The Silver Branches

The Silver Branches are a radical sect of worshippers of Mielikki, original formed of druids and rangers originating from the area surrounding what is now as Crypcroft. Now believed to be disbanded or extinct, the sect has resorted to hiding in shadows, whispers and secret codes replacing their sermons and hymns against the menace of lycanthropy and the undead. To mention the Silver Branches is to be met with shushing and a changing of topic coupled with worried glances for a silver unicorn head symbol.

Structure

At the head of the Silver Branches stands the Silverhand. Believing themself to be holy appointed by Mielikki, their word is absolute on all matters within the Silver Branches, their investigations and exterminations, as well as damning to those who find themselves set upon by their wrath. Leading the Silver Branches in their worship, reciting their hymns and prayers from perfect memory as perfectly as they lead them in their chants when purging one they see as tainted from Vicheve, they are described as glowing with Mielikki's light shining off of their silver accourtaments.

Culture

At the core of the beliefs of the Silver Branches is their burning hated for the undead and lycanthropic, seeing them as the ultimate blight upon the world; one which must be eradicated in its entirety, cut to ribbons by their silvered blades and burnt upon great fires over which they sing their hymns and offer words of worship to Mielikki. To the Silver Branches any taint of these menaces, however slight or rumoured, will be investigated, assessed and if need be eradicated.

Public Agenda

The main goal of this sect is the eradication of all undead and people afflicted with lycanthropy to the last. This goal has been the focus of the Silver Branches since the organisation's inception owing to their origins beginning in the lands surrounding Crypcroft now known as the Cryptlands.

History

The Silver Branches origins are those of pain, blood and loss. In the area that is now known as the Cryptlands, surrounding the city of Crypcroft, the lands were fertile and prosperous, having good harvests and supporting the people living there, until the night of fangs. On the night of an infamous lunar eclipse, known as the Blood Moon, the city of Hewe was overtaken by a plague. Not of debilitating disease, but one of undead; fanged, blood-drinking masters leading their shambling servants through the streets, murdering those who stood against them and enslaving those who did not. Out in the farming villages enormous beasts tore people to shreds in a flurry of fur, claws and teeth. By the time the Blood Moon passed, the lands were forever tainted, cursed by the undead and lycanthropes that now populated them. Since that day, a pawl has hung over the Cryptlands, casting the land in gloom and darkness.
From these lands, people crept forth. Displaced families, those who had managed to flee the new rule, sneaking away in the brighter hours to avoid the supernatural forces oppressing them. These people were changed; harder, colder and more brutal, their hearts carrying the horrors they had witnessed. As they crossed the rivers surround the tainted Cryptlands, they reformed, grieving those they had lost and swearing vengeance. Fuelling this fire was the remaining clerics, druids and rangers, those who worshipped the god Mielikki, now wondering why she had forsaken them. This group of furious, heartbroken people would go on to form the Silver Branches.

By Fire and Silver, they shall be cleansed

Type

Religious, Sect

Alternative Names

Wolf-Slayers, Crypt-Breakers, Shiny-Horns

Leader

Silverhand Sebastian Cornuax

Leader Title

Silverhand

Parent Organization

Temple of Mielikki