Keepers of the Moon

Descendants of a hunting folk that crossed the frozen seas during the Age of Endless Frost. Formerly nomadic, and masters of the shortbow method of archery used in their hunting, the Keepers of the Moon are responsible in part to founding principles that led to the development of society in the Twelveswood. These founding principles would lead to the creation of Gridania, and although for the most part, the Gridanians have embraced more attempts to open their hearts to outsiders, they retain a distrust to anyone who they don't consider as forestborn. For the Keepers of the Moon who entered the Twelveswood on their own accord, they become included among these hated outsiders.

Naming Traditions

Feminine names

"First names are short, one/two syllable constructions that closely resemble names used by male Seekers of the Sun. Unpronounced aitches are also present in the names."
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Masculine names

"In addition to taking the mother’s surname, males also take the mother’s forename, adding a suffix (separated by an apostrophe) to the end to designate the order in which they were born.
First son: 'a Second son: 'to Third son: 'li Fourth son: 'sae Fifth son: 'ra Sixth son: 'ir Seventh son: 'wo Eighth son: 'ya Ninth son: 'zi Tenth son: 'tan
Though there are ten suffixes listed above, rarely do even the largest Keeper of the Moon families have more than two or three sons. This is not by choice. Nature merely sees to it that more females are born to this race."
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Family names

To note, the Keepers of the Moon have documented 51 family surnames that are scattered throughout Central Aldenard, the Twelveswood, and regions exterior.

Culture

Culture and cultural heritage

Archery among the Keepers

"Archery as practiced in Gridania was born of two distinct styles of bowmanship. The first was devised by the longbow sentries of the Elezen who once ruled the lowlands, while the second belonged to the shortbow hunters of the formerly nomadic Miqo'te. As you will doubtless be aware, both races ultimately came to call the Twelveswood home. Though the two peoples began as rivals, they gradually learned to live together in harmony. During this time, they learned from one another, their two schools of archery intermingling to give birth to the art as it is known today." - Athelyna, Archer's Guild Receptionist

During their nomadic practices, the Keepers of the Moon mastered the use of the shortbow, bringing this practice to the Twelveswood before their untimely conflict with the early Gridanians. As the tensions between the two peoples began to subside, the shortbow was merged with the longbow traditions of their rivals to form the modern bow craft that the Gridanians are well known for

Common Customs, traditions and rituals

Warpaint among the Keepers: 

"We Keepers of the Moon have a long history of decorating our faces with colorful paint before going into battle. We do this not only to honor the traditions of our clan, but to also let the gods know that we are prepared to serve them as warriors in the afterlife, should we fall at the hands of our enemies. The paint we use is taken from the inedible red berries of a herb known as 'soldier's sore' that can be found growing in the South Shroud. My unit is willing to pay handsomely for any who can harvest the fruit and deliver it to our barracks" - Pimoh Nelhah, Second Spear Wood Wailer

Using the color of the red berry to decorate their face is a tradition practiced by Keepers both in Gridania proper as well as those without, symbolizing their readiness and resolve. The warpaint serves as a message to their gods, and their commitment to the shedding of blood. These vivid colors produced by the berry are additionally believed to grant lunar powers, the moon, and the reigning authority serving as a focal point in their society.

Keeper Cuisine:

Traditional Keeper of the Moon dishes include the Miqa'bob, roasted skewered mushrooms, tomatoes and aloe leave

Medical Practices: 

Miqo'te are known for using aloe leaves to treat severe burns, the gel-like excretion useful in cooling the pain and injury.

Common Myths and Legends

Some of the surnames of the families of the Keepers have said to have survived in the First Astral Era. People who felt certain terms or words associated with the Sundering were important even if the terms remembered didn't make clear sense. Over time as these terms were passed down from generation to generation, they became the basis for the surnames, surviving to the modern era.

Ideals

Gender Ideals

Highly matriarchal society, family names are passed down maternally, so names are inherited from the mothers of the families.

Major organizations

Coeurlclaws

Related Locations

• Twelveswood