The Jarvela clan is a nomadic arctic tribe, originating in lands far away from Ardent. Truthfully, calling them the “Jarvela clan” is a bit of a misnomer, as they don't have any official name for their group -- and though many of the wolves in the tribe are related by blood to the Jarvela family, many are not. Without any sort of formal organization, they have no leaders and no official name. They simply exist, following similar travel routes as one another and maintaining a loose group based on shared interests, culture, and loyalty. Based on the Sami religion of northern Scandanavia, they are intensely spiritual and finely in tune with nature. They worship reindeer as sacred, historically surviving mainly off following their migration each year. Rather than being strict in their faith, they tend toward the more spiritual and metaphysical side of religion. 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 - but also to love themselves and family above all else, and to reject any notion of anyone having authority over them. They can be all sorts of alignments, though lawful ones are rare - they tend to be more chaotic, adhering to either their own standards or even none at all. Taught to have a deep love for nature, they vary wildly in interests - some are devout healers, others driven by the thrill of the hunt, while others might simply having a love for exploring the world or even be drawn to show off their physical prowess in battle. They are receptive to others joining their group and forming bonds with them, so long as they respect their way of life, and all who join are considered as good as family. Group bonds can be as tight as family bonds in many circumstances, and sharing blood means less than true loyalty. As far as language, all 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 likely for those that grew up in the tribe), and some might know bits other Northern languages as well depending on their travels Note: these wolves have all left the main tribe to come to Boreas/Auster! The tribe exists in some far-away land that doesn't exist on site, so all wolves here are presumed to have left the main tribe at some point in their lives. 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 love 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; they also believe that a shaman known as a noaidi, as an intermediary between the spiritual and physical world, is able to enter into a trance and consult with the dead. These noaidis had general interactions with the spirits too, often able to help predict the weather to help follow the reindeer herd, among other things. Another thing they strongly worship is reindeer - in the far north the group thrived exclusively off following their herd and hunting them, worshiping their sacrifice and never feeding needlessly, and always working to help their herd thrive and protect it from other predators. Click here for a good list of some of their deities. RELATIONSHIPS They tend to view sexuality as an extremely fluid thing; their teachings emphasize free love, and no real importance is placed on monogamy for either gender. In fact, monogamy is seen as a bit unnatural by most, and this is something most of the group would pass on to their children. Of course, wolves that chose to mate for children would often be especially close to the parent of their child and consider them a closer relationship than others, though this isn't definite. TRADITIONS They would follow the reindeer migration each year - they would travel long distances in the spring, when the reindeer would gather to breed, and again in the fall when the herds would break apart and move to more heavily forested areas before winter set in. They lived in the north, often in mountainous tundras, and are used to a hard and brutal existence. Fighting and rowdy behavior is not uncommon among these wolves, and they often had friendly brawls among one another. They are taught about and generally drawn to strange land formations of all sorts, called sieidis, and often would offer sacrifices to them - including animals, prey, and things obtained from prey (horns, hooves, etc.) VALUES They place high importance on values such as independence and self-preservation. The weak were not coddled; if someone could not keep up, they were left behind. They tend to be a bit selfish in this regard, though they were raised to be both fierce and fearless. Most are also pretty anti-authoritarian and detest the ideas of packs or any kind of ranking structure in a group. CURRENT WOLVES Áki Jarvela {inactive}  - Left the group  in the Winter of his 3rd year, whereabouts unknown. Though any wolves now would be too young to have met him, most would've known his father, who also had tusks. Sabine Jarvela {inactive} (sister to Aki and Sunniva) Sunniva {deleted} (sister to Aki and Sabine) Kai Jarvela (Aki's son) - Born on Ardent in the Fall of Year 8, 3 Years old. Mikkal Jarvela (Aki's paternal cousin)- 6 Years old Kanja Jarvela (Sabine's daughter) - Born in the tribe and lived there briefly, but has since come to Ardent, 2 Years old Asgeira Aldfinnr (unrelated) {inactive} - Joined the tribe with her brother Jouko when their parents were killed, 2 Year old Jouko Aldfinnr (unrelated) - Joined the tribe with his sister Asgeira when their parents were killed, 2 Year old APPEARANCES & RULES Wolves born within the family generally have similar coat patterns, but they can vary quite a bit! These colors include whites, greys (from light to dark), and dark to bright red patterns. Wolves born outside of the family can have any appearance. However, because these wolves generally come from the extreme north, they tend to be bulkier and have thicker fur. 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 (i.e. parents, siblings, children). Wolves who are cousins/other distant family of the Jarvelas are fair game, though! Please, no wolves that go against everything their family believes in (i.e. hates religion, wants to be a slave for a pack, or anything equally as absurd), because that's just no fun. They don't have to be best buds with everyone, or embody every single idea of the group, but please nothing too outrageous! Here are some designs you're welcome to claim and apply with: one, two, three, four,

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[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.
[b]Plans:[/b]

Name: Rökkvi Nyström
Gender: Male
Age: 3
Season of Birth: Winter
Appearance: Rökkvi is a beautiful creature by normal standards, but in his first tribe he is nothing more than an ordinary wolf. He has the colors of ice - both stunning and useful at the same time. As a wolf who has grown used to the harsh climates of the north, his lineage has adapted so that only those of light colored pelts appear. Occasionally blues work their way in to their genes and Rökkvi is no exception. His base coloring is a pristine white while a glacial blue forms the majority of his markings. A lighter shade of it takes over his muzzle and curves along the underside of his jaw. It travels upwards along his face, leaving a barely noticeable circle on his forehead, before it fades into a slightly darker blue at his ear tips. The entirety of his neck is the same color and this continues along the underside of his stomach as well. The markings become more interrupted along his sides and back as it takes on more of an ice floe effect. The white takes over the blue giving him wavy looking stripes. As for the rest of him, his legs darken down towards his paws and are only marred by white stripes. His tail also takes on this darker color with a marbled effect of different shades. There are more markings to him as well along his face- slightly darker blue travels along his muzzle and underneath his eyes before forming a little swirl on the outsides of his face. Little dots appear as well, though that's not all to his unique face. The last little marking starts off as a line up the bridge of his nose before it branches off into a tree like marking. Like the rest of him, his eyes are a silvery blue and even his nose takes on this appearance.

His natural camouflage isn't the only thing that makes him more than capable of living in the north. His body is hardy and compact. Thick muscle covers the entirety of his body and larger than average paws allow him the opportunity to find himself walking along top layers of snow if it's not too loose. Muscle isn't the only thing that covers him though as there's a healthy layer of fat there as well to help keep him insulated. It's easy to see, just by looking at him, that this isn't a wolf who gets cold easily. His fat and muscle tissue isn't the only thing to help keep him warm though. A thick and rough outer-coat, made as a natural water repellent, cover the entirety of his body and his thickest along his cheeks, neck, stomach, and his tail. His outer coat isn't the only thing that helps - a soft downy undercoat lies underneath all of that fur and adds an extra layer of insulation to keep him warm in the coldest months.
Personality: Rökkvi is an easy study and definitely predictable as far as personalities go for the Jarvela. Having lived with them for the majority of his young life, the male has a deep respect for nature. He's very conservative and only takes what he needs and finds uses for the rest of the prey that doesn't get eaten. With that being said, he's very resourceful and has learned a thing or two about crafting and trading. He's very intuitive as well as creative and can often come up with some out of the norm idea for all sorts of contraptions.

Other than having a love for nature, he has a wanderlust that can't be satiated. Typically the nomad sticks to colder climates, as warmer ones are typically unbearable, but will often travel to southern lands just for the experience. He tends to be rather fearless in the face of danger and doesn't often think of the consequences for actions. There's no mountain too high or any valley too treacherous. In other words? Rökkvi will go literally anywhere for any kind of adventure. He's a bit of an adrenaline junkie and has no problem putting himself in dangerous situations if he thinks he can get a thrill out of it.

He's typically a very friendly soul, but doesn't often likes crowds of wolves. He doesn't have social anxiety, but instead prefers the solace of his own company and that of nature. He does tolerate small groups and prefers like-minded individuals to spend his time with. He's generally very easy to get to know and once he's comfortable with your presence (which really doesn't take long at all) it's easy for him to get wrapped up in the idea of adventure, so beware! If you're the weak of heart and can't handle life at an extreme pace then it's best not to hang around him for too long.

He doesn't know the meaning of cautious and tends to live his life in a full throttle kind of way, but it doesn't mean he's willing to put others lives at risk either. If he happens to be traveling or visiting with someone that isn't used to his lifestyle then he has enough will power to slow down for a bit to make sure he doesn't harm those who he's with with his rather erratic ways. He tends to be a bit protective over the weak and has a very giant heart and will go out of the way to be a good Samaritan when the opportunity presents itself.

Along with his rather nomadic lifestyle, Rökkvi views relationships in the same kind of light. While some wolves may appear more interesting and appealing that others, he tends to be rather polygamous. He isn't prejudiced with genders and will flirt with males just as often as he will females so you've been warned!
RP Sample:
Plans: Well seeing as his design doesn't really fit the appearance description of the Jarvela's (whoops) I was planning on having him be from a different family. My idea is that the family he lived with as a child lived in a very icy climate (think snow/ice all year round) with wolves that only had lighter colored pelts to blend in with the snow. Anywho, skip to the typical "I got separated from my family at a young age" plot and then the Jarvela find him and take him into their family (maybe around 8 months old) and then later he left from the group and made his way to Boreas. I figure he'll stick mostly to the northern regions, but like most, he'll have the desire to at least travel and explore to his heart's content. Speaks Finnish, Swedish, and Norwegian.

Shrap - Rökkvi is definitely accepted! I can't wait to see him in action! :D

Bump~

I added four possible designs for family members. Some will probably require passes for their markings and I can help pay for them if needed!

Giving this a gentle bump. These adopts are permanently open and have no activity requirements, and will not be taken back for any reason! <3

Name: Erlend "Finn" Sverre
Gender: Male
Age: 3
Season of Birth: Autumn

Appearance: Well built, muscular, thick coat, half of right ear missing, left eye gouged out, heavily scared, lips tattered and torn, huge scar on right side just behind the rib cage, scared scruff, legs heavily scared, Auburn gaze, dusty hued coat ( a mix of white, creme, matte black, auburn, sandy browns.) Click here for Ref.
Personality: The beast is calloused, torn, misused and distraught. His hardened soul burns bright behind a singular gaze, its fire a rage that never dwindles. Though this rage that filters from his singular gaze isn't one of hatred or anger, but of life, of will, a living and breathing passion. Erlend isn't one to simply live and survive, he is life, an adventurer, an avid explorer with a hardened facade. He is open minded and vibrant beyond comparison, but like many others life has shaped him into a false mask. Scarred like that of his outer self he has dwindled briefly, caged the wildness if not but momentarily as the bitter cold of the north slowly shapes him into a "man". Eager to prove himself he had gained several scars to tell the story, fights among brothers, among tribesmen, among family. All wore proudly across his thick hide. He is bold yet soft spoken, a wild clash of iron and steel, of wit and charm, kind yet harsh. A complex and elaborate soul, twisted and shaped to conform into a wayward life. He is so much more than what one see's. If only others could see past his scars, perhaps then they would see the loyal and passionate friend they'd need and want.

RP Sample:

The man must have been oblivious earlier upon his arrival, his attention too focused on the thin frame of the child to have notice the girls twin tails. Would be brow would raise partially as his gaze followed the sway of the child's tail, or was it tails? Though it would be the sound of the girls resounding question that would grasp his attention again, it seemed at first that the child drew confused on the word he used to describe the orbs that floated peacefully around them. Her own thoughts portraying as a hum soon turned song. In a way the song that left the girls smiling lips was relaxing almost like that of a past lullaby. Rounded ears would twitch slightly as the child looked back over her shoulder at him, her smile bright as a giggle left her, Like Spirits? she'd quip, her tones light to his ears as the beast's inky lips would pull into a half smile. "Yes." it would be all he'd offer as she confirmed with herself the meaning in which he had given her for the orbs. His gaze would falter slightly as his attention drifted to the orbs that floated about them, lazily it would trail the subtle wispy forms before her laughter would catch him again, Silly His grin would fall slightly as his gaze fell back to the child, this time she would smile brightly at him. Her small frame drifting closer to him as she sat at his paws, her twin tails curling about her frame in an odd way but none the less, it just added to her strange pull.

He'd watch as she tried to mimic the way he was sitting and gave slight rumbling chuckle one only loud enough to barely break his lips. His gaze would follow her's as she looked out toward the orbs and then to the stars. It had been a long time since the beast had done anything like this and oddly his mind was rather still. His nub would twitch slightly against the grasses, his frame growing restless against the quiet. It was strange how they seemed to still, to leave his mind empty, to allow his own train of thought to stumble and fray against the edges of his mind. It wasn't something he was used too and needless to say it was almost unnerving. Though the child offered solace in the silence, her own words trickling through his mind, filling the void that had previously been there. He listened intently as she sat there. Her turquoise gaze lingering upon him as her smile never faltered, the innocence of the child was draped thoroughly through her. Her words spoken with no sense of fear but yet a quite warmth seemed to radiate from her no matter the information she had shared with him. In truth Baan wished such innocence wasn't lost to him, that he too could be carefree and joyful. But he wasn't made that way.

His hellfire gaze would trail the frame of the child once more, taking note of exactly what she had spoken of, her family's scent had faded and a new had appeared not too long after. The rise and fall of a pride, something she was still to young to fully understand. "Perhaps we find them?" he'd state calmly his deep baritones rolling on accented tones just before the child asked where his family was. His grin would broaden as the traces of pride creased the lines of his face. His hellfire gaze trailing to the east of the fields, toward the split in the range. "You see break in peaks," he'd lift a large paw to point in its direction, "You follow valley till meet big forest." he'd state as his gaze fell back to the girl, "We have food, place sleep. Protection." He'd offer her a gentle smile, or well as gentled as his features could allow. "Can help find Family, but first must get you healthy." he'd state softly. "You come, stay with me and my family." it was laid out, subtle for the child to understand but still it was there, the claim, the notion to provide for the child. And perhaps in due time they would eventually find the girls parents. His gaze would lock unto her, "You lucky, spirit guide me to you." he'd smile warmly, his inky nose wrinkling slightly with the notion as his partial mane fell free from his ears clutches as his bangs grazed his features.

Plans: Honestly I'd like for everything to happen based by in character actions, if this is fine with you?

Erlend is accepted! Can't wait to see him in play <3