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✧ The Taelu’Avernan ✧ “This guild? It's not for us. It's for the people that can't learn what we can because they're not allowed the same experiences. Our writings? Our research? That's for them.” - Axilya, Founder of the Taelu’Avernan History: Founded in the struggles of living in a world meant solely for hearing people and heavily inspired by the familial values of the Vale of Nevaehlen, the culture of past Mali’Ame seeds, as well as the passion and pursuit of adventure, did such an idea come to fruition. To take the best of what has been priorly learnt, experienced, and observed and meld it into something new that would grow and develop its own traditions and values as its members do, in order to share knowledge and information about any and all subjects with the world. Created by the deaf elfess known as Axilya and after much turmoil in finding a place to properly settle within, the Taelu’Avernan now resides within the welcoming arms of the home of the Father Circle and ‘Ame culture. Values: At its core, the Taelu’Avernan are a gathering of peoples bound to or respectful of Aspectism that focus upon the adventure of experience, knowledge, and growth; firstly of the self, before following with family, community, and lastly, the world. The Taelu’Avernan are a close knit group, more akin to family than anything else. None shall be left behind or forgotten and everything they do, they do together. The safety and livelihood of each member is just as important as the next and it’s more than expected that guild members look out for each other both on and off the expedition-field. Beyond that, however, the Taelu’Avernan are a group of adventurers that wish to assist in bringing knowledge to those that are unable to learn about or experience a specific subject - no matter how grand and dangerous the task or how small and trivial the research may seem - due to a disability, position in life, way of living, and/or etcetera. The Taelu’Avernan aim to leave as little impact upon the unexplored, choosing instead to learn and leave rather than mindlessly kill and take whenever possible. There is never an action performed by the members of the guild that bears no reason. In addition, so long as it is possible to research, the Taelu’Avernan are willing to give it a shot. Though the guild prides itself upon its ‘Ame ways, one need not be a Mali’Ame to join. They must simply respect the culture, be within the good graces of the Vale of Nevaehlen, and hold a care for nature’s balance. Religion: The Taelu’Avernan, while walking in the footsteps of Aspectism, has no set religion its members are required to primarily follow. Members are free to practice their own religions within the guildhall and around guild members so long as it doesn’t directly contradict the belief values of the Wild Faith. That being said, there are some minor traditions directly implemented into the practice of the guild itself in order to retain respect for the balance and origins of the guild’s foundation. In addition, while no descendant is perfect, if one is found deliberately upsetting the balance, found to be a necromancer, mystic, dragonkin, voidal mage, or bear any other dark magicks, they will be harshly dealt with and kicked from the guild. Structure: In an attempt to keep every member safe upon expeditions, the Taelu’Avernan bears an inherent structure of command and titles: I: THE GUILD LEADER: The Av’Chirr translated roughly to ‘the Wandering Wolf’, is the current guild leader, and bears all autonomy over the guild. Should the Av’Chirr not be present, the trio of branch leaders (the Av’Tayna, the Av’Lareh, and the Av’Maehr) retain autonomy, followed by branch members themselves, and lastly but not least, unspecialized guild members. II: THE GUILD BRANCH LEADERS: The Av’Tayna translated roughly to ‘Wandering Life’, is the current medic leader, responsible for regularly training up the medical branch and ensuring all Av’oeman know, at the minimum, first aid. It is their responsibility to oversee the members of the Medical Branch and ensure all responsibilities are being upheld. The Av’Lareh translated roughly to ‘Wandering Mountain’, is the current warrior leader, responsible for training up the members of the warrior branch and ensuring all Av’oeman know, at the minimum, basic self defense and formations. It is their responsibility to oversee the members of the Warrior’s Branch and ensure all responsibilities are being upheld. The Av’Maehr translated roughly to ‘Wandering Wisdom’, is the current researcher lead, responsible for preparing and training members of the scholar’s branch and ensuring all Av’oeman know, at the minimum, how the Taelu’Avernan operate on a guild sanctioned expedition. The Av’Maehr is also largely responsible for the upkeep of the Taelu’Avernan’s records and tomes. It is their responsibility to oversee the members of the Scholar’s Branch and ensure all responsibilities are being upheld. III: THE GUILD BRANCHES: The Av’oeman Tali’Taeleh translated roughly to ‘Wandering Ones Part of Mind’, otherwise known as the Scholar’s Branch, are fully fledged members who have passed further trials to take on greater responsibilities and specialize in the gathering and spreading of knowledge. The Av’Oeman Tali’Diraar translated roughly to ‘Wandering Ones Part of Guard’, otherwise known as the Warrior’s Branch, are fully fledged members who have passed further trials to take on greater responsibilities and specialize in the leading and protection of guild members in combat. The Av’oem Tali’Walehan translated roughly to ‘Wandering Ones Part of Healing’, otherwise known as the Healer’s Branch, are fully fledged members who have passed further trials to take on greater responsibilities and specialize in the health of both mind and body for guild members both in and out of expeditions. IV: THE GUILD MEMBERS: The Av’oeman Maehr’sae translated roughly to ‘Wandering Ones Disseminating Knowledge’, are the current guild members who have fully passed their trials and are active within the guild. The Av’oeman Sirame’sae roughly translating to ‘Wandering Ones Developing Honor’, otherwise known as honoraries, are members of the guild who have passed their initiate’s trials but are unable to enter the field with the rest of the guild based on personal circumstance, be it age, physical disabilities, or even just a desire to not join their guild mates on expeditions. V: THE GUILD ASPIRANTS: The Taelu’Avernan Initiates are simply that: aspiring members that have yet to complete their trials! The Guild Hall: TBB (To Be Built!) Getting Into Contact: Those wishing to join the Taelu’Avernan may reach out and contact the Av’Chirr or any of the Branch Leaders. A list of our current members and leaders rests in the Taelu'Avernan Library! [Previous and Outdated Postings (Archived and OOC)]:

“Life is a dance, darling… All wear their masks in this waltzing masquerade and you are either one of the dancers, or one that makes the music.” - Melusina von Drakenhof Art by me! Where there are men of true battle-earned honor and fortune, one can only wonder where the remaining folk of past crumbled empires and kingdoms coalesce in their wayward, lost visions of splendor and regality. These are the forgotten folk who have had their crowns ripped from them, justly or wrongfully, the cunning usurpers of past thrones who then taste their own justice, the skeletons of long-retired military lords who ruled with martial might… The men forever divorced from the endless cyclical hell that is humanity’s political sphere. These are the folk of the ‘noble’ line of Von Drakenhof. History The ashes of the calamity of Anthos tore the greatest united force of men ever seen asunder like a hunk of fresh meat to wolves. Some men clung to what luster their folly crowns and pride might comfort them, but many scattered in search for a more prosperous promise of reclaiming power and fortune. For the first of the line, Melusina’s journey took her to the protected outskirts of the Teutonic Hanseti, where the DeNurem line ruled without question. Melusina in life was the young bride of a vile Marcus Horen, whom her family married her to to secure political gain and protection at the height of the Empire’s power. She herself was a cerebral and scholarly youth with manic tendencies, but bore no affection to the convenient pairing she was thrown into at the behest of her sire. Pale and fair with locks rivaling the shadows of raven’s wings, she was like a porcelain statue brought to life. While her heart burned with disdain to the brutish man to which she was lawfully wed, the cunning young wife bid her time in quiet subservience whilst the collective forces of the world and Setherien rained doom upon the lost realm of Anthos. Despite bearing no real love for the Horen, she fled faithfully at his side at the crumbling of the world behind them into the Fringe. He proclaimed as they trudged through the ghoulish soul-sand of the wastes to the fabled fortress of the Teutonic order that she would bear his heirs and erect a grander, nobler kingdom of humanity with himself as the patriarch from the ashes of the fallen Empire. Of course, the proposition disgusted the young Melusina… wed so soon for convenience and so soon to bear offspring of a vile man. She would refuse his demands and plotting that night. That was the last time that he ever laid hands upon her in anger… A swift bottle of wine to the back of the head brought the man to his knees. Melusina was not a violent woman, and the attack from his bride certainly took him by fatal surprise. There was a portion of her soul that undoubtedly delighted in the deliciously vengeful murder of this man. He was no spouse, let alone a worthy man deserving of some valiant end. So the wine and blood flowed along the grout of the cobble beneath their day-old home like thick molasses in winter… slow and robust. There she raised her beloved Chalice in small, bloody victory, and drank the remnants of that blood-tainted wine. Melusina had never tasted a vintage so sweet. So she abandoned the heinous name of Horen and adopted her own lineage. One of the life she could have had as a carefree noble, loved by one of her choosing in a world less cursed. Melusina left her hovel that night as Von Drakenhof - A noble of her own right, given by none and maintained by none, of the utmost regality, intelligence, and superiority over the pathetic remnants of humanity. The Lady von Drakenhof did eventually marry a Sariant of the Teutonic Order, a bastard DeNurem and the only man the woman would love faithfully and genuinely. She would bear two sons at the age of twenty-six, in the same year that the plagues of the Fringe would rip her beloved from her embrace forever. Widowed and a new mother, she remained in the tiny village of Fringe Hanseti and fostered her two boys with her delusion of true, eternal nobility. There the Von Drakenhof line spread, erecting various castles in which their family would reside at the rule of none but themselves to the current age. The Line of Von Drakenhof The men and women of this lineage crave the illusion that they are nobles, and delight in the care of their outward appearance to a near maniacal standard. Pale, unblemished skin is most desirable with steely grey or muted shades of blue in their eyes. The trait of deeply black hair seems to run dominant among this line, as well as the curious affliction of sleepless nights or dreamly terrors particularly of the women in the family. It is said that it is the troubles of Melusina von Drakenhof herself manifesting in her favored descendants, and while it is quite distressing and sometimes tortuous to the inheritors, it is deemed as an otherworldly blessing. Von Drakenhof trend taller for men and women, but can become more frail in comparison due to their decadent lifestyle. With their ancestor spending much of her later life in the presence of the Teutonic Order under Hochmeister Mirtok, the mannerisms of speaking and accent derive much from the Marian language. They use older and archaic words to ensure that they are distinguished from common folk. Occasionally, they may choose to entirely abandon common altogether when speaking with kin in a clever method to conceal sensitive information from those they deem unworthy. A portrait of the ‘Count’ Volker von Drakenhof and his daughter, ‘Lady’ Hesperia von Drakenhof To see a member of Von Drakenhof in any state of imperfection or dishevelment is about as rare as a unicorn sighting. This family cannot stand the thought of descending anywhere near the state of peasant status or that of the lessers of mankind, and will go to great lengths to ensure that their state of attire is nothing short of kingly or queenly at all times. For men, tailed coats and laced ties are common, with women bearing corsets, dresses and veils to protect their complexions. Anyone after a quick glance may be able to determine that many of the dressing styles of the family revolves around the idea of gargoyles and battish creatures of the night, adorning themselves in dark and fine cloths gilded and crowned with expensive gems. An armored Von Drakenhof is uncommon though not unheard, for the work of the soldier is associated with those of lesser than noble blood and is usually only worn for the cause of home defense. Generally the folk of Von Drakenhof follow the three guiding pillars as set forth by Melusina’s scriptures written for the teaching of her sons: The Gargoyle, the Tombstone, and the Marionette. The Gargoyle “Protect thine kin, always. We are a superior folk baptised by the teachings of humanity’s past sins and bloodshed. Do not overly scorn thine servant nor thine handmaiden, and remain true to thine beloved. Betray not the brother, sister, mother or brother - but deliver cunning revenge should they betray my blood.” Von Drakenhof are ferociously loyal to those in their family, and maintain servants and friends with a firm but fair hand. While their mannerisms might seem cruel towards their servants, they reward the faithful tenants well by granting them certain powers above those below them. Butlers and Lady’s Maids of Von Drakenhof are nearly just as well dressed and wealthy as their masters. It is by a careful art of balancing the carrot and the stick that they maintain loyalty, and it has not been unheard of for unruly or disloyal servants to ‘go missing’ suddenly as if by some just punishment by karma. The family line is exempt from punishment in most instances, as this ‘noble’ line can surely do no wrong... The Tombstone “Honor our dead. Teachings of souls departed from this world shalt not fade with time but be carved upon pages and scrolls like their names upon the stone of their final resting place. Remember the promise, the pledge, and good deeds from friends, and repay them in kind. Neglecting the honor from the lessers invites poor intentions.” Dead kin are nearly saintly to these folk, and they will go to great lengths to ensure that the final rites and rituals of the newly dead are completed in knightly splendor. There is always a tombstone erected over their grave with their name for all alive or yet to be born to see, and even when a great move is needed they will uncover their coffins and take them along their journey to a new cemetery to rest and watch over their family. It is the greatest honor to oversee their family in death, for it is believed that the beloved dead may be freely spoken to and meditated with on the calm chill of a young night. Chieftest of all is the grave of Melusina von Drakenhof and her sons themselves, who bear beautifully decorated resting places that are constantly maintained. Promises made to others are scarcely neglected when made. When treated with the respect, praise and reverence they crave, a Von Drakenhof will be a faithful ally until their last breath. For them it is like a king fulfilling a glorious task for their people, a favor returned that will surely beget further praise and loyalty. Curses and pledges of retribution are just as keenly remembered, though repaid in much more cunning and brutal ways befitting the crime. The Marionette “There are few in this world that truly mean to help us. All men wear their mask, afraid to expose their feeble underbelly, their futile dreams and noxious desires in their dance for self-gratification. A true noble knows how to puppeteer all, for they are part of the intricate web of servitude to Von Drakenhof. The servant, the friend, and the enemy; all shall serve thee in their own accords.” Discreetly cunning and nearly always playing a mindful game of chess with all that cross their path, Von Drakenhof folk are always surely plotting what role their next acquaintance or greeting of a friend will bring them. While their enemies are certainly deserving of crueler tricks and schemes, there are not necessarily overtly harmful outcomes for those that they deem acceptable of the society around them. While the servant may find that their tasks become more and more varied outside of simple servitude by way of the sway devilish charm, a rival may find that misfortune may strike them at the most ripe inopportune time. Woe be to those that truly cross the guile of Von Drakenhof, for they do delight in faux courts made entirely of their kin to deal ghoulish and dastardly punishments that may or may not lead to their total demise. Lifestyle, Architecture and Family Structure While these nobles hold no true claim over anything of substance within the political geography of the world, they will often hold their own courts of intrigue amongst themselves. Plotting, aristocratic socialization, feasts, and masquerades are among the many routinely conducted happenings of the household. Brutish activities of duels or tavern parties are far beneath the decorum of the house, and guests welcomed and liked enough to be invited to the dining hall of Von Drakenhof should surely expect to be treated like family for the evening. One would find the dinner to be quite long and decadent, with some choosing to voluntarily vomit to create more room for delicacies and sweets. While they generally detest the devout and practice in no religion themselves, they are generally tolerant of most magics both mundane and of darker nature. Any power that might potentially elevate their status further as a superior man from their peers is deeply interesting to these folk, even if the magics or the users may not have the holiest of intentions. Reverence of any one deity is generally disdained, as there are none that come before the blood of Von Drakenhof in their eyes. When the Castle Drakenhof is erected on whatever lands they desire, it is certainly a chilling sight to behold. With lines of gargoyles and menacing heights of spires piercing the sky, the stones of the beloved family castle can appear quite haunting at first. Inside, however, is the most opulent of living quarters for their brood. Thick draped windows of stained glass, chandeliers that catch the low light like glacial ice, and the low-warmth of candlelight would mesmerize even the most decorated of kings. The light is kept intentionally low within to maintain that venerated fair skin of porcelain, and nearly every wall is decorated with portraits of past or living members of the family. Libraries of coveted knowledge, dining halls of glittering goblets and glasses, and endless rooms of near unfathomable collective luxury reside within. The wine cellar, the cemetery, the court hall, dining hall and drawing room are all considered essential portions of any suitable Von Drakenhof living facilities. Any good master would not forget the humble and faithful servant, and so their living quarters are of course in fine condition… with the accompanying dungeons similarly of regal but menacing character. The family of Von Drakenhof are equals within their own eyes, the only difference in standing is their direct parents. A single member is given the title of ‘Count’ which is used only for dealings in which the collective family or foreign power is involved and requires a concise voice amongst the family. You will find many thrones among the living space of the house, with none no more grand than their kin’s. All family members bear there own particular ring that is unique to them or handed down from an ancestor. It is a common gesture of a Von Drakenhof's first meeting to offer their ring towards their acquaintance to kiss - and one would do well to know that it will be forever remembered if this gesture is declined or ignored. Dates of Renown While not devoutly religious to any name, the line of Von Drakenhof is severely superstitious. Stories of ghosts, ghouls, all manner of mythical beasts alike are like sweet fairytales that guide their mannerisms spiritually. Some dates are especially sacred to the family, most of which involve the remembrance of the dead or the celebration of the macabre. Hexensnacht The Witching Night, or day before the New Year in which it is believed ghosts come about in search of the energy of the living to keep them tethered to the world, or as a send off as they choose to depart for another life. A great ball is held during the night, and a fantastical feast by day in which they invite the spirits of the dead to join their waltzing and dining late into the evening. As the last bell tolls for the completion of the final hour of the year, all lights are snuffed out for a few long minutes in total darkness so that it may be easier for the spirits to be sent on their way. All Hallow’s Eve The autumnal celebration of all things dark and spooky, where a great costumed masquerade is held. Dressing in a particular beast or monster of one’s fancy is common and believed to protect the wearer from real things that might be afoot on that night. Carving gourds into spectral faces by candlelight wards off the demons that emerge to seed foul energies among the unprepared. The young of the family may venture out and seek out sweet treats from the people that live about, or play tricks upon those that their parents may or may not have mentioned doing something distasteful at the dinner table once… Day of the Dead A late-year celebration of the deceased Von Drakenhof members. It is this day where the belongings of their dead relatives are worn to bring them to life for a day. Faces are made in the likeness of the portraits of the dead, and they quite literally ‘relive’ the being of their relatives for a chosen day. Prayers and gifts are showered upon the very real graves of said family, and only when the day is done may the Von Drakenhof bathe themselves in a perfumed basin and reclaim themselves, swearing to remember the teachings and glory of their ancestors.