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 Posted: Mon Jan 12, 2009 6:19 pm
[~Saldora Clan Official Directory~]
Beyond the stone castle walls, the valley and the plains, past the mountains and the ever sparse desert lays a land of ancient trees and old magic long before lost. The oldest clan of gargoyles dwell within the maze of elder trees and dense forests, living in peace with the nature around them. However, they guard the secrets of the realm, barring any of the other clans from getting to the potentially dangerous information. Watch your step friend, they do not take kindly to nosey strangers sniffing around the wrong region of their vast forest.
[Contents- run by ropin and riden]
Introduction
Clan History
Living Conditions
Physical Aspect
Factions
Clan Structure
Traditions
Beliefs
Courtship
Clan Relations
"May the children of Saldora rest peacefully in their beds tonight."
-Said in a time of distress and meant as a prayer.-
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Posted: Tue Jan 13, 2009 11:19 am
[~Clan History~]
It is believed that both the Saldora clan and the Eternal Nights clan surfaced around the same time in ancient history, however their territories were seperated by large bodies of water. It is speculated that these bodies of water were seas and oceans, with conteniants between them.
In these early years, humans did not inhabit the island the Saldora clan resided on, but were infesting many other contries in europe and asia. At the time the clan was named after its leader Saldora, a powerful gargoyle who studied magic and all its uses. He was of the falcon faction, and was able to travel great distances with the use of his powerful wings. Having traversed the distance between their island and europe he studied under the most powerful of human mages and discovered how to weild his own magic. Being a magical creature by nature, his was naturally more effective and powerful than any human magic user; with the exception of a few whom he had studied under.
Upon returning to his clan and island home he discovered that the humans had sent ships over during his long months of being away. Disputes had arisen between them and his clan, and soon after he returned things became violent. However things did not esculate until the first blood was spilt. Gargoyle blood. Saldora was both enfurriated and despaired by the turn of the events, and decided to prevent the irradication of his clan he would banish all humans from the island with a magical barrier. The magic he used to create such a barrier aged him beyond reasonable years, and he became crippled and frail. His people were saddened by his sacrafice, but celebrated their leader's great compassion and love for them.
Where as he had protected his clan, the other gargoyles of the world were not so lucky. Times were changing, humans were become the dominate species, and territory disputes often left gargoyle clans destroyed or in ruin. Disheartened and terribly distressed over the situation, Saldora did what he could to protect those that were within his reach. So he used his powers on the nearest clan of gargoyles within his magical means to protect them from the same fate as many others. The Eternal Nights clan.
He transported them from their traditional home in europe to his island paradise away from humans. However, he was not aware that this particular clan lived in peace with humans within their walls; and that unrest within the human ranks would turn his paradise into just exactly what he was trying to avoid. Humans sick with lycanthropy escaped the castle walls and hid in the forests, becoming barbarians that raided the Eternal Nights castle.
The magic used to transport the castle and his following depression caused him to become very sick, and soon after he died. The Saldora clan was in despair over their loss, and to this day still holds a grudge against the Eternal Nights clan. Though they do not act on these feelings, they aren't likely to help them either.
"Peace to you and your blood."
-A formal well wishing.-
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Posted: Tue Jan 13, 2009 11:20 am
[~Living Conditions~]
The Saldora clan more or less has evolved to keep a healthy respect for nature, and a love of the grand trees that make up their forest. They are very protective of their way of life and the greenery around them, believing it is their duty to live along side nature without disturbing the balance.
The Area
The clan is located in the southern dense forest, where paths are very narrow and often covered thickly by brush. Tree trunks are very dense and wide around, some are even so wide that a gargoyle can't wrap its arms around half of the trunk. They are very old, and the Saldorians respect them as if they were guardians. Because the forest is so dense, the gargoyles normally travel through the trees, leaping or walking from thick branch to branch as if it were an intricate system of pathways. Flight is also one of the main ways to get from one place to another if its a longer distance.
Their Diet
Having a healthy respect for plantlife, these gargoyles mostly enjoy consuming the flesh of lesser animals. However they have also acquired a taste for fine dining and spices, creating actual dishes from their meat instead of just eating plain. The clan can eat meat raw, but vastly prefers to cook their food so it may better soak up the rich juices of various fruits used as marinades. It is also considered a delicacy to feast upon the three animals that make up the clan's factions, believing it honors the spirits of their ancestors and Saldora himself.
Tree Houses
Unlike the other clans of gargoyles that sprung up during the centuries, the Saldora clan makes their home in the trees instead of on the ground. The structures are solid and centered around a thick trunk base, allowing the floor to expand in every direction onto the sturdy branches closer to its trunk. Most living areas are rounded or oval in shape with an angular roof to help water slide down its base, created from the wood of fallen trees and coated in a precious sap that hardens quickly and prevents leaks. There is mostly one room to these tree houses where a gargoyle lives, sleeps, and eats its meals. Most complex structures connect several 'trunk bases' to the main room via an enclosed tunnel that includes several thick branches covered over head by a tanned animal hide such as bear or several deer skins.
Trading
One thing the Saldorians have taken away from their encounter with the humans so long ago was the idea of trading goods for other thing of value or neccisity. They do not often interact with the other clans that have sprung up on their island after the Eternal Nights was brought over, but when they do they often opt to trade with them as a sort of peace-keeper. Though they would not easily help the other clans in a time of need, their cooperation can be bargained for.
Within the clan itself, certain individuals developed a knack for trading, and now can be seen as 'shop keepers'. Members of the clan that otherwise had no luck finding food or materials for that particular day may barter cheaply and openly for something a trader has in stock. Though traders do not profit greatly from their trade, they are seen as respectable members and often doted upon by thankful customers when they have an excess of their own materials.
"Saldora shines upon your fortune today."
-Depending on the context, 'you got lucky'.-
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Posted: Tue Jan 13, 2009 11:21 am
[~Physical Aspect~]
Physically Saldorians are about the same size as the Eternal Nights gargoyles, if not a little smaller on average. Unlike the wings of the EtNs and the clans that branched off from them, the Saldora clan gargoyles have very muscular apendages, a tight, thick membrane, and wingblades as large if not larger than their own shoulders. All of these things put together create a better class of flyers with the ability to sustain flight much longer than other clans, preform arial techniques with ease, and all around fly circles around most members of other clans. Their only challenge in this area may be a very well trained EtNs, but it is very unlikely they'd be able to sustain flight as long as a Saldorian.
Despite the faction of the indicidual, all Saldorians sport a spade design at the end of their tail, pointed ears, and facial prongs at the brow or on the jaw line depending on the individual.
Members of the Fox faction are usually limber, slim, and ideal for stealth. Their muscles are easily coiled and uncoiled as smoothly as a stalking predators, and their movements are designed to be swift and executed without flaw.
An individual from the Falcon faction is the pride and joy of the Saldorians flying abilities. They are compact and lean, with muscles designed to deliever decisive and dynamic blows on a whim while on the fly.
Unlike the other two factions, a member from the Bear unit is very heavy set sporting a rounded belly and thick limbs. Their strength is matched only by the mountain goyles, and can often be bested by their stronger members. Despite this, they are still a threat to be recconed by the other clans. They are the worst of flyers when it comes to the Saldorians. Their movements are sluggish and slow, but they are still able to sustain flight better than your average EtNs.
"."
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Posted: Tue Jan 13, 2009 11:22 am
[~Factions~]
The first faction was that of the Fox, with their stealthy skills they have been used as spies and information gathers for many a century. A Fox member may be requested to secretly spy on another clan to see if its any threat to the Saldorian secrets, or to simply gather information on a particular incident within said clan. Saldorians like to keep their information up to date, and though they do not interfere with the other clans, they will act as bystanders and witnesses to a particular event. This also goes for the lycans, though only the most experianced Fox member will be able to spy on them without getting caught.
The second faction would be that of the Falcon. Members apart of this unit are blissful and skillful flyers, also trained in arial combat and substantial endurance tests. The island of their magical realm isn't very big, but they train nonetheless just in case the day comes when they'll need to travel between europe and their home again like Saldora many centuries ago. Falcon members are the first line of attack, striking an enemy at a distance before they get too close to their forest home, and often use tactics such as surprise, confuse, and dropping boulders from the sky. Any gargoyle of another clan deemed hostile and flying above Saldorian territory will likely have to face the consequences of the Falcon unit in arial combat.
The last faction is that of the Bear. These gargoyles are immensely powerful and bulky, and often enjoy physical sport such as sparing and brawling. Usually they are used around the clan for physical labor such as hauling goods or removing dead trees from the area. The Bear faction also likes to entertain its clan members, so they often hold tournaments to see how is strongest. However in times of war or need, they defend the direct area of their forest home and create a ground and tree limb barrier. Anyone who wants to get to Saldorian homes in time of hostile events, will need to get through these guys first.
"."
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Posted: Tue Jan 13, 2009 11:23 am
[~Clan Structure~]
Unlike most of the other clans that developed, the Saldorians treat each member of any faction the same as another. Instead of fighting to get to the top of a ranks list, Saldorians follow the decisions of a single member known as either a monarch or a matriach depending on the gender. The leader of the Saldora clan is the strongest of all members, deemed supreme protector of the clan and the realm. The only member able to be considered for this position is a magic user. Anyone can go on a magic quest, but not all gargoyles will be lucky enough to weild it.
Saldorians love and respect their leader, and will do anything he or she says is neccissary for survival and keeping their secrets from prying eyes. A leader is in charge until they step down or die, challenging a leader for top position is unlikely, frowned upon, and considered hostile. Though it is not unheard of, the reign of a 'tyrant' who takes control by force usually does not last long and can end with bloody results from one or more faction taking it upon themselves to remove said tyrant. Likewise, an individual or group distraught over the loss of a beloved ruler may take vengence against such a hostile takeover.
"."
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Posted: Tue Jan 13, 2009 11:24 am
[~Traditions~]
From birth a Saldorian child is raised by the entire clan, not just its parents. This is done to help promote at an early age, the importance of no faction over another. Although the child may still refer to their bilogical parents as mother and father, everyone else is likely an aunt or uncle to the little one. Thus the clan is one big family, and everyone belongs to everyone. The only exception is the ruling leader, who is always refered to in the sense of a grandparent or elder because it is believed they are wise and whose judgement comes from experiance.
Another tradition is for each Saldorian to keep two stone totem guardians in their home, representing their future children; for a Saldorian may only mate twice in its life time.
Naming ones children is always a serious manner. Saldorians do not name their kids anything like 'Frosty' 'Pepper' 'Buddy' or anything that could be considered a 'pet' name. They are sentinent beings, intellegent, and have naming habits like medieval humans.
A member of any faction wheres the symbol of their animal somewhere on their clothing or garbed in some other fashion such as a tattoo or jewelry. This is thought to bring them luck in battle or while preforming a special task for the clan.
It is tradition to gather around a controled bonfire once a month to share stories and other details of importance. This is done in the fashion of a feast, where every member must bring some dish or beverage to be shared with their clan members. However they do not need to bring enough for everyone, just so long as it serves more than just themselves. This helps keep the clan close, and discourages secrets amoung them about clan matters and other importance. Also details gathered by the Fox faction about other clans that may be deemed entertaining or disturbing may be brought up here for a variety of reasons.
When a new leader is chosen the clan will fast for the remainder of the day, and come sunrise the next day preform a week long ceremony of feast, dance, and all around celebration to show their love and respect. Trading is bountiful, games are played by most everyone, and tournaments are held with each faction. At the end of the last day of the celebration, the clan sits amongst the highest of tree limbs to here stories told to them by their new leader of his or her life so they may better get to know them as an individual.
"."
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Posted: Tue Jan 13, 2009 11:25 am
[~Beliefs~]
Saldorians have a mixture of beliefs that date back to their early clan years, and also recently developed beliefs that surfaced after the Eternal Nights clan demise and recent revival. Though not all clan members believe in all of these at once, as a whole the clan can agree to them and abide by them.
Creation
Dating back to the earlier years, the Saldorians believe gargoyles were created before humans were ever considered the dominate species. If asked about it, they say that the heavens above are really another plain of existance where powerful magics mixed together with a single entity and its desire to create a world all its own. The entity could not live in this new world because it was needed in its own plain, and so it created gargoyles to be the protectors of the new world. For gargoyles are by nature a protective creature.
Silent Observation
It has long been their policy not to interfere in the affairs of the Eternal Nights and the other clans. Though they do not dabble in other clan's business, they do keep careful tabs on each clan and lycan pack just in case something major comes about. For the Saldorians are the keepers of magic, and they must make sure that no other magic users interfere with the magical barrier that keeps humans out. Especially after Ra'hert of the Eternal Nights clan forever banished the sun from their magical realm nearly a century ago; since then the Saldorians have stepped up patrol of the newly reawakened clan.
Secrecy
Without much regard to equalization of knowledge with the other clans, Saldorians do everything in their power to keep magical secrets hidden away. Likewise they do not actively make their presence known, with little to none of the current clans aware of their existance. They do this to keep their way of life safe from otherwise untrustworthy hands.
"."
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Posted: Tue Jan 13, 2009 11:26 am
[~Courtship~]
Saldorians have a very free culture, and to go along with their 'one big family' state of mind, most do not take a life mate. In fact, its frowned upon to breed with the same partner more than once, as Saldorians see it as an unfairness to other interested members.
Finding a Mate
The soul merging process for the Eternal Nights gargoyles is not the same for the Saldora clan. The two just evolved differently. Saldorians are heterosexual when it comes to producing children; although its not unheard of to have a pair of homosexual lovers. They just won't produce any offspring. Likewise, any faction can breed with another, it will not effect what faction the children will grow into.
Breeding Rituals
There is no formal way for one member to attract another, and most of the time its done by a case by case basis. However it is customary for a male to make the first move, seeing as how females take the woeing process as a sort of entertainment. Most of the times, they'll play hard to get to see just how earnest a particular male is, as they believe the ones that fight the hardest to win their affections are the ones with the strongest genes.
"."
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Posted: Sat Jan 17, 2009 7:19 pm
[~Clan Relations~]
Throughout centuries of silent observation and brief interactions, the Saldora clan has particular feelings about certain clans.
Eternal Nights
To be honest, the Saldorians don't have much love for the castle-dwelling gargoyles, but they see them as one of their children. Albeit a problem child, but their responsibility none the less. It seems that members of this clan are powerful magic wise, and have proven problematic in the past. The 'divine' of EtNs have surely caused complications to the magic that keeps humans from coming to the island, first with the ones that lived with the gargoyles in the castle, and second with the hole in the magic barrier that allows 'caretakers' to come from the outside world to 'bond' with EtNs gargoyles. To say the least, the Saldora clan keeps careful watch of the Eternal Nights, waiting for them to screw up just one more time before they swoop in to clean house. Magically speaking.
Vyllea
These fun-loving water goers are a treasure trove of entertainment for any Fox member sent to spy on them. The Saldorians do not see them as a threat to the magical barrier, though since they are a fairly new clan they are wary of what the future might hold for them.
Nosferatu
Ha. Haha. Saldorians often laugh at these serious, strange goyals that live in the cave. They believe life is too short, and that the Nosferatu need to learn to enjoy life as it comes. However, it is a bit harder to spy on them due to their intricate cave system, but Saldorians are making due. Recently though they have stepped up procautions, as it seems the Nosferatu may make things more tense for the EtNs, and that could mean retaliation magic wise. Which is something the Saldora clan would like to prevent at all costs.
Irisos
Admitedly they don't know much about these insect-like gargoyles, but thus far have seen no threat from the desert dwellers. Still, they have decided to step up information gathering as a procautionary measure.
Haruni
The mountain goyals are some what of an interest to the Saldorians. They admire their powerful physique and some of their member's willingness to trade. Despite this interest, they do see this clan as somewhat of a physical threat if they happened to get into a conflict, and keep careful tabs on all their doings.
Lycan Packs
Despite the lycans bloody conflict with gargoyle clans and the history they have with killing of their kind, Saldorians can't help but think of them as their children as well. In a way, Saldora was responsible for putting them into this situation, and thus they are responsible for all lycans and gargoyles alike. They keep careful tabs on the lycans, and are more willing to engage in conflicts with them in order to show their dominance and keep them at bay. A Saldorian does not enjoy killing lycans, and it is frowned upon by the clan.
"."
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