|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 Posted: Sun Sep 30, 2012 6:50 pm
 Welcome, wayward guardians, to the Children of Vesperos.
Here you will find many like you, and we hope that you will feel at home with us.
Come, please,
let us tell you what you have been missing!
|
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Sun Sep 30, 2012 6:52 pm
 OUR BELIEFS
THE STARS
The core belief of the Children of Vesperos is that the magic of the dreaming, and therefore of the Guardians, comes from the stars, not the trees of the Wardwood. This is not to say that the trees do not contribute and cannot guide the deer, but we believe that you will find much better - and possibly clearer - guidance from the heavens above. We look to the stars, affectionately called the Map, for everything that we need advice for, and even to simply calm ourselves and become closer to nature. On occasion, if a Guardian does not feel comfortable using their true name in our midst, they are more than welcome to take on a star- or sky-oriented nickname. A few of the Prophets and even the Mother will often refer to a Child by their star sign, such as "Virgoborn" or "Child of Cancer."
VISIONS
The Herd Mother, as well as the Prophets, will often receive messages from the stars, which we call Visions. It is said that the Herd Mother, Alcyone, can communicate directly with the Map, and even have full conversations with them. Prophets may be able to do this as well, but it is not proven. Any Child may receive a Vision as well, but it is unknown if they will be broad-message Visions or simply personal ones. The Herd Mother and the Prophets have been known to receive shared Visions, as well. The true nature and cause of these Visions are unknown, but the Children follow them religiously as best they can.
WILL-O-THE-WISPS
Will-o-the-wisps, those glowing balls of blue light that are sometimes seen in the Dreaming, are considered to be fallen stars. Whenever a Child comes across a particularly vibrant or insistent one, they are urged to follow it and respect it as an ancestor. Unfortunately, they may be unable to communicate with them. Will-o-the-wisps are also thought to be unborn souls, and should be treated with just as much respect and kindness as any living Guardian.
FAMILY
The Children of Vesperos consider themselves a tight-knit group, but are not against welcoming newcomers at any time. Children are encouraged to approach anyone in the herd for guidance and help, even the Herd Mother if need be. The Herd Mother and the Prophets do their best to promote a familial aura for the herd, acceptance and love for all. If you need help with anything, you're sure to find it among the Children.
CUSTOMS
SEEINGS
Seeings are quests for Visions, in which Children actively seek Visions from the Map. Seeings happen in large groups, such as in ceremonies and in the Equinox and Solstice outings. They can also apply to the acceptance quest every newcomer must complete, in which they are sent out into the Wardwood in search of their first Vision, and cannot return until it happens. Thankfully, we have never had a potential Child not receive a Vision on their introductory Seeing. Once they have received this welcome from the Map, they are to report their Vision to Alcyone, who will then determine if the Vision is legitimate (very rarely does she vote negatively). A celebratory welcome feast is then thrown, especially after a group of newcomers have all received their first Visions. Seeings done in large groups are generally considered especially strong, since they were sought out. If you should happen to share a Seeing Vision with another or many other Children, this is considered a great honor, and you will be well respected by all.
CEREMONIES
Every so often, especially after newcomers have returned from their Seeings, the herd will throw a celebratory feast for the Children. They are officially welcomed into the herd with dancing, a bonfire, and gifts given by the other Children. These gifts can be anything from something material to a story or a wish of luck and welcome. Ceremonies and rituals are performed for other reasons, such as blessings for breedings, to heal an ailing Child (whether it be a physical ailment or an emotional one), and so on. All of the ceremonies and rituals have not been determined yet, but the Children are awfully fond of holding them.
RANKINGS
The Children of Vesperos are very strictly held to a hierarchy of positions, and a chain of command has been formed. But do not think that this enables the higher-ups to ruthlessly command and punish the Children; not at all! Most of this hierarchy is based upon respect. The Herd Mother, Alcyone, is at the top, second only to the Map itself. She is said to receive the most potent and more frequent Visions, and is the deciding voice in terms of admissions. Below her are the Prophets: Orpheus, Deimos, and Phobos. They are almost equally as potent in terms of Visions, and should be respected just as much as Alcyone is. Their opinions and insight is taken into account by Alcyone in nearly all matters, and they do have authority over the Children. However, they are encouraged to always be fair and just; if a problem occurs, Alcyone will intervene.
EQUINOXES AND SOLSTICES
On the winter and summer solstices and the autumn and spring equinoxes, the Children of Vesperos venture into the Wardwood for group Seeings (these often resemble ceremonies of ancient human races, such as the Maya, Aztecs, and Native Americans). Dancing, communions, and such events take place, and all the Children mingle together as one crowd, including the Prophets and the Herd Mother. The Children, at these times, will often use herbs and roots that induce hallucinations in order to strengthen their chances of receiving Visions, and thus the potency of those Visions. Visions received during these celebrations are considered especially powerful and serious, and are treated with higher following than Visions received at other times. The equinoxes and solstices are times of celebration and renewal, and all Children (especially those that do not necessarily frequent herd meetings and celebrations) are encouraged, if not expected, to attend.
LEAVING
HOW TO LEAVE
If a Child decides that the herd is not for them, the Children accept this and have no qualms about one of them parting ways with the rest. They understand that their beliefs are not the norm for most Guardians, and do not make it difficult for Children to leave. All one has to do is to approach Alcyone or a Prophet with the reason they are leaving, and then Alcyone will dismiss officially dismiss them. However, it is highly recommended that the Child take an experimental leave of absence in order to clear their thoughts and figure out if this is just a time of uncertainty, or if they truly want to leave.
CONSEQUENCES
While the Children of Vesperos do not fight those who wish to leave, there are consequences to this choice. Those who have chosen to leave the ranks of the Children may never return, as they are considered to have forsaken the Map and any guidance it may offer them. Therefore, the choice to leave should be taken very seriously, as it is irreversible. In the unlikely event that a former Child wants to attend a ceremony or ritual, they must seek out Alcyone and make their case. If they have children who are still in the herd, they may be treated less severely if they wish to accompany their children to gatherings.
While the Herd Mother and her Prophets will never treat a former Child badly, the same cannot be assured of other Children. Personal views and opinions of deserters cannot be controlled, but it is strongly encouraged that the Children treat others with respect, regardless of whether they are a herd member or not. If the Prophets or Herd Mother are alerted to an incident of discrimination or cruelty, it will be dealt with swiftly.
VOCABULARY
As Needed
OUT OF CHARACTER INFORMATION
I've modeled the Children to be slightly similar to many fanatic cults, or an extremely controversial religion, based on the fact that it is generally accepted that the Dreaming and the Guardians gain their magic from the Wardwood. I am intending for there to be a few strange, slightly confusing aspects to the doctrine of the herd, as well as in regard to the leadership (namely favoritism, untoward relationships, and quite a bit of secret-keeping). I want it to be a very dramatic herd and roleplay environment, possibly with those that blindly follow the herd doctrine out of unwavering loyalty, despite obvious discrepancies between what leaders say and the actual truth.
If you are interested in playing a role in any herd-metas or anything like that, please do not hesitate to let me know! I want this to be a very user-interactive herd, with everyone helping out instead of it being run by myself and one or two helpers. Any additional help is always appreciated!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Sun Sep 30, 2012 6:53 pm
 THE MAP
Naturally, the guiding force of the herd would be at the top of the hierarchy. However, while Alcyone is said to have an especially potent connection with the stars, the Map is linked to each and every Child, regardless of rank. In the Map's eyes, no Child is more important than another, and all are loved equally.
HERD MOTHER
Alcyone, the ruling matriarch of the Children of Vesperos, is second in line. Respected and often loved, she is the gentle guiding hand that helps interpret and apply the Map's guidance to the living world. Though she is high in the hierarchy comparatively, she does not view herself as 'above' others. She is more than welcome to befriend and help anyone who wishes it.
PROPHETS
Prophets, just below the Mother, are almost akin to extensions of her. Though they are clearly their own individuals, they are viewed as equal or very nearly so to her and are just as powerful in regards to their Visions and authority. Alcyone regularly delegates her guiding responsibilities to them, and they often choose their own special niche within the herd. For example, Deimos is known to be very knowledgeable about the phases of the moon.
SENTINELS
Every good herd needs peace-keepers, and the Sentinels are just that. Though they manage and watch over the herd, they are not always gruff and aloof. Most care deeply for the Children as a whole, though they do take their responsibilities very seriously. This position is not just given; you must earn the respect and deep trust of the Prophets and the Mother, and then you may be bestowed with this title. It is not known if the less zealous members of the herd tend toward Sentinel duties, but it may provide an outlet for those who have a more protective nature.
CHILDREN
Though they have no special 'rank' within the hierarchy, the Children as a whole are not forsaken nor thought less of. They are loved deeply by all in the herd, especially those above them, and most certainly the Map itself. Many choose to contribute in various ways, such as gathering food or firewood for ceremonies, mentoring new members, or even recruiting if they are especially passionate. Alcyone and the Prophets greatly encourage cooperation and contribution from all members, but do not penalize those who cannot find the time nor resources to do so.
COMPANIONS & FAMILIARS
While technically the same as Children as far as ranking, companions and familiars are not as central to the herd overall. Given that they often come in tandem with guardians, they are not expected to receive and report Visions or otherwise contribute to the herd, although this is not discouraged. A contributing familiar or companion is treated the same as one who does not contribute, as well. All that Alcyone asks of hopeful companions and familiars is that they share the herd's mindset and will be loyal to their new family.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Sun Sep 30, 2012 7:11 pm
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Sun Sep 30, 2012 7:13 pm
 If you're interested in having a guardian, companion, or familiar join our ranks,
please use the following form!
We are currently accepting all applicants,
regardless of name, appearance, stage, personality, and anything else.
All we ask is that you are active in herd roleplays!
When your guardian is accepted, you will need to have them report their first Seeing to Alcyone, and you can do this by sending a short solo to me, Cynnybun, through PM.
If you'd like, we could do it via roleplay, but it may not be very long.[size=18][color=#6b6f99][b]MEMBER APPLICATION[/b][/color][/size]
[size=11][color=#dda9ac][b]Member Name:[/b][/color] [color=dimgray](And desired nickname, if you'd like.)[/color]
[color=#dda9ac][b]Member Uncert:[/b][/color] [color=dimgray](For roster image purposes!)[/color]
[color=#dda9ac][b]Short Personality Blurb:[/b][/color] [color=dimgray][/color][/size]
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Sun Sep 30, 2012 7:14 pm
 This will be a log of herd-related roleplays in the Dreaming.
This will not include single, private roleplays,
but will likely be links to threads related to herd-centric events and the like.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Sun Sep 30, 2012 7:15 pm
 Nothing at the moment.
All herd-related events (breedings, giveaways, etc) will be placed here.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Sat Dec 08, 2012 10:26 pm
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Reply
