[Skiringssal] House Concept Contest [Open]

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Welcome to the contest everyone has been waiting with bated breath for. The opportunity to present to the founders of this pride your ideas for a house all your own. The pride, though not entirely finished, is well on its way to being complete and so with this we would like to finally present this opportunity to everyone! The Skiringssal has been a pet project for quite some time and has had some major stories written surrounding the ideas produced by some pretty fantastic folks. We hope you enjoy the pride just as much as we do!

Goal: To determine a minimum of one (1) new House for the pride. The contents of that House will be left to the owner and their players. It's encouraged that you find others to join the House you create now - any joining requirements will be waived.

Rule(s): The rules are simple. Do not discourage others to join or mock their ideas. To create a House isn't simple and we expect there to be some obscure thoughts or suggestions. Everyone is welcome to enter and we hope to see many faces participating, whether that be by owning the House or having a member in it. If we choose to disqualify an entry the reason will be disclosed to that individual, but know that it will have something to do with not behaving (which I know everyone will). (Also - no mules.)

Newbie(s): Yes! These folks still exist. IF you are a newbie that may not have characters available to participate in an event like this PLEASE let us know. You won't be left out JUST because of this. We have some prizes that can be used to help you out! (You can either PM myself or message us on Discord).

Start Date: Now
End Date: TBD

If you need any graphics or material to work with for flair please do not hesitate to let us know. You can reach any of those involved via the server for Skiringssal on Discord.

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Z o m b i k ii

Felyn

Krysin

 

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What we suggest to those looking to create a House is to read everything. Skimming it may do the trick as well, but at least review what we have supplied. This will help to give you an idea of what we may be looking for Houses as they are meant to represent an aspect of wealth in some way shape or form. Look to what the pride reveres and what could possibly be considered useful, a trades good of sorts. Would your House provide value?

Ask yourself these questions …

• What can my House provide that others may not be able too?
  
• Does my House have a relation to a pre-existing one? (You must gain permission from other Houses to use this as an option, but it is definitely not off the table. That is part of the fun!)
  
• Does a particular God find itself aligned with this House? (All Houses have a God or Goddess that they admire, does yours actually exist? Do you have any ideas for plots? Perhaps they helped your House come to power?)

You are not limited to these ideas! There are so many possibilities and this pride was created with the idea that everyone has some liberties to do what their heart desires. If you are a fighter, then visit Eir and her House.. or if you wish to be involved with Fishing and Trade, then visit Svafnir. This is your chance to offer up something unique to the pride!  

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Complete the form below, this form is what we have used for the Houses already posted in the prides I/T. This should help to guide you through the process, but do not think we are letting you sink, we will help you too swim! Please do not hesitate to ask questions, plenty of them. We actually expect there to be questions. The world is still being built for this pride, but we believe there is a good foundation. Unfortunately with anything under construction there may be issues that haven't been ironed out...

Post this form, completed, and feel free to edit it to your hearts content until the event ends. Once the event is over the OOC pride owners with review and approve the House of their choosing to join as one of the first concept Houses.

Good luck, have fun!

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[size=11][b]Entry Updated[/b]: MM/DD/YYYY

[b]Family name[/b]: ??
[b]Animal[/b]: ??
[b]Location[/b]:

[b]Main God of Worship[/b]: ??
[b]Family Words[/b]: ??

[b]Family Summary[/b]: ??

[b]Short History[/b]: ??

[quote="Ranks for this House"][b]Jarl[/b]: --
[b]Leif[/b]: --
[b]Vagr[/b]: --

[b]Berserkir[/b]:
[b]Ulfhednar[/b]:
[b]Svinfylking[/b]:

[b]Fiskr[/b]:
[b]Stadfestr[/b]:
[b]Farmadr[/b]:
[b]Skisnr[/b]:
[b]Firar[/b]:

[b]Lagr[/b]: [/quote]
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Saving this one.  

[Syrius Lionwing]

Entry Updated: 08/28/2018

Family name: Belliana (meaning beautiful)
Animal:Tortoise (their shells are used for carrying gems, or stones containing gems or precious metal)
Location: lower mountain range - A natural cluster of caves that have been mined out by lions and their companions (usually apes)

Main God of Worship: Underground
Family Words: If it’s shiny pick it up, all day long you’ll have good luck!

Family Summary: A fairly old family that keeps to itself, not because of an antisocial nature but because they are usually busy working. The Belliana family takes pride in it’s work ethic. They are miners and have taken great pains in mining existing caves in search of gems and precious metals.

They are well known miners but are also known for their craft, they polish the natural gems and metals that they find and sell them on to the other families in exchange for food and furs, this means they do very little hunting or fishing.

They do spend an inordinate amount of time in the caves or underground so they have developed great eyesight. They seem to have a knack for finding all things shiny.

They are generally a jolly lot often inventing songs to work by, a crew can often be found laughing and joking together while they work.

Their other great commodity is a natural hot spring, uncovered by some long forgotten crew. This is a great place to relax and for a price anyone can take a dip in the soothing waters. The Belliana family use this spring to clean off the days muck and soothe aching muscles.

Though the tortoise is their favoured animal for its durable and useful shell, monkeys, gibbons and other apes are encouraged to live in the area as they can carry and polish rocks with their hands. They are often seen in or around the hot springs either relaxing or using the hot water to help bring out the gleam of a gem. Anyone caught trying to hunt these apes within the Belliana area will be severely punished, they look after the apes for their usefulness, they bring great prophet to the family.

Short History: There is only one way to become a Jarl of the Belliana family, work hard and be born in to the line. The hardest worker is prized the most, he, or she who finds the greatest hoard is promoted. Those who sit on their heels are overlooked.

This has always been the way. The familiar ‘gemstone’ backed lions and lionesses of the ruling family do not know a life of luxury. They are expected from the day they open their eyes to spalunk in to the darkness and find treasures.

The first Jaarl of the Belliana family, Testudinidae a large mountain of a male developed the turtle carrying method. Upon finding a tortoise shell, empty of its inhabitant he discovered that he could carry many things if he tied it around his neck like a bowl. This freed his paws for other things. Perhaps it was this little invention that saw him become the first Jaarl of the Belliana family, or perhaps it was because he could dig. His paws were formidable, his claws sharp and though he could have used his size for fighting and brawling he chose to use it to carve great swathes in to the mountain side (or so the legend says!)

From this mighty working beast came cubs and they were encouraged to follow in their fathers footsteps only the cub who arose to be the best miner would become the next Jarl.

Upon a Belliana Jarls death he or she is buried with the next successors haul. This is a tribute to the previous lord of the family. The new Jarl cannot then rest on his or her laurels, having given up his or her fortune. Although the family will let no one go hungry, if you don’t work you don’t eat and this includes the reining family head. This is the tradition and it means the family head can sometimes be difficult to find as they are often mining with the rest of the family.

This has been the way for generations. The previous Jarl died in a cave in, an unfortunate accident within an unstable cave. His youngest daughter Kinixys has taken up the mantel of Jarl and though she is young she has proven herself to be a powerful and hard working miner whom easily out stripped her siblings with her haul and work ethic. She is well liked and mans her own crew of mostly female workers, though her singing voice is awful she is known to sing the loudest to encourage her team to pull out all the stops and find the next big haul.

Ranks for this House

Jarl: Kinixys Belliana
Leif: --
Vagr: --

Berserkir:
Ulfhednar:
Svinfylking:

Fiskr:
Stadfestr:
Farmadr:
Skisnr:
Firar:

Lagr:

 

[SilverLutz]

Entry Updated: 08/20/2018

Family name: Skipari (old Norse for seaman)
Animal: Fish
Location: Outskirts of the forest near the pathways that lead to the sea

Main God of Worship: ???
Family Words: Respect the Locals

Family Summary: One of the oldest families in the pride, the house of Skipari looks to the past and the traditions of the pride and their house to guide their future. Most of those within the house are fishers and take pride in the work that they do. They know that they are entering a completely different world when they step into the sea and although the waters are plentiful, they are no longer the top predator and must be mindful of the dangers they face from other creatures and the sea itself. They are a house made of wave-battered, hardy lions who rely on old wives tales and superstition to see them through.

Short History: Having stood the test of time for generations on end, the Skipari were used to the usual ebb and flow of the Jarl passing from the eldest son to the eldest son. No one had thought anything of battling for the title as some of the other houses did from time to time and there had never once been a female Jarl in the house. That changed not long ago when the standing Jarl passed away before producing a male heir, leaving his eldest daughter to take up the title. Her name was Ritva and she ended up tossing the house on its head in the best of ways. Everyone had been concerned that breaking the tradition would cause bad things to happen, but during her rule as Jarl the fishers had more success than ever, bringing in a surplus of fish each season. She ruled for a few years before age took her, leaving her eldest - and only - son Viljo as Jarl. The only problem is Viljo is not the Jarl type and he didn't even fish growing up! The house is waiting with baited breath to see if he can fill the large pawprints left by his mother or if he'll turn the house belly-up.

Ranks for this House

Jarl: Viljo
Leif: --
Vagr: --

Berserkir:
Ulfhednar:
Svinfylking:

Fiskr:
Stadfestr:
Farmadr:
Skisnr:
Firar:

Lagr:

 

[oo Ded]

Entry Updated: 08/21/18

Family name: Níðhǫggr ('Malice Striker,' the dragon/serpent who gnaws at the root of the world tree) (Commonly referred to as Nidhogg)
Animal: Snake
Location: Caves within the base of Bleikr Mountain

Main God of Worship: Tbd
Family Words: We are Fire

Family Summary: House Níðhǫggr is an old but controversial family that has come in and out of notability with time. While time has brought change to the family, there are a few strands that have remained constant. One of these is the family's 'profession.' As opposed to a traditional trade, House Nidhogg takes particular pride in its lions and its social affairs. The family contains talented singers, dancers, and storytellers, opening its arms to those talented in the performing arts. Even lions that have simply a pretty pelt or silver tongue can find a home here, for House Nidhogg boasts that it can provide company and entertainment that can overshadow any simple physical object.

The family's fondness towards the beautiful is a notable trait. Its Jarls have been known to keep his treasures (most notably, lions which seem the most valuable in their talents) close to his heart, this group of favorites often referred to as the dragon's hoard. He has a deep love for those he considers precious: his favorite performers, some sparkly treasures, and it Is rumored that even sneaky spies have eyes and ears under the Jarl's employ.


Short History: The rumor that the Jarls of House Nidhogg have greedy hearts and eyes for anything pretty is longstanding and comes with more than just a grain of truth. The house name is an old one and has always been associated with carefully curated performers. In somewhat recent history, however, the family was struck down by their Jarl's greed.

Generations back Smaug's grandfather Glaurung held the mantle of Jarl. A relatively successful Jarl in his young age and preceded by a chain of similarly successful predecessors, his heart grew hungry for fame and glory beyond the current domain of his house. He tried to expand the family's successes to other professions, attempting to undermine other families and take over their specialties. This endeavor was a swift failure as the family's resources were stretched far too thin and House Nidhogg fell out of favor soon after.

It was a slow and arduous process for the Glaurung's son (and Smaug after that) to bring standing back to the family. Smaug is still a relatively young Jarl and, though the lessons of his grandfather's greed may have a home somewhere in his mind, the sometimes arrogant dragon's penchant for greed lingers in his heart.

(OOC: I know currency is still in the works? In staying true to the 'dragon's hoard' motif, I might be interested in potentially plotting this family as currently or historically having a sort of banking/loaning relationship with other families and their merchants, if it would fit in with what you have going on!)

Ranks for this House

Jarl: Smaug
Leif: --
Vagr: --

Berserkir:
Ulfhednar:
Svinfylking:

Fiskr:
Stadfestr:
Farmadr: Pravita
Skisnr:
Firar:

Lagr:

 

[Vashtya]

Entry Updated: 01/15/2019

Family name: Mìmir (Old Norse "The rememberer, the wise one" )
Animal: Raven
Location: A cave system in the mountains surrounding the valley where most of the pride lives, giving them an excellent vantage point to keep tabs on/observe the land below.

Main God of Worship: Wisdom (no permission needed, since she's mine)
Family Words: "Never interrupt your enemy when he is making a mistake."

Family Summary: An old family, and one in which becoming Jarl is not contingent on being the eldest son. To the contrary, any children of the current jarl (male or female) are eligible to put themselves forward when the opportunity arises, so long as they are able to impress the Vegr, and the family's Berserkir as to their eligibility - so political machinations often play a part, and challenges often include a battle of wits, overseen by the Norn.

They are a family of tacticians & intellectuals. Battle prowess is respected (and worked at!), certainly (without the strength to defend one's vision, after all, all the brains in the world can't carry you through), but they subscribe to the belief that battles are most often won by intelligence and planning. In their eyes, any goal one sets out to achieve is a battle of sorts, and they approach it accordingly.

They revere wit and creativity, but don't discount the value of study, either. After all, good intelligence of an opponent can help in forcing them into a hasty decision, and swiftly turn defeat into victory. Games of strategy and planning are an intricate part of daily life, and one's abilities in that sphere are more respected than brute strength alone. (Ideally, if this house got picked, they'd be the kind willing to pay for...information, especially of the variety that might give them an edge).

Legend has it that the first jarl of their house had met the goddess of wisdom (in a past incarnation, since her current is too young to have done so...not that they know this), and so impressed her that she bestowed the gift of her own wisdom upon him, a gift that allowed him to lead his house into unforeseen prestige, and leaving the house with a veneration for wisdom and learning that has not abated, convinced that it will see them through any trials that may come.

Short History: While they are an old family, the line was almost broken after the death of the previous jarl, who had never married. He left behind one b*****d son, born to a rogue lioness outside of the pride and only recently recognized as legitimate, as his heir. His unexpected passing (he had been quite young, and unfortunately got caught in a freak rockslide) meant that Eldur, only recently introduced to the pride at large, had to step into a role that he never expected to fill, especially not so soon.

While some were not thrilled at his promotion, with no other eligible candidates, most reluctantly gave their support after he proved his wits sharp enough to impress their current Vegr, and the family's Berserkir. He's a moderately strong seer, but more of the "Can't put my paw on it" type, and so doesn't realize that these are anything but sharp instincts, paired with a quick mind and a keen sense of observation (which is likely why he's been overlooked in regards to being tapped to be a Frodleikr on Mount Bleikr).

Ranks for this House

Jarl: Eldur (owned by me)
Leif: none as of now!
Vagr: Rúnar (owned by me)

Berserkir:
Ulfhednar:
Svinfylking:

Fiskr:
Stadfestr:
Farmadr:
Skisnr:
Firar:

Lagr:

 

[Seaki]

Entry Updated: 01/21/2019

Family name: Vita (be aware of/find out)
Animal: Badgers
Location: The Maze, including a section of the valley wall/cave where they paint. They would also aid in leading lost ones out of the maze.

Main God of Worship: Labyrinths
Family Words: We were, we are, we will be

Family Summary: The Vita house prides itself with finding the answers they seek. In a maze of history, they are the ones who record it. The means of their record is paintings on the walls. Their paintings depict fights one, Jarl’s crowned, the rise and fall of the different houses and much more.

They do this in an attempt to remain unbiased, though depending on the current Jarl of the Vita house it can sometimes become strewed.

The house prizes those with tattoo markings and/or gold like strands in their mane/tail to honor their patron god. When someone joins the house either through marriage or other means, they will receive a simple tattoo (usually a band around a leg) and/or will have a strand of gold weaved through their mane/tail tuff.

Short History: Though they track the history of all the houses, Vita is especially proud of their own. Before becoming one of the nine houses, the Vita family were known to be excellent painters. Once becoming one of the nine families they made it their duty to paint murals of all the major events that happen in the pride.

For the most part the Vita house remained unbiased with their history. That changed drastically when Skálpr Vita became the Jarl. From the moment he won a duel against his brother for right to become the Jarl, he changed the facts to make himself look superior to others.

Skálpr Vita raised his heir to follow in his steps. A fact that some members of the house did not approve of. To change the way the house was headed, Nordlys, a b*****d offspring of Skálpr, made it her mission to replace her half-brother and become heir so she could return house Vita to its former ways.

To do so she had to not only prove herself to her father, but put on a rouse that she was going to rule similarly to him. After her efforts and he father’s ailing health, Skálpr Vita legitimized her and appointed her heir.
Once her father died, Nordlys Vita became Jarl. She vowed to keep the records fair and unbiased.

Ranks for this House

Jarl: Nordlys Vita
Leif: --
Vagr: Kyriakos

Berserkir:
Ulfhednar:
Svinfylking:

Fiskr:
Stadfestr:
Farmadr:
Skisnr:
Firar:

Lagr:

 

[Syrius Lionwing]

Aw thanks guys and grats winners <3