The Tevan Tay
"We do not hunt for sport or pleasure. We hunt to protect our loved ones and to uncover the secrets nature holds close." - Bakkay Rulyen, Tevan Tay Grandmaster
The Tevan Tay was formed by the famed warrior Yullder, Bane of All Beasts to train new hunters and research the wildlife of Rocturra and beyond. All across Rocturra, members of the guild protect settlements from dangerous wildlife and study the natural world.
History
Founding
After his great hunt in the untamed forests of Virginwood, Yullder, the famed hunter known as the Bane of all Beasts would be chosen to become a Marked Defender. Yullder excepted the honor without hesitation, drinking from the crimson waters of the Blood Lake of Monurga and adorning himself in the defender's silver armor. During his time as a Marked Defender, Yullder lent his spear in the defense of Rocturra. With his skills as a hunter, he was often sent to ward off creatures no other elf could face. As he grew older, Yullder wished for a way to disperse his knowledge of animals and hunting to other Roctane. By using his influence as a Marked Defender, Yullder and his remaining hunting companions from his expedition in Virginwood formed the Teven Tay in 563 1E. The guild was formed with two purposes in mind: to train hunters to keep dangerous wildlife in check and to conduct studies on the flora and fauna of Stelwen. Yullder would serve as the first Grandmaster of the Tevan Tay, overseeing the guild in its formative years. The Tevan Tay grew rapidly under Yullder's leadership, establishing chapters all across Rocturra by 570 1E. The growth of the guild indirectly caused the city of Mor Notsra, the provincial capital of Mongrasil, to grow exponentially due to the guild's headquarter's being located there.Creation of the Night Cloak Hunt
By the year 578 1E, Yullder stepped down from the position as Grandmaster due to old age, handing the title off to the youngest of his companions, Bakkay Rulyen. She would lead the organization until her retirement in 608 1E, though before she left, she would establish the tradition known as The Night Cloak Hunt. To become the next Grandmaster, candidates must slay the elusive Lesser Dragon known as the Notallkr, take its horn as a trophy, and feast on its flesh. The purpose of this ritual is to test the skills of the prospecting Grandmaster by tasking them to hunt a creature skilled in stealth and evasion. If they are to succeed in slaying this creature alone, they have proven themselves in the eyes of the guild and are worthy of claiming the title of Grandmaster.The Gravemind War
While out investigating rabid animals that had come from the Putrid Depths with her trainer, Noria Minkinna and her trainer would stumble upon a horrific sight. Slumbering within the dark caverns, under a pile of torn corpses of underground animals rested a massive three-headed demon known as the Sinma Gravemind. The demon had been awoken by a mad devotee of the Aeunta Asar Sinma, which had taken control of the creatures of the depths, forcing them to kill indiscriminately until ultimately sacrificing themselves to the Gravemind. Noria and her master ambushed the Gravemind and its devotee before it grew too strong, but Noria's master would succumb to fatal wounds at the hands of the demon. Noria became highly respected within the Tevan Tay for her actions, by 127 2E, she would become Grandmaster of the Tevan Tay. During her tenure as Grandmaster, Noria uncovered evidence of a secretive cult worshipping Asar Simna, the same Aeunta that created the vile demon that killed her master. Wanting to prevent the rise of another Sinma Gravemind, Noria dispatched hunters to eliminate the cult, often against the wishes of her underlings. Her actions were seen as reckless and outside of her domain, but even with the threat of expulsion, Noria persisted. As instructed, her hunters slaughtered all members of the cult they encountered and searched for any evidence of a new Gravemind being grown. After a year of her hunting this cult, Noria's Chapter Masters were considering a coup to oust the current Grandmaster. Her orders had cost the lives of many hunters and was completely outside of the guild's purpose. Threaten with being ousted, Noria followed her last lead on the cult on her own. Her lead led her to a hideout that had tunneled into the Putrid Depths into a massive chamber of corpses. Vindicated and horrified, Noria discovered a second Sinma Gravemind, this one nearly twice the size of the last one. The Gravemind's brood grew within the decaying flesh of both animals and elves, awaiting the day they are unleashed upon Rocturra. With the evidence of a new Gravemind that could threaten all of Rocturra, Noria gathered an army of hunters and mercenaries and assaulted the cult's hideout. The battle was bloody, with both sides sustaining heavy losses within the chamber of rotting corpses. Just as she had before, Noria faced down the Gravemind with sword in hand. She danced around the creature's blows, landing strikes upon the demon's three heads. After a long battle, Noria and her army of hunters would slay the great demon and slaughter the entire cult. Noria's actions made her a legend within the Tevan Tay, earning her the title Serpent Hunter. She would go on to lead the guild for another 20 years, stepping down in 149 2E.Organizational Structure
Grandmaster
The Tevan Tay is led by the Grandmaster, the most skilled hunter within the guild who has proven themselves by completing the Night Cloak Hunt. The duties of the Grandmaster are to oversee the operation of the entire guild and assign duties to Chapter Masters. The Grandmaster has to power to select Chapter Masters and sign off on expeditions.Chapter Master
Each Chapter of the Tevan Tay is headed by a Chapter Master who is selected by the Grandmaster. Their duties are to lead their assigned chapter by overseeing research and hunts conducted within their chapter's domain.Chief Hunter
Each chapter has an experienced hunter take on the role of Chief Hunter. Their duties are to oversee the training of new hunters and manage hunts within their chapter's domain.Chief Researcher
The Chief Researcher of each Chapter is head in the same regard as the Chief Hunter. Their duties are to oversee all research conducted within their chapter's designated territory.Hunters and Researchers
The majority of the Tevan Tay's ranks are made up of hunters and Researchers of varying experience levels. The duties of hunters include protecting settlements from dangerous wildlife, taking on jobs to kill or ward off animals from certain areas, and protecting researchers while they work. The role of researchers is to conduct studies on wildlife, maintain the guild records on creatures, and keep watch for unusual phenomena.
Founding Date
563 1E
Type
Guild, Adventuring
Alternative Names
Yullder's Hunters
Related Traditions
Related Species
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