The Frozen Holt
The Order of the Frozen Holt, for many years, was considered a mere legend among the cuirizu. Only the oldest of other orders know them to be real, but even among such individuals the order was thought to have died out. Perhaps only the other Primogen know what to expect of the order, as they know what to expect of their sister Teresinha who became increasingly withdrawn over the ages.
The Frozen Holt occupies the cold northern reaches of Alkotas, having long adapted to the cold that usually creates lethargy and bouts hibernation in cuirizu of other orders. The order has become so intermingled with the cold that many within the order have become masters of Cryomancy, wielding the power of ice against any other order that might venture too far north. The Frozen Holts primary concern these days is not other orders though, but rather the other denizens of Farodyn and the other realms of the north. Sarunamu, Linirym, Dragons, Orcs, and other races have become the primary concerns of the Frozen Holt who must contend with their trespassing on a daily basis.
As a whole, the order has distanced itself from the politics of the cuirizu since the last War of Trees which resulted in the death of two Primogen. Though some orders may view this as the Holts turning their back on the rest of the race, the truth is that Teresinha's sorrow for what had become of the Primogen sisters was too great. When the war was done, the Frozen Primogen walked away, wishing never to be involved with the in-fighting ever again. Still, the push of the Briar Harvest into new territories is forcing the Holt to react and even advance into certain areas they had withdrawn from centuries ago.
Members of the Frozen Holt are large and powerful, standing equal in stature to those of the Briar Harvest but having a much more placid demeanor. Most members tattoo themselves with knot work patterns and drape themselves in well crafted furs and bone jewelry, with metal being a true sign of toughness and durability due to how much colder such pieces can get. Holts are warriors, and will often solve their problems with contests of strength and brute force. Life is too hard in the north for extended games of subtlety so direct confrontations are the norm and deception exceedingly rare. Cuirizu of the Holt who confront those they wish the breed with are often very forthright, making their intentions known up front.
The Frozen Holt reveres strength, but also the wisdom of when to employ that strength and went to practice restraint. Other races who demonstrate these qualities earn a passing respect from the Holt and are often left alone. The order as a whole generally isn't interested in expanding its territory south of Farodyn, but the recent incursions into Holt territory has caused some Tribes to consider venturing south in a preemptive strike against those who would violate their lands.
Structure
The Frozen Holt uses a different structure than the core Garden format, due to the extreme cold climates they tend to inhabit. The Frozen Holt organizes itself into individual tribes, typically with more than a few cuirizu per tribe, led by a Chief. The tribes maintain central Dens in which they reside, but rove a wide range of territory they consider their own. Each member of the tribe, including the non-cuirizu members, are assigned critical roles to ensure the survival of the tribe as a whole.
Each of the Chiefs typically ranks as an elder and sits on the Rime council, which is convened to assist the Primogen or decide on matters that effect the whole order. The council meets periodically every few years, usually only briefly. The Rime council can also assemble in times of crisis, with each Chief having the right to call the assembly, but always being sure not to abuse the privilege on trivial matters lest they be removed as a chief.
Primogen: The Primogen at the top of the Frozen Holt is named Teresinha and is the mightiest warrior in the whole order and is considered by most Elder cuirizu to be on the same level as Thorne in terms of sheer physical brutality, but only when she's moved to act. Teresinha dislikes the politics of the cuirizu and distanced herself from it ages ago by retreating into the cold wilds that most other cuirizu prefer to distance themselves from. The Primogen is slow to anger and even slower to act, only doing so in situations of extreme crisis. Many of the other Holts develop this same trait with age, often becoming detached from matters outside of their own tribes as they approach the status of Elder. Teresinha's other defining trait is her unusual mastery of Cryomagic, which she developed after an extended period of living in the frozen wastes of the north by herself. The Primogen takes few lovers these days, but rather leaves the breeding to the younger cuirizu while focusing her efforts on the defense of the tribes and dedicated the remainder of her time to periods of quiet contemplation with nature.
Rimewatch: Rimewatch cuirizu are tasked with the protection of the Rime council whenever it is in session as well as the protection of the Primogen in the few instances that she chooses to travel outside her domain. Rimewatch cuirizu are chosen from Elders who, for whatever reason, are not Chiefs and sometimes from other cuirizu who have proven themselves in battle to have skills beyond their years. Because the Rimewatch is not always needed, they will often reside with their tribes for most of their service, often serving as seconds to their Chiefs. Members of Rimewatch cannot be Chiefs themselves, as the duties they have could call them away from a tribe at a moment's notice. Rimewatch cuirizu are honored highly but other Holts and are often awarded riches and first choices on breeding by their chiefs in exchange for their services.
Hoarfrost Chief: While tribal Chiefs are assigned with the protection of individual tribes and territories, the Hoarfrost Chief is the cuirizu responsible for handling threats against multiple tribes and territories, or against the order itself. The Hoarfrost Chief is imbued with powerful cryomagic, referred to as the Icebloom, through her tattoos that allows her to radiate a constant aura of cold for a radius of a few miles. This cold is comparable to the perpetual state of cold in the north during the winter seasons. The crippling chill of this magic has no effect on other members of the order and provides them with an advantage against other threats sensitive to the cold, namely against other orders of cuirizu. The aura can be dialed up or down, adjusting both the radius and intensity of the cold as well as changing the way in which in manifests. Entire blizzards can be called up from nothing with this power, burying enemies in snow in very little time. The Hoarfrost chief is accompanied with a tribe of her own that serves as her strike force. The whole of the tribe spends most of it's time traveling between other tribal domains, slowly making its way from one to the other should it's aid be required. The Hoarfrost Chief and her tribe are believed to be the primary deterrent against the Briar Harvest.
Chief: The Chief, usually an Elder, is the head of the Tribe, having authority over every cuirizu and non-cuirizu in the group. Chiefs are responsible not only for assigning the duties of the tribe members, but also in determining who breeds and when. Resources within the cold climates of the north are scarce, so each potential offspring within the tribe must be maintained carefully. If a tribe grows too large, it could become difficult to feed it's members. When tribes successfully reach a large size, the next highest ranking member is considered for status of chief by the Rime council. If awarded the role, the new chief is allowed to take a sizeable portion of the tribe (up to half) and break off as it's own tribe claiming new territory. The new territory chosen is usually adjacent to that of the originating tribe when possible, ensuring that the neighboring tribes are led by trusted individuals to which a chief has a close relationship.
Keeper: Most of the Frozen Holt has at least a small measure of magical power, but few within the ranks of the order choose to specialize in it. Those who do are referred to as Keepers. These cuirizu are not only magical specialists but also maintain a close connection with nature, the spirits, and sometimes fae. In the wilds, such entities have stronger influence than in centers of so-called civilization, so Keepers function as the main diplomats in these instances. Not every tribe has a Keeper, but those who do are usually able to maintain larger territories. Keepers are known to take thralls and vessels from the ranks of the fae and are even said to be some of the few cuirizu who can pass into the Faen on a whim without the assistance of the fae. Others are said to be able to do the same with the spirit world, traveling into the strange plane to consort with spirits on their home turf in much the same way as the Vishanti are said to do.
Out of a necessity for survival, the Frozen Holt holds it's non-cuirizu members in higher regard than many other orders, relying on them to carry out critical duties for the good of the tribe. Though not considered to be equals in most instances, the Frozen Holt gives non-cuirizu members more privileges in exchange for their responsibilities, with some individuals being allowed to take mates to produce their own non-cuirizu offspring if the tribe has the means to support it. Winterward: A rank awarded to the most distinguished non-cuirizu within a tribe. A winterward is not just an exceptional combatant but can also survive in the wilds for extended periods on their own. Winterwards are prized physical specimens and usually have the most stamina and endurance to be offered among the non-cuirizu of a tribe, making them choice vessels for the Chief herself. Shaman: Shamans only exist in tribes where there is also a Keeper, and typically are those mortals who are directly attached to the Keeper. Shamans are expected to assist the Keeper with any required preparation for rituals and to bolster her power with any difficult or extended workings. Shamans are respected in their own rights as wise individuals with an understanding of the land and the entities that dwell within it that other mortals simply do not possess. Keepers prefer to take Shaman's as their vessels whenever possible in order to create offspring with natural affinities for such powers.
Non-Cuirizu Roles
Out of a necessity for survival, the Frozen Holt holds it's non-cuirizu members in higher regard than many other orders, relying on them to carry out critical duties for the good of the tribe. Though not considered to be equals in most instances, the Frozen Holt gives non-cuirizu members more privileges in exchange for their responsibilities, with some individuals being allowed to take mates to produce their own non-cuirizu offspring if the tribe has the means to support it. Winterward: A rank awarded to the most distinguished non-cuirizu within a tribe. A winterward is not just an exceptional combatant but can also survive in the wilds for extended periods on their own. Winterwards are prized physical specimens and usually have the most stamina and endurance to be offered among the non-cuirizu of a tribe, making them choice vessels for the Chief herself. Shaman: Shamans only exist in tribes where there is also a Keeper, and typically are those mortals who are directly attached to the Keeper. Shamans are expected to assist the Keeper with any required preparation for rituals and to bolster her power with any difficult or extended workings. Shamans are respected in their own rights as wise individuals with an understanding of the land and the entities that dwell within it that other mortals simply do not possess. Keepers prefer to take Shaman's as their vessels whenever possible in order to create offspring with natural affinities for such powers.
Culture
The Frozen Holt is believed by many orders to be another casualty of the last War of Trees, owing to the fact that members of the order are so seldom encountered south of Farodyn. The Frozen Holt has retreated from most of the land in dispute by the other orders and generally concerns itself only with defending what it has. Unwilling or unable to come south and confront the growing threat of the Briar Harvest, the Frozen Holt keeps it's own council and continues to fortify its position in the event that another War of Trees should find its way to their door.
In ages past, the Frozen Holt was often the counter to the more hot blooded orders, namely the Vagrant Jasmine and the Briar Harvest. In situations where the orders came together to decide courses of action against other races, fiendish or otherwise, the Frozen Holt often urged caution and restraint. Despite this position, the Frozen Holt has never backed down from a fight once it became clear that one was inevitable, and are just as fierce and savage as the Briar Harvest when doing so and just as proud of warriors as the Gilded Orchid. The Frozen Holt was one of the orders respect by nearly every other order, but because of their retreat into the wilds, have lost much of their influence with their peers.
The Rime Council
The Rime Council is the chief governing force of the Frozen Holt, deciding policy and settling disputes whenever it is called. Those who sit on the council are all of Elder status and help the Primogen decide the fate of the order as a whole. Without the council, it's likely that Teresinha would take little action with the order as a whole and dedicate herself wholly to her contemplative solitude. The council meets every few years in the Primogen's Den and discuss matters of urgency, with some time set aside for feasting and other revelries. Some of the chiefs will discuss business with one another here as well, sometimes trading members of their tribes or other resources if a tribe is in need. Other activities are known to occur as well ranging from contests of skill to wrestling and pugilism, often with the loser being mounted by the victor. Despite the apparent violence of such activities, most of the Chiefs remain close with one another and grudges are seldom held, though sometimes rematches are issue at the next meeting. The Chief's Moot
The Chief's moot is similar to the Rime Council as it involves all the same members as the council. The main difference though, is that the Moot is called on matters of justice and immediate disputes, usually by a Chief who has a grievance. Sometimes the moot can be called for matters of defense or matters of immediate urgency, but usually are restricted to arbitration and judgement. Chief's moots are rare, and in most cases, only called as a last resort when a resolution cannot be obtained through other means. Someone found guilty of a crime during a Moot is punished severely, either by the Hoarfrost Chief or the Primogen herself, usually fatally.
The Rime Council is the chief governing force of the Frozen Holt, deciding policy and settling disputes whenever it is called. Those who sit on the council are all of Elder status and help the Primogen decide the fate of the order as a whole. Without the council, it's likely that Teresinha would take little action with the order as a whole and dedicate herself wholly to her contemplative solitude. The council meets every few years in the Primogen's Den and discuss matters of urgency, with some time set aside for feasting and other revelries. Some of the chiefs will discuss business with one another here as well, sometimes trading members of their tribes or other resources if a tribe is in need. Other activities are known to occur as well ranging from contests of skill to wrestling and pugilism, often with the loser being mounted by the victor. Despite the apparent violence of such activities, most of the Chiefs remain close with one another and grudges are seldom held, though sometimes rematches are issue at the next meeting. The Chief's Moot
The Chief's moot is similar to the Rime Council as it involves all the same members as the council. The main difference though, is that the Moot is called on matters of justice and immediate disputes, usually by a Chief who has a grievance. Sometimes the moot can be called for matters of defense or matters of immediate urgency, but usually are restricted to arbitration and judgement. Chief's moots are rare, and in most cases, only called as a last resort when a resolution cannot be obtained through other means. Someone found guilty of a crime during a Moot is punished severely, either by the Hoarfrost Chief or the Primogen herself, usually fatally.
Assets
Frostfall Barrow
Located deep in the side of a steep hill in the region of Farodyn, this Den is run by Chief Ione and houses one of the most powerful tribes in the area. Frostfall has served as a base of operations for attacks as well as a prison for enemies in the past. As the Den of one of the more active tribes it currently houses a handful of Briar Harvest prisoners for the purposes of obtaining information and, of course, for sport. Frostfall is well guarded with each member particularly well trained in it's defense, thanks in no small part to the tribe being the only one known to currently have a member of the Gilded Orchid in it's roster. Rime Hall
Located farther north than any cuirizu outside of the Frozen Holt has ever ventured, Rime Hall is where Primogen Teresinha resides, and where the Rime council meets. The Rime Hall is nestled at the base of the Crown of the World and is well fortified against attack by the Primogen's Tribe. Various buildings are located here, ranging from the Primogen's personal den to the council chambers. Various other out buildings are located here as well, both for leisure and business as well as one on one combat to settle disputes. Rime Hall is a respite for members of the order in the bleak frozen wastelands of the furthest reaches of the north, but also a position from which the whole of the order can be commanded. Rime hall is so named not just because of its extreme location to the north, but due to an opening to the elemental plane of ice housed within it's borders. The portal serves as the primary place for the Primogen's periods of quiet contemplation. The Hall of Chiefs
Not far from Rime Hall itself and located deep within the base of the Crown of the World, the Hall of Chiefs houses the remains of all the fallen chiefs and the occasional hero of the order as well as their histories and the histories of their tribes. The Hall of Chiefs is considered a sacred place by the order and entry to it is restricted to that of Elders, those accompanied by Elders, and the Dwarven attendants of the Hall. These bodies are buried with their signature arms and armor inside the walls of the winding crypt, constructed in Dwarven fashion from the earliest years of the Primogen. There remains within the Hall of Chiefs a position of prominence for the Primogen herself which remains vacant but is constantly tended by a small collective of devoted dwarves who's only job is to keep the whole of the Hall from falling into disrepair, never leaving the confines of the Hall itself.
Located deep in the side of a steep hill in the region of Farodyn, this Den is run by Chief Ione and houses one of the most powerful tribes in the area. Frostfall has served as a base of operations for attacks as well as a prison for enemies in the past. As the Den of one of the more active tribes it currently houses a handful of Briar Harvest prisoners for the purposes of obtaining information and, of course, for sport. Frostfall is well guarded with each member particularly well trained in it's defense, thanks in no small part to the tribe being the only one known to currently have a member of the Gilded Orchid in it's roster. Rime Hall
Located farther north than any cuirizu outside of the Frozen Holt has ever ventured, Rime Hall is where Primogen Teresinha resides, and where the Rime council meets. The Rime Hall is nestled at the base of the Crown of the World and is well fortified against attack by the Primogen's Tribe. Various buildings are located here, ranging from the Primogen's personal den to the council chambers. Various other out buildings are located here as well, both for leisure and business as well as one on one combat to settle disputes. Rime Hall is a respite for members of the order in the bleak frozen wastelands of the furthest reaches of the north, but also a position from which the whole of the order can be commanded. Rime hall is so named not just because of its extreme location to the north, but due to an opening to the elemental plane of ice housed within it's borders. The portal serves as the primary place for the Primogen's periods of quiet contemplation. The Hall of Chiefs
Not far from Rime Hall itself and located deep within the base of the Crown of the World, the Hall of Chiefs houses the remains of all the fallen chiefs and the occasional hero of the order as well as their histories and the histories of their tribes. The Hall of Chiefs is considered a sacred place by the order and entry to it is restricted to that of Elders, those accompanied by Elders, and the Dwarven attendants of the Hall. These bodies are buried with their signature arms and armor inside the walls of the winding crypt, constructed in Dwarven fashion from the earliest years of the Primogen. There remains within the Hall of Chiefs a position of prominence for the Primogen herself which remains vacant but is constantly tended by a small collective of devoted dwarves who's only job is to keep the whole of the Hall from falling into disrepair, never leaving the confines of the Hall itself.
Founding Date
The Age of Mithral
Demonym
Holts
Leader
Leader Title
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