Ynellian
Hallowed be the Specters of Blood, Pride, and Enmity!
We of chosen blood, mortal mind, and cursed body
Hallowed be the Specters of Blood, Pride, and Enmity!
We of chosen blood, mortal mind, and cursed body
We of chosen blood, mortal mind, and cursed body
Concept
Children of Gods
Their name comes from Swedish 'mellan,' meaning "between, betwixt," and the Romanian 'din,' meaning "in, of." So Ynellian, "the in-between," are supposed to be the first of their species. The first union between the Faeries and Men. In concept, they're to essentially be a form of pseudo-vampiric race, beings requiring blood bursting with aura (a mana analog) to satiate their hunger and live to their fullest potential. As halflings, Ynellian greatly resembles the humans of this world. However, due to specific traits, they all carry many permanent physical distinctions to prevent them from going unnoticed in human society. These would be traits that I drew from the Norse Hulder, Scottish Baobhan sith, and Swedish Skogsrået. They be like children lost to ashes, sired of wet wood and frontier dreams, a progeny whose spirit sets the heart of millions ablaze. Know well their passions of ardor, the depths of their savagery, the tomes of born of their cunning, and the pillars that define their great sorceries, for these be the virtues much valued by them of hallowed blood. Sentimental beings, daemons, who fall just as easily to the seductions of lust, avarice, and war. And yet, while strife and treachery lie abundant as a field of blooming meadows. The zeal of Ynellian is graceful and delicate as the petals of a red rose, their love fickle-like rolling tides, and their homes bountiful and immensely warm. You'd not uncover any Hyyl born of the frontier that would see them nothing more than the most marvelous of artisans, shrewdest purveyors of war, artful linguists, and conceited lords. And yet still, who are they to question the passion of Ynellian? Their love. Their strength. Their pride. No one."
Basic Information
Anatomy
Basic
Like the Dagomárii, the Ynellian are considered a new species. One separate from Hyyl and Fae. The Ynellian share many of the alluring characteristics of the fabled Children of Night and well-known Sons of Âyrgoš. In biology, the Ynellian are humanoid in shape, though much larger and sturdier than their faerie and human ancestors.Morphology
The Ynellian took after the Ašvâla, faeries born of Alora. They were Fae who were known for their sensuality, pride, and avarice. A tale from the Chaqe Ṱâyeme Qâḓesu describes a group of faeries who drank the blood of an elder divine, becoming mad, before drinking their kinsmen dry. They were known as the "Ašvâla," a cursed people enraptured by the aura-rich blood of men and beasts. At a glance, the Ynellian appear to be carbon copies of these peoples. They have ears like that of a sly fox, sharp dagger-like canines, and short bushy tails that sway lovingly in the wind. Their nails even swallow all light, appearing black as the night. Their skin has a brownish almost violet tone, with sharp youthful features. And large almond-shaped eyes that range from a sterling emerald to a yellowish cerulean. They're well known to be very sensual people of a particularly sinewy and nimble stature that exudes a presence of intoxicating passion and stifling majesty. Most Ynellian are slightly above average in height as compared to Hyyl.Growth Rate & Stages
Physiology
Born of the Âyrgoš, Ynellian are similar to Hyyl in appearance. However, due to their Ašvâlan ancestry, most true-blooded Ynellian wouldn't be physically mature until they're at most 65 to 100 years old. And they would reach old age between 450-530 years. As such, it's customary for Ynellian to usually sire, at most, three children between one's physical maturity (age 100) and middle age (age 300) before their physical decline (roughly around age 435).Growth Rate
If we're to be specific, Ynellian age a 1/4 of what a Hyyl normally would (Aging 25 years per every 100). A result of impeded growth. Ynellian ages similarly to Hyyl for most of their early childhood (1-8). That is, until early adolescence (10-14).- Explosive growth in their aura induces a mindnumbing thirst for blood, enhanced physical capabilities, and a dizzying rise in their senses. Only after being "blooded" would the desire calm itself. And the body stabilizes, too, slowing their physical growth.
The Curse of Ašvâla
Keep in mind, this is a natural and yet magical phenomenon, a curse that has altered their biology over generations. Ynellian can curb or even push this phenomenon further depending on the quality of blood one drinks and at what age. For example, Green Nobles. They are known to drink the aura-dense blood of Fenbayân Nûřsyoca (holy beasts) which causes them to live nearly as long as Ďagómaari.Additional Information
Social Structure
Since long before Exodus, the Ynellian peoples have been a hierarchical society. With the gradual renewal of monarchies, the Ynellian class system has gone through a renaissance of sorts, coming back into prominence. Based on the Marežian Status System of 1412 R.G. and Frontier Naming Traditions, the Ynellian peoples are divided by diet, ancestry, and merit. (Keep in mind that the classes change based on the culture, and some classes are predominant or nonexistent in some Ynellian societies.)
Omrâvm Sûcht - Red Royals
Though most of their lineage stems from the great Order Môřchim, these Ynellian can be considered the highest order in status and power. Their clans are reviled by Hyyl as murderers, resented by their brethren as arrogant, but regarded by all for their immense power.- Diet: They who feed upon Hyyl, Ďagómaari, or Írbhailšenn unsatiated by the bitter blood of lesser ilk such as monsters and divine beasts. Red Royals bare eyes tinged a murky Sûcht (blood), speckled in violet fire.
- Merit: It is the Red Royals who inherited the Mainland's southern reaches. Their number, controlling the flow of Ťanyoch Dergon and Derq'ond Îayr. Because in Ynellian society, only their offspring become sages and transmogrifiers of great renown.
Ebrâqon Mare ṱâv' - Green Nobles
Born of the artisans, merchants, and commoners of Edřeuzve Čavs, they are the mighty descendants of the , Pelože Mare ṱâv' (Viridian Spring). These Ynellian hold a status equal if not a little lesser than the Red Royals, and yet they are the most revered amongst Ďagómaari and Hyyl. Adored for their fidelity, passion, and mastery of coin.- Diet: These nobles feed upon divine beasts such as the L'aune Kol, born of oath and traditions. They savor the sweet nectar of sacred beasts. Their eyes are vibrant Mare ṱâv' (bluish emerald color), holding flecks of gold or silver.
- Merit: They are known today throughout the Isyalas Asrîlean world as the Marežians of the North and South Crescent, the Chanters of the Red Bay. For no one other than the Marežians can produce such colorful and boisterous chants. For it is their Crescent Company that directs the winds of trade, their company that established the kingdom of Marež Čavio, and their ingenuity that brought hail sugar to the world.
Esreyân Qabreji - Orange Children
The reviled descendants of Houses Amarídeus. As former royals, their status should eclipse that of the Red Royals and Green Nobles combined. Yet they wallow in the blacks sands of Cea Marecâs hated by all.- Diet: They who cannibalize their fellow Ynellian, draining them violently of their heavenly essence. These Ynellian bear eyes of Qabreji (Orange), with splotches of muddy brown within.
- Merit: They are known to the Eastern world as renowned ferrymen, vicious pirates, and bloody thieves who fall easily to the seductions of blood and gold. They guard the black sands of Cea Marecâs with cunning and cruelty.
Nascha câd ṱevâ - Purple Eyes
The last seeds of Dainèll, losers and betrayers. They are the common rabble of all Ynellian society, the lowly ones, commoners. The ones oft-seen throughout the Isyalas Asrîlean.- Diet: These Ynellian feed on the blood of lesser beasts such as the orfia and hibhan, for necessity and status. Their hunger is quite agonizing, coming on in waves. The blood fills but is somewhat lacking. They bear eyes tinged a hauntingly pale želaq (Lilac), the iris growing more green as the color moves further from the pupil.
- Merit: They keep the cogs rolling, the coin flowing, and the blood cold. "They can't well have royals do the work, can they?"
Nascha Pela'û - Blue Eyes
They are the gutless Blue Eyes who forgo their true nature. They have torn out their fangs, living in abject agony, as the harrowing hunger claws and pecks at their mind incessantly. They bare the eyes of Pela'û (blue), a most sickly and pale blue. You'd not find them anywhere near common society. Or, so one is told. Could they be the lost progeny of Ochèvairra?Average Intelligence
Average, their intelligence is equal if not a little greater than that of Man.
Civilization and Culture
Relationship Ideals
Chavic Clans
The Âyrgoš Lineage
Before the Esrîl Astûleiâ (Second Age), a "clan" was several tribes of one's blood kin led by the head chieftain of the families. It was a patriarchal clan built on blood ties and shared customs. Where only the strongest and nimble among them could lead, that was the way of Âyrgoš. As the Ševesqi clan grew, swallowing the other Âyrgoš. A new clan system was born, Gheft Amto med, "the tree branch system."
Here, a prominent or head family would take charge, "the root." And those subfamilies, "the branches," of their lineage serve under them in exchange for support. That being coin, stature, or security. However, as the Esrîl Astûleiâ came, the Gheft Ṱevâ med, "berry branch system," was solidified.
While relation and lineage still followed back through the sons. Only those born of an esteemed line or figure, "the berry," could hold titles in Omregac Ostûreyâ îd Ešqâmenni (Second Kingdom of Men). Or put plainly, only those who achieved merits were worthy of titles. Magical, financial, intellectual, political, or martial.
Modern Clans
The Ynellian Gerontocracy
By the Omregac Et̬rúyech (Third Kingdom), the pillars of Čavic society were being pushed further and further into a meritocracy. And yet, on the other hand. The titles of clan leadership fell into the maw of Ynellian elders, "a gerontocracy." Naturally, the Ynellian overtook their Ševesqi ancestors. And, thus, becoming the new Čavs. But so to the realities of their Ašvâlan blood came to the fray. As Ynellian, they were far more resilient than any mortal. Long-living, strong, and well-versed in Fettering sorceries. It was no wonder the Čavic Clan system changed once more. They would mirror "the body" and "the blood."- Following the Law of Honor, all Ynellian must uphold the name of their lineage. As such, a "clan" wears the surname of their most notable pre-Et̬rúyech ancestor. The respected epithet of their ancestor.
- Ûghef Šindcha (elders) lead the clan's head and branches. Only Ynellian of nearly 300 years and older are allowed to vie for the title of ûghef šind. An Ûghef Šind does not serve a life-long term as clan leader. And will be unseated before old age, between 500 and 630 years.
- By Čavic law, there must always be more than three embritcha (heirs) per clan. The head family must sire at least three embritcha to succeed their line. However, each subbranch must bear at most two. "One to lead, two to grow." Note1
- A "clan" consists of one's immediate family (grandparents, parents, and siblings) as well as their close relatives (paternal 2nd and 3rd cousins), their Suíbřan (oathbound), and Churlastcha sûcht (blood servants).Note2
Culture and Cultural Heritage
The Ynellian Legacy
A once-storied history of death and exile becomes naught but a simple folktale. The Chaqe Ṱâyeme Qâḓesu describes a group of faeries who drank the blood of elder Tsé Bhanc, becoming mad, before drinking their kin dry. They were known as the "Ašvâla" a cursed people who had become addicted to the aura-rich blood of men and beasts. It morphed their beautiful forms into something more...beastly. The Ynellian, are by nature, a rather insatiable and prideful people swaddled in storied culture. Their history is one mottled in selfish politics, peerless craftsmanship, timeless melodrama, and loving kinship. The way their people weave together words into beautiful melodies of magick has sired numerous legends. Myths immortalized into the very depths of Frontier culture. And yet, their prideful nature has elicited a ravenous appetite, lusting for passionate love, great affluence, cunning mischief, and eloquent artistry. There are untold thousands of conflicts, of which their ambitions have caused. Numerous nations and ideologies they have birthed. So much so that the image of the Ynellian has ascended to near-mythic status, with they descendant from them known for birthing the most astute, ruthless, and deeply passionate rulers in all of history. You will find many a romance written about the Ynellian or the many people associated with them.
Art & Architecture
Before their rise to kingship, the Čavs held a somewhat naturalistic mentality. Their views placed practicality over sentiment as they mostly emulated faerie society.
- Like them, the Čavs took to becoming adept foresters that maintained the forests. Trees, such as the duskwood, were perceived as holy for its black color and sturdy quality. Their use, in time, became synonymous with famous vessels and sacred constructions which were often followed by replanting.
- Living in Derq'onia, the Čavs were sea ferrying people. They revered the shores and knew the sea and its rivers like the back of their hands. Most of their folklore represented their fascination, fear, and reverence of the forests and sea. A trait that carried over into their craftsmanship.
- As the Ynellian grew into the prominent Čavs, much of their embellishments, emblems, and art reflected their ancestors' love of the sea and Cerpeskan highlands.
Common Customs, Traditions and Rituals
The Hexadic Code
Ethnic Tradition ~ Social Codes
The Ynellian of today, like their ancestors before, are guided by canons of the Chaqe Ṱâyeme Qâḓesu. "the Black Chronicle of Achébheiron." Whether they be born of the Order Môřchim, long-lived heirs of Pelože Mare ṱâv', the tainted Crown of Amarídeus, or the last seeds of Dainèll, in modern Ynellian society, all laws, traditions, and codes find their precedent in the Black Chronicle. And, though, there are many aspects of Ynellian culture that differ throughout the Isyalas Asrîlean. Then, severed by the riggers of time and war, divorced now by the spirit of thrones and topography. There is an undercurrent, one aspect of Ynellian culture that unilaterally binds and divides Čavio's fifth line. That would be the Hexadic Code, six laws spoken from the Black Chronicle. Six inherent tenets that all true Ynellian must uphold. Bound together, forming what many would call their societal fabric. They are: Honor & Retribution: "We (Ynellian) fear death more than any other. For in it, everyone receives a clean slate, every man equal in the great dream. So, is every trial lost to the tides of time? Our prestige born of blood gone to its ebb and flow? No." As such,- Code of Honor: Forefathers, laying the pillars that mold the vaunted cathedral of Ynellian culture, hallowed by the heirs and exalted in the epithets sung unto antiquity.
- Code of Retribution: Atrocities of the material will incur divine fury and mortal punishment, burned into the tapestry of time and carved deftly into the oaths left behind.
- Code of Woe: There is nothing more profane than biting the mind through flesh. Therein, bending and twisting the soul through bodily torment. For, even the gods grew frightened at the loss of reason.
- Code of Wit: The weight of words is to be like one's house and prestige, solid and unblemished. Nimble and full. May the tongue caught spurning the promise of words fall like a manor in disrepair, its honor consumed by smallness and ridicule.
- Code of Blood: Blood, yes, that is our world. But, so too, an affliction. That is why the olden ways held to oaths of blood and order. A leash of codes and honor molded into our very traditions. As Ynellian, ask not for aid, no, help is for the weak. But trust and promises, those, are invaluable.
- Code of Pride: As Ynellian, we walk the path lain by those before. Gods, but lesser. Hyyl, but greater. A pillar carved from marble shall not become stone. So let he who forsakes his pride fall, Ynellian no more. For, an heir may forgo his lineage but never his pride.
Nellédi's Kiss
Baptismal Rite ~ Bloodening
Since ancient times it was believed that the Ašvâla drank the naelle blood out of spite. To rebel against their brethren who were envious of their might. And, would have them lower themselves to Ceir and his blasted nine. Others would say it was a ritual, a mad dash for eternal youth, and immense power. Though in truth, it was something, not even the Ašvâla themselves had not expected. To think that the blood would come to change their very physiology."Their youthful features and robust magick were tied to the blood. They drank of it, consumed the hallowed blood of the L'aune Kol and Ro Ialvean with much vigor and savagery. They grew in strength, mighty with the tongue, and cruel with the sword. Their blood ached, burned for aura-rich blood to wet their lips. The Ašvâla were gone. Savages gave way to their deathly hunger and desire."They were addicted, sustaining themselves on the candied nectar for dear life. For without it, their bodies became unstable and given way to ruin. Ravaged by an ungodly thirst that withers the skin and greys the temples. A ruin that robbed the warm embrace of Soarelle's light and fostered bloody death. What madness digs beneath the flesh, charing the veins as it mutilates the mind? So, Nellédi's Kiss, or "the Blooding," came to be. It is this ritual, on a child's tenth birthday, that a youngling is born a true Ynellian. With the aid of their clan, the youngling kills or captures quality prey (be they Hyyl/Írbhailšenn/Ďagómaari/beast), and then drinks of its blood. It's crimson sealing their fate.
The Blood Pact
There is a saying in Ynellian culture that,To us, it means that establishing good relationships can grant one a certain degree of strength while coming from renown or ancient lineage can bestow one authority, but in the end, it always comes back to blood. In the end, the only thing you can trust is the stirring of blood, the hunger it entails, the strength it bestows, and the Chains of Red it creates.
"In kinship, there be a strength. In lineage, there be power. But blood, that is everything."
Suíbřan ~ Oathbound
The Suíbřan, or Oathbound of Ynellian culture, is a sacred right. One bestowed to very few. At their oldest, they are ancient branch families, blood sworn to their liege, "the Chains of Red." But at its most admirable, the Oathbound is an outsider avowed by a Ynellian as their blood kin. It is a symbol of utmost trust and prestige. It represents the binding of two halves as one whole. Two people, two families, entire nations. Or the creation of a new one entirely. Outside of Čavic society, there is no equivalent. Friends, strangers, tribes, and even kingdoms become as one clan. Under one authority.- While they may not always inherit the same name, they become bound not by an oath between mortals but a curse of Nellédi, "the Saintess of Charms."
- An Oathbound is not equivalent to some Churlaste sûcht. There can be several hundreds of blood servants to one clan, as they are considered menial slaves to their liege. They are food, slaves, knights, attendants, etc. An Oathbound, however, is family.Note3
- There can only be two Oathbound per Čavic generation. ~ Roughly 300 years.
History
Short History
They, sired of a mutual cohabitation, were thus born of the Ašvâla, a group of faeries stripped of their wings and banished from the Courts of Isyala Siôbhea. And the ancient Âyrgoš, the young Čavic rulers of an ever-growing empire. It would have been easy for the Čavs to dismiss or even eradicate the Ašvâla in their weakened state. And yet, it was the unwavering deliberations of the Achébheiron which bore a fruitful union. The Ašvâla were without ally. A stable homeland, and were near mad of hunger. Being Fae, the Children of Grisha's greatest enemy. They very much expected to perish at the hands of Hyyl. And yet, it was the Čavs who provided them sustenance and shelter, a warm place to call home. The Achébheiron who offered their sweet blood. And whilst they knew it was more so for self-gain than charity, the hospitality of the Čavic princes. It truly sired a great warmth in the hearts of many of the Ašvâla. It rekindled the festering enmity they still held for their cousins in the Alora. And so it was decided. They'd already broken the Oath Umbril. Drinking of hallowed blood. To break yet another taboo for their saviors was trivial, no, minuscule in comparison. Who could oppose them now? The High Court of Nomari? No. They were síophea, Ašvâla! And thus, the Ašvâla join hands with the Čavs and bestowed upon their new brethren the arts of fettering sorceries. And so was born the Âsmhil Omregac îd Ešqâmenni (the First Kingdom of Men), so to the Black Kings of Achébheiron, and the Great Ferrymen of Derq'onia.
Genetic Ancestor(s)
Lifespan
Depending on on their diet, between 450 ~ 750 years
Related Organizations
Related Ethnicities
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