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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 />

11

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