The Children of the Wild

A cult based on the precept of returning Mythador to the days when it was covered in wilderness. Similar to the Frenzied Folk, but without the total return to animal savagery, and hidden in the middle of the Kingdom itself. Members can be identified during meetings by their donning of clothes made of wild animal skins, and by their taking of new Wild names.

Structure

High Priest of the Wild: the Head of the Cult. Listens for, and interprets, the word of the Lord of the Wild.
Dragonborn : The leaders of the cult, second only to the High Priest.
Wild Wolves: Fully integrated members of the cult, divided into the following tiers. Alphas - a small, but elite group entrusted with the most difficult and important tasks.
Betas - group tasked with administration of certain lower rituals, and organization of missions for lower groups.
Hunters - Spies and informants sent out in search of new recruits and other things needed for their rituals.
Guards - Members tasked with guarding the cult's rituals and keeping outsiders from finding out the truth.
Cubs - Members currently undergoing initiation, invited to certain events, but not trusted with the inner secrets of the organization.

Public Agenda

To return Mythador to the days of the Wild, returning the land to the rightful rule of the Lord of the Wild.

Assets

Mostly located in a few larger towns. A large gathering is in their headquarters in Cliffton. They have access to several castles, a large amount of money, weapons, horses, and supplies.

History

Founded by First High Priest Bloodborne after an 'encounter' with the true Lord of the Wild nearly 300 years ago. The movement remained fairly small, consisting of only Bloodborne and his close confidantes for the first 20-30 years, then began to grow into the secret network of today. The movement has gained momentum in recent years, leading to a presence in nearly every settlement in the Kingdom.

Mythology & Lore

In the far off days of the distant past, this continent was created, wild and untamed, by the Lord of the Wild. He pulled the land up out of the ocean, imbuing it with his wild magic, and creating a place for the spirits to walk. The animals were created out of his own mind as an embodiment of his wild nature and tasked with guarding these shores from the usurpers he knew would soon be arriving on these shores. Us. We are the usurpers, the ones who brought the chains of civilization to Mythador. It was not until one of his lieutenants took pity upon a small group of men found themselves trapped in the wilds of Flindreck that we were introduced to the true Lord of this land. But we were confused by the generosity, and followed the one who saved us instead, the Wolf, who is honorable and untamed to be sure, and yet is only but a fragment of the true Lord of the Wild. The collapse of civilization is approaching, his children are on the rise, and we must prepare ourselves for our return to the Ways of the Wild.

Divine Origins

First High Priest Bloodborne, who's civilized name has been erased, began having the same dream every night, showing the collapse of all civilization, and the return of the land to reclaim the ruined homes and bones of its previous inhabitants. Troubled by these sights and unable to have them explained by anyone he went to, Lord Bloodborne traveled into the wild in search of answers to his questions, or at the very least peace. One by one he was abandoned by his traveling companions, until he found himself alone in the Dark Forest. One night, still haunted by his visions and unable to sleep, Bloodborne climbed to the top of a hill in the middle of the forest and looked up at the stars. In their presence he felt small and insignificant. A small speck of civilization, about to be swallowed up in the wilderness. In that place, the Lord of the Wild finally revealed himself, telling Bloodborne of his plans to retake Mythador, driving all vestiges of civilization from our shores. Bloodborne became stricken with fear and begged for the lives of those like himself who would be willing to come under the judgement of the true Lord of the land. "It is for this reason," the Lord told him, "That you were brought here tonight. You are my chosen; the one who will lead the people to the light, and I will teach you what you must do." Bloodborne remained there for many days, learning of the Ways of the Wild and receiving instructions. When he finally emerged from the wilderness all his friends were amazed, for rather than seeming worn and starving he was more fit, healthy, and regal than he had ever been in his life. His inner circle became the first Dragonborn, and followed Bloodborne in spreading the Words of the Lord. To the Wild we Return.

Cosmological Views

Mythador was created as a place where the spirits would be able to physically walk among their subjects. Like all other continents, Flindreck is governed by these spirits and everything that happens can be attributed to them. But unlike other lands, Flindreck is much closer to the spiritual realm, allowing a crossing over, at least for a short while, of these spirits. In other lands one only sees the effects of the spirits. In Flindreck one can see the spirits themselves.

Tenets of Faith

Members must abandon their civilized names, taking on new ones which reflect their return to a wild nature.
Strength is all that matters in the wild. Titles, lands, or money are meaningless if one does not have the strength to wield them. Strength shows dominance, and only dominance is worthy of devotion.
If a leader is no longer able to dominate their followers, they are no longer worthy of leadership.
There are no rules in the wild; get ahead and stay alive by any way one can.
Blood and death is of the wild, civilization is afraid of violence. The one who embraces violence will always win.
The wild is dangerous; attack may come at any time, from anywhere. Trust no one who seems too loyal to you. Trust only those loyal to the Lord of the Wild. But do not turn your back on anyone.
The darkness feeds cruelty, Cruelty of the wild is dispassionate and unfeeling, the Wild cares not if a baby cub freezes to death, Cruelty of civilization is based on hatred and passion. Be certain you are feeding one, but not the other.
Possessions are of the civilized. There is no time for possessions in the wild. Only what you have to eat is yours. Guard your meals well, but cast aside all other thoughts of hoarding. The wild does not care about ephemeral things.
Death is inevitable. I will fight it tooth and claw while it is not time, but once I have run my course my bones will return to the land, and I will meet the Lord of the Wild on my feet.

Ethics

Any civilized act, outside of espionage and keeping the secrets of the cult of course, is considered a crime. Anyone who offers assistance to the wounded for example has returned to civilized behavior and must be dealt with. On the other end of the scale, any who returns to passions of hate, and allows their hatred to drive their cruelty has also returned to the fold of civilization and must be dealt with. First offenses are dealt with via trials to see if the offender is worthy of a second chance. Such trials can take many forms, but always involve some measure of survival. If they survive, they are deemed worthy of the Lord's mercy. Second offenses are dealt with more harshly. Without the Lord's intervention, they are likely to end in being expelled from the cult, an event always ending in death.

Worship

Meditation and tests of survival in the wilderness. Long wanderings and sojourns in the wild are a measure of pure devotion to the Lord of the Wild. Acts of Wilderness in the midst of civilization are also a sign of devotion, particularly the ones done in front of members of the civilized world without revealing the existence of the cult. Tests of strength, unarmed combat against beasts, and other humans are considered growing periods for their faith. Sacrifices of blood, done dispassionately and without hatred of course, are considered an act of devotion and care for the god of the Wild.

Priesthood

The High Priest of the Wild is appointed not by vote or by succession, but by strength. The High Priest can be challenged to combat at any time, and if he loses he will step down, passing on his mantle to the one who is dominant. When a priest dies before being defeated, a tournament will be held, where any who wishes to lead will fight against the others for that position. All of these battles are to the death, though the victor may choose to leave the loser with their life if they so wish. No other member will give assistance to those who are wounded, loser and victor alike. For only those strong enough to survive such a contest are strong enough to lead. The High Priest of the Wild wears the same robes of animal hide as the other members of the cult, but their skins are of a better quality, and are accompanied by a cloak of dragon scales as well.

To the Wild we Return

Founding Date

Around 2259

Type

Secret, Occult

Divines

• The Lord of the Wild

Location

Cliffton

Neighboring Nations

• Archren

Notable Members

• The Lord of the Wild