House of the Burning Feather

The House of the Burning Feather originated as a social club for Nishugirri, but has since developed a focus on helping people who are struggling with addiction (primarily alcoholism) or who can only sustain themselves through criminal activities. This strand of the organisation has its origins in the limited opportunities available to Nishugirri in many cities, where their usual outsider-status often wears them down and limits their ability to flourish through legitimate means. Although senior membership and leadership within the organisation is still restricted to Nishugirri, their aid is available to anyone in need, provided that they are willing to change. The original 'house' is situated in the Old Town of Arbetuyun, but there are now groups in many major cities in Del-e Jahan and beyond. Often, these houses appear as unassuming buildings, and only advertise themselves through word of mouth within the community.

One famous quirk of the organisation is found in its naming practices. New members are allowed to retain their own names for social use, but are also encouraged to adopt a new name based on their lowest moments struggling with crime or addiction - this is intended to serve as a reminder both of how far they have come through the help of the house, and a warning as to how far they might fall again if they give in to temptation. For instance, the first house established in Titubochi was founded by a woman known as Screams-through-Fire, who described her lowest point as the moment when she accidentally burned down an inn by dropping a candle in the stables where she was sleeping and passing out from drunkenness before she could notice the place catching fire. Some members use their adopted names in all circumstances, choosing to leave behind the person they were before seeking help, while others only use these adopted names when acting on behalf of the house.

Many people will never knowingly cross paths with a member of the House of the Burning Feather, and most have never even heard of it; but even those who are aware of the house's social activism are often unaware of its other activities. Members of the house are often encouraged to redirect their potentially destructive energies into exercise, and those Nishugirri members who show particular promise are trained to develop this exercise into a form of martial arts. These skills are intended to be used both in self defence and in the defence of others, and also to proactively 'remove' problematic individuals in order to prevent them from doing any more harm. These combat skills do not use weapons - other than, occasionally, makeshift weapons such as kitchen knives or broomsticks - so that someone with the proper training is able to go about their lives without being seen as a threat, while still being able to act at a moment's notice.

Founding Date

782

Type

Social, Activist

Demonym

Feather