The Fir Cruthen are a race of heroes, any farmer, any soldier, can tell of his ancestors, who did deeds to make the earth tremble at their passing. The Fir Cruthen of today are no less heroic than those of years gone by, those that walk the earth now are the sons and daughters of heroes, the result of countless generations of epic struggle, of courage, honour and wisdom, here are those who live today, yet will be legends tomorrow.
The Year King is the ruler of all Fir Cruthen, he is chosen by the will of the Goddess Badb, and rules for a year, at the end of which he is ritually sacrificed- the Taniaste cuts out his heart and feeds it to the next King, who is again, chosen by Badb. The Year King is nominally the highest Warrior, Bard and Druid, though dependent on which of these three roles he filled prior to being king, his powers may change. What is always known is that he becomes a potent warrior, as is befitting for a warlike race such as the Fir Cruthen. A King who was a Warrior prior to King, is known to gain terrifying powers on the battlefield, and can slay opponents with but a touch from the dread Moonsword. The current king, Connal ap Connor, is such a warrior King. A Bardic King is known to gain overaweing powers of persuasion and majesty. A Druidic King has the dread ability to sumon the spirits to his aid, by planting the Moonsword in the earth it is rumoured that he can conduct great and terrible works of ritual magick, even upon a battlefield. The Year King is granted a most potent weapon, The Sword of the Moon, a terrifying blade that does not carve flesh- the flesh moves away from the blade in both directions out of respect for the holy weapon....The Fir Cruthen believe that the Land and the King are one, and the suffering of either can be seem upon the other, an ailing land, with sparse crops is a sign of a failing king. This year, an amazing revelation took place, as Morgan was about to plunge the dagger into King Connal's chest and tear out his heart, the Voice of the Goddess Badb spoke, that all may hear, and reminded Morgan of the longstanding aim of the Taniaste's, that they find the Right Year King, and reclaim the Four Sacred Hallows of the Fir Cruthen, and Crown a King for Seven Years, a King who would bring boundless prosperity to the land, a Summer King. Morgan found himself unable to make the dagger pierce King Connal's skin, and by this, he was known to be the Summer King. Morgan crowned him Summer King, and now he rules over his people, the land has revitalised itself, carrying on the healing process started by King Tam Badcrumble Mac Roy and King Angus Mac Roth, by these signs the Fir Cruthen know that the King is a just and good one.
A paragon of virtue, a fearsome warrior, an honourable voice and a visionary leader, these are the traits of a Year King.
The Queen is the eternal companion of the King, though each year will see a different face, to the Queen they are all one. The Queen, as much so as the King, embodies the land, and many say that she is a human facet of Badb in her aspect of the Mother, that which nurtures and provides for her children - The Fir Cruthen race. She is an incredibly powerful source of magick, drawing her power from the land itself, and releasing it back again with the casting. She is a calmer voice than the King, not possessed of the memories of battle and carnage that is passed on to the King through the heart of his predecessor, and her counsel is an admirable adjoining to the courage and leadership of the King. None know the true name of the Queen, men have given her many names, none of which are correct, and it is known that if the physical body is slain, then she will return, mayhap looking different, perhaps looking the same, that is for the Goddess to decide. What is known is that there has always been a Queen to the Kings of the Fir Cruthen, and as long as the race exists, there always will be.
The Taniaste is many things, he is expected to be a wise counsel to the King, his confidante, his advisor, his friend....and ultimately his slayer. The Taniaste ensures that the King is not swayed by the near godlike power he has assumed, he is again, all three- as he is expected to empathise with warrior, bard and druid. He is sworn to provide advice to all Fir Cruthen that need it and indeed if it can be said that they possess such a thing, is a politician. He also acts as the King's memory, as King's must die, but the Taniaste has memories of every Taniaste before him, back to the First King and his First Advisor. When assuming the post of Taniaste the individual loses whatever drive they had as an individual- their loyalty is no longer just to clan or country- but to the Fir Cruthen in it's entirety. The Taniaste's have been few, as the Goddess extends their lifespan, and it is known that unless violent death or mishap befall them, they are in effect ageless. The current Taniaste is Morgan ap Gwneddyn, once a powerful warrior prince, now a shaman of immense ritual magicks.
He is the advisor, He is the voice of tradition, He is the spiritual guardian of his people............ And he is the murderer of their King.
The Herald is to other factions what the Taniaste is to his own-the words and messages spoken by the Herald are most sacred truth, for the Herald is forbidden by Gods and tradition alike to speak a lie, indeed it is believed that he physically cannot. When the King wishes his will known on a large scale, it is the Herald that bears word to other peoples, amazingly well travelled, a Herald is able to speak to any race or culture without distinction- they will hear his truth, or they will not- that is all that matters to the Herald. The current Herald is Seamus O'Hanrahan, a well famed bard from the poet's land- Erin. In his hands lies the public image of the Fir Cruthen among the other peoples, through his voice is heard the will of the Fir Cruthen, when he speaks, others would do well to listen, such a man is the Herald.
The Four Kings
The King of Caledonia- the Laird Thane is the outright ruler of the mountainous and dangerous land of Caledonia, hardy breeding ground of warrior men and women. It is a hard task, the weather, the wildlife, sometimes it even seems like the gods themselves, conspire to make reigning in Caledonia a difficult proposition, for these are the lands of the Highlander clans, who do not take kindly to being told what to do, and what they must not. Many are the clashes between clan in the far north, indeed- such has occured over the last year, but out of this chaos has stepped the new Laird Thane, Johanne, adopted into the clan Mac Roth, a warrior King for the warrior country, under his rulership this land now lies. Laird Thane Johanne has done honour to his role, although now the borders of Caledonia are closed, and many wonder what has become of him.
The King of Cymrja- the Dragon is the King of the spiritual and bountiful country of Cymrja, he is charged with many mystic commandments that mean nothing to other people, but the Dragon knows the reasoning for this, his land is the heart of the Fir Cruthen lands, physically and spiritually. In this land tradition is law, and an unwary traveller can find himself under trial for what may seem a minor infraction. Generally the Dragon has a deep tie to the land, so it was with the last Dragon, Lucas ap Cornholio, a man of magickal powes and druidic faith, who died aiding our allies the Wolves, such a selfless act typical of his reign, his successor is Dharbh, he has been adopted into the Pengellen tribe, to follow in these footsteps-in his protection lies the heartland, and the secrets of the druids grove's. In recent years he has led many of the quests the Fir Cruthen have undergone, and is known to be a man unwilling to shirk responsibility, in his hands, how can the land suffer?
The King of Erin- the Ard Righ is the holder of Erin, the poet's isle, land of song and harp, and many are the famed bards from this land. Erin is also the country in the Fir Cruthen lands closest to the Fae, for way back in our ancestry the country was split into two- the Physical world for the Celts, the Otherworld for the Fae. Since then has this concord been kept. The current Kingsip of Erin is contested, between Niamh O' Connor, widow of the late Ard Righ Padraig O'Flaherty, and Dai Burnside, a valiant commander of the Fir Cruthen navy. The contention has been somewhat calmed by the intercession of Year King Angus, and just before spearmen started marching and castles started falling it was agreed that a political marriage of the two, would pacify both parties- this has now occurred, and has once again returned peace to the poet's isle, Dai's warlike ferocity being tempered by Niamh's calmer attitude.
The King of Manx-the Ard Righ Mann is the ruler of the three islands that make up the Manx chain, Mann itself, rumoured to hold gateways to the Othereworld and also sacred to Manaanan Mac Lir the God of these people, Bronagh, and Kirluig, the mysterious island with inhospitable flora and fauna. These people are skilled warriors and feared whether on the other end of a sword or an insult, yet they are also entertainers, with vibrant and colourful performances their speciality. For many years they dwelled on their lands, tending their own affairs, but recently have rejoined the people, and stand with them against their foes. They have a different style of leadership than the other Fir Cruthen, their hierarchy is extremely Clann based, with more credence placed in this than in the Caste system the other's adopt. While this can lead to confusion, the Fir Cruthen are happy to let the Manx govern Mann as they see fit. The current Ard Righ Mann is Gorfann Twrgadarn Ruiseart MacDhai, who has led his people for many years, he is more level headed than some of his kin, yet still retains the ferocity that these people are renowned for.
The Three Chieftains
The Chief Warrior- the Pen Y Cait is the one who leads when swords clash and arrows fly, a skilled warrior, a brilliant tactician and a refusal to give up is what is looked for in a Chief Warrior. The King is the outright war leader- but the Pen Y Cait is the one who takes over once the initial royal shout of 'Charge!' is bellowed, they must be able to keep a level head and an awareness of how the others are faring on the field, to the Pen Y Cait falls the duty of placing the troops, and also of keeping the warriors equipped and happy with their lot. The Pen Y Cait must ensure that they can come to their Chief at any time with their troubles, safe in the knowledge that their Chief will listen. The current Pen Y Cait position lies with the Manxmen, with Seanie, Cadveroc Na Manx as custodian of the role, his brilliant battlefield command skills having won the day against the Warband of Crom Ruadh, under Aoife, Queen of Sorrows, The Tan Y Cait, the Second warrior, is Duncan MacCullen, a long standing member of the faction, who shied away from leadership until now, his peaceable and flippant nature conceals a heart of fury and iron. In their stewardship lies the defence of the Fir Cruthen.
The Chief Bard- the Pencerdd is the voice of law and truth, never can they lie, for they represent all bards- for whom truth is sacrosanct. To the Pencerdd falls matters of internal state, ensuring that Fir Cruthen adhere to their own code. Law and justice are other areas that fall under the Pencerdd's jurisdiction, bards being the lawkeepers of the people, A Pencerdd must also ensure that the dread forces of ennui and mournful silence are never visitor's to a Fir Cruthen camp, as all bards can entertain the people when necessary. The Pencerdd was Much, a former Outcaste who's true name was Aaron O Rafferty, however at the Renewal he died, singing as he fell, a Bard to the last, the Second Bard, Cerrian, now resumes the role, and a new Second is waiting to be chosen, when she finds one worthy.
The Chief Druid- the Penderwydd is head of all the druidic orders in the land, no matter which of the many gods a druid follows, it is to the Penderwydd that they defer. The duty of assigning salves, potions and other magickal items falls upon the Penderwydd, and also they are the one who decides how best their God given abilities are used in battle and in peace. To this end the Penderwydd attends the Conclave, convened by the Archmage Brother Gabriel, and is responsible for advancing the faction's magick potential as a result of this. They are responsible for guardianship of the Fir Cruthen holy places and ritual circles and are the closest to the gods of the three castes as the druid speaks with the voice of tradition, and when the Penderwydd speaks, only a fool would not be silent, as they are privy to secrets from the Gods themselves. The last Penderwydd was Isla MacRoth, who was ambushed alone and cruelly slain at the Fayre, murdered by dark powers, Hazel MacWych, her second, stepped up to the role as Penderwydd and appointed Andrew O' Murphy as her Tanderwydd, a shrewd man with a keenly analytical mind.
The King's Champion Not only the Champion of Connal ap Connor, but the defender of the Fir Cruthen's honour as a people, traditionally the Champion is a fierce warrior, the last incumbent being Dubann ap Thallain, a Cymrjan Ogre of prodigious strength. He was foully murdered, with poison, his assailant fearing to risk open confrontation. After much strife, his successor was elected by the ruling council, all agreed that one of the battlefield against Aoife had distinguished himself with such courage and lack of self that he could do the position no dishonour, and so, approved by all, Andrew O' Murphy, Tanderwydd, did kneel before his Kings and take the oath, he is yet to be tested in his new role, buta ll are sure after his years of selfless service, he will do well.
The Stag is a holy engine of wrath, he is an avatar of the Horned God, Cernunnos. He is a terrifying warrior, a spiritual guardian of the wilds who bows to none. He is given to the faction as a gift from the God himself, and as such- even a King is hard pressed to keep him in check- it is almost as if he is the bestial savage at the heart of every Fir Cruthen, he never holds back, never apologises for his actions and most importantly never, ever backs down. It is known that he is both below, and above all other Fir Cruthen, he has no rank or lands, and indeed would care little for such things. Once someone or something is marked as prey in his mind, he will hunt them to the ends of the earth, and beyond. His god given powers include incredible regenerative abilities, even mortal wounds are shrugged off within moments, and he rises, bloody and feral, like the wrath of a god....which he is. He is granted the most terrible weapon in the celtic arsenal; the Spear of Lugh, the Sun Spear. This weapon must be kept drugged, for in it burns a fearsome intensity, a being that will not rest each day until it has tasted blood, if the Stag feeds it by killing, so be it- if not, then this weapon will fly of it's own accord, and kill. Currently, the Stag is Tuathal Mac Flannagan, a Wild Elf, who wrested the powers of this hero from the very avatar of the Stag itself at the Fayre this year, currently his savagery and bestial nature have been tempered with a new found wisdom, he is the new paladin of beasts, the champion of the wild, nature- red in tooth and claw.
The Green Knight is the husband of the Lady Badb, Matron of the Fir Cruthen, the hungry Goddess of war and battle, chaos and strife. He is closest to her will, being even above Penderwydd and Taniaste when it comes to the Lady's word. Badb grants her husband terrifying magickal ability, yet charges him never to suffer an Undead to live, and indeed- every Green Knight is an implacable foe of the unliving. He can be as a knight garbed for war, in armour and shield, or he can be a wild shaman, scorning such things, Badb cares not. The Green Knight is usually a druid to begin with though this is not compulsary, again, Badb cares not. Like the Stag he has no official rank, though only a fool of the highest magnitude does not treat him with respect, as he is the voice of the goddess herself. He conducts marriages within the faction, and other blessings and ceremonies, all things are in the sight of Badb. The current Green Knight is Robin Haljordan Gruffaela, having been chosen by the Goddess following the death against the Nything of her last champion- Stormcrow He is a holy avenger, he is a bane to the undead and he is the living counterpart to the Goddess.
The Fianna are an ancient band of warrior poets of Erin, in times past led by Finn MacCumhaill. Tales of their heroism and strife against the Unseelie are bolstering reminders of the friendship twixt Fir Cruthen and Seelie Fey. Some two hundred years ago however, the Fianna fought their last in a pitched battle against Unseelie aand coerced bandits, Finn, mortally wounded was ushered into the Otherworld by the Seelie court- and mortal man and woman heard nothing from him. Recently however, a champion warrior of the Fir Cruthen, Roy MacVerna disappeared into the Otherworld. Ambassadors from the Seelie have since revealed that he has been chosen, taught by Finn and the Fey champion Rhiannon as the leader of a new band of Fianna. What is known is that the Fianna are adept fey hunters, implacable foes of the Unseelie court and stalwart allies of the Seelie. They are similar to bards in that they must not lie, indeed are physically incapable of doing so. Blessed with enchanted weapons by the Seelie court and trained for twenty years in their world, Roy has returned, and now walks among them, resurrecting the noble warrior band of long ago. His first choice was Bron MacDhai, who perservered through trials almost beyond mortal man, until he was granted the powers of this ancient warband, now he too stalks the liar, the false, woe be unto the oathbreaker.
The Knights of the Old Code are, like the Fianna of Erin, a warband dedicated to the protection of their land, in this case Cymrja's shrouded hills and valleys. They were formed many hundreds of years ago, born out of the strife between warring cantev's in Cymrja, to quell the fighting and uphold a common law. They were spiritual warriors, as adept in matters of the Otherworld as they were in the ways of sword and shield. Around two hundred years ago they disappeared from mortal eye, taking their wisdom and honour with them. What is now known is that they were waiting for the right time to reveal themselves, to bring back their wisdom and stedfast loyalty when needed most. That time is now. This year, the King of all Fir Cruthen, Connal ap Connor, revealed to Dharbh that he was a Knight of this Code, and that the time was fortuitous for the return of the brotherhood. As Dragon of Cymrja, it falls to Dharbh to resurrect this band of warrior shamans, a task he is committing his study and time to, his questing is expected to bear fruit, and soon, soon Cymrja's ancient defenders will join the Fianna, and walk amongst us.