoiler

 

 

"We aren't done yet"

---

 

Preamble

 The Wicks have been a long honored family within the Haeseni community with a recent revival. A gentry long forgotten, the Wicks have been the keepers of libraries, court magi, and knights of the realm. Their names have been sustained even after the loss of their land, Liefgaard, sometime before the Riga War. Therein their land was used for garrison and was later never restored creating a grudge long held by the family. Known for their quirks, they often practice age old traditions and holidays, many of which honor the dead Wicks throughout the millennia.

 

 

 

---

Pontiff Everard V, Thomas Wick

 

---

 

History

 In traditional Wickstory, the first Wick was one of the thousand within Horen’s army. Known as ‘VIC’, he was remembered for his wit and cunning, with the man fighting in several battles against the army of ork that faced Man. He wed a woman and fathered a single child, one that he named ‘VVIC’. 

 

It wouldn’t be till many years later that the first Wick settled in the Kingdom of Haense, just as the Barbanovs were named Koeng. The Wicks proved to be loyal vassals, serving as bannermen under the Duke Sergei Kovachev, later gaining land as reward for their tenacity in the Coalition War. 

 

The family was sustained thereafter, never truly growing until the start of the Otto Monarchy. Notably they defended Haense throughout the Czena Troubles, where Renatian aggression reached its peak.

 

 At this time during the reign of Koeng Otto III, the Wicks also sustained a highly prestigious college in Haense, crafting a generation of ethical magi and scholars. The Wicks were seen quite often in Old Reza, living in what became known as the ‘Wic-de-sac’, and during New Reza in their Barony of Kerzenwick, these years often seen as the revival of Wick. 

 

Recently, the house of Wick is one spread over the lands, living to their archaic style of clans. That was until they found themselves slowly gathering under the Kingdom of Numendil, seeming to make themselves home there.

 

 

 

Notable Wicks

 

Ser Coltaine Wick, ‘The Old’ @HurferDurfer1

 Due to loss of information, not much is known or notable of Coltaine Wick. The only traceable history being that of donation and charity toward the advances of education and free-access knowledge. Many institutions and libraries being built under his supervision, Ser Coltaine was a true philanthropist beyond his times.

 

Ser Selrik Wick, ‘The Scholar’ @EmbryoGod

 Knighted under Koeng Andrik IV, known for his unorthodox manner of teaching. His magical skills were highly valued and served of great use to the Kingdom during his lifetime. Selrik served the house as Grand Wick for many, many years before his eventual step down for Siegmund Wick. Selrik served as the Arch Mage at the Haeseni College of Magic, and also served as the Commanding Officer for The Bad Company during the Wars of Renatian Aggression. His battle honors are too long to list in a single document.

 

 

Ser Jan Wick, ‘The Handsome’ @EmbryoGod

 Little is known about Ser Jan, except for his overwhelmingly beautiful face. A reported ladies man, he sired no children. His Knighthood was granted under Koeng Stefan I, reportedly for specific services regarding the Koeng’s well being. He assisted in quelling the Haeseni Ale Riots.

 

Thomas Wick @EmbryoGod

 Born a preacher, Thomas Wick started off as a priest in Old Reza. Known for his kindness and God-lightened warmth, he quickly rose through the clergy. It wouldn’t be long until he was unanimously voted into the Holy See, taking the pontifical name, ‘Everard V’. At that time, the War of Two Emperors had just swept Atlas, and with the Holy See situated in Haense, Everard was flung into a chaotic pot. Noting the Pertinaxi war crimes and inhumanity during the Czena War, and even at the time, Everard saw the moral choice to be with Haense. After being blinded by a would-be assassin, it wouldn’t be a day before he crowned Emperor Joseph I. In aid to his family and from his knowledge gained with the church, he was able to translate the Wick Scrolls from flexio to common as to allow for future Grand Wicks to no longer have to read flexio. 

 

Ludwig van Wick @Security_

 Known mainly for his minor outbursts during court, Ludwig van Wick was a zealous and proud Haeseni. Starting off as a member of the King’s Guard during the reign of Koeng Otto III he worked as a footsoldier, though quickly became interested in the arcane. Remaining in the guard along with both his father and uncle, the three made up the ‘Bad Company’, also known as the Magi Division. Thereafter he would go on to fight two drakes, and later create the Haeseni Ministry of Magic, a division under the crown that was used to police magic throughout Haense. Before the Ministry, Ascended had started living in Haense, bringing in their idolatry and odd practices. Ludwig and his father, Selrik, became known for their driving the Ascended out of Haense, and their restoration of Haeseni independence and pride.

 

Ser Bottle Wick, ‘The Boar’ @HurferDurfer1

 Gaining his title from getting wounded by a boar, the young man was a bright burning Wick flame. Brother to Willhelm Wick, the two were known to have a bad relationship when younger. Paired with the odd maniacs of their uncle Ludwig and aged Selrik, Bottle quickly made a life of his own as he married an auvergnian gypsy, and not long after he would gain his title. Not much is documented of his life after that, wherein he lived out the days with his wife quietly.

 

Ser Siegmund Wick, ‘The Shepherd’ @gavyn

 Siegmund is the son of Wilhelm Wick, a man who was dishonored and found guilty of conspiracy of murder. Differing from his father, Siegmund gained knighthood at a young age, being named, “The Shepherd of the Order of the Golden Hussars.” He served under Koeng Andrik IV, taking time between family and state orders. After a valiant and long-fought victory of the AIS war Siegmund was honorably discharged from the ranks of knight, shortly after he was elevated to the title of Baron. In his final years the late Baron of Kerzenwick would be noted struggling to remain a hold on his peerage, his time painfully split between his keep within the Wickwald and the cold halls of Oren; his title in limbo as being recognized by Haense, yet not Oren. During this final battle, the Baron fell victim to the Inferi invasion, the title “Baron of Kerzenwick” taken to the grave with him.

 

Konstantin Wick @Xarkly

 Starting his days as a humble bard, he took a try at the work of a lawman. Konstantin, being naturally talented in this field, opened a law firm in New Reza, swiftly getting his name around with his countless won cases in Imperial court. He was a student under, at the time President, Sir Konrad Stafyr, spent a time in the House of Commons. He was quickly promoted to President. Along with this he was named Palatine of Haense and shortly after Lord Regent with the absence of the late Sigismund II. His final working years were spent as Lord Palatine of Haense, later to be recorded as a simple fisherman enjoying his retirement.

 

 

 

Historical Titles of Wick

 

Grand Wick

Held By: VIC, VVIC, Dan Wick, Coltaine Wick, Selrik Wick, Ludwig van Wick, Bottle Wick, Siegmund Wick, Konstantin Wick, Corbin Wick, Juniper Wick, Elric Wick, Tulip Wick, Caius Wick.

 

Baron of Liefgaard

Held by: Coltaine Wick.

 

Baron of Kerzenwick

Held by: Selrik Wick, Ludwig van Wick, Siegmund Wick.

 

Viscount of Reau Pond

Held By: Corbin Wick.

 

 

 

The Lands of Wick

 

The Wickwald

 A long-time historic landmark of the Dual Kingdom, Hanseti-Ruska. With a capital of the city the Wickwald was not close behind, the wooded coverage of Haense honored with such name was a staple of each continent. The Wickwald was often famous for its very strange and odd collection of fauna and flora, but the most famous of which being: Gnomes, Halflings, Goblins, a unique species of rat, and most recently Ologs. Often the woods would be rumored as “haunted” or “cursed”, many souls who were seen wandering in were never to be recovered; this occurrence not even able to be explained by its native ilk, the Wicks.

 

Liefgaard

 A barony gifted to those of House Wick by Duke Sergei Kovachev, for their efforts during the Coalition War. This title was later seized by House Baruch and changed to the Barony of Jorenstadt during the Greyspine Rebellion.

 

The Wick-de-sac

 An entire street of Old Reza bought and claimed by the Family Wick, there about seven houses in total were all joined together, walls of some even being torn down to join them together to form a massive Wick estate. Here the families of Ludwig van Wick, Bottle Wick, and Wilhelm Wick all lived, as well as company men from the famous agriculture giant “Skinny Boy Farms LLC”. The headquarters of the company were in the basement of the front house at the center of the estate.

 

Kerzenwick

 A barony given by Koeng Sigmar Lothar, officially landing Wick as a vassal of Hanseti-Ruska. This land was lost during the War of Two Emperors, as Haense used it as a war base and never returned it to its former state. With this Wick was not recognized as proper nobility until the young Koeng Sigismund II recognized the House Wick, and namely Ser Siegmund, Baron of Kerzenwick, for their many years of undying loyalty and service to the Kingdom, swiftly and properly announcing them as the Barons of Kerzenwick. This was short lived though as the Empire outlawed the use of independent peerage for Kingdoms.

 

Kazirov Keep

 A strategic keep, built on the land gifted to Baron Siegmund. This was a freehold gifted to the Baron by the Empire, an award for his victories in several wars and military efforts.

 

Reau Pond

 The titular claim to Corbin Wick. The viscounty of Reau Pond was once a title of land gifted to the late Corbin Wick by Lord Ostromir Carrion, Count of Dobrov. Before the construction of Dobrov the untapped and natural lands of Dobrov once hosted a pond; this pond was named and claimed by the original grounds keeper of Dobrov, Corbin Wick.

 

The Dual-Spires of the Hexicanum
 Not much has been recorded of this. The extent of which being that they were founded by the late Archmagus Corbin Wick and his teacher “Goliath”. From these towers a humane and canon approved magi college was led, the order of elder mages from within seeking a common yet ironic goal of voidal balance.

 

 

---

 

Wicks Celebrating A Traditional Wicksgiving

 

---

Culture

Language

 The Wickish language, in its ancient history once considered a strange dialect that fused Hanset and Waldenian, developed into a standardized spoken language around circa 1680. Following the popularization of New Marian, combined with concentrated efforts to expel the historic Wickish diaspora from Haense, it has since found a cultural revival amongst its people. With a long history of spoken prose, the slow development of a native writing system has allowed for the language to expand wherever the Wicks may go, with the language seeing full use during Wickish ceremony and administration. 

 

To this day the language is still spoken by its people, with new words added regularly to their lexicon (particularly from other, closely related Human languages)

 

 

Tradition

 

Lumps

 This ancient ritual marks the coming of age for young Wicks, a test of endurance and resilience passed down through generations. Under the watchful eye of elder Wicks, children who have come of age are chosen to undergo the ritual—a series of ceremonial beatings meant to toughen them for the challenges of adulthood. Though seemingly harsh, it is a tradition revered for instilling strength, courage, and the unyielding spirit of the Wick.

 

Brandishing

 This ritual of yore has recently come back to common practice once again. When one wishes to be adopted by a clan of Wick they will often undergo either a trial—or this ritual of branding. Any non-blood that wishes to take on the name Wick will bear a burn scar of a candle, the same in image of the family crest, wherever they desire. This ritual is not usually practiced by born Wicks, though it has been recorded in the past to have been done as a vow of loyalty.

 

The Moot

  Every Wick holds the right to call for this gathering of Wicks, The Moot. A Wick’s moot is arranged and hosted by the Grand Wick. The moot begins with an open floor for the “Airing of Grievances” where all and any present are free to share their news, troubles, or fortunes with the present parties and clans of Wick. The remaining structure and proceedings of the moot might be different from meeting to meeting depending on the Grand Wick’s schedule. During a moot, if a majority of observers and council members agree upon it, an election will take place - all who wish to run for Elector and Grand Wick will step forward and speak their piece on why they should be elected into position, after all have spoke a date for the following moot and vote will be agreed upon.

 

The Wickening 

 This is the migration of a large body of Wicks to a new homeland. The Wickening is a party over the course of two Saint’s days, where the Wick folk make themselves at home and hold a lively night of drinking and gifting in their new local tavern. The Wickening usually takes place a year or two after their migration, to make sure that they have really found home.

 

Candle Making 

 A common and ancient profession of the Wicks, it being taught to them at the youngest age of three. Many shops over thousands of years have been opened to sell the historically coveted wax pieces.

 

Rat Breeding and Training

 This tradition is as old as the first Wick, Vic. He began the practice of turning these often hunted and shunned rodents into tools and helpers to his causes and works. To this day it is not often you will find a Wick without one herd of rats trained, or being trained. Not but many years ago, in the city of New Reza, under Koeng Andrik IV, Siegmund Wick had the peoples of Hanseti-Ruska hooked on his “Wick Courier Rats.” A proof that more than just the peoples of Wick can find utility in these wise and indomitable little creatures.

 

 

 

Holidays

 

Kerzenbrennt

Spoiler

Celebrated in January

  In tradition of the Wicks, the denizens of the Wickwald and all that follow Wick tradition, celebrate "Kerzenbrennt." Kerzenbrennt marks the passing of one year into the next, with each household lighting a candle for every year that has gone by in Wickstory. The day is a vibrant festival filled with games, feasting, and merriment, where the people gather to commemorate the old and embrace the new.

 

One of the central traditions of Kerzenbrennt is “de Rattenessen." Throughout the year, the family's rat population is culled for both pest control and sustenance. The meat collected from these cullings is preserved and carefully prepared into a variety of dishes for Kerzenbrennt. It is believed that consuming rat meat during this festival imbues the celebrants with the essence of Wicks' resilience and resourcefulness, bringing them luck and vitality for the year ahead.

 

During Kerzenbrennt, streets and homes are adorned with candles of all shapes and sizes, each representing a year of memories and challenges overcome. Games of skill and chance are played throughout the Wickwald, from lively performances to elaborate tournaments. As night falls, the sky over Wickwald is aglow with the light of thousands of candles, a testament to the unity and spirit of its people.

 

As the final hours of Kerzenbrennt draw near, the community gathers for the “Vernietung de Nagtiers.” At the stroke of midnight, all the candles are ceremoniously blown out, symbolizing the passing of the old year and the beginning of the new. Amidst cheers and applause, the people of the Wickwald embrace the future with hope and determination, ready to face whatever challenges the coming year may bring.

 

All Wick’s Day

Spoiler

Celebrated in February

 In the tradition of the Wicks, the community observes "All Wick's Day," a solemn and introspective holiday that falls shortly after Kerzenbrennt. This day holds a unique significance for the people of Wicks. It is a time dedicated to honoring and paying tribute to the Wicks of yore, the ancestors and figures of legend who shaped their history and traditions.

 

On All Wick's Day, the atmosphere is quiet and reverent. Many Wicks choose to observe vows of silence and fasting as acts of dedication and respect. This solemnity reflects a deep reverence for the past and a contemplation of the future.

 

Central to the customs of All Wick's Day is the tradition of making and offering custom gifts. These gifts are meticulously crafted by hand, each one imbued with symbolic meaning and personal significance. These offerings are then solemnly brought to the Elder Tree of the Wickwald, a venerable tree believed to be a conduit between the living and the spirits of the ancestors.

 

The gifts are ceremonially burnt as tributes to the past Wick folk, their essence rising with the smoke to join the whispers of the wind through the ancient branches of the Elder Tree. This act symbolizes the continuity of tradition, the passing of wisdom from generation to generation, and the eternal connection between the living and those who came before.

 

Throughout the day, gatherings may occur at the edges of the Wickwald, where stories of the past are quietly shared in hushed tones, preserving the memories and teachings of the ancestors for future generations.

 

All Wick's Day is not a day of mourning but a day of quiet reflection, gratitude, and renewal of the bonds that unite the people of Wicks with their heritage and the spirits of their ancestors. It is a reminder that the threads of time weave together the past, present, and future into a tapestry of resilience, wisdom, and enduring traditions.

 

Saint Rudolph’s Day

Spoiler

Celebrated in April

 In tradition of the Wicks, there exists a solemn day known as Saint Rudolph's Day. It is a time when all Clans of Wick set aside their finery and titles to embrace humility and compassion.

 

On Saint Rudolph's Day, the people of the Wickwald awaken to find their lords and ladies clad not in silks and velvets, but in humble rags or armor begrimed with mud and filth. This deliberate act symbolizes a renunciation of worldly splendor and a pledge to stand shoulder to shoulder with the less fortunate.

 

Names and titles are set aside on this sacred day. The clans of Wick, renowned for their valor and lineage, forsake their distinctions to live among the downtrodden and afflicted of their homeland. From the bustling cities to the quiet villages, the Wicks venture into the alleys and hovels where poverty and sickness hold sway.

 

With hearts open and hands extended, the Wicks share in the simple joys of bread and wine, breaking bread with those who know hunger all too well and pouring wine for those whose throats are parched from thirst. The distinctions of wealth and status dissolve in the warm embrace of camaraderie, for on Saint Rudolph's Day, all are kin.

 

In the shadow of ancient cathedrals and beneath the spreading boughs of venerable wickbaum, the spirit of Saint Rudolph guides these acts of selflessness and giving. Legends tell of Rudolph, a clergyman of yore who devoted his life to aiding the poor and healing the sick. His legacy lives on in the hearts of the Wicks who, on this holy day, strive to emulate his example of compassion and service.

 

Purge of the Aerielblight

Spoiler

Celebrated in July

 The Purge of Aerielblight Festival, reverently commemorates the courageous Wick HRA soldiers liberating the city of Markev from the cursed Ascended flock. 

 

The day begins with many grouping in a large mass, where Wicks reflect on the trials overcome during the Aerielblight in Markev, and regale stories of the terrible times the Ascended would breed. 

 

As dusk descends, ceremonial bonfires are ignited across wherever they might call home, symbolizing the cleansing of darkness and the triumph of light. The atmosphere shifts from solemnity to jubilation as the community gathers for a festive feast, accompanied by music, dance, and joyful revelry under the glow of colorful lanterns. 

 

At the stroke of midnight, a poignant tradition unfolds: the extinguishing of the bonfires, symbolizing the finality of the purging and the city's collective return to unity and renewed hope in the absence of the Aerielblight. Thus ending the holiday and festival, the attendants return home in darkness or street light.

 

Jan’s Slosh

Spoiler

Celebrated in September

 Finding itself in the middle of the traditional Wickish calendar, there exists a boisterous and spirited holiday known as Jan's Slosh. This festive occasion, born from the heroic deeds of Ser Jan during the tumultuous Haeseni Ale Riots, is a day of revelry and remembrance marked by drinking and games of skill and wit.

 

The festivities begin with spirited competitions that test both skill and fortitude. Drunk archery contests are held, where participants aim their arrows at targets while balancing the effects of hearty draughts of whiskey. Laughter and cheers fill the air as arrows fly true or veer wildly off course.

 

Meanwhile, barrels of Wicksian Whiskey are transformed into makeshift apple-bobbing kegs. Participants, their faces flushed with merriment and spirits, dip their heads into the barrels to retrieve apples bobbing amidst the amber liquid. It is a game that demands dexterity and a high tolerance for the potent brew.

 

Feats of charisma and storytelling also take center stage during Jan's Slosh. Bards and minstrels regale the crowd with epic tales of Ser Jan's valorous stand, and his very VERY handsome face. Weaving tales of courage and camaraderie that stir the hearts of all who listen. Amidst the revelry, alliances are forged, and old grudges set aside as the spirit of community and shared history binds the Wicks together.

 

Woltaine’s Lament

Spoiler

Celebrated In October

 Amidst the ancient wickbaum and whispered secrets of the Wickwald, there exists a night shrouded in eerie tales and flickering candlelight—a night known as Woltaine’s Lament. This spectral holiday stirs the hearts of Wick children and adults alike with tales of Woltaine "the Malevolent."

 

As the moon ascends to its fullest, casting a silvery glow upon the twisted branches of the Wickwald, families gather in their homes to carve pumpkins into grimacing visages. Each carved face represents a ward against Woltaine’s spirit, a tradition passed down through generations to ward off the pure malice of Woltaine and his evil forces.

 

In the flickering glow of jack-o'-lanterns, elders recount the chilling legend of Woltaine the Malevolent—a once powerful noble of Wick who betrayed his kin for dark sorcery and untold ambitions. Cursed for his treachery, Woltaine's spirit is said to haunt the depths of the Wickwald, seeking retribution against any who dare trespass upon his restless domain.

 

The night before Wick-or-Treat, daring Wick children, armed with bravery and lanterns, venture into the mist-laden Wickwald in search of Woltaine’s ghost. They tread cautiously along the ancient paths, whispering tales of the Malevolent deeds and daring each other to brave the deepest shadows where his presence is said to linger.

 

Amidst the haunting calls of nocturnal creatures and the rustling of autumn leaves, the children play a game of courage and cunning, seeking to glimpse the phantom of Woltaine amidst the spectral mists. Some claim to hear his mournful lament echoing through the trees, while others swear they see his shadow flit between the gnarled trunks.

 

Woltaine’s Lament is a night of thrilling adventure and spine-chilling excitement, where the veil between the mundane and the supernatural grows thin. It serves not only as a time of playful terror but also as a reminder of the dangers that lurk in the shadows—and the resilience of the House of Wick in facing them together.

 

As the night wanes and the first rays of dawn illuminate the Wickwald, the children return home, hearts pounding with exhilaration and relief. They carry with them the thrill of Woltaine’s Lament and the knowledge that even in the face of darkness, the unity and courage of the Wick endure, unbroken and undaunted.

 

Wick-or-Treat

Spoiler

Celebrated the day after Woltaine’s Lament

 In the tradition of the House of Wick, when the shadows lengthen and the autumnal winds whisper through the cobblestone streets, there comes a lively and mischievous holiday known as Wick-or-Treat. This festive occasion blends laughter, pranks, and culinary delights in equal measure.

 

As the sun dips below the horizon, the Wickwald and its neighboring villages and hamlets come alive with flickering torchlight and the gleeful chatter of children adorned in costumes crafted from homespun cloth and shimmering silk. Each child carries a sack or basket, not only for the sweetbreads and treats bestowed upon them but also for the pranks they are expected to play.

 

At the heart of Wick-or-Treat lies the tradition of mischief—every Wick, young and old, is expected to play at least one playful trick on their neighbors or friends during the course of the evening. These pranks range from harmless scares and practical jokes to elaborate feats of trickery that test wit and cunning.

 

Amidst the merriment of trickery, tables groan under the weight of culinary delights specially prepared for Wick-or-Treat. Sweetbreads and pastries, rich with honey and spiced fruits, tempt the palate alongside savory treats like rat skewers—delicacies that evoke both laughter and culinary curiosity among the revelers.

 

Throughout the evening, laughter echoes through the narrow streets as Wick children dart from door to door, calling out the traditional refrain of "Wick-or-Treat!" In exchange for their playful antics, they are rewarded with treats of candied nuts, baked apples, and small trinkets offered by generous villagers.

 

Wicksgiving

Spoiler

Celebrated in November

 In the tradition of the Wicks, there is a cherished tradition known as Wicksgiving. This venerable holiday serves as a beacon of unity and kinship among all clans of Wick.

 

As the end of the year draws near and the cold winds of winter whisper through the Wickwald, the Wicks gather from distant lands and far-off fiefs to converge upon the ancestral seat. It is a time when differences are set aside, and the bonds of blood and loyalty are celebrated with fervor.

 

At the heart of Wicksgiving lies the communal feast, a grand banquet where tables groan under the weight of roasted meats, spiced pies, and golden loaves of bread. The air is rich with the aroma of mulled chamberpot wine and the crackling of fires, creating a warmth that transcends the chill of the season. Each clan brings their finest culinary offerings, a testament to their prowess and hospitality.

 

Amidst the feast, gifts are exchanged, tokens of appreciation and esteem passed from one hand to another. These gifts symbolize not only material generosity but also the enduring spirit of camaraderie that binds the Wicks together as one formidable family.

 

But Wicksgiving is not merely a feast for the body; it is also a feast for the soul. Stories are shared around the hearth, tales of valor and adventure that echo through the ages. Elders pass down wisdom to the young, weaving a tapestry of history and heritage that strengthens the fabric of their collective identity.

 

Culling of the Rats

Spoiler

Celebrated in December

 The final holiday in the traditional calendar of the House Wick, when the frost begins to settle upon the land and the whispers of winter weave through the Wickwald, there comes a solemn yet essential holiday known as the Culling of the Rats. This occasion, akin to a pragmatic yet sacred ritual, marks the culmination of a year-long effort to manage the burgeoning rat population, while also paying homage to the ancient traditions that safeguard the Clans of Wick.

 

Throughout the year, hordes of rats have proliferated in the nooks and crannies of Wick villages and homesteads, posing a threat to food stores and hygiene. The Culling of the Rats is a time when these vermin are ceremoniously culled in mass, their spirits offered as sacrifice to appease the ancient spirits of the Wickwald. It is believed that this ritual ensures a safe passage into the next year, protecting the community from illness and misfortune.

 

As the day of the culling approaches, preparations begin in earnest. Every Wick household readies itself for the task, gathering in unity to undertake the solemn duty. Rats are captured using traditional methods passed down through generations—traps, nets, and skilled hands working in unison to swiftly and efficiently thin the rodent population.

 

Once the rats are culled, their bodies are respectfully harvested. Not a single part of the rat is wasted; their skins are tanned and used for leather goods, their bones crafted into tools and ornaments, and their meat preserved and prepared in a myriad of dishes. The scent of smoked rat sausages and roasted rat haunches wafts through the air, mingling with the fragrant herbs and spices used in their preparation.

 

In Wick homes and village squares, stalls are erected where rat-derived goods are proudly displayed and exchanged. Artisans and cooks showcase their skills, offering delicacies and crafts made from the bounty of the culling. From rat leather pouches and bone-handled knives to rat-meat pies and hearty stews, the offerings are as varied as they are essential to the community's survival.

 

Amidst the practicality of the culling, there is a deep-rooted belief in the spiritual significance of the ritual. It is said that to waste any part of the rat's spoils invites the ire and malice of Woltaine “the Malevolent”—a grim consequence that could bring misfortune or worse upon those who disregard tradition. Therefore, every action is undertaken with reverence and purpose, ensuring that the sacrifices made are honored in accordance with ancient customs.

 

 

Food

 The Clans of Wick have no exact recorded cuisine, though their foods take much influence from Raev and Waldenian cultures. Often the main meats of these dishes are replaced by the meat of the most plump rats harvested from the cullings and slaughters. The following dishes are some of the most common made during Wickish festivals and holidays.

 

Rat Pie

A savory pie filled with diced rat meat, onions, and peas, seasoned with salt, pepper, and a hint of nutmeg, encased in a flaky pastry crust.

 

Spiced Rat Kebab

Rat meat marinated in a spiced yogurt marinade with cumin, coriander, and paprika, skewered and grilled to perfection.

 

Ratwurst with Sauerkraut

Rat meat ground and seasoned with a blend of herbs and spices, stuffed into casings and grilled, filled with a creamy mustard sauce through the core, topped with a blanket of fresh sauerkraut.

 

Rat Pelmeni

These delicate dumplings are crafted from a savory blend of ground rat meat, finely chopped onions, and seasoned with a touch of salt and pepper. Encased in a tender, handmade dough made from a Wick secret recipe, each pelmeni is meticulously shaped into petite pockets of flavor.

 

Drinks

 The most common activity you will find a Wick indulging themselves in would have to be that of drinking. For millennia Wick distilleries and households have made many versions of traditional liquors and wines. These are the most common and popular modern versions of traditional Wickish drinks.

 

Wicksian Whisky

The weighty drink has a refined yet assertive profile. Bursting with fruit and spice; a selective taste idea for those who like their whiskies to be full flavored, yet easy to drink. The amber gloss of the liquid held a darker shade due to its lengthy aging period within a charred oaken barrel. While having a strangely smooth texture, the whisky hosts an alcohol content of 40% - dangerously easy to drink, requiring a stretcher for those foolish enough to gulp down the beverage. First bottled by Ophelia van Wick.

 

Daeperician Noir

A dark red ichor, holding tiny grains of sediment at its base. Grown in the tropical region of the Daeperician Archipelago, these darker hearty grapes give off a scent of pleasant juniper and oak. The wine itself would hold a dry taste and a bold flavor, teething with a certain bitterness in its notes. First bottled by Ludwig van Wick.

 

Wickwood Vodka

The contents of the drink bear a slightly translucent silvery color. The drink smells of citrus tones from the aging process of distilled alcohol. It hosts a potent and slightly bitter flavor, offering an immediate sour aftertaste. First bottled by Ophelia van Wick.

 

Wick Chamberpot Wine

A sickly sweet bottle of ‘wine’. The cheap drink leaves a cloying taste in the mouth, clearly not the highest quality. First bottled by Coltaine Wick.

 

 

 

---

Saint Rudolph Wagner, Patron Saint of the family wick

 

---

Clans of Wick

 

Preface

The Wicks often join in the tradition of separating into clans, this being birthed from the Wicks being commonly spread out between nations in the past. The clans formerly being made up by region are now defined by lineage, similar to the branches of most houses.

 

The majority of Wicks of yore were found in the Kingdom of Haense, these Wicks were most times undefined by a clan name - being seen as The House of Wick. The names of former regional clans seem to have been lost in the translation of the Wick scrolls.

 

Listed here are the current, and former familial clans of Wick - these clans often taking up separate households, purposes, and professions. Sometimes each clan even goes as far as having their own sigil and history, yet still celebrating and joining with the greater Wick mass in tradition.

 

Known Clans

 

Clan Of the Elden

Established By: Ser Coltaine “the Old” @HurferDurfer1.

Notable Members: Ser Coltaine Wick, Ser Selrik Wick, Ludwig van Wick.

Current Members: None.

 

Clan Of the Scholar

Established By: Ser Selrik “the Scholar” @EmbryoGod.

Notable Members: Ser Selrik Wick, Ludwig Wick, Thomas Wick, Konstantin Wick.

Current Members: Isabel Wick, Aleksi Wick, Krys Wick, Lev Wick, Casimir Wick, Goran Wick, Adelhaid Wick.

 

Clan Of the Boar

Established By: Ser Bottle “the Boar” @HurferDurfer1.

Notable Members: Ser Bottle Wick, Barley Wick, Calanthe Wick.

Current Members: None.

 

Clan Of the Shepherd

Established By: Ser Siegmund “the Shepherd” @gavyn.

Notable Members: Ser Siegmund Wick, Juniper Wick, Bult Wick, Corbin Wick.

Current Members: Ludwig Wick, Lauretta Wick, Caius Wick, Claude Wick, Cornelius Wick, Therese Wick, Andrée Wick.

 

The Clan of Solís

Established By: Dame Marisol “the Selfless” @beetle.

Notable Members: Dame Marisol Solís.

Current Members: Marisol Solís, Alva Solís-Wick, Nikolai Solís-Wick.

 

 

---

---

Spoiler

Original post by @Security_

Big thanks to @cadazio for

 

 

[__Hergh 785]

omg omg omg wick lore 

[cadazio 2105]

big thanks to @cadazio 🥰

[Phersades 1710]

It is a Wick’s world out here 

 

[Turbo_Dog 3567]

This is some major rat lore

[DizzyGrey 1229]

Oh this seems fun

[Marshi 1184]

Very well written!

[beetle 3315]

The Wicks, the Wicks, we're the Wicks ....

[latte 2238]

what the wick