The Cult of Wyrvun

[SirBlocklips 192]

 

The Cult of Wyrvun stands as a group of what are essentially warrior-monks, sequestered in far-flung lands coated in ice and snow. These adherents isolate themselves in order to focus on the teachings of wisdom and the world at large that whisper in the crunch of fallen snow underfoot, in the gambit of the arctic fox that chases its prey, and in the blizzard that bars all from entry to its frigid squall.   As far-0ff as they may be, trouble tends to find these wisdom-seeking worshipers. From the Mali’Fenn's persecution by the Mali'Aheral for their “plague” that is the worship of the Lord of Winter, to the inciting of Frostbeard Rebellions due to the removal of The Lord of Virtue by numerous High Prophets of  Da Kirkja Dverga, to the cults of Fjarriagua, born from a forbidden frozen kiss, the worshipers of Wyrvun have seen much persecution throughout the time of the deity’s prevalence in Aos and Eos. This prosecution is not without reason; the very god that is now worshiped as the Lord of Virtue was once the wrathful God of the Dark Cold Ondnarch, woven into a draconic shell by Iblees the Arch-Daemon.   Though persecuted as they are, the flames of adversity have failed to truly melt away the frigid devotion of those who worship the Aengul of Ice. Many groups have followed Wyrvun in the past, as well as the present, ranging from the Azwyrtrumm Order of the Redeemed, to the Witch Covens of the Grand Witch Brunhylde, to the modern Vigilants of the Mali’Fenn, Wyrvun seems to persist a following throughout the ages. Now, upon the fall of the Fourth Grand Kingdom of Urguan at the hands of the Empire of Man, does the Cult of Wyrvun surge forth. What was once only a forgotten practice of the Elder Clan Frostbeard, now is a clandestine congregation that gathers all Descendants who prove to the Cult that Virtue beats within their bleeding hearts, as the Redeemed. Bleeding these hearts shall be, for in the raging fires that have prosecuted the followers of the Lord of the Deep Cold for centuries, a macabre devotion full of ritualistic sacrifice and hemomantic sorcery has been born, all in service of the White Dragon.

 

 

 

 

In their gathering, the Cult of Wyrvun casts aside all preconceived notions that the varying faiths of Wyrvun have once held, and only holds what is lain out before it’s own congregation as both true, and sacrament. Many such beliefs are born from those who came before, such as the original Cult of Wyrvun from the Frostbeards, as well as those closely held mantras of the Mali’Fenn in the Idhren’tirn. In their conjoining does a new faith burgeon, hallmarked by zealotry and sacrifice. 

 

The Aspects of Wyrvun
Wyrvun the Uniform   Casting off the bagged of Da Kirkja Dverga’s High Prophets, as well as the beliefs of the Idhren’tirn in the multi-faceted nature of Wyrvun’s divinity, the Cult of Wyrvun asserts that The White Dragon is one, and only one, god. While others may claim of the 6-fold nature of Wyrvun and the numerous Aenguls and Aelor that constitute his divinity, the Cult of Wyrvun disavows such beliefs; there is only one Wyrvun, the worship of which is paramount. Wyrvun is uniformly the White Dragon, Aengul of Virtue and Redemption, guarding of the frozen expanse and Master over Ice and Snow. There is only one Wyrvun, and there is only one god who is over such domains.	Wyrvun the Manifold   As so Wyrvun is one god, his form is Manifold. Seen in the variety of faiths that all view the god in their own ways, the names for Wyrvun shift like the falling snow. The Manifold Dragon, as often called by the Cult, goes by names such as; The Lord of Virtue, Father Winter, God of Ice, Lord of the Deep Cold, The White Dragon, the Blackened Bear, and likely more. With all of these varied names and titles, a singular persona, as frigid guardian over all things Virtuous and Frozen is solidified amongst the cult, as well as the assertion of a new domain; that of Wisdom, and Discernment. Beyond this, much interpretation is to be had by the Redeemed, so varied are their beliefs.
Wyrvun the Merciful   A breathtaking sight of the tranquility of Wyrvun’s wonderful winter world is all most need to comprehend the mercy at which they stand before. The merciful nature of Wyrvun is what prevents persistent blizzards in screaming squalls from ravaging the land, as well as keeping his inhabitants safe in his realms.	Wyrvun the Wrathful   Benevolent as he is, any who trek into his lands during a snowstorm are quickly confronted with the Wrath of Wyrvun. Those that are foolish enough to invoke his divine wrath are met with frigid fronts unending, beset on all sides by both the winds around them and nature itself as beasts rise to halt their defilement.

 

≃ The Winds of Winter ≃

In summation of who Wyrvun is, the chilled breath of the lands is said to be his very breath, blowing through all who call his lands home. The Winds, as they are called, is also what his Cult regards as their intended path in life. By following the Winds, one may pass through the chaos of one’s jumbled mind, into a quiet mind of serene purpose. The Path of the White Dragon is the term used for those who follow Winter’s Winds, embracing all that is their duty to the Aengul of Wisdom.

 

✙ Paramount Praise ✙ 

The Cult of Wyrvun does not bring disdain for those who worship other gods; verily so, Wyrvun is still considered a part of the Brathmordakin by many in the Cult, for it has been a predominantly Frostbeard organization in the annals of history. However, what the Cult does assert is that no matter what, Wyrvun is the absolute authority in his own lands. One may beseech the Golden Lion for blessings of Order, or one may even request zeal from He who Bears the Sword of Horen, but when snow crunches beneath your feet, no god may be put above Wyrvun. 

 

☾ Corruption and Purity ☽

Many are the arts arcane in these lands; some darker than others. As per the hoary vein of wisdom that pervades the Cult of Wyrvun’s mantras, the veracity and worth of a group, their actions, and their magick, is determined by how virtuous they/it is. That is to say, magic such as Voidal Arts is not the cause of immediate derisive gestures in the Cult of Wyrvun. Rather, anything that corrupts others, or the lands of Wyrvun, are met with fervent fury. A voidal practitioner may not be the cause of disdain, but the spreading of Voidal Influence is; the creation or establishment of Heaths and Hollows within their lands are paramount blasphemy. Where those of the Idhren’tirn took a more neutral stance on matters, the Cult of Wyrvun harbors an ice-cold focus on those who dare taint Wyrvun’s blessed purity. Those that seek other religions are free to do so outside of their lands, but to enter unto the lands of Wyrvun in the name of other gods, especially in the claim of ascendancy before the White Dragon, is met with shivering strength. 

 

⥼ Sacrifice ⥽

In their worship to their god, the Cult performs blood rituals in order to appease and strengthen Wyrvun. In doing so, the Cultists do not give praise to those Six Facets of Wyrvun; legs and arms are not given in supplication to Katas, The Aelor of Destruction, nor the head to Ignoshey, the Aengul of Knowledge. Rather, the parts of the body - in the case of animalistic sacrifice - are repurposed, if possible; horns fashioned into drinking vessels, throats used for warhorns, flesh eaten, bones for effigies of the White Dragon, stomachs for bags, and so on. With the dwedmar roots of the cult showing, the Cult holds that the Ursine Aspect of Wyrvun does not set out the great challenges as he does for pure slaughter, but for the benefit of the Descendants. Those who disrespect nature’s balance and slaughter for the sake of capturing the Winds of the world shall invoke the ire of thine god.

 

 

 

 

☸ Virtue ☸

As is expected, the Cultists of the Lord of Virtue value his domain above all else. To the acolytes, virtue is defined as “Uprightness of heart”. Righteousness, purity, morality, wisdom, all could, and often do, fall under this net of Virtue. Discernment of the mind stems from this embodiment of virtuous thoughts, of which the Cults strive to bear their focus towards. By living as rightful as possible, living as passionately and stoically as the winter tundra, and by gathering the Winds set out before them in the world, the Redeemed live more virtuous lives. Purity of the heart matters not, if virtue is not beating within the heart. It is one matter to know what is right, but to do what is right is another thing in entirety. The heart is to be kept pure and righteous above all else, in a living offering to their god.

 

⫸ A Wise Mind ⫷

Furthermore, mental representations of winter are likewise embodied. The silence of the snow is paralleled with sharp clarity of the mind, focused and calm as if frost. So is passion and vigour, embodied by the raging blizzard that rips through quiet life, though at much detriment to the world around it. Level-headed and cool-natured are the cultists, and above all, wise as white winter’s ice. Above all, the Redeemed value wisdom. Wisdom is the blessing of discernment, granted by the Redeemer to those who bear the Rune of Wyrvun. The cult follows the Winds of Winter, a lifestyle that calls for meditative study on the nature of the frozen expanse, the evils of this world, and their quiet detachment from it all.

 

⌬ Frozen Solitude ⌬

An aspect not often pursued in the history of Wyrvunic worship is that of solitude. A few of the more devout of the Lord of Virtue seek solitude, casting off the warmth of companionship, family, and comradery. At the furthest reaches of the cult, often only seen in their most fervent Dragon Priests, worshipers of Wyrvun will cast off their past life and take to the frigid lands, wherever those may be, and establish a new life of solitude there. Without, lies frigid lands frozen in time; within, lies a tranquil mind, sharp, and replete with quiet clarity, all held with a chilled grasp. The warmth of before is emptied from the mind, replaced with frigid focus. It is the mandate of the cult to ensure secrecy of the order’s current goals and directives, spoken in hushed puffs of chilled breath.

 

⍒ Strength ⍒

The harsh conditions of the frozen dominion of Wyrvun is a literal and figurative test of one’s mettle. That is, unless one is virtuous, one cannot hope to survive in the harsh conditions that the climate harbors. This virtue is often shown through strength, both physical and of will, and mind. The strength to brave the harsh conditions of their home, as well as to stand resolute against any who would seek to bring them harm, is a trait virtuous indeed.

 

 

 

There exists only one true duty demanded of the Cult, an ancient oath aligning with the mantra of the Frostbeards of Anthos. This is to protect the domain of Wyrvun from those very beings which could corrupt Wyrvun as they had once before in the form of Ondnarch. This is done by hunting down those of impurity. This impurity is not one of lineage like those of the High Elves, but impurity of the heart; those that would wish to corrupt others and lord over them with malicious intent, for their own selfish goals.

 

⍲ Vigilants of the Boreal ⍲ The more fervent in the cult go as far as to assert that the frigid realms they inhabit are theirs to protect, as well as their inheritance. Much like how the Ithrandos, devout Isvinites of the Mali’Fenn, believe that Wyrvun is the master of the Fin’hesin, also known as the mortal realm of ice and snow, so too do the Cultists of Wyrvun believe all tundra, taiga and frozen expanses are the lands of their Lord of Virtue.

It is the sacred duty of the Redeemed to protect the lands of winter with zeal, standing as stalwart as a glacier upon their mountain perches to ensure the lands are not defiled by those unworthy of their bounty. As Wyrvun is the highest power within these lands, it is the duty of those who stand vigilant before the boreal lands to ensure they remain unsoiled, uncorrupted, and upkept. So much so, that any who settle the lands of frost, hunt, quarry or even simply trek through them do so by the good graces of the Cult. 

 

All of this is done through Divine Right. It is the belief of the cult that their fervor, zeal, and authority over the frigid lands is not through their own power, but the Divine power of Wyrvun, a divine right beholden to none in the land. To attempt to take advantage of the White Realm without the blessing of the Cult, and thus the Protection of Wyrvun, is to incite the wrath of His realm.

 

In parallel, the aspects of his lands, the frozen tundra and all of his creations are considered sacred to the Cult, to varying degrees. Whether beast, botanical, mineral or mortal, all that hail from snow-swept lands are under the religious domain of the Cult. That is to say, respect for such is demanded. To exploit the world’s bountiful stores is an offense to He who gave it, and those who watch over the lands will seek to rectify such. Any who settle within the frozen lands are mandated by the Cult for their blessing, and to be subject to their purview, lest the very biome burst with baleful blizzards that batter their bastions.

 

 

 

“Shhh… Listen… Don’t you hear it? The Silence, in the snow. Isn’t it deafening?” 

- Dugan Frostbeard, first Speaker of the Squall.

 

Aspirant   Those who seek the blessings of Winter, but have not yet stood the test of the Tundra are simply Aspirants, contenders for the frozen focus of the greater Cultists of Wyrvun. Their only method for further entry into the clandestine castes is through proof virtuous, in the form of ancient trials set out for them far before they were a whisper on the winds.    Many warriors who protect the cult deign to be referred to instead as Warriors of the White Dragon, which have included the Frostbeard Bear Guard and Bearserkers, as well as the Fennic Vigilants and ancient Valkyrim of the Ivae’Fenn.       Attire: Nothing.   Ceremonies: Rituals of Initiation.	Acolyte   Should one prove themselves worthy of the Cult of Wyrvun, an Aspirant is branded into the clan with a Rune of Light, alongside their own fashioned Rune of the Redeemed, denoting their fealty to the congregation in cyan luminescence. Thus they are an Acolyte, a full member of the Cult of Wyrvun, now Redeemed.   The Acolytes watch whichever way the wintry winds weave throughout the world, as vigilant watchers in the tundra. All Acolytes are subservient to a Dragonpriest, whose Virtue is of their choosing. Much of the work and duties of an Acolyte is the transcription of blessed scripts, cleaning of sacrificial tools, preparation for the Redeemed’s sacrifices, and studying the nature of the Winds, Wyrvun, and the World. Much of the responsibilities of the Acolyte within the Cult is to learn; gain wisdom, above all else. Others choose to construct sculptures of their god in the vein of ice and stone.   Attire: Cultist’s Cowl.   Ceremonies: Rituals of Initiation, Lesser Rites.
Redeemers   It is the duty of the Redeemers to lead lesser rituals, as well as to be at the forefront in enacting the will of Wyrvun. In virtuous duty do the Redeemers trek out into the frozen lands, ensuring that all is in balance, and that the Winds still breath through the carven vales. When voyagers into frozen lands are confronted by members of the Cult, the Redeemers are the hand of the Speaker, enforcing their will upon an unforgiving landscape. When the respect of the Winds is tossed to the wayside, the Redeemers are militarized, alongside the Warriors of the White Dragon to take care of anything that might threaten or corrupt the realm of rime.   It is at this level of trust within the Cult that the secrets of the Pallid Arts are bestowed, in sanguine ceremony. The Redeemers are limited to only those rites which do not require greater dedication to the arts.    Attire: Cultist’s Robes, Redeemer’s Sacrificial Dagger   Ceremonies: Rituals of Initiation, Lesser Rites, Rituals of the Wind.	Dragonpriests   To become a Dragonpriest is to prostrate one’s life before the almighty wisdom of Wyrvun. In subservience, does the Speaker of the Squall raise a Redeemer to the rank of Dragonpriest, reserved only for those who have shown to be exemplars of Virtue. Truly put, each Dragonpriest must chose a Virtue to don as their eponymous mantle. Some of these include the Virtue of Silence, of Wisdom, of Courage, of Mercy, of Loyalty, of Temperance, of Discord, of Fervor, and so on.   In their choosing, they become a beacon for all who walk the Path of the White Dragon, being taught by the Speaker to perform the greatest sanguine arts, as well as being permitted to lead grand rituals and bestowing this knowledge upon the rest of the congregation.        Attire: Cultist Robes, Dragonpriest’s Sacrificial Sabre, Mask of Virtue   Ceremonies: Rituals of Initiation, Lesser Rites, Rituals of the Wind, Rituals of the Storm.
Speaker of the Squall For every flock, a shepherd. For every congregation, a leader. For every Lord of Virtue, a Speaker.   Much like the Paragons of the Dwarves, and the Fen'ikur of the Mali’Fenn, the Speaker of the Squall is the greatest amongst the Cult, as well as the one who bears the most burden. It is the responsibility of the Speaker to act as the Will of the White Dragon, enacting Wyrvun’s demands in order to appease him, lest a Deep Cold sweep the lands once more. None are more virtuous and upright of heart than the Speaker, and only the grandest rituals of the Sanguine Arts can be undertaken with the Speaker present. The rituals they are permitted to perform are only limited by the powers available to the practitioners of Blood Magic itself, constructing grand rituals in the vein of the attempts on the Gelid Mirror at Almaris’ wintry heart.   Attire: Speaker’s Robes, Mask of the Speaker, featuring the visage of a dragon bearing prominent horns of silvern metal twisted in draconic imagery.   Ceremonies: Rituals of Initiation, Lesser Rites, Rituals of the Wind, Rituals of the Storm.

 

 

 

An Archvigilant preparing to sacrifice their hunt before Father Frost just outside the Princedom of Fenn in the olden lands of Arcas, 1724 of the First Age.

 

The Cult of Wyrvun’s main practice is that of blood sacrifice. To the Cult, all living beings in the world hold Winds, or an essence of life, a teaching bestowed upon their founded by the ancient Vitki of Agnarumm. Some may call this power Maleus, while others refer to it as Lifeblood. No matter what name it takes, it cannot be denied that a motive force urges the world on. Through hunting great beasts, or by offering the Winds held within the cultist’s very blood, sacrifices are offered up to Wyrvun not only ritually, but through the Sarkic Arts. Wyrvun’s name is invoked as the Cult’s Dragonpriests lead great rituals; where these runes and rituals once originating from the Archons of Malghourn, the Cult repurposes them in abject wonder to Wyrvun. By doing so, hunting and sacrificing this power to Wyrvun, the Cult abates the ire of the Lord of the Deep Cold, as well as showing the depths that Virtue grasps their hearts in adulation. It is The Lord of Virtue who is said to empower their runes, a blessing through the offered Winds released in their blood rituals. 

 

Rituals of Initiation   In the initiation of an Aspirant to the Cult, they must perform four trials first, referred to as the Tests of Virtue. Each ritual grants you a pendant, bound in leather, forged in the shape of Wyrvun paraphernalia; on the completion of all three trials, they are forged into something new for the new Acolyte.   ♆ Trial of Virtue ♆ An Aspirant is presented with a series of moral dilemmas or ethical questions. As Wyrvun blesses his followers with discernment, the aspiring devotee must prove they themselves hold a semblance of such virtue in their mind. By answering or acting in a way that aligns with the cult’s values, they may pass this trial. Some moral quandaries include choosing between preserving of a Cult secret or preserving a life, or choosing between telling the truth or lying to protect the innocent.   ❅ Trial of Snow ❅ The duties of the Cult lie not just in the ritual sacrifice of the winds of mortals and beast, but also in the cultivation of life prosperous within their domain. In this trial does the Aspirant seek to embolden the wildlife, whether it be raising an animal, protecting it from another threat, cultivating wintry fauna, and so on.   ❄ Determination of the Deep Cold ❄ In inspiration from the Trial of Death from the Vigilants of the Mali’Fenn, the Determination of the Deep Cold is a test before Wyrvun himself. The Aspirant must trek out into the heart of a fierce blizzard, battling the squall until they reach it’s frozen heart. There, they are to meditate on the elucidation provided by the White Dragon, in the form of Karumolival, while the whipping winds rip their warmth from their body. It is here that they will experience the true depths of the Deep Cold, and show their acceptance of the powers of thine god.   ۞ Ordeal of the Ursine ۞ Before an Aspirant is considered a full Acolyte, one must undergo a final test; a challenge against their varied skills. The Aspirant must trek into the arctic expanse, and slay a great foe in virtuous combat. This could be a great beast, a banditing raconteur, or any enemies of the Cult of Wyrvun. Should they return with proof of their achievement, they join the cult as a full Acolyte. Fail, and they shall be branded with a white scar upon their palm, a symbol of their indecency taken from the Ithrandos ways. It is with this very blood that they shall receive their Rune of Light upon their skin, alongside their own fashioned Rune of the Redeemed, branding them as fully beholden to the Cult of Wyrvun.   ⟴ Praxis of Acension ⬲ Upon being deemed Virtuous, the aspiring acolyte must swear the Oath of the Icebound, which pertains to fealty to both the Cult, but foremost Wyrvun above all. In finality, a blood rune of light is carven upon flesh, alongside their own fashioned Rune of the Redeemed, in which an icy azure tone shall glow at their willing, as a symbol of being part of the cult.

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Lesser Rites   Many are the works of the Acolytes; many are the hands of the Acolytes. Their rituals are of the more benign variety, preceding their induction into the Sarkic Arts.   ⤜ Everfrost Assaying ⤛ To discern the will of the White Dragon, cultists will set out a number of ritualistic offerings, placed within a bowl of blood. Drinking from it, and then sprinkling it upon the ground in an array of runic letters, the words of their god are said to be evident. A variety of ingredients can be added to the mix to discern His words, so the belief goes. These include Gelunite, Frostvine, Athins, various parts of bestial organs and bones, frozen blood, and other elements of the tundra.

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Rituals of the Wind   For those within the Cult who have reached the status of Redeemed, an entirely new world opens before them in possibilities, tainted red.   ♁ Sacraments of the Silver Serpent ♁ Named after Tenvar Atmorice, first Valkyrim of the Snow Elves, who was pronounced Sentinel of the Valkyrim by Aelthos II, son of the First Snow Elf, for his incomparable martial prowess. These are the applications of Elemental Runes through Ensorcell Material and Ensorcell Flesh, blessing them with the Winds gathered. In addition to the requirements of the base rites, a snake coated in silver is offered before the pyre, alongside incense of turpentine.   ≈ Ritual of Windcatching ≈  When the Cult follows through on their duties to gather the Winds of the world to offer up in sacrifice to Wyrvun, they are permitted to keep a modicum of this power for themselves, in order to better server the Lord of Virtue. By enchanting their attire with the powers of the blood, the cultist casts off prior weaknesses, emboldened by the powers of the Winds of the World.   ☊ Ceremony of Summoning ☊ Through the use of the Winds, one can construe the currents that dance in the air to carry with them more than just warmth and chill. Utilizing the Blood Magic ritual of Hail, a Redeemer can summon that which is required by the cult, be it extra-planar beings, or important relics in far-flung lands.   ☍ Invocation of of Snow ☍ When in need of solace, or in the construction of a religious site for the holiest of holy, the Rune of Silence is repurposed to create the Invocation of Snow, in which all noise is softened to the faintest whisper.   ☌ Ritual of Wrath ☌ In emulation of the Manifold Dragon, the Ritual of Wrath allows the Redeemed to construe their weapons with the wrath of the White Dragon, causing any cuts to weep far more than a mundane strike would. As if draconic fangs that pierce and pull at the skin, these armaments enchanted with the powers of wrath are reserved for those who have thus incited the wrath of Wyrvun, as discerned by the Cult.   ⭄ Communion Calamitas ⥺ Only in the most dire situations must the Cult intervene with the greatest of their magickal might, in which the Communion Calamitas is employed, through the ritual of Call Calamity. Great blizzards that span entire valleys have been summoned by the might of the Redeemed with reservation, for such can bring a great devastation towards the life in the lands, urging them one step closer to embodying the Lord of the Dark Cold.   〥 Wind-weaving 〥 Through the powers of Engorge, one may imbue their attire with the very winds that flow through those near and in the world at large. These winds allow the casting off of enfeeblement, surging one’s strength back to how it might have been should one be stricken by plague, voidal or otherwise.

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Rituals of the Storm   At the pinnacle of the Cult stand the Dragonpriests and Speaker, both of which may perform the grandest of rituals for the will of Wyrvun.   ⭄ Ritual of Sagacity ⥺ Within the confines of the Cult, the greatest acts of magic protect their sequestered hold, through the utilization of the rites of Spiritspell, of which is called the Ritual of Sagacity. Great magics can be woven into something grander, empowered by the Lord of Virtue himself.   ☄ Voyage of Vigilance ☄ Wherever the wind blows does not always take you to where you need to be. In the ritual of the Voyage of Vigilance, the Redeemed Embark upon a new location, opening a rift through the power of blood to step forward into whatever far-off land or plane needs to be cleansed on behalf of Wyrvun, or for other intentions.   ❆ Works of Winter ❆ When the magicks that permeate the lands of Aos and Eos fall flat for the needs of the Cult, the Redeemed beseech Wyrvun directly, in the construction of a new artifact by the means of Invent, one which may bring about great change in the world through its imbuement of Virtue.   ☉ Blessing of Wyrvun ☉ In finality does the Dragonpriest and Speaker bestow the Rune of Insight, the great blessing of Wyrvun himself. It is through this Awakening that one gains the discernment so foretold by the cult, allowing archaic wisdom to flood the mind and the feeling of the Winds within others. While others might claim such is the work of the power o Eireamhan the Hermit, the Redeemed know this power for what it   ♅ Ceremony of the Redeemed ♅ Born through the tradition of the Azwyrtrumm’s Order of the Redeem, this ritual is the conjuring of a ferocious blizzard, in order to announce the election of a new Speaker of the Squall, drawing parallels with the Order’s fracturing from the Faith of New Jornheim in order to unite the dwedmar at the behest of Wyrvun’s Wisdom.

 

 

 

As lax as the Cult is on some matters of their faith, there are a handful of topics that bear resolute definition. Such are the matters of Wyrvun’s divinity, and his total ownership and dominion of the domains of ice and snow. To speak sacrilegiously about Wyrvun or sacred things such as the nature of Virtue is a dire thing indeed, requiring penance of a variety of sorts. So is the defacement of statues or any likeness of Wyrvun, a vile debasement of the Lord of Virtue. Unforgivable is the public declaration that Wyrvun is an evil god, or working directly against he or his people.

For those who offend, it is often the simple matter of paying penance, in a variety of forms. In the righting of wrong of those who do not repent of their ways, a carven Rune of Earth awaits them, to bestow greater affinity for the wisdom of the Winds, in order to redeem their mind. In the worst offenders, those who directly oppose the White Dragon’s ways, only one path for redemption is offered, through the visceral Rite of Redemption, as outlined in the Rituals.

 

⚙ Oath of Barradin ⚙

In emulation of their god, the Cult strives to be both merciful, and wrathful. The first step in more aggressive punishments for wrongs against Wyrvun and the cult is the carving of runes from the body; if the Acolyte is more tenured and has more runes upon their body, only one will be taken per offense. If no runes are left on the skin, the offender is considered removed from the Cult, and must either begin their trials anew, or be expelled from the cult as an Oathsworn, banished to never return. Much as how King Barradin of the ancient dwedmar banished Ondnarch into the Mind City of Kal’Tarak, so are the Oathsworn forever cast out of the frozen lands they once served within.

 

✹ Ritual of Redemption ✹

For those whom the cult has ascertained are unable to redeem their lives, and in which being an Oathsworn is far too merciful in the eyes of their god, the Acolytes offer final redemption through death. In a gruesome sacrifice using the ritual of Tearing that sheds one’s body, a Dragonpriest may enact powers macabre to ritually sacrifice the offender upon an altar, in offering to The Redeemer, as a final atonement for their sins.

 

 

 

➢ First stands what is paramount to the Cult of Wyrvun, which is the upholding of their divine duty to protect the lands of Wyrvun, at any cost. When the realm of rime is encroached and corrupted, so too does Wyrvun’s strength wane. In his waning does the threat of the Dark Cold encroach, threatening to return when it’s guardian is too weak to abate it’s frozen grasp.

 

➣ Second to the goals of the Cult is the worship of Wyrvun in fervent continuity, spreading shrines of great masonry, ice, and cut stones throughout his lands, confined not just to sequestered halls but in prominent peaks and caves of ice. This is done by daily worship, as well as offerings at these shrines in the form of carven runes, furs, or slain beasts in offering up of their Winds to Wyrvun’s domain. 

 

➢ Third, is the abstract goal of Karumolival. An idea taken from the Prophet of Wyrvun Baldin Frostbeard, this is a philosophy of attaining Areté. The Cult describes this as mental enlightenment, through absolute moral virtue. By the awakening of the mind, one begins to hold Pure Sight, through the blessing of discernment from Wyrvun. Only through Wyrvun and the awakening of one’s mind can a soul find true mental clarity, and uprightness of way.

 

 

 

Wyrvun has been a deity shrouded in a veil both frigid and forgetful. From the corruption of Iblees as The Ondnarch, to the Frostbeard’s Order of the Redeemed guided by the ways of the Vitki of Agnarumm, to the beliefs of the Mali’Fenn in the redemption of their minds by the insanity that lingered in their minds upon the journey through the World Altar of Lomal, to the Vigilants that stand today, Wyrvun has had a following in both man, elf and dwarf.

 

 

Spoiler

DWARVES

 

“It was then that Wyrvun was created, the very embodiment of the ice cold winds and the frost that settled upon the ground. For he was the Lord of the Deep Cold and the elements of his realm each answered to his call. An Aengul of great power, at his command were all that made up the realm of ice. Such was his power that he could even contest many of the creator’s divine beings.”

- Ancient Dwarven Legend, The Lord of the Deep Cold

Urguan’s issue is replete with interaction with the Aengul of Winter and Virtue, both blessed and accursed. Wyrvun is first recorded to have been the Aegis of Frost, protecting the Frostbeard Clan during the Blood Age in warfare against the Ironborn, guarding the frost-capped peaks of the Azwytrumm’s coldest mountains. 

 

In centuries to come, Wyrvun would not be a protector, but a destroyer. Upon the corruption of Wyrvun by the works of Khorvad, Wyrvun was woven into a new form, that of a tyrannical draconic shell. Rising as Ondnarch, the Aengul began to spread the Deep Cold, devouring the souls of all Descendants that stood before him. It was only by the masterful work of King Barrradin that Ondnarch was trapped within the City of Dreams, that is Kal’Tarak, the Mind Crystal.

 

Or so it would have been, had Ondnarch not escaped his confinement, and began to besiege Kal’Azgoth. Much like the heroes of the past, it was Igor ‘The Purifier’ Ireheart’s bravery and the wielding of the Hammer of Barradin that sundered the coil that so held to Wyrvun’s cruel heart within the halls of Kal'Azgoth. Wyrvun’s first command upon being freed from his draconic shell would be to declare Igor as his Paragon, cementing Wyrvun’s involvement in the Urguani realm.

 

“We should all seek tu have a death like thes brave dwed’s...one wer we die fightin fer tha ones we love, fightin against tha enemies ef yer family, tha enemies ef yer gods.”

- Baldin ‘Ironside’ Frostbeard, Prophet of Wyrvun, at the funeral of Throrin Frostbeard, 1611 of the First Age.

 

In the ages that would follow, Wyrvun would later be allowed to be worshiped alongside the Brathmordakin as their youngest member, viewed as a preserver of Yemekar’s Balance, righteous in his redeemed duty. It was the duty of Wyrvun to be the controller of the elements of the Deep Cold, and protect the Descendants from it’s wrath. The Redeemed Order, founded by the Prophet of Wyrvun Baldin Frostbeard, would become the prominent group of dwedmar worshipers of Wyrvun, led by many patriarchs throughout the age, including the Fifth Patriarch Egoi Stormfist. Frostbeards have historically been the main source of membership for the Redeemed order, the proxy order of Wyrvun dedicated to taking down Frost Witches and other beings that pollute Wyrvun’s domain and make it unsuitable to Yemekar’s Balance.

 

Wyrvun was responsible for the end of the second Frostbeard rebellion, calling for dwarven unity and a stop to the bloodshed between the dwarven people. If it were not for Wyrvun and the love Frostbeards had for their god, the Frostbeards would have ruled for much longer than they had, and the third and fourth Frostbeard rebellions would not have happened.

 

Wyrvun was also responsible for things not as savory. It is Wyrvun who was invoked on the onset of the Frostbeard’s numerous rebellions, as well as the cause of the genocide of the Stormfist Clan by the hands of Hamnil ‘The Beardless’ Frostbeard.

 

“Preserve the lineage of your race by forfeiting the right of birth given by Yemekar himself, for the tainted blood in your veins will sow the seeds to ruin.” 

- Lori Oathcast of Khaz'Ruhn, on the matters of the Mali’Fenn claiming to bear the blessings of Wyrvun, 1490 of the First Age

 

Further did the faith of dwarves dwindle in their worship of their once-ally. High Prophet Beros Tunnelsmasher removed Wyrvun as a Brathmordakin in 1500 of the First Age, though Wyrvun was soon reintroduced in the years to come.  In the years of 1610 and beyond, every Frostbeard shrine of Wyrvun in the dwarven lands of Kal’Omith were burned or otherwise destroyed by the clergy. In the very same year, Wulfgar Grandaxe, Prophet of Anbella, condemned the worship of Wyrvun within Kal’Omith, speaking of such as a heresy, for it was Wyrvun in the draconic form of Ondnarch who slew dwedmar aplenty, including the noble Grand Kings Thorik and Thorin. This led to Morug Goldhand to fully outlaw it. This motion bore the support of Aldal Ireheart, the very High Prophet who legitimized the status of Wyrvun within the Brathmordakin, who, upon further retrospection, claimed that “nae Brathmordakin would beh corrupted by Khorvad's taint, nae matter 'ow strong eht beh.” Further in the past did Darid Irongrinder legitimize Wyrvun’s worship in the past, but upon the counsel of Fili Grandaxe and Kardel Irongut, he too revoked his stance on the Aengul as being part of the Brathmordakin. The Worshipers of Wyrvun went into self-imposed exile at this, keeping their faith close to their chilled hearts. It would not be until 4 long years later that Baldin ‘Ironside’ Frostbeard, Prophet of Wyrvun, would revert this decision.

 

"YER AH FROSTBEARD. WYRVUN WUDN'T GUIDE YEH TUH DIS' PATH."

 - Algoda Frostbeard to Hellio Frostbeard, in the lands of Vailor.

 

The last recorded interaction between the dwarves and Wyrvun is within the flying city of Arcadia, in which Baldin met his god. Summoned by the Arkenstone veiled by cavern’s darkest depths, the Irongrinders of Zahrer utilized this relic to summon the Aengul. Wyrvun explained to his Prophet Baldin that his only matter he truly wished for was the unity of the dwarves and the end to kinslaying.  

 

 

FENN

 

"I sat upon that marbled lake
when Frost was specter-gray,
And Winter’s grasp made desolate
the dying eye of day.
The pitch-black vines scattered about
like strings of broken lyres,
And all mankind that haunted nigh
had sought their household fires.

The world’s bleak features seemed to be
Eternity’s corpse outleant,
His crypt the cloudy canopy
The wind his death-lament,
The ancient pulse of love and birth
Was shrunken hard and dry,
And every spirit upon the earth
Seemed fervourless as I."

- Fennic poem, The Fall of Wyrvun

For the issue of Malin, less turmoil over the worship of their Father Frost has been born internally, than turmoil born externally. Persecuted as they have been, the Mali’Fenn have seen numerous faiths dedicated to Wyrvun. 

 

It is the belief of the Fenn that, upon the passing through of the legendary World Altar, the first Snow Elves were formed, reborn from the Mali'Aheral into the Mali’Fenn, at a grave cost. It was Wyrvun who blessed these elves with the cure to their insanity, in exchange for a worthy people to settle his lands of Hesin’fin. In such was the Wyrvunic Contract made, in which the Elves of the Snow were blessed with clarity of mind and an afterlife of eternal slumber in Wyrvun’s realm of Ara’fin. This leads to fervent worship in their peoples, for should the faith of the Mali’Fenn ever dwindle, many believe that Wyrvun will revoke their sanity, casting them back into the mental anguish that once plagued their ancestors.

 

The most archaic of faiths of all Fennic attribution is the Temple of Wyrvun. They held the belief first that Wyrvun is the Aengul of winter; a dragon-Aengul that eclipsed the greatest mountains. Wyrvun appeared to the Snow Elves after they aided the Dwarves in defeating Ondnarch in Kal’Azgoth, in which the Snow Elves prostrated themselves before the god, as the draconic god named them his chosen people. Such was led and established by his grace, High Priest Solies. The faith found footing first within the settlement of Lindale in the Fringe, and then the city of Frostfall in Athos, under the rule of Grand prince Tundrak II. Upon the later movement of Descendants into the lands of Athera, the Temple established in Castle Winterhaven, in which animalistic sacrifice was introduced to the faith. It was most notable during the Princedom of Fenn in Arcas, in the year 1724, of the First Seed.

 

“Be aware and watchful, for I fear an ancient evil shall return and bring doom to the children of Urguan once again.” 

- Wyrvun, Aengul of the Deep Cold, to the Dwarves of Kal’Azgoth, in Anthos.

 

Many have there been leaders of the faith for the Fenn, including High Priests of Wyrvun, as well as Archvigilants and High Prophets. The noble Tundrak line has seen names such as Solies Tundrak. For the Vigilants, many is their ancient retinue, including the first High Vigilant of Wyrvun in Almaris, that being Morael Drakon, Archvigilant of War. The first High Prophet of Wyrvun was the elf Eregurn Tundrak, after a journey throughout the domain to find his faith.

 

To the Mali’Fenn, their attachment to their god is shown in groups like the Idhren’tirn, who were responsible for upholding the Wyrvunic Contract through different cultural rituals. It is through the beliefs of the Fenn that they assert Wyrvun and his 6 Facets allow the elves to have their minds, cleansed from ancient corruption.

 

Another group of Wyrvun worshipers was the Wyrvun’fiyem, or Wyrvun Reborn, within the ancient lands of Atlas, cloistered within the Fennic city of Talar’ikur. This was the official religion of the Princedom of Fenn, led by a number of leaders who prostrated themselves before the almighty Wyrvun. These included Tinuviel Atmorice, High Priestess of the Wyrvun’fiyem, as well as Aelthos Tundrak III, Chose of Wyrvun. Their predecessors in the faith included Aelthir Tundrak, Chosen of Wyrvun in 1720, as well as Akkar Tundrak, later in 1772. 

 

The Ithrandos are yet another group of devotees, though while not cultists, are prominent Isvinites. They hold the strong conviction that Wyrvun, the Aengul of Winter, is the true master of Fin’hesin - the domain of ice and snow. This belief is more than faith; it is their very way of life. The Ithrandos believe that the frozen northern realms belong exclusively to the Mali'fenn and are to be fiercely guarded. As protectors of the tundra, they see themselves as the embodiment of Wyrvun’s will, ensuring the lands remain untouched by those unworthy of them.

 

These leaders have constructed many shrines to Wyrvun, specifically those of the Wayshrines of the Six, including the Wayshrines of Death, and Culmination. These wayshrines made a resurgence during their persecution after the destruction of Fenn, where the Fennic Remnants found refuge in Nor-Velyth, as well did the worship of The Redeemer. There in those elven halls did Vigilants rise, Priests and Priestesses of Wyrvun once more.

 

“Let us not remain in the past with murderers and bastardized disgraces to the world, but be steadfast into a new age of snow elven enlightenment.”
- High Priest of Wyrvun, Solies Tundrak, 1490 of the First Age.

These Wayshrines drew the ire of many, including those far more obscure than they. One of the first recorded instances of persecution of the faith of Wyrvun to the Fenn is the demands of the Trimvirate of Haelun’or to the Mali’aheral, heeding them to listen to the maehr’sae hiylun’ehya and seek a cure for the plague which afflicts the Mali'fenn due to their worship of Wyrvun in the Fringe, 1458 of the First Age. During the lands of Almaris, a cabal of cruel vampires attacked and corrupted an Archvigilant of Wyrvun, before her very own sacred wayshrines, in an attack led by Ludovici, the Laughing Hag.

 

In their departure from the mortal realm of Hesin’fin, the Malin’Fenn are said to enter eternal slumber in the Wyrvunic realm of Fin’ciwn, in which their god judges those who enter according to their uphold of the ancient Wyrvunic Contract. Those that are found worthy enter within his frozen halls of Aira’fin, while those who do not remain outside in frigid slumber eternal.

 

Shoutout to _Zbruh for helping make the text dividers and the Cultist Garbs image and the logo, all of which are AI generated.

 

Edited March 9 by SirBlocklips

[KeiaTypeBeat 3276]

Spoiler

Snelfs stocks rising

 

[The Tough Guy 4319]

igor mention :D

[Navigator 4260]

A Mori'Quessir scrunched its nose in slight disgust, but appreciated the formatting.

[Two2the 365]

Holy peak dude. This is insanely cool looking.  + epic Igor mention.

[AechQQ 104]

The Frostbeard sat high in the mountains, lost within the thoughts of his own mind. He looked down upon the tundra. Still deep in thought, a bird arrived. He carefully took the missive from the bird, before breaking it's neck as his next meal. "Hrm, teh cul' o Wyvrun? Seems meh brethren are finalleh showin ter propah respec' ter teh Whoite Dragon" Aech then took the hilt of Grudgebreaker and wrested it's blade from the snow before starting the trek back to Urguan, in search of Dugan

[Nimbus_Strike 271]

I'm fennting it I'm fennting it so good
 

[Turnipian 203]

[Ardory 2978]

The frigid waters of the north provide no passage, for the land they tread does not belong to Virtue.

 

The Okel’rron stirs.

[King_Kunuk 3022]

"Little do they know I actually own all the north," an old fart says