Ashfell is a pack bound by blood, frost, and the kind of old truths that don’t die easy. They live by a code—honor, loyalty, endurance—and a respect for the world that still breathes beneath the rot. To them, nature isn’t just backdrop. It’s alive. It remembers. And if you’re quiet long enough, it might just speak back.There’s no wasted breath among them. Everyone has a place. Fighters guard the path. Hunters keep the pack fed. Seers read the signs—the shift of wind, the crack of bone, the way crows circle—and pass their warnings to those who lead.The heart of the group carry the weight: fixing, building, healing—doing the work that holds everything together. In Ashfell, tradition isn’t ceremony. It’s survival. Stories are passed down by firelight, not to inspire, but to remember. Because forgetting gets you killed.When Ashfell moves, they move like wolves: quiet, precise, loyal to the end.

Culture

Ashfell wasn’t built with walls or flags. It was born from blood, bone, and promises made in the dark—promises that held when nothing else did. You won’t find it marked on any map. You’ll know it by the ones who wear its name like a scar.They’re not drifters. Not dreamers. They're shields with teeth—weathered by loss, sharpened by cold, and bound by a code older than most remember. Discipline holds them. Brutality keeps them breathing. And pain? Pain is the price of staying human.In Ashfell, scars aren’t shameful. They’re scripture. A record of what’s been endured. And no one stands without purpose—every life, no matter how small, carries weight.

• initiation
• religion
• celebrations

Initiation

The rite is for those wishing to join ashfell, whether they are outsiders, lone wolves, or born of the bloodline but raised beyond its reach. The joining rite is one of surrender, trial, and transformation.

The Forsakening

The first step to becoming an initiate of Ashfell is surrender. You leave your name behind. Your loyalties. The place you called home. Whatever blood once claimed you—it no longer does. You speak it aloud, before the gathered pack. No lies. No half-truths. The AshWarden listens, and it knows the sound of a false tongue.Only when the past is burned can the pack take you in.

The Trial

The initiate is then sent into the wild for three days. They are marked with blood and are forbidden from hunting on pack land. They must survive by their own strength and cunning — finding shelter, fighting hunger, resisting fear. If they return too early, they are turned away. If they do not return, they are considered claimed by the Old Gods.

The Marking

The initiate will present themself before the Ash Warden and receive the mark, which is typically a bite to the shoulder that will scar. The initiate may now choose a new name or swear an oath to Ashfell. Once marked, the pack will raise their voices in a howl to welcome them into Ashfell as a true-born.

Religion

The Ashfellians believe in the Old Ways and old gods. The Old Ways are not laws written in stone — they are truths etched in marrow, passed through snarls and blood. To follow the Old Ways is to reject softness, survive with honor, and serve something greater than self: the pack, the past, and the gods that watch in silence.Blood knows blood — Lineage is sacred. You do not deny your ancestry, no matter how cursed, broken, or brutal it may be. Names, bones, and blood carry weight — to spill your own is sacrifice; to spill another’s wrongly is blasphemy.Pain is proof — Pain is not weakness, it is proof they are alive and worthy. The Old Ways teach that every trial strengthens the soul. Wolves train through injury, mate through bite, and mourn with ice, not tears.The moon watches all — The moon is not just light, it is the eye of the old gods. Major choices, oaths, and hunts align with the phases of the moon. To lie, betray, or kill beneath the moon’s eye is to curse yourself.Pack before self — The needs of the many outweigh the lone. You fight for your kin before your own comfort. Betrayal is exile; loyalty is the highest virtue. Even in disagreement, wolves move as one when the call is made.The dead still speak — Ancestors are never silent. Their bones, burned or kept, are treated as relics. Every action taken must be done with reverence for those who walked before — the Old Gods see all, and they remember.Nature is not kind, only true — The world is not cruel. It simply is — wild, balanced, and ruled by instinct. The Old Ways teach survival by reading the signs: wind, ice, death, and silence. The Skyreaders interpret omens from natural signs to guide the pack.Die with your teeth in — To die without fighting is to be forgotten. An Ashfellian wolf must face death on their paws, with bared fangs, protecting something greater than themselves. Cowards are not buried. Their names are never spoken again.

Holidays

The members of Ashfell celebrate holidays rooted in ancient Pagan traditions, honoring the cycles of nature and the old gods.

Celebrations

When the wolves of Ashfell celebrate, they do so with the fierce abandon of creatures who know each sunrise is a victory. Their gatherings are held under the cold gaze of the moon, illuminating snarling faces and flashing eyes.

Weddings

The Quiet Walk

At moonrise, the pair walk side by side on a path of ash, believed to be the remnants of ancestors long dead. As they walk, no words are spoken and the ash mark their paws. The pack will create a circle around them, allowing no one to interfere with the Binding.

The Bloodmarking

At the end of the path, the pair will bite the other, not to wound, but just enough to draw blood. The pair will then paint the other with blood, smearing it across their fur and neck. The blood will not be cleansed and will be worn until it fades as a sign of devotion.

The Presentation

Each will present the other with a tooth or fang, often pulled from prey or predators they’ve killed. These teeth will be buried or place in the hollow of a tree near their den, now a sacred home for the pair. However, to steal one is considered a curse to your bloodline.

The Run

As the final rite in the Binding, the pair will run through the forest together, chased by the pack in a blur of growls. Though it may appear to be a hunt, it is a ritual trial to test the strength of their bond. If they can remain at one another’s side until the run ends at the Great Tree, it proves their union will hold through hardship. Some couples may bear nips or torn ears at the conclusion of the trial. These are considered as honor marks, the pack’s blessing worn on the flesh.

Births

The First Howl is the ceremony conducted when a she-wolf gives birth. The ritual has but three steps that include the entire pack, including the Oracle. This name honors not just the arrival of new life, but the moment a newborn first cries out — seen as their first howl, a call to the gods and to the pack, declaring their presence to the world.

Funerals

Death in Ashfell is not considered the end but a return to the Old Gods and Ways. Back to blood, ash, and earth. The funeral rite in Ashfell is called the Returning. The ceremony is not one of sorrow but of recognition, a way to honor the fallen and their legacy. As superstitious people, Ashfellians believe that if the ceremony is not conducted properly, the soul will wander—feral, half-formed, and cursed. If a wolf dies in disgrace, this rite will not be performed for them.

Hierarchy

Ash-blooded

The Ash-blooded are the those who descend from the ancestral legacy created by Ronan Eastgrave. The Ash-blooded carry the first laws within their blood and are said to carry the feral will of the first wolves.

High Warden — The High Warden protects not only the old ways, but the lives of those who have sworn fealty to him. The Ash Warden acts as a sentinel over ancient roots, traditions, and bloodline. He leads with wisdom and strength, upholding tradition and enforcing the laws of the pack. His word is law, yet his rulership is not blind tyranny. He leads with a solemn stewardship rooted in respect for their ancestors and the natural world.Ash Maiden — The Ash Maiden is the High Warden's chosen wife. The Ash Maiden is a pinnacle of authority and strength within Ashfell. The Ash Maiden is entrusted with the sacred duty of upholding tradition, enforcing the laws of the pack, and leading with unwavering strength. Her word is law, yet her rulership is not blind tyranny. Like the High Warden, she leads with a stewardship rooted in respect and tradition.Ashroot — The Ashroot is the heir to Ashfell, though they are not simply born as such. They are trained to bear the burden of legacy, to inherit not just title and land, but the oaths, traditions, and history of their forbearers. Unlike other packs, the Ashroot can be earned through battle between the Ash-Blooded progeny or if the Oracle receives a sign.Rootling — Younger blood. The rest of the Ash-Blooded progeny. They are those not chosen as heir of Ashfell but still important to the health of the Ash-Blooded. Some of the Rootlings may become members of the Skyreaders or Middle Hearth once they are old enough. Occasionally, Rootlings may be betrothed in arranged marriages.

Those Who Read the Signs

The Skyreaders are those who interpret the language of the natural world — the cracking of ice, the wind in the trees, the migration of ravens. They are taught how to listen, not only worship. The Oracle is the lead priestess in Ashfell and is trusted by the Ash Warden and Maiden to read and interpret the signs sent by nature.

Oracle — The Oracle is entrusted with reading the omens from nature. The Oracle is believed to have been granted magical abilities that allow her to read the stars and know what nature speaks through divination. She is well-respected by the pack for her ability.Ash-Touched — Ash-Touched are old, grizzled members who act as spiritual guides in Ashfell. Like a Moth-Eyed, they assist and learn to listen and interpret what nature has decided to say.Moth-Eyed — These seers accompany scavenging or combat missions, warning of danger or guiding with intuition. Alongside Ash-Touched, they assist and learn from the Oracle how to read omens and listen to what nature is speaking.

Middle Hearth

The Ash Root is the backbone of Ashfell. These members support the pack as the heart of society, with hunters, warriors, and trades members residing in this group.

Overseer — The overseer is the Ash Warden's right hand. They are entrusted to monitor the well-being of the pack and report any disputes to the leading pair. The Overseer's word must be obeyed in the absence of the Ash Warden.Warden — A Warden is an elite warrior who is tasked with training future warriors. Most often viewed as a war-chief, the Warden is responsible for organizing warriors during battles and creating war plans.Watchman — A watchman is a scout for Ashfell. While they are often utilized for tracking prey, their main purpose is during times of war as for reconnaissance of the pack’s enemy.Sentinel — A Sentinel is a guard that accompanies any member leaving Ashfell's borders. Sentinels are skilled in defense maneuvers and the occasional offensive attacks. Sentinels often join hunts to support or protect hunting parties.Raider — A raider is a warrior under a Warden. Raiders are often skilled in offensive attacks and are often the first line of defense in a skirmish.Ranger — A Ranger is a skilled hunter in Ashfell. Rangers are trained to carefully retrieve the pelts of the animals they hunt.Forager — A forager is a member skilled in gathering herbs and berries. Foragers often travel with the Skyreaders to assist in collecting herbs.Artisan — An Artisan is skilled in crafting items that may be of use to members of Ashfell. Some of these members may have companions that can assist with their craft, such as birds and raccoons.Lorekeeper — A Lorekeeper is typically an elder who has retired from their duties and are now living a more relaxed life. These elders often share stories of the past to the children and may speak during the funeral of a fallen member. Lorekeepers are highly respected in Ashfell for their duty to the pack and the wisdom they continue to share.Matron — A Matron is a midwife who is trusted with helping mothers through birth and the care of their offspring in the months after. Matrons are skilled in medicine and comforting mothers through the pains of birth as well as how to nurse their pups.Child — Children are the young pups in Ashfell. The future of the pack, they are collectively raised by the adults though their parents will have the final say. Children are not to leave the safety of their den until they are old enough.

Low-Born

The Low-Born are often those bound by their oath to Ashfell or birth to remain at the bottom of the pack. Many are kept for their skills, others merely surviving at the fringes of the pack. Superstitious members believe they carry curses and are typically shunned out of fear.

Servant — A servant is often one who is kept only for the labor they toil for the pack. They’re either used as playmates for the Children or may be used for the training of Raiders.Blight — A Blight is typically a member born with a marking that is considered a cursed being. A Blight is fed last and doesn’t usually live very long due to the difficulty of their life.

Members

Ash-blooded

Ash Warden — Ronan (written by haru)

Skyreaders

Oracle — Twyla (written by aly)
— Sindri (written by lullaby)

Middle Hearth

Overseer — Igor (written by Devi)
Lorekeeper — Flicker (written by aistiva)

Low-Born

Rank — character (written by player)
Rank — character (written by player)

Territory

Moss covers the forest floor and acts as a buffer to silence Ashfellians during hunts or patrols. The Skyreaders will be able to find a variety of herbs in the forest and Rangers and Foragers may find plentiful prey for hunts.

The Great Tree is where new members must spill blood as their act of allegiance to the pack. All gather here on a full moon to conduct the ceremony and welcome their new family member. Weddings and celebrations will also be held in the shade of this large ash tree.

Cairns will be erected when a pack member dies. Each member will bring a stone to place over their final resting place and mark it for future generations.

This unnamed lake is found nestled within the northernmost slopes. It is believed the water is blessed by the moon and is sacred to Ashfellians.