It's been a few years, so it's time again to repost my reindeer herder adopts!

The Jarvela, are reindeer-herding wolves, who originate in northern lands far away from Ardent. Their "clan" does not only consist of those blood related to the Jarvela though; any wolves who followed a similar lifestyle were welcome to join them, and often did. Their group exists with no formal organization, with no leaders and no official name. They simply exist alongside one another, following similar routes as one another and maintaining a loose group based on shared interests and culture.

Based loosely on the Sami religion of northern Scandanavia, they are intensely spiritual and finely in tune with nature. They worship reindeer as sacred, following their migration each year and surviving off them almost exclusively as a food source. Rather than being strict in their faith, they tend toward the more spiritual and metaphysical side of religion.

This group still exists, though in some imaginary place away from Ardent - it is common for wolves to come of age and leave the group though, which is how many Jarvela have ended up here! Anyone adopted from this group is assumed to have also left the group at some point in their lives.

For anyone interested, the current Jarvela on-site are: Kaija, Arne, Fidelias (all littermates who were born here; their grandfather Aki was from the original group), and Kiela (from the original group).

General Culture

This group are, first and foremost, nomads. They are taught from birth a love for life and adventure to revere nature and all things in it. They are taught freedom and love of oneself, and to live life to its fullest, no matter what. Though they are generally taught to have a deep love for nature, they vary wildly in interests - some might be devoutly spiritual healers, others driven by the thrill of the hunt, while others might simply having a love for exploring the world, or herding their reindeer, or kicking ass. The possibilities are truly endless.

They are generally receptive to others joining their group and forming bonds with them, so long as they respect their way of life, and all who join them are considered as good as family. Group bonds can be as tight as family bonds in many circumstances, and sharing blood means far less than camaraderie does.

Alignment - They can be any alignment, though lawful ones are rare - they tend to be more chaotic, adhering to either their own standards or sometimes none at all.

Languages — The Jarvela family should be fluent in Finnish, their mother tongue, and most know some English (though not all have to know it perfectly; disjointed English is pretty common for those that grew up in the group), and some might know bits other Northern languages as well, depending on their travels. Other members of the group might know any mix of the above, as long as they could generally communicate.

Sexuality/Relationships — These wolves tend to view sexuality as an extremely fluid thing; their teachings emphasize free love, and no real importance is placed on monogamy.

Values — Some of the most important values instilled in these wolves are independence, self preservation (the weak are not coddled - if they cannot keep up they were often left behind, so they can be a bit callous in that regard), fearlessness, and anti-authoritarianism (most of these wolves are uncomfortable with the idea of traditional pack life).

Religion

This link gives a good overview of Sami shamanism, on which this group’s religion is based. The most basic aspect of their faith is that it is extremely focused on nature - they have a strong reverence for nature and all things in it. Many tend to be adventurers and to long for the company of the trees and of rivers as strongly as that of other wolves. Animism, the belief that all things have souls (including things like trees and rocks), is a major aspect of their faith too. Finally, and most importantly, these wolves worship reindeer as sacred. Their group (and often ancestors) in the far north survived exclusively off following their herd and hunting them, worshiping their sacrifice and never feeding needlessly, and always working to help their herd thrive.

Appearance

Jarvela family — This family tends toward darker, desaturated colors with an emphasis on greys, browns, and dark reds though this can vary wildly depending on their lineage. Tribal markings are also common among the Jarvela. Their bloodline also tends toward heavier set, taller wolves.

Unrelated group members — Literally anything!

Feel free to snag a design below, or bring one of your own.

Requirements

These adopts have no activity requirements and will not be taken back for any reason whatsoever.

Please consult with the players of characters before making wolves that are directly related to someone else's though (i.e. parents, siblings, children). Wolves who are cousins/other distant family of the Jarvelas are fair game, though!

These have no due dates, I won't cap how many people are interested, just keeping this up for anyone who might be into it!

Jarvela designs:



Unrelated designs:

Code:

[b]Name:[/b]
[b]Gender:[/b]
[b]Age[/b]:
[b]Season of Birth[/b]:
[b]Appearance:[/b] Please include a description as well as a reference, if you have one.
[b]Personality[/b]: At least 150 words.
[b]RP Sample:[/b] Only needed if you're new to Ardent, otherwise delete.
[b]Plans:[/b]

Name: Euli (Li, Eul {You-le}, Lavender)

Gender: CisFemale

Age: 2 Yrs

Season of Birth: Spring

Alignment: Chaotic Neutral

Appearance: Dusted in the mountain’s grey pigment, Euli is a beauty amongst the Jarvela. She is quite large for her size. Standing at a full 42” from the ground, her body is an average build. Though muscled and toned from the few years of working out and hunting. Various areas hold a darker shades to brush across lighter areas. This giving her the ability to hide well within the shadowed spaces. Leaving not but an inkling of silver eyes to reflect back like two moon rays. White in their different colorations.

Back paws, ears, belly and certain spots on Euli’s body give off a gloomy tinge. Neither fully white nor extremely pale. It is quite unique for others; however, normal amongst her family. Red, a shade of fresh raspberries, paint markings throughout the gloomy cloud female. Her scent wafts out a mixture of rain and lavender.

A very odd smell for one who lives in the depths of the mountains. Caring for the herd of deer that have settled there. Euli’s vocals are soft in tone. Loud enough to sound like a melody of an oncoming rain. It does not speak over a certain volume. Even when upset, her  voice rises to nothing more but a few octaves. Enough to pierce the ears of those that stand nearby of her emotions.

Personality: Born in the very peak of Spring, when the first bloom of flowers began to expose their petals, Euli gave her first breath.

Euli is a sweet female of gentle lavender. A peaceful wolf who prefers the life of comfort and structure. Any who dares to interrupt that are soon met with teeth and claw. Fighting being a last result after words of sternness are spoken. This being in hopes that the one who’s on the receiving in will take heed.

The Jarvela woman walks with grace. Her steps placed with precision and pose. She is a perfect huntress. Light on her paws and unheard of when stalking prey. Occasionally she will feast on a random hare or fish; however, Euli prefers the flesh of Reindeer. Their essence providing the blessings to keep her alive and well. Following the heard like a shadow. She never strays too far from them. Praying over each kill she makes to ensure they do not go unnoticed by the earth.

She is very deep into the religion breathed into her soul. The Sami Shamanism is one she follows faithfully. There is nothing that will deter her from such teachings. Which is why she chooses to remain in solitude. Others do not see how she thinks. Euli feels as if they are blind to the truth and feels a ping of sadness for them. Those that are willing to learn, she tests their loyalty first. Before allowing any into the her world.

Because of this, Euli is open to the ways of love. There is no gender that goes unnoticed under her watchful gaze. As long as they can accept her for what and who she is, she will be acceptable to their advances. Believing that love has no limits. The Javerla woman does not turn her attention away from having more than one partner. Only exception, she will allow only one female to take place by her side. Leading males to plentiful as potential husbands.

There are rituals she has created in order to fully appreciate both nature, herself and her religion. These three must be taken place before anything else is to happen. This includes mating, marriage, and feasting. All and all, Euli is a true Jarvela wolf.




APP IN PROGRESS!!!

Name: Isto
Gender: Male
Age:
Season of Birth: Autumn
Appearance:
Isto is the opposite of lithe. His mother was a Karelian Bear Dog and his father a wolf from the group related to Jarvelas. His face is more akin to a wolf with slightly longer legs, but the stout nature and curled tail give away his other canine lineage. A bundle of muscle and fur, he is bulky. Stocky with a short stature, he is far from tall or lean. This doesn't bother him. He is powerful. Packing a punch, one can tell from the scars that litter his body. Marring the chocolate and warm hues, he cares not for beauty. The beauty he holds is the past he has made. Scattered over his pelt, among the scars, are what some might call brindling, but rather they are mere patches of white. At least to him, they are. Perhaps the most interesting part of Isto is the eyes that sit on his wide face. Two pools of sticky honey often hold a piercing gaze that could cut even diamonds.
Personality:
He who struggles with God.
Isto is by far not the most outrageous of Jarvela. He is unpredictable and follows his own rules. A wistful wanderer that doesn't linger in one place for too long. A bundle of commitment issues, struggles with confined spaces, and a lack of respect for authority, Isto cares not for those above him. To him, everyone is equal. Even the gods who claim to rule the lands he lives in, he sees them no differently than he sees himself. Blunt, rough around the edges, everything that isn't soft. Isto is unapologetic but regretful. Will he learn from his mistakes? Never. Ruthless at times, he finds himself seeing red more often than not. Short of fuse, he finds that herding reindeer is the only calm in his life. The animals, as dumb as they are, are his lifeblood. They are consistent. They have a routine. They are predictable. Wolves? Not so much. Lacking the ability to trust, it isn't unsurprising to find him isolated from the rest. Though he knows how to have camaraderie and has the capability to be friendly, he chooses to skirt along the sidelines and watch from the outside.
Plans: