Defenders of the Forest - Liber Fanatica
Defenders of the Forest - Liber Fanatica
Defenders of the Forest - Liber Fanatica
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Chapter II: Kindreds<br />
Ve n g e a n c e Ki n d r e d<br />
Kindred <strong>of</strong> Talu<br />
Vengeance Kithbands are <strong>the</strong> smallest and most unstable <strong>of</strong> Asrai<br />
social groups. Members cannot leave until <strong>the</strong>y have fulfilled<br />
<strong>the</strong>ir obligations, or face reprisals from <strong>the</strong>ir fellow Vengeance<br />
kin. However, as soon as <strong>the</strong>ir oaths are honoured, members<br />
usually depart for ano<strong>the</strong>r Kindred. Members are sometimes<br />
called Riftblades or Mournsingers.<br />
Vengeance kin are bent upon revenge against a nemesis or group<br />
who harmed <strong>the</strong>m, <strong>the</strong>ir kin or <strong>the</strong> forest. The Elves’ longevity<br />
allows an oath <strong>of</strong> vengeance to be planned in great detail, <strong>of</strong>ten<br />
taking several years to reach fruition. A targeted nemesis may<br />
be taken by surprise if <strong>the</strong> original incident was forgotten. It<br />
is whispered that some Vengeance kin turn to darker powers in<br />
order to fulfil <strong>the</strong>ir oaths. The name Talu has evolved from <strong>the</strong><br />
Elven root-word Thalui, meaning hatred or vengeance.<br />
Careers: Bodyguard, Bounty Hunter, Cartographer, Hunter,<br />
Outlaw, Outlaw Chief, Thief, Thug, and Spy.<br />
Kithband Talents: Shade, Outlander, and Weaponmaster.<br />
Wa r d a n c e r Ki n d r e d<br />
Kindred <strong>of</strong> Caidath<br />
Wood Elves who feel drawn to violence and battle <strong>of</strong>ten seek<br />
to sublimate <strong>the</strong>ir aggression in <strong>the</strong> form <strong>of</strong> song and dance.<br />
Known variously as <strong>the</strong> Shadow Dancers <strong>of</strong> Loec, Feast Masters,<br />
Bladesingers or Deathdancers, all members are dedicated followers<br />
<strong>of</strong> Loec, <strong>the</strong> god <strong>of</strong> laughter, dance and music. Elves seeking<br />
to join must become devotees <strong>of</strong> Loec and face trial by combat,<br />
ei<strong>the</strong>r against a gauntlet <strong>of</strong> Wardancers or in single combat<br />
against <strong>the</strong> troupe leader. The ritualistic combat is usually only<br />
fought to first blood, although trials involving two rivals have<br />
been known to end with grievous injury and even death.<br />
Wardancers are considered to be part <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Kithband for life,<br />
and <strong>the</strong> consequences <strong>of</strong> leaving vary from troupe to troupe.<br />
Some Wardancer kin retain honorary membership long after<br />
<strong>the</strong>ir departure; o<strong>the</strong>rs are shunned as betrayers. Such is <strong>the</strong><br />
way <strong>of</strong> Loec. The name Caidath has evolved from <strong>the</strong> Elven<br />
root-word Caidaith, which means grace, power, and music <strong>of</strong><br />
<strong>the</strong> stars.<br />
Careers: Anointed Priest (Loec), Bladesinger, Champion,<br />
Entertainer (Acrobat), High Priest (Loec), Priest (Loec), and<br />
Wardancer.<br />
Kithband Talents: Blademaster, Deathdancer, Weaponmaster.<br />
Wa r r i o r Ki n d r e d<br />
Kindred <strong>of</strong> Lakoys<br />
When Elves come <strong>of</strong> age, <strong>the</strong>y are trained in <strong>the</strong> use <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> bow<br />
and given <strong>the</strong> responsibility <strong>of</strong> protecting <strong>the</strong>ir Lord’s halls.<br />
Those who show talent in <strong>the</strong> martial ways are encouraged to<br />
join <strong>the</strong> Kithbands that roam <strong>the</strong> forests, taking <strong>the</strong> fight to <strong>the</strong><br />
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