The An'sei Path
The Clay Gate's First Guardians
Deep within the hidden groves of Al'Khyneth's Garden dwells a secret tribe of beastfolk known as the An'sei. These folk were believed to have been molded or even outright created by Al'Khyneth in order to serve as her stewards and envoys. They are distinct in that they are a beastfolk that share characteristics of the capybara. Elusive, dedicated, and resilient, the An'sei live their lives in reverence of the balance of life and Al'khyneth's work.Mythology & Lore
Central to An’sei mythology is the Clay Guardian, a fabled construct said to defend Aye’Drasil from intruders. Some tales suggest it was the An’sei themselves who created this powerful sentinel, while others claim it was a direct gift from Al’Khyneth. According to legend, only the Rune Singers, known as Echo’arda, could bypass the Clay Guardian using specific Al’Urid commands.
The An’sei were made in the image of capybaras, a rare beast of Al’Khyneth’s design, to reflect their gentle, sociable, and resilient nature. As part of their divine covenant, the An’sei were tasked with leading a peaceful life, only resorting to violence to defend themselves, others, or Aye’Drasil.
Divine Origins
The An’sei tribe traces its origins to the Goddess Al’Khyneth, who created the tribe to serve as guardians of the fabled Tree of Legend, or Aye’Drasil. According to myth, the goddess entrusted the An’sei with the sacred duty of protecting this mystical tree from the greed of the outside world. In exchange for their unwavering service, Al’Khyneth blessed the tribe with gifts, including the sacred Al’Urid language, a runic tongue imbued with magical power.
At its peak, the An’sei tribe numbered between 15,000 and 20,000 members, living in isolation deep within the marshes of Yorn. Today, they are believed to be extinct, their culture and traditions relegated to legend.
Tenets of Faith
The An’sei faith is guided by seven core tenets, passed down by the Echo’arda, who serve as spiritual leaders and teachers:
Sanctity of Life: Violence is only permitted in self-defense or the defense of others and Aye’Drasil. Those who threaten others forfeit their right to life and safety.
Respect for Nature's Gifts: Consumption of flesh or blood is forbidden; these belong to the beasts. Sustenance must come from what the land provides.
Forbidden Word: The Al’Urid word "Dremoketh" (Die) is banned, as it consumes both target and speaker. Its use is a sacrilege.
Divine Names: Each An’sei receives a unique, divine name from Al’Khyneth, representing their essence. Forgetting or dishonoring this name is an affront to the goddess.
Gratitude to Nature: The land, plants, and waters must be respected and nurtured with gratitude.
Compassion and Generosity: Aid and care for others are paramount, reflecting Al’Khyneth’s benevolence.
Facing Hardship: Life’s trials are transformative and must be met with optimism and understanding to preserve the purity of the soul.
Sanctity of Life: Violence is only permitted in self-defense or the defense of others and Aye’Drasil. Those who threaten others forfeit their right to life and safety.
Respect for Nature's Gifts: Consumption of flesh or blood is forbidden; these belong to the beasts. Sustenance must come from what the land provides.
Forbidden Word: The Al’Urid word "Dremoketh" (Die) is banned, as it consumes both target and speaker. Its use is a sacrilege.
Divine Names: Each An’sei receives a unique, divine name from Al’Khyneth, representing their essence. Forgetting or dishonoring this name is an affront to the goddess.
Gratitude to Nature: The land, plants, and waters must be respected and nurtured with gratitude.
Compassion and Generosity: Aid and care for others are paramount, reflecting Al’Khyneth’s benevolence.
Facing Hardship: Life’s trials are transformative and must be met with optimism and understanding to preserve the purity of the soul.
Worship
The An’sei worship Al’Khyneth through acts of gratitude, harmony with nature, and the use of the Al’Urid language. Their worship practices include:
Rune Singing: A sacred art mastered by the Echo’arda, the singing of Al’Urid words channels divine magic. Words can summon fire, heal wounds, or manipulate the environment, but their use demands caution. Overuse or speaking unattuned words results in severe backlash, including physical harm to the speaker.
Healing and Alchemy: The An’sei priests and priestesses are skilled healers, blending alchemy with the natural resources of the Yorn marshes to tend to their people and the land.
Communal Gatherings: Worship often takes the form of communal meals and group ceremonies, emphasizing the social bonds within the tribe.
Silent Reverence: Out of respect for the power of their language, the An’sei avoid unnecessary speech, particularly the Echo’arda, who use Al’Urid words sparingly.
Rune Singing: A sacred art mastered by the Echo’arda, the singing of Al’Urid words channels divine magic. Words can summon fire, heal wounds, or manipulate the environment, but their use demands caution. Overuse or speaking unattuned words results in severe backlash, including physical harm to the speaker.
Healing and Alchemy: The An’sei priests and priestesses are skilled healers, blending alchemy with the natural resources of the Yorn marshes to tend to their people and the land.
Communal Gatherings: Worship often takes the form of communal meals and group ceremonies, emphasizing the social bonds within the tribe.
Silent Reverence: Out of respect for the power of their language, the An’sei avoid unnecessary speech, particularly the Echo’arda, who use Al’Urid words sparingly.
Type
Religious, Druidic Circle
Contributors: Betadesh