Guardian Spirits
Adam Hattrell
2008/10/14 17:18

Table of Contents

To the north Mela the Great Wolf and her children roam the woods hunting any Beastmen that wander into her domain. The forest the spills across the mountain pass to the South are watched by Bjarn the Great Gold Bear. His children roam the hills and ensure the Wyld doesn’t spread out onto the valleys. Finally Galti the Great Black Boar guards the impenetrable forests to the East. His children are the most feared as they continue to fight long after their wounds have killed them.
These spirits are paid for their protection, in grain, wealth and finally service. In exchange they keep the Wyld from spilling from the forests into the valleys. The Horned God gathers tribute from his servants and thus all are satisfied.
Periodically, the spirits choose a child from amongst those living near the woods. This is indicated by three signs. The relevant spirit will be seen outside the house when the child is born. A mark resembling the relevant beast appears on the child’s third birthday. Finally, a beast of the relevant type will arrive on the childs seventh birthday to act as it’s guide and mentor.
A child that has been chosen is bound to serve the spirit beasts. His responsibilities are threefold. He determines a fair tribute for protection within his district. He hunts down creatures or spirits that have broken the pact. Finally he carries requests or pleas from the locals to the spirits.
For example, should someone decide to build a new homestead in the north, it is traditional to request the aid of Mela. Failing to do so will usually lead to the homestead being overrun by creatures of the wyld.
Alternatively one might decide to petition Bjarn for assitance in travelling through the mountain passes to the south. Those that offer such tribute rarely encounter problems on route.