Trieweborne — The True Religion
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Discovering The High Elk
Long ago, a boy was spared; abandoned by kin and raised by elk. Though he was wolven, the herd accepted him for his coloring. He was taught their ways, fed the bodies of their elders and grew to be their protector. For the boy's restraint and loyalty, he was visited by the one the elders called He With a Thousand Horns. The boy took to calling him the High Elk for his stature above even the largest, and it was He who bestowed the boy with a name of his own. Déorwine — Friend of the Elk.
So long as the boy continued to follow His ways and protect the herd then he shall be blessed in His light. A lavished life for one of service. For a while he listened. The boy, now man, had a family of his own who he taught the ways of the elk. His children had children and the herd became pack. The High Elk always provided, even in the family's hardest times, just as promised until wolf betrayed elk.
One of Déorwine's desendents was plagued by greed. He hunted freely and broke the herd's trust in wolf kind. For his crimes, his pelt was stripped of His holy colors leaving nothing but a ghost behind. The man found himself unable to hunt as prey caught sight of him before he could grow near. He pled for forgiveness, but judgement had already been passed. If he wished to right his wrongs, only his decendents would be capable. Through dedication and shame the man gave his upmost devotion.
With the birth of his children he found that even they were born to bear his sins, though marks of His approval colored their pelt. It would be several generations before the blights were eliminated completely from his lineage. His punishment was a notice to all and a reminder for any birthed with sin that He was always watching. Time persisted and balance was eventually restored, until history was deemed to repeat itself.
A new queen of greed used His teachings to bend her will. His followers had been conditioned to oblivion as the High Elk sent his warnings, and in the end she was named irredeemable. The queen and her followers were wiped from the land, and in their place bloomed something new. The Trieweborne; loyalists to He and His ways. His followers bore the name, Deoradhán — Guardian of the Elk, in dedication to Him and protecting the truth.
The Foundation
He With a Thousand Horns — Thou who guides to bountiful land
Those in Trieweborne follow the teachings of the High Elk; the believed physical manifestation of god, who represents life itself and all creation. Prophets and tales claim that for those he appears to, he takes on the form of an elk taller than all others, with a thousand Horns that pierce the heavens. True believers know that He is always present, watching over his followers. He is the clear stream, the sun's rays, the sheltering trees. Those who follow His sacred light are promised a bountiful land to live in peace, away from the burdens and trifle of wolf kind. The High Elk has many names, though often is referred to simply as He.Notable Mythos > The World Elk
The Apostles — Thou who speaks in His silence
Mortal elk are revered as His apostles; the closest servants to Him, aside from His wolven followers. Deer may be seen as lesser apostles, though they are not held to the same regard or protection like elk. The antlers of an apostle are considered sacred. It’s believed that elk use their antlers to communicate with the High Elk. If an antler is found along one's path, it's considered a blessing, and the follower is encouraged to keep it. Though fallen antlers lack power, they are still relics and allow one to feel closer to Him. On occasion, wolven followers may bear antlers, though they are reserved for The Crowned or celebration. Any other wear is considered vain and sinful.
Ancestors that have passed are believed to become helpers of the High Elk. Some may take the form of an apostle to keep watch on the living, while others may help the High Elk on a more spiritual level caring for His world. Ancestors may be prayed to for help or guidance providing one’s worship is still dedicated to His ways.
The Blessed — Thou who stands in His light
Those who worship the High Elk usually carry the name Deoradhán — Guardian of the Elk. It is a title that can be earned, not just born into, so that even those lost may find His light. However, those who sully it are cast out and branded Deodoran — Exile of the Elk. The Deoradhán typically carry “blessed” pelts with rich browns, tans, creams, and occasionally red coloration. Deoradhán beauty standards revolve around one's likeness to elk or deer; the more you resemble one the more attractive you are perceived. Lacking the colors of the High Elk and his apostles can mean a few things. Generally an individual is judged by their overall coloring, but stains on a blessed pelt should not go unnoticed as they are considered signs from Him.
Black Pelts - Often shunned and ignored by other Deoradháns as their omen remains a mystery. Many believe they are physical symbols of temptation to lure wolves out of His light. Wolves with black pelts are not typically accepted into the pack as they often breed fear or anxiety. Those born who stay usually end up on the outskirts as silent sentinels, even if spoken to, in a life of solitude.
White Pelts - Cursed and spat at by other Deoradháns. White is the byproduct of a tarnished family line that has been stripped of His coloring. The larger the stain the deeper the sin. Wolves bearing white may get by, so long as they are fully devout to the High Elk to right their parent’s sins. Misfortune follows those with white and they are often blamed for any mishaps that occur to others or the pack as a whole. While banishment is favorable, the Deoradhán are encouraged to enforce their stained cousins' devotion so that they may find their way back into His light.
Grey Pelts - An unholy middle ground between black and white. Treatment varies between those with black or white depending on the shade of grey. Some may encourage devotion to save those with grey pelts, while others may avoid them entirely out of fear of potential misfortune the individual may bring.
It should be noted that wolves with unfavorable coloration are traditionally the result of their parents misdeeds, not the individual themself. However, large or complete coverage may speak to the individual's potential or fated future without absolute devotion. A marked individual who breeds blessed children is considered forgiven for their parents' sins.
White Pelts - Cursed and spat at by other Deoradháns. White is the byproduct of a tarnished family line that has been stripped of His coloring. The larger the stain the deeper the sin. Wolves bearing white may get by, so long as they are fully devout to the High Elk to right their parent’s sins. Misfortune follows those with white and they are often blamed for any mishaps that occur to others or the pack as a whole. While banishment is favorable, the Deoradhán are encouraged to enforce their stained cousins' devotion so that they may find their way back into His light.
Grey Pelts - An unholy middle ground between black and white. Treatment varies between those with black or white depending on the shade of grey. Some may encourage devotion to save those with grey pelts, while others may avoid them entirely out of fear of potential misfortune the individual may bring.
It should be noted that wolves with unfavorable coloration are traditionally the result of their parents misdeeds, not the individual themself. However, large or complete coverage may speak to the individual's potential or fated future without absolute devotion. A marked individual who breeds blessed children is considered forgiven for their parents' sins.
Notable Families > Deoradhán · Déorwine
The Culture
All prey is free game, typically sparing elk, unless it met a natural end. Those without horns are believed to bear His sign of approval should food be scarce, otherwise hunting Elk is restricted to Wintertide Jubilee. Each time a hunt is completed, especially of an elk, one must give their thanks.
Each part of a hunted animal must be used: bones are kept for nutritional chewing by growing youth or sent to the boneyard; antlers are cherished relics used as body decor in ceremonies, to denote members of The Crowned, or fill a den with His presence; the use of pelts may vary, but they are typically used as bedding or shrine offerings. All which can be salvaged should be salvaged and no food should be wasted. Hunt only as needed.
The following information only pertains to elk apostles. All other animals are not related to the High Elk and have no grounds for hunting protection or protocol. Coloration protocol is only effective if the listed color extends beyond standard coloration or appears in a large quantity.
Black Pelts
Apostles with black pelts are simply unspoken of. Black apostles are to be avoided at all costs and should not be spoken of in jest. Should one cross paths with a black apostle, they should not attempt to hunt or confront it, but leave it alone and alert the others of its location.
The Elders teach this, but the reason why has been lost with time. It is often considered a sign of misfortune to see a black apostle. Black apostles are believed to leave with time negating the need for intervention.
White Pelts
Apostles with white coats are to be hunted immediately. They are believed to have lost His light and may be infectious or a threat to other apostles. Leaving a white pelted apostle may result in an increased number of tarnished apostles. Without intervention, it is believed connection to the High Elk will be severed with time.
Brown Pelts
Natural-toned coats are believed to be blessed by the High Elk and are considered standard. No intervention or concern is needed regarding these elk, even with natural white flecking or adornments. Natural, minimal white on an Apostle is different from a wolf bearing white, as the High Elk marked the wolf in question void of His blessing.
Each part of a hunted animal must be used: bones are kept for nutritional chewing by growing youth or sent to the boneyard; antlers are cherished relics used as body decor in ceremonies, to denote members of The Crowned, or fill a den with His presence; the use of pelts may vary, but they are typically used as bedding or shrine offerings. All which can be salvaged should be salvaged and no food should be wasted. Hunt only as needed.
The following information only pertains to elk apostles. All other animals are not related to the High Elk and have no grounds for hunting protection or protocol. Coloration protocol is only effective if the listed color extends beyond standard coloration or appears in a large quantity.
Black Pelts
Apostles with black pelts are simply unspoken of. Black apostles are to be avoided at all costs and should not be spoken of in jest. Should one cross paths with a black apostle, they should not attempt to hunt or confront it, but leave it alone and alert the others of its location.
The Elders teach this, but the reason why has been lost with time. It is often considered a sign of misfortune to see a black apostle. Black apostles are believed to leave with time negating the need for intervention.
White Pelts
Apostles with white coats are to be hunted immediately. They are believed to have lost His light and may be infectious or a threat to other apostles. Leaving a white pelted apostle may result in an increased number of tarnished apostles. Without intervention, it is believed connection to the High Elk will be severed with time.
Brown Pelts
Natural-toned coats are believed to be blessed by the High Elk and are considered standard. No intervention or concern is needed regarding these elk, even with natural white flecking or adornments. Natural, minimal white on an Apostle is different from a wolf bearing white, as the High Elk marked the wolf in question void of His blessing.
The first snowfall is a day of fun and prayer. It is with hope that all of His wolves will survive, thanks to blessings of forbiden food provided by the High Elk during times of scarcity. A large elk may be hunted at night allowing the pack to feast on His apostles' flesh to break winter. This is the only time an unmarked apostle can be hunted. Those who choose not to participate cannot eat from the cache for the day, as the meat is meant to be saved for winter. After this day, elk are only to be hunted throughout winter if food is too scarce for survival.
Wolves who wish to become official mates are to see the Duke (or Kings presiding if no Duke is named) to seal their commitment before the High Elk. Those betrothed are allowed to wear a set of antlers for the occasion or decorate with flowers. The ceremony is short as the Duke confirms the desire to bond, and then blesses the union under the protection of the High Elk. Typically, only individuals close to the pair are present to bear witness, and the rest of the day carries on as usual unless one chooses to celebrate with the newlyweds.
A celebration of the coming of life that is usually dedicated primarily to Deoradhán women. It is hoped to promote blessings for the year’s coming births. The day is spent coloring the ladies with various flowers, and the men with antlers. Women also have the option to be adorned with antlers to represent the protection they will give to the next generation. It is a day of feast that occurs at the start of spring.
A day of mourning for those who have recently passed and are to be buried. Everyone is encouraged to wear antlers upon their neck as the closest to the deceased carry the body to rest amongst elk bones. It is a day of Silence; before the service, everyone is expected to remain silent. Afterward, one may only speak if they have a memory to share honoring the deceased.
The Forbidden
Hunting elk when it is not necessary or part of Wintertide Jubilee is perhaps one of the worst crimes a wolf could commit, and common ground for future children to be stripped of their coloring. If caught, the Kings may scar the individual to mark their crime and serve as a reminder should they be temped again. Wasteful hunting is also shunned and may mark future offspring. Repeat offense may lead to exile.
Acts against the High Elk and His teachings with the intention to misbehave or misguide fellow packmates are grounds for exile. Troublesome members and beliefs are a threat to His ways, as witnessed in the past, and those of Trieweborne refuse to repeat that mistake. Jokes about breaking His teachings will be punished accordingly.
It is shameful to betray a spouse, especially so after joining through His light. Any child byproducts through adultry are destined to be stripped of His light and bear the title of Bastard. These children are often unfit for unions of their own and avoided by their peers. Most Bastards leave or are removed from the pack by a parent, though the Kings do not enforce their removal if they return or stay. Their birth, as well as any future misdemeanors, are the burden of the involved parents.
Rumors can tear a pack apart, though are only shamed if proven to be untrue. Those who intentionally target fellow blessed with false recounts, false signs from the High Elk, or other damning acts, may be punished at the Kings discretion. Cases targeting wolves stripped of His light or marked by omen are more often than not overlooked or let off easy.
Failing to follow the word of The Crowned, conspiring with outsiders, or actively putting another or group before the High Elk may lead to exile. All followers are expected to uphold His teachings no matter what and trust in those He placed to guide others. The only time disloyalty to The Crown may be allowed is if a King or the Duke are failing in their role, in which case they should be replaced.
— The religion has changed due to IC development, but the source inspo was created by Cyprin with the help of Nami, Mutton, Summer, & Aso
