The Eluveitie Confederation (Nation, PC)

The Eluveitie Confederation is a small cluster of territories under the rule of the “Federal Council of Flesh Singers".The Council was founded around () by decree of its semi-religious figure Cael’vynn and strengthened during the civil war known as “the Symphony of Discord”. Its people call themselves the Femu’rhani, though they are better known by the derogatory term “Bonespooks”, which had been given to them originally by the Rhyn, and has later on been adopted by most of the other nations.

### Motto:

In our flesh, there is truth.In our blood, there is strengthIn our bones, there is legacy.In our Song, there lies the future.

### Anthem:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yt40jLz7TeQ

## Biology

*“To gaze upon them is to see the Heart of Nightmares. Their thoughts are Chaos incarnate. Every breath they draw, if they are even capable of it, is sacrilege”*

*- Rhyn Diplomat*

The closest to an accurate description of the Femu’rhani’s appearance would be “biomechanical” humanoids who are, in general, bipedal (exceptions will be elaborated on later).

As an anonymous Wessen has aptly described them: “they look like they’ve stepped out of a deranged man’s anatomical study book”- Muscle tissues and bones on full display, sometimes multiple skulls for heads, faces on bone- it is not uncommon for peoples’ first reaction to be abject terror upon first meeting.

While they are sexually dimorphic, there have been instances of Femu’rhani altering their sex, and depending on their status in society, they vary in size and weight.

### Song of Flesh

They owe their frightening/deterrent appearance to their innate psychic ability to manipulate their organic matter- to a certain degree, their surrounding environment and other lifeforms as well. This practice is referred to as “the Song of Flesh”, whilst other nations simply call it Biomancy.

Each Femu’rhan, depending on their chosen “Path of Flesh” (elaborated on later), develop unique forms of Biomancy- for example, members of the Military Path, when in hostile territory, are able to survive for several weeks (should the prospect of ration shortage occur) by extracting the nutritional elements of the environment.

One will also be surprised to discover that despite the seemingly frail exterior the body of an average Femu’rhan feels incredibly hard to the touch. They are like living armor

### Web of Song

The Femu’rhani share a simulacrum to a collective consciousness, called “the Web of Song”, which serves as a hub of knowledge, instant communication and memories of those who have come before.

Those psychically inclined Wessen who have been fortunate to “hear” the Web described it as a “dreamlike, if slightly unnerving” kaleidoscope of melodies, while the Rhyn describe it as a “chaotic, screaming nightmare”

### Language

While they are capable of most languages, there are Two predominant forms the Femu’rhani use: **Trade** and **Song**

Trade refers to the spoken language, which is very melodic, reminiscent of Switzerland’s Romansh.

Song is a language that primarily exists within The Web of Song- it is the contributing factor for the seemingly discordant nature of the Web.

When speaking to other Species, it sounds like multiple people speaking in a grand auditorium

### Song of Courting

As the name implies, the Song of Courting is the act of mating amongst the Femu’rhani. Either initiated by the male or female, the couple engage in a duet of sorts which culminates in the “Dance of Creation”, which brings forth the offspring. Rare instances have occured where multiple partners are involved. This has been referred to as “the Choir of Unity”.

Addendum: In rare instances, some Femu’rhani couples are SO infatuated with one another, they engage in the “Dance of Creation and Unity” in which they form into one body.

### Song of Ascension

The Femu’rhani are functionally immortal, however oddly enough they choose to die at around the age of 250-300 standard years. This is due to the stigma of being seen as a potential Degenerate. The process of Dying involves a ritualistic suicide performed as a Song at a local temple known as “the People’s Resting place”  in which the useful memories for future generations are preserved and made part of the Web of Song. Hence the process is known as “the Song of Ascension''

### Song of War

“The Song of War '' refers to a variety of abilities attributed to Femu’rhani who walk the Path of War (also known as “The Path of Tucc’ar). Those can range from a berserker trance to psychic death screams.

## Family & Education

*“All parts of our flesh and bone serve the Great Design.*

*Our people must be as one functioning body. This must go from the smallest to the grandest of Families. Our goal is to uphold the Song of Flesh.”*

* *From “The Word of Cael’vynn”*

All aspects of Femu’rhani life are of the highest importance. This includes the raising of the child. In the likely event of one, both or multiple parental figures expiring, the onus is on close friends to raise the child and teach them the art of “the Song”.

Monogamous structures are the norm but as previously stated there are the occasional polygamous couples. Needless to say, the bond of love amongst the Femu’rhani is considered sacrosanct, and the breaking of it is a social tabu, as it causes great distress not just for the offended party (parties) but within the Web of Song as well.

The early stages of a Femu’rhani child’s life is referred to as the **Aa’ria**- wherein the parents induct them in the ways of The Song and entry to the Web. **“The shrine of Childhood ''**, similar to a children’s playroom/bedroom, is a mandatory requirement for Femu’rhani households to have, as it aids in these aforementioned practices.

More aspects of the Web will be revealed to the child as it grows- eventually they will be taken to a grand communal temple (name still undecided), a sort of elementary school, alongside other children, where their biomancy skills will be honed and more knowledge acquired. There, they will also partake in recreational activities. On the surface that seems like a self-evidence, however those forms of “Sports” are carefully observed by their mentors who will start sorting out the child to their preferred **“Path of Flesh”**

**Entr’acte** marks the transition from child to young adult. At this point in time the young Femu’rhani will not only be knowledgeable of the main Paths of Flesh, but the Merging Paths as well. **“The First Step”** is a ceremony where a large gathering of Femu’rhani will partake in a mass meditation that lasts for several hours or even days (depending on the size of the group) until the young adult, in a screaming fit of Revelation, comes to the decision of which Path they take.

From the Start of the Journey until full Adulthood they are known as “Novice Flesh Singers”. Once they’ve reached the perfection of their first Path they can either continue onwards or branch off into different paths. At this point they are now **Monodra’ma**, “fully fleshed Adults”.

## Religion

### The Word of Cael'vynn

*“EMBRACE THE GRAND DESIGN.*

*EMBRACE THE WORD OF CAEL’VYNN”*

* *the Eternal Crusader, Degenerate Pirate*

The Word of Cael’vynn is a compilation of semi-religious texts and political/philosophical essays by one of the most powerful Biomancers of Femu’rhani History, Cael’vynn. The core belief that runs throughout the Word is that all lifeforms move within a Machinery he refers to as “the Grand Design”. It is from the Word that the Government and society of the Femu’rhani was formed.

The Word itself is actually incomplete due to Cael’vynn mysteriously ascending without alerting his closest advisors and family.

Some scholars speculate that there might be some missing fragments of the text hidden within certain parts of the galaxy that were taken by members of the Degenerates. Others say that there might be a hidden message within the Word itself. Perhaps a prediction of Future events.

While the teachings of Cael’vynn are regarded highly, those who follow them with zealous fervor are seen as potential Degenerates, as rigid dogma has the potential of mental stagnation and disruption of the Grand Design

### The Degeneracy Cult

The Degenerates are an internally divided Counter cult who believe in a strong sense of self and seek to disrupt Femu’rhani society. More often than not followers of this belief turn to piracy and live beyond the average lifespans of Femu’rhani. The Existence of “The Shadow Web”, the Degenerate’s version of the Web of Song, has been confirmed.

## History

*“If my visions are to be believed, they have perished, and we, their former CATTLE, have lived on. Our continued existence is the ultimate act of vengeance against our Slavers. “*

* *From “the Word of Cael’vynn”*

**Founding Years, the Creation Myth (Date n/a)**

The Song of Origins tells of a people forged by larger-than-life beings- formerly “the masters”, now “the tyrants”. For centuries they were to perform tasks, from menial to grueling, until their use had run its course and were left for dead on a hostile sector of the galaxy. Little did the Tyrants realize that their abandoned children would not only survive, but thrive in the environment, their seemingly horrific abilities now god given gifts. The first notes of the Web of Song came to being.

**The Word of Cael’vynn, the building blocks of Civilization (date n/a)**

Cael'vynn was one of the most powerful Fleshsingers of the Femu'rhani people , who would later on lay out the groundwork for The Eluveitie Confederation in a Book known as "the Word of Cael'vynn". At that time there wasn't a rule that forbid the expansion of a Femu'rhani's age; The seeds of Degeneracy was sown.

**The Expanse:**

As the First Council of Fleshsingers comes to fruition, The Path of Science proposes a first attempt at Planetary exploration. During the discovery and colonization of new Worlds Cael'vynns exploration fleet discovers "Endless Silence" the source of the strange void humming that has been permeating the Song throughout their life. He would begin to make a decision that would lead to the Symphony of Discord: extensively research the Endless Silence

**Cael’vynn’s Ascension, The Beginning of Degeneracy:**

It was during Cael'vynn's research of the "Endless Silence" that he mysteriously disappeared. The leaders find themselves lost and the Song falls into lament-ridden disarray, giving the growing Degenerate Faction the opportunity to corrupt the council.

**The Symphony of Discord (Civil War)**:

The machinations of the Degeneartes wouldn't go unnoticed for too long, but by the time they were exposed it was too late and a significant part of the Council was slaughtered. Thus the Symphony of Discord began in which the Degenerates and those still faithful to the Word faught viciously- the Web of Song at that time was a cacophanous mess. It was there that the Warrior Merchants rose to prominence for tipping the scales in favor of the "Faithful"

**The Symphony of Cleansing (going on to current time)**

Currently the Femu'rhani are engaged in a "Symphony of Cleansing", the systematic removal of Degenerates in their system. The six most saught after are still at large.

## The six Paths of Flesh

Six dominant paths have emerged throughout the Femu’rhani’s  history which have persisted to the present day.

### **Military (HANDS) (TUCC’AR)**

**(Note: This will be a very brief description of this path, further elaboration will be seen in the ORBAT)**

Those who walk the “Path of War”  specialize in Combat, Battle strategies, Security and Navigation of the Political Landscape in times of peace. This Path is regarded with caution, as those who fell quicker to Degeneracy hailed from this Path.

### **Sciences (MIND) (TSCHAR’VE)**

Exactly what it says on the tin, this path incorporates natural sciences, medicine, engineering, education of future generations, improvement of the quality of life, etc., but also Philosophy and Political Science.

### **Culture (Media, Arts and Music) (HEART) (COR)**

Better known as “the Path of the Soul”, Femu’rhani who walk this path are master artisans of all kinds, be it Sculpting, Singing, painting, even cooking falls under this category.

*The Plating of the Dish is as important as a well-timed brushstroke*

* *Anonymous Femu’rhani*

(Shitpost Fun Fact: PFW animated movies are beloved by the Femu’rhani as opposed to the Lorilotle who prefer documentaries)

### **Agriculture (TASTE) (GU’OST)**

Femu’rhani who walk “The path of the Land” deal The production of vital foods and the maintenance of the fields. This requires them to be in tune with their environment at all times, making them more reserved and quiet compared to their urban counterparts

### **Trade (SOUND) (UDI’DA)**

The Path of Trade deals in inter- and outer system trading of goods. Femu’rhani who walk this path are regarded with the same (though not as strong) caution as the War-walkers, as those are prone to give in to Wanderlust and end up seeking thrills by deliberately traveling to dangerous trade routes. This has, however, given them the positive reputation of being considered “the most secure tradespeople”.

### **Economy (SIGHT) (VESA’IR)**

*All things adhere to a flow. This goes for Currency. We can see it clear as day. Can you?*

* *(), Foreign Correspondent of the Eluveitie Confederation*

Femu’rhani walking the Path of Currency developed the ability to “see” the flow of Currency. On the one hand this minimizes corruption and economic instability, on the other hand some Degenerates have developed loopholes to exploit the system as well.

### The Merging Paths

Due to the fluid nature of the Femu’rhani biomancy, more paths have emerged that are mergers of the main paths. The Femu’rhani put emphasis on the importance of them not being separated from one another. To further “the Great Design'', paths must intermingle to ensure cooperation/a fully functioning body

-       **War-Song (Military + Culture, Propaganda, War-smithing, Morale booster)**

-       **Warrior Merchants (Military + Trade, Import/Export security)**
-       **The beautification of the Land (Agriculture + Culture)**

## Political Factions

### **The Parliament of Many (BLER):**

The Idea that One must follow a variety of paths within Femu’rhan society, not only in order to maintain a balanced mindset, but to prevent the risk of becoming a Degenerate

### **The Parliament of One (IN, pronounced EE-n):**

The Idea that following one Path for an extended period of time (or even for the duration of one’s life) is not necessarily a detriment to the Societal structure and that the fear of becoming Degenerate is unfounded

### **The Parliament of the Land**

Primarily members from the Path of Agriculture are part of this political faction. They believe in the preservation of the colonies flora and fauna

## Recreational Activities

**Unravelling:** A form of Exercise in which The Femu'rhani bend in impossible poses

**The Dance:** A form of Exercise essential for Spiritual attunement and courting

**Bardic Inspiration:** the Exercise of Attuning the Singing Skills both in the Web and outside