House Abyssilyn

House Abyssilyn is one of the four "great houses" of Scholomance participating in the infamous feud of four. Symbolically represented by the patron animal of a kraken, the house uniquely is said to be the only one without an actual living patron. The existence of such an entity upon the school grounds in turn is a topic of debate amongst house members.

House Abyssilyn is associated with the alchemical elements of Sulphur and Arsenic. The house crest is characterized by dark green, set upon a platinum shield and over laid by a confusing mass of eldritch tentacles and an all seeing eye. Representative of the murky depths of the deepest waters, students of House Abyssilyn are required to display the verdant color upon their uniforms and outfits to represent their house anytime they are outside of their dormitory.

## Dormitories

The Abyssilyn dormitories known as the Abyssal Depths are located within The Dungeons supposedly somewhere relative to The Glowing Pond. Little else is publicly known to the student body, and even non-house faculty about the dwellings placement making it one of the most elusive locations within the black stone academy. Being located within the dungeons, searching for the secret chambers is also generally considered an unwise idea, meanwhile very few members of the house are willing to share even hints about it's location. These factors, in addition to inter-house visitation of dormitories being disallowed by school policy leads to House Abyssilyn holding the sole privilege of claiming a history devoid of any pranks or espionage by other houses.

## Culture

### Reputation

Known for being insular and reclusive, House Abyssilyn often is viewed with a level of suspicion and concern by their fellow students. Scornful glares and even instigative denigrations are an all to often anticipated outcome of an interaction with a member of the kraken's house, who are themselves perhaps the most competitively invested in the Feud of Four aside from House Wyrmhart. The serpent's students are not known to directly sabotage the efforts of other students, however some do take it upon themselves to engage in a battle of wills, straining confidence where they can to give there house an advantage, as a result they can often fall into the role of bullies. Many of the members of the house are drawn from families with long histories of involvement with magic and the unseen, as such families are often the most inclined to promote a respect for traditionalism.

### Traits

* Traditionalism
* Reliability
* Resourcefulness
* Keepers of Secrets

Often seen as one of the "twin corner stones" of the Abyssilyn traits, **traditionalism** balances with resourcefulness. The Abyssilyn are drawn from those who value proven efficiencies and strengths. While this does often lend them to being more inclined towards slower acceptances of changes, or even outright rejections of social movements; the traditionalism fostered and encouraged by the House is one grounded on provable and defensible values. It is speculated that this trait was highlighted during the founding of the Kraken's House because of it's importance in ensuring a level of meticulousness and rigidity in the study and development of rituals, ceremonies, and novel magics.

Similarly to traditionalism, **reliability** is a more complex virtue then mere punctuality. While it is true most Abyssilyn rarely go back on their plans or promises, and even more rarely make a habit of tardiness, a member of the Kraken's house can also be counted on to avoid cutting corners or working to save on costs, preferring something be done correctly. This also can often manifest in a concurrent tendency towards a greater interest in affluence and displays of wealth.

The second "twin corner stone" trait, **resourcefulness** almost appears paradoxical when contrasted to the prior two traits. Resourcefulness as defined and fostered by the house involves a level of willingness to bend rules, utilize guile and deceit, or even creative applications. For this reason the trait is also accompanied by proclivity a for students to display cunning, and even a tendency to be ruthless in their pursuits and ambitions. Considered a twin trait with traditionalism, resourcefulness drives the house to grow and adapt when data arises and better methodologies are discovered. Conversely, traditionalism ensures that formulas are expressed properly and lines are drawn upon where resourcefulness is valuable and where it is erroneous.

Finally, the kraken's house is steeped in secrecy and appropriately, students are selected for it based on their ability to be **Keepers of Secrets**. In a house of cunning and intent such as Abyssilyn, the ability to keep secrets is paramount for trust to be given. Betrayal of the clandestine and insular nature of the kraken's house is perhaps the greatest sin one can commit against their peers. The value of this trait within the house culture often leads to the fostering of an insular culture and a preference to resolve conflicts internally.

## Relationships

### House Emberwing

Very little kinship or animosity exists between the two houses from the eyes of the serpent house.

### House Valcrest

Endearingly refereed to as their sister house, both are meticulous and cunning.

## House Traditions

1. The Cryptic - Every year the new members of House Abyssilyn are left to their own devices not only to find where the house commons lie, but also to acquire the password that will gain them entrance to the house. This is seen as a test of cunning and ingenuity, as well as of course a good opportunity for hazing and insight into the character of new members.