Icewatch
From Mizahar Lore
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[[category: Avanthal]] | [[category: Avanthal]] | ||
[[category: Factions]] | [[category: Factions]] | ||
Revision as of 05:05, 21 November 2012
The Icewatch of Avanthal is the city's protection and security. They were put in place by Morwen to keep the city safe both danger both domestic and foreign. Their ranks are made up of mostly Vantha and their Kelvic Dire Polar Bear bond mates but on occasion others are welcomed to join.
Contents |
History
When Morwen first planned to settle her childen in the harsh lands of Taldera it was clear to see that the Vantha would need protection from the large beasts that roamed the land of snow. Icewatch was originally a group of hunters who would watch over the Vantha as they built their city. Their main job was to hunt the beasts that ventured too close to the growing city. Without them Avanthal would have never been built.
At the head of these hunters was a hunter Waelyn who later went on to become the first leader of Icewatch. He was a fair but demanding leader. He took his position from Morwen very seriously and made sure every hunter who joined him did the same. At this time, Icewatch only took the best hunters. There was not room for those who were squeamish or lazy. Their group was held together by hard work and most importantly, teamwork. One man alone could not take down the Talderian beasts on his own. Waelyn gave his hunters the name Icewatch for a simple reason, they watched the ice without a break. They would stand firm until a city stood around them.
Once the city was built Icewatch found themselves more needed than before. Avanthal was still surrounded by the beasts of the north but within the city there was a need for a watch. A group to make sure the citizens remained as hard working and benevolent as when they were building the city. People were beginning to steal and fight. It was only a matter of time before this happened. It is human nature to begin the workings of chaos. Due to this growing need to put an end to crime Waelyn started to take groups of his hunters and have them walk through the city on patrol. Those who were committing crimes were given the choice to stop or leave the city. The ruling was harsh but in Waelyn's mind, fair. There was not room in the new city for those who wanted felt the need to be malevolent. Most people got used to the Icewatch without too much trouble as they were thankful someone was keeping an eye out for them. Others felt Waelyn took to many liberties from his position from Morwen and saw him as though he was trying to take over the city. For a few years there was a small but vengeful resistance to Icewatch but as the years went on and their numbers began to wane. They either got used to the presence of Icewatch or simply left the city.
As Icewatch's influence on the city grew and solidified others started to join their ranks. These new members did not have to be hunters. Some were fighters while others were healers. As the numbers grew Waelyn saw that Icewatch was in need of a headquarters of sorts and a division of workers. By this time the holds had been established as well as their leaders. Waelyn sought out the assistance of Iceglaze Hold from their leader Surriah Iceglaze and asked for her holds help in making barracks for Icewatch. Surriah, as well as the rest of Iceglaze were more than happy to help and within seasons the Icewatch Barracks stood proudly in the city.
As the years passed, Icewatch became known as the protectors of Avanthal, not only by the citizen's of Morwen's city, but the surrounding cities as well. Soon, the rest of Mizahar were hearing whispers of Morwen's Icewatch, even in the deserts of Eyktol and the ports of Zeltiva. What started as a small group of hunters was now a strong military and still stands to this day.
Icewatch In Current Time
Initiation
Before one can become a member of the watch, they must undergo a test, in which they are expected to survive three nights out in the Northern Wastes, sometimes by themselves, sometimes with others. At times, those attempting to be recruited will band together to get through the test, but oftentimes, they will not, knowing that they may not have others to depend on in the future. If they can't survive the test on their own, how are they not going to be killed in the line of duty, after all?
When considering whether or not to join the Watch, one should consider their love and devotion for the city of Avanthal, and for Queen Morwen, as well as their ability to navigate the city, and survive in the cold. It is suggested that before one apply, they train in a number of disciplines, which may include some sort of ranged or melee weapon for defense purposes, or a magical art, (if not both). Having knowledge in wilderness survival as well as hunting or fishing may also come in handy, as well as a general knowledge of Avanthal and its people.
Note: Players who wish to join the ranks of the Icewatch must take part in a thread run by the DS of Avanthal or one of their AS. No player may begin rping as a member of the Watch, due to the nature of the organization; and their want to take people based off a case to case basis.
Branches
Religion
All members of Icewatch worship Morwen, as the guard are the protectors of her city and her people. Another more common deity of worship within Icewatch is Rhaus, the God of Music. While not all members are Vantha, many of the members are and those who aren't often take a liking to Avanthal's love of music and start to worship Rhaus. While devotion to Rhaus is not necessary to being a part of Icewatch, devotion to Morwen is. One will never find a member of Icewatch who does not have an affinity for the winter queen.
Two other deities that are worshiped by Icewatch Caiyha, the Goddess of flora and fauna, and Oriana, the Goddess of bears and parenthood. They are both honored for their influence in the nature of the Icewatch Polar Bears. Many of the bears are taught about the mother and daughter Goddesses from a young age and how they gifted them with their animal nature. There are a good number of Frostfawn members in Icewatch, many of whom worship Caiyha and her children from an early age. Others find an affinity for the nature Gods after being faced with the might of the dire creatures in the Northern Wastes and Reaches.
Of course, there are many other faiths shared sparingly in Icewatch. Many members worship Rak'keli, usually those from Whitevine hold but those marked by her hardly ever become part of the actual watch. Marked healers are allowed in Icewatch but are usually employed in the barracks healing wounded Icewatch members or are part of field groups that will go out into the Reaches and Wastes to save wounded Icewatch members.
Prerequisites to Join
When attempting to qualify as a member of the Icewatch, it is suggested that a pc have some of the following skills:
- Weapon (Any) - 20 to 30 pts: weapons could include various types of bows, pole-type weapons, and occasionally metal weapons though unarmed combat is the favored fighting style.
- Magic - 20 to 30 pts: magics are mostly supportive (auristics, spiritism, etc) and help the Icewatch member carry out their duties; whether that be defending innocents, or getting information out of people. Note that Avanthal is typically distrustful of destructive magics that could get out of control.
- Medicine - 20 to 30 pts: some members of Icewatch are purely supportive and long ranged patrols often contain a member who sole purpose is to see to the physical well-being of the patrol
- Hunting or Fishing- 10 to 20 pts: to help one survive on long range patrols
- Wilderness Survival- 20 to 30 pts: most Icewatch guards are sent out on a few long range patrols a season into the nearby wilderness and require the appropriate skills to survive
Two or more lores of the candidate's choice: History (Avanthal, Icewatch, Vantha), Religion (Morwen), How to Survive in Avanthal, Knowledge of Ice Reaving
Note: Exceptions to these suggestions are often made however, especially if the person applying has something unique to offer to the Watch.
It is suggested that a member bond with a Kelvic polar bear within a season after having joined the Watch, assuming they have not already bonded with one before joining.
Current Members
Sliver, Wolverine Kelvic