Halfvel's Grove is a briac, or Marken-sanctuary, located in the Gloomrot Forest under the guardianship of the Wolfborn priest Rionna Declan. The Stone Circle acts as a public shrine to Halfvel where Marken and non-Marken alike can rest and converse with one another so long as they respect the peace and sanctity of the shrine, while Marken alone can pass through the stone arches to reach Halfvel's Grove beyond. Here, they can find a place to rest, train, and reside without fear of being hunted or persecuted for their blessing. Newly-turned Marken or Marken fleeing the Lothar are especially encouraged to seek sanctuary with the Wildblooded and receive their protection and training, while established Marken are encouraged to join for companionship and support.
The Stone Circle can be found directly north of the Watchman's Tower and south of Isobel's Lake, easily accessible from /tp Repose. Halfvel's Grove is located in a personal instance region, but is ICly accessed through the stone arches surrounding the Circle. Marken who have been shown the entrance can access the Grove freely (including if I'm not around), but non-Marken can only enter if escorted in by Rionna. Long-term trusted allies may be given an amulet that allows them access, even if non-Marken, but are held to greater expectations of loyalty and trust. If you are interested in speaking to Rionna about the sanctuary, she can often be found at the Stone Circle, other Fornoss holy places, or in Fairbanks. You can also DM me on Discord (@hopeandhistory) to set up a meeting.
↞✦✧✦↠Loyalty and Camaraderie - The Wildblooded's defining value is mutual protection and kinship, protecting other Marken from persecution and holding each other accountable for their actions. Members must ensure that they do not abuse their power and are expected to protect one another regardless of personal differences. Wildblooded and trusted allies may never reveal the identities or location of other Marken to those who wish them harm.
Marken Activism - While Marken enjoy more acceptance now than they did in the past, there is still much work to do. When unshifted, Wildblooded are encouraged to advocate for the freedoms and rights of their brethren while working to maintain an honorable image while shifted. This can be done through political efforts, scholarly work, social events, or other activities to present Marken as people rather than monsters.
Environmental Protection - Operating under the blessing of the Wolf-Father Halfvel, the Wildblooded hold themselves up as protectors of natural spaces and the balance between man and beast. Naturally, this often brings them in contact with the Gloomfolk Order, though they are not beholden to Gloomfolk rules or limited to the Gloomrot region. While they are not required to actively protect the environment, Wildblooded are at least expected to avoid actively harming it.
Religious Freedom - The Wildblooded's ties to the Fornoss faith are obvious, but membership is not limited to this faith alone. Marken of all faiths, excluding Death Cultism, are welcome to join and are expected to show respect to one another regardless of differences. Members are encouraged to come to one another's aid when their faiths are challenged, provided it does not contradict their own faith, but this is not required.
↞✦✧✦↠Training/Hunts - The primary purpose of the sanctuary is to provide a place for newly-turned Marken to safely hone their skills and gain self-mastery without fear of harming others or being captured. Spars and training sessions taking place within Halfvel's Grove do no lasting harm to the fighters, though serious fights do not benefit from this protection. There are places for meditation and fighting alike to soothe both the spirit and body, as well as access to Godsooth medication.
Social Gatherings - While there is nothing wrong with protecting others simply out of duty, maintaining strong and positive social bonds is sure to make this necessity more enjoyable. Wildblooded are encouraged to use the Grove as a space to relax and socialise openly as Marken, whether shifted or unshifted, and to strengthen relationships that will encourage friendship as well as loyalty. This also acts as a support system for those who are struggling, helping to keep them strong when burdens become heavy.
Diplomacy and Combat - Openly protecting and advocating for Marken is sure to bring the Wildblooded into friendships and conflicts with other characters and factions. Members with a diplomatic bent are encouraged to seek out strong alliances to protect their interests, while those with combative skills are encouraged to fight and defend against their enemies.
Marken Lore - More of a scholar than a fighter? Marken have a long history and many cultural connections, which provides opportunities to investigate their history and lore. Whether interested in the formation of specific Marken types, studying new humane methods of maintaining control, or investigating the religious history of Markenism, there's sure to be someone interested in uncovering a mystery with you.
↞✦✧✦↠Recruitment is handled ICly by approaching Rionna, Trissena, or Fenric at the Stone Circle, Gloomrot, or elsewhere in the city and asking for a meeting. This interview will establish whether or not your character is a Marken, their level of control (if Marken), and what they are looking for from the group. Marken with criminal records may still join, but are expected to not use their Markenism for crime. Upon acceptance, Marken will be offered a few blessings if they so wish, though they may freely decline them.
If you are struggling to find these characters ICly, you can reach out OOCly to SevenBirds, Salerra, or SorryNari.
Marken:
Non-Marken Allies:
Group Relations:
If you're interested in setting up a relationship between your group and the Wildblooded, DM me to discuss!
Gloomfolk Order: Positive
Aelriggan Order: Neutral
Lothar Order: Negative
The Stone Circle can be found directly north of the Watchman's Tower and south of Isobel's Lake, easily accessible from /tp Repose. Halfvel's Grove is located in a personal instance region, but is ICly accessed through the stone arches surrounding the Circle. Marken who have been shown the entrance can access the Grove freely (including if I'm not around), but non-Marken can only enter if escorted in by Rionna. Long-term trusted allies may be given an amulet that allows them access, even if non-Marken, but are held to greater expectations of loyalty and trust. If you are interested in speaking to Rionna about the sanctuary, she can often be found at the Stone Circle, other Fornoss holy places, or in Fairbanks. You can also DM me on Discord (@hopeandhistory) to set up a meeting.
↞✦✧✦↠
Marken Activism - While Marken enjoy more acceptance now than they did in the past, there is still much work to do. When unshifted, Wildblooded are encouraged to advocate for the freedoms and rights of their brethren while working to maintain an honorable image while shifted. This can be done through political efforts, scholarly work, social events, or other activities to present Marken as people rather than monsters.
Environmental Protection - Operating under the blessing of the Wolf-Father Halfvel, the Wildblooded hold themselves up as protectors of natural spaces and the balance between man and beast. Naturally, this often brings them in contact with the Gloomfolk Order, though they are not beholden to Gloomfolk rules or limited to the Gloomrot region. While they are not required to actively protect the environment, Wildblooded are at least expected to avoid actively harming it.
Religious Freedom - The Wildblooded's ties to the Fornoss faith are obvious, but membership is not limited to this faith alone. Marken of all faiths, excluding Death Cultism, are welcome to join and are expected to show respect to one another regardless of differences. Members are encouraged to come to one another's aid when their faiths are challenged, provided it does not contradict their own faith, but this is not required.
↞✦✧✦↠
I would like to include some monster-hunting events when the Badlands are released.
Social Gatherings - While there is nothing wrong with protecting others simply out of duty, maintaining strong and positive social bonds is sure to make this necessity more enjoyable. Wildblooded are encouraged to use the Grove as a space to relax and socialise openly as Marken, whether shifted or unshifted, and to strengthen relationships that will encourage friendship as well as loyalty. This also acts as a support system for those who are struggling, helping to keep them strong when burdens become heavy.
Diplomacy and Combat - Openly protecting and advocating for Marken is sure to bring the Wildblooded into friendships and conflicts with other characters and factions. Members with a diplomatic bent are encouraged to seek out strong alliances to protect their interests, while those with combative skills are encouraged to fight and defend against their enemies.
Marken Lore - More of a scholar than a fighter? Marken have a long history and many cultural connections, which provides opportunities to investigate their history and lore. Whether interested in the formation of specific Marken types, studying new humane methods of maintaining control, or investigating the religious history of Markenism, there's sure to be someone interested in uncovering a mystery with you.
Feel free to suggest other ideas for activities!
↞✦✧✦↠
If you are struggling to find these characters ICly, you can reach out OOCly to SevenBirds, Salerra, or SorryNari.
Marken:
- Rionna Declan (SevenBirds) - Guardian
- Trissena (Salerra) - Deputy
- Fenric (SorryNari) - Deputy
- Dioni (tarotocol) - Wildblooded
- Nora Waters (MightyElf90) - Wildblooded
- Blair Vang (Dellrosa) - Wildblooded
- Zeina (lilack45) -Wildblooded
Non-Marken Allies:
- None yet
Group Relations:
If you're interested in setting up a relationship between your group and the Wildblooded, DM me to discuss!
Gloomfolk Order: Positive
Aelriggan Order: Neutral
Lothar Order: Negative
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