Domá Máv

Wandering Beekeeper Monks of the Avi

Saleh'Alire » Organizations ⭲ Religious ⭲ Human ⭲ Avi

While they certainly had access to many domesticated creatures by the time they divided from their Sarian cousins and migrated south from Martova towards Olienn, Bees were the first creatures domesticated by the Avi on their own after the split. Indeed, they were the first recorded culture to produce manuscripts detailing Apiculture, leading some Archivists and Historians to theorize they were the first Aliran culture to domesticate Bees at all.
For that reason, a unique relationship has developed between the Avi and their Bees over the centuries since their domestication. And this relationship has culminated in the development of one of the most esteemed religious organizations among them: The Domá Máv; extant now since around the beginning of Aviian cultural distinguishment, the Domá Máv are a group of Monks dedicated to the Apicultural aspects of the Aviian God Niklás. While they maintain several isolated Siissá, many also travel between villages with their Kertá in small groups called Sii, blessing and pollinating crops.

No one knows for certain how the Aviian God Niklás actually became the patron of Apiculture- though many theories abound. Most of these have to do with his position as the God of trade, wealth, and commerce, and the high likelihood that Honey played an important role in just that in the early days of Aviian cultural development. Still, specific details are unclear- especially as early Aviian culture was orally transmitted before the first manuscripts (many of which were about Apiculture themselves).

Products

The Domá Máv are well known for the production of two main Honey products in particular: The more common Bávitá, and the clossly guarded Sákár- the latter of which was developed in association with the Domá Máv's healing traditions. This has, over time, led to the Aviian God Niklás gaining minor associations with the Life domain due to his patronage of Bees, and of the Domá Máv by proxy.

▼ Bávitá ▼

A fermented, semi-alcoholic drink. While it's largely used to hunt Bears among those located closer to the mountains, it's also enjoyed recreationally by many.

▼ Sákár ▼

A healing remedy whose production is closely guarded. What little is known, however, is that it's produced by fermenting blessed Honey with several sacred Herbs. The final result is often creamy in both color and consistency.

Because the Patron of Bees is also the Aviian God of Commerce, Trade, and Wealth, it is considered bad luck to take Honey without offering something of equal value in exchange. But because the Domá Máv themselves are a Monk order who have taken vows of Poverty and Communal Service, they are not allowed- according to the strict regulations of their religion- to directly ask for anything in exchange for their Honey products. For that reason an unspoken agreement has come into place between the Domá Máv and the Aviian people.
Through this agreement, Sii are given free food and lodging, and any other necessities, in whichever Aviian village they find themselves. Additionally, many Avi make regular donations to their local Siissá- or to individual Sii whenever they pass through their villages. Blessings, Coins, Chickens, and other odd goods (or even returned services) are also given in exchange for the services of them Domá Máv at any available opportunity- especially when Honey or derivative products are exchanged.

Unique Traditions

Though not often associated with the Domá Máv, the God Márján still holds a surprising amount of sway among the Monks and is an "unofficial Patron" of sorts as most of their work is carried out in joyous song; while tending their Kertá, especially, the Domá Máv will often sing to the Bees.
These songs, sung in Old Aviian, are traditional Beekeeping songs developed during the early days of Aviian Apiculture. And while outlier songs with non-traditional lyrics may certainly exist, the vast majority of the lyrics tend to fall into one of two categories.

• The first lyrical group treats the Bees as Bachelorettes, whom the Beekeepers are attempting to woo as a Bachelor in order to win over the right to their Honey.


• The second are songs which entice them to give up their Honey as if the Beekepers were a Husband trying to entice their Wife into their marriage bed.

Perhaps what most people find the most gruesome tradition, however, is how the Domá Máv handle death: When one of their Monks die, if it is while traveling, then a Sii will return to their Siissá of origin. At that point, all of the Bees under the Siissá's care are "told" of the death via a special ceremony. During that same ceremony, the body of the deceased Monk is ritually prepared and then arranged into a seated position and immobilized by rope (or, tied into place). A new Kertá is then woven around their body, adding to the Siissá's overall number of hives.
It is considered auspicious for the Monestary if a new swarm takes up residence in the new Kertá within a month after the death and production.