OceanofStars
Member
House Vanderlein
“What We Shape, Shapes Us.”
-= History =-
Here since the Sanctuary was a mere dream, the House of Vanderlein’s humble beginnings often tie into who they are today. Caring and nurturing being in their nature, this house became renowned for their support and guidance in their community, and one of the main work forces behind the construction of the Sanctuary walls. Wherever there was trouble, some said, there was a Vanderlein around the corner to assist in its dissolution. Eyes of question followed them wherever they went- asking for assistance, or wondering if there were others who needed assisting. The humble mason and metal family forged connections in their community, reminding those around them of hard work, good ethics, and to always boast a smile. Though not even they were without goals.Through elbow grease and networking, the Vanderlein were able to fork over money for their own mine. Hard work did not end once the transaction completed, but rather had only just begun. Great effort was put into every swing of the pickaxe, every mine cart brought out from sweat forged shafts. Soon, it seemed the gods had shone a light of fortune upon them, for they had struck into a citrine deposit. Due to this being the source of their wealth, the family took the rich yellow-orange color as one of their family colors, melding it well with the previous maroon and cream coloring.As they rose to greater recognition throughout the years, the newer generations of Vanderleins would turn to the path of the Faithful, giving thanks to the gods (and their own hard work) for their booming success in the metal and jewel work business. They subscribed to the faith of the Blacksmith, ensuring that at least one child per generation would become a Faithful under his banner. Now, along with their extravagant, though magically mundane pieces, the Vanderlein also craft catalysts for other Faithful to use as foci to harness their abilities.
-= Recent Events =-
House Vanderlein did not suffer too many losses over the years. This was to their own detriment, as when it rained it stormed in their hearts. Such an occurrence took place when the head of their household was found bloody and broken in the streets of the slums, body cooling despite the warm sun. Grief and panic surged forward once Mercutio Cilo Francis Vanderlein was discovered, followed swiftly by funeral arrangements the following weeks. Everything the Vanderleins were known for- charities, balls, donation and crafting appointments- were thus put on pause to focus on their period of mourning. Their rich and vibrant clothing were traded for blacks and greys to reflect the dreary state of the house. Though House Vanderlein persists- and so they did not let themselves succumb to darkness for long. Now, the second son has taken the mantle of family head with the third son in place as the heir.
-= Values =-
- “We are the Wall that holds.”
- One must stand strong against all things, ever resilient again the horrors beyond the borders.
- Share one’s light and warmth, and all they can, for it takes more than one star to light the sky.
-= Expectations of Etiquette =-
“A joyous laugh is a loud one!”An echo of their lowborn past, most in the Vanderlein family tend to be very friendly, and are known for a bright, loud laugh that can boom through halls. Even the quietest among them are capable of hollering at quite a volume when the moment calls for it. It’s customary to call out a greeting to family and friends when eyes meet.. Even if they encounter each other from different sides of the town square. You’ll know when a Vanderlein has spotted someone they cherish. Their booming voices come in very handy within the deep and twisting mines, ringing through tunnels to find each other or their workers.
“The old are there for a reason, dear.”
It's not quite sure how it started, every grandparent within the family says it was just ‘that way’ when they were young themselves, but a Vanderlein is expected to always seek out and greet the eldest, or whomever is the head of any event, and pay their respects. After all it is upon the wisdom of elders that we learn and grow, and it is from their nurturing that we now live. Within the house itself it.. May have resulted in a bellowing hello to the resident elderly that sometimes gets followed by startled crash of a teacup, but at least you know your loved ones are home safe and sound?
“Mind your Ps and Qs”
Affluent or not, everyone deserves decency and politeness. Be it the maid that swept up your spilled tea and broken cup, to the gentleman offering his hand to help you down a step, to the youngster that brought you that really cool bug covered in mud. Always be thankful, be gentle in your requests, and be golden in your treatment of those around you.
-= Typical Fashion =-
Family members will of course wear things to their taste and comfort, and hold no expectations of dress, but due to their lifestyle and tenants, often resort to a few typical habits;
- Shades of Maroon, Cream, and Gold
- Multiple, thinner layers of clothing
- Layers are often removed in warm clothing until the wearer is at a comfortable temperature
- Layers are also often given away to those in need, Vanderleins really will give you the shirt off their back if you are without
- Heavy leather boots with metal plating to protect the feet, usually lined with felted wool.
- Yes even the ladies will wear these stompin boots under their pretty dresses, often very prettied up but still some real clompers
- Jewelry, made by family or even themselves, to show off their progressing skills.
-= Rites and Rituals =-
- Legacy of the Craftspeople
- Before being accepted as an adult within the family, each child must collect materials in their own way, and craft an appropriate adornment with their generations selected gemstone. The resulting creation must then be approved by the current head of the family. A family member cannot marry or take lead in the organization of family works.
- Honoring of the Earth
- A ceremony held every spring to give back to the soil from which comes their wealth. A small party is held in which the planting of perennial trees or flowers are planted. It is one of the rare private affairs, limited to family and close friends only.
- The Faithsmithing
- For every generation (about 20 years), one child is chosen from the numbers of the Vanderlein to become the Faithful to the Blacksmith. How the process of the chosen works is a mystery to those outside of their House, yet it is true that for every Chosen, talent follows. The chosen will select a gem to use as their Catalyst, and this gem will be used for all of the accessories of those in their very same generation. In modern years, children and younger adults will instead volunteer to become branded, instead of being pressured by their parents.
Current Members
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