Stjarnvarg Raiders
Ferocious raiders who live a nomadic, tribal lifestyle, Wolf Ferox of the Stjarnvarg Raiders get all they need through pillaging and conquest. In a society where might makes right, the leaders are highly respected among their own people, yet always available to be challenged. Death always follows them closely, which has led to a unique culture around life and loss, with a spiritual culture that venerates death. They are expert astronomers, who firmly believe in the power of their ancestors to guide and protect them, and have developed their own unique version of astrology. This clan is very open to any race of Ferox who can prove themselves in combat, with tribes frequently forming and reforming in the wake of conflicts. They have a long history of partying, and they enjoy sharing comforts like music, food, and relaxation in the company of others. Even those who have assimilated into modern cities still sing the death-songs of their ancestors to their sacred moon, and consult the stars for guidance.
History
The early history of Wolf Ferox is thought to take place in northern areas of Aesox, though interactions with humans didn’t occur until after lycanthropy became a known concern among human populations. As lycanthropy spread, a particularly intense hatred for werewolves became a deeply rooted part of Solgardsborgan culture specifically. Wolf Ferox tribes found themselves often being mistaken for cursed lycanthropes, which led to skirmishes between the populations.
After centuries of constant raiding, warring, territory disputes, and general antagonism between werewolves, humans, and Wolf Ferox, there is little hope that there will ever be a true peace between them. Werewolves have no more respect for Wolf Ferox than they do for humans, which is to say, they have none at all.
Philosophy
Stjarnvarg Ferox have a unique relationship with the concept of death. Instead of coming of age at a certain time in one’s life, one’s rite of passage is related to their familiarity with death. They have several words which describe an individual based on how many people they have known who have died.
| Title | Meaning | Rite of Passage |
|---|---|---|
| Fyrheyrn | Has not yet heard the song of death | A child who has not yet known of death |
| Daudheyrn | Has heard the song of death | A child who has lost a family member or close friend |
| Skyldavitr | Who was forced to grow up quickly | A person who has lost both parents |
| Stelheimr | Whose world was stolen from them | A parent who has lost a child |
| Stelhjarta | Whose heart has been lost | A person who has lost a lover |
| Kyrrgefr | Who has given the gift of peace/revenge | A person who has killed another person |
| Blodgefr | Who has given the gift of blood | A person who has killed many people |
| Blotgjald | The reward won from spilled blood | A person whose life was saved by the sacrifice of another |
| Skaldaudr | Who carries the story of death | A person who was the sole survivor among many dead |
| Haelsyngja | Who sings the song of death | A person who prepares the dead, and performs funeral rites |
The biggest rite of passage happens when a child who has never faced death finally loses someone they loved. It is believed that the first time a person loses a loved one, that loved one becomes a guardian spirit called a Haelvordr, who guides them through difficult times. While Wolf Ferox may adopt other religions, the belief in ancestral spirits remains a strong cultural landmark of their people. Rather than believing in an afterlife such as a Hell or Heaven, it’s generally understood that when someone dies they will become one with the world, and their spirit will only rise when called upon by their loved ones.
Perhaps this is why the Stjarnvarg have such a brutal nature, and have so little fear of death. They make an immense peace with death from a young age, they grieve communally, and they do not fear any sort of divine judgment, instead expecting only eternal peace. When they kill, they are only sending the weak to a place of peace, where they have no more to fear, and feel no pain.
Those who prepare the dead and perform funeral rites are highly esteemed within the clan, with each tribe typically having at least one Haelsyngja, though sometimes more. These Ferox will sing grief into the night, with long, mournful songs that haunt the wind and give praise to the dead. Grieving Stjarnvarg often take comfort in these songs, knowing that even if they cannot cry anymore, someone else will cry for them, while they rest.
The dead are also venerated, with offerings and prayers made to one’s ancestors and especially their Haelvordr. It is taboo to speak ill of the dead, but it is even worse to lie about them. When one criticizes the dead, it should only be for good reason, and the good should be remembered along with the bad. If nothing else, one can say “their body now nourishes the earth with blood and spirit”, and leave it at that.
The duality of the Stjarnvarg is one of conflict and peace. Life is a series of trials, and peace only comes after all else ends. Moments of grief and tribulation are just part of living, because if one were truly able to rest, it would mean that their story has ended. Thus pain, conflict, and terror are not things to be avoided, but endured or even celebrated.
Naming Customs
Wolf names are meant to sound strong and respectable. Often vowel sounds are drawn out slightly longer than they would be in other names, but the effect is very subtle, and often unnoticeable to non-wolves. This can be written as an additional letter in the name, or just assumed in its pronunciation.
Common Feminine Names: Thryesha, Kiraasten, Hildea, Ingrid, Aunicka, Eufke
Common Masculine Names: Uulrich, Kuurt, Gaareth, Aurick, Haurald, Ievar
Common Neutral Names: Ulys, Aandre, Freid, Pate, Rausse
Often a short moniker will accompany a name, or replace it entirely. For example, “Trevour Aelrickson, the Skull Splitter” may be referred to as “Trevour Skull Splitter”, or even just “Skull Splitter” if he gains enough renown. These names are not always respectful, and can sometimes refer to a physical characteristic, or be meant to insult as well, such as “Naasha Red Eyes” or “Gormund Halfmad”.
Fashion
Stjarnvarg Clan Ferox do not sow, nor do they mine, or build. What they have is either stolen, or refashioned from stolen goods. Their jewelry is often made from recycled metals or natural materials, and their aesthetics are eclectic, given that they will simply use whatever they take from those around them. The Haelsyngja in particular often choose to use motifs of astral bodies, like the moon, stars, specific constellations, and the four cardinal directions. These can be represented with colors that represent the night like black, blue, and white, or that are dusky, like orange, purple, and pink. White beads made from any material typically evoke the stars. Arrows pointing up, right, down, and left represent the North, East, South, and West in that order. Any circular object evokes the moon, and never the sun. Flowing fabrics are generally seen to represent spirits and ancestors.
Piercings and tattoos are popular among these Ferox, and some will use war paint before going to raid. Haelsyngja may also apply body and face paint ritualistically. Those hoping to call upon their ancestors might use symbols that reflect them, or the symbols of astrological bodies. A common piece of jewelry is a disc called a Manediskr, which is essentially any pale, circular item that represents the moon. A Manediskr can be attached to an armband, hanging from a belt, adorning a circlet across the brow, or embedded into a weapon. These are commonly made from hammered metal, polished silver if it is available, though sometimes gold as the moon is also sometimes yellow in color, though they can be made of filed bone, stretched hide, or any other reasonable material.
Astrology
The titles used for one's place in life are also the names of the constellations. Stjarnvarg do not see the stars or the moon as deities, but more as a method to connect themselves with their ancestors, and the astral bodies which they see as foundational to their connection with the world. It can be seen like this: the world is nature, which all Ferox venerate, and the sky is a mirror which allows them to look up and see both themselves and the world reflected at once. Thus, reading the stars is like seeing oneself, their own position, and their own place amidst the vast world.
Each member of the Stjarnvarg belongs to some, or sometimes multiple, stages in life associated with a constellation. Everyone begins as Fyrheyrn, though one can be born under other constellations which supposedly can be used to infer certain truths about their nature, and their future. When one means to pray to, sacrifice for, or seek guidance from their ancestors, they will use whatever constellations suits their needs, though many simply use whatever constellation reflects their own personal title, based on their familiarity with death.
For use in astrology, like reading fortunes, the following table simplifies the general motif of the constellations. Each Constellation's title is translated above, the Direction refers to the cardinal direction which the constellation is associated with (not necessarily its position), the Symbol is what the constellation looks like, and the Meaning includes its symbolic purpose as well as various traits associated with those born under the sign. These signs are not associated with a time of year, and thus can apply to anyone born in any calendar month, because the Stjarnvarg are nomadic and the positions of the stars may change from place to place. The circumstances entirely depend on where one is, and what time of year it is, and the position of the moon at the time of their birth, all of which will result in their astrological constellation. (For RP purposes, you can choose any constellation for your character’s birth, because it’s impossible to guess based on a calendar month alone).
| Constellation | Direction | Symbol | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fyrheyrn | North | Sleeping Wolf | Innocence, shutting one’s eyes to reality, deaf or blindness, children, lacking clarity, lacking motivation, absent-mindedness, freedom or liberation |
| Daudheyrn | East | Two upward triangles | Knowledge, awakening, a first appearance of something new, difficult change, depending on others, being aware, seeking new things |
| Skyldavitr | East | Lone tree | Growth, growing stronger, practice, new responsibilities, introspection, trial by fire, self and solitude |
| Stelheimr | North | Three paw prints | Perseverance, family, letting go of expectations, starting over, children, legacy |
| Stelhjarta | West | Broken ring | Duty, romantic love, passion, fertility, commitment, promises kept |
| Kyrrgefr | West | Downward triangle | Honor, peace, justice, righteousness, retribution |
| Blodgefr | South | Crossed axes | Strength, enacting one’s will, fervor, one’s purpose in life, great accomplishments, renown, bloodshed, glory |
| Blotgjald | West | Burning acorn | Purpose, a great gift, sacrifice, pressure to achieve something, heroism, selflessness |
| Skaldaudr | South | Scroll | Remembrance, storytelling, traditions, myths and legends, sharing knowledge with others, teaching |
| Haelsyngja | All | Circle | Reflection, guidance, openness, inspiration, clarity of mind, emotional processing, community, death, the spirit |
The cardinal directions each have their own general meaning as well, which further complicates signs read from the stars. North is associated with communication and emotions, East is associated with intellect and intuition, South is associated with peace and tradition, and West is associated with passion and energy.
The meanings for each constellation are multifaceted, and slightly vague by design. They require an interpreter, who should look at many contextual facts about a situation before declaring the truth of their readings.
The moon, meanwhile, is representative of the self, the world, ancient wisdom, and the dead. To evoke the moon is essentially to ask for any blessings that can be given or whatever guidance is most relevant, for worthy foes, or for peace in times of conflict. It is not a deity, but a symbol of accepting whatever is needed. As such, it is the symbol that the Haelsyngja wear, as they represent those who gaze at the mirror, and thus see themselves clearly reflected in it.
The Wolf Moon Celebration
Every year, all Stjarnvarg tribes will come together for a large event called the Ulfmane, or the Wolf Moon. There is no specific date for this, but the Stjarnvarg are excellent at reading the stars, and know to begin marching toward each other at the first full moon of the new year. The location is always different, depending on which constellation the Wolf Moon sits in, as the wolves make their festivities beneath that group of stars. On the night of the Wolf Moon, a celebration begins that lasts an entire week.
Dozens of marriages will happen over the course of the celebration, with tribes swapping members and diversifying. In-demand Ferox, such as excellent fighters, healers, and other skilled individuals will display their talents and be given many gifts and bribes by chiefs hoping to coax them into joining their tribe. Challenges will be made for leadership of tribes, always determined by individual fights - sometimes to the death, though this is not typical. There will also be massive offerings given to the ancestors, and revels where friends who have been parted might meet with each other again and share tales of their exploits. New tribes will form, and others will dissipate or merge into each other. Trade is made, gifts are given, and every tribe flaunts their success for all the others to see.
Even for Wolf Ferox who are not part of the clan, this tradition remains a yearly event. On the first full moon of the year, city wolves will often host a large communal party where they connect with one another and stay in touch. The day begins with remembrance for the dead, some Ferox even making small shrines and giving token offerings to their ancestors. Those who keep with tradition may even pray to their Haelvordr. When night falls, however, the tone shifts drastically. The Ferox will dress up in their best party clothes, and have an overall raucously good time. It is popular to take a date to these parties, and it’s expected that there will be drinking, dancing, and lots of food, which goes on all night long. In modern cities, these parties are often open to any friends of the Ferox who would like to attend as well.
Life in the Tribes
Individual tribes of the Stjarnvarg are nomadic, however they do set up for weeks or sometimes months at a time in their camps. Some have a few territories they rove between seasonally. Others will take over a territory for as long as they can hold it, or until they’ve raided the other locals into poverty and there’s nothing more to take. Tribes can be made of as few as a dozen Ferox, or up to several hundred. They are quite open to outsiders joining, so long as they can keep up and prove their usefulness.
They frequently pillage whatever they need, especially weapons and armor. A large tribe may maintain some animals that can keep up with them, such as goats, pigs, and dogs, but they don’t raise their own livestock. Their food is gathered, hunted, or pillaged. It is common practice to raid, kidnap, and sell the captives to the Udjamu Feline Cities by way of the Avian Federation of Trade. At times, they also accept payment to act as mercenaries for the Feline Cities, ensuring that the clans which the Cat Ferox have conquered continue to pay tribute. Favorite targets of theirs are the Rodent and Critter Ferox of the City of Cavumborough, with its high, but not impenetrable walls.
Each tribe will typically have at least one spiritual leader, the Haelsyngja, who can hold funeral rites and make offerings and prayers for the dead, and read oracles in the stars. The chieftain is expected to be wise and cunning as well as strong, able to pick their targets well and come away with plunder. They will have a second in command, as well as several strong fighters who can lead others. The ranks are fluid, but strictly obeyed once set in place by the chieftain. There is no gender hierarchy, with chieftains being of any gender. Those who can fight do so, while those who can’t will instead tend to the fighters by becoming healers, cooks, gatherers, and anything else the tribe needs. There is no overarching governance of the entire clan, only traditions that bind the tribes into a collective culture.
Stjarnvarg in Galudon
There are many reasons why a Wolf Ferox might have at one point left the tribal lifestyle. Sometimes a tribe dissipates and cannot make it to the Wolf Moon, and the survivors must settle into whatever society will take them in. Sometimes a Ferox has a disagreement with their chieftain, and removes themselves or their family from the clan, to forge their own path, often forming a sellsword company and integrating into other cultures. Other times during their travels, a Wolf Ferox may decide they want a different kind of life, or fall in love with an outsider, or be injured and decide to abandon their tribe rather than continue to struggle to keep up with them. For whatever reason, these Ferox managed to assimilate, and over time dispersed across the world, where they now raise families in whatever culture they find themselves in.
Still, no matter how far removed from the tribal way of life, certain traditions can remain deeply rooted with the Wolf Ferox. They still know the stories of the constellations, and feel the urge to celebrate the Wolf Moon, and find comfort in their ancestors’ guidance. Many outsiders who come to know Wolf Ferox find them incredibly comforting to talk to about lost loved ones, and it’s not uncommon for spiritual Ferox to offer condolences to the bereaved. Some Haelsyngja even settle in cities, offering their spiritual guidance to city-dwelling Ferox who have abandoned their Stjarnvarg roots, but still wish to keep their rituals. It is not uncommon for Wolf Ferox unaffiliated with the Stjarnvarg to still believe in their astrology, and follow their spiritual traditions.
Wolf Ferox often speak their minds, and are quick to challenge authority when leadership is failing. They find peace in the quiet of the night, and are known to be beautiful singers. They share a deep love of their community, and are often regular hosts of parties and get-togethers. An individual with no tribe may still call themselves Stjarnvarg, attend the Ulfmane, and act as a Lone Wolf so long as they continue to earn their station in life through power and combat, such as by joining the military or becoming a mercenary.
Trivia
- Ex-Stjarnvarg sellsword companies are not uncommon, as they bridge the gap between the traditionalist Stjarnvarg Clan, and more modern living within other cities across the world.
- The Stjarnvarg are the mortal enemies of the Rabbit and Rodent Ferox, whom they have harassed mercilessly throughout all of their history.
- Many Bear Ferox are friendly with the Stjarnvarg, who will routinely stop in their secluded territories, usually around the same time each year, for friendly visits.
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