Brotherhood of Ulfaeng

WIP

The Brotherhood of Ulfaeng is a mercenary guild that remained in dormancy after its dissolution 1480 years ago until the First Calling. Many of its members believe in the mythological accounts of the religion Ulfhednir. All members are typically direct or indirect descendants of the Aatyel race.

First Iteration
The First Brotherhood was formed during the golden age of Aatyel prosperity and Ulfhedniri influence. Although the Aatyel and its related tribes were relatively peaceful and isolationist, the Brotherhood acted as a powerful and religious force that deterred any invaders, especially those of the Proto-Valdics encompassing most of old Frostmarch. The Brotherhood's feared reputation in tandem with much of the infighting between the Proto-Valdics allowed the Aatyel and Ulfhednir religion to continuely prosper for nearly 350 years.

One of the most historically important figures regarding the First Brotherhood was the First Skaere. As of now, much of him is unknown, and many records refer to him as only the "First Skaere". He was known as the direct founder of the Brotherhood and wrote out many of the principles and inner workings of the organization. He was also an influential figure in Aatyel leadership and culture, and very religious when it came to practicing Ulfhednir. As a warrior, he was feared and admired by many, and was known for dual wielding his two legendary swords, Laevalor and Oikenvalor.

In the end, the First Brotherhood would be dissolved due to unknown internal problems. An uncovered text found in a monument located near the Anir riverbank depicts a revolt against the Skaere leading during that time, by his two Fjarls. This lead to a bloody conflict until the current Seidyr received a prophecy urging the Brotherhood to dissolve. As a result, the Aatyel people would fall to the Proto-Valdics during the Sutherlind and Skjaldreyja war in 77 AEC. Both sides used the war as an excuse to clean out the Aatyel race due to religious discontent and the Aatyel living in old northern Frostmarch land. The remaining Aatyel would migrate to western Sparwood and Cymru, leading to the Second Brotherhood of Ulfaeng and its revival.

Formation of the Second Brotherhood
After the dissolution of the first Brotherhood, the organization and guild went into dormancy. As a result, this new Brotherhood is actually the Second Brotherhood of Ulfaeng, and there have been many failed iterations of the organization before. The First Calling was an event that led to its revival. It was the result of the Skaere Zelious dem Spheniscidae gaining the sight of Ulfaeng after sacrificing his eyes to the two Indomitians, Sxowry and Tyler. Due to this sacrifice, Ulfaeng blessed him and led him to reviving the Brotherhood, because of a prophecy that foretells that the agents of Reykhardr will come into fruition soon. He found and convinced unique and special warriors from across the world to become members of the Brotherhood. He chose his two right hand men, Sxowry and Tyler, as his Fjarls.

In a dream, Zelious was also told of a hermit that would find his way to the Occulere castle on a whim. This man would be fated to become the Seiyðr of the Brotherhood, and the cultural leader of Ulfhednir. Later that day, a traveler named Wyrn would be found making a small shelter near the castle, and was offered the position, and accepted it. He would later find two documents in the trading town of Isaz and the capital city of Khozikan during his travels in Eldham. These documents told a story of the Yuarkrig myth and the eternal battle between Ulfaeng and Reykhardr. He also learned of the pilgrimage that a Seiyðr must take, that would allow him to learn the truth of the Brotherhood and its homeland and original people.

Structural Rankings and Titles
Skaere - Leader of the Brotherhood and is Guided by Ulfaeng’s Sight. They can also act as the Seiyðr if the official one is absent. (Prerequisites: Founder, Fjarl)

Fjarls - The Skaere’s appointed co-leaders that also act as commanders of war/battle. They also advise the Skaere in diplomatic decisions, and have higher jurisdiction in these matters than the Seiyðr (Prerequisites: Huskarl)

Seiyðr - The Religious Leader of Ulfhednir who advises the Skaere in prophetic dreams and diplomatic decisions. The Seiyðr oversees pilgrimage sites and grades the studies/research of these sites when testing Fjarls, Huskarls, and Vinnfylk. He/She also tries to spread the influence of Ulfhednir to other Eldham and Rathnir nations and groups (including guiding foreign or native pilgrims). (Prerequisites: Chosen by the previous Seiyðr although he/she can be appointed by the Skaere if the previous Seiyðr dies [OOC: inactive], Must have visited all pilgrimage sites and help write and further Ulfhednir)

Huskarl - The senior warriors of the Brotherhood that have shown great skill in combat but also knowledge of the history of the Brotherhood and Ulfhednir. These warriors have gone through the Oikeudet, a test that promotes a Fylk into a Huskarl. Once a Huskarl is confident and able enough, a Fjarl or Skaere can appoint a Vinnfylk to a Huskarl, although a Vinnfylk can always choose a Huskarl if agreed upon by a Fjarl or Skaere.

Vinnfylk (Fylk - shortened) - These are fledgling warriors that show great promise in their combat skill but need to refine it. This title is automatically given to any member of the Brotherhood, even if they wish to not participate in mercenary affairs.