Ark Clan

The Ark Clan is a Family of seafaring people who began as humble fishermen, but grew to become a Skilled travellers on the seas of Rathnir and Eldham. They became successful adventurers traveling far and wide in order to explore the World around them. Divided into Various Houses, the Ark Clan is a diverse family whose cultures and ways of life are shaped by the places they visit.

## History

### Primarchs

Though the Family has around 500 years of History, the families 3 most important individuals would be the 3 Primarchs, Arkhons whose actions are so great they impact the House of Ark to this day.

#### First Primarch The Progenitor

The Ark Clan had humble beginnings as fishermen, seeking out a living from the sea for generations. They were a tight-knit Family, relying on each other's skills and knowledge to survive the treacherous waters. However, their fortunes changed when a baby was born who would one day become the 1st Primarch of the clan. Although his name has been lost to legend, the stories say that this baby was born on a sunny day over 500 years ago. He was said to be of remarkable intelligence and had a natural affinity for the sea. As he grew older, he became an expert navigator, sailing the seas on a massive boat named 'the Ark'. He discovered new fishing grounds and developed new fishing techniques that greatly improved the Clan's catches. Over time, the young man's reputation grew, and he became a leader within the clan. He was eventually granted the title of Primarch, a position of great honor and responsibility. The clan prospered under his leadership, with new Settlements being built and trade routes established with neighbouring communities resulting in an increase in the family's wealth.

#### Second Primarch The Wanderer

As the generations passed, the Ark Clan continued to grow and thrive, thanks in no small part to the leadership of the Arkhons. They continued to innovate, developing new fishing technologies and techniques that allowed them to explore deeper and more dangerous waters. The Ark Clan continued to prosper under the leadership of the first Primarch's descendants, with each new generation building upon the knowledge and experience of their forebears. However, it was the second Primarch, known as "the wanderer", who would take the clan in a bold new direction. The wanderer was the great-grandson of the first Primarch, and from a young age, he had a restless spirit. He was always eager to explore new lands and waters, and he had a natural curiosity that drove him to seek out new experiences. As he grew older, the wanderer became increasingly dissatisfied with the settled lifestyle of the Ark Clan. He felt constrained by the boundaries of their coastal settlements and longed to explore the wider world. So, he made the bold decision to lead his people on a nomadic journey. The wanderer and his followers traveled across the sea, exploring new lands and waters that were previously unknown to the Ark Clan. They encountered new cultures and ways of life, learning from the people they met along the way. Despite the challenges they faced, the wanderer's leadership helped the Ark Clan adapt to their new nomadic lifestyle. They developed skills, such as boatbuilding and navigation, that allowed them to travel further and faster than ever before. And as they traveled, the Ark Clan became known as a people of the sea, with a reputation for resourcefulness and resilience in even the toughest conditions. Along their journeys they saw countless communities, and it is said that under the Wanderers' leadership, The Clan circumnavigated the seas of Rathnir were sailed within a year. Under the wanderer's leadership, the Ark Clan became a truly nomadic people, free to explore the vast expanses of the sea and discover new wonders at every turn. And though his journey eventually came to an end, his legacy lived on in the nomadic spirit of the Ark Clan, who continued to wander the seas for generations to come.

#### 3rd Primarch Augustus Ark

Separated by 400 years of History, Culture and Tradition, the third and final Primarch of the Ark Clan was a fearless and determined leader who was known for his unwavering courage and devotion to his people. He led the Great Ark Fleet on many daring voyages and expeditions, but it was one particular journey that would become the stuff of legend. The Great Ark Fleet had been sailing the seas for many years under his rule when they encountered a monstrous creature, a relic from the Celestial War. The beast was enormous, with teeth like knives and skin as hard as iron. It was a creature of nightmares, and it had set its sights on the Great Ark Fleet. The Primarch knew that his people were in grave danger, but he refused to back down. He rallied the fleet and led them into battle against this monster. The battle was fierce and brutal, with the Great Ark Fleet suffering heavy losses as they fought to bring down the beast. After many hours of fighting, the Great Ark Fleet emerged victorious. The monster of the sea was defeated, but the victory came at a heavy cost. The Primarch was dead, and the Fleet was broken, its ships scattered across the sea in the aftermath of the battle. Over the next hundred years, the various splinter fleets that had once made up the Great Ark Fleet gradually developed their own unique cultures and ways of life, with their own customs and traditions, becoming the various Houses of the Ark clan we see today. Despite this separation, the Houses of the Ark Clan remain united in their shared history and heritage. They continue to sail the seas, exploring different lands and waters and meeting new people along the way. And though the Great Ark Fleet is no more, its legacy lives on in the bravery and determination of the Clan, who had fought against the greatest of odds and emerged victorious. Today, the Ark Clan remains a people of the sea, with a connection to the water that runs deep in their blood, and a spirit of adventure that could never be quenched.

## Houses of Ark

### House of Ark

The Oldest of the Houses, the House of Ark is the founding branch of the Clan.

### House Chelonia

The Second Oldest of the Houses, this House traces its origins to before the destruction of the Great Ark Fleet and to the second son of the Wanderer.

### House Arkel

The oldest of the Eldham branches, House Ark of Eld/Arkel traces its origins prior to the destruction of the Great Ark Fleet. The Arkel first appeared in Eldham after a Great Storm ravaged the Fleet. The storm lasted for many days but once the skies cleared, some unfortunate vessels, through unknown methods found themselves in a new land filled with new opportunities.

## Ranks and Titles of the Clan

#### Primarch

The Greatest of the Arkhons, the Primarch is a title given to those who's actions are so great they impact the House of Ark for Centuries.

#### Arkhon

The Leader of the Clan, the holder of this title is suzerain to every Head of House, Member, Vassal and retainer of the Clan.

#### Head/Lord of the House

The Leader of the house, the Lord holds the fealty of every member, vassal and retainer of the House.

#### Matriark & Patriark

The Matriark and Patriark are the oldest and wisest male and female elder of the Clan.

#### Clan Elder

The Eldest members of the Clan, the Elders are tasked with the Education of the younger generations of the Clan.

#### Vassal Lord

These are individuals who are the head of families that have sworn Fealty to the Ark clan and the various houses within.

#### Arkseers

These are individuals with a special gift. Arkseers are individuals capable of communicating throughout the known realms using magic. it is through the Arkseers that the Houses within Rathnir and Eldham remain in contact.

#### Retainer

A personal follower of a lord, part of his household, and not necessarily part of a Vassal House.

## Beliefs and Religion

Though the Religious beliefs and ideals of individual members of the Clan may vary, with members following various different deities and spirits, all Arks believe in a Collection of spirits which help guide and protect the Clan. The spirits of the Ark Clan are not just individual entities, but rather the embodiment of the values, ideals, and histories of the clan and its various houses. These spirits represent the deepest aspects of the Ark Clan and are revered by all members.

### Spirits of the Ark Clan

#### Arkhos

Arkhos is the oldest of the Ark spirits and embodies the values and ideals of the Ark Clan as a whole. In his human form, he appears as an old man with a long white beard, wearing a flowing white robe. In his animal form, he takes the shape of a white dragon, symbolizing his strength and wisdom.

#### Arktos

Arktos is the second eldest Ark spirit and represents the house of Ark after Arkhos. In his human form, he appears as a tall and muscular man with long hair and a beard, dressed in animal hides. In his animal form, he takes the shape of a massive bear, symbolizing his strength and ferocity.

#### Khelon

Khelon is the third eldest Ark spirit and represents the house of Chelonia. In his human form, he appears as an elderly man with a shell necklace, wearing a green robe. In his animal form, he takes the shape of a giant turtle, symbolizing his wisdom and longevity.

#### Arelia

Arelia is the fourth eldest Ark spirit and represents the house of Arkel. In her human form, she appears as a beautiful young woman with long flowing hair, wearing a red and gold dress. In her animal form, she takes the shape of a majestic phoenix, symbolizing her grace and rebirth.

#### Feng

Feng is a majestic spirit, representing the House Fāngzhōu. It takes the form of a dragon, symbolizing power and strength, and is known for its ferocity in battle. In its human form, Feng is often depicted as a wise and disciplined warrior.

#### Azrea

Azrea is the spirit of House Errant, known for its agility and grace. It takes the form of a falcon, representing the House's swift movements and sharp instincts. In its human form, Azrea is often depicted as a skilled and nimble warrior.

#### Leon

Leon is the spirit of House Marina, representing the House's love for the sea and the creatures that inhabit it. It takes the form of a sea lion, symbolizing strength, adaptability, and intelligence. In its human form, Leon is often depicted as a wise and charismatic leader.

#### Willow

Willow is the spirit of House Wright, known for its ingenuity and resourcefulness. It takes the form of a fox, representing the House's cunning and ability to adapt to any situation. In its human form, Willow is often depicted as a clever and inventive artisan.

#### Enuba

Enuba is the spirit of House Anarcia, known for its fierce independence and rebellious nature. It takes the form of a jackal, symbolizing cunning and stealth. In its human form, Enuba is often depicted as a rebellious and charismatic leader.

#### House of Ark

* Joshua Ark (Current Arkhon and Head of the House of Ark)
* Alexander Ark
* Carlos "The Fertile" Ark
* Wesley "The Feeble" Ark

#### House Chelonia

* Tor Chelonia (Current Head of House Chelonia)

#### House Arkel

* Indomitus Arkel (Current head of House Arkel)
* Invictus Arkel

#### House Anarcia

* Horus (Ark) Anarcia (Head of House Anarcia)