THE COVEN ON THE AKALDAMA

‎a coven of vampires living within a forest underground.

‎— TERRITORY

[  † • ° ` THE FOREST ] ─ the territory at large
── THE COVEN resides within a forest that has grown in an underground cave system. While not particularly hard to reach the wood lines, it can be hard to find the cave entrance (often called PURGATORY'S VEIL) above ground, and visitors or joiners are encouraged to seek out an escort within the cave. The territory in its entirety can be chilly, especially in colder months.

[  † • ° ` THE AKALDAMA ] ─ the literal meaning
── THE GRAVES are unmistakable, though may garner second and third glances.
Once to the woodline, it becomes very apparent that the "field of blood" translation is very literal and not necessarily more tongue-in-cheek - it is something of a graveyard, cemetery. Graves litter here and there, of all different cuts and sizes, and it seems that no particular area is sanctified from them. It is not "creepy" in the abandoned sense - quite the opposite, as the ground is well-maintained and regularly checked for weeks - rather, in the sense that one feels properly watched. The wind carries unintelligible whispers along its inexplicable path, and condensation drips with a certain understanding. The land is extremely SPIRITUALLY/SUPERNATURALLY DENSE, and characters with clairvoyance, enhanced senses, or low mental/spiritual barriers may become easily overwhelmed and overstimulated.

[  † • ° ` THE HALF-MOON POOL ] ─ the town square
── A SMALL CREEK bubbles placidly through the territory, winding this way and that, to finally settle in a clearing at the center. It converges into a vaguely HALF-MOON SHAPED POOL of still water. Temporary resting places (as in, relaxing) may be seen in all sorts of manners around the pool, as it is a place of reflection, gathering, and practice. Much like a town square. North of this pool sits what appear to be some sort of dilapidated (and long out of use) yet sizable GALLOWS, from which meetings are conducted, speeches held, and performances made.

[  † • ° ` THE COVENSTEAD ] ─ an affectionate name for the living quarters
── DARK, OLD, AND DUSTY WOODEN BUILDINGS litter the territory. These have likely been transported and rebuilt underground over the years, though it is hard to say definitively. There are enough here for each member to have their own, if they choose. The decor inside and upkeep outside is completely dependent on whomever resides there.

[  † • ° ` THE MOONLIT GARDEN ] ─ a main medicine and food source
── THE GARDEN is a large, well-tended piece of land that harbors a multitude of plants - for purposes medicinal, culinarian, and aesthetically alike. A majority of the plants found here can survive off of little to no sunlight, and the Garden seems to thrive exceedingly well. Handmade stepping stones line the paths, made with care by Dedicants here and gone. THE APOTHECARY can be found in the heart of the garden, making it an easy to access a healer should need be. Butterflies are common here.

‎— TRADITIONS & CUSTOMS

[  † • ° ` VAMPIRIC BLOOD ] ─ requirements to join
── POSSESSING VAMPIRISM is the main requirement to join, and is largely strictly upheld. While those who are non-vampiric are welcome to visit (provide they cause no issues), they cannot be considered to have formally joined the group and cannot advance in ranks - though they can fall in them (to prisoner/exile status). Exceptions are made on a case-by-case basis, and are generally made for the hemovoric that are lacking vampirism.

[  † • ° ` CALLING DOWN THE MOON ] ─ monthly meeting
── CALLING DOWN THE MOON is the official name for the large meeting/celebration held on the full moon of each month. While smaller meetings may be held more frequently, to "call down the moon" is a time for the Coven to formally celebrate all of the births, deaths, new faces, battle victories, or anything else of note. It is seen as a time of spiritual veneration, as well, and time may be particularly spent mediating over the craft or the nature of living upon a cemetery. This may be overridden by any particular Solstice/Equinox, or other notable holiday.

[  † • ° ` SOLSTICE & EQUINOX CELEBRATIONS ] ─ biannual replacements for moon-phase meetings
─ 1. EQU., THE CHASTE MOON: ~ mid March.
─ 2. SOL., THE ROSE MOON : ~ mid June.
─ 3. EQU., THE HARVEST MOON: ~ mid Sept.
─ 4. SOL., THE COLD MOON: ~ mid Dec.
── SEASONAL CELEBRATIONS are held in place of the typical Calling Down of the Moon each month. These are much more grand, with outgoing invitations to outside allied and friendly parties. These are, clearly, intended to celebrate the oncoming season and all that it may bring, so it is suggested that attendees dress appropriately. These are also times when the Veil is thin, and work with the spirits is highly encouraged.

‎— ALLEGIANCES AND ALLIANCES

[  † • ° ` MEMBERSHIP ] ─ DEDICANTS.
─ All members of the coven are referred to by the name of DEDICANTS. They are seen as having committed some large part of their life and time to the Coven, and the name given seeks to honor that; it is like a title in this regard.
─ All Dedicants may be referred to as "lord", "lady", "laird", "liege" (or anything similar) within and outside of the Coven, if they wish.
── Allegiances are not credited for Dedicants, as it is assumed that all vampiric members will be under this umbrella.

[  † • ° ` NON-VAMPIRIC MEMBERSHIP ] ─ SANGUINARIAN
─ While members of the Coven are expected to be vampiric (or otherwise hemovoric), they are still welcomed as guests, called SANGUINARIANS. This is again technically a "title", as opposed to a proper rank, but it can be stripped from the guest in the chance of needing exilment or imprisonment. Should a Sanguinarian become vampiric, whether by choice or by happenstance, they will be immediately shifted over to proper "Dedicant" membership and allowed to climb the ranks.
─ This rank may be held by unlimited characters.
── NAME, played by NAME

[  † • ° ` s/HP OF WAR ] ─ NEOPHYTE
─ A stepping stone rank. Neophytes are members who wish to study battle techniques and the general art of guarding the Coven. They study under Weardians, and undergo rigorous training to hone their skills in combat and vigilance. Neophytes learn not only practical skills, but also cultivate loyalty and reverence for the Coven's traditions and customs.
─ Neophytes may bear PINK accessories to signify their ranking. This can include sashes, bandannas, wristlets, etc.
─ This rank may be held by unlimited characters.
── NAME, played by NAME

[  † • ° ` s/HP OF MEDICINE ] ─ NOVITIATE
─ A stepping stone rank. Novitiates are members who do wish to study in the healing arts. They study under the Apocrisiarius' in the Apothecary, and undergo rigorous training to hone their skills in not only medicine, but also an overview at combat. Novitiates learn not only practical skills, but also cultivate loyalty and reverence for the Coven's traditions and customs.
─ Novitiates may bear WHITE accessories to signify their ranking. This can include sashes, bandannas, wristlets, etc.
─ This rank may be held by unlimited characters.
── NAME, played by NAME

[  † • ° ` HIGH GUARD ] ─ WEARDIAN
─ A high rank. Weardians possess and are revered for their mastery of battle and respect for their craft; they stand as guardians of the Coven's reputation and sacred ground. They may be stationed along Purgatory's Veil to help guide prospective joiners (and all others seeking the Coven) through the winding cave system. Though not an exhaustive list of abilities, a Weardian may accept and extend invitations, act as an emissary, offer training sessions, and delegate tasks of Novitiates.
─ Weardians may bear RED accessories to signify their ranking. This can include sashes, bandannas, wristlets, etc.
─ Two characters may hold this rank - though it may be expanded upon at a later date.
── NAME, played by NAME
── NAME, played by NAME

[  † • ° ` HIGH MEDIC ] ─ APOCRISIARIUS
─ A high rank. Apocrisarius' are renowned for their profound knowledge and skill in the realm of medicine and restoration, and often reside in the Apothecary. Apocrisarius' possess a deep understanding of both traditional remedies and esoteric healing practices, and work as sort of spiritual guides, in a sense. Though not an exhaustive list of abilities, an Apocrisarius may accept and extend invitations, act as an emissary, offer training sessions, and delegate tasks of Novitiates.
─ Apocrisiarius' may bear GREY accessories to signify their ranking. This can include sashes, bandannas, wristlets, etc.
─ Two characters may hold this rank - though it may be expanded upon at a later date.
── NAME, played by NAME
── NAME, played by NAME

[  † • ° ` VICE-LEADER ] ─ SENESCHAL
─ The Seneschal sits under the High Priest and plays a pivotal role in the operation of the Coven. A Seneshal assist the High Priest in decision-making, coordinating the Coven, and is trusted to be able to step into lead when necessary. Though not an exhaustive list of abilities, the Seneschal may accept and extend invitations, act as an emissary, offer training sessions, delegate tasks, and host events.
─ The Seneschal may bear MAROON accessories to signify their ranking. This can include sashes, bandannas, wristlets, etc.
─ One character may hold this rank - though this may be expanded upon at a later date.
── NAME, played by NAME

[  † • ° ` LEADER ] ─ HIGH PRIEST, PRIESTESS
─ The leader of the Coven. The High Priest is expected to look after the group to their utmost, though their duties extend beyond management; they are a sort of spiritual and moral compass by which to provide guidance, foster unity, and make difficult decisions with grace and insight.
─ The High Priest may bear BLACK accessories to signify their ranking. This can include sashes, bandannas, wristlets, etc.
─ One character may hold this rank - though this may be expanded upon at a later date.
── TESTIMONY LOVELAS, played by @minivan

---

[  † • ° ` ALLIANCES ] ─ THE COVEN typically rests at a vague status of NEUTRALITY, and takes very few true allies and enemies. Rather, their formation of allies and enemies are usually formed upon the following:
- sway of vampiric (dual-)members
- the state of owed favors/invite attends
- the opinion of friendly/currently allied groups
- the opinion of Coven members
- etc. etc... it could even be a whim of the leader on any particular day.
─ Neutral stances can be assumed on any unlisted group.
── ALLIES
─ N/A

── ENEMIES
─ N/A

‎— NOTABLE HISTORY

[  † • ° ` EARLY TIMES ] ─ an undecidedly long amount of time preceding current roleplay, THE ROSENCRANTZ were driven from their ancestral home due to their vampiric nature. In this split, a small group who went by LOVELAS thought it a better move to seek safety by head underground. The remaining Rosencrantz' stayed above ground, and rebuilt all of their regality. The Lovelas' Coven and Rosencrantz' Horde are now more of cousins as time has worn the ties, but the loyalty is ever present.

[  † • ° ` PRESENT DAY ] ─ The group is led and guided by TESTIMONY LOVELAS.