Frozen Envoy

A Frozen Envoy is a special position in Tunvavvaki culture, sent only when declaring war between . When sent by Gyrrasha, they walk into the mountains with only the clothes on their back and are expected to survive in the harsh wilderness as they make their way to the enemy Ubrashana. Some die in the journey, and when they do, the Gyrrasha make peace instead of war, seeing that the gods of the mountains intervened to prevent war. But if the envoy survives the perils trek, war is pronounced and their enemies honor them as a distinguished guest.

Career

Other Benefits

If the envoy survives their trek, their  honors them with gifts of rare flowers and fruits. For the remainder of their life, the envoy also holds unique status in the Ubrashana; they're respected and feared for their perceived divine blessing.

Perception

Purpose

The purpose of the envoy is fundamentally a religious one. In the Gyrrasha's eyes, it gives the gods a chance to intervene and stop and conflict they don't condone. If they don't want the war to occur, they strike down the envoy so they can never reach their destination. However, if the envoy survives their trek, then the gods smile upon them, and they have been supremely blessed.

Demographics

The Gyrrasha chooses their envoy, usually from among their own family and household. The candidate can refuse to go, but it is deeply shameful to do so, and most accept with solemn dignity. Many chosen envoys are older, respected members of the Gyrrasha's household; those who are content to die if their gods so wish it, but have enough experience to survive if they don't.

Operations

Dangers & Hazards

Being a Frozen Envoy is an ever-dangerous job as only some half make it to their destination. When they set out, they may take no equipment and must survive to their destination with nothing but the clothes on their back. This shows the true mastery of the wilderness that is inherent in Tunvavvaki culture, and they see it as such a show to the gods that they are strong enough to survive their mountains.

"We Snowmarked are our people's greatest challange and suplication to the gods. We are the ones who are thrust into the mountains and rivines and made to laugh in their faces as they hold our fates in their hands. That is our nature and those outsiders who seek to poke and prod at us; they do not understand that."_{-Baui Agori, first Frozen Envoy from The Great Ubrashana, 1762 SE}

Alternative Names

"The Snowmarked"

Demand

The Frozen Envoys are only used occasionally in the rare circumstances in which war breaks out

Used By

• The Great Ubrashana

When on their mission, the envoys wear a unique medallion crafted by a close family member of their choice. Images emblazoned on the medallion vary, but most are either personal or religious. Many wish safe travels or good luck, as they are seen as a sign of prayer to the gods as their relative faces their judgment. If the envoy survives their journey, they keep their medallion as a personal totem for the rest of their life and as a sign of their blessed stature.