Search the Community

The Belief of Spectivism [!] Spirits of the dead approaching The Spirit Realm. The Religion’s Origins A fair bit of the Calavénon believe in a vague and relatively old belief of the remembrance of spirits since before they landed upon the shores of any continent. They’ve always had hopes and beliefs that nobody was truly gone once they died. During their long sea voyage searching for land, many Alurians had to leave the dead floating in the sea, having only their memories of them to hold onto. As the situation grew direr, the large Alurian fleet was separated, and the survivors wished to honour those who didn’t make it by creating a shrine. Lighting a candle for them, and if they could, adding the deceased’s possessions or perhaps a depiction of sorts. No matter if it was a simple stick figure or a painting. The Lady of Spirits [!] A painted depiction of the Lady of Spirits with grand nature spirits. None truly know what the Eos was like before The Lady of Spirits. Some believe there was nothing at all; others believe the world was barren before her arrival. All that is known is that once she arrived, Existence itself began to thrive. She was still, at the beginning, settling herself to have three powerful children during this calm moment of her existence. The parents of all grand spirits like themselves. The first child is known to mortals as the sky, surrounding Eos with winds. The second child is known as land, raising scapes from mountains to forests to be. Then the third and final child from The Lady herself is known as the sea, filling the cracks and crevices between the landmasses land had left behind with sparkling blue water. These children are the fathers and mothers of everything after themselves, ranging from the lava flowing within volcanoes to the birds soaring in the sky. Once these three children were born, The Lady of Spirits wandered about Eos. Filling the continents of the world with magic, predating even the first elves. And during this, she also created a realm for the spirits of the deceased to reside in, referred to by mortals as ‘The Spirit Realm.’ However, where there is creation, there is also destruction. Such as being the sister of The Lady of Spirits, The Mistress of Darkness. The Mistress of Darkness [!] A painting of The Mistress of Darkness and her spirit lantern. The Mistress of Darkness is said to have been born around the same time as her sister, The Lady of Spirits. However, unable to assist her sister in creation due to her lack of ability to ‘create’ children as The Lady had done, she became the first manifestation of darkness Eos had ever known. For she was darkness. Jealous of her sister’s children, she used her powers to corrupt the minds and stole the spirits of many; she was too weak to corrupt grand spirits, so she settled for manipulating the lesser spirits of mortals. When a corrupted mortal’s physical body dies, they are unable to enter The Spirit Realm, their spirits trapped in the glowing lantern of The Mistress. The Spirits of the Deceased [!] A painted interpretation of The Spirit Realm. Once a mortal perishes, their body keeps hold of their spirit until it fully rots or somehow disappears, releasing their spirit to permit entry into The Spirit Realm. It is for this reason that the cremation of bodies after death is a common practice, so a deceased spirit may more swiftly enter this realm. There is a way for mortals to attempt to contact their deceased loved ones. However, that is through a festival called The Night of Spirits. The Night of Spirits [!] Messenger lanterns flying into the air for The Lady’s eldest child to help guide them to The Spirit Realm. The Night of Spirits is a colourful festival, one with food and laughter to celebrate the travels of the deceased into The Spirit Realm rather than lament over the loss of loved ones. During this celebration, those participating dress in their finest clothing, donning a mask upon their face as well. As the festival comes to a close, everyone lights a candle, placing it into a lantern for it to travel through the sky’s domain in hopes that the grand spirit, the eldest child of The Lady of Spirits, will guide these lanterns into The Spirit Realm. These lanterns often have messages written inside of them for the deceased to receive, knowing their loved ones still remember them and shall one day join them. Marriage Practices [!] The lit candles of a newlywed couple burning brightly. When a Calavénon and their partner wish to conjoin in marriage they must light a candle to symbolise their union. Both families would bring a candle the colour of their Coat Of Arms. For the Calavénon, their candle would be a teal or cyan colour. Normally this candle would be passed down throughout the family, re-adding wax to keep it growing and attaching a new wick whenever needed. It's understandable if the other family wouldn't have a traditional candle to pass down. Once both families present their candles and light the candle after their vows it will then decide if they are destined for each other, if the candle stays lit then the couple may marry however if the candle should go out for any reason then they are not meant to be. Once the candle has been lit it must then stay lit and if it at any point goes out then its destined for the couples love to also dwindle. After the marriage the wedding can proceed to festivities which tend to include food and alcohol of different varieties. Games are also quite common such as a game which is similar to hide and seek, all must try and find the bride within the confinds of whichever nation she is to be wed at. If they are unlucky in finding the bride it is customary to pay her 50 mina for each participant as a sign of good luck in her marriage. Typically after marriage the wed-to-be's surname would be hyphenated regardless of gender. A dowry is also quite common where the bride and groom's family are to give the bride land or money to take care of each other and acquire cattle and such. Light coloured lily’s should be planted around the altar of the bride and groom to symbolise prosperity, marigolds can also be planted to symbolise good luck for the family. In terms of attire when it comes to the ceremony it's traditional for the Calavénon family to don the Coat Of Arms colours which is typically cyan. The other family isn't required to don their coat of arms colours however it is HEAVILY suggested or else they will recieve side eyes and various glares from the family.

The Moonlight Sanctuary [!] The entire page appears to be translated from Kharahatla Within the walls of Nor’asath, lie the slumbering cats… The Remenant Kha, being a people met with near constant adversity, seek residence where they can find it. Some of such have come to be those who occupy the Moonlight Sanctuary, a small camp located just within the lands of Nor’asath. The Kha of this place take solace in their culture centered around both old and new traditions. Intermingling the shaman ways of their host kingdom with the old ways of Kharajyr since passed on The camp settled with new Kharajyr blood and teeming with potential, its arms are opened to all Kha who seek a place to stay and foster a community, one in which they can thrive amongst their own peoples without issue. A place in which the remnants of our language, and new aspects of it, can be spoken without the hindrance of new descendants being ignorant to our words. Built upon the ideals that the Kha remain a strong group of individuals, the Sanctuary is a place in which one can exist peacefully and indulge in the cultures of the new Kha without worries. Come join your Kharajyr brethren and uptake a free home within our community of friends, brothers, and sisters Sanctuary Rules 1. Do not harm our Nor'asath hosts 2. Speak our language as often as possible 3. Disrespect to the moon is forbidden 4. Accept all Kha who wish to join us 5. Respect and obey the elders 6. Obey Nor'asath law Sanctuary Culture Cultural events such as the Haulquiz’Metzli and naming ceremony, while not mandatory, are recommended for all Kha to take part in! Led by the Sanctuary Elders, these events offer wisdom of the future for the residence of our home and spiritualistic experiences. Our community attempts to uphold as much of the ancient ways as possible, while continuing to adapt to our new world, one lacking our Muuna. Heath, dietary and other such practices are taught by the Elders of the community during communal teaching events Clothing offered by those capable of making it are often akin to that of the generations before, and are highly suggested to be worn when in the community The Moonlight Sanctuary offers cultural experiences led by its Elders so that our brethren may continue to pass down the ancient history of our kind for centuries to come Present Elders Yhl'Yaotl Yhl'Kabuki Khurhukar

First Edition of the Recording of Raevir Traditions Issued and confirmed by THE COUNTY OF VASKA 7th of Snow’s Maiden, 1913 Contents I. Introductory Notes II. Courtship III. Marriage IV. Miscellaneous Rites V. Conclusion Introduction Since time immemorial, Raevir men and women have taken part in hereditary customs. Most recently we believed many of these customs were lost to the ravages of time. In these recovered articles, the Raevir people and those who are interested in its culture will be able to learn such lost traditions and ideologies from the age of the Exalted Sigismund. The Raevir culture’s past downfall and eventual loss of identity we believe are due to the lack of recording from Raevir scholars of old and lack of elders passing down the traditions to newer generations. In this edition of the extensive chronicle of Raevir Traditions we shall explain the customs of marriage and courtship which the Raevir people take pride in. Going over what is and what is not acceptable when one is seeking out courtship with another within Raevir culture. A great deal of credit is due to the many scholars and historians who, through meticulous scanning of sources and extensive research, have managed to record some of these ancient traditions of the Raevir people. Much of this information has been either passed down secretly through the generations of renowned Raevir families or through centuries old textual recordings of traditional Raevir marriages and courtship. Courtship When one plans to make their intention to court another known within the Raevir culture, this is called the Lyubovnaya Zapiska or known in common as Love Note. The reasoning behind the name is primarily obscure. But, some modern scholars believe the name of this action or stage within the courting process to be referring to a folktale of two figures who shared their love through letters. These letters were created from embroidery on the hide of wolves. The two lovers send their messages of love with baskets filled with cooked lamb, bread, and an alcoholic drink. When the two eventually wed and had children, they too could tell their children to do the same, until the skies fell. “The Youth” by Irena Volkov (1912) When a young Raevir woman or man wishes to do the Love Note. The first thing either male or female must do is ask the head of household for permission to court one of their house. But before one does such, they must offer tribute. This tribute may come in the form of fine furs, hide, bread, meats or silks. The fur can be from any animal but a bear. If one offers a bear hide or fur to their intended family. It will be seen as an insult to their family name and their ancestors. As the bear symbolizes the respected Saint Arpad of Vilacz. So it is highly suggested one does not give bear hide or fur. It is also taboo to give bear meat for the reason written above. Favored colors when gifting silks to the family of your intended lover are red for its symbolism of strength and gold for its symbolism of wealth. It is not recommended, but scholars have recorded purple being another color widely accepted, symbolizing nobility. Though, it is suggested many do not seek this color out for the rarity and difficulty of getting purple dye. Colors which one should not gift are yellow and green. Yellow is considered a color connected to betrayal and separation while green is seen as a color of misfortune. Superstitions abound on people suddenly falling ill when in green rooms or wearing green silks and textiles. Once the young male or female Raevir is finished gathering the items for their tribute to the family of their intended spouse, they must prepare to wear the most modest and ragged clothing. For this will show that you care not for wealth or power but for the member of their household you wish to court. It is said within Raevir folklore there was once a pious beggar. One day, the daughter of a hetman took notice and eventually fell in love with the beggar. The hetman was unimpressed with the beggar until he saw the gifts which he brought to a dinner which he invited the beggar to. At that moment the father realized that the beggar was no beggar at all but a man who decided to live by the words of Godan. So with this story, it is considered good luck to follow the example of the beggar in the story written above. “The Spring Celebration” by Ivan Petrovkov (1517) Once the male or female Raevir is given permission by the one who the other wishes to begin courtship with to court them. The two go through a period nicknamed the Ispytaniya Golubey or known in common as Trial of Doves. The naming of this phase is not really well known, some suggest it is from myths or an inaccurate translation from older text in the prehistoric ancient Raevir language. This is when the two go through courtship itself, finding out about each other and seeing if they are compatible enough to be spouses for each other. Embracing Raevir ideals, it is considered not offensive when two people end a courtship on good terms because they are not compatible together. But when a courtship ends on bad terms, the consequences and price which either person must pay is determined on the severity of their action. If either person is found to be cheating on the one they are with, they must pay the other or their family about two hundred and fifty mina. When either person is found to be harming the other through the mind, they must pay a hundred and fifteen mina, but when it is physical, then the victim or family of the harmed person must be paid eight hundred mina and the aggressor must lose their middle finger on their right hand. Forcing the person to lose their ability to hunt with a bow, letting their chances to receive hide or fur from an animal, lower. These punishments are the same for both male and female Raevir. When either Raevir is ready to propose and both are prepared to become wed under the light of Godan, it is expected for either male or female Raevir to propose to have the permission of their intended family. The first step is to gather the most fresh flowers for the mother, the second is to get the head of a great and large stag. Once those two things are done, the third step is for the Raevir man or woman to hunt down a creature of the woods and prepare to serve it to the family which your future bride or groom comes from. Eventually, once the three steps are done, you must prepare a tent in the woods with a table and a campfire in the center, as in the forest shall you invite the family for a feast. “Lady Raevina” by Olga Fedorovna (1813) Once the gifts are given to both mother and father, you then ask the family for their blessing upon all which you hold dear to take their family member’s hand in marriage. Assuming you have gotten the permission of your lover’s family. You then are able to propose marriage to your lover in any sort of setting but first one must create a wooden ring from spruce wood and then burn it for good luck. Once the ring is burnt into ashes, you then find a ring created from gold with any gem. Though traditional gems include rubies and emeralds, but, diamonds are also considered a classical gemstone to use for an engagement ring. Once the engagement is official, the two Raevir who intended to be wed under the light of Godan must host a grand feast to pronounce their intentions to wed before family, friends, and their entire community. Once this is done, the planning for the wedding can begin. Marriage Before the wedding planning may begin, it is a part of Raevir tradition for both bride and groom to go through their own separate pilgrimage called the Put' Dzhulii or translated to common as Julia’s Path. The name refers to Saint Julia of Paradisus being the faithful wife of the Exalted Horen. Both bride and groom must visit holy sites across the continent. It is a tradition for both bride and groom to wear modest clothing in earth colored tones when visiting holy sites across the continent. The only thing which may be an ounce of metal is the Lorraine Cross which you take with you on this pilgrimage. The way one must travel upon this pilgrimage must be by foot or horse. One must not be allowed to stay within an inn and may only camp within the woods or ruins. Though, if you do encounter a monastery, you may be permitted to ask for refuge for one night then leave the next morning after offering tribute of bread or carrion black to the nuns or monks running the monastery. Once both the bride and groom have finished their respective pilgrimages, they may begin planning the wedding. “The Halls Of The Exalted” by Zelina Varui (1436) One of the first things both bride and groom must prepare when planning a traditional Raevir wedding is to find a priest who may conduct the wedding. It is not only pious to place Godan first when thinking about a life binding union, it is smart to find the availability of the priest. After the bride and groom have found the priest for their marriage, the two must find a venue for the celebration after the bride and groom take their vows. Traditionally Raevir couples pick the woodlands or large moot halls. Though options like castles, taverns, or anywhere a large amount of people may gather is also acceptable. As the Raevir ideology is for a wedding to not only announce a holy union under the light of Godan, but to announce the love which two people share in front of their community and to show their compatibility with each other. Decorations for the location of the after party for the wedding include wreaths filled with berries and pinecones, then banners of red and black colors or if the bride and groom are a part of a noble family. The banners then shall be the coat of arms of both bride and groom. “The Imperial Raev” by Svetlana of The Marches (1836) Traditional Raevir brides are expected to wear gold or ivory colored clothing. Adorned with gemstones and pearls. A matching Raevir kokoshnik must accompany the sarafan styled gown. The Raevir kokoshnik when worn in a setting of a wedding is typically adorned with an abundance of pearls and gemstones. The kokoshnik has a veil attached to the back. The raevir groom is then expected to match his outfit with his bride, if his bride wears gold. He wears gold and vice versa. Though the groom wears a deeply embroidered kaftan and a matching fur hat with feathers decorated on the top with a gemstone being on the center. Once both bride and groom are ready and fully dressed. Both bride and groom then must go through separate rites with their closest same gender relatives or friends before arriving to the church. For the bride, each female friend or relative must offer the bride many pearls. The pearls given to the bride will be then stored in a small golden pouch hidden in her gown. Each pearl collected represents a year the bride and groom shall be together, believing the roundness of the pearl represents wholeness and unity. Once the bride has finished this rite, the bride with her female relatives will walk to the church where they shall store the bride in a small room for her to wait for her groom to walk to the altar. For the groom each male friend or relative will offer a feather for his fur hat required for his outfit. Each feather represents strength and flight, and with that, the more feathers which are present on the fur hat, shows how strong their union shall be. With that, both bride and groom are prepared to meet each other at the altar, the groom of course arriving at the altar before his bride. Once the groom has arrived the bride may reveal herself and be handed off to the groom by the eldest male and female relative of their household. Though, a key detail which must be noted is that when both bride and groom are presented in front of the altar, they are expected to be holding a long wax candle. Symbolizing their long held prayer to Godan for a hopeful and blissful union. Once the bride and groom are officially announced as husband and wife in the house of Godan, the celebrations then begin. “Sigismund and Helaine” by Ealinea Ruviakovich (1410) Celebrations include both newly announced husband and wife dancing to traditional Raevir music and songs along with their new relatives and old relatives, drinking contests amongst men and women, and other events such as a duel and a great hunt. Things which must happen during the wedding is the presentation of gifts to newly married couples. Gifts which are appreciated are silks and furs. Gemstones and metals are also appreciated but might also appear as something overly exorbitant. Gifts which are always well appreciated are weapons and tools which may assist either bride or groom in daily tasks. Another thing which must happen during the wedding is the exchanging of goblets. This is where the bride and groom, during the beginning of the feast which is customary during the after party of a wedding, both take a sip from a goblet filled with Carrion Black. Once the two take a sip from the goblet. In the Raevir culture, they are seen as bonded for life and truly husband and wife. The sipping of the goblet symbolizes the two embracing all challenges of being married, together, and standing united. Miscellaneous Rites Other rites which don’t exactly fit within both subjects of courtship and weddings include the celebrations of both the bride’s party and the groom’s party partake or how Raevir people tempt to woo each other through modest and pious means. For a Raevir man or woman being interested in a fellow Raevir. Gifts which may signal to the other Raevir at the proposition of courtship as an idea includes the gifts of fur and alcohol. Furs may include any animal but a bear, as explained before in courtship tributes to your lover's family. For alcohol, it is to be thought of as romantic if one gifts another red wine with a side of beetroot, the beetroot symbolizing a heart, a symbol of romance. The Raevir people as a whole are known to be based on community and hard work. So another way a Raevir man or women may show their interest with another is offering to go hunting or do any other form of labor, showing that you are confident in the other. Though, this way of showing affection could completely miss the mark. As doing labor with a fellow Raevir is just common practice. Though hunting can be something which could be seen as a sign of interest in the other if the creature you are hunting for is a wolf, boar, or any other woodland animal which is aggressive by nature. “The Tsar’s Feast” by Irena Volkov (1900) For the bride and groom, there are certain celebrations which happen during the planning periods of a wedding. These parties are called the Salyut Nevesty for the bride, translated in common as, the Bride’s Salute. Then the party for the men is called the Provody Zhenikha translated in common, the Groom’s Sendoff. For the Groom’s Sendoff, the groom with his male friends and family members partake in a grand hunt, after the grand hunt, the one who had gotten the least animals or no animals at all will be paying for drinks inside of the tavern where the procession may drink and celebrate the announcement of the groom’s union to his future bride. For the bride in the Bride’s Salute, the bride and her party filled with female friends and relatives will partake in a session of painting, horse riding, and overall relaxing activities to lower the stress of the bride when the day of her marriage comes. After some hours of relaxing activities, the bride with her friends shall then attend a sleepover with the bride and her friends and family telling stories. These stories may either be true historical events or folklore and myth. Another event which may happen with this sleepover is the brides and her companions wine tasting with cheese and grapes for the further relaxation of the bride before their wedding day. Conclusion In conclusion, there are many things which are still unknown for the Raevir culture. But for courting and marriage, these traditions shall stand. Even when there is the lack of written records of these events. They will always be the ones surviving through the ages and passing down these traditions to the younger generations. The hope is this study into the courting and marriage traditions within the Raevir culture shall once more be practiced amongst the younger generation of the Raevir people. Godani Jest Wieczny

The Redclyfians An extensive handbook on the history and culture of the Redclyfians ____________________________________________________________ Origins The Red Company’s Coat of Arms Prior to the Redclyfians, there was the renowned Red Company: a band of knights led by the renowned and respectable Captain Friedrich and his uncle Ulrich. The Red Company had fought in many wars and battles under different banners such as the Jackalope Knights, Krugmar, and later Savoy. Throughout their early life, they were given keeps and land to act as their headquarters. Eventually, however, they found themselves backstabbed by the Jackalope Knights when the Knights arrested and tortured one of their men. Rage, fueled by the betrayal of the Jackalopes, led to Friedrich and his men taking up arms against them, launching raids and fighting skirmishes against the Jackalope Knights and Kane Redfist’s town. Sutican Tour of 33 S.A, depicting battle between the Red Company and the PKS within the defeated town of Brynrose Later on, they moved to Krugmar and gained land (which they would go on to call Westfelde) in return for their martial prowess. Soon enough, however, the Red Company found itself back in Sutica, who too recognized their martial abilities and granted them land. This land and keep was to be called Redclyf. Years later, after Friedrich of Redclyf and his uncle Ulrich joined the Mösu family, the collapse of Savoy occurred. This left Redclyf independent and surrounded by former vassals of Savoy, in addition to new factions who threatened the stability of the region. They moved to Myrine alongside their newly gained Rozanian vassal to found the Redclyf-Rozanian duchy, kickstarting the Redclyfian way of life. ____________________________________________________________ Way of Governance The way of governance among the Redclyfians has remained the same since its founding, being a feudal society that is primarily ruled by a Duke. Like many such monarchical governments, a council aids the lord of Greenstone in both administration and decision-making - for what good is a lord who does not listen to the voices of his people? Greenstone’s Council is modeled similarly to the Aesir council of the old Redclyf-Rozania, which was divided into several roles: The Aesir of Aesirs (Chancellor), Aesir of Peace (High Diplomat), Aesir of War (The Marshal), Aesir of Coin (High Steward), Aesir of Whispers (Spymaster), and the Aesir of Protection (captain of the duke’s guard). In the martial culture of Redclyf, generals and knights are often the most celebrated members of the aristocracy, but most do not join the upper class in the usual feudal way - via blood and standing alone. Instead, most Redclyfian nobles gain their titles through merit. Sometimes even commoners rise to gain positions within the noble-led government due to serving well and having the right skills for the job. Whether born to their noble role or appointed as noble due to their abilities, the nobles stand as examples of the prime Redclyfian, serving as an example to all of what one should become and strive for: an honored and chivalrous warrior who is proud and indomitable. ____________________________________________________________ Rhythms of Daily Life Around a Redclyfian town, or perhaps even inside the wooden palisades, one will always find large wheatfields being attended to by farmers under the blazing sun, as they dirty their hands and feet working in the soil. Horses and various other livestock graze in lavish pastures under the watchful eye of a shepherd boy and his trusted canine companion as they keep order and safety among the herd. Suddenly a bell is struck marking the 12th hour of the day, midday, and everyone moves in towards the village. The wheatfields are left for now, and the herds are brought into enclosed pastures with only canines to watch over them. Every Redclyfian enters their homes for an hour to utter a prayer to whatever faith they practice, be it Almarism or canonism, before eating and resting to replenish their strength to continue working till dusk. Their homes are simple, with either flax or wooden roofs keeping them from the cold, while walls are made out of sturdy wood or stone depending on how rich the individual is. In the center of the town, there is a bustling square filled with market stalls, selling various goods and services such as metal works, foods, carpentry, textiles, and foreign goods. The air fills with shouts in both foreign and local accents from merchants eager to draw customers to their wares. A notice board is filled with papers from officials who have nailed up decrees and news, as well as from commoners who have nailed postings about their own services and events. A tavern can be found not too far from the center of the town, where your average citizen finds himself enjoying his spare time after a long and hard day of work via drinking and socializing. Even nobles themselves join in to spend time with the common folk and to form bonds of friendship with them. Not far from the town square lies the Lord’s manor or keep, having been erected on elevated land so as to gain a good view of the lands around, to keep an eye on the commoners below, and to keep an eye open for enemy warbands. The keeps are erected and built with a moat and bailey; the keep itself is a large stone tower with four corners. This structure is typically connected to a wall, which forms a bailey right in front of the keep. Outside these structures is another wooden palisade with its little wooden gatehouse, which forms an outer bailey. Here one finds the town blacksmiths, making weaponry, armory, and tools of the trade in the town as sweat pours down their foreheads due to the immense heat. Within the courtyard, knights and their squires, alongside men-at-arms, train and attend to their duties, such as patrolling the estate and lands to ensure the safety of the people and to hone their skills for future wars. In one of the corners of the wall, there is a large tower, serving as barracks, as well as an armory for the troops stationed there. ____________________________________________________________ Views on World & Life Redclyfian knight fighting against a Norlander The Red Company and Redclyf were formed and grounded by Highlander Knights, which has led the Redclyfian culture to take on a set of norms and beliefs similar to other Highlander folk groups. However, the warrior lifestyle has taken a firm hold on the culture as well. The most noticeable aspect of this is their proud and chivalry-centered way of life, most people making decisions based on what they find honorable and what is beneficial for the town. Redclyfians are proud of their social standing and the work they put in to provide for themselves, yet they also care deeply for their family and community. They are also known for their indomitable will, refusing to bend to another people or ruler, unless it is a Redclyfian lord guiding them while they are under another state or are working with another state as mercenaries. Redclyfians admire horses as a central part of their culture, seeing them as majestic and powerful creatures which have become an integral part of life, especially for their soldiers - for Redclyfian warriors are usually mounted knights fighting with great prowess. They have a strong belief in the family unit and community, which comes in many shapes and forms. A soldier might see his brothers and sisters in arms as his family, while a worker in the field bonds with his fellow workers as family. Still another citizen might most closely cherish the people who share her flesh and blood: her kin. Whether one’s family is by blood or by bond, remaining faithful to the family unit and protecting it, even if it comes with the cost of one's own life, is sacrosanct to the Redclyfian way of life. At all costs, they must not disgrace or drag the family in the mud for their own selfish vices. It would be honorless for one to abandon their family in their greatest time of need or to abuse it for their gain. There is a belief common among the Redclyfians, one that stems from their militancy and their adherence to honor: “Death before dishonor, and if death, then perish with a sword in hand.” In other words, they would rather die than disgrace themselves by practicing deeds associated with dishonor, and they will always go out fighting for what they find honorable. Why, though? As a result of this martial philosophy, Redclyf seeks to gain as much strength as possible; however, due to their sense of honor, they have no desire to practice cruelty and savagery towards those that are weaker. In their minds, the strong ought to protect the weak. If the weak should struggle and refuse to surrender, then it is the duty of the strong to make their opponents’ deaths quick, for there is no honor in dragging out their struggle. ____________________________________________________________ Traditions & Celebrations Redclyfians celebrate the longest day in the year by lighting fires and dancing Redclyfian culture includes a rich tapestry of celebrations and traditions, some being imported from different nations and cultures and others being native to the Redclyfians. The main example of a non-native celebration is Krugsmas, a festive celebration all about sharing presents and time with your family/kin. Redclyf also revels in being able to celebrate their own culture with celebrations and traditions of various themes and moods throughout the year. One common celebration is known as Midsummer in the common tongue and is celebrated on the longest day of the year. Townspeople erect and light on fire large and small stick piles whilst young men jump over them as a sport. Dancing, eating, music, and drinking are common during these celebrations too, as it is a way for everyone involved to take a break from the hard labor of the summer heat to ensure a healthy harvest, so that they may relax and enjoy life a little. Coming of age is an important part of every Redclyfian’s life, for it marks the end of childhood and the beginning of adulthood. Unlike most cultures, however, coming of age does not occur at a certain age, but rather after the completion of a few trials, which every boy must go through to become a man. There are three trials that a boy has to complete to be considered a man. First, he must tame a wild horse, breaking its will and asserting his dominance over it to assert himself as its master and rider. This may happen in different forms; sometimes boys are sent into the wild to find a wild horse and tame it, while sometimes it is simply a feisty horse from the village stables. (Why tame a horse? Horses are an important animal, both spiritually and practically, for the Redclyfians. They represent great strength, courage, and beauty, while in practical terms, they are an important part of the way Redclyfians partake in war: relying on mobility and cavalry. Horses are also essential for the life of the Redclyfian farmer, as they are used for plowing and transportation.) Second, he must hunt down a worthy animal upon the newly tamed horse, usually using a spear or a bow and arrow. Some even opt to simply ram the animal with their horse, depending on what they are hunting. A worthy animal can be anything from a deer to a bear, depending on what is available to hunt and what the boy’s testers think he will be able to handle. The last, and perhaps most dangerous, trial of them all is to honorably slay a man in either battle, skirmish, or duel. ____________________________________________________________ Redclyfian Tongue & Phrases Just as every culture and people who have existed and developed independently has gradually formed their own language, and just as the great nations of Almaris each have their own speech and tongue, so have the Redclyfians developed their own way of speech. Their language is based on the Auvergenian language (since the Redclyfians and Red Company originally existed in Savoy lands), yet it has intermingled with Old Norlandic from the influence of the Mösu clan to form the tongue of Redclyfians. Common Phrases Baonjour - Hello À bétôt - See you soon À la s’maine tchi veint - See you next week À peu près - Nearly, about Bouan gniet - Good Night Coume tchi que l’affaire va - How’s it going, How’s business going J’m’en fiche - I don’t care La fîn du temps f’tha tout vaie - Time will tell Ni feu ni feunque - No fire nor smoke Ni feu ni fouôngne - No fire nor baking Quaï heure qu’il est - What time is it Quaï temps qu’i fait - How’s the weather S’i’vous pllait - Please, if you please Tchi qu’est vote naom - What’s your name? Numbers The Redclyfian way of counting and numbers h follows a pattern like many other languages. The tens, for example, usually end with “nte” to signify it is two digits, the only number breaking this pattern being Ten and Twenty. Although sometimes there are variables for the same thing, a good example is Eighty, which would be Quatre-vîngts (literally 4 twenties). As for the hundreds, one simply attaches a “Chents” at the end (e.g. deux-chents, Trais-chents, Quat’-chents, etc). The sample principle applies to 4 digits and 6 digits as well. Iuene - One Deux - Two Trais - Three Quate - Four Chînq - Five Six - Six Saept - Seven Huit - Eight Neuf - Nine Dgix - Ten Vîngt - Twenty Trente - Thirty Quarante - Forty Chînquante - Fifty Sessànte - Sixty Septante - Seventy Quatre-vîngts/Huiptante - Eighty Nénante - Nighty Chents - Hundred Mille - Thousand Millaon - Million Colors Rouoge - Red Vért - Green Juane - Yellow Orange - Orange Bliu Floncé - Dark Blue Bliu Cliai - Light Blue Brun - Brown Pourpre - Purple Blianc - White Rose - Pink Nièr - Black Gris - Gray ____________________________________________________________ The Average Redclyfian The average Redclyfian is one of primarily Highlander descent, sharing many similarities with them when it comes to their physique (Not every Redclyfian resembles a Highlander, however, since the culture and way of life of Redclyf are not exclusive to one group of people. Just as a Highlander can adapt to elven and orc society and culture, so can other races and kinds of humans adapt to the ways of Redclyf). Like Highlanders, the average Redclyfian usually has pale skin, although tans are not uncommon, especially among those working long hours out in the sun on their farm or honing their martial prowess. Due to the people being hard-working, it has left them with tough skin, their hands filled with blisters and scrapes. Eye color ranges from common brown to blue and lilac. Their hair can go from black and brown to vibrant colors such as red. Redclyfian men and women, as with any human race, differ. Men are taller and sport broader builds than women, whilst women are often both shorter and slimmer. Men usually stand at 5’9 to 6’3 (and sometimes above), while women typically stand at 5’4 to 6 feet. ____________________________________________________________ Where Are They Now? Since the fall of Redclyf-Rozania, the Redclyfians have been wandering the plains of Almaris, searching for a place to call home under the leadership of Björn Mösu, the second and last duke of Redclyf-Rozania. During this time of the exodus, they found themselves living in places such as Balian, yet wherever they went, they still did not feel truly at home. Now the people have resettled in Greenstone, the former forest Dwed settlement of the Verdant Glade, where they live and work as a vassal of the Iron Horde. Björn Mösu still leads them.

»•» HOUSE RANALETH «•« ─────━┿──┿━───── [THEME] SYNOPSIS; ─── ･ ｡ﾟ☆: *.☽ .* :☆ﾟ. ─── The Ranaleths hail from the small town of Luthadel, a small northern village deep within the mountains and forgotten by time. Elven denizens there spent their days and nights within the coal mines, while others hunted, fished, or transported these goods to nearby settlements. While the aforementioned family of elves was prominent members of the village, they hardly dealt with the governing of the land. Instead, the roots of House Ranaleth come from calloused hands and sweaty brows, and it has always been their belief that with great effort comes great reward. Such beliefs carry on to the present day, and as long as one earns their keep, they are a friend of the Ranaleths. Unfortunately, such humble beginnings often take a turn for the worse. Without a well-trained militia, Luthadel was left defenseless against the various vagabonds and scoundrels that roamed the lands. Eventually, this scourge brought the village to its knees, and in its dying breath, the Ranaleth family was scratched from the history books. What remained of the family was left scattered across the continent, unaware of one another, or unwilling to rebuild what was lost. Months turned into years, and years turned into decades until the youngest generation of the family decided that enough was enough. It was time to rewrite the tales and become something new altogether. The story had been rewritten for the Ranaleth sought refuge in Almaris and specifically around Celia’nor therein another part of the family had been built to start anew; non-pure blooded Ranaleth were accepted in the family that created another branch for the family that was guided under a scarred elf, whose name was Ava, now, Ava Ranaleth. Through her assistance and one of the main heads of the Ranaleth; Ranni. A new future for the family was built. Whether they might be nobles or peasants alike, a future was assured. They are known around the culture of Celia’nor and still live in support, their new so-called home, and this time with the warriors of the new ERA; the Ranaleth’s ancestry shall be protected even more. ─── ･ ｡ﾟ☆: *.☽ .* :☆ﾟ. ─── PHYSICAL TRAITS & CURIOSITIES: Pure-Blooded Ranaleths The Ranaleths of pure blood are those who hail from Luthadel, the youngest generation; they have witnessed the disaster and fled; to ensure that the pure culture of the Ranaleth would live on forever. They are the brain force and strategists of the family for their builds and the way to bring themselves is always rather elegant and thin, while they hold flawless features of an unusually pale nature with longer and sharp ears, their expressions being soft; they are not suitable to be the strongest warrior, and their size errs on the smaller side. They might have light blue eyes, and rarely green; while their hair is black or brown; they have quite a subtle way of bringing themselves around, but their style is gothic and gloomy-like. Their hygiene and education are of high quality and above average due to their background being nobler. However, among the eldest of them; there’s a particular habit of wearing blindfolds, as a sort of symbol of their culture to show the immense wisdom they bear. This side of the Ranaleth is most suitable to be diplomats or figures of eternal beauty for their purity is above all. ─── ･ ｡ﾟ☆: *.☽ .* :☆ﾟ. ─── New Era Ranaleths The Ranaleths of the new era have quite a distorted appearance, for they came mainly from backgrounds of poverty or war. Hence, seeing them with scars or sickening/gaunt features is hardly uncommon; they are the muscle and brawn of this family. They are most prominently seen with amber/gold or gray eyes and dark pale skin (such as references above); their hair colors are either red/ginger or pale blonde, while they err on the taller side of the family, making them more imposing alongside their toned or stalwart builds. On top of that, they tend to embellish themselves with many accessories, often in an obnoxious manner, such as; rings, necklaces, and sometimes mystical objects like dreamcatchers, or small accessories shaped like symbolic totems. They see it as a way to express themselves to the public and show they are ashamed not to. The ones coming from the new era were never able to be who they wanted to be, so nowadays their antics and ways to show themselves to the public are loud and never timid. Although their lack of purity(Which explains the variety of their appearance) they are most honorable and would sacrifice their own life for the family. Their purity comes from their heart and duty. Rare Occasions: There are rare Ranaleth of the new era who have purple eyes and gray hair. ─── ･ ｡ﾟ☆: *.☽ .* :☆ﾟ. ─── Dresses & Accessories The Ranaleth prefers to clad themselves in bizarre garments; they always wear what expresses their personality the most, and often the silks they wear have a touch of oddness that’s used to distinguish them from your usual elven individual. Some of them have garments scales embellished with darkened plates; some large gothic-esque dresses sewn in thick leather; or they wear many bracelets or rings alike. Heck, you may find their fingernails colored through the usage of their natural crafts. This is what it means to be a Ranaleth; to be free, to be judged by none, and to be whoever you want. As such, their outfits often reveal a great deal about their personality and ideals. There remains a current trend, often seen across these specimens, who are more inclined to wear victorian-style clothes or any high-quality thing portraying the stars and moons. There’s an accessory often used as a symbol among the elder members of the family, and the meaning of this symbol is hidden in the shadows, for only the worth would be worthy to heed the meaning of it; the blindfold is beheld as an accessory for those who’ve seen the beyond-the veil, for those who’ve practiced the mystic arts of the Ranaleth’s culture and have ascended upon the hierarchy of the said family. It does not blind them; it gives them an expanded vision. Those who wear this object are also considered sages. The full-blooded seemed to be most known for the usage of the blindfold, for they were way more calculative and charming than those of the new era. Additionally, the Ranaleth wear eastern clothing or outfits and accessories from other cultures on rare occasions. As learners, they often travel around to learn about other cultures; and they try to look like them as a way to show respect. Thus, showing their full dedication to learning and appreciating discoveries. CULTURE: Weaponry & Armor Introduction: From their harsh background in the north came a desire to protect themselves and all those they hold dear; ready to take up arms in self-defense where required, even if they’d prefer otherwise. The fighting style differs between generations, with the older ones taking up more elegant weapons like spears and swords, or even if they picked up more heavy weapons, it wouldn’t go past a war pick. In contrast, the newer Ranaleths tend to take up much heavier weapons, preferring brutal polearms like spiked hammers. Pure-Blooded Ranaleths: Elegant they fight with swords and pikes. Weapons that are easily carried in their day-to-day life keep them ever-prepared. However, they are not quite fighters for they prefer diplomacy and linguistics. Nonetheless, their eyes are filled with greed when they behold a majestic artifact or such items regardless of how dangerous they might be. The pure-blooded seek to learn more than anything else, and collecting is a good way to perverse good knowledge. Although they don’t seek outright violence, it’s not unusual to witness the pure-blooded Ranaleth with a dagger in their wrist or alchemical potions to defend themselves. They prefer a stealthy approach, unlike their other kin. Moreover, they don’t wear armor like the New Era; they find such type of full-plated protection quite barbaric that must be used only on rare occasions. New Era Ranaleths: Unlike the Pure-Blooded; the New Eras are all about weapons and strength; especially strength through knowledge in battle. Their ways of weaponry are more sacred and unique. They treat each weapon, and each plate of armor religiously as if an extension of their soul. All of their weapons carry meaning, history, or perhaps more. They are not just weapons but their very symbol; it is not unusual to behold a New Era Ranaleth writing in elven or other uncommon languages, brief stories or tales upon the larger frame of their mighty weapons. Even their armor is often embellished with scrolls or gothic-esque carvings. For a New Era losing their weapons or having their armor in a state which cannot be repaired, is quite the ordeal, and are ready to go to great lengths to restore it, or otherwise fall into great sadness. To outsiders, these great carvings and tapestries on their weaponry might give the impression of a forgotten past, but it is through this equipment that the Ranaleth remember their history. There’s one last belief that may bring comfort upon these soldiers of yore, which is wearing a helmet through thick and thin, covering their face and shame with an aforementioned helmet that translates well what their sin was until it has been forgiven, or until enlightenment is found. The helmet may be removed, but none may glance at their face until said enlightenment is found. It is said that not all New Eras are capable of finding this feeling of fulfillment. ─── ･ ｡ﾟ☆: *.☽ .* :☆ﾟ. ─── Culinary ways Introduction: As abstract as the Ranaleth can be with their magic and traditions, their culinary taste holds many layers and complexity like a puff pastry. While most Ranaleth shares a common liking for both sweet and savory dishes paired with a well-aged bottle of wine, there’s certainly a generational schism between the Pure-Blooded and the New Era Ranaleth that can cause quite a debate at dinner. To have a proper dinner with a Full-Blooded and a New-Era Ranaleth, would be to expect a refreshing appetizer with many foreign ingredients from a New-Era long travel, and to enjoy a complex and rich dessert from a Full-Blooded Ranaleth who has spent many decades in perfecting their craft. Pure-Blooded Ranaleths: Those Ranaleths from a more ancient time, referred to as the Full-blooded, tend to have a more avant-garde taste in cuisine, especially when it comes to sweets. To dine with those who are “Full-blooded”, would likely be to prepare for a proper 3-course dinner with an exceptional dessert at the end. The dessert will always be considered the star or the pinnacle of the meal, as the last meal will always be the last thing you will remember. It can also be taken as an insult if you do not serve them a dessert at the end of the meal, as it is a sign of denying them something divine. Pure-blooded people truly regard food as a sacred symbol, and forbidding them to consume would be like preventing them from experiencing their high potential or experiencing life at its best. There might be a whole cult around food at this point across the ranks of these pure-blooded. New Era Ranaleths: The New-Era Ranaleth are those who are more adventurous with much curiosity. From their long travels, they’ve adopted a lifestyle where they enjoy many foreign ingredients from local sources, may it be forgeable nuts and wildberry or even honey. It is clear that the New Era had little time to spare when it comes to creating complex dishes with many techniques, yet they make it up with creative blends of ingredients that still give them a flavor of home. Examples: Full-blooded Dish The traditional spiced log cake: A combination of strong spices such as cinnamon and nutmeg surrounds your sense as one would be first introduced to this work of art. This well-crafted dessert has many layers of different berry fillings with a layer of hazelnuts mousse in the middle upon cutting in half. Those who have the luxury to try such a dessert will understand why dessert is a must at the end of a meal. New-Era Dish: An almond salad: From the rich flora of the Celia’norian forest, one can find fresh almonds and herbs to start a light meal to their day. This salad is a combination of many fresh herbs mixed in with an almond purée coated by a generous amount of honey. If one was lucky during their foraging trip, a few sliced cherry tomatoes would be mixed in as well. Such an energizing meal would give one the energy to start their day or this should be the start of a good dinner. ─── ･ ｡ﾟ☆: *.☽ .* :☆ﾟ. ─── Magic & Creatures Introduction: The Ranaleth view magic abstractly; they see stars and moons as the source of all this power, and so they worship the stars as the light that provides both prosperity and greatness. While they simply approach magic, their methods come closest to the nature of witches and hags alike. As a result, their studies and instruments are very well developed into the most taboo things, such as performing daily rituals, studying what lies beyond the veil, and so on. Moreover, the view of Mana and the magical things throughout the world and dimensions are twisted by their mystique antics, and their knowledge is withheld among the highest ranks of the family. Only someone who practices and learns the arts of the Ranaleth would be able to learn and understand the truth of what had been discovered. Magic: The Ranaleth on both sides sees magic as a fabulous thing that’s utmost needed in the routine of one’s life but it’s not like they accept magic like anyone; they are not your common mages who seek to simply wield it for they wish to bend the magic and arts of their family in the most unorthodox ways to gain full control and expand their uses even If it means walking on a dangerous path or something that will bring havoc. They do care not as long as their desire for knowledge is satiated. Furthermore, these magics seem to be wielded not only for rituals or to help people of their nation; they seemingly use it to hunt their enemies or often be sure that those who wronged the family wouldn’t do anything. It is quite vague on what this family is willing to do to protect one another. Perhaps, it’s something that ought to remain vague for everyone’s sake. Especially when a Full-Blooded wields said magics; they are most of the time the most magical ones in the family. Creatures: The Ranaleth believe religiously in any creatures that are often narrated in tales: Ghouls, Dragons, Vampires, and all manner of mythical creatures. They are a sort of symbol of knowledge for this odd family, but not to venerate, of course. The Ranaleth and especially the new-era, who are warriors of knowledge; seek to learn the weak spots of the said creatures and be sure they wouldn’t cause any harm to the people around them. They are the witches who are witch hunters, who seek to banish the wicked nature of the corrupted. There’s a strong belief that the New Eras deeply hate those of ectoplasmic nature. There are tales of the eternal conflict between these two factions. Nonetheless, nothing is truly confirmed, but who knows, perhaps it might be the truth. Per Chance, it might be the origin of why the New Era sought the destruction of the dark. [Good Archetypes For The Family: FutureTellers, Seers, Witch Hunters(Akin to Illidari though), Scholars, Guardians, etc…] Philosophy & The Sisterhood “Through the unsung song of the unseen birds; I shall find the veiled path to foresee our prominence.” -A Elder Of The Sisterhood. The Philosophy: The Ranaleths have not forgotten their ways of yore; what has been destroyed lives on in their hearts and minds. They care about those who protect and help the family; those who aid them in their moment of need will never be forgotten. This is why someone might see other not-related elven or non-elven individuals being accepted into the family. They all have done something to deserve it, forming bonds of family unity. They all stick together through thick and thin, whether slighted or assaulted; the Ranaleth shall always stick with them, offering their blades and silver tongue through any form of conflict. With all of this, a new mentality and view of seeing things became prominent across the ranks of this family. The Ranaleth have found comfort in Celia ’nor the present days, and have accepted their culture as part of them. This led them to learn the ways of one of the most important figures in this city; Ivarielle, the great. She’s seen as a mighty beacon of hope and someone who ought to be heeded for they bear wisdom. This ideology, this philosophy that has been implanted into their ranks is to all ends, will always justify the means if your ends are always to benefit your kind. You must give your blood, your heart, and your steel to achieve progression, for knowledge and health would never be strong enough if not carried by a mortal who understands what must be done. Likewise, to forsake religion, to forsake these mundane things that only distract us all from our real goals; it limits our understanding, it makes us forget our weaknesses or those of our foes because believing in gods or religions alike will only blind us from our real potential in being a mortal. ─── ･ ｡ﾟ☆: *.☽ .* :☆ﾟ. ─── The Sisterhood: Through the sorrows of their past and the interaction between the two matriarchs, a new sense of unity was born among the Ranaleths. Henceforth, the Sisterhood was born from the family. A group of eldest members of the family who’ve seen their creation from the very first breath. Although they seem quite the group; their start was not pleasing at all, for they have been through a lot of conflicts. Most of the time between each other until an agreement was found, other times under the wing of war, but eventually their purpose and meaning were found. The one to be the utmost guide of the family and all descendant-kind! They see themselves as the shepherd that ought to guide the lost through a pact of intelligence and strength. To be sure, that descendant kind would tear away Aeriel’s domain and be free forevermore. However, those who would ignore their attempts to help will find a blade through their heart or be thrown into an abyss to be forgotten. Henceforth, becoming a beacon of hope for the lost and the ignorant, the sisterhood swears to protect their home and allies alike. But as time went on and more elder Ranaleth sought to join its ranks. A hierarchy was created of three different Symbols, each of which represents the personalities of the various Ranaleth or people of the importance of their History. It must be noted that these pillars are but mortal figures who enmity the divine: The Eclipse: The Eclipse is seen as the first elder of the Ranaleth; a woman with black hair and flawless countenance, covered by an armored blindfold and a dark elegant robe that covers her entire body minus the head and her crooked hands. She stands for the beauty and intelligence of the Ranaleths. She's the most famous Pillar, followed throughout the family since the ideals she carries are what your common Ranaleth seeks to follow and accomplish. Although she seems benevolent and caring; she's also a fine schemer that’s said that once her plans are accomplished, she will rise her crooked and damaged hands unto the sky, to cover the sun into eternal moonlight; giving refuge and safety for the forsaken and those rejected from the light, and bring a fear upon the divine through the union of those forsaken by said light and mortal kind. The Profound Storm: The Storm is a vague figure of revenge and war; a woman whose features are superfluous and indescribable. She was chained amidst a storm like a slave weighted by some divine judgment until she met with the Eclipse and freed her from these chains. She stands for passion, determination, and strength above all; for she's the figurehead for those who're more prone to violence and fighting, for those who would do the impossible to protect their families and friends alike. A bulwark for the meek. To follow the eclipse dream, It is said that she will lighten the sky with her emotions and provide a new light that would allow all to reach out and be accepted. The Royarch: The Royarch is an interesting figurehead who, throughout the scrolls and books of the Ranaleth, is whelming contradictory. Their appearance varies from a horrible woman to someone heroic who purposely created conflict between the path of the eclipse and the profound storm to connect them and be sure their dream would become true and that the divine would hold mortal kind no more. Furthermore, the Royarch’s ways have quite influenced the previously stated due, on the point that the philosophy of the Ranaleth and hers would be quite similar. FAMILY MEMBERS STAFF ─────━┿──┿━───── IMPORTANT:

On the Role of Blah in Orc Society A study by Gharak, for San'Velku Library of Theruz, year 115 of the Second Age A work based on books studied in the libraries of Minitz and Lurin This is a translation of the book bearing the same name, and will also serve as an OOC-saved version of the book. Still, I strongly advise you try and read the book ingame and, if you dare, in Blah. Contents: Introduction I] On Language II] To Speak Blah III] Social Tribes Conclusions

How Culture Shapes Orc Spiritualism A study by Gharak, for San'Velku Library of Theruz, year 114 of the Second Age With special thanks to Kor'Garr, Toad'Yar, Madoc'Lur and Ghoraza This is a translation of the book bearing the same name, and will also serve as an OOC-saved version of the book. Still, I strongly advise you try and read the version in Blah. Table of Contents: Introduction I] Culture & Nature II] On the clans Conclusion

─━─━─━─━─━─━─━─━─━─━─━─━─━─━─━─━─━─━─━─ ⤞The Arvellon Seed⤝ [Arvellon sigil drawn by ClassyNewt] ─━─━─━─━「₪」━─━─━─━─ “To live is the rarest thing in the world. Most people simply exist, and that is all. Spread laughter and chaos wherever you go. Let no one ever come to you without leaving happier. Suddenly they will realize life wasn’t about surviving. It was about living.” -Carsul’il ─━─━─━─━「₪」━─━─━─━─ [The Firefly Grove by Mathias Zamęcki] ⤞The Autumnal Lore⤝ The Arvellon seed was one of the smaller and lesser-known tribes amongst the first migration of Mali’ame. While most adorned themselves in unique and colorful markings and apparel, the Autumnal watchers were identifiable by their shared physical traits and their name, yet even this left them confused with their seedless kin. For many centuries, they did not mind this and even enjoyed the ease in which they could meld within the rest of tribal society, watching and listening as the Wildcats of Felixii do. Little is known concerning their worship of the Wildcat Princess, as is most things with the feline Mani. Similarly shrouded is the seed’s adoption of worshiping Kwakwani, the Trickster Raven. Though they adapted to the new ways and melded them with that of Felixii’s, creating a unique and unknown culture that they are in the modern age. During the times of Malin and the nomadic Mali’ame, the Arvellon were led by a man called Carsul’il. Known amongst his kin as the Laughing Lynx for his hearty attitude and his peculiar style in hair. The Lynx was the first to take on the name of Arvellon, and was the founder of their ame’lie. A grove considered to only be a myth and named the Harvest Wood, for some said it was a place of perpetual Autumn that was always bathed in a copper and gold light from the rays of sun shining through the canopy. Trees soon to be called the Taliame’miruel, meaning Eternal Autumn. Many thought the grove was a legend, as very few knew of its name. Much less of its existence. These trees produce a dense fog that the Arvellon used to their advantage, living within it to hide themselves. Many believe this is where they received their moniker, the Autumnal Watchers. While most of the tales sprung from this age, and of Carsul’il specifically, are considered myth and the true events that happened are lost to the winds of time, the more modern era of the Arvellon is easier to recollect if similarly unknown to anyone but the Arvellon. The Autumnal Chieftain eventually disappeared into the wilds as most ancient Mali’ame do, leaving behind his ways for his second child, Merriel Arvellon. Unlike her father, Merriel did not have many daring adventures, as she preferred the quiet and watchful side of their ways. Living her life upon a simple farmstead with her mate and listening to the breeze for all manner of news and secrets until the day she had her first and only child. Miklaeil. A boy that was bound to take after his grandfather from the day he began to walk; always grinning and dashing about from one adventure to the next with the clever wit of a cat. Only his mother could truly tame his lust for the thrill and unknown, until the day he came of age for manhood. Miklaeil gathered what few things he possessed and set off into the realm, leaving a supportive but deeply saddened mother behind. Years passed and the young Arvellon found himself in what was known to be the Dominion of Malin. It was in the Dominion that Miklaeil decided to first attempt at securing a steady life after thirty or so years of travel, though doing so cost him the identity of his ancestors within him. He donned bronze and silver platemail, shouted war cries in the name of various princes and princesses, and even took on the name and beliefs of another seed entirely in his patriotic vigor. He began to look less and less like that of Carsul’il, and the letters to his mother were more filled with his grim and dark experiences rather than with their usual joy and wonder. It was around this time that Merriel Arvellon passed, caught in an accident with farm equipment. Years passed and Miklaeil gradually fell back into the old ways of his grandfather. His constant grin and cheeky quips became his trademark along with his vigilant and cat-like eyes that were always watching with a certain mischievous glint. Long after the Dominion collapsed, he became a Lord upon the council of Aegrothond, and it wasn’t long after that he met the lovely Empyreal Princess of Alderyn, Layla Le’Cai. It didn’t take him long to notice the same playful glint in her eyes and he fell in love and fully returned to the ways of Carsul’il. Between the two of them, the Arvellon seed’s history and culture were reborn into something new and old. After several decades passed, the Arvellon grew and changed beyond what they were upon Miklaeil’s reclamation. It was around this time that the seed was begrudgingly convinced to join the fledgling Forest Realm of Irrinor. The reluctance of the seed’s chieftains to take such a step proved to be exact when the Aspectist nation fell to infighting, leaving the Arvellon to flee back to the Talus Grove. Disillusioned with the politics of greater elven nations following the fall of Irrinor, Miklaeil declared the rite of Maya’meracahe to prevent more misfortune befalling the Arvellon. Several families were born and brought into the seed’s warm embrace following its departure from Irrinor, allowing the group to spread out and diversify amongst themselves as they chose according to the rite of Maya’meracahe. Despite this rebound, Layla and Miklaeil were left tired and in need of respite from the civilized places of the world. A moot of the seed was held in the Talus Grove where Eretria and Nerrin were chosen to be the next chieftains, allowing Layla and Miklaeil to delve into the realm’s deep wilds where they found solace. After the departure of Miklaeil and Layla, things soon fell to ruin. The misfortunate acts of a handful of Arvellon led to their dismemberment from the seed and forced them to move away from their Autumnal kin. The seed fell stagnant not long after as Eretria followed in her brother’s footsteps, overwhelmed with the circumstances of her kin, and fled to the wilds to find solace for some time. Seeking hope and guidance during her absence. When the Chieftess returned to their hall in Siramenor, she was one of the first to welcome a new Arvellon into the seed. A joyous occasion yet she still felt lost and needed answers; ones her people could not give her no matter how hard they tried. The Arvellon were small and despite their best efforts, they could not seem to restore the seed to its former prestige. She remained for some time, guiding others and trying to repair the state of their seed alongside Nerrin, even in Elvenesse, before she once more fled to the wilds. Nerrin would join her not long after, once more causing the seed to fall stagnant. After time had passed, Eretria decided it was time to stop running and return to her people. She found herself amongst the small group of people of Nevaehlen during its early days of discovery and reclamation. Time was spent in the small mali’ame village before she decided this is where she wanted to establish a home for her Autumnal kin again. In recent days, this is where the Arvellon reside. Living in a village rich with the culture and ways of the mali’ame people, where they thrive together and live within their hall marked by the Taliame’miruel trees. Eretria is the sole Chieftess of the Arvellon, and she continues to welcome new members into the seed with a warm embrace. ⤞Overview⤝ ─━─━─━─━「₪」━─━─━─━─ “Given a wink from the Wildcat and a grin from the Raven, Carsul’il set off into the woods.” ─━─━─━─━「₪」━─━─━─━─ The ways of the Autumnal Watchers are deeply rooted in Aspectism and the Mani Pantheon, their various styles and values based upon the old ‘ame teachings. Their patron Mani are Felixii the Elusive Wildcat, and Kwakwani the Trickster Raven. Most of their values are derived from each Mani and each one is an inspiration for their love for fun, and their ability to keep secrets. The Arvellon are a close-knit group who are known to have a lust for life, often being the source of a harmless prank and the cause of a good laugh. They are a cheerful and chaotic bunch of people, making it their goal to keep things light-hearted in nature amongst the many evils and stress-bringers of the realm. [The Smell of Dead Leaves by Anato Finnstark] ⤞Religion and Seed Values⤝ ─━─━─━─━「₪」━─━─━─━─ "One life. That is all we get. Just one. Why aren't we running like we are on fire towards our wildest dreams? We need that chaos in our soul.” - Eretria Arvellon ─━─━─━─━「₪」━─━─━─━─ Religion Aspectism and the Mani pantheon are both well-cherished parts of the Arvellon culture, most everything about them being derived from these practices. However, like most other Seeds, the Arvellon worship a select few Mani in particular. Those being Felixi the Elusive Wildcat, and Kwakwani the Trickster Raven. Both of which heavily influence the day-to-day lives of the Arvellon, making for Elves with an odd mixture of secretive yet colorful personalities, flitting back and forth with words and actions like a cat or bird at play. Oftentimes these Elves make offerings to both Mani in the form of tricks and pranks upon those deserving of it, or merely for the fun of it. With regards to Felixii, the Wildcat is seen as the head of a lesser pantheon of her own that includes the other feline Mani gods. The Lion, Tiger, and Panther Mani all fall into this grouping though are not quite so revered as the Wildcat herself. Many decide to incorporate the teachings of these individual Mani princes into their worship of Felixii. Those Arvellon particularly devout to Felixii tend to tread through life with care put toward their own actions yet are not afraid of the spontaneous. Witty, clever, and watchful are the best descriptions for an Arvellon Wildcat follower. It is taught that a proper Wildcat follower should remain ever vigilant for what knowledge they can collect or what whispers they may hear. This is usually referred to in regards to one’s own pursuits or craft, meant to encourage learning and growth in the mind. The Trickster Raven teaches her Autumnal followers the ways of artistry, beauty, and fun-loving attitudes. Those devout to Kwakwani are often the most playful of the seed prone to pranking their family and friends when it is least expected, or developing skill with their hands in the way of arts and craft. Many Arvellon take up trades in things such as painting, jewelry, writing, or even blacksmithing and woodworking. Their work is done with the intention of creating beauty with their very own hands, worshiping the Raven in the act alone. As per the teachings of their ancestors, Aspectism is a large part of the Arvellon Seed’s beliefs. They are taught to help uphold the balance and to protect nature. To not over hunt but to make sure there is not too much growth spreading about. Along with being Aspectists, the Arvellon are taught to involve themselves with the Wild Faith; a collection of their ancestral cultural ways of worshipping the Mani and the Aspects, as well as teaching and learning to keep their faith alive. Values ─━─━─━─━「₪」━─━─━─━─ “Live your life to the fullest, my child. Raise your boy, love your family, and see them flourish as I have.” - Carsul’il to his daughter, Merriel Arvellon ─━─━─━─━「₪」━─━─━─━─ When the Arvellon realized that the world is much too dangerous to face alone, they began to stick closer together to ensure safety and prosperity despite the hardships that the Descendant world is prone to endure. Thus, their ideology grew over time to incorporate values based upon the creation and protection of family. ⤞ Family is treasured above all else to Arvellon. To protect and provide for one’s family is the highest priority and one that each Arvellon is expected to see done. Providing for the family also includes having children with which to fill it and continue the legacy. Due to the elven curse of infertility, adoption is not unheard of amongst the seed and is even considered honorable. With family comes Love. It is a sacred emotion connected to the very soul of a person that shapes them as it grows and evolves over time’s passage. An Arvellon couple is accepted as an eternal bond and a testament of passion and loyalty for such long-lived people as the elves. To break off that bond is a break of trust that many consider to be deserving of no less than a shun or, if the cause of division is so revolting, death. Love does not extend only to romance either. An Arvellon finds love in anything that they wish to look for it in. Some pursue trades and crafts to pour their passions into. ⤞ Trust is built through experience and time together. An Arvellon without the trust of their kin is an Arvellon surrounded by the hounds of darkness, bound for an early rise of elven madness. Along the same vein of thought, Unity within the seed is expected by all its members to uphold fervently. According to the rite of Maya’meracahe, the Arvellon should never allow the frivolous squabbles of greater elvenkind and the Descendent world as a whole to divide them. ⤞ Cheer and light-heartedness are seen as desirable traits among the Arvellon. Being a fun-loving people, they seek it out with a Lust for Life that goes unheard of among many other elven cultures and even in the mali’ame themselves. Adventure, pranks, good fun amongst their kin, all this and much more are the deep thoroughfare to an Arvellon’s heart. ⤞ Survival is often seen as the willingness to do what is necessary. Most Mali’ame are taught how to survive in the forests at a young age, though the Arvellon are also taught how to survive in many other ways such as hunting to provide for their kin, combat to protect them, and even something as simple as how to keep a secret. These traits are taught so each Arvellon can be fully equipped to help protect their kin in any way necessary. ⤞Appearance⤝ ─━─━─━─━「₪」━─━─━─━─ “Touched by the season of Autumn in body as well as mind.” ─━─━─━─━「₪」━─━─━─━─ [Art of Eretria and a Karin by Mikki] Arvellon born elves typically share the same set of physical traits, depending on the circumstances of their birth. A true born Arvellon would carry the traits of one, bronze or tan in skin tone, usually a warm hue of some sort. Their hair tends to be curly or unruly while varying in shades of red and brown. This, coupled with brown or green eyes, make them quite suitable for their favorite season - Autumn. Although not every Arvellon is born from the Autumnal bloodline. The modern generation of the seed is a wide variety of adopted members and members who married into the seed, with the proper rites taken. This means one could find most any elf with any mix of traits donning the Autumn paints of an Arvellon. They are often seen dressed in apparel, dyed to mirror the warm shades of Autumn - red, gold, yellow, and orange in various hues. Said to acknowledge the natural cycle and symbolize the changing and colorful personalities of the Arvellon. ⤞Traditions⤝ Tradition in the Arvellon seed is developed over the course of time and experience, its members learning new ways to adapt to their environment and adding to their ways to fit. [Tattoos designed and drawn by the wonderful Numirya] ⤞ Ilmyumier is an important rite to becoming an Arvellon, the marking itself thought up and designed by Layla. The ilmyumier implements three of the most prevalent parts of the unique culture of the Arvellon, headed by that of a Wildcat and donning the wings and feathers of a Raven, and the colors and symbols of their beloved Autumnal season. Along with the primary ilmyumier that is found on the dominant arm, an Arvellon is known to wear a stripe of paint across their eyes to act as a sign of luck to attract good fortune for them and their kin, or during times of war and unrest in the world as a whole. ⤞ Miruel'ame, the Red Trees of the Arvellon forests that once served as the living, subtle guardians to their ancestral ame’lie known as the Harvest Wood. The cultivation of these trees, once a closely guarded secret held by the main bloodline of the Arvellon, has been passed down to the seed to reintroduce the tree into the world. The Miruel’ame releases an ever-present fog that surrounds its immediate vicinity and is considered to be the reason the Arvellon remained wrapped within a mystery in the early eras of the world. ⤞ Maya’meracahe was put in place in the ancient times of the Arvellon, when they lived in the depths of the Harvest Wood. Where their homes were safely hidden from the turmoil beyond. This ‘redeeming balance’ was put into motion by Carsul’il after a near disastrous confrontation within the seed between two brothers living in separate nations from one another. The Laughing Lynx decided that the Arvellon seed would not serve as a political entity among the rest of Elvenkind, though it would not limit its individual members from taking part in what nations they chose to reside in. “To be an Arvellon is to have only half a heart and soul. Their partner has the rest.” ⤞ Mallir'hiylun - Love is a sacred and precious thing to the Autumnal elves. An emotion and act held dearly since the days of Carsul’il and the Harvest Wood. Making such a declaration toward another elf is a grand and life changing event for the Arvellon. To them, there is only one such person to be found in their lives and it is an irreversible and unbreakable bond through both body, mind, and spirit. While not used until later in the seed’s existence, there is a binding ritual performed to cement this connection between two elves. Before an altar of Felixii and Kwakwani, the two would arrive during the height of a Harvest Moon in secret. Both would wield a ceremonial aurum blade to slice the other’s palms. After the blood flows from both hands on either lover, the bloodied blades are laid crossed upon the altar before the two clasped hands to mix the blood of their palms and in doing so, intertwining the essence of their bodies and spirit. Once the ritual is complete, it is said that the mates develop a true and absolute bond. While it is not known whether this is merely firm belief, or if something truly binds the souls of the lovers, it works. These Arvellon lovers remain together until death, and even then, it is said that their spirits pass on as one. ⤞ Birth has always been celebrated within the elven culture; a precious and sacred event for all of elven kind to be taken seriously. When a new child is born, or when one comes of age, a ritual is held in the child’s honor by the Chieftain. During the ritual the babe will be bathed in the waters surrounding the Father Tree, or in fresh springwater. The child’s forehead will then be painted with an eye to resemble the Wildcat, and outstretched wings on either side to represent the Raven. A prayer will then be recited to both patron Mani. Asking each of them to bless the new elf with an observant gaze and a sly nature - just as Felixii, and requesting for them to be granted the creativity and playfulness of the Trickster Raven - Kwakwani. ⤞ Death is not something that is normally celebrated, however the Arvellon honor death in a rather unique way. The corpse of their loved one is carried out to the Taliame’miruel Forest to be buried, where their souls are said to become the eternal watchers of Autumn. In spirit, just as they were in body. A prayer is then said while a stone is constructed atop the gravesite, acting as a headstone. This marker is referred to as Lareh’puerith, or Stone of Memories. Their loved ones will gather around the stone with buckets of paint and carving tools to create an exquisite and intricate mural telling of the Arvellon’s life. Flowers are then planted around the burial site, so that they may be fertilized and the Arvellon may live on through nature. ⤞Trials of Initiation⤝ ⤞ The Trial of Escapade: The prospective Arvellon is to show they are capable of joining the others in their Lust for Life. Their task during this trial is to conjure up a harmless trick on any one of their choosing, and to carry out the prank without getting caught. Additionally, they are to ask an Arvellon who has earned their markings to accompany them and to deem it worthy. ⤞ The Trial of the Artisan: The creativity of the prospective Arvellon will be challenged during The Artisan’s Trial, as they are tasked to create in the name of their patron Mani. They will be shown examples of crafts they could make, crafted by the current members of the seed, to aid them in brainstorming. Their task at hand is to create either one piece in honor of both the Wildcat and the Raven, or alternatively create something to solely honor Kwakwani, as the Raven is known to be the one of fine arts. The crafted piece will then be placed in the Arvellon hall to be displayed with the others. ⤞ The Trial of the Observer: The observant eye and mind of the prospective Arvellon will be challenged during this trial shaped around their patron Felixii. The Autumnal Watchers are known to be protectors of secrets, just as the Wildcat themself. They listen, and observe, and gather what secrets they can to be offered to Felixii for protection. There are many ways the prospect could go about completing this trial, which will be explained by the Chieftain. The intent is to gather at least three secrets from whoever they can and record them on a piece of parchment - without a name being etched with it to protect the secret teller. That piece of parchment will either be placed in the hidden library in the hall, dedicated to and blessed by the Observant Wildcat, where it will go unread and eternally protected. Alternatively, the piece of parchment will be offered to a shrine of Felixii and tossed into the flames, where it becomes nothing but a whisper in the wind guarded by the Wildcat. ⤞ The Harvest Moon Hunt is the final, unofficial trial for the budding Arvellon. Every year during the Harvest Moon, when the night is bathed strongly in amber hued light, the prospective member will be asked to dress in the colors of the Autumnal seed and tasked with leading the rest of their kin on a ceremonial hunt beneath the height of a harvest moon. Prior to the hunt, their face will be marked by the Chieftain to resemble the rest of their clan while treading through the realm to find their prey. [An adult, large sized karin drawn by Ben] ⤞ The Rite of the Karin is not recognized as a trial, but instead as a warm welcome into the clan. When an Arvellon comes of a certain age, or is adopted into the seed, they are allowed the gift of a feline companion. A twin-tailed, crystal antlered colorful Karin, that they will raise from a kitten to a full-grown adult. This companion will be their forever friend and will offer comfort and playfulness where they know it is needed. ─━─━─━─━─━─━─━─━─━─━─━─━─━─━─━─━─━─━─━─

ᚱᛟᚲᚴ ᚨᚾᛞ ᛋᛏᛟᚾᛖ Cultural Exchange: Chess Tournament Between Hanseti-Ruska & Urguan ᛏᛟ ᛏᚺᛖ ᛒᛟᚾᛖ ROCK AND STONE TO THE BONE 12th of the Amber Cold, in the 111th Year of the Second Age 12th of Joma Ag Umund in the Year 460th of Exalted Sigismund, As per the Renewed Iron Accord, Signed in the 110th Year of the Second Age/459th Year of Exalted Sigismund, The Grand-Kingdom of Urguan hereby Announces a Cultural Exchange Event within the Dual-Kingdom of Hanseti-Ruska. A Chess Tournament will be held within the Capital of the Dual-Kingdom: Karosgrad, upon the Palace Grounds. There will be a Trophy Handed out to the Winner of the Tournament, for those willing to test their mettle, whilst friendlier games available for the participation of all those who wish to come. CHESS TOURNAMENT I. The Chess Tournament will be held on two boards outside the Palace of Karosgrad. II: Competitors will be arranged into pairs to compete against each other, with the winner of each pair moving to the next round. III: The winner of the chess Tournament will be granted the honorific title of ‘Chess Grandmaster’, confirmed to them by the receiving of a Chess Grandmaster Trophy, as well as prize of mina. IV: If you are interested in competing, please reply to this announcement stating your name and your race. These will be compiled by the Grand Ambassador of Urguan for the Tournament. Other available games: I. Naughts & Crosses II: Hanseti Chess III: Bowling EVENT LOCATION & TIME The Karosgrad Palace grounds The Snow’s Maiden, In the 113th Year of the Second Age Msitza Ag Dargund, In the 462nd Year of Exalted Sigismund Signed, Her Excellency, Viorica Kortrevich, Grand Lady of the Morrivi Court His Lordship, Aurik Bishop, Baron of Ostervik, Ambassador to Urguan Dagmir Grandaxe, Grand Ambassador of Urguan

___________________________________________________________________________________________________ Settlement Guide Brief Summary The Underlight Grotto is the natural playground of the Mother Circle. Inhabited by druidic artisans, healers, storytellers, teachers and adventurers, this lair is nestled under the vast boughs of the Mother Tree. Beneath her shadow, the lauded Moonlit Forest glows with natural bioluminescence. ________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Points of Interest The BAYOU BEER GARDEN Often the location of nightly shenanigans and music, the tavern of the Grotto proudly presents Blues Night in the living theatre, as well as the cozy Swamp Fog smoking lounge! The Moonlit Forest __________________________________________________________________________________________________________ In the twists and turns of the Moonlit Forest above the Grotto, adventurers can find hidden treasures and explore secrets in this verdant playground for anyone that fancies a woodland expedition. Peak Hours 6pm EST - 10pm EST Directions Starting from the South Hub, visitors should take the first right and follow signs for the Underlight Grotto. The path will split, with the road to the island veering left and over a mesa until it descends to sea level and over a lilly pad bridge. Keep going, and there will be an illuminated tunnel past the soulstone pillar!

THE LURIN CULTURAL ASSIMILATION PROGRAM Issued at Year 110 of the Second Age As we have noticed an influx of new people entering Lurin being oblivious to our ways of life and customs, it is time to write them down for those who desire to read about such. The Sutican Mercenary Origins of Lurin With the gradual fall of the Sutican government before their eventual replacement, there were plenty who moved along with The Silver Lubba to find new fortunes and established The Silver Lubba Band which roamed around Almaris doing contracts and settling where they could. Now having made it to Lurin as the presumed final destination of these wandering mercenaries, they remain with mostly the same structure of government with some various additions to reduce the strain of governing the lands. (Two Titans of the Silver Lubba Band patrolling the mountains of the main continent) (The mountain pass by Sina Hayati) Industrious Modest Glory As the Lurinites originate from a mercenary company, it should not be surprising they all seek something to fulfill their goals, however, each one does so differently now other than a few aspects which are for the majority the same. While there are some different cases per person, it is often seen that a Lurinite seeks to fulfill their tasks on the job and do such as efficiently as possible with the majority of these being more on the industrious side than a stagnant one. Often the only factor that slows down a process is the lack of people that are capable of joining the divisions of the band. However, with this modest attitude often comes some form of recognition of abilities which can open up new paths granted by their division leaders or even The Silver Lubba themself. (A blacksmith from the workforce and his daughter working together) (Blacksmith by Dashinvaine) Clothing of The Most Serene State of Lurin While every person within the state has a different taste in fashion, there is a general census that expensive outfits or jewelry are often a waste of mina, often leaving the average Lurinite with improvised formal clothing or their fanciest uniform during important events. Tailors oftentimes find it hard to be commissioned for anything other than basic clothing or the various state uniforms requested by The Silver Lubba themself and the various division leaders. Diplomatic Customs of Lurin As Lurin grows over time, there have been a couple preferences and noted down expressions during the diplomatic process which could be more efficient or avoided entirely. With this revelation, a small list has been constructed to give some oversight for future diplomatic meetings. -Bringing anyone other than your leader or someone authorized to officiate pacts autonomously to negotiate terms is a waste of time and effort. -Bringing more than two soldiers to a meeting is an act of aggression. Additional diplomats are an exception if they bring something to the table. -A pact with another nation might end up being pushed through the council and shareholders to see a general census before accepting, declining or altering the terms. -Every pact must be made with both parties present in the room, drafts must be prepared beforehand to indicate a clear goal of what the other entity wishes to achieve. -The offering or exchanging of gifts is discouraged during meetings unless they have a true cultural value to avoid muddling diplomacy with nepotism and other forms of bastardized politics. General Government Structure While the eradication of bureaucracy is favorable for efficiency, parts of this system must remain intact to avoid The Silver Lubba from spreading thin governing his lands and executing his missions for the realm. The Silver Lubba The Silver Lubba is the leader of this state and has authority over all that happens within it High Council With The Silver Lubba being spread a little too thin at times even with the existence of the council, a certain level of authority should be granted to act more autonomously to whoever is appointed to join this council. Often these council members are the most notable of the Lubba’s Council, though are often not publicly stated to be from this High Council. Lubba’s Council With such the creation of Lubba’s Council consisting of The Silver Lubba Band’s highest ranking members, personal advisors, high nobility and other offices appointed by The Silver Lubba. Each Division of the Silver Lubba Band is entitled to a seat on the council to more directly communicate their needs and voice their opinions. The following divisions are in place: -The Silver Lubba Band Expeditionary Force -The Lubba Keep Lawyers -The Silver Centurions -The Lubba Medical Force -The Silver Siege Team -The Lubba Band Workforce -The Order of The Lubba The following offices are in place: -The Office of Knowledge -The Office of Stewardry -The Office of Brew and Entertainment -The Office of Conservation -The Office of Rosewood -The Office of Diplomacy -The Office of Unnatural Affairs -The Office of The Yellow Cross -The Office of Culinary Expression The following nobles are in place: High Nobility: -Vassal Leaders of various levels -Division and Office Leaders -Previous High Council and Silver Lubbas Minor Nobility: -Family Estate Holders -Large Company Holders -The Silver Lubba’s Family -Lubba Knights -Personal Advisors of The Silver Lubba (A Lubba Keep Lawyer showing up to court to discuss laws in a heated debate) Shareholders As Lubba’s Council does not encompass all who have brought prosperity to the state, an additional minor council is established to allow new voices to be heard. The Shareholders consist of a majority out of minor nobility who have brought their families or services to these lands and made themselves notable. However, They are not the only ones within this council as Lubba Knights are granted a seat for their dedication to the state as well as notable guilds within the state that were not created by The Silver Lubba themself. High Command Further down the chain of command from The Silver Lubba’s Governmental Structure you will find the chain of the band itself where the highest ranking members and their commanding officers below are represented. These members ensure the function of the state to be in optimal condition and are not limited to the band alone as they could be part of an appointed office created by The Silver Lubba. Governmental Members The members of the Silver Lubba Band and other offices are found here at the bottom of the chain of command, executing tasks and finding themselves to be the bulk of the government. While they are in numbers, the individual is of great value as they are either being trained up for the division they have chosen or served the band for a longer period of time as for without these members there would be little government and chaos would rule the streets. Despise the Dark While not every Lurinite agrees with the overly zealous sentiment of the government towards darkspawn and undead, there is a general census that they should not roam the streets publicly or establish a foothold within our holdings or underground spaces. This sentiment along with some other clear factors such as the undead feeding upon descendants makes Lurin one of the few places that demands a person to be tested for being undead or a vampire before they may purchase a property. Along with this it is required for the government to lay down an aurum line and provide a golden sword for every public building. Sympathizers are often looked down upon or even questioned by local forces to lead them to potential sects that will be investigated and or terminated. (Artwork by @Saun_399) Akin to some sects of holy mages, Lurin has formed their own group to terminate these beings with the group mostly made out of constructs by the name of The Brotherhood which actively seeks out to terminate darkspawn and undead. They operate mostly autonomously with the majority of these constructs following the same set of directives, however it is possible that some of these use an outdated set which allows them to be more liberal in their approach of finding and terminating these creatures. Forge of the Dead As the burial of a corpse is a waste of valuable space, the Lurinites have opted to cremate every corpse in a ceremonious way where the ashes will be merged with iron or steel. After this metal of the dead is made, a close relative can have a dedicated smith forge this ingot into what they desire the deceased to represent. If there are no close relatives present or wanting to claim the deceased metal then they shall remain as an ingot with their name stamped upon it to be archived. However, if they do wish to have something simple such as a tool then the test of the deceased's balance will occur based on the quenching process. If it so happens that the metal warps or even snaps then it is believed the deceased lived an unbalanced life and their afterlife is a torturous existence. If the quenching succeeds however, then the deceased person has lived a balanced life and the afterlife might be bearable. (A dedicated blacksmith hard at work to forge a tool from the dead) Worship The Lurinites often don’t actively participate in religious rituals, however, this does not mean they are not religious as a decent number of them worship an aengul by the name of Eshtael or in some cases prefer to worship Tahariae instead. With these two being the main aenguls that are worshiped, there is still a minority which follows their own with the blessing of the state to allow such to be. Due to a large share of Eshtael worship and believing in the balance, the place of worship for Eshtael is often shared with the other religions out of good faith to co-exist with the others to perform their ceremonies in peace. Courtship While not enforced to any degree, Lurin does practice some form of courtship among their citizenry and nobility where two people optionally decide to entrust the other with an object of importance to them for a prolonged time and accustom themselves to each other over a period of time. To end such courtship they must do so either verbally or through the symbolic act of returning the object of importance to the other and requesting theirs to be returned. If this courtship is deemed successful by both, they may opt to join together in marriage. This marriage however, may be conducted by a religious entity of their choice or they may contact the state to aid them in hosting and approving this festivity in a state marriage. Festivities (A workforce market held in the industry district) (The Simmering Mind by Geeking out over Noblebright) With most Lurinites more focused upon their own goals, festivities are often a neglected side of the culture, though these may occur more frequently during times of prosperity and stability. One of the most common festivities are the tavern nights held every so often where the local population and visitors are bestowed upon with free drinks till they topple over if the bar cuts them off. Following this is not too much of an orthodox festivity, though it brings the populace great joy to attend a local auction to either buy or sell goods and see if they can make new connections throughout. While yet to occur, with the increased size of the workers division of The Silver Lubba Band it has become possible to start dishing out temporary stalls in the industry district and organize a workers market where the local artisans can sell their goods and there would be plenty bartering with merchants from around Almaris who caught wind of such an event. The most rare of all of these festivities are when The Silver Lubba decides to host an event in their own holding where formal attire is required to attend. The Silver Lubba being not much for excess usually avoids these types of pleasantries to focus upon their primary tasks or personal life. Naturally, there are more festivities to be held than listed here, though these are often more situational or forgotten to be listed. signed, The Silver Lubba

The Rite of Rebirth The most celebrated ritual of the Mother Circle is that of Attunement, or the Rite of Rebirth. Toiling for years in the wilds and among the great druidic family, a dedicant that has successfully proven themselves will earn the chance to be presented to Cerridwen within the Mother's Sorrow. There, guide and student arrive together in the crystal waters to immerse the spirit within the crystal clear waters, symbolizing the tears the Great Mother sheds to bring the druids the miracle of rebirth; to experience the light of life through the transcendence of the soul and into the web of life. For every miracle of birth, there is death, and in those tears of understanding are druids born into this realm anew. The Lyric of Rebirth During the Rite, the lights of the grove are dimmed. The attuning druid prays to the Great Mother through song, asking for her guidance as the druid ascends into the cerulean dream. The prayer is in gratitude to the Mother for providing the blessing of sharing the gifts through rebirth and for life itself, and for her watchful eye over the life and eventual death of all of her children. This is often performed with the gift of singing, so that the newborn druid may rest easier and find comfort after attunement. For times of childbirth among the mothering druids and for when a brother or sister must be said goodbye to, the lyric is often heard in accompaniment to a similar ceremony. Kae matayna salume I experience the great life Ahaelun, mataliiyna’ito Great Mother, within my essence Nae elasirameonn myumiera You have brought Rebirth (Attunement) Fitayna, Fi’Talonnionn (You brought) New Life, New Child (Of the great family) Mawynn taliiyna’ito Great Joy is within the heart Mawynn taliiyna’ito Great Joy is within the heart Kaean ahernan ito nae We thank you Kernan’tayna For the nights of Life Kaean ahernan ito nae We thank you Karinan’tayna For the days of Life O Cerridwen, O Cerridwen Hiylu’evar, fidruii Welcome, newborn druid Kae ito Ma’Talonni I bring you into the Great Family Kae elsul salume I experience the light Ito maillern, fitaynan kaeleh’ito A miracle, a birth from me Mawynn taliiyna’ito Great Joy is within the heart Mawynn taliiyna’ito Great Joy is within the heart Kaean ahernan ito nae We thank you Kernan’tayna For the nights of Life Kaean ahernan ito nae We thank you Karinan’tayna For the days of life O Cerridwen, O Cerridwen

THE JULI c. 1780“A Young Selie boy" ORIGINS, FROM THE GROTTO The Juli find their start in the time of Horen - Though humanity traces their lineage from Horen, the Juli trace theirs from the Anointed Julia of Paradisus. In her most notable miracle, the Anointed Julia protected an expectant mother from the ails of corruption. There were, however, two miracles that day. The light that shone from the ring not only revealed the necromancer for what it was, but it also blessed the unborn bairn of the mother. Months later the mother would give birth to triplets; Ifiemi, mother of the Ifie, Selam, mother of the Selm, and Selassie, mother of the Selie. The girls born with deep black skin, hair, and eyes also came out of the womb with golden bands, a sign that they had been touched by the Anointed Julia. Ifiemi had a golden band around her waist, Selam around her left leg, and Selassie around her right arm. Once the triplets were of age they joined the Anointed Julia in Paradisus as her attendants and confidants. Ifiemi served as her protectorate, Selam her handmaiden, and Selassie her scribe. Eventually the triplets would each have triplets, and those children would each have triplets, and their numbers grew in size, all except for Selassie. After the death of their beloved holy mother, the Anointed Julia, the cult of Juli was formed and this is where the Juli get their name. Fearing persecution and with nothing left for them in Paradisus, the Juli fled the famed city in search for new lands. The light of the Anointed Julia led them to the Grotto of Merkai. As the Juli entered into this new land, the Anointed Julia closed the foliage behind them and hid them from those who would seek to do them harm. c. 1620 “Anointed Julia, Protectorate of Merkai” The light of Anointed Julia stood foot at the gates of Merkai. Though they were isolated, the few pure-hearted outsiders, Canonist or not, who did not wish to do the Juli harm could spot the Anointed Julia’s golden rings in the Peacock feathers and sunflowers that marked the gates of Merkai. At the center of the Grotto of Merkai stood a large bubbling spring that met the sea. It was here that the Anointed Julia came to Selassie and pointed out the origins of her birth. It’s said that the Anointed Julia had emerged from the gurgle of the water with drops of pure light dripping from her figure. It was here that the first gift was given. Selassie entered the waters of Merkai and re-emerged renewed and youthful again. What she did not know was that she also grew pregnant. In her palm she held the mother of pearl, a large iridescent white stone that represented Tranquility, Purity, and Governance. c. 1620 “Birth of Anointed Julia” The Juli, free from their plight, sought to make a home for themselves in the Grotto of Merkai. They built domed homes and towers in the style of Paradisus, but they forgot one thing. One night, a group of leopards strolled into their settlement. As screams let out, Ifiemi and her children and children’s children sprang into action. They soared their large spears through the black of the night, killing all the leopards but one. Spear nor sword could not pierce the hide of this white leopard. This is when the Anointed Julia gave her second gift. A light shined down on the White Leopard, setting the creature on fire instantly. The only thing remained was its white hide, which could not be pierced by any man made tool or weapon. The hide represented Reverence, Protection, and Strength In celebration, the Juli held their first traditional feast: the feast of leopards. Here they danced, drank, and ate in merriment. During the feast it began to rain, casting Merkai into darkness as it extinguished every lamp and fire. The rain slowly turned into a storm as strong winds and gray clouds rolled into Merkai. Selam, refusing to let the weather destroy their festivities, kindled a torch to re-light the lamps of Merkai. As she raced into the thick of the storm from lamp to lamp while her flame dwindled, a loud boom could be heard throughout Merkai. The torch erupted into a large column of fire that was impervious to rain and storm. This was the Anointed Julia’s third and final gift: the eternal flame, which represented Resilience, Harmony, and Progress. With the three gifts from the Anointed, Selassie, Selam, and Ifiemi became the three beloved: defenders and founders of Julianism. One night, Selassie received a vision from the mother of pearl: flee. When the undead spread across Aegis, Merkai was one of the last places still standing, but they did not stop them from permeating the thick foliage in search for death. Selam lit fire to the Grotto with the eternal flame, destroying Merkai and the undead that had overran it. Ifiemi used the white hide as a raft for the Juli to escape on. And Selassie used the mother of pearl to guide a way to new lands. It was here on the raft that Selassie gave birth to Inan. With the birth of Imani, GOD delivered the Scroll of Divulgence to the Juli. Since then, the Juli have forever hidden themselves from Horen and his men. Though the Grotto can never be restored, they now take comfort in the isles that dot the coastline of each new land they arrive to. Their black towers and homes, reminiscent of Paradisus, appear to be rock formations jutting out of the water, but if you listen closely you can hear singing at night. CHURCH OF JULIARD The Church of Juliard is a monotheistic religion. Julinists believe in the one true living GOD who is the all-father and creator of the universe. Julinists recognize that he is the innate source of good and those that practice good deeds follow the virtues set by GOD. Despite the earnest virtues of some heretics and pagans, this will not earn them a voyage into the Seven Seas alongside GOD as they will be sent to the vast, a perpetually dark desert where damned souls die. Those who do practice and adhere to the wisdom of GOD will gain a voyage into the Seven Seas. Within Julinistic faith, the Seven Seas is depicted to be the far horizon where the sky meets water, while the vast is an intermediate space where souls eventually fade away. It is important to note, however, that Julinists do not seek out converts. The faith is passed down through the matrilineal line as the light was passed through the Beloved sisters. Those who wish to convert by their own will are accepted into the fold, but the light will not pass through them in the way it does for the Juli. Julinists practice Julianism, which is similar to Canonism but differs in interpretations of the first family of humankind. Though the races of Elves, Humans, Orcs, and Dwarves trace their lineage to the four sons of the first-coupling, Julianism highlights and prioritizes the sanctity of the Anointed Julia. The four sons came from GOD’s creation while the Anointed Julia came directly from GOD. The four sons and their lines were cursed while the Anointed Julia remained untouched. For this reason, it is clear she is anointed by GOD and the closest to purity. It is believed by Julinists that Julia is the daughter of GOD and thus was his to marry to Horen. Through marriage they are both venerated, but Julia is depicted as an extension of GOD on Eos and Aos whereas Horen is simply her husband. Their duties were shared but wholly different. Despite mistranslations, incorrect interpretations, and being cut entirely from Canon lore, the Church of Juliard mostly agrees with the scrolls. There is, however, a missing scroll that serves as the main doctrine for Julianism: the Scroll of Divulgence, which marks the Juli as GOD’s chosen people and saviors of humanity as they carry the light of GOD through the Anointed Julia. The Quattor is the place of religious worship for Julinists. A typical Quattor is a round domed (with a hole in the middle of the dome) room submerged into any body of water. At night, the waters will rise within the Quattor as the Moon stretches out over the Quattor. There are four spires attached to each Quattor, each spire holding an effigy of a Beloved. Carved from the blackest stone the Beloved Selassie sits in the north spire with a white stone held at her heart, the Beloved Selam sits in the west spire with a torch raised in the air, the Beloved Ifiemi sits in the east spire with a cloak draped over her, and the Beloved Inan sits in the south spire with a chalice at his heart. In the middle of the Quattor sits a wide hole in which kindling lit by the eternal flame is submerged by water yet still burning. c. 1680 “Saint Luliya” THE ANOINTED Ant. Julia - Golden Ring Patron of Marriage, Light, and Women Mother of the Juli THE BELOVED Blv. Selassie - Mother of Pearl Patron of Tranquility, Purity, and Governance Mother of the Selie Blv. Selam - Eternal Flame Patron of Harmony, Resilience, and Progress Mother of the Selm Blv. Ifiemi - White Hide Patron of Reverence, Protection, and Strength Mother of the Ifie Blv. Inan - Golden Chalice Patron of Priesthood, Childbirth, and Wisdom Revealer of the Scroll of Divulgence SAINTS St. Horen - Golden Laurel Revealer of the Scroll of Virtue Patron of Humanity, Covenants, Men St. Adamma - Whetstone Patron of Labour, Craftsmen, and Builders St. Luliya - Golden Crown Patron of the Poor, Abandoned, and Vengeance BLESSED Bl. Owyn - Flaming Sword Revealer of the Scroll of Spirit Patron of Purity, War, and Fire Bl. Godfrey - Silver Scepter Revealer of the Scroll of Gospel Patron of Dominion, Glory, and Justice Bl. Sigismund - Iron Globus Cruciger Revealer of the Scroll of Auspice Patron of Clairvoyance, Wisdom, and Sight ISOLATION AND PROTECTION Though the Juli have rarely had much contact with other people, the Ifie are trained in various forms of combat. From spear wielding to the longsword, they are prepared to defend their faith and homeland. The favored weapon of the Juli are their circlets. Circlets are sharp circular hand-held weapons that come in a few different sizes. The hand circlet is used to slice and stab through close combat, the circlettes are thrown at long distances and cut through their victims, and the circline is a long pole with a curved metal head that acts in similar manner to a scythe. The metals vary in colors but typically take on a bronze-ish hue after undergoing a glazing process. c. 1700s The Juli are well versed in the manning and controlling of ships. Often frequenting water-heavy areas, it’s a necessary component of everyday life. Most children exit the womb knowing how to swim and quickly take to sparring in the shallow waters of beaches and lakes. Though their ships are not equipped with canons, they’re extremely light and fast giving them an advantage in travel time and getting away. Due to their reclusive nature, the Juli are rarely seen on horseback but have been seen with a leopard or two. THE SELIE, SELM, AND IFIE The Juli typically find themselves in warmer cultures near the ocean. While they enjoy the beautiful things of life, they understand that life is fleeting and would be ready to leave their possessions behinds in a moments notice. Men and women wear fairly loose clothing in layers, the more layers showing how wealthy you were. Head coverings are stylistic along with makeup. While jewelry is very common amongst the Juli, it is not ornately made into different shapes but comes in the form of bands. It would be uncommon to ever find a piece of jewelry not in the form of a circle. The Juli age like normal humans but retain their youthfulness for much longer as a 60 year old Juli could easily pass for 40. The Juli can be divided into three cultures that work into one functioning society. Though work is not restricted by these cultures, the tribe they’re born into is what they were “destined” to do. Tribes pass through the matrilineal lineage of families; depending on what tribe the mother was a part of determines what tribe the bairn would be a part of. THE SELIE, Our Leaders From Beloved Selassie The Selie are by-far the smallest group amongst the Juli. Typically taking on roles of governance, the Selie are political, religious, and local leaders. Due to their duties to Juli society, their main priority is in service of others. They rarely have children if at all and often marry outside of their tribe. The Juli are ruled by a monarchy which passes down to whichever elected kin the monarch chooses. While nobility isn’t a concept, there are esteemed families within the Selie that have large monopolies over certain sectors of government. Featurally, the Selie are known for their round faces and long locs of hair. Different hairstyles show off their families and heritage. Selies who go on to be priests have access to a special herb that turns their hair and sometimes eyes white. Like Selassie, almost all Selie have a scar in the shape of a band on their right arm as the birthmark is passed down. Very few are born with their bands being made of gold, those who are born with gold bands are said to be filled with more light than others. c. 1400 “First Queen of House Mann” THE SELM, Our Builders From Beloved Selam The Selm are the largest group amongst the Juli. Typically taking on artisan and craftsmen roles within society, the Selm are the backbone of the Juli economy. The Selm have the most freedom when it comes to their occupational status and are commonly known to travel amongst the line of Horen. With the Selm holding the knowledge of the outside world around them, they find interesting ways to make their money from selling secrets or even people. The Selm also act as the architects of Juli cities, which are designed after Paradisus so they say. Featurally, the Selm are known for their flat faces and round, short bodies. The Selm are the most adorned group as they gladly wear fine headdresses and jewelry. Like Selam, almost all Selm have a scar in the shape of a band on their left leg as the birthmark is passed down. Very few are born with their bands being made of gold, those who are born with gold bands are said to be filled with more light than others. c. 1700s “Portrait of Eskender Liya” THE IFIE, Our Protectors From Beloved Ifiemi The Ifie are the second largest group amongst the Juli. Typically taking on militaristic and sportive roles in society, the Ifie are the protectors of the Juli. The Ifie serve in the larger Juli guard but also work as mercenaries for hire. The Ifie are also extremely intelligent. Skilled in naval warfare, astronomy, and mathematics, the Ifie make formidable opponents on the battlefield and the war room. Many Ifie have chosen the route of scholars rather than warfare. Featurally, the Ifie are known for their slender frames and short deep red hair. The Ifie wear what is most comfortable for them but typically always wear some form of protection. Like Ifiemi, almost all Ifie have a scar in the shape of a band on their torso as the birthmark is passed down. Very few are born with their bands being made of gold, those who are born with gold bands are said to be filled with more light than others. c. 1780s “The Scholar, Makonnen Zuri” ARCHITECTURE Juli architecture is modeled after the city of Paradisus. It was a welt kept secret amongst the builders of the Selm tribe who had hoped that by building paths into the sea that they'd find a way to reach GOD. c. 1820 “Great Quattor of the Beloved Sisters” DIALECT The Juli pick up on languages quickly but always talk in a very particular way not similar to any other human. On top of them speaking very fast, they often over-enunciate consonants at the end of the sentence and often drop the r from various words. For example, a Juli would pronounce “Church of Juliard” as “Chutch of Juli-ed” PHRASES & WORDS Mo/M’ - My Asu Ashi - God Mama - Mother Baba - Father Liji - Child Hujambo - Hello Kwaheri - Bye Asu jambo - Good Morning Usu jambo - Good Night Asu - Day Usu - Night Moto - Beautiful Zaidi - More/Very Gawa - Go Asante - Thank you Karnibu - You’re Welcome Anu Chupi - Curse Word Jalme - King Jalkia - Queen Weupe - Outsider “ Asu jambo mo jalkia, we found weupe at the gates of usu. Good morning my queen, we found outsiders at the gates of night. ” NOTABLE JULI FAMILIES House Mann, Selie ruling family of the Juli. House Liya, Selm merchant family. House Zuri, Ifie family with skilled fighters and generals. Male Names Abai, Addisu, Afework, Ajani, Aklilu, Alimayu, Anbassa, Bemnet, Biruk, Cherenet, Dejen, Desta, Eskender, Fikru, Fikremariam, Gebre, Haile, Isayas, Jember, Kassahun, Kebede, Kidus, Lami, Makonnen, Mesfin, Neberu, Negash, Tafari, Yafet, Zelalem. Female Names Abeba, Akutasgm Amhara, Ayana, Belkis, Dinkinesh, Fana, Gelila, Genet, Genzebe, Habesha, Hamelmal, Hirut, Iniku, Jahzara, Kelile, Kelemi, Luliya, Marye, Mariam, Mihret, Negassi, Nebiri, Rahwa, Rebka, Samrawit, Sebie, Selam, Selassie, Taitu, Zeudi. OOC: If you have thoughts, suggestions, or are interested developing this culture further PLEASE reach out to me: erostea#3429

For the confirmation of Rochir Enderial Hawksong _______________________________ The symbol of Machana's Dance has been embossed into the parchment On the first elven day of the new elven year, the House Hawksong announces the examination and confirmation of Enderial. Through exemplary demonstration of the bloodline's sacred art of Rochannyer, the prospect knight of the house may earn the right to wield the Lance of Faorarr Tahorran'len, the First Rochir, and joust for his place among the Lances of the Rochirran. In his success he will be knighted as a Rochir of House Hawksong. Dress code: Formal ____________________________________________________ Itinerary Rochannyer Demonstration As an examination of the art of Rochannyer. The prospect knight must complete a performance to heirloom music in traditional Hawksong training to exemplary perfection to prove themselves ready to wield the lance of Faorarr. The Joust When the examination is passed to the standards required, a joust between prospect and a senior Rochir will be observed. The Ceremony Should the prospect succeed, the Rochir will be knighted before the House and his lance will be recorded in the House registry to stand the test of time. The Reception Provided by the BAYOU BEER GARDEN™, a reception for merriment, drinking, dancing and games will take place in the tavern. _________________________________________________________ Formal invitations are sent to the esteemed friends of the House The Clan Mossborn of Hefrumm The Calith Talonnii Pamphilos and the Bronzed Lords of Sulianpoli The Lady Snow and Lady Lynx of the Vale The Clan Starling Primarch Net'seth and the Clan Loa'chil The Norväyn Seed and their Wolven knights Brewmistress Wyn Arvellon and Seed

"And now the Winter Moon settles behind the horizon. The light of the stars dim; the hour is near. Then the curtain of night swallows the skies, black and hungry. The Wolf Moon has risen, the end of the Wild Hunt is nigh." Excerpt from the faerie tale of Cerridwen's Wintersleep ______________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________ An artists' depiction of the Wolf Mani Morea swallowing the Moon The final moon of the Lunar Cycle is also the darkest time of year both literally and spiritually for the druids of the Mother Circle. Once the Moonmoth Faeries make their pass under the light of the previous Winter Moon, it is believed that they whisk away the weak and old as a flurry of a thousand pure white snowflakes; peaceful, deadly, and beautiful. As the Winter Moon sets, the final hours of the lunar year chase away the last golden rays of the winter skies, daring not to rise again until the first breaths of spring. It is when the long, frigid and hungry nights of deep winter arrive that the cold Wolf Moon rises, along with the final reaping of Cernunnos' Wild Hunt. Thought to be chiefest among the Centaur King's Huntsmen, the Wolf Mani Morea arises as a frozen shadow and swallows the lingering life not meant to recieve the Breath of the Springmother in the new year. In this, Morea is believed by the Mother Circle to be the enactor of Cernunnos' Bounty and a symbol of the inevitabilities of life; the eventual cost of death for that which is of the Balance is certain. In the Tale of Cerridwen's Wintersleep, it is storied that Cerridwen grants Cernunnos and his Wild Hunt pantheon her own bounty: the willing sacrifice of a part of herself to ensure the Wild Hunt leaves behind a healthy, strong generation to be reborn. Morea leaps from the shadow of the setting Winter Moon and swallows the last lunar phase, named the Wolf Moon after this faerie tale. Blessing given, the Fae Queen falls into a deep, death-like sleep. The warmth of the SpringMother is gone, there is little fruit and prey, and the world seems to hold its breath. In the shadows, the Packlord Morea and his IceFang faeries stalk the realm unseen, concealed beneath the shadow of the new moon and the beginning of the new lunar cycle. _____________________________________ ______________________________________ The faeries are depicted as the terrible spirit of hunger itself, with long arms and ravenously sharp claws and eyes like stars; a mirror of Cernunnos' arrows. They are the fear of those that have not accepted death, and the awful, violent fury of the hunt they have evaded for too long. On the eve of the new lunar cycle, the druids of the Mother Circle place things that are in excess, such as old trinkets, food offerings, or memories of the past year that they wish to grow and move on from. With these offerings, a bonfire is lit to destroy them in an offering to Cernunnos, the light from the pyre symbolically keeping the faeries away as they seek out the excessive and the lazy.

Cooking the Gemeye Way By Basra Gemeye (written by VerminHunter) Preface This cook book has been recently unearthed from the ruins of the Gemeye clan, which lay hidden underground for hundreds if not thousands of years. The Grand Library has restored this book to the best of its ability, and has put it for within its shelves for anyone to learn from. May the cultural legacy of the dwarves be preserved. Miner’s Supper Soup Prepare a rock pot, the type of rock is up to your taste. Add water and bring it to a boil. While your water is boiling prepare Miner’s Helmets. Once the water is at a rolling boil add the mushrooms to the pot. After 10 minutes, or once the mushrooms are tender, remove the mushrooms and let them rest. They will be used for garnish later. While the water is still boiling, add some bone broth to it and stir. Bone broth made of Deep Toad or Hyfowl are prefered, but any bone will do. To make your soup more creamy, dissolve some of your preferred moss paste into the boiling soup. Once it is at your preferred consistency, you may plate and serve. [source] Deep Toad Tongue Steak The fibrous tongue of a Deep Toad is incredibly tough, but it is also delicious. Start by chopping a medallion of the tongue of your desired size. Be sure to drain it of the blood. Blanch your cut, put it into cold water and bring it to a boil. As soon as it reaches a boil, skim the scum and drain the water. The water can be used for your Miner’s Helmet farm. Once the meat has been blanched, sear it upon a salt block. If you are low on lard or oil, this method is great since salt blocks do not need to be oiled. Be careful to slowly heat the salt block since a rapid change in temperature may cause it to explode. Sear the toad tongue till a golden brown. Seasoning can be added at any point during the cooking process. [source] Blind Cave Fish Pickings Blind cave fish possess a great number of bones, so this method is the best way to cook it while not having to worry about choking on bones. Take the fish fillets and simmer, not boil, for 5 to 10 minutes on depending size. Water or broth can be used to simmer it. Once that’s done, remove the fish fillets and let them rest so that the meat can firm up. Once the fish is cooled, pick the meat off the bones along with the grain. Once the meat is picked you may fry it, or mince it to make fish cakes. [source]

On The Blah [!] The following excerpts switch between a large, scrawling orcish script and a surprisingly legible common [!] Dah Blah iz’ag uld wey uv Ork zpeekyng agh wroightyng, azh dat komz vrum dah Uld Blah uv Krug ‘imzelf! Awl Urukz blah dah Blah, doh et iz divvrent vor eech bruddah ohr ziztah. Kor’garr ‘az bin tuld dat Kor’garr ‘az ‘eavy Blah, buht doze loike dah Gulden Rex Zhot’Rax ‘ad veri leetle acczint. The above is an example of especially strong Blah, the orcish dialect, in writing. Blah is a composite language with two main sources; Firstly, it is based on mangled common due to our thick tusks hindering the ability to pronounce words clearly. Secondly, orcish culture uses various words and phrases from the proper language of Old Blah as a way for the common orc to praise the spirits in their day to day life. Old Blah is a very obscure knowledge passed down from shamans to their apprentices, and it is quite rare to see one speaking it outside of ritual. Blah can also be seen in writing, usually by orcs who have not been taught proper reading and writing of common. Instead, they simply spell out words phonetically and ignore most rules of grammar. In either speech or text, Blah varies widely from person to person, every individual having their unique struggles with making certain sounds. It is important to note the cultural traditions of Blah. Since it is seen as a way to praise the spirits and Krug himself, Orcs will be offended by a brother or sister refusing to speak in Blah. Another taboo is for those not of Krug to attempt speaking blah in the presence of proper orcs. Such mistakes are typically corrected with a closed fist or snarl of disapproval. [OOC] On common words and phrases from Blah: Here is a list of some common terms encountered in Blah. Since old blah was a very rudimentary language, many common similes will find themselves represented by the same word. For example, the words mind, think, and know would all translate to “gruk”. Similarly, “grukk’d” could mean thought or knew, and the terms for head, thinker, or brain are represented by “grukker”. General Conversation: Ug = Hi, Hello, Hail Throm'ka = Formal greeting / welcome Yub = Yes Ukee = OK, Okay Nub = No, Not Gug'ye = Goodbye Lat = You Latz = Your, You're Mi = Me, I Agh = And Rulg = Thank you Dabu = Yes, My pleasure (Obedient, Respectful) 'Hozh = Good Nub'hozh = Bad Bub'hozh = Great, Big Not Living Things: Blah = Talk, Speak, Orcish Language Gruk = Understand, think, thought Grukker = brain, head, mind Blarg = House, Home Klomp = Fight Mojo = Magic Uzg = World Goi = City Luzk = Axe O'lig = Bow Ligz = Arrow Zult = Sword Ztik = Staff Zteemiez = Redstone technology Wagh = War Votar = Hunt Peepurz = Eyes Zniffa = Nose Buurz = Dark/black Grog = Drinks, usually alcoholic Grub = Food Grubbins = Raw foodstuff Living Things Znaga = Slave Buub = Pig Brudda = Fellow Orc Ziztah = Fellow Feorc Ztowt, Gazat = Dwarf Twigiez, Treeuggerz, Albai = Elf Zquealz = Halflings Quickzpawn, Pinkeh = Human Nuutzhara = Ascended Nubded = Undead Buubzhara = Zombie Pigman Howlur = Wolf Momo = Mother Popo = Father Rex = War Uzg Leader Wargoth = Clan Leader Kub = Child Tunzantar = Tinker Zhomo = Shaman Foul Language Zog = damn Zoggin’ =damned, cursed or condemned Zkah, Zaahkah = General curse words Pushdug = Stinky Glob = Fool Actions Krimp = Control somebody, Stun, Snare, Capture, Defeat Flat = Dead, Kill Peep = See, Look [OOC] On Orcish numbers: Orcs use a standard base ten counting system, much like the other races of Almaris. However, foreigners to orc culture can quickly become confused by the naming system for digits, where those larger than five start with the prefix of “H”. In text, the numbers are represented through a written title or a corresponding system of letters. For example, the number One or 1 would be written as Azh or I. Two or 2 would be Dub or II, and so on. The counting system can be found below. Azh = One = I Dub = Two = II Gakh = Three = III Futh = Four = IV H' = Five = V H'azh = Six = VI H'dub = Seven = VII H'gakh = Eight = VIII H'futh = Nine = IX Azhty = Ten = X Dubty = Twenty = XX Futhty = Forty = XL H’ty = Fifty = L Azh’Kint = One Hundred = C Dub’kint = Two Hundred = CC ...And so on.

An artists' depiction of the Court of the Faerie Queen "She is the breath of life in our lungs, the rain that both mourns the fallen and nourishes the living. She is the kaleidoscope of colors in spring; the heartbeat of the world. Her name is Cerridwen, Queen of the Fae." Mythology of the Mother Circle Oft regarded as the orchestrater of the druidic gifts herself, Cerridwen has been a lauded symbol of motherhood, guidance, and life itself. The Mother Circle has cultivated a rich culture in reverence to the Aspect of life, and hosts many notable shrines and sacred glades dedicated to her role in the Balance. Even if she is as silent as her equal counterpart Aspect, Cernunnos, the evidence of her eternal role in the Balance is just as clear and colorful. While the Father's symbol is fire, the Mother's is water. Her seasons are spring and autumn, when the flowers and harvest are at their strongest. In the mythology of the Mother Circle, Cerridwen holds dominion over all living things, but particularly of the fae who are thought to be the richest representation of life's potential. As such, the lunar calendar is a visible symbol of Cerridwen's three eternal promises: birth, life, and decay. The Lunar Phases and the Fae Moons The calendar is separated into three seasons to represent the flow of life. Additionally, each Archdruid of the Grove represents a lunar season. The Moons of Birth - Spring to early Summer, depicted as the Waxing Moon The Moons of Life - Summer to early Autumn, depicted as the Full Moon The Moons of Decay - Autumn through Winter, depicted as the Waning Moon Rarely, a thirteenth moon will be visible during the lunar calendar. Known as the Fae Queen's Moon, it is believed that Cerridwen's influence over the realm reaches a crescendo at the height of the full moon, calling the wandering fae and the souls of deceased druids home to her court in the Fae Realm. Phenomena of whimsical and beautiful natural wonder are storied to emerge on this sacred night, bathing the world in the pure light of the Mother's radiance. Depiction and Worship The Mother Circle traditionally displays Cerridwen as a winged being of wondrous bioluminescence, crowned with wisps and butterflies. When depicted in physical means either through statues or shrines, she is also seen as a green lady with misty eyes and wild tresses of ivy. Chiefest of the sacred places within the grove is known as the Mother's Sorrow, where the Cerridwen's glowing gaze looks down upon the pool in which the Rite of Rebirth, or Attunement, is performed. Here, a descendant is born again, bathed in the tears of the Mother. Just as in the labors of childbirth, Cerridwen baptizes her newborns in both tears of joy and tears of sorrow, for even druids will too decay, and suffer the eventual toll of death. The druids of the Mother Circle believe that all life is merely borrowed from Cerridwen, and in time it must be given back. The crying statue of Cerridwen within the Mother's Sorrow, overlooking the Attunement pool In addition to the physical worship of the Aspect, the Mother Circle believes the Fae Queen's pure spirits, known as faeries or the fae, are the manifestation of a mother's specific lessons, cherished traits, or even enactors of the will of the Aspects themselves. While not truly worshiped in the same manner as the Aspects, they are revered as sacred beings and are sometimes claimed to be seen fulfilling phenomena in nature. The StormTreader Stags, for example, are pure white faeries of deer that are believed to the source of lightning when they crash their antlers to smite the souls of draoi or evil spirits.

"And then comes the kiss of winter, pure and silent. They come as flurries, frozen tears of the Faerie Queen, beautiful and deadly; and the soul is ferried onto the next rebirth." Excerpt from the druidic Faerie Tale of the MoonMoth Midwinter marks the rise of the Night Moon for the Mother Circle, and the arrival of the first snows that blanket the realm in frosted, shimmering powder blankets. The days become short, and long nights of cold darkness arrive in which the Night Moon is named. As the third Moon of Decay and the third cycle of the Wild Hunts of Cernunnos, the MoonMoth faeries are storied to cross into our realm and enact the Horned Lord's will of death. They are depicted as pristine white-winged moths of winter majesty, as small as mice. Disguised as an alluring, shimmering flurry of snow, they swarm the dying and sick in numbers uncountable and freeze the soul in silence. Then, the faeries steal away the dead upon winter winds and back to Cerridwen, where life is reborn during the Moons of Birth. A painting depicting Cerridwen, the Faerie Queen with a cloak of MoonMoth Faeries For the druids of the Mother Circle, the mythology of the MoonMoth faeries parallels with the yuletide tale of Cerridwen's winter slumber. When the Centaur King's hunts reach their crescendo, the Faerie Queen falls into a deep sleep to prepare for the Moons of Birth. It is during this time in the lunar calendar that the Mother Circle exchanges gifts and festive greetings, for the completion of the Lunar Cycle is as revered as the start. It is thought that to be selfless and generous even during a time of scarcity earns the favor of the Aspects, and ensures prosperity and rebirth when the snows eventually melt. Paramount above all is the acceptance of death, however, and the druids will often leave offerings to their dead within the garden of memories.

♫ ♪ ♬ Ice Witch: Chapter I As observed by G. B. Prudence “Dark and ice-wrought, she lurks in the shadows. Amok, the witch runs in secrecy and bewilderment.” This book is an introduction to the little information that is known by mortal kin regarding the ice witch, their many broods and classes of the Fjarriagua race. It is worth mentioning that, the knowledge classified in these pages comes about from long investigations, thus sourced from information that may be either slightly inaccurate or lacking few details. What is known of the Ice Witch? Stories talk of many legendary creatures, some more substantiated and realistic than others, mostly in the form of feminine figures and enticing allure. Fjarriagua are the same, though what we have not been able to discern in the past centuries is that, most of these mythical beings are but different manifestations of the ice witch in various cultures. Fjarriagua are ravenous creatures, often shifting in their way of doing and thinking depending on the will of one’s respective coven, who use their voices to compose magical songs with several purposes; such as manipulating ice or snow, or weaving dark curses. These complex beings can be differentiated in the following categories, or internally known as broods: SIREN Most Fjarriagua wind up in this brood given that it is the most common and universally known as the warrior archetype of the coven. Witches belonging to the Siren brood are configured by their respective crones to fulfill the simplest of tasks - hunting down the sons of men. Siren witches are taught mortal etiquette amongst other mortal knowledge, preparing them for socializing and divulging in public communities. For this reason, these ice witches utilize their illusory songs to heighten their alluring nature; one of an enthralling and notably luring maiden. Often, Sirens resort to love ballads and sweet canticles for prey, attracting them with the sound as if their minds were compelled to obey. Beneath this youthful and beautiful maiden, however, lies a true monstrosity. Whilst Sirens are known to be seductive and attractive, their true forms resemble absolute terror; a true eye sore. FROSTRENDER It is not a rare occurrence for a witch to be impractical in battle or hunting, thus their duty is to assist the coven in a different way. Whilst Frostrending witches do not involve themself with fighting, they often accompany hives of Sirens to solely harvest the leftovers of their hunting targets. Through the application of these harvested materials, mostly in the form of eyes, tongues, hair, severed fingers, and other bodily components. As further applications of tints, mixtures and even concoctions, Frostrenders are capable of mending the wounds of another ice witch. By activating the same ‘medicine’ they have applied with a humming and melancholic song. During trips into mortal civilizations, Fjarriagua of this brood have been known to shape themselves as any other botanist, alchemist, medic, or doctor; and while rare, these witches rejoice in the distribution of cursed foods. BANSHEE Rather exclusive when compared to the aforementioned broods, the Banshee is a type of witch that is rarely seen amidst mortal kin. This is due to the fact that witches of this brood are masterfully experienced in their craft, and they have unlocked the ability to resurrect fallen sisters by using vocal and throat techniques. For this reason, it is crucial that Banshees are kept away in the safe confines of their coven, so that their kin may live on forever. Fjarriagua of this brood rarely take on disguised forms, but when they do, some may perceive them as somber women, mostly widows. It is in their true frozen form that the symbolism of their name manifests; Banshees are characterized by the fact that their bodies are mostly monocolored with a face shielded by a mantle of frozen white hair, and mouth uncovered with elongated jaws. Legends say that when an ice witch dies in the battlefield, their assassin is visited by an envoy of the Banshee brood, at which they are taken away and utilized for the revival of the fallen witch. WISDOM This brood is practically extinct, given that witches from this line are not made and rather innately born with the gift of sight. Wisdoms are vastly cunning women and of great knowledge and great wisdom as their own name indicates, that glimpse into the past or future of the mortal plane by defiling and consuming slain men. By utilizing a tool dubbed as the Seiðr, witches of this brood may cut into the fallen bodies of prey hunted by Sirens, at which they extract multiple organs and prepare them in a ritual, later devouring them to gain visions in their mind. Whilst extremely rare, these Fjarriagua do venture into the mortal world more often than not, predicating their wisdom and deranged visions amidst civilizations as warnings. In these journeys, they often take the shape and form of fortune tellers, tarot readers, or otherwise mystical and wise women. CRONE Witches of this brood are far and between, given that one of these constitutes about a coven’s worth of ice witches. Crones are the matriarchs and maternal figures of any and every coven, forming and unifying the principles on which each respective coven is based upon (i.e; if a crone was a frostrender prior to her ascension, then she will be prone to condition her own daughters into becoming fellow frostrending witches). These Fjarriagua do not leave the confines of their beloved coven under any circumstances, to the obvious exemption of retrieving a lost daughter, saving another of their race, or apprehending a dangerous and significant threat. But when they do, crones take on the form of old hags, mostly hunched on the back and silent in their wake – a juxtaposition to their true self, which is considerably grotesque and ominous. Where did the Ice Witch come from? The Ice Witch’s Origins: Kriemhild, the First. Tales brew over the years, some more veridic than others, and thus the story of the ice witch lies far and between, buried deep underneath centuries’ worth of misinformation, lost to time and held unsung for generations. Witches themself, however, have known the truth to this very tale for as long as their covens and broods have perdured in the mortal plane. It is taught from elder to witchlet, told as a forgotten story of a long ago grandmother and revered the same way a noble character from canonist theology is, through faith and redemption of one’s self. This is to say, put in simple words, that ice witches refer to this mythical lecture of old as a primary source of devotion, and the very foundation to their inner culture. The story goes as follows… “Kriemhild, a peasant girl of an icy realm, of Skjoldier, was lamentably fated with one of the many men that heeded to her father’s public airing of her blossoming into a fledged woman. She was in disarray. It was inconceivable for the girl to accept the terms enforced by her father, daring to challenge the latter’s authority at the potential cost of losing her life and home. Yet, the father’s determination overpowered that of the girl’s own. Kriemhild’s future was sealed through an arranged union between her and the son of an old, renowned pirate from Skjoldier. Or so it was thought, given the assumption that the ceremony was to be held but mere days away from this announcement of marriage. Kriemhild spent day and night overworking her brain, her thinking, to somehow come up with a way to evade this predetermined, man-made fate. It did not take the girl long before she thought of a possible solution to this damned problem. On the eve of the day before her wedding, Kriemhild escaped. She evaded the watchful guard of men at the command of her own father, running to hide away at the banks of ice and snow from her native land. Whilst, on-the-spot, it was a rather genius idea, the girl soon began to realize the actual severity of her doings. Without shelter, food, or warmth, the girl wandered the vastless white. Her flesh was bitten by the cold, which formed crystals across the skin and numbed her senses. At this point, Kriemhild’s urges to flee a future that she did not consider her own were far too strong for logic to be applied to her actions. Cry after cry, the nigh frozen girl emanated pain and grief, mostly in retribution against her father and the future that he had tried to tyrannically cast upon her. Her noisy laments drew the attention of a pure being, a celestial entity of the divine, who took pity on the woman and her approaching death. Father Winter, it was, and Kriemhild’s angst only served as a corrupting influence for the god. In the act of salvaging the girl, Father Winter’s essence was tainted, becoming dark and frozen just the same; and in this mutation, the first witch was born.” In Modern Times: Witches of Almaris. Fjarriagua, without a doubt, continue to plague the mortal plane, hidden away inbetween peasants and nobility alike. These witches cast ill wish on the world and its sons from underneath the shadows, recurring to secrecy for self preservation and the plotting of primal queens in hopes of exerting absolute reign over the realm. The ice witch, whilst deranged and hateful, ensures the balance between life and death, protecting the existence of their livestock and toys of enslavement from the influence of Widukind. How is an Ice Witch confronted? Folklore of the Ice Witch: Superstitions and Charms. Whilst one’s fate is surely sealed in woe and agony in the presence of an ice witch, it is possible to prevent encounters with these ravenous creatures in the first place, using the following information. - IT IS WORTH NOTING THAT CRONES ARE BUT ASCENDED WITCHES OF THESE BROODS, HENCEFORTH THEY ARE NOT MENTIONED IN THIS SECTION. SIREN These luring witches can be driven away from one’s household by splashing the blood of a child across every door, window, songbox, and mirror of the home in question. In addition to this, one must store their clipped nails and hair, or bones, in jars, and extracted saliva or tears, or blood, in vials, outside of their home by the feet of every door and window. For this to have any effect, one must do it every year at least once on the Snow’s Maiden and the Deep Cold. FROSTRENDER The only way to overcome the effects of a Frostrender’s cursed foods is by procuring a specific tincture out of three herbs: saffvil, for the transformation of physical energy into soul protection, which leaves the consumer generally lethargic; blissfoil, to battle the same cold that is being inserted into the body and soul through the cursed food; and desert berry bush, so that the taste may be sweetened and tolerable. One must ingest this tincture once per year to maintain a constant immunity. BANSHEE Whilst Banshees do not normally hunt, it is often that they manifest in the homes of those mortals who dare send their fellow sisters to death. In this transaction, the Banshee offers the mortal two options: harvest of his body and soul, or a favor between the two. This favor consists in the poor mortal having to give up their firstborn children once the age of eight and ten is reached as a sacrifice for the witch. Wisdoms Given that these witches are practically extinct, there is little to no information regarding their weaknesses and/or any efficient methods to drive them away. However, it is rumored that their sight is obscured by the presence of places of worship, such as churches and otherwise canonist-based structures and/or utensils, which may lead them to avoid these locations. Author’s Note In tribute to A. B. Prudence and their fine work, this article has been styled similarly to Prudence’s own published book about Fjarriagua Culture, such being the main source of veridic and authenticated information about the ice witch. The contents found in this scripture have been researched for a few decades’ worth, serving as a compendium of knowledge gathered over the years. Whilst it is not confirmed whether this information is completely accurate, or true at all, every reader must bear in mind that ice witches do exist, whether in the forms and ways described here or not. Newer chapters will be coming so long as this initial piece of work has guaranteed itself enough of an audience or community. Following chapters will potentially cover further and detailed knowledge regarding the ice witch’s coven system, their lairs, etc.

"You can't see it... but you can see where it's been. It's the lightning that starts the forest fire, or the rain that will douse it. Fate's a funny thing... but I've seen stranger." A Huntsman's Grimoire on the Faerie Legend of the Windrunner One of the more abstract faerie tales regarded by the Mother Circle is the story of the Windrunner, oft depicted as either an eerie winged beast as the shadow of death, or as a guardian of the harvest boughs and abundant life. The Mother Circle druids regard this faerie as a Fae of the Wild Hunt, but more specifically one of the hunter's preservation and destruction of life. Some have claimed to be haunted by the cold eyes of the faerie after surviving a near-death experience, courting with paranoia of the thing after cheating death. Thought to be associated with the wordless will of fate within the Balance, the faerie is believed to manifest as the creeping cold of winter, or the autumn feast for the hunter. One will never give unless the other takes, as it is with the Balance and the perpetual flow of time. The Mother Circle, during the height of the Crimson Moon's passing, a great feast is held. It is a time of thanksgiving and toasts to good health and fortitude for the coming winter, but also a day to remember those whose fates had been decided. The toll of death is best not forgotten, for the harvest of the now is seldom achieved without sacrifice. At the end of the feast, offerings are given to the sculpture of the faerie in hopes that the rejection of excess might align themselves further with the Balance, and to honor the aspect Cernunnos and his Wild Hunt. As it is in the Huntsman's Creed, the druids of the Atoll remain humble in harvest. Only when the dead have been honored and the feast concluded, the Mother Circle druids prepare for the frosts and hardship left behind from the Crimson Moon's arrival.

WHAT ARE ORCS? ORCS are the sons and daughters of KRUG, one of the first brothers that each race is descended from. They have three sub-races: goblins, uruks, and ologs. They follow the faith of spiritualism culturally, as their ancestor KRUG and his first children did. They are known for their shamanism, size, and mightiness, along with their diverse and unique culture. Orcs have a bloodrage due to the curse that every descendant received; if they have not killed someone in a long time, they will be blinded with wrath and aim to kill anything that moves. But due to their blessing, Orcs will show honor even where there is none. WHAT IS SPIRITUALISM? Spiritualism is the belief in and worship of the spirits (beings that range from ancestral orcs to immortal god-like elementals). The common practice for ORCS is to have a couple of patron spirits that they worship and use to shape their everyday lives. For example, a blacksmith would worship Gentharuz or Azog, thanking them for the ability to smith a great weapon or hoping to smith as well as they could. WHAT DO ORCS LOOK LIKE? ORCS range in size due to their many sub-races and their naturally denser muscle mass. All of them have two things in common: their tusks and pointed ears. Orcs are also known for their unusually diverse range of skin color. Due to KRUG being burned by the fires of Iblees, he had turned green. However, many of the orcs of today are highly distinct in their skin color, being able to range from a sea blue to even a crimson red. WHAT ARE THE SUB-RACES OF ORCS? GOBLINS are the smallest of the three, standing from 3' 6" to 6', with a physique similar to that of an average elf or human. They are the smartest of all descendants. URUKS are the most common subrace, range in height from 6 to 8 feet, with physiques that are typically large at around 600 pounds due to their denser muscle mass. Uruks can vary in their physique. They are twice as strong as the other descendants, though they have the same mental capabilities as the others. OLOGS are the largest of the three sub-races. They are 8 to 10 feet tall, weigh up to 1000 pounds, and require a creature application (CA) to play. They are also the dumbest of the races, having the mind-set of an average child. They are four times as strong as other descendants. ORC CULTURE ORCS are known for their unusual culture, built around hard work, spiritualism, and their bloodlust. They worship the spirits and follow what their ancestors have done for them, trying to do the same. To prove to KRUG that they are worthy, to show honor in their lives, and to make their ancestors, spirits, and their brethren proud. An ORC is blessed with honor, and the way they show this honor is by not beating the weak, as well as not killing children. If an ORC is seen not upholding the standards they are supposed to promote, they will face punishment. By banishment or worse.

The Athri’onn Bloodline The Serpent-Tongued Introduction ___________________________________________________ The Athri’onn bloodline was once a small and lesser-known group of Mali’Aheral that wandered the realm. They were often described as intelligent yet reserved people; priding themselves on the knowledge they held. It was not uncommon for an Athri’onn to take on many different professions and or paths in life. It was widely accepted since the times of old. For example, it was not unusual to see an Athri’onn work as a soldier, healer, blacksmith, mage, et cetera. Those of this bloodline have been known to be quite versatile and resourceful given their long existence in the realm. Etymology ___________________________________________________ The name Athri’onn is derived from the elven words- ‘Athri’, which means snake, and ‘Onn’, which means born of or kin to. Together, these two elven affixes form the name Athri’onn and translated means ‘Kin of the snake’. It’s said that the name is very befitting for the members of this bloodline because of their often clever and cunning personalities. History ___________________________________________________ The Athri’onn Talonnii did not become an important group for some time as they originally came from behind the walls of the Silver State; also known as Haelun’or. As those of the Athri’onn began to collect knowledge and power for themselves the realm slowly remembered their name. Their constant pursuit of knowledge has led them to interesting positions and roles throughout history. The lineage of the Athri’onn Talonnii is somewhat confusing and tricky to figure out for outsiders. Though, those who bore the blood of the serpent find that their kin is easily identifiable to them. This ancient and now mighty family first started with the union between Tanarya, and Ocatellor Athri’onn; two High Elves who lived within the Silver State. In time they had three kids of their own; two daughters and one son. These three siblings would then go on to have children of their own. One of the most notable lines would be that of Celeste Athri’onn who birthed two twin daughters and later passed because of health complications. One of her daughters, Renae Athri’onn, would go on to elevate the status of her family by leading for many years in her adulthood. Renae would also go on to recruit and legitimize her distant Sylric half-siblings sired by her father. As of the present day, the Athri’onn family resides within the lands of Celia’nor and owns private land right outside of the capital city; Fi’Andria. The Athri’onn family has sworn loyalty to all of the rulers and will continue to uphold their oaths by protecting and helping to progress the lands they call home. Many of the current members have become great scholars and magnificent practitioners of the various forms of magic throughout the realm. Traditions | Rites & Rituals ___________________________________________________ Courtship - The courtship process for this Talonnii is something of great importance; though, it is not all that different from the way it is done in Celia’norian culture. During a courtship, the couple becomes accustomed to one another and decides if there will be an engagement, concluding with the celebration of marriage. If a member of a courting pair is of noble standing, the permission of the head of that household must be given. Some common courtship practices for an Athri’onn may include gifting something to their partner, demonstrating one of their talents/skills, or preparing a romantic dinner or picnic. Matrimony - The ceremony performed during the union between an Athri’onn and their desired partner is something that has been done for ages. This ceremonial tradition has been done in the past with only the couple in attendance, but this changed in time. As of now, the Athri’onn, their partner, and the two families may be present for this sacred ritual. A second and more public ceremony may be held after this one is completed. To begin the ritual, the couple must first cut each other’s lips with a fine blade. Next, the Athri’onn must bring forth a wooden bowl before cutting each other’s hands over it. As the wooden bowl fills with their blood the Athri’onn must then use the blood to mark each of their foreheads; this is meant to signify the union between their blood. They then can quickly say their vows before pledging to each other that they are, “One flesh, one heart, one soul, always and forever.” Finally, to end the ritual, the couple must kiss with the open cuts on their lips. The Birth of a Hatchling - The birth of an Athri’onn child is said to be an extremely joyous occasion for the entire family as they all gather to await the newborn babe. As per custom, after the delivery of the newborn, family members would place a kiss on the newborn’s forehead as an act of good luck or protection. Lastly, to show how grateful they are for the child a great fest will be prepared for all present. The Ceremonial Hunt - After the compelton of their hatchling trials, the young serpent must then find a serpent elder that could teach them the art of combat. They must go through many intense sessions of training with an elder so that they can be deemed ready for the hunt. Once deemed ready by the elder they must then speak with the reigning head of the house so they can receive approval again. After approval, the hunt would be prepared, and thereafter the feast would be prepared should the hunt be successful. The Mark of the Serpent - Once the ceremonial hunt has been completed and the young Athri’onn has been named a full member or “fully-grown” to the rest of the family, they are to then receive the mark of the serpent. The marking ceremony must be done in private with only the young Athri’onn and the artist present. The serpent mark must be placed somewhere hidden and no one is to know the location of the marking except the head of the house. Funeral - When an Athri’onn passes there are specific traditions and rites that need to be performed. The deceased’s corpse should be cleaned and their marking removed swiftly before any outsiders see. From there a wooden pyre must be constructed and the corpse laid on top to burn. Personal items or memorabilia may be placed onto the pyre as well should they want it all to burn. Next, everyone would cut the palms of their hands to pour some of their blood into a wooden bowl that's passed around. The blood would then be poured onto the pyre to burn as well; symbolizing unity amongst the family. Honoring the Ancestors - To honor one’s ancestors for this Talonnii is something essential for their way of life. The Athri’onn say that the ancestors paved the way for the newer generation of members. The newer generations of Athri’onn are to learn right from wrong and the like from their ancestors. There’s one simple way to honor one’s ancestors and this is by creating small shrines for each individual person. The shrine should have either a painting, drawing, or sculpture of the person, and colored candles representing different things. The last few things on the shrine would be an iron dagger, a stone bowl, some paper, and a charcoal pencil that would all be arranged together. As per custom, one must write their desired words on a small piece of paper before pouring a drop of blood onto the piece of paper. You must then set it aflame and cast it into the stone bowl to burn away. It’s believed that by burning the words they might reach our ancestors. To Honor Living Blood - Similar to honoring one’s ancestors, this ritual would instead be for the living Athri’onn. Small shrines may be constructed for any living members so that their family may cast protection on them from a distance. The shrine should once again have either a painting, drawing, or sculpture of the person, colored candles representing different things, an iron dagger, a stone bowl, firewood, and sometimes herbs. As per the Athri’onn custom, one must cut the palm of their hand and allow for blood to trickle onto a burning flame in the stone bowl using the firewood. It’s believed that through supplying them with blood their vigor may increase. Markings ___________________________________________________ The marking/tattoo that members of this bloodline place onto their bodies signify their completion of their Hatchling Trials. One may choose the specifics of how their mark may look, but it must have some semblance to a snake. The marking process and the mark itself are meant to be kept a secret from all others; only the Serpent Father or Mother may know the placement of one's mark. To have the serpent mark means one is considered to be a full-fledged member of the family and knows what it means to be a serpent, "clever, charming, and cunning." ________ ________ Later in life, an older Athri'onn may go on to mark themselves with other tattoos of serpents on different spots of their body. Sometimes to represent things such as the passing of a lover, a new chapter in life that may have opened, or to simply signify a milestone in age. Furthermore, some members may opt to just addon to their preexisting serpent mark. ________ Hatchling Trials ___________________________________________________ Trial of Cunning The hatchling must prepare to set out to meet three strangers. They must then retrieve information through sheer cunningness and also determine whether they are a useful connection. You must converse with them casually to retrieve the specific pieces information. Trial of Perception The hatchling must write a book on a topic of their choosing, no matter how brief or extensive. They must set out and find all the information they can on the topic. It is preferred that the topic be interesting/unique as it will go into the family library. The book will be judged by the Elder issuing the trial, they will decided whether the young serpent has passed or not. Trial of Control In this trial the hatchling will have two options for what they will be tasked to do. In the first option, the hatchling would be forced to tame a wild snake without any external aid. This can be done by any means necessary, though the instructor would have to instruct them on the best ways to do it prior. In the second option, the hatchling must place their hand into a bag filled with a highly venomous snake. Trial of Action In the final trial, the young serpent must be trained in combat further. Once they have been deemed adequate warriors by their instructor, then they will be sent on a hunt. Lastly, the young Athri'onn would be made to fight a beast of the instructors choosing. Values ___________________________________________________ Family - The Athri’onn find themselves caring for those of their family more than anything else. They are taught to fight and defend their family and name no matter the cost, however, this does not mean they should charge head-first into any situation without any prior thought. A common phrase used by those of this bloodline to show unity and love for their kin would be “Always and Forever”. Knowledge & Power - The Athri’onn believe that with obtaining great knowledge comes true power. Those of this bloodline use knowledge as a means to manipulate or get what they want; often for personal gain or to help their family in some way. Secrecy - Members of the Athri’onn are sworn to secrecy by the head of the family. They are to not spread family secrets or gossip to those who are not of their blood; outsiders. It’s said that through this secrecy and avoidance of gossip they have been able to survive for ages. Inner Passion - It’s strongly encouraged for members of this family to find their true passion in life. To find their preferred occupation and to become the best in their field. All are given the same opportunity unless they are deliberately trying to cause harm or partake in any forbidden knowledge. Love & Intimacy - The concept of love to the members of this family is something unique and freeform. The beliefs and traditions for this topic may vary between members of the Athri’onn as they have adopted many different cultures over the ages. Regardless of that, there are core beliefs and traditions for those who wish to honor their familial culture. For example, it’s thought that love is the strongest emotion one could feel and it should be carefully welcomed. It’s rumored that love may have been the downfall of many great Athri’onn. Inner Balance - The Athri’onn Talonnii believes that it’s important for one to be able to control their emotions and achieve inner balance through practice. The Soul - In the Athri’onn Talonnii, the soul of a Descendant is considered to be deeply sacred. It’s said that the soul is what makes each person unique and different. It’s also thought that the soul is where one’s deepest desires reside. Those of the Athri’onn take it upon themselves to ensure the progression of their soul and the continued absence of corruption in it. The Protection of the Realm - Because of influence from members who devoted themselves to the Aspects, the idea of protecting nature has become quite important to the Athri’onn family. Though, not many members will take extreme enough action to accomplish h true balance of the natural world. More so, members will step in if Voidal corruption had played a part or anything related. Physical Traits & Appearance ___________________________________________________ Regarding physical traits, each Athri’onn normally reaches heights of 6 feet and above by the time they reach adulthood. Their skin is usually on the fair side, though some are found to be paler than others and their hair colors range vastly: Ginger, Blonde, Silver, and Gray -- all of which can be seen in the Athri’onn. However, eye color usually stays within a certain spectrum of color, ranging between blues and violets mostly, though rarely will a gray make an appearance. ________ ________ As for the attire that you will find various Athri’onn adorning, it would be very rare for a member of the Athri’onn to not be dressed in something high in class. Each serpent tends to adorn itself in the finest clothing the world may offer. From fancy yet tough suits of armor to finely woven robes and dresses. To represent the Athri’onn, some will wear the colors green, gray, or gold; however, not everyone chooses to stand out so boldly. ________ Join the family discord! https://discord.gg/Eh59xq8E5h Don’t be afraid to shoot one of us a DM about joining the family either! TwistedFries#1055 or air#1521 Creators/Helpers: Head Writers: TwistedFries & CephalonAir Helpers: TheHeftyDonut

HOUSE STAFYR INTRODUCTION & FOREWORD By Arthur K. Stafyr 23rd Lord & Guardian of House Stafyr The legacy of the House of Stafyr is a rich and prestigious one. One of the oldest families in humanity, we Stafyrs have weathered the rise and fall of many an empire and kingdom alike. From windswept Shadowcastle to glacial Nenzing, my family has seen it all. Our eternal virtues of Law, Honor, and Loyalty are what have held us together. Our history is part and parcel to who we are. Yet, in recent years, the several lines of Beorn have been scattered like chaff in the wind. The heritage which we champion has begun to slowly fade from living memory. In an uncertain world, we cannot forget what makes us that which we are. Let the culture, customs, and traditions of the Almannir tribes and of the Stafyr family not go unrecorded. I pen this ethnography and history, the latter of which I have edited and modernized from the works of Leopold, Count of Nenzing and Nikolas Flynn Stafyr so that our name might not be forgotten. Indeed, I further write this compendium with the help of my Uncle Thondorus, and my beloved Elia, so that it may be spoken by living tongues once again. A BRIEF HISTORY OF THE ALMANNIR Almannir Horsemen in the Highlands of Aegis, c. 572 On Almannir History An excerpt about the Almannir people and their history by the current keeper of the Book of Tales, Thondorus II. of House Stafyr Foreword This brief summary shall give the reader some insight in the ancient and thus far very unclear history of the Almannir people. The contents are based on a combination of collected records, fragments of history and a more proper translation of the stories in the Book of Tales. A degree of conjecture is present, but the reader must forgive as this history is many centuries old. Without further ado, I bid the reader an enticing or equally boring read. Overview Etymology and meaning History: Foundation, Aegis, transition into modern records (the Verge) The five Houses Altbaum, Altbom, Oldtree Steinkachel, Stoakachl, Stonetile Weidenfrau, Wiidafrou, Meadowswife Steinfeuer, Stoafyer or Stafyr, Stonefire Rettersmann, Rettersma, Saviour The Galdr The Book of Tales and its stories Closing statement Part 1: Etymology and Meaning Part 2: History: Foundation, Aegis and The Transition into Modern Records (the Verge) Part 3: The Five Houses As described in the preceding part, five Houses led Almania at its peak with the first one being of kingly status. Unfortunately the records are quite limited as to what are their traditions and customs but a few basic pointers may be given. Part 4: The Galdr Part 5: The Book of Tales Closing Statement This brief excerpt should give some insight into the history of the Almannir, their origin and who they were. It is by no means exhaustive and there are many more secrets to be found within the fractured sources spread through the libraries and memories of the people all around. What matters the most, is that the people descending from these heroes of olden days remember their roots and never forget their origin. History is part of who you are. THE HISTORY OF HOUSE STAFYR The Siege of Schattenburg, c. 1435 The Birth of House Stafyr (UNKNOWN - 1353) The Rise of Saint Godwein (1353 - 1426) Clash of Brothers (1426 - 1435) The Golden Age of Stafyr (1435 - 1464) The First Falcon’s Fall (1435 - 1521) Stafyrian Renaissance (1529 - 1718) The Bear’s Regency and the Erichian Era (1718 - 1744) The Second Falcon’s Fall (1744 - 1794) THE THREE LINES OF BEORN An Artist’s Depiction of the Siblings Galtor and Sybilla as Youths The three familial lines of House Stafyr all descend from the children of Beorn Stafyr, the founder of the House. They are aptly named Hanethor, Galtor, and Sybilla. While there have been known to be Stafyrs who have broken the stereotypes associated with their lines in the past, the Three Lines of Beorn are often associated with the particular characteristics and occupations for which they are renowned. Hanethorian Line Galtorian Line Sybillan Line ALMANNIR & STAFYR CULTURE Leana & Katherine Stafyr Riding Horses, c. 1732 By Katerine Ruthern nee Stafyr (@Sirenscall) THE TRADITIONS OF HOUSE STAFYR Over the centuries, House Stafyr has developed for itself a set of unique ceremonies and traditions. Many of these are Almannir in nature, though several are unique to the Stafyrs as an ancient family in their own right. Though the customs and traditions of Stafyr are vast, I shall endeavor to document the most important to which almost all are accustomed. Even among our disparate members and branches, these coming of age rituals are all widely acknowledged. Coming of Age 1.) The Hatching (Age 13) 2.) The First Pilgrimage (Age 16) 3.) The Falcon’s Flight (Age 16+) Almannir Funeral Rites Equestrian Festivals Mummer’s Shows Almannir Lullabies CULTURAL HERITAGE Over the centuries, House Stafyr has developed for itself a set of unique ceremonies and traditions. Many of these are Almannir in nature, although nearly a half millennia of nobility has led to the adoption of some which are unique to the Stafyr family. Traditional Foodstuffs Clothing Jewelry & Regalia The Men of Stafyr The Women of Stafyr THE VIRTUES OF HOUSE STAFYR St. Godwein Imparting the Virtue of Law Unto Ser Edmund, c. 1418 The House of Stafyr is renown for the motto which it has championed throughout the ages, this being the phrase “Licent, Honorem, Pietas.” Roughly translating into “Law, Honor, and Loyalty” in the language of Flexio, a true Stafyr from any branch of the House will always strive to live by these virtues to the best of their ability. To live by these virtues is of paramount importance to any Stafyr. Failure to abide by these virtues will rarely fare well for a Falcon, often proving to be their downfall. This is a recurring theme throughout Stafyr history, as its members strive to emulate the lofty example set by Saint Godwein of Huntshill throughout his life. Though there have been definitive villains throughout the House’s history, those who have remained true to these virtues have thrived and prospered. ‡ LICENT ‡ ‡ HONOREM ‡ ‡ PIETAS ‡ THE LORDS OF STAFYR Ser Edmund and Ser Farley: A Clash of Brothers, c. 1428 Beorn Stafyr Born - Unknown Death - Unknown Titles: 1st Lord of Stafyr and Guardian of House Stafyr. Hanethor I. Stafyr Born - Unknown Death - 1349 Titles: 2nd Lord of Stafyr and Guardian of House Stafyr. Master Thondorus Stafyr Born ~ 1300-1305 Death - 1355 Titles: 3rd Lord of Stafyr, Founder, Master and Bailiff of Rivacheg Master Graveth I. Stafyr Born ~ 1320-1323 Death ~1380-1390 Titles: 4th Lord of Stafyr, Master and Bailiff of Rivacheg Saint Godwein the Honest of Huntshill Born ~ 1360-1365 Death - 1426 Titles: 5th Lord of Stafyr, Marquis of Schattenburg, Baron of Feldkirch, Baron of Huntshill, Lord High Treasurer and Grand Justice of the Holy Oren Empire. After his death sanctified as the Patron Saint of Honesty, Woodworkers, Fungi and Skin-afflictions. Lord Edmund I. Stafyr Born - 1392 Death - 1435 Titles: 6th Lord of Stafyr, Lord of Geminine, Marquis of Schattenburg, Baron of Feldkirch, Lord Privy Seal of the Holy Oren Empire, Noble Ser of the chapter of the Lion, Knight Commander of Renatus. Lord Farley II. “The Young Lord” Stafyr Born - 1431 Death - 1464 Titles: 7th Lord of Stafyr, Count of Shadowcastle, Baron of New Huntshill and Fieldchurch, Lord Privy Seal of the Holy Kingdom of Oren, Warden of the South. Lord Symon “The Bread Count” Stafyr Born - 1445 Death - 1509 Titles: 8th Lord of Stafyr, Count of Werdenberg and Shadowcastle, Baron of New Huntshill, Fieldchurch, Commander of Eastgate and Master Keeper of the Imperium Tertius. Lord Athelstan II. Stafyr Born - 1460 Death - 1535 Titles: 9th Lord of Stafyr, Count of Werdenberg and Baron of Katzburg. Lord Thomas Stafyr Born - 1474 Death - 1515 Titles: 10th Lord of Stafyr, Count of Werdenberg, Baron of Katzburg and Waldstadt Lord Jakob II. Stafyr Born - 1477 Death - 1521 Titles: 11th Lord of Stafyr, Baron of Waldstadt. Lord Altaron II. Stafyr Born - 1529 Death - 1599 Titles: 12th Lord of Stafyr, Baron of Arnaut and Master of Coin for the Archduchy of Lorraine. Lord Eadwulf Stafyr-Thurant Born - 1579 Death -1622 Titles: 13th Lord of Stafyr, Duke of Raetia and Baron of Thurant Lord Kristoff Ludvic Stafyr-Grauspin Born - 1588 Death - 1669 Titles: 14th Lord of Stafyr, Viscount of Grauspin, Ambassador and Emissary of Haense Lord Sergei Heindrik Stafyr-Grauspin Born - 1645 Death -1706 Titles: 15th Lord of Stafyr, Viscount of Grauspin, Baron of Thurant and Lord-Marshal of Haense. Lord Leopold Kristoff Stafyr-Grauspin Born - 1688 Death - 1718 Titles: 16th Lord of Stafyr, Count of Nenzing, Viscount of Grauspin, Baron of Thurant, Lord-Palatine and Chancellor of Haense Lord Erich Stafyr-Grauspin Born - 1712 Death - 1744 Titles: 17th Lord of Stafyr, Count of Nenzing, Viscount of Grauspin, Baron of Thurant, Royal Envoy of Haense, Commandant of the Brotherhood of St. Karl Lord Alaric Leopold Stafyr-Grauspin Born - 1735 Death - 1775 Titles: 18th Lord of Stafyr, Count of Nenzing, Viscount of Grauspin, Baron of Thurant, Commander of the Royal Expedition to Athera (1756) Lord Hektor Stafyr-Grauspin Born - 1755 Death - 1794 Titles: 19th Lord of Stafyr, Count of Nenzing, Viscount of Grauspin, Baron of Thurant Master Damron Stafyr-Beron Born - 1735 Death - 1807 Titles: 20th Lord of Stafyr and Guardian of House Stafyr. Master Morvon Stafyr-Beron Born - 1787 Death - 1856 Titles: 21st Lord of Stafyr and Guardian of House Stafyr. Master Nikolas II. Stafyr-Beron Born - 1827 Death - 1884 Titles: 22nd Lord of Stafyr and Guardian of House Stafyr. Master Arthur Konrad Stafyr-Beron Born - 1868 Death - Titles: 23rd Lord of Stafyr and Guardian of House Stafyr. THE STAFYR HEIRLOOMS The Vault of Old Nenzing, c. 1745 ‡ ANCIENT HEIRLOOMS ‡ ‡ MODERN HEIRLOOMS ‡ APPENDIX OF HISTORICAL WORKS [[THANKS AND ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS:]]

One morning, Garedyn The Green carried a stack of freshly purchased books from the market to the Grand Library, for them to be stored and preserved so that the Lore Master Ogradhad could guard them for the future generations of dwarves. As he went his way to librarian's office, everything was eerily still and quiet. He simply thought the librarian was out for a meal, so he continued inside. As he entered it, the sight of the office caused him to drop the books from his hand with his jaw agape. The office was empty, all bookshelves, chests were devoid of tomes. The original publications of books had gone missing. The decades, if not millenia, of effort in restoring, gathering and protecting the original books in the name of the Brathmordkin Ogradhad had vanished in an instant. The hours and days he spent consulting the books for his studies of medicine and his faith remained, but their original, primary sources had disappeared. Those original works written by and for dwedmar were no longer within the protection of Ogradhad. A fury welled up in him, before the cool breeze in the empty library turned his fury into grief. He took some parchment and ink, and began to write. A Scholar's Lament -By Garedyn The Green (Written by VerminHunter) A drought, A drought from the stream that nourishes the dwed. A Land, A land once rich land upon which light can't be shed. The knowledge is gone, The black swans crow songs, The dawn wanes withdrawn The nights growing long. A plauge, A plauge from which the true is now unclear. A void, A void that is now filled with copied smears. The Lore Master weeps, The sown can't be reaped, The throas will ring deep, The wise fall asleep.