Status of Organization: Active
Active Membership: a few thousand
Where Based and Areas of Influence The Ramsalon Wood Clan is located in the Ramsalon Forest on the Northern Peninsula. They are an active member of the Elven Alliance and would be well known to anyone involved with them.
Leadership: Queen Ilythyrra Faevyre
Distinguishing Marks: A circle that has forest with a Dragon flying over it.
Known Enemies:
Known Allies: Any Clan also in the Elven Alliance
Hair color was once used to tell the difference between the different castes of the Clan, but in time such practices are no longer though some may hold to that tradition in some way. Yellowy-blonde to light brownish hair are some of the more common shades. Silver and whites shades are a bit common as well. Red shades are not all that common and can be a sign of some human heritage or a bit of their connection to the Rose Clan still showing. Longer Hair is preferred by most of the Clan, though shoulder length and shorter can be seen as a ‘fashion’ statement.
The color of the Wood Clan’s eyes is usually Silver or Green. Blue is a rarer shade among the group. They also do not have exceptionally long ears as they tend to be smaller but still have that noticeable point.
Elves of the Wood Clan tend to have fair skin, but that is changing with time as the relationship with the people of the city of Ramsalon especially with more half elves coming about and other elves from around the world coming through the city.
Founding origin and history
Originally the founding members of the Ramsalon Wood Clan were part of the Rose Clan. Several millennium ago a minor noble family, the Lasaurus family, had a dispute with the ruling family of the Rose Clan. This dispute escalated and when no solution could be found the Lasaurus family and several other smaller families that had sided with them broke away from the Rose Clan. They traveled east, to the Ramsalon Forest as they had discovered some rather intriguing ruins. At first they thought to just study them and move on, but they had come to love the forest and it was there they decided to found their new home and clan. The clan was then named the Lasaurus Clan after the family that had started all of it and had earned the position as being the ruling family of the clan.
As the clan started to grow in both size and prominence they ended up help founding a small village, Frost Leaf up near the Limits of the Cold Lands right along the border of East Grom They hoped to extend their influence and relations with non-elven species, as well as have extra resources at their disposal. It was also the location of the Clan's first portal test, combining current portal magic with the old portal network artifacts they had discovered when exploring the Ramsalon Forest.
In 2849 the Lasarus Clan encountered a group known as the Black Knights. Negotiations were attempted first but they failed, and the clan and Knights became embroiled in a war. It was devastating with heavy losses, and with it seeming at first the clan would be ended by the Knights, however the Thalus brothers found artifact swords that were believed to be sent by their deity Elrund. They used the artifacts to turn the tide of the war and the clan rallied behind Kir Thalus. During the war a Stalker Prime appeared. The Thalus brothers fought against the beast and won, but Kir lost his life and his brother was mortally wounded. Kir's body was never recovered and his brother survived long enough to give the Sword of Vermillion to his son, Lagolace Thalus, before passing on.
Since then things had been quiet for the clan. They began to increase attempts of opening a relationship with the people of Ramsalon, and other locals, while handling incidents in the forest and skirmishes with local orc and neth clans over resources.
Then months before the Darkest Night the Black Knights returned and attacked Enyn Serin The clan nearly fell to the attack, however people from Ramsalon came to assist. This time they managed to find the base of the Black Knights and ended the threat once and for all. However the what remained of the Lasaurus family was killed in the battle, leaving the clan without a leader. It was then the clan turned to Thalus Family and elected them to be the new royal family, instating Lagolace Thalus as the new king. To honor their new found alliance with Ramsalon they changed their name to the Ramsalon Wood Clan, and it also served to solidify the regime change.
Right before the Darkest Night it was discovered that one of the Lasaurus family managed to survive, Naladon Lasaurus. He returned to the clan and demanded that Lagolace hand over rule of the clan to him. As the clan refused, Naladon grew angry and attacked, though he lost the fight and was sent away.
Then the Darkest Night came. It was also during this time that the Wood Clan went from being an independent clan to joining the Elven Alliance. At first the clan was hesitant about joining in the fight against the invasion, still recovering from their own battles. However the destruction by the Whirler’s Automatons could not be ignored and the clan rallied to help Ramsalon.
While Ramsalon and the clan were rebuilding from the destruction left by the Darkest Night, the Elven Alliance started building an embassy in the region. Then came the Second Orc War It was then the plans for the embassy turned into an Outpost to handle the need of the clan and Ramsalon in the coming war, enabling the two forces to coordinate better and the rest of the Elven Alliance send aid. It was during this time the clan finally shared two projects of theirs, the refurbishing of the old rune portals and flying ships. Even though the clan and the people of Ramsalon was victorious in the war, the clan had suffered heavy losses.
After the Second Orc War Naladon Lasaurus returned to try and take control of the clan again. Using the heavy losses of the war he tried to incite a civil war within the clan and get the Thalus' removed. Naladon's plans were soon discovered and thwarted before any real damage could be done. The Elven Alliance Council then banished Naladon. While in exile Naladon began recruiting others from all affiliations forming an army. The clan was made aware of this and Lagolace sought to stop Naladon before he could strike. With Razzine's help they came up with a plan. They sent a message to the men that Naladon was recruiting and offered them a choice, stay with Naladon and die, or join the Wood Clan or Ramsalon. Many men chose the latter. This forced Naladon to become desperate and he attempted to kidnap Adina, Lagolace’s daughter, but he was killed in the ensuing battle.
In time they discovered there was another clan of elves that also wanted access to the portal ruins in the forest and they started attacking the Wood Clan. It was discovered that this clan was being manipulated by an elf that was a survivor from the first expedition of the Wood Clan into the portal. His name was Uririon.
The turmoil caused by the conflicts over the portal ruins caused a strain on the Wood Clan's relationship with the other elven clans. Though the Wood Clan seemed to be working things out and coming to an understanding with the other clan things escalated when one in the rival clan uncovered a new artifact. Fearing that Uririon would use this artifact to cause great harm, the Wood Clan became determined to stop him. They went into battle against Uririon, with a small team facing him. Uririon was killed, but there were great costs. Lagolace was mortally wounded and died in the destruction of the temple where they had fought after teleporting Bethy out. A few other heroes of the clan also perished.
Adina, daughter of Lagolace, assumed the role of ruling the Ramsalon Wood Clan. Though her reign would be short. Months before the Naga Nori War representatives from the Shi Inkahan elven clans that had joined the Elven Alliance came with a warning - that the Vaxian Empire has been charged with crimes against its people and the Shi Inkahan Empire was coming to stop them. The Elven Alliance Council all agreed that this was a matter between those empires and the clans of the Elven Alliance would not get involved. Though they would be ready to offer the people in the areas affected any support they could. Thus the Outpost became a safe haven for refugees during the attacks.
Though for the Ramsalon Wood Clan this warning held more dire consequences. The Elven Alliance Council seeing the accusations against the Vaxian Empire approached Adina and her court about their joint projects and demanded if they knew about what was going on. With no answers given, the Elven Alliance Council put the Thalus line on trial and removed them from power.
The shut down and lack of direct assistance during the Naga Nori War had put some strain on the relationship between the clan and Ramsalon. While some may understand why they didn't get involved, others are of the opinion they had bailed out the clan so many other times, they should have defended the people of Ramsalon. Around the Outpost there had been some tense encounters, though the clan and Elven Alliance are working to find ways to amend and restrengthen the relationship.
The trial by the Elven Alliance Council has ended and the Thalus family and their court have all been removed. The clan then was forced to elect a new ruling line, and has chosen the Faevyre family, naming Ilythyrra Faevyre as queen. The Faevyre family had gained a lot of support during the trial as they have always been one to question both the previous ruling families, while still working to further the clan and their endeavors.
Organization structure
The Ramsalon Wood Clan does not have any formal castes in their civilian members, outside of elevating the chosen ruling family. Most of the founding members were of small nobility or common folk that had rallied around a cause. While at first they kept the social divisions, but in time as they struggled during their founding moments the social gaps were bridged and all became appreciative of their fellow members as they would not be able to have survived without each other.
The Ruling Family:
The Ramsalon Wood Clan is a monarchy and chooses a single family to hold the mantle of authority. However if the actions of that family should prove harmful to the clan then that family may be removed and a new one sought. Members of the ruling family may also appoint council and advisers from anyone within the clan as they see fit, though anyone with the clan may challenge such appointments and instigate a trial to see if the chosen person is truly qualified or needed.
Military
Fighting styles of the clan tend to favor the Longbow and Long sword.
The clan does not force any of their members to join their military ranks and is volunteer only, even in times of war. Though during those times and member of the clan that is able to fight and take up arms can join the ranks temporarily to help in times of crisis as needed. Once the crisis is over any temporary members are allowed to return to their previous lives if they choose.
Ranks
General: is a position held by the king, queen or someone the ruling family appoints to act as the General. They hold command over the entire Ramsalon Wood Clan Military, with all ranks reporting to them.
Captain: usually has a command of a thousand or more people, with up to 5 Commanders under them. Captains are few and far between.
Commander: is the most standard rank and symbol of authority. A Commander has command of between 50 and 200 people.
Sergeant: is the most basic officer rank. These are usually ranks given to people who command a single unit of 5 or more people.
Divisions:
Hunters: make up much of the army of the Wood Clan as they are the standard solider unit. All Hunters are trained in how to use the long bow and the long sword, though a individual hunter may choose to favor one over the other. Those that tend to favor the long sword are often put into the group known as the Hunter Militia and cover the role as front line fighters as needed. Those that favor tracking and like wandering about are known as Hunter Scouts.
Watchers: are small unit of specially trained members that operate largely as spies and assassins as needed. Many Watchers have started out as Hunter Scouts.
They cross train to fight along side of the King’s Own. If needed they can combine with the King's Own's numbers to make a formidable force.
Calvary: are members of the army that have been trained in the art of mounted combat. Some are also trained to have a second rider which usually is a Hunter. The Calvary is intended to strike fast and hard, and clear a path for the main body of the army to come in, rather then to stay for a prolonged fight. They can move quickly to different flanks and turn the tide of a battle gone wrong.
The Kings/Queens Own also known as the ‘Wood Clan Elite’
The unit was started after the Black Knight wars. Members of this unit are the best soldiers and fights the clan has to offer. They always wear helms and full plate amor and seek to keep their identity hidden. Sometimes wearing full face masks to conceal it.
The Kings/Queen Own ride with the king/queen into battle. They also act as the king's/queen's escort to anything involving the city. On occasion they also act as spies for the king, keeping eyes and ears open for when the king can't.
They are the smallest unit. They are trained to fight along side of the Watchers, should the need come. They are also known to fight to the very last one.
Location and Cities
The Ramsalon Wood Clan claims much of the Ramsalon Forest (the North and West sections, and share the South section with other residents) as their territory, with a smaller piece of territory on the border of East Grom and the Cold Lands. They don’t believe in cutting down trees to build homes. They try to use as little magical manipulation on living trees and the environment as possible, often preferring to make us of fallen trees and natural features of the environment to work with.
Enyn Serin
In the North Ramsalon Forest, in the deepest part of the oldest woods there, the Elven City has been around since the Formation of the Ramsalon Wood Clan. It once was very large and supported many thousands of Elves. During the Second war of the Black Knights, in the time just before the Darkest Night, much of the city was destroyed. Since then it has been rebuilt it as the clan needed. Within the City is a portal to the Northern Village of the Ramsalon Wood Clan.
Frost Leaf
The Ramsalon Wood Clan had founded a small village bordering the limits of the cold lands and east grom. The village serves to help provide much needed resources to the Wood Clan, as well as provide a second location to help spread the population out while serving as a local embassy to help manage non elven species relationships as they can. It is well fortified to act as an emergency shelter in times of crisis. Frost Leaf can be reach via a portal in Enyn Serin.
Current projects / Interests
Rune Portal Project - on hold pending investigation by the Elven Alliance Council.
Part of the dispute that lead to the splitting off of the clan was that some members wanted to study some portal ruins that were found in the Ramsalon Forest, believing that some crucial information could be uncovered. It is part of why they settled in this forest. The portal appeared to be functional, though only partly so. They tried to make the portals work, but in a single freak accident eight people were killed, though some of bodies were never found.
In time as the clan developed a friendly relationship with the city of Ramsalon, the Mage Guild and Royal Labs joined in the project.
After the events of the Naga Nori War the Rune Portal Project has been halted. The crimes and accusations against the actions of the Royal Labs has called into question the project and the Elven Alliance is currently investigating. Then after The Mage Hunters dealt some major damage to the Mage Guild they have bowed out for the time being.
Flying Ships - on hold
With technology and blueprints found during the Rune Portal Project the Wood Clan and a couple others involved managed to build flying ships. Very few existed, and even today most do not work well enough to be used.
Today this project is in the hands of the Elven Alliance and is on hold, as a new project to develop ships with more recent magic and tech is being discussed.
Membership related information:
How to join:
The first method is to be born into a family that is part of the Ramsalon Wood Clan. Those that are not born into the clan may join if they agree with the ideas of the clan and Elven Alliance. They must be willing to swear fealty to the ruling family and follow the ways of the clan. The Wood Clan welcomes any person of any species willing to do what it takes to be a member to become one.
Any benefits of membership:
The Ramsalon Wood Clan offers protection and access to the Elven Alliance.
How to maintain membership and obligations:
Be a law abiding member of the clan, and uphold the ways and needs of the other members.
How to leave:
If one no longer wishes to be part of the clan, they may simply leave. If they hold any rank or position they must return any items that were given to them by the clan in order to perform the duties of those ranks or positions.
How to get kicked out and any punishments incurred:
The Ramsalon Wood Clan values life above all else, if another elf even hints at killing another elf the punishment is immediate exile. While killing in general is frowned upon, it is taken by a case by case basis when it is not another elf. Other infractions include trying to harm the people of Ramsalon, the Outpost, endanger the forest, and treason. If the one that commits those actions are an elf, the punishment is always banishment, other species may be killed if the act was severe enough. Other punishments may have the offender handed over to the people of Ramsalon for punishment, or being stranded out in the wild with no supplies.
Related Sessions and Events
The Wood Clan's Account of the Darkest Night and Orc War : This is an in character summary of the sessions ran involving the Wood Clan in the Darkest Night and Second Orc War.
