Tathvir Bloodline

Crest of the Tathvir Bloodline The Tathvir Bloodline Founder: Amara Tathvir Current Matriarch: Valerica Tathvir Condition: Organized Allegiance: None

History

Hailing from the snowy, mountainous expanse of an icy realm, the Tathvir are an ancient Fennic Bloodline originating in the Princedom of the same name. Their founder, one Amara Tathvir, was among the first Snow elves to fight alongside her frostborn kin in bravery and valor. At their side, this progenitor did her utmost to eliminate any terror threatening to assail the defensive walls of her people, both physical and moral. When the extensive Fennic Princedom was firmly established, the Tathviric bloodline thrived for uncounted years within its bounds, with many of its scions becoming some of the greatest Snow Elven healers known in the histories. More than a few of them also bore blades, bows, spears and axes to defend their people in the many wars they fought with other powers. Many years had passed before their beloved Matriarch Amara met her unfortunate demise. Her leadership was so exalted in its time that being deprived of its guiding hand sent the Tathvir into a time of confusion and strife. This short age, however, did not last overly long. Since her passing, the bloodline as a whole decided to begin the tradition of electing an Archon.

Overview

Of all the Mali’fenn bloodlines, the Tathvirs are the most contrasting when compared to their kin. Tracing their heritage back to Amara Tathvir, the family is riddled with ‘fenn sporting a far more compact physique. Like many of their kin, locks of silvery-white hair are commonly accompanied by turquoise eyes and occasionally ringed in gold, though this proves to be a rare feature in the family. Because of their shorter stature and lighter frame, the Tathvirs are well known for their duty as scouts and skirmishers, often leading them to opt for lighter weapons such as bows and daggers.

Due to the limited practicality of Tathvirs on the front line, many choose to take up professions of support such as healers and apothecaries. Their lithe nature as well as professions of choice can often be to blame for their light-hearted personalities and joyous attitudes. Of all their kin, they are certainly the most tolerant to the rest of the world, often acting as the cultural bridge for their people.

It is not uncommon for the Tathvirs to adopt foreign customs in an attempt to better understand their Mali cousins, but despite the willingness to travel and embrace the vast world, many Tathvirs are content with staying amongst their kin in hopes of protecting the ones they cherish. Politically, the Tathvirs are Malinist, holding favorable views of the other Elves yet wishing for political non-intervention in their affairs.

For their sigil, they take the otter and associate with the colors of blue, teal, and gold.

Beliefs

Isvinity is the most common known religion followed by the Mali’Fenn within the bloodline, most becoming devout worshippers of Wyvurn himself. Throughout the years, some have remained faithful to the Aengul of the Deep Cold, seeking guidance and hope through acts of prayer and offerings at different wayshrines. It is said that the Mali’Fenn owe thanks to none other than Wyrvun for their sanity and the very lives they live.

During their years away from their icy kin, the few remaining members of the bloodline sought a home in foreign lands after the destruction of their freezing Princedom. During their time within Amathea, few of them began their rites to join the Anuh’wysae Tennallar, also known as the Priesthood of Thalassa. Upon completion of their rites, they would become priests for the Sea Goddess herself, aiding in traditional prayers and rituals with their fellow Sea Sisters.

Values

⬩Family is valued above all else to the bloodline. To protect and provide for their family is of the highest priority, and one that each member is expected to uphold. If a member were to betray their loyalty to the family in any way, they must suffer the consequences and/or punishment given by the Elders. Common punishment given to the traitor is to relearn what it means to value family, unless a much more extreme punishment is called for.

⬩Honor is held in high regard amongst the Tathvirs, as it is with many of their Fennic cousins. Tathvir honor is often propped up by the pride they hold for their family name and heritage. They believe in the values of Fennic culture as well as the many customs that have grown from it, thus leading them to hold respect for those within high standing amongst the ‘Fenn. Whether friend or foe, a Tathvir will do their utmost to hold respect for those around them and uphold any agreements they may make.

⬩Survival is generally seen as the willingness to do what is necessary. From a young age, most Mali’Fenn are taught how to survive in their harsh climates, though as a Tathvir, they are also taught how to survive through many other ways such as hunting, combat, even something as simple as how to keep a secret. Even if by other standards it is considered immoral, the Tathvir will do whatever it takes to ensure their loved ones are safe and looked after. The survival of the family dictates that this comes before all else.

Appearance

Elves born of the Tathvir commonly share the same set of physical traits, depending on the circumstances of their birth. An elf carrying the Tathvir genes would be pale in skin tone, often with a soft pink hue to their cheeks. Their hair is typically straight, or with a subtle curl, silver or white in color. Paired with their unique turquoise eye color with a thin gold ring around the outer iris is a sure sign of a Tathvir member - most commonly the Elder generation. The modern generation of the bloodline carries the same physical traits, with shades of blue commonly seen for eye color.

Professions & Hobbies

From the beginning, the Tathvirs have accumulated many different professions and hobbies of all kinds. Most, if not all members of the bloodline are taught to be the best of healers and often serve as medics within the clinic or on the battlefields. At a young age, the Archon or a few of the Elders will teach their children what each herb does and how to use it in various salves and tonics. Uncommon herbs and ways of healing are also used if no other tonic or salve will do the trick. If a Mali’Fenn is injured, it is said that a Tathvir will know the answer to whatever ails them through years of research and experimenting.

With their vast knowledge on combat, it is also common for a Tathvir to become a scout or a skilled soldier within the Ivae’Fenn. Many of the Tathvirs spend their evenings training or sparring one another to keep themselves on their toes, studying every advantage point and every mistake they make to perfect their ways of combat.

If a Tathvir is granted a moment of free time, they are commonly known to learn creative hobbies for means of entertainment. Though they make great healers and scouts, they also make for great musicians or artists.

Traditions

Over the years, the Bloodline has developed a few unique traditions for multiple occasions. The traditions themselves are precious events for the Tathvirs, as it holds the opportunity for them to gather together for special occasions and create memories they’ll share for generations to come.

⬩Life has always been celebrated within the bloodline, a precious event for all elven kind to be taken seriously, as it is a rare occasion. When a new child is born, a celebration is planned in honor of the new child and both parents. During the celebration, the members of the bloodline will say a prayer of protection and well being over the family before being presented with gifts and gathering for a feast. During the feast, a book will be passed around to each present member to write something for the child to read once they grow - perhaps words of encouragement, or memories to always be remembered.

⬩Death is a dreadful occasion that isn’t often celebrated. Within the Tathvir Bloodline, one is given the option to be buried in the crypts with a small ceremony to follow, or for their body to be cremated. Should one choose to be cremated, part of their remains will be solidified into a colorful marble, be it their favorite color or one of the colors representing the bloodline. The marble is then added to the Mural of Lost Souls, an otter shaped wooden plaque. On the back of the plaque, the initials of each lost bloodline member is etched into the wood. After a new marble is added to the mural, a small blessing is said before a feast is held in the deceased’s honor. This was a tradition started after the passing of Rothilion Tathvir.

⬩Marriage is a sacred tradition in the bloodline. Along with the traditional Fennic wedding, the engaged couple would be required to show their acceptance of hardship and willingness to overcome it together, by venturing out into the frozen woods around Ikur’fiyem to survive together for an entire month.. Upon returning to the city, the couple must present an offering to the Archon, one that proves that each person has learned the family ways and truly wishes to become one with another. They must also return with a slain beast to show they can provide for their family. Only then would they truly celebrate coming together.

⬩Archon Election is a new tradition, set in motion by Archon Valerica Tathvir. In the event that the current Archon steps down, or in worse circumstances, dies, the bloodline will gather to vote for a new Archon to take place. One may not assume the position of Archon without approval of the Bloodline.

⬩The Elder Council is consisted of the most highly respected bloodline members. The Elder members of the bloodline themselves consist of members who have proved their loyalty and worth to the Archon and its current Elder Council and earned the title as Elder.

Joining of the Bloodline

If a Mali’Fenn wishes to claim the Tathvir name via marriage or other means, they must complete a trial to prove their loyalty and worth to the Bloodline. The trial would be no easy one, and would likely take a few times to succeed, but one that is necessary. Upon completion of the trial, the individual would meet with the Archon along with at least one Elder member to perform a vow. Afterward, a feast will be prepared to celebrate.

One may not claim the Tathvir name without speaking to the Archon themselves. Only blood relatives have rightful claim to the name, and biological children to blood relatives.

Ancestral Relics

⬩Sword of Skalaer - A grey-tinted blade sitting at roughly 3’ in length, connected to a dark leather-wrapped handle through a silver crossguard. The crossguard is decorated to resemble the outspread wings of an eagle. While the blade bore many scuffs and scratches from its years of use, its edges are still sharpened and well-kept. This blade has been passed through generations of the bloodline, always handed down to the strongest Tathvir. The wielder of the blade is tasked with defending the bloodline.

⬩Ring of Skalaer - A faint glow resonates from this silver ring when held in the light. The ring itself depicts a small wyrm wrapping itself around the wearer’s finger before consuming its own tail. This elegant relic has been passed down from generation to generation, always worn by the eldest Tathvir.

⬩Wax Otter Seal - The elegant looking wax seal is a small stamp decorated with an otter inside of an intricate wooden box. Alongside the stamp sat a small jar of red wax. The Archon would typically use these tools to mark official documents and seal letters.

⬩Quill of the Tathvir - This quill is devised of two components - the stem and the feather. The feather is interchangeable and as such, the owner of the quill can pick a feather that represents their personality. Once picked, the feather is attached to a small copper stem, which has a small otter carved alongside the name Tathvir underneath. The quill is gifted to the one who assists the Archon in writing reports and documents.

Notable Members

Founder - Amara Tathvir

Elders - Arevthor Tathvir, Estellise Tathvir, Rhaella Tathvir

Archon - Valerica Tathvir