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Namün

"The boundaries which divide Life from Death are at best shadowy and vague. Who shall say where the one ends, and where the other begins?"

☽ Spotify Playlist ☾

A symphony of mournful howls and banshee wails are often heard by those who find themselves wandering too close to the border of Namün. They are a reclusive pack, living in a dark mountainous forest that is said to be one of the most haunted places in the realm. Reverence for their Triad Deities and the never-ending remembrance that everyone dies have shaped them into who they are. The keepers of divine secrets.

The tenebrous territory is known to be riddled with dangerous traps, haunting effigies, and strange phenomena that will send the average wolf fleeing with their tail between their legs. Yet the dark and misty forests have been home to the small pack since the beginning, never expanding into the lush environment at its borders.

From the outside, they are often perceived as closed-off remnants of what was once accused of being a death cult. Outsiders may describe the Namünen as stealthy, erratic, cold-hearted, phantom-like, and sometimes even murderous.

But in truth, they simply use this false outward image to keep others away from their sacred land. The Namünen tend to avoid conflict with other wolves at all costs, rarely reaching out to the other packs of The Way. If one were to take a look behind the shadows, however, they would see a unified pack that is fiercely protective of their own. They comfort each other through some of life's hardest moments, encourage self-respect and unity, and stand strong not against their fears, but alongside them.

Within the pack, daily discussion of death is commonplace. Inevitability is normalized. Maintaining order and balance is essential. Wisdom, intellect, sacrifice, inter-pack trust, humility, and acceptance are some of the main values kept close to the hearts of these wolves.

Any wolf who has suffered the pain of loss may find peace within the Namünen… if they are brave enough to face their own ghosts.

***

Namünen wolves are typically on the shorter side, with lean bodies and monochrome pelts that help blend in with the dark forests and fog. They are built for stealth and dexterity, and despite their smaller size, they are known for having intense, often disorienting, howls that can carry for many miles. Their fur tends to be darker in color, often neutral or cool tones, and is quite water resistant, with winter coats coming in thicker to endure the shift to heavy snowfall and freezing temperatures.

>History<

When the original united pack first split long ago, there was a small group of wolves seized by grief over the loss of those who had not made the journey across The Way. The two other groups set off to their own lands and left the mourners behind. These wolves remained at The Opened Way, feeling lost as they sought guidance and support from the deities.
Eventually, their prayers were answered by Vohttön, who told them through dreams of a very special territory to the north, between the coastal mountain peaks. Vohttön said these lands were sacred and in need of protection, and assured these displaced and distressed wolves that they were destined to settle there.

When they arrived at the prophesied location, they were met with breathtaking beauty. There was plentiful prey, crystal clear freshwater rivers, snow-capped peaks and lush mountain valleys with all sorts of colorful woodlands nestled within. But the deity of death told them that all of this was not their home. They urged the wolves to venture further, and so they did. They found it. A dark, hazy evergreen forest in the middle of such abundance. That was the sanctuary they had been promised.
As soon as the wolves explored the forest, they found they were far from the first to discover. Competing predators of all kinds had taken an extensive claim to the foggy forests and cliffs, but at the very top were massive grizzly bears. The wolves had arrived amidst the rush of a salmon run, and the bears were determined to keep it all to themselves. The wolves were confused and afraid, wondering if Vohttön had only led them to their deaths. Faith had started to waver.
It was one wolf who stood up and openly declared their utmost loyalty to the deity, and proceeded to march into the gloomy shadows of the forest. Fearing losing another companion, the others followed.

These wolves were chased out of the forest time and time again by the territorial grizzlies, and some even lost their lives. One of the wolves who died was the first one to enter the hazardous territory, and legend says that Vohttön spoke through the wolf's dying breath. Vohttön told them how to defeat the bears and take the territory for themselves as they were destined to do. They simply had to wait for the moon to rise and for winter to take hold.
The wolves remained slightly nomadic until winter came to the peaks, and then put their plans into action to claim the divine land from the grizzly bears.
While the bears retreated into hibernation, the wolves located and blocked off the den entrances with rock and rubble, trapping the beasts there. Then it became a waiting game.
Spring brought triumph. Many of the bears had starved or suffocated, trapped in their dens long after snowmelt came to the mountain slopes. This brought the number down enough for the pack to move to the second stage of the divine plans. Instead of direct confrontation with the powerful grizzlies, they started to follow individual bears in groups, barking and snarling at them from the shadows, but never allowing themselves to be seen. This persistent harassment overwhelmed the remaining bears into fleeing.
Working together, the wolves chased out the last of the grizzlies from their little section of forest. And thus began the rise of Namün.

As soon as they settled, they began to notice peculiar things about the territory. Many areas had a constant sense of being watched. The fog was almost perpetual, the canopy so dense and dark that wolves began to report strange sightings. The groaning of trees and the rustle of leaves sometimes sounded too much like voices on the wind. Strange bones were found scattered about, bones of flat-faced bear-like creatures no wolves could recognize. They found eerie statues and stone structures, and came to the conclusion that these must be the remnants of their beloved deities, from a time when perhaps they too walked the mortal realm.
As unsettled as this made them at first, they adapted with the guidance of Vohttön and their newly established Triad Deities.

***

As many generations passed, Namünen wolves grew cleverer, more crafty. They had built themselves a home in the mist, never daring to expand their borders into the bright and plentiful surroundings.
One particularly harsh winter took the pack by surprise. It brought freezing temperatures and heavy snowfall like the wolves had never seen before. Many wolves starved to death. Most of the prey had migrated, stolen away to winter dens beyond Namünen borders, or holed up in full hibernation. Of the prey that still shuffled openly about the territory, the porcupine was most plentiful… and also riskiest to hunt. Many wolves tried, and many lost their eyes to quills while others even lost their lives from the severity of their wounds.
It wasn’t until a group of Scroungers, led by a wolf named Eleanor, came across a hunting fisher cat and witnessed the sheer persistence and skill of the creature against its favorite prey. By focusing attacks on the porcupine's face and keeping back from its quill-covered tail, the fisher cat was able to wear the porcupine down little by little without overexerting itself. When the prey was slowing, the fisher cat quickly redirected attacks to its soft underbelly, ultimately flipping the weakened porcupine on its back and killing it.
Eleanor and the Scroungers observed this behavior, learning how to apply it to their own hunting tactics against the giant prickly rodents of their territory. It was a dangerous hunt, and resulted in many injuries from the inexperienced wolves, but in the end they were successful. Eleanor brought back this discovery to the rest of the pack and was one to teach other Scroungers this new tactic, allowing them to have enough food to survive the winter.
Since then they began wearing porcupine quill piercings as a tribute to Eleanor and those first Scroungers.

***

There has been notable bad blood between Volaires and Namün since the inception of both packs. The differences in beliefs and culture have led to a lot of clashing, and many generations back there was active use of espionage against Volaires. Things escalated and nearly resulted in the fall of Namün.

While under the leadership of a wolf named Manegold, there were no laws restricting any of the pack from leaving the borders to acquire food or supplies. As such, adult wolves of all tasks were allowed to journey however far they pleased, so long as they returned and did not neglect their duties. This resulted in a small group of extremist Namünen wolves who began secretly journeying to infiltrate Volaires land.

This group tried to call themselves “The Spiders”, but were more commonly referred to as “The Wandering Renegades” after their crimes were unveiled. They are often accused of being the first to spark civil unrest within the Volairian hierarchy; they had broken Caohr’s Code by trespassing into Volaires and trying to sow discourse among the lower class. When they were discovered by Volairians, they just barely managed to flee. They then returned to Namün and told no one.
Volaires launched an attack in retaliation, catching Namün off guard. Chancellor Manegold ordered for all capable wolves to defend at the border, but the tricky Namünen were still no match for the sheer power of the Volairian. Even as many Namünen began to fall, Chancellor Manegold insisted they keep fighting, all the while The Wandering Renegades covertly fled the bloody battlefield.

The battle was ultimately won by Volaires. Believing their message to be clear, they left Namün to lick their wounds and bury their dead. The Chancellor was quick to investigate the pack to find out the cause for the attack, and it didn’t take long for The Wandering Renegades to be caught. However, of the extremists were two of Chancellor Manegold’s own children. So, in order to protect them just as much as his own image, he kept their secret. Thus, those of The Wandering Renegades were able to happily live their lives without any consequences for the damage they had done to their own pack.

Eventually, Manegold passed and a new Chancellor was elected from The Council. Their name was Annabel, and they were the one to expose the remaining Wandering Renegades, who were elderly and retired by then. Chancellor Annabel wanted justice against these war criminals — not just for their own pack, but for Volaires too.
They met with high-ranking Volairian officials for an open discussion on their past conflicts. After an unexpected offer from Annabel and some heavy deliberation, they reached an agreement.
The elderly war criminals were brought before the Volairian witnesses and executed by Namünen Augurs using poison. Chancellor Annabel declared it as proof that Namün was not a pack to tolerate such crimes, and that it would never happen again. This closed the chapter on that dark part of their history. A tense truce was established, and the Namünen carried the bodies of their dead back to their land. New restrictions were put in place to keep Namünen within their own territory.
They have had very little contact with any other packs since then.

***

A couple of generations passed after Chancellor Annabel enacted the new laws and formed a feeble truce with Volaires. A new Chancellor took claim of leadership, a wolf named Bertrand, and for a time it was quiet. There were no wars with other packs, but neither was there contact. Namün became more shrouded in mystery than ever before.
Chancellor Bertrand was suddenly killed in a mudslide, and when a Fang Lotto was held to select a new Chancellor, the wolf who was drawn was non other than the newest councilwolf — a small young wolf named Anselm.
Anselm was known to be wholly devoted to the pack. He had demonstrated good leadership qualities since he was a child; many Namünen had predicted he would make it on the Council. They had not, however, expected him to advance so quickly from Councilwolf to Chancellor. And neither, it seemed, had he.
Nevertheless, Anselm accepted the task, vowing to serve his pack for the rest of his existence.

***

The Namünen Council shattered one summer season, driven to crumble under the severe pressure of the internal conflict that had been slowly building since the winter. Chancellor Anselm was accused of deception against the Council and sentenced to the Quillback Discipline, which had never before been inflicted upon a Chancellor. Trust wavered amidst the leadership all while the entire realm faced an invasion from a death cult known as The Covenant of Atolli. The threat was too big for one pack to face alone, and so in accordance with Caohr’s Code, Tephe invited both Namün and Volaires to their shore to unite and defend against Atolli. Chancellor Anselm accepted, but not all of the Council was on board. The Council split, and with it, so did some of the pack. Chancellor Anselm and two of the older council wolves, Ingva and Hagen, led a majority of the pack to Tephe. Councilwolves Vergil and Ursel, however, had convinced the more strictly traditionalist Namünen to remain behind with them, much to their own destruction.

A Council of five had become three.

An old era had come to an end; but with every ending, there came space for a new beginning.

Following Namün’s return home, Chancellor Anselm instated several changes to the packs structure and tasks. He had come to discover that the role of Chancellor had been secretly nothing more than a figurehead position for many years and the true power had resided with the packs Augur. Such power had allowed corruption to seep in and sow discord among the Council and the pack as a whole. To correct this, the Namünen Council came together to create three new oaths, separated the roles of diviner and healer by splitting the Augur task, and began the process of updating their old laws to improve the lives of all Namünen.

***

…RECENT HISTORY…

Not long after a new alliance was formed between Tephe and Namün, the land of The Way was faced with a monstrous spring flood that scattered the inhabitants far and wide. The flood remained for moons and when the waters finally receded, and Namünen found their way back home, much of the ancient territory was changed.

>Culture<

The Namünen value devotion and have a strong focus on mortality and how to be brave in the face of death. Their culture revolves around the protection of their sacred territory and all the souls of the wolves that reside within it. They protect each other and the land. They face their fears together. They respect one another and value communication between pack mates.

☽ Lunar Calendar ☾

[Observed by all packs of The Way.]

The counting of the seasons by moon cycle was long ago developed by Namün, and eventually adopted by the other packs of The Way. A 'moon' is equal to a month, measured from new moon to new moon. Spring is considered the first season, and therefore the start of a new year.

☽ Spring ☾

Birch Moon [March]

Waking Moon [April]

Milk Moon [May]

☽ Summer ☾

Sunken Moon [June]

Antler Moon [July]

Lightning Moon [August]

☽ Autumn ☾

Hushed Moon [September]

Wilting Moon [October]

Frost Moon [November]

☽ Winter ☾

Silent Moon [December]

Song Moon [January]

Ice Moon [February]

☽ Talismans ☾

[Protection charms.]

Talismans are little items made with the intent of protecting and providing comfort. They are most often crafted from sticks, leaves, stones, grasses, feathers, bones, teeth, quills, claws, and sometimes small pieces of dried hide or small animal parts. Namünen wolves are taught how to craft them when they are pups and continue to use them as comfort items throughout their lives. Talismans are frequently passed down from elders to their grandchildren as a symbol of connecting the old generations with the new. It is thought to grant protection from misfortune and ghostly possession to those who lay them in the moonlight before sleeping with them.

☽ Piercings ☾

[Pack-wide practice.]

A common Namünen practice is to pierce ears with porcupine quills, though sometimes bones, claws, or talons are also used. Originally it was a tribute to a notable wolf named Eleanor who long ago first discovered how to hunt porcupines. Now, they also believe that the brief pain of a piercing is said to be a way in which the Namünen are reminded of their mortality. Additionally, it acts as an intimidation factor that is used to deter any potential enemies. The Arzat are the ones who do the initial piercing and often instruct on aftercare. Pups as young as six months are allowed to take part, so long as they have permission from their guardian(s). Nowadays, a majority of Namün-born have at least one ear pierced with a quill by the time they graduate, acting as a sort of rite of passage among the youth, while also being a form of self-expression.

☽ Council Election ☾

[Pack-wide event.]

The Council is a group of high-ranking wolves (Councilwolves) who have each been nominated by the pack as holding considerable leadership potential and have gained approval from the deities. Historically, it was made up of five wolves, but recently it has been reduced to a maximum of three councilwolves at a time, including the current Chancellor. When positions are left open there is an election held once during the winter to fill any remaining spots.

An announcement is made by the current Chancellor and Council for all contributing adults to privately give their nominations to a chosen Augur. The Augur keeps all voters anonymous and ensures those nominees fit the eligibility requirements; they must be of the Meister rank and have contributed to the pack in a notable way that goes further than their routine task, often in addition to demonstrating great leadership qualities. No self-nominations are permitted.

The nominees are then gathered before the pack and, should they accept the nomination, they may advance to the trial stage. Those who decline are still able to be nominated again next time there is an election. The current Council remains with the pack, continuing business as usual, while the Chancellor and the Augur then lead the nominees away to Winterling Lake to seek approval from the deities.

Nominees are tasked to cross the frozen lake while the Augur searches for the symbol of the winter deity, Phidite, in the cracks of the ice beneath the nominee's paws. If they make it across the lake with no symbol found, then it is believed that the deities do not see them as ready and they are turned away to rejoin the rest of the pack. If the Augur sees the symbol, then the nominee is approved and they all return to the pack for the initiation ritual.

To be initiated into The Council, a wolf must accept the sacrifice of having one of their fangs removed (they choose which one) to use as a personal identifier in the Fang Lotto. Enduring this pain and giving up their fang resembles the sacrifice required to serve as a councilwolf. The fang is removed before the entire pack, often by blunt force, and tends to be a bloody display. The blood is symbolically offered to the deities as the pack begins a howl to mark the end of the ritual.

☽ Fang Lotto ☾

[Divine selection of the next Chancellor.]

Long ago, the councilwolves used to individually campaign for the lead position of Chancellor, but this led to fierce and often foul competition within The Council. The Augurs warned The Council that they had to change, as their infighting was prophesied to bring about corruption in Namün. Since then, Chancellor selection has been chosen via the Fang Lotto.

On a night where the moon can be seen clearly in the sky, the fangs of the current Councilwolves are gathered and placed inside a hollowed half-skull and shaken up. An Augur of the Meister rank stares at the moon and must not look away as a single fang is drawn. The winning fang is believed to be selected by the deities, channeled through the Augur who then announces:
"[Name], you are expected."

This is a quiet and often solemn ceremony observed by all of the pack, so no cheering or howling is permitted until the very end of the ceremony. The new Chancellor then stands before the pack, giving acknowledgments to notable leaders of the past and vowing to serve the pack in both life and death. From there, a pack-wide howl ensues to welcome the Chancellor into their new position.

☽ Marriage ☾

[Private wedding vows & divine approval.]

To be allowed to have pups in Namün, a couple is first required to be married. Marriages are limited to three per season in Namün, so when a prospective couple wishes to be wed, they must first ask permission from The Council. With that approval, a traditional Namünen wedding is held at night in a location of the couple's choice. They are often very secluded and quiet; the event may only involve the couple, an Augur to officiate, and a maximum of two additional witnesses/guests (most traditionally being the eldest living relative of both families, but sometimes may just be a close friend).

The Augur presents the couple before the night sky and asks the deities for a sign should they object. A small rodent, usually a mouse, is gutted and the entrails are inspected by the Augur. If they divined no objections, then they proceed with confirming that the couple wishes to be married with the following:
"To truly love someone is to accept that the work of loving them is worth the pain of losing them. Everything yields to time; so I ask you, before the light of Dhilir, do you still wish to accept this pain?"

The couple confirms and each takes a turn exchanging personal vows to one another. It is typically fairly brief and serious, with acknowledgments that their union may not last forever, and they agree that if it should come to that, then they will do what’s best for the cooperation of the pack as a whole.

After their vows, the couple looks each other in the eyes and touches their paws together, reciting in unison:
"Until we meet our natural end. It's you. It's me. It's us."

The newlywed couple is then gifted a special wedding talisman from the Augur and dismissed to celebrate the rest of their evening however they wish, even permitted to leave the territory so long as they return before sunrise. The Augur then informs the Council that the union was a success, and if there was a witness, they too often return to spread the word. Quiet congratulations tend to follow when the newlyweds return the following morning.

☽ Births ☾

[Private practice and moonlight ritual.]

The arrival of new life is a secluded and spiritual process within Namün that involves some preparation. Wolves who suspect pregnancy are to see an Arzat to be assessed, and if it is confirmed, they will choose one of the Arzat to be their designated midwife. This Arzat is responsible for checking on the expecting wolf and assisting in the pups' delivery and moonlight ritual when the time comes. The pregnant wolf must also select a patron for their future pups. If the parent dies during childbirth, the patron will step in and adopt the pups, so they are typically another wolf capable of nursing newborns, but this is not a requirement.

Near the end of the pregnancy, the expecting wolf is to find themselves a private birthing den within the territory, and the only ones who are informed of the location are the Arzats and the Chancellor. It is the choice of the pregnant wolf on whether the partner and/or patron are informed of this location prior to the birth. When the pups are born, they and the parent wolf are exposed to moonlight as soon as possible. The moonlight of their deity Dhilir is believed to have the power to grant them protection and longevity, as well as be a way to connect them to the realm of the divine. To not perform the ritual is to invite misfortune upon the pups, and to deprive them of that divine gift is regarded as cruelty.

If the birth is successful, the Arzat reports back to the Chancellor provided that the parent is in stable condition. They may also pass on any messages to the wolf’s partner or patron if requested. For the first couple weeks of their lives, the pups are kept in the private den and the nursing parent is tended to by a caretaker of their choice, most often their partner or the same Arzat midwife. When the pups finally open their eyes, they are brought to Geheimwald (main densite) and formally introduced to the pack. During this introduction it is customary for the oldest living relative to gift the youngest of the new litter with a talisman; a symbol of connecting the old generation with the new.

In the unfortunate event that a wolf dies during childbirth and the pups survive, they are allowed to remain with the corpse to bathe in the moonlight under the Arzat's close supervision. After the ritual, they are immediately brought to the selected patron, and the news of the death is formally announced.

☽ Kindergarten ☾

[Childcare 0-6 months, Children's Choir, & introductory education.]

To keep the pack running efficiently, parents are expected to return to their full duties once the pups are weaned. The parents drop the pups off in The Garten where they will be watched over and taught by the pack's Instructors. This is how the pack's history and culture are first properly introduced to the pups, and where the most basic Namünen skills are taught (introductory hunting, survival, ghost protocols, beginning to learn the territory, beginner crafting). The Instructors are also responsible for the Children’s Choir, which is something all pups are required to take part in. They are educated through song, music, poetry, stories and games while the Instructor also keeps them protected and safe within The Garten until their parents return to pick them up at the end of the day. The Children’s Choir frequently performs at the ends of certain rituals and ceremonies, as well as having occasional ‘concerts’ of their own, set up by their Instructors. In instances that the pack has no pups and no Children's Choir, it is often the Instructors themselves who take on those performances. Newcomers to the pack who have risen beyond the rank of Ausländer are also required to attend Kindergarten to receive the same standard introductory education of Namün.

☽ The Namünen Oath ☾
[Becoming a Namünen.]
When a wolf becomes a Neuling, as well as when an Ausländer is ready to commit to joining the pack as a Kinder, they must take an oath. This is a solemn promise to follow the laws and uphold the values of Namün to the best of their ability, and it must be taken in front of a Mitteling Augur and at least one Councilwolf.
“I, [Name], solemnly swear that I will strive to live up to and honor the values and spirit of Namünen Laws to the best of my ability and knowledge; I will not run from my fears, but seek to stand strong, in unity, alongside them; I will preserve and defend the sacred secrets entrusted to me as I walk the path of the Namünen with unwavering dedication and integrity. I understand that this oath is not to be taken lightly, and I am prepared to embrace the challenges and responsibilities that come with it. I am aware that breaking this oath will result in severe consequences and the loss of my standing within the Namünen community. With every step I take on this path, I will honor the legacy of those who came before me and pave the way for future generations to follow.”

☽ Training and Education ☾

[General education & task training.]

At roughly six moons old, pups age out of Kindergarten and are brought into general training, becoming of the Neuling rank. Every Namünen must complete this training to take on a task, including those who may not have been born within the pack. They will start working in their task under supervision and mentorship of the applicable Mitteling and up, once they finish the general education portion of training.

General education is taught by both Mitteling and Meister rank, most often Instructors, beginning with broader lessons that cover Caohr's Code, basic survival skills, pack history and values, and oral traditions. Neuling are encouraged to have a chosen task in mind before they complete basic training, as that is when they will begin more focused lessons taught by the Meister of the task they wish to learn. Lessons are taught in various locations throughout the territory, with frequent guided field trips, but Neuling are expected to meet with their educators every morning at Neuling Ridge to receive the day's plans.

The Meister are responsible for designing and judging the final exam and determining if the student has failed and needs to further work on certain skills, or if they have passed and may proceed to Graduation as professionals.

☽ The Oath of the Augur ☾

[Becoming a Mitteling Augur.]

Previously, the task of Augur worked as both priests and healers but has since been redefined to only focus on the priest and diviner aspect of the role. The Augur deals with matters of the mind and soul.
When a Neuling Augur graduates to Mitteling, they are required to take an Oath before the rest of the pack's Augur and at least one Councilwolf.
“I, [Name], hereby take this oath and first vow to do no harm as an Augur. I am aware that it is my responsibility to offer guidance and support to troubled souls and those seeking divine answers. As a mortal messenger, I interpret divine messages to help the pack and individual souls, but I cannot speak on behalf of the deities. I prioritize the well-being and confidentiality of those seeking counsel, ensuring their voices are heard and respected. I will approach each situation with empathy and compassion, recognizing the diverse perspectives and experiences of others. I will be honest about my weaknesses and seek assistance when I can't handle a situation on my own. I understand that failure to uphold this oath will result in severe repercussions and my dismissal as an Augur. I am committed to upholding the values and principles of a Namünen Augur so we may create a stronger and more compassionate pack where every wolf feels heard, valued, and supported."

☽ The Oath of the Arzat ☾

[Becoming a Mitteling Arzat.]

The Arzat are the wolves trained to deal with physical ailments, focusing on evidence-based healing practices and diagnostic methods. Just like the Augur, Arzat are required to take an Oath when they reach Mitteling status.
When a Neuling Arzat graduates to Mitteling, they are required to take an Oath before the rest of the packs Arzat and at least one Councilwolf.
"I, [Name], hereby take this oath intending to become the best Arzat I can be. I first swear to do no harm, remain humble, and honor the legacy of the healers who came before me by passing on their wisdom and intellect. In all aspects of patient care, I will protect their privacy and confidentiality while treating each individual with respect and decency, all according to the guiding principles of Namün and Caohr's Code. I will always remember that as a wolf of Caohr's Code, I have special obligations to all my fellow wolfkind, both the healthy and the sick. To fulfill my obligations, I will endeavor to prevent illness whenever possible and seek assistance from my colleagues when necessary. I will not hesitate to admit my limitations or lack of knowledge, and I will work continuously to expand my expertise and provide the highest quality care. If given the ability to save a life, I will do so with gratitude; however, I recognize that taking a life is a tremendous responsibility that must be approached with humility. I am a mortal healer, not a deity. I understand that failure to uphold this oath will result in serious repercussions, including my permanent removal from the Arzat task. By adhering to these principles, I will strive to be a trusted healer who contributes positively to the health of Namün."

☽ Graduation Ceremony ☾

[Welcoming the new Mitteling.]

A small ceremony is held in Geheimwald (main densite) when the pack's Neuling are ready to become Mitteling in their prospective tasks. To qualify, they must have had at least 6 moons of education, be a minimum age of 18 moons old, and have the collective approval of their tasks Meisters. Additionally, those who pursue the tasks of Augur or Arzat, must take specific oaths prior to graduation.

The event typically involves close family and friends of the to-be-graduates, at least one Meister, as well as at least one Councilwolf as a witness. The Meisters each take turns presenting their Neuling to the Councilwolf, listing the Neulings' achievements and asking for the Councilwolf’s approval. When approved, the Councilwolf announces the new ranks and titles, and the ceremony ends with a brief performance by both the new Mitteling and the Children's Choir.

After the ceremony, it is tradition for Meisters to take the new Mitteling to the pack Totenstadt Boneyard in order to claim a burial location if they so desire. This is considered a rite of passage for young Namünen, and when the choice is made, the Mitteling give up a small tuft of their fur to the Undertaker to be logged as an identifier. This tuft is stored in Graven Burrow where they have an etched map of the graveyard, and the tuft is buried in the spot corresponding to the chosen grave.

☽ Public Divorce ☾

[Normalized practice.]

Nothing is meant to last forever, and to the Namünen, marriage is no exception. Divorce is fairly normalized within the pack due to the restrictions on marriages as well as the focus on impermanence. It's encouraged that if the marriage has begun to negatively affect the individuals as well as the functionality of the pack, then the logical and kindest thing to do is to end it. Divorces may happen because mates have simply grown into different people, and their time together has come to its natural close for this chapter of their life. They must sever the remaining bonds to set one another free.

To get a divorce, the couple must first inform the Council and present their reasons for their separation to get approval. It is rarely ever denied, and if it is denied, the mates can reapply with additional packmates there to support their case.
After being approved, they must request the presence of a mediator and witness. The witness must be a Councilwolf, but the mediator depends on the situation (though most often they are simply unbiased packmates known for skills in mediating, regardless of their task or rank).

With both a witness and mediator, divorces take place at Trennung Rift and anyone can show up to watch if they so wish. The couple has an open dialogue about why their union will no longer be beneficial, what they may have learned during their time together, and how they will be moving forward on their separating paths. The mediator is there to ensure things are done respectfully and efficiently with the well-being of the individuals in mind. At the end of the discussion on terms of separation, the Councilwolf witness announces that the union has reached its final chapter. The separated couple press both their front paws against the others, and the Councilwolf swipes down to symbolize the split. Both wolves are then allowed to go their own ways, and may remarry in the future if they so wish.

☽ Funerals ☾

[Burials, death rituals, & mourning.]

When a wolf dies, their body must be brought to an Undertaker or Arzat to confirm and call the time of death (moon/month and time of day). Only the Arzat and Undertaker are believed to have the skill to truly tell when a soul has dispersed. When it is confirmed a Namünen has died and a Councilwolf has publicly announced it, traditional funerals are held at The Moonlit Mortuary. They often involve the closest loved ones of the deceased. After being prepared by The Undertaker, the body is laid on a large flat stone in the moonlight. Loved ones are allowed to spend some time with it, either as a group or individually, depending on their wishes. Crying, screaming, striking and clawing the ground are some of the open displays of emotion that are encouraged. This grief is shared among the pack, and even those who do not attend the funeral will often take a moment in their day to openly express their own emotions. So long as it is not destructive to the self or the pack, whatever the individual needs to do in order to process their feelings is supported.

The body is then carried to the Totenstadt Boneyard and buried in the grave location they had chosen in life. If they had not yet gotten to choose before they passed, then it falls on any living relatives to decide. Talismans, accessories, and other items the wolf cherished in life are often buried with them, but no objects of violence, such as dangerous trap components, are permitted. As the body is covered up, mourning songs are howled as a final farewell.

Shared family graves are a fairly common practice and are marked with stones and densely packed dirt on top, creating a burial mound that typically takes a full day to construct. All other graves are dug much shallower and only marked with single gravestones of various unique shapes and sizes.

Sometimes a body may be exhumed for educational purposes later down the line. It is seen as a great honor to contribute to the furthering of education within the pack even after their soul has dispersed its physical shell. In the case a wolf does not wish to have their body disturbed, they can opt-out by informing the Undertaker so they can log this decision on their grave plot in Graven Burrow.

Loved ones of the deceased are permitted to spend one full night sleeping on or around the grave before returning to Geheimwald. Mourning songs typically continue every night for up to a week following the funeral.

☽ Death on the Council ☾

[Councilwolf body & soul preservation.]

The ritual for the death of a Councilwolf or Chancellor differs from that of a traditional Namünen service when it comes to burial. It used to be that every Councilwolf vowed to serve the pack and the deities not just in life, but in death as well; this has since been abolished by Chancellor Anselm. Now, it is the choice of the Councilwolf where they wish to be buried. If it is their wish to join the souls of past departed councilwolves, then their corpse is brought up to Quintessence Quagmire by the remaining Council, where the body is then fully submerged in the stagnant water. The Council gathers along with The Undertaker, and together they chant:
"Dead doesn't mean gone."

The chanting will reach a crescendo and often end in mournful howls that are accompanied by the entire pack throughout the territory. Grieving is done much the same as any other death, with open intense emotion and mourning songs, though the process may continue for longer than the usual week.

No one is permitted to visit the Quintessence Quagmire until a full moon cycle has passed since the departure of the Councilwolf, as it is believed that any disturbances to the body will cause the soul to fragment and disperse. The passage of a moon cycle is a vital binding process by the deities that must not be disrupted in any way. After the moon has passed, visitation is granted once more to those who seek guidance from the preserved spirit of the deceased Councilwolf.

☽ Councilwolf Soul Séance ☾

[Contacting dead Councilwolves of the past.]

It is believed that only the Augur, Undertaker, and the Chancellor can receive direct guidance from the deities; the deities can listen to all prayers but are unable to reach out in response to the average Namünen. The discovery of the Quintessence Quagmire granted a resource for packmates who sought counsel but could not reach out to the deities. The preservation of the Councilwolves' bodies allows their soul to remain uncorrupted by The Blur, keeping them from becoming ghosts so they can be a voice of wisdom for those that need it.

With their souls protected on sacred ground, the memories attached to these souls are thought to be the clearest of any that are laid to rest within the territory. This allows the Councilwolf to offer reliable counsel to packmates, fulfilling the final part of the oath they took when they became leaders — even in death, they may wish to serve their pack, and only with time do they inevitably fade. Keeping them from fading as much as possible is paramount, which is why preservation has become key for the leaders' bodies. These are the only ghostly entities one can trust.

To visit the Quintessence Quagmire, a wolf must simply inform a packmate, usually one of the on-duty Wardens, before they go. Children are not permitted entry at all, and juveniles may only go with adult supervision. It is custom to bring a small offering that is thrown into the bog upon arrival. A wolf may ask questions of any sort, or may simply vent. In order to receive answers and guidance from the souls of the deceased, the wolf must then eat a leaf from one of the plants that grow at the edge of the bog.

Immediately after consumption, the wolf should be prepared to find somewhere to sleep beneath the night sky, and they will be visited by one of the councilwolves souls in their dream.

*NEW*
☽ The Hügelberg Crypt & Der Fremde ☾

[Ancient and sacred artifact.]
Following a devastating flood that reshaped much of The Way, Namün territory revealed a long-buried secret: The Hügelberg Crypt. This strange stone structure with unnaturally smooth walls and ancient carvings was discovered within Totenstadt Boneyard and further excavated by Namünen wolves, revealing a haunting mystery—a towering stone statue, now known as Der Fremde (The Stranger).
Der Fremde stands as a disturbing figure of smooth stone, draped in a second, sagging layer resembling peeling skin. This “flesh” flows down over grotesque, flat paws and clings loosely to its slender torso, which is flayed open to reveal a thin, emaciated limb clutching its chest. The digits on one limb are cracked and partially broken, while the other reaches toward the stone platform in a thin, elongated stretch.
Bird-like wings sprout from its back: the left wing, seemingly taken from a large bird, remains intact but weathered, while the right is shattered, deep cracks radiating from the broken edge, stained with a black, wound-like substance. Its face lacks a muzzle, bearing only a smooth, rounded surface with a small protrusion for a nose. Long, wispy strands fall from the top of its head, resembling fur or alien plant matter, framing a short neck. Hollow, half-lidded eyes protrude from its face, casting an unseeing, cold gaze.
Hügelberg Crypt is now to be treated as a sacred place, with the following restrictions and protective measures for any who wish to visit:

Neuling may only enter the crypt if accompanied by a Mitteling or Meister.
To enter the crypt, wolves must first roll in a protective herb mixture (located at the entrance of the structure) and say out loud the phrase “Nichts folgt, was nicht ist” / “Nothing follows that is not”. This will both protect the soul of the Namünen and ensure no malevolent entities can be brought in and taint the sacred statue.
Der Fremde must be respected, and never touched beyond the stone pedestal on which it stands.
No access is permitted during a new moon, with exception to Meister Augur or the Undertaker. There will remain a Warden on guard outside the Crypt during these nights to ensure no one else enters.

☽ Defenses ☾

[Scare tactics & traps.]

The territory of the Namün pack is extremely sacred and kept very closed-off from other packs of The Way. No wolf outside of Namün is permitted to enter the territory without a direct invitation from a Councilwolf. To deal with nosy outsiders and keep the smaller pack protected, they have developed several lines of defense and deterrents.

At the very outskirts of the territory, there are scattered effigies: statues built of sticks, branches, and bones that depict unsettling three-legged upright figures with flat faces. They are frequently decorated with fresh prey blood, porcupine quills, and hanging moss, maintained by the Wardens and Outriders. Many of these uncanny creations can be seen in haunting glimpses from outside the territory and act to scare away potential trespassers before they even think to enter.

Those who continue forward and take the risk of trespassing are met with a myriad of strategically placed traps, some of which may be deadly. There are several trees called 'widow-makers' that can easily be knocked down and aimed in the path of a trespasser — or even directly on top of them. Other common traps include pitfalls, rockslides, hidden trenches, walls of spears, crafted sinkholes, collapsible bramble tunnels, and trip lines. Some are automatic, while others need to be triggered manually. They are primarily intended to scare trespassers into fleeing, though if they are persistent they may end up in temporary imprisonment under intense questioning.

However, the pack as a whole would much prefer to just be left alone. They rarely ever directly engage, instead letting the effigies and traps do the work while Wardens and Outriders watch carefully from the shadows.

The final line of defense is up to the Wardens. The forest is often so obscured by fog and shadow that it is quite easy for well-learned Wardens to traverse between trees and hills while remaining relatively undetected. Small patrols will surround enemies and begin to harass them; disorienting trespassers with loud barking, snarling, screaming, and howling from all different directions. The attacks remain persistent and escalate in aggression until the trespasser is chased out or detained, with killing being an absolute last resort. Bodies of trespassers are dumped outside of the territory and left there as a warning.

☽ Exorcisms ☾

[Rituals to heal a troubled soul.]

Living on such old haunted territory comes with various risks, and among those risks is the danger of possession by the various ghosts that supposedly wander the land. An exorcism is a type of ritual, assisted and led by an Augur, to ward off or banish malevolent ghosts from possessing a packmate. The signs of possession are often identified by Augurs or Arzat, who first try to eliminate any other possible causes before declaring someone possessed. Full exorcisms are intended to be a final resort, and while they used to involve dangerous and taxing methods, they have become far more geared towards compassionate growth and healing of the soul.

Minor ghostly possession, which is not considered a true possession at all but a precursor, is the most common and may present with: sudden onset panic attacks, a persistent sense of impending doom, general malaise, severe paranoia, and/or other forms of lingering emotional dysregulation. This is thought to happen when a ghost is simply attempting to possess an individual or has grown attached to the individual’s presence, cursing them.

True ghostly possession is when a ghost has successfully infiltrated the mind of the wolf. It often presents with severe acute symptoms, which may include: sudden onset of unrelenting and debilitating fear; frantic, constant and intelligible speech that cannot be easily disrupted; knowing ‘hidden knowledge’, things they should have no way of knowing; an unusual and intense increase of strength or speed and resistance to pain; a violent aversion to symbols of their Triad Deities or other images of their faiths; consistent, impulsive and often disturbing thoughts that oppose Namünen law and values; an extreme illness that is unresponsive to usual treatments; unexplainable insight into the minds of others that is not typical of the individual; sudden onset of violent aggression and erratic behavior; foaming at the mouth accompanied by other signs of serious illness; and/or an uncontrollable infestation of parasites (especially if said parasites are out-of-season).

A wolf afflicted with true ghostly possession is sent to Exorcism Hollow for exorcism sessions with an experienced Augur. An Augur presents questions to both the wolf and the ghost possessing them, trying to establish communication and understanding. Depending on the severity of the possession, an Augur provides guidance and support to the afflicted wolf and walks them through expelling or resisting the ghost on their own. These methods often involve energy release and could be a combination of ‘screaming out the ghosts’, hitting things (without harming self or others), tug-of-war, throwing stones or conifer cones, playing percussion and stomping to a rhythm, high-intensity digging, chanting, scream-stretching and rapid eye movement practices. More intense methods have been abolished, and the primary focus of exorcism is to achieve peace and balance within the soul.

Full exorcism rituals can take anywhere from a single evening to weekly visits to many moons of consistent attempts. Augur may even seek consults with those of similar tasks in other factions. If none of these methods seem to work, and the wolf is a proven danger to the pack, they are often asked to leave Namün.

☽ Ritual of the Birch Moon ☾

[New Year Ritual.]

Held on the first day of Birch Moon [March], this ritual marks the beginning of spring and the beginning of a new year. A single adult wolf is chosen at random by lotto, using sticks with their teeth marks as identifiers. The sticks are scattered and drawn by the Chancellor who announces the result at the first light of dawn.

The chosen wolf is excused from their usual duties, obtains the temporary title of "The Runner" and must fast until they return from the ritual. The Runner gathers offerings from the pack (only Councilwolves and the Chancellor are required to give offerings — for everyone else it is optional, but generally considered to be good luck). When all offerings are gathered in a bundle, The Runner is tasked with bringing them to an ancient shrine located in Birkespen Woodland. The shrine must be cleaned and redecorated, with all offerings meticulously set up around it. The Runner must then sit in silent vigil at the shrine until sunset. When they are finally allowed to return to the rest of the pack, they lead a solemn howl dedicated to their Triad Deities and then are given the first pick from a modest feast. The feast is enjoyed quietly as the pack whispers stories to one another, reflecting on the past year and reminiscing over any lives lost.

☽ Mittsommer Night Ritual ☾

[Summer Solstice.]

When the moon is lowest in the sky, during Sunken Moon [June], there is a ritual that takes place to encourage it to rise again. There had once been a Chancellor who dreamed of the moon completely sinking into the raging ocean and turning night into perpetual darkness. They consulted The Council and it was then revealed that many Councilwolves had experienced similar dreams all with the same message: their moon deity, Dhilir, was calling for their help. They needed the pack to help them rise once more

The Augur initiates a circle chant, staring up at the sky, and any of the pack are welcome to join. Screaming, howling, and mourning songs fill the night air as the wolves of Namün embolden the moon to rise once again in the face of its counterpart Vora, the sun deity. This continues into the night, ending just before the first light of dawn to avoid the burning eye of Vora. Augurs then typically spend the day rotating between their regular duties and traveling between the various altars within the territory. No Augur is allowed to sleep until the next moonrise, as they keep a vigilant watch for any unusual spiritual activity to ensure the ritual was a success.

☽ Fear Festival ☾

[Field trip to haunted locations & bravery training.]

The strange happenings within the territory may prove quite frightening for some children. Historically, many pups would have instances of being scared by the unsettling sights and sounds of the haunted lands, often causing them to flee into danger. The pack decided together that they needed to find a way to ensure all children could handle startles and would know how to recover from fear. Thus, the Fear Festival was created, held every Wilting Moon [October] for all the children of the pack.

Pups are taken on a field trip to a haunted location where their Instructors have set up various types of frights in a simple maze. Oftentimes, juveniles will join in the spooky fun, helping set up fun scares and creepy displays. The pups have their courage tested, and everyone who makes it through to the end gets a prize that changes every year. In addition to visiting and exploring the haunted locations (with close and careful supervision by adults at all times), they are given history lessons and told various ghost stories about those locations. Pups are allowed to take breaks and will be given comfort if they ever get too overwhelmed, but they are still encouraged to push through the temporary discomfort. The Fear Festival has become a greatly anticipated event for pups and pack alike and is usually seen as a fun and exciting challenge where pups can prove they have the growing bravery of a true Namünen.

☽ The Winterling Liberation ☾

[Winter Solstice Ritual.]

This event marks the longest night of the year and the official start of winter. The moon deity, Dhilir, is said to be at their strongest during this time, using this strength to empower the winter deity, Phidite, to escape from sun deity Vora's imprisonment and bring about the new season.

An unusual hush falls over the territory. During the day, the pack defies Vora by falling quiet and ignoring the light. No one is allowed to howl or sing, and many wolves even take on a strict vow of silence as they shun the deity for their cruelty towards Phidite. Pups are exempt from this but are still encouraged to keep quiet.

At sundown, the Chancellor climbs to the Sacred Crypt and howls as loud as they can. This howl begins to spread like a wave across the territory as every Namünen stops what they're doing and joins with their powerful voices. Howling typically escalates to a combination of yapping, screeching, and wailing that crescendos until the moon is at its peak before tapering off. The rest of the pack may then return to their duties and get some rest; for the remainder of the night, however, the Chancellor continues howling their encouragement to Dhilir and Phidite. They can only leave at the first light of day and only after offering a droplet of blood to the fountain as a symbol of sacrifice and devotion. They can then return to Geheimwald (main densite), often quite exhausted, and are permitted to rest for the first day of winter while The Council cares for the pack in their place.

☽ The New Moon Initiation ☾

[Ritual to welcome a new Undertaker.]

When the pack is ready for a new Undertaker, a ritual is held on a night when the moon is at its darkest. This ritual is believed to strengthen the connection between the prospective Undertaker and the spirit realm.

An Augur or Arzat who wishes to become Undertaker must first discuss with the current Undertaker to ensure they are ready and want to take on an apprentice. Then they must inform the Chancellor or The Council for final approval.

Once approved to begin Undertaker training they are led by the current Undertaker, their Augur or Arzat mentor, and a Warden to climb to The Sacred Crypt under a vow of silence. The Undertaker and thementor are not permitted to eat during the day before this journey, but the Warden is free to eat as normal.

When they arrive at the peak, the Warden stands guard at the top of the stairs, is not allowed any further into the sacred grounds, and must continue to uphold their vow of silence. The mentor and Undertakers may only speak after taking a drink from the stone pond, and then the night is spent in quiet worship before the stone figures. The prospective Neuling Undertaker is asked a series of questions, usually about their desires and goals and what they can offer for not only the pack but for the deities as well. If the current Undertaker is pleased with the answers, they instruct the mentor present to take an evergreen branch dipped in the holy water and brush it over the initiate's back three times. The mentor may then return to the stairs and go back to the pack with the Warden, while the Undertaker and their new initiate remain in quiet worship until daybreak. When they return to the pack, they are not allowed to sleep until the next moonrise, to not risk inviting ghosts into their psyche. They must wait until they are back under the protection of the moon before finally resting and marking the end of initiation.

☽ Blood Moon Sacrifice ☾

[Total lunar eclipse ritual.]

Once there was a Chancellor who sought to sever the connection to the deities and put a stop to their worship. The night of his public declaration against the divine, the otherwise seemingly healthy wolf began to cough up blood. This was interpreted as a warning sign by the pack's Augurs, but the Chancellor did not listen. It is said that the whole pack witnessed the Chancellor be choked by some unseen force and fall dead–a force that the Augur claimed was the jaws of the divine putting an end to the heretic leader. The pack thought they had been saved by the deities, but it was then that a great shadow fell over the moon.

Their beloved moon turned red as it was possessed by the vengeful ghost of the former Chancellor. The pack fell into panic.
In an act of desperation, a Councilwolf spilled their blood before the moonlight, and they noticed the red of the moon beginning to retreat. The rest of the Council then all offered their own blood, with the pack chanting, howling, and shrieking to the night sky, and gradually their beloved moon was free once again.

Since then, in the event that the moon turns red, The Council will give blood offerings before the night sky, sacrificing a part of themselves to fend off the vengeful ghost of the former heretic.

>Beliefs<

Namün is a very superstitious and spiritual pack. They turn to these beliefs especially when confronted with something unfamiliar or entirely unknown to them.

☽ Death & Soul Fragments ☾

"We are all meant to die. We all break down and rise back up, and break down again, and every living thing grows out of every dying thing. That life refreshes and recycles and on and on it goes. It’s where true beauty lies — in the mortality of it all."

***

When a wolf dies, it is thought that their soul shatters into small fragments and disperses across the entirety of the realm. These intermix with other fragments to create brand new configurations that form a new unique soul. That soul then will go towards new life, be it rodent or bird or bug, and the cycle repeats. Like Tephe, they believe that wolves are seldom consecutively reincarnated as wolves — however, in Namün, they believe they have been given a special gift. The territory of Namün has its own pull, a gravity for soul fragments, drawing in the scatterings so that they may be more likely to reform and be reborn as a Namünen wolf. The thought is that if a wolf is reincarnated as a Namünen wolf, again and again, some of their past experiences and knowledge may be passed down so the soul can grow wiser with each successfully contained cycle.

☽ The Blur ☾

[The Spirit Realm.]

The Blur is thought to overlay the waking world like a thin blanket of freshly fallen snow, and it is where troubled souls may get trapped and become ghosts. Within all of Namün territory, The Blur has been thinned by Vohttön themself, and is considered the reason there is so much reported paranormal activity. Ghost sightings are thought to occur when a ghost has managed to briefly escape though The Blur, becoming perceptible to the average wolf. They are almost always drawn back into their own realm, however, and it is believed by Namün that this magnetism is thanks to their deities. Augurs and Undertakers are the only ones skilled enough to frequently see through The Blur, as they have spent many seasons studying and practicing the arts of seeing through the boundaries of life and death.

☽ Ghosts & Poltergeists ☾

[Entities of The Blur.]

Ghosts are most often created when a soul fails to disperse and ends up trapped in The Blur. These instances are usually the result of a wolf dying while their soul was in a state of severe unrest. In almost all cases, these ghosts become corrupted as their memories fade and scatter and they slowly lose who they once were. There is one known exception to this that was discovered in recent generations: the souls of those submerged in the Quintessence Quagmire are the only ones able to avoid corruption.

The corruption can advance further than the typical vengeful ghosts. In rare instances, if a ghost has frequent contact to the mortal realm and keeps trying to escape the pull of The Blur, they may become 'poltergeists.' These are ghosts that have the ability to interact with the physical world much more readily than those who continue to drift aimlessly in and out of The Blur. Poltergeists sometimes are simply mischievous and playful, but more commonly known to be dangerous and driven to bring harm to mortals.

All things fade given enough time, even ghosts and lingering souls. Decay is inevitable, it is natural, and even if they try to run from death, the energy will always recycle eventually.

☽ The Triad Deities ☾

[Primary Deities.]

The deities most revered by the wolves of Namün are known as The Triad Deities, consisting of Vohttön, Dhilir, and Phidite. Most active outward worship is dedicated towards Vohttön and Dhilir, but Phidite is still seen as equally important.

You can find extended lore on these deities located here:

[ Namün Beliefs - Deity Lore Extended ]

>Vohttön<

(Deity of Death.)

As a deity of death, Vohttön has claim over the domains of decay, loneliness and inevitability. They are seen as a wise guide and a protector of the balance between life and death. Without death, life has no meaning. Vohttön is isolated from the rest of the pantheon, and is only able to communicate with the help of Dhilir and Phidite. Their biggest role is to recycle the soul fragments and refresh them before they are released back into the cycle. As such, they are sometimes referred to as "The Lonely One."

>Dhilir<

(Deity of the Moon.)

Watching over the domains of night, change, rebirth and secrets is the beloved moon deity, Dhilir. The ability to oversee the realm through the moon allows Dhilir to act as a secret messenger, most frequently known to assist Vohttön and Phidite. Namünen wolves believe that the moon cycles are a result of Dhilir sacrificing small increments of their power in order to sustain the ever-present pull of The Blur. Every new moon, Dhilir rests, knowing that come winter they will have the aid of Phidite to give them enough time to fully recover.

>Phidite<

(Deity of Winter.)

Affectionately dubbed "The Winterling" by Namün, Phidite is a winter deity with control over the domains of humility, charity, and repose. For most of the year, they are willingly imprisoned by Vora, and every winter must be freed with the help of Dhilir in order to continue the natural procession of the seasons.

☽ Minor Deities ☾

While the pack primarily focuses their worship on The Triad, there are special acknowledgements to Kheos, Varen and Usyn. Kheos in particular is secretly viewed in a positive light by the Namünen, but this is kept quiet due to the link between Kheos and Inja. Any worship towards Kheos is recommended to only be done at night, away from the eye of Vora. Caohr is also recognized and respected, though they are thought to no longer exist as a current power to reach out to so no active worship takes place.

☽ Death Wishes ☾

Discussions about death are very common for Namün wolves. Most usually have at least a basic idea of their most preferred way to die — where it happens, how it happens, who they are with. Everyone is encouraged to face the concept of death early on, so that they can focus on making their life meaningful and fulfilling. In addition, it is customary for wolves to think of their funeral preferences if they have any that differ from the traditional Namünen burial.

In the event that a wolf knows they are going to die soon, they can request certain circumstances. They may request a last meal, decide who they wish to be surrounded by in their final breaths, and if it is the case of a terminal illness, they are given the option of assisted death. They are given the utmost care and made as comfortable as they wish, so that their soul may be at peace when it is time for it to disperse.

☽ Superstitions ☾

[Most common superstitions.]

The Namünen are a cautious and devoted folk, and as such they have a growing list of superstitions that most tend to take very seriously. These are just some of the most common superstitions still in practice.

It is bad luck for pups to be born during a new moon
It is good luck for pups to be born during a full moon
Sneezing four times in a row is a bad omen and it means you are being watched by something that may wish you harm
Sleeping too soon after certain rituals leaves you vulnerable to possession
Lynxes are not to be trusted under any circumstances
When a wolf dies, they learn the truth of all the biggest lies ever told to them by their loved ones throughout their life

☽ Folktales of Grimm ☾

A collection of old stories, fables and the like that have been passed down through many generations. Sometimes they have a clear moral, and sometimes they may seem nonsensical. Each wolf may interpret the stories in their own way in order to use them as teaching tools for the children, so long as the teachings align with the values of Namün. A common theme that is taught is the concept that life isn't fair, and sometimes people don't learn their lessons. The most popular stories were said to be first told by a Councilwolf Instructor named Grimm long long ago, who was one of the ones to begin the tradition of passing down the strange stories.

>Find the collection of story synopsis here!<

Lynx and Hare in Partnership

The Story of a Boy Who Went Forth to Learn Fear

How Some Children Played at Slaughtering

Hänsel and Grettel

The Three Snake-Leaves

The White Snake

The Fisherman and His Wife

Clever Hans

Godfather Death

Death's Messengers

☽ The Headless Hunter ☾

The story goes that there had once been a Namünen Scrounger who became corrupted by greed. She began to steal the pack's resources to hoard for herself, even in times when the rest of the pack was struggling. One day when she had been out scrounging the territory alone to add to her private stash, she got caught in a trap and decapitated — but the trap had been a secret one of her own making. Her remains were not found until days later, and by then it was too late. She had become a ghost and attached herself to the land. Many Augurs tried to banish her, and while it seems that sometimes they may be able to banish her temporarily, she always returns eventually.

Her vengeful ghost haunts the territory seeking to chase wolves to their own deaths so that they may share the same fate. Seeing her means that you are about to make a big decision that could go horribly wrong if you aren't careful. If they see her and her detached head, wolves are advised to stand their ground and wait for her to disappear back into The Blur. However, if they only see her body and cannot see her head, it means she is already about to attack and they should flee to the safety of the nearest altar or shrine.

☽ The Kludde ☾

The Kludde is a tormentor entity of unknown origins who stalks the territory and has a proclivity for drowning its victims. It has some shapeshifting abilities but most often appears as a massive black canid that walks on its hind legs and has oversized claws of a bear and bloated yellow eyes. It's most often spotted hiding in wait within hollow trees, under bridges, and near small stagnant bodies of water. The other most common form it may take is a giant grizzly bear with long, oily black fur and a distended abdomen. The Kludde can move imperceptibly fast, and some say to kill one would only result in four more rising from its corpse. The Kludde seems to enjoy targeting children who wander off alone, playing tricks than can range from minor mischief to murder, and screeching "Kludde! Kludde!" when it gives chase.

☽ Doppelgänger ☾

[Singular: Doppelganger]

A Doppelganger is an entity that bears an exact resemblance to someone but is not biologically related. This is no ordinary resemblance, either — Doppelgänger are exactly identical from the smallest physical detail to the way they walk and talk. It was once believed that they were evil beings who sought to kill and replace the 'original', but nowadays it is thought that Doppelgänger, like the beings they replicate, can vary considerably. Regardless of the intentions of this creature, to come face-to-face with one's Doppelganger is considered an omen of death.

>Terminology<

☽ Namünen ☾
Demonym that refers to any wolf belonging to Namün.

☽ Namün-born ☾
Specifically used to refer to wolves born into the pack.

☽ Patron ☾
The chosen back-up guardian/caretaker of a litter should a wolf die during childbirth and the pups survive.

☽ Mist ☾

Exclamation/interjection of frustration, surprise, or anger. Roughly translates to 'droppings,' or 'dung.' Can be used in place of 'rubbish' or 'nonsense.'
"What a load of Mist."

☽ Ach ☾

An exclamation/interjection, equivalent to 'oh' or 'ah.'
"Ach, you startled me!"

☽ Auf Wiedersehen ☾

A common formal farewell.

☽ Tschüss / Tschüssi ☾

An informal farewell. Equivalent to a simple 'bye' or 'bye-bye.'

☽ Guten Abend ☾

A common and semi-formal greeting used no matter the time of day. Translates to 'good evening.'

☽ Hallo ☾

A common informal greeting.

☽ Danke ☾

An expression of thanks.

"Danke for helping me set that trap."

☽ Entschuldigung / Ach, Entschuldigung ☾

An apology or polite term equivalent to 'excuse me' when not preceded by 'ach.' The phrase "Ach, Entschuldigung" translates to 'I'm sorry' or 'My apologies.'

"Ach, Entschuldigung for being late."

☽ Bitte ☾

Frequently used polite term that translates roughly to 'please,' 'you're welcome,' or 'pardon.'
"Will you pass me that bone, bitte?"
"Bitte!" (Here you are!)
"Danke, bitte." (Thank you.)
"Bitte." (You're welcome.)

☽ Deaducation ☾

A comedic slang term used by juveniles. Most often used when referring to educational corpse viewings and other death-related lessons in General Training. Alternate forms include"deaducated" and "deaducate".

"You ready for some deaducation?"

☽ "It's you, it's me, it's us." ☾
A reference to the final marriage vows in a traditional Namünen wedding. This phrase is often used affectionately between married couples, especially when enduring something difficult together.

☽ "Est ist noch kein Meister vom Himmel gefallen." / "No master falls from the sky." ☾

A common idiom used most often with Neuling. It means that no one is great at something right away, it takes practice and time. Masters are made, not born.

☽ "The one who eats fire, shits sparks." ☾

An idiom originally used in reference to Volaires wolves. It means that if someone is to take on a dangerous venture, they should not be surprised at its outcome.

☽ "Nichts folgt, was nicht ist." / "Nothing follows that is not." ☾
A protection phrase to be said aloud prior to entering The Hügelberg Crypt. It is believed to both protect the soul of the Namünen and ensure no malevolent entities can be brought in and taint the sacred statue.

>Laws & Punishment<

Maintaining order and following the guidance of the deities are of high value to the Namünen. Punishment once ranged from loss of rights to temporary imprisonment to physical mutilation. Physical punishments were reserved for severe cases, and most often used more readily for those who are newer to the pack. Tongue removal was even used alongside banishment as a way of keeping their secrets within their borders.

Chancellor Anselm has since abolished the use of corporal punishment within Namün, and works openly with both the Council and the pack to establish a system that allows all Namünen to feel protected and respected. Worship of Vora is no longer prohibited or punishable. Ausländer are no longer treated as lesser, though they may still be treated with caution until they take the Namünen Oath. Councilwolves are now permitted to retire from The Council when they feel they are not able to continue serving adequately.

The highest form of punishment for the average Namünen is banishment. Wolves who are banished from Namün will be attacked on sight should they ever try to return.

☽ Laws ☾

Obey and respect legitimate authority, including that of The Triad Deities.
Strive to uphold the sacred values and protect the secrets of Namün. Wisdom, intellect, sacrifice, trust, humility, and acceptance are just some of those sacred values.
All wolves born in Namün have a right to general education and training. No one younger than 6 months can be forced to train.
No wolf may claim ownership of another.
Treat all wolves of Caohr’s Code with respect and dignity regardless of their origins or alliances.
To become a Namünen, a wolf must take the Oath and uphold it.
Do not intentionally deceive The Council or the Chancellor.
A wolf who is officially accepted into The Council will remain on The Council until retirement. Councilwolves who betray the pack are subject to banishment.
All marriages must be approved and officialized by The Council. There is a limit of 3 marriages per season. Namünen are not permitted to marry outsiders unless they are first accepted into the pack.
Wolves of The Council are not permitted to be married to another councilwolf, to avoid potential conflicts amidst the leadership.
You may not trespass on restricted holy grounds, respect when restrictions are in place. Some locations may only be accessible to certain ranks.
Important resources are to be shared among the pack. Theft and hoarding from the pack are prohibited.
No wolf may leave the territory alone without giving notice and obtaining permission from The Council. Outriders are exempt from this except in cases of extended journeys and when there may be direct contact with other packs of The Way.
Entry to the territory is only granted to those who are approved by the authorities. Meetings with other pack wolves must be conducted on neutral territory.
Trespassers are to be dealt with as swiftly as possible. All intruders are considered hostile if they have breached the border. Stay hidden for as long as possible, only make direct chase if the traps do not deter the trespasser to flee.
Outsiders are to be treated with caution, and in instances of imprisonment, are subject to questioning.
Ausländer may be required to den in The Dungeons upon first joining, but if they prove trustworthy are permitted to den at the outskirts of Geheimwald. They will be welcomed into the heart of Geheimwald only when they rise to the rank of Kinder.
Any suspicious sightings within or directly bordering the territory are to be reported immediately.
Disputes between pack mates are to be dealt with diplomatically. Namünen wolves must respect one another. Seek guidance from the Augur or the spirit of past councilwolves, and only bring serious matters to The Chancellor.

☽ Punishments ☾

Additional duties
Public confessions
Mandatory re-education
Mandatory Augur visits
Forfeiture of certain rights
Temporary Imprisonment
Banishment

>Tasks<

☽ Chancellor ☾

The divinely-selected leader (Leiter) of the pack. They are selected by the gods via the Fang Lotto to act as head of the Council, no longer working in their former task to focus on leadership. Referred to formally as “Chancellor [NAME].”

☽ Councilwolf ☾

[additive task.]

Wolves who have been selected and accepted into The Council and serve as consults to the Chancellor. They aid in overall leadership and act as the Chancellor’s proxy in their absence, in addition to working their respective task.

☽ Arzat[s] ☾

The pack's healers, who also serve as midwives and administer piercings, frequently collaborate with Augur to ensure that each Namünen's body and mind are in harmony. Arzat are wolves trained to treat physical ailments, with an emphasis on evidence-based healing practices and diagnostic procedures. Tephen Menders initially assisted in a substantial portion of their training.

☽ Augur[s] ☾

The diviners and counselors of the pack, acting as priests and spiritual advisors who deal with matters of the soul and interpreting divine messages. Individual Augurs may practice divination in various unique ways, but all are trained experts in haruspicy — inspecting the entrails of prey sacrifices in order to clean messages from the divine.

☽ Undertaker[s] ☾

The Undertaker is a special task within the pack, and there is typically only a maximum of two at any given time. They are tasked with all grave management and upkeep within Totenstadt Boneyard, funeral preparations for The Moonlit Mortuary, and often aid Arzat in diagnosing terminal illnesses and injuries. They first begin training as an Augur or Arzat and, as such, are knowledgeable in both divination and healing. Not eligible to become a Councilwolf.

☽ Instructor[s] ☾

The historians of the pack. They act as educators and sitters to pups and lead the Children's Choir. They know all the rhymes and folktales of Namün and are responsible for teaching them to the Kinder, never shying away from the hard lessons.

☽ Children's Choir ☾

While not viewed as an official 'task,' all pups in Kindergarten are required to take part in the Choir. Apart from it being used as a learning tool, the Choir also performs in certain ceremonies and rituals

☽ Warden[s] ☾

The guardians and warriors, and the only wolves who are trained to fight offensively. Tasked with defending the pack, primarily through the use of traps and scare tactics. Guards prisoners in The Dungeons when they are not on patrol with Outriders, assisting in effigy upkeep.

☽ Scrounger[s] ☾

Responsible for gathering food and resources for the pack. They have some knowledge of how to use hunting traps but, most often, work together to forage and steal from other predators and competitors or locate carrion.

☽ Outrider[s] ☾

The scouts of the pack. They go on border patrols (often alongside Wardens and/or Scroungers), deliver messages between Namün and other packs, and know best how to efficiently navigate the disorienting territory. They are also the ones who maintain the effigies the most. Additionally, they tend to Namün's limited relations with other packs, keep track of any trade potential, and often act as official ambassadors.

>Prey<

The main food source of the Namünen are small to medium creatures as well as scraps and carcasses stolen from competitors just outside their territory. They prefer to scavenge. Carrion feasts are common, especially if it is the remains of a large ungulate, which can provide a lot to the pack. They will search for mountain goats and bighorn sheep and try to scare or startle them off the steep ledges they try to hide on, or they will knock them down by rolling boulders from a higher vantage point.

Because Namünen are typically much smaller in size and not often built for brute strength, they stick to the use of natural and simple crafted traps to catch more difficult prey. They use their wit, stealth, and speed to outsmart the prey. Contrary to popular belief, Namünen rarely hunt porcupines nowadays. While they do specialize in hunting the large quill-covered rodents, it is a resource reserved for severe winters where there are few other options.

☽ Small Prey ☾

Snowshoe hares, rats, squirrels, martens, chipmunks, marmot, pika, ptarmigan, toads, bats, salmon, migratory waterfowl, corvids, whisky jacks.

☽ Medium Prey ☾

Snowshoe hares, beaver, porcupine, bobcats, raccoons.

☽ Large Prey ☾

Bighorn sheep, mountain goats, whitetail deer, mule deer.

Other creatures that can be found within or around Namün, but are generally avoided by the wolves, may include: grizzly bears, black bears, cougars, lynxes, coyotes, wolverines, fisher cats, eagles, owls, and the rare red fox. There are also rare instances of moose and caribou passing through the valleys, especially during migration, but it is strongly advised to avoid them.

>Territory<

The pack resides on a coastal mountain range within a dense old growth temperate rainforest. Their mid- to high-elevation territory is bordered by a lush alpine meadow to the north and a glacier-fed major river along the east, with sheer rocky peaks and prey-abundant regions scattered elsewhere outside their perimeter. Despite all these bountiful resources around them, Namün has only ever remained secluded in their dark and damp conifer-dominant forests.

The forests are a mix of pine, cedar, hemlock, evergreen, and spruce trees, with scattered creeks and streams branching throughout and pooling into several ponds or lakes. Steep inclines and cliffs create beautiful waterfalls that contribute further to the near-constant fog that already seems to cling to Namün’s sacred lands. A few types of deciduous trees such as birch and aspen can be found intermixed or clustered around lakes and rivers.

Every spring brings snowmelt to the major waterways of the territory, but the higher elevations will continue to get snow for most of the season. Rivers carry down icy waters to fill lakes with fresh glacier water as the first greenery begins to bloom anew.

As the temperatures rise, the snowmelt continues to uncover high-altitude paths that can finally be used by the pack, allowing them to climb to the ridge and overlook the blooming of the alpine wildflowers in late summer.

Rain is heaviest during the fall when it begins to quickly cool down and the few deciduous trees in the territory turn into vibrant shades of gold, red, amber and yellow. Smaller prey is typically quite abundant and actively preparing for the winter, feasting on the innumerable seeds, nuts, and fungus. The salmon spawn draws in huge numbers of bald eagles and grizzly bears to the major river adjacent to Namün lands. Mid to late autumn brings fresh snow to the mountaintops

Winter always has heavy snowfall that covers the region from peak to valley as bears and bats hibernate, while other critters reduce activity. Prey is more scarce, the temperatures regularly drop well below freezing. A lot of their water sources freeze over, and the sheer mountainside valleys are known to be prone to avalanches during this time.

Natural Hazards: rockslides, mudslides, avalanches, falling trees, hidden trenches, crumbling cliffs, pits, etc.

>Pinterest Board<

☽ Significant Locations ☾

>Geheimwald<

Main densite and common area in a lakeside forest.

At the heart of Namün territory lies Geheimwald, a vibrant lakeside forest where the pack makes its home. The dens are nestled into the dirt mounds, hills, and roots of towering conifers. Higher ranks tend to have dens closer to the center, while new Ausländer are kept at the outskirts until they rank up into Kinder. Trails wind through the forest, leading to and from the lakeshore, some well-worn and others more rugged and muddy during wet seasons. The ancient conifers stand tall, their roots intertwined with the earth, creating a network of natural shelters. The central lake shimmers with clear water, its shores adorned with new plant life and mosses that thrive in the damp environment.
An old decaying stump serves as a step-up to a mossy stone ledge, often used by the Chancellor or Council to make announcements

>The Garten<

Kindergarten location.

Up the hill from Geheimwald, the forest canopy opens up to a small clearing with a shallow pond surrounded by alder, dogwood, and maple trees. The forest floor is covered in various greenery, mostly ferns and moss, and there are a few salal and huckleberry bushes as well. The rock overhang on the other side of the clearing, once used for lessons, has crumbled and is overtaken by ivy. Some fallen trees lean against the rock, creating a makeshift shelter for pups and caretakers. Partly dug out and reinforced with ferns, rocks, and bones, it provides a secure spot for lessons and play. Wolves have crudely woven smaller branches between the trees for a wind-resistant lattice. Thick layers of leaves and moss insulate the shelter, while rocks and earth mounds stabilize it and improve drainage. Multiple entrances, covered with hanging vegetation, keep out the elements, ensuring safety and comfort in any weather

>Neuling Ridge<

Training grounds.

A forested ridge rising above and curving around both The Garten and Geheimwald, it is the primary location for training and education of Namünen Neuling. The canopy is littered with broken branches, tangled with the thicker branches of the resilient ancient trees that guard against high winds and provide shadowed cover. At the highest point, a massive fallen tree stretches out over the cliff's edge, half of its roots exposed as it overlooks Geheimwald Lake. The Neuling meet their mentors here, just outside the treeline, where they receive briefings on lesson plans and relevant announcements.

>Mondkrater Falls<

Large waterfall and Council meeting location.

Mondkrater Falls is one of the most notable waterfalls in the territory, pouring glacial runoff water into a huge crater that has been carved by the water over the years. Part of the largest river that cuts into the territory, it branches from the major river at the edge. In winter, the freezing temperatures cause a massive ice cone to form at the base of the waterfall that can sometimes rise as high as halfway up the falls. The cliff walls are lined with mist and greenery, creating a stunning, ethereal backdrop. The Council frequently holds meetings on the riverside cliffs overlooking the top of the waterfall

>The Moonlit Mortuary<

Traditional funeral location.

Just outside Totenstadt Boneyard, a cluster of broken, broad, and flat stones are gathered to serve as a small platform, allowing bodies to be placed under sufficient moonlight. The trees part just enough to allow moonlight through at night. A few fox-lengths from the stones is a small waterfall that feeds into a gently babbling creek, bordered by young salal bushes, various types of ferns, and newly established Pacific bleeding heart plants that flower in spring and early summer.

>Totenstadt Boneyard<

Pack graveyard.

A wooded hill where deceased packmates are buried in marked graves. It is surrounded by stone-ice defenses [wrought iron fences] and has a large entrance bordered by strange structures made of rock. Inside there are scatterings of carved stone slabs of various shapes and sizes, some with trees growing around them, and some where they have become enveloped by trees entirely. The fog is heavy here and almost constant. Amidst the sparse woods and memorials, there is a small eroded hill, revealing an old crypt entwined in roots and dirt, known now as The Hügelberg Crypt. The crypt holds a peculiar aged stone statue of a hairless, two-legged creature, known as Der Fremde, that seems to stare down at a large stone [sealed sarcophagi] that is covered in intricate carvings that would be impossible to replicate.

>Graven Burrow<

The designated den of the Undertaker[s].

At the outskirts of Totenstadt Boneyard the forested hills quickly shift to more extreme inclines and slopes. Dug into the side of one of these inclines is an ancient underground den that has been used by all Undertakers throughout Namünen history. While the inside may change with each new Undertaker, the outside has remained the same for generations. Currently it has several different sections of the den, the most important being the deepest. This is where the Undertaker keeps track of grave plots and applicable death wishes.

>Quintessence Quagmire<

Sacred mountain bog.

An elevated hill with a slight crater-like central slope and very poor drainage has caused an expansive basin to transform into an acidic bog. The area, fed by precipitation only, has only a few broken trees at the edges and is otherwise populated by various sphagnum mosses, sedges, and plenty of accumulated peat. The bog is difficult to navigate, with a deceptive layer of peat moss that can easily cause a wolf to fall in if they do not know the safe paths. The original stone-lined path now lies fractured and partially submerged. A new safe path has been marked with broken sticks, delineating the barrier between solid land and floating peat moss. This path leads to the deeper waters where the bodies of dead councilwolves are submerged to preserve their souls

>The Shrieking Caverns<

Popular hunting grounds.

In the inner territory, there are several scattered caves that used to be inhabited by a large colony of bats, but the bats have since moved on. The caves reverberate with the distant sound of flowing water from underground rivers. Broken and fallen moss-covered trees are scattered in the forested area, surrounded by thickets of wild blackberry bushes. Although the caves are no longer used for hunting the bats, the area remains an excellent hunting ground for small to medium prey that feed on the plentiful blackberries during summer, as well as the seeds, nuts, and bark of the many ancient redwood trees that still stand. Raccoons, martens, and other smaller predators or scavengers can also be found hunting the small rodents.

>Trennung Rift<

Divorce location.

Between two massive rock faces there are old fallen logs and trees covered in a thick blanket of mosses and ferns. There are boulders wedged between this narrow canyon that connect many of the scattered fallen logs, creating a variety of bridges and casting shade on the passage below. The logs create a sort of shaded archway as well as a bridge. At the lowest level within the passage, a small pond now lies, its waters fed by a meandering stream that cuts through Trennung Rift. Divorces are typically held by the pond, and any viewers can watch and listen from the elevated ‘bridges’ if they so wish.

>Winterling Lake<

Glacier lake and divine trial grounds.

A high-elevation glacier-fed lake that stays frozen for the majority of the year, and holds a lingering chill in its brilliant turquoise waters when it melts in summer. Bordered mostly by tall, skinny pine and cedar trees, the lake drains into several creeks and rivers that branch throughout the territory, including the river that leads to Mondkrater Falls.. The lake is frequently covered in fog and borders rocky alpine peaks to the north

>Exorcism Hollow<

Lower caverns where serious exorcisms are performed.

At one edge of the territory, there are rocky caves accessible along the looming mountainside. This is where the more intense exorcisms may take place. There is a tunnel into the mountainside that leads to a medium cavern with its own pool of freezing cold glacier water, fed by a rushing subterranean river

>The Dungeons<

Upper mountain caves where newcomers, trespassers, and are temporarily imprisoned.

Right near Exorcism Hollow there is The Dungeons, where prisoners are often kept. It is a labyrinthine network of caves that wind through the mountain at the edge of the territory. Ausländer, wolves who wish to join the pack, are also held here for questioning and introductory education to determine if they will truly be a good and trustworthy addition to the pack, but are not required to remain imprisoned as they once used to be. There is only one safe exit for these caves, the rest of the deceptive exits open up to sheer cliffs and sudden drops to jagged rocks below, or to raging underground rivers. The exit is guarded by Wardens only when the caves are in use. Prisoners are temporarily kept in cramped quarters referred to as ‘holding dens’ that do not allow much movement, and are only moved to larger dens if they have a genuine interest in joining the devout pack. Exorcisms can often be overheard from the caverns below, which is used as an additional scare factor when dealing with trespasser prisoners

>Birkespen Woodland<

Well-lit deciduous woods, location of the pack's main shrine.

A section where the forest transitions from evergreen-dominant to primarily birch and aspen. This grove is one of the few areas with a sparser tree canopy, allowing more light to shine through and evaporating most fog that drifts in. Hidden beneath a rocky overhang, there is an ancient shrine dedicated to the Triad Deities. This is the shrine used for the Ritual of the Birch Moon, visited yearly by Namün's chosen Runner. The overhang of the shrine was once a solid form, but it has broken into three large jagged stones, and there's a decaying birch tree covered in various types of fungi at the base. This area is sometimes called "The Watcher’s Woods" because the bark of the birch and aspen trees looks like eyes

>The Sacred Crypt<

Sacred restricted grounds.

A rocky cliff jutting out from the mountainside with a strange decrepit stone structure [mausoleum crypt] and ancient statues at the peak. The peak has fewer trees, most of which are stunted and contorted pines. The stone pathway leading up to is almost fully hidden within the dense pine trees, making it fairly dark even during the day. It is quite steep but easy to climb due to the stone steps. The route to find this stone pathway is a winding one through the foggy evergreens, and it is not uncommon for wolves to get lost should they try to find it without a proper guide. The statues at the peak are thought to be divine in nature, and the entire location is considered holy ground that must be treated with the utmost respect. At the edge of the cliff, one can peer over and see Birkespen Woodlands below.

>Pack Members<

☽ Leiter ☾

The Chancellor. The leader who works alongside the Council to guide the pack and keep it running smoothly. Chosen by the deities themselves.

Chancellor Anselm

☽ The Council ☾

Referred to as 'Councilwolves', they are high-ranking wolves who serve as consults to the Chancellor and aid in leadership, in addition to working their respective task. Approved by the deities. Referred to formally as “Councilwolf [NAME].”
Councilwolf Ingva (NPC) - Outrider
Councilwolf Hagen (NPC) - Scrounger

☽ Meister ☾

Experts in their tasks, the only wolves eligible for nomination into the Council. They help organize the Mitteling, mentor the Neuling and decide when someone is ready to graduate. Often formally referred to as "Meister [NAME]."

Blair (NPC) - Undertaker

Bas (NPC) - Outrider

Egmont (NPC) - Scrounger

Minna (NPC) - Instructor

Geier - Warden

Wysiria - Outrider

Hollis - Scrounger

☽ Mitteling ☾

Graduates and subordinates. Obey Meister and up. Completed general education and specialized training, have a basic mastery over their task and are trusted to help teach Neuling alongside the Meisters.

Raban (NPC) - Arzat

Norbert (NPC) - Warden
Glay - Scrounger

Sloan - Instructor

Fae - Augur

☽ Neuling ☾

Students, apprentices, trainees. Currently taking general education and specialized task training. After general education, they choose a task and start working under the supervision of Mitteling and up. Starter rank for those over 6 moons old and born within the pack.

Crowsong - Instructor

Finlidh - Augur

Yewzennia - Scrounger

Yulia - Arzat

Ekko - Augur

☽ Kinder ☾

Pups under 6 moons old and wolves (newcomers who have ranked up from Ausländer) without a task who have not begun task training. Introductory Namünen education begins here.

Siebold

Clive

Astor

Reza

Salvos

☽ Retired ☾

Elders and wolves who can no longer perform a task efficiently. They retain their previous task in title, to acknowledge their accomplishment, and are still considered to be very knowledgeable in their field. As such, they are often invited as special guest speakers to Kindergarten or General Training.

☽ Ausländer ☾

Outlanders. Outsiders. Newcomers to the pack who are often questioned in The Dungeons and only permitted to den at the outskirts of Geheimwald when they have proven trustworthy. They are not allowed to wander the territory unaccompanied, and must be monitored by at least one Warden for both their own safety and that of the pack. Starter rank for those over 6 moons old, born outside the pack and freshly recruited. They must rise through the Kinder rank before they can begin general education and specialized task training.

Ausländer are often treated with caution and suspicion and may be excluded from some sacred practices until they prove loyalty to Namün and their values.

Kool