The Weyr

Written by Commando Chipmunk

“At the heart of Canubala Cwtch, The Great Hall rises, its seating chambers chiseled into stone. Here, where firelight channels and lumistone as bright as day cast the walls white. Here, where the resounding voices of song cascade in a heavy spirals. Here, they gather as one, souls ancient, souls of fire, The Fifteen Families of the Veyr’dyn.”
The Gathering and Heirarchy of Viridian Yldrs and their Families who rule at Canubala Cwtch.
There are three common uses of the word “Weyr.”
1) An informal term to refer to all of Canubala Cwtch. Technically incorrect, but often used by those outside of Veyr’dyn culture.
2) The ruling board of Yldrs (or their representatives) and those currently living at the Cwtch. This is the everyday Weyr that discuss and decide Canubala Cwtch and Protectorate Matters on a daily basis. This number is informal, in flux, and usually only Yldrs or a Yldr representative are required to be present every day.
3) “The Weyr has been called.” A Weyr is a great gathering of every adult Viridian in Ashnuw. When a Weyr is called, eagle and hawk messengers are sent to all Viridians who are not banished and command them to return to Canubala Cwtch. Weyrs are called rarely and only for great importance, especially in regards to the fate of Ashnuw as a whole.

Structure

There are Fifteen Families in the Weyr. Each one has a particular order, from First to Last. When families complete great feats of honor or acts of shame, the ruling family will raise or demote them in the Heirarchy. Family is the first Variable to consider when determining rank.
The Ruling Family is Danau (The House of Wisdom.) The current hierarchy of families are as follows:
Nygba (The House of the Fair)
Tolth (The House of Courage)
Wynnensh (The House of Dusk)
Orkha (The House of Sight)
Ealyv (The House of Devotion)
Goorsha (The House of Strength)
Melawyn (The House of Grace)
Xyrhos (The House of Pride)
Lanai (The House of Fire)
Cudlyn (The House of Silence)
Zanith (The House of Eternity)
Eorym (The House of Memorial)
S’Vetca (The House of Iron)
Joslo (The House of the Sky)
See The Families of the Viridian Weyr for a complete list of the Families and their members in the Weyr.
The highest member in each Family is the Yldr. This is the individual who represents the family before the Weyr constantly, and who also makes most of the decisions for the family. Yldr succession is decided by the wish of the Yldr upon his or her death or by mortal combat.
The next highest members of a Family will be those who are the eldest, especially those who many have connection to the Yldr.
The lowest members of a Family are those who are farthest in blood from the Yldr and the youngest, especially if they are young adults just initiated into the Weyr.
Great acts of merit, skill, or special recognition from an Yldr can raise a Family member to a higher position of honor regardless of their connections or age.
Those who are higher in class are expected to lead in honor and strength, making decisions and taking the fault for any under them. The lower are expected to unquestioningly obey, give honor to, and serve those who are higher.
Child Viridians (Ages 1-59, Kwchyn [Cuh-chin], meaning “nestlings”) and Adolescent Viridians (Ages 60-80, Kwyryn [Coy-rin] meaning “young ones”) are technically the lowest members of the hierarchy since they have no voice in the Weyr, but since Viridian children are very valued, they are given utmost—almost obsessive—attention, grooming and direction.
Another class of Viridians are the Vahl’Alkym ([Vaul-awlk-eem) Meaning “Valor-pledge”, sometimes known by those is Ashnuw as simply “Viridian Knights.”) These are Viridians all ages and families who pledge their entire lives to serve Ashnuw in the kingdoms below for the honor of their people. Vahk’Alkym (plural) have a special place of utmost honor and nobility among their families and among the Weyr as a whole.

Public Agenda

he Weyr seems to send double messages to Ashnuw. On one hand, they gladly, even eagerly send members to become Vahl’Alkym to the kingdoms. On the otherhand, they allow no creature except animaloids or perhaps a Guardian on their lands.
The reason for their activism is due to their power and long age. Their strength in skill, flight, fire, and the protection of their scales-- all coupled with their average lifespan of 900 years, makes them prime and ready candidates to be involved in the fate of their world. Those who distrust them often wonder why they choose to be involved in it as servants rather than conquerers. The Vahl-Alkym reply that has been their way for now 1000 years, that their service brings their families honor, and that it is a repayment of a debt to Ashnuw.
The reason for their isolationism is similar. Their long life span allows their memory to run long and has taught them to be refrain from welcoming other kingdoms into their affairs. This is partially because 1) Humans and other kingdoms are known for their industry. This often destroys much of nature and the Weyr wishes to leave their lands as they are. 2) They raise their young at the Cwtch, and as such, are very protective of their nest, 3) They store all their treasure and history and secrets in the Cwtch, 4) The Protectorate of the Weyr, beneath the Sky Island, is a safe haven specifically for Animaloids and any who want to escape from the threat of pirates and racial prejudice. Allowing mingling would compromise their subjects’ safety.
The Weyr is pleased to keep watch over Ashnuw, but does not want Ashnuw coming close to them.

History

685- Danau Becomes First family of the Weyr after destroying the Zakari Family for allying with Pale.
700-Yldr Danau sets precedence by becoming the first Viridian to formally pledge to a kingdom of Ashnuw by swearing to serve the King of Aelyssar. Thus, introducing the Valh’Alkym.
1021-A Weyr, perhaps the greatest Weyr, is called to respond to the crisis of the Pale War. All the male Viridians 70 and older, along with many female volunteers, banded together to form a unified force against Pale.
1021-1700 Various Weyrs called on occasion.
1500-A Weyr is called.
1700-A Weyr is called over rumors of Pale’s reappearance. While the Weyr was in session, the Sanctified destroyed Canubala Cwtch and much of the Protectorate with the Rectifier. There were only 16 survivors. Thus, destroying the formal hierarchy of the Fifteen Families of the Weyr for all time. The Families left with no blood survivors were Tolth, Goorsha, Xyrhos, Zanith and Eorym.

Founding Date

The Weyr has been in existence from the lost years of time.

Type

Governmental, Senate/Parliament

Leader

Yldr Danau

Location

Northern Wastes

Notable Members

• Yldr Danau