Bloodmoon

The **Bloodmoon** clan (also referred to as the *children of Dalamud*) is a Keeper of the Moon clan residing in the Thornsnarl, a closely guarded tract of inhospitable woodland deep in the eastern reaches of the Black Shroud. The clan's numbers are comprised of seven families joined together by conquest or compromise. Their isolationist lifestyle, superstitious occultism and forbidding reputation has precluded them from formulating long-standing alliances. A change in leadership and the election of a new matriarch, Yhivi of the Rihza, has seen diplomatic overtures made towards neighboring clans changed for the sake of rebirth, regrowth and renewal.

Above all else, the Bloodmoon are known for their devotion to the betrayer hound, Dalamud. To them, their fallen totem is the icon of earned justice. The flagrant disregard and lack of true faith among Spokenkind has long been a trait they believe required visceral correction. Accordingly, other clans wise to the way of their people regard them as pariahs while others find themselves enthralled by their devotion to what might be perceived as heresy.

The Bloodmoon occupy a large, untamed tract of bramble lands broken into distinct regions that each have a history of independent thought and practices to them. Despite this, shared traditions, culture and bloodlines have knit the ruling families of the clan together for generations. Though the seat of the matriarch shifts and is dependent on the bloodline of her family, Dalamud's Maw has traditionally been considered the historical capitol of all dealings. Dalamud's Maw is also a neutral meeting point for clan moots, celebrations and matters of dispute.

## Demographics

### Population

The Bloodmoon stands at a population of over a hundred belonging to each of their respective family lines. While typical Keeper of the Moon prefer smaller, more insular communities, the children of Dalamud have a unique partnership that has provided each line with appropriate territory for expansion. Of their number, only a scant few are children. The clan's recovery after a long history of battling woodsin has been slow, but new leadership has necessitated focus upon growth of their numbers and restoration of prey to their traditional hunting grounds.

The Bloodmoon population is split into the following approximate measurements:

Garahl: 45% of the clan.

Ekhinu: 15% of the clan.

Mheja: 15% of the clan.

Shaali: 10% of the clan.

Okohwe: 5% of the clan.

Rihza: 5% of the clan.

Nhwara: 5% of the clan.

### Language

The Bloodmoon are proficient in the spoken tongue of man and the more ancient hunting language of their people, huntspeak. Huntspeak has been modified in part to contain a vast catalog of a natural language expressed by movements of the hands and face. Though rare, deafness and muteness are not atypical of the children of Dalamud and changes to the language have been made to accommodate their needs. All of the children of Dalamud spend their childhood learning to communicate in huntspeak and spoken word while on the trail, camping in the wood or in social situations. Their written language is graceful and comprised of runic characters written within "square blocks" arranged from left to right.

The given name of a Bloodmoon clan member is descriptive in nature, hearkening to spirituality, beauty, feelings or other similar, less tangible concepts or a natural object in the world. A name is carefully chosen and consists of one to two syllables. What is chosen depends on what possesses pleasing sound, tonal qualities, personal meaning and if it has a beautiful shape in their language. Given names are not resonant of qualities which are perceived to be either masculine or feminine due to the matriarchal passage of names from mother to son. Diminutives are extremely uncommon. Shortening the name of a member of the clan is indicative of extreme disrespect, for the person employing such a thing has not considered that they threaten the honor of the bearer's mother.

The second part of a child's name is based on the phase of the moon the child was born beneath. There are certain associated qualities with the ending of the name that indicates conceptual meanings that, when paired with the first part of the name, emulate how the spirits will address and remember a child of Dalamud. For example, the name *Yhivi* is comprised of Yhi- (smoke) and -vi, which is associated with the feeling of emptiness associated with rebirth. As such, the name has been roughly translated to "the smoke that rises from the razed wood" and "the smoke sprung from the flames of change". This can change in meaning depending on the achievements of the huntress and the personal interpretation of the individual themselves. In the end, the nature of their true name is between the spirits, the Goddess and themselves.

**Sample Name Meanings - Physical Concepts**

* Fhe - wind.
* Hel - fire.
* Ket - earth.
* Lhe - water.
* Nen - lightning.
* Rhe - ice.
* Vhe - snow.
* Cir - star.
* Ria - rain.
* Lyz - hiss.
* Rih - plum.
* Yhi - smoke.
* Kih - seed.
* Xih - thorn.
* Mia - bloom.
* Sek - tree.
* Rhu - sparrow.
* Men - moon.
* Wyr - wood.
* Nao - shadow.
* Ok - mist.
* Oh - cloud.
* Qa - dawn.
* Xa - dusk.

**Sample Name Meanings - Emotional and Spiritual Concepts**

* Dha - longing.
* Idh - peace.
* Sah - patience.
* Ogh - hope.
* Pyh - faith.
* Nha - love.
* Tsi - sorrow.
* Jih - free.
* Rhe - joy.
* Ma - fate.
* Mik - wild.
* Vey - brave.
* Nel - dream.
* Mhi - wise.
* Xe - echo.
* Em - soul.

**Sample Name Endings**

* *-ih, -oh, -ah, -eh, -mh, -nh:* Associated with the new moon, which is a conceptual period of new beginnings, isolation, regrowth, introspection and darkness. The associated qualities are might, strength, ferocity, power, survival, balance, wisdom, patience, teamwork, loyalty, warmth and friendship.
* *-ru, -au, -hu, -ku:* Associated with the waxing crescent moon, which is a conceptual period of intentions, hopes, wishes, desire and fullness. The associated qualities with these name endings are courage, bravery, righteousness, justice, protection, vengeance, retribution, conviction, focus, battle, purification, extension of oneself, sacrifice, life, death and truth.
* *-al, -el:* Associated with the third quarter moon, which is a conceptual period of decision making, resistance, challenge, action and flexibility. The associated qualities are bravery, ferocity, strength, speed, agility, stealth, hunting, cunning, tracking, pride, grace, intelligence, loyalty and aggression.
* *-ae, -ue, -we, -he:* Associated with the waxing gibbous moon, which is a conceptual period of refinement, direction, change, sacrifice and observation. The associated qualities are healing, grace, serenity, beauty, protection, water, secrets, devotion, parenthood, teaching, care and creativity.
* *-la, -ya, -ha, -da, -ja, -va, -xa:* Associated with the full moon, which is a conceptual period of release, emotion, opportunity, beauty, love and light. The associated qualities are harmony, balance, peace, healing, wisdom, nature, protection, the wild, resurrection, survival, the cycle of life and slumber.
* *-ho, -ko, -wo-, -xo:* Associated with the waxing gibbous moon, which is a conceptual period of gratitude, sharing, enthusiasm, abundance and giving. The associated qualities are wisdom, vigilance, stealth, silence, the beauty of night, mystery, secrets, hunting and truth.
* *-ri, -mi, -ni, -vi, -yi:* Associated with the first quarter moon, which is a conceptual period of forgiveness, letting go, cleansing, release and emptiness. The associated qualities are rebirth, wisdom, the cycle of life, poison, agility, strength, speed, accuracy, trances, dreams, observation and patience.
* *-an, -en, -in, -hn:* Associated with the waxing crescent moon, which is a conceptual period of surrender, recuperation, rest, peace and calm. The associated qualities are wrath, night, prudence, refuge, stealth, darkness, silence, mystery, balance, attachment, and hidden potential.

## Governance

### The Oath

   Formally considered in all matters moral, the Oath was sworn when their forebears took their first step on the virgin soil of Eorzea. While the tenets may vary in importance and value from family to family, all must remember and are beholden to judgment for refusing to observe them. Recitation of the tenets in their full form is as much an epic aria as it is a legal code but many clan kin learn the tenets in the form of basic precepts.

Each precept has a practical basis, but not all of them are universally upheld as unquestionable. In fact, some may perceive a hypocritical gap between what the elders of the clan may preach and what is actually done. As with any codified statement of morality, those who wish to be freed of the responsibility for their actions will always find some way to twist it to their favor. Despite this, all kin endeavor to abide by the tenets lest they invite the wrath of the Goddess or that of their betters.

The tenets are as follows:

**I: Blood above all.** Above all fleeting mortal matters, the health and prosperity of one's own clan remains paramount in importance. The Bloodmoon expect absolute loyalty and devotion once one has chosen to set their roots aside, completed their trials and integrated themselves as a part of the clan. As any clan, the Bloodmoon is a community of shared beliefs, way of life and practices. Any who would place their own selfish desires over the overall health or happiness of their brothers and sisters is sure to break this essential tenet.

**II. Truth through amity and enmity.** The worth of a person is best found in the content of their words. Though there are times in which a harmless white lie might be required to tend a squalling babe, the children of Dalamud draw upon their fallen totem's honest nature, holding to promises, oaths and bonds without fail. To deceive, mislead, demean, belittle or otherwise break the spirit of one's kin is considered a reflection of the betrayer hound's darker self.

**III. Love and be loved in return.** The children of Dalamud see intimacy in any form as the greatest gift the Goddess could give them and provide it to others in great measure. The Bloodmoon commonly adopt clanless Keepers of the Moon, tribeless Seekers of the Sun and half-blooded miqo'te, earning them the nickname of "mongrel" for the impurity of their blood. Despite the negative impression it promises, they hold to the belief that the power of their goddess is fostered within the love they share with others. Any who are unwilling to give what they wish to receive are unworthy of partaking in her gift.

**IV: Listen to the red drum.** It is the nature of the heart to be soft and vulnerable or hard and unyielding. Friends, allies and lovers should be held to exacting standards for their survival, as suffering the weak at your side without loving them enough to strengthen them speaks of dishonest love. One should not force your kin to support and defend you if you are too sick or old to do either, for selfish love is a sin. In all matters of love, the heart is one's compass - it will ever point towards the honest and selfless choice, even if one would rather make the opposite.

**V: The hearth is sacred.** To declare ownership of something is to claim it in its entirety, and to claim is to accept the responsibility of fighting to deserve that which is not naturally gifted. Just as the borders of one's clansground must be maintained, warded and patrolled, so too must the hearts of those you have claimed. In all things martial or meaningful, one must defend what is theirs. As the wolf, the greater your domain, the greater your prestige, but one must be willing to bare tooth and claw to maintain it.

**VI: Know your place.** Above all others, the Goddess and her most beloved are to be venerated for the sacrifices they have made for the good of the clan. Each piece within a puzzle must find their place. The matriarch, by divine right, is to take the first bite of any kill, and any of higher caste are to be served food and drink before any that falls lower in privilege. So too must the head be bowed when space is entered by one's better, their formal address used in public and the courtesy of the first seat or first bite be given to the highest in station.

**VII: Repay gifts with tribute.** All that the children of Dalamud have been given has been earned by right, traded as part of an equivalent exchange or taken by force. The injured buck provided by the merciful Goddess or the snares that overflow with hares must be honored and used in whole, leaving no part of the animal unappreciated for its value. For every success, achievement, bond, birth or death among the clan, kin pay their respects in return.

**VIII: Temper the heart's vein.** The spirit is a wild creature by birth and would have one ruled by their passions, impulses and thoughts, but what separates kin from beast is that they are able to find meaning in that chaos. Love, but do not love so blindly that one is entirely consumed by their desires and passions; hate, but do not hate with such fury that one finds their purpose to make another suffer. Let the heart run amok and wreak havoc on one's humors and it is certain that it will be the very venom that claims your life.

**VIII: Open the soul.** The state of the world is such that there is ever something new to be discovered in the passage of time. What is good for the whole of the people should be good for the individual, and while there is much to fear in the unknown, all evolution - be it a statement of one's personal growth or progression towards a more modern life - must be accounted for and accepted if benefits all.

**IV: Bare your throat or bleed.** When a challenge is called between kin who wish to settle a dispute, the children of Dalamud stress trial by ordeal and single combat as the appropriate manner to resolve internal affairs. The loser of any such dispute does not suffer a loss of reputation for baring their throat, but a victorious warrior should be praised for their mercy. All kin are honor-bound to accept surrender. Once the challenge has been accepted and completed, the matter is considered finished: to hold onto old resentments is to force others to suffer one's weakness.

**X: Be as one.** Few of the children of Dalamud speak against this singular tenet, which has served as the purpose for their union beneath the banner of the Bloodmoon since the clan's inception. One should not abide by the rebellious stirrings of a dissenter. One should not permit the waggling tongue of a heretic to spoil teachings or sway one from the path. One should not let deceit and misdirection provide a spark to an altercation that needed not happen. In all things, the clan is whole. Those who would try to shatter the clan's ties in any manner - be it a coup or otherwise - are put to death.

## Culture

#### War Paint

Bright war paint is a staple in the dress of a child of Dalamud. The color of a paint denotes their social status within their clan and is cosmetic, decorating the face, throat, heart, wrists and ankles according to the individual's tastes. A fine, soft clay-based paint mixed with pigments and the holy waters of a pure spring, once applied, serves many purposes. It can bless the wearer with the supernatural qualities and protection of their totem, beseech the elements for their blessing in a partnership or bond, convey a message (such as a victory or success in battle) or provide them with camouflage in the midst of a hunt.

The colors red and blue are universally regarded as sacred and are exclusively worn by the priesthood or the council during rites. The matriarch and the priestess are partial to blue, signifying a deep commitment to their holy partnership with the Goddess, and the clan's champions take up the red of their namesake to embody the ferocity of Dalamud. A swathe of black paint across the eyes and upon the body represents the warrior and hunting class, instilling bravery, ferocity and power. The softer green swirls of color given to the trading caste would bless them with endurance, confidence and success. Those rare few who have yet to finish their rites of passage do not wear any paint save a single white stripe across the bridge of their nose. Outsiders are given no paint at all.

#### Masks

Beautifully crafted and carved into the visage of their totemic guardians, the mask of a child of Dalamud hearkens to the spirit that safeguards the moon they were born beneath and serves all manners of self-expression. Each individual is given to representing their spirit within the clan's understanding of who and what they are. While some may choose to embody the bear's ferocity in battle in hopes of gaining the spirit's favor, others may choose instead to focus on its gentle nature when heavy with child. The unique meaning of each animal guardian to the individual is best understood upon the last of their rites of passage.

The Bloodmoon's warrior caste has made a name for itself as a force of faceless embodiment of their totem's will, donning masks that reflect the terrifying, howling maw of the beast that passed judgment on all when it fell. Painted black, red and white, the mask itself is printed with the white hand of the Goddess's closest voice on mortal soil, the matriarch.

#### Hair

The Bloodmoon believe that there is power in uncut hair and choose to wear it long and in complex, braided styles, only cutting it if defeated in battle or shamed before their kin for their actions. Beading and feathering the ends of braids with beads carved of the bones of prey and dyed feathers taken from raptors is commonplace. Natural dyes derived of local flora are popula. The Bloodmoon tint their hair dark with a temporary dye mixed of woad when mourning the loss of their closest kin. It is believed that once the dye has completely washed from their hair - which generally takes about a month - it is acceptable to begin the process of moving on.

#### Clothing

The traditional huntress dresses in dark buckskins in summer and spring and heavy furs and thick hides in winter and autumn. Due to the inherent darkness of their territory, the flash of light colors in the underbrush is a dead giveaway to unsuspecting prey. Colorful glass beading, raptor feathers, beast claws and painted bone are common in a kinsman's personal sense of style. At leisure, woven clothing from linen and animal skins is the staple of their style, tending towards comfort and utility over reservation. Few among the clan believe bare skin to be a sin and are comfortable enough with engaging in intimate physical affection or contact without misrepresenting it for romantic or sexual overtures.

Moonstones, common white opal and the rare black opal make up the gemstones inlaid into jewelry, which favors silver metal. While the moonstone is considered the calling sign of the Goddess's favor, white opal is associated with luck. Opal is believed to possess all the virtues of each lesser gemstone that has a color represented in the stone. Black opal is given as a protective talisman that casts or reflects a malevolent gaze back upon those who would wish harm upon others. Young children of the clan are gifted with black opal talismans and amulets created to protect against misfortune or bid patience for their ignorance from the elements.

#### Tattoos

Tattooing tends towards specificity and sacred meaning to the individual and are received upon the completion of a significant rite of passage or personal achievement. Equal parts a form of art, personal expression and symbolic representation of energy centers within the body, many of the Bloodmoon are tattooed in decorative, intricate designs. The occultists of the clan have spent years developing an understanding of the nature of aether and how it might be best channeled with the magically inclined.

The Oath, a tattoo knit into the flesh on the back of the neck, is the one mark that all of the Bloodmoon bear once they have overcome their trials. To be marked by Dalamud is an expression of dedication to the tenets and a visual contract between the kinsman and their clanmates to strengthen the chain of their culture by abiding by its rule. Should a kinsman be found wanting and their promises to the clan broken, the cheeks of the exile-to-be are cut to the temples. If they have passed their trials, the Oath is carved from their flesh. In its place, a wandering spiral moon - the sign of Dalamud fallen - is cauterized and left as a mark of disgrace upon the skin.

## Life

#### Kith and Kin

Blood-related families of the Bloodmoon will choose to live in segments of the Thornsnarl together, preferring their crowded dens to the sense of uncertainty that life without kin means. So too do they love their friends and allies with similar devotion. Whether they are to meet a new friend or old, the old custom of "breaking bread" as an expression of good will and forgiveness means more than just eating. While breaking bread, both parties may bring no menaces upon the other, save for when this unspoken rule of etiquette is broken by the guest or host.

The Bloodmoon cultivate an open and forthright culture in which emotional intimacy is a natural element of the clan’s overall dynamic. This extends to all members - male and female - who have been accepted into their number. Appreciating the expression of emotion or reservation when necessary, each individual clan member has their own unique way of expressing their needs. Their ability to communicate and align their ambitions, goals and desires as a whole is admirable and well-favored in the public eye. The practice of deception, while venerated in certain family circles, is not an appealing trait.

Adverse to many Keeper of the Moon communities, the clan welcomes the rare wanderer who is tired of their nomadic lifestyle and wishes to keep the hearth and care for children. Identified as a ‘kept man’, the wanderer is a male still capable of siring children who is willing to contribute to the clan's growth and stability. While this does not designate any form of monogamy, it comes with the expectation that the man in question will be emotionally loyal to the clan's women, choosing them over any outsider who has expressed a desire for a child. Rare cases of monogamy between a kept man and a woman may be acceptable provided that the couple in question recalls their duty to their people foremost.

Kept men are subjected to trials to ensure that their permanent residence will not draw on the clan’s resources, cause a shift in social dynamics and to ensure that they will provide services and skills that are useful. For many of them, the difficult tasks are worth the risk for the reward, as those who are successful become trusted, beloved companions. Kept men practice essential skills in entertainment, companionship and diplomacy to fulfill the needs of their kin and embody the heart of the clan. A large family line is something to be honored and respected, and friendships are highly valued: the successful kept man will have many chosen, many children and many friends.

#### Procreation

Clan allegiances play a powerful role in shaping the future. Particular attention is paid to breeding favorable traits to produce strong children. Women rarely enter a physical relationship with a prospective sire without first considering his background. There are many allowances for casual bonding, be it through a natural development of emotional attachment or a more physical connection.

The clan practices four forms of love - passionate love, platonic love, romantic love and familial love - in their worship. Familial ties are outlined in living record as long and sprawling family trees spanning generations back, promoting a sense of filial pride. Ceremony accompanies the clan's breeding season, which occurs in early spring. Absorption of conquered clans, long-standing allegiances and resource-sharing prevent interbreeding.