CLAN RAUÐRDAG | A Scyfling Clan

[_RoyalCrafter_ 5285]

 

 

 

 

11th, Tov agYermey

566 E.S 

 

 

The Clan of Rauðrdag (Rauthrdag in common), or Red Day/Dawn is a scyfling clan with a long history tracing back to the settling of the Scyfling Island of Vigr.

 

The clan is most adept in agriculture, animal husbandry and sailing. It is colloquially said that the clan is called ‘Red Day’ since members of the clan rise very early in the day to do their work. The actual origins of the name are more obscure though.

 

Despite not being martially inclined compared to other clans, they were well known in Vigr for their archery and prowess in ranged combat.

 

 

HISTORY | HISTORIK

ANCIENT HISTORY | ELDERN HISTORIK
The old history of clan Rauðrdag does not have exact recorded dates, as these events took place many millennia ago.

 

The ancient history of the clan begins with the exodus of the descendant races from Atlas, following the conclusion of the Vaeyl wars, approximately 257-260 E.S.

 

Many Scyflings sought new lands to settle for themselves, which led them to the isle of Vigr, with the first settlement Eldrun (firepath) being founded around a crater with a natural, continuous burning flame in the centre of it.

 

The clan was officially established by Rothar Flameforger, the second Burgrave of Eldrun. Rothar was appointed by the ruling house of Colborn as Burgrave due to the first burgrave leaving no heirs behind.

 

As such Rothar married Inkeri, an influential local horticulturist, officially forming the clan Rauðrdag to establish a lineage to govern Eldrun under the rulership of the Colborn High Chiefs.

 

After around 150 years of prosperous generational governance, the Isle of Vigr became victim to external raids by enigmatic sea-raiders. Their arrival was often heralded by oncoming fog, which while it served as a tell of their arrival it also obscured their landing.

 

The first few years started out as mere raids and skirmishes between the warriors of Eldrun, with the sea-raiders being repelled more often than not. But overtime, the amount of raiders would increase, and the island would be breached at different locations, spreading the levy of Eldrun thin.

 

This period of time led to constant conflict and fighting for roughly a 100 years, this period of time being referred to as the Marauder War. The eventual result being the defeat of the scyflings of Vigr, and their subsequent exodus from the island.

 

 

MODERN HISTORY
The Rauthrdags returned to the greater realms, accompanying the line of Osgod. While the Osgod line arrived directly in Haense in 522 E.S, the exact date of the Rauthrdag arrival to Aevos is unknown.

 

The Rauthrdags spent around 30 years establishing the fishing village Murtrborg (Fishborg) on the icy coast of Ailmere, as the environment was familiar to the reaches of Vigr to them. While they managed to fish and hunt enough to sustain themselves for a few decades, the pervasive influence of the Harrower provided too much of a challenge for the hold; agriculture, trade and sustainable hunting were impossible. Thus the settlement was disbanded.

 

The Clan of the Red Day made a formal arrival to Haense in the year 552 E.S. Chief Magnus Rauðrdag was appointed as Lord Marshal of the Brotherhood of Saint Karl in the year 559 E.S.

 

 

CLAN RITES

SKJIPRAUN | COMING OF AGE
The Skipraun, or simply Boat Trial, is a coming-of-age trial in which a Rauthrdag must construct a sailing vessel. This trial is taken at the age of 18. This special boat is called the Ofieskjip, or Spirit Boat, as it represents the linking of one’s being to the ship. As such, these ships are often decorated and stylised according to the builder’s personality.

 

The origin behind tradition came from superstitions, as a way for sailors far out at sea to be able to ‘navigate’ their way home, or if they perish their souls won't be lost.

 

There are no limits or restrictions to the size of the Ofieskjip, one can make a canoe or a longship if they are capable. However, the boat must pass several stress tests, such as being buoyant, transporting people, goods, and surviving storms. While the ship has to be functional, if it is ever used, it ultimately depends on the person who builds it.

 

An adult who has not completed the Skjipraun is considered to be a bearer of ill fortune, and their soul will be lost upon their demise. In the modern day, it is popular to have a Canonist Priest bless the boat.

 

ANZI á ELD | RETURN TO FIRE
The Return to Fire is the funerary ritual of the Clan, in which the deceased is laid to rest upon their Ofieskjip, which is then set alight. The burning of the body and the Ofieskjip allows the soul to be released and enter the seven skies, releasing the bond established at the Skjipraun.

 

The name of the ritual originates from the practice of using the fire from the Pit of Eld on the island of Vigr, which is considered holy. In the absence of this fire, a priest can bless a normal flame.

 

To perform a standard ‘in-the-ground’ burial, or not burning the person’s Ofieskjiip, is considered a punishment. A particular cruelty would be to display a slain enemy’s Ofieskjip, this great disrespect only being recorded a handful of times in history.

 

If a body of water is not available to perform the Anzi á Eld, it can be done on land. In this case, the ashes can be collected as a memento, though normally the deceased’s other belongings would be kept for such.

 

In the case of children passing early without performing a Skjipraun, it is customary for members of the deceased family to carve a piece from their own Ofieskjip and use those to perform the ritual as a symbol of communal spirit.

 

 

HJARTRAUN | HEART TRIAL
While in most Scylfing clans, the honouring of ancestors was performed at the coming of age trial. The Rauthrdags honour their ancestors when they are ready for work, which is typically done earlier than the Skjipraun.

 

The ancestor of which they honour is representative of their field of industry, though this is not strict and a Rauthrdag may pick an ancestor based on personal affinity.

 

An example would be a shipbuilder honouring Rothar Flameforge could perform a variety of trials such as simply building a ship, performing a hunt at sea, recovering shipwrecks or so on.

 

A patron ancestor may have multiple applicable ‘domains.’ To use Rothar Flameforge as an example again, an aspiring Redseer could perform a specific ceremony in his honour, such as carrying a flame across great distances.

 

Ancestors, their histories and trials are recorded in a special time, which is maintained by the Chief and the Elder of the clan.

 

 

CLAN TRADITIONS

JAFNADAG BLÓT | EQUINOX BLÓT
The two days in the year in which the length of day is equal to the length of, are days of great celebration, as they are representations of the true peak of the season. The Clan celebrates these two days with the Svaring Blót and  Auhun Blót.

 

SVARING BLÓT
During the spring, the waters around Vigr gradually warm, giving rise to a bloom of aquatic flora and fauna. By the time of the Equinox, the fish have matured, ready to be hunted.

 

People take to the seas to compete on how much fish one can gather, and a feast is thrown afterwards. The winner of the fishing competition is granted a fish bown crown and is to be given respect throughout the event.

 

AUHUN BLÓT
During this festival, all the harvested crops and mature livestock are brought in and prepared for a village wide feast. Usually some sort of contest of strength is involved, with the winner given the best meal.

 

 

THE GUEST
What distinguishes these festivals from other typical festivals is the incorporation of the old tradition Blót, in which a portion of the harvest, food or drink is given as an offering to a patron figure, in modern times this is a saint or blessed. However, as hold over from pagan practices, a secondary figure is carved, and kept distance to the side with a smaller table of offering.

 

This secondary figure is usually a generic carving of a scyfling man, but fully painted red or yellow. This figure is commonly referred to as “The Red Man,” “Brother Spring/Autumn” or just “The Guest.” The real name and purpose of this secondary figure has been long lost, but it is considered very rude to not “invite” this figure to the festivities.

 

In general, it is common practice for important events to have an enigmatic “guest.”

 

SBORGENDORGEN | ???
The Sborgendogren is a traditional duel initiated between two members of the clan. The origin of the name of this practice has been lost, but what the Sborgendorgen entails has not.

 

Either as a way to resolve conflict, or for recreation, the Rauthrdags equip themselves with hunting bows, a hunting dagger and survival equipment. Then the duelists enter a forest on opposite sides, and hunt for each other.

 

The duel takes a long time to set up and a long time for any actual conflict to happen, which gives ample time for the duelists to reconsider their positions. But for situations where there cannot be reconciliation, the Sborgendorgen is the ultimate form of victor’s justice.

 

 

CLAN HEIRARCHY

CHIEF
The Chief of the Clan, is the head of the Clan and historically has been the one to hold the title of Burgrave of Eldrun. The Chief of the clan has final authority on the decision-making within the clan.

 

ELDER
The Rauthrdags follow common scyfling customs in which the oldest person within the clan is granted the title of Elder. They provide counsel to the Chief, guidance to younger members, and maintain ceremonial and cultural traditions.

 

MEMBER
Members of the clan are those who are born into it, and have subsequently completed all their respective trials. Individuals who are married into the clan are given the same status and respect as ordinary members, provided the appropriate marriage rites are completed.

 

Signed,

Magnus Rauðrdag, Chief of Clan Rauðrdag,

Lord Marshal of the Brotherhood of St. Karl.

[lemonke 6014]

Spoiler

hey buddy! stop posting cool posts????????????

 

[_RoyalCrafter_ 5285]

Just now, lemonke said:

  Reveal hidden contents

hey buddy! stop posting cool posts????????????

 

Spoiler

you first buddy ;)

 

[JuliusAakerlund 2402]

"The traditions run deep as does the will of our people. Magnus has relight the torch of his bloodline. I only hope it never runs out, not now, not ever." Davyd said while overlooking the view of the Scyfling March from atop Sacred Mount Terukan.

[jqsmlne 460]

On 1/26/2025 at 11:43 PM, _RoyalCrafter_ said:

An adult who has not completed the Skjipraun is considered to be a bearer of ill fortune, and their soul will be lost upon their demise.

The Eltaliyna of the Isle of Nevaehlen, Liriana Sirame, stares at the empty waters where Magnus Raudrdag was supposed to build his ship but never did... 

 

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Eirena Karolina Raudrdag wonders if this is why dad is so financially irresponsible.