Ancient Lineage

Among the peoples of Iùrmen there are still those who descend from ancient houses or inherit honors and responsibilities as descendants of more or less historically relevant figures. In the Lunar Age, politics and kingdoms have changed, giving way to new orders and territorial control by religious cults. An exception are the Lands of Alper, where the descendants of those who were deceived by the Trudens to become hideous Wild Oms still rule. The history of the world saw a succession of characters, ruling families or saviours who ruled nations. Alas, of those glories there is nothing left but a shadow that weighs heavily on the shoulders of a few, whose goal is to restore the rightful authority of their ancestors.

Features

Feature: Noble Birth

Whether your lineage has decayed, or the memory of your ancestors is still alive, those who bear an Ancient Lineage still retain a certain authority in the political field. While others must earn the right to access reserved places or have difficulties getting an audience with important people, there are those who can boast of their descendants and enjoy privileges denied to ordinary people, given that you are in a place relating to your origin or among people who respect the noble history of your lineage. Even in such circumstances, it will often be necessary to provide proof of your ancestry, such as cemetery records, a signet ring, wills, or possibly letters from well-respected individuals. This feature can also be interpreted as an influence on certain ethnic groups, rather than towards political figures.

Below are the possible origin lineage and the benefits that come with it.

• Lyvar Chieftain: Every nomadic group of Night Faeling knows how to recognize the heir of their guide or a descendant of the ancient chieftains of the depths. When in contact with Lyvar groups, you will exercise a greater authority.
• Heirs of the Kingdom of Sarneum: The royal lineage of Sarneum is not yet completely lost, and there are still distant descendants of the family to which Ma'Hal III, grandfather of Mirithlen herself, belonged. When the Ishdrim acknowledge your lineage, they cannot help but feel subservient, nostalgic of the tales of when they reigned and prospered in the southern continent.
• Noble Houses of the First Men: Ghirion, Olendris, Zirmael and several others. These are the fallen houses from when Xivanis reigned, and some even date back to the age of the Thurinthian Empire. Those who bear these names carry a heavy burden, since it was from them and their deeds that the decline of Iùrmen originated. However, the Anireth unreservedly respect the descendants of their lost aristocracy as they still hope for the redemption of their people, or even a return to the ancient glories. This guarantees a strong influence over the Anireth you encounter.
• Cursed Garnar Lineage: Among the Garnar, there are some who descend from those who brought the curse on their entire people, but whom many still remember as warriors, chieftains, and paragons of virtue. Even today, in the Northern Lookout, some of these descendants maintain their rule over the Alperns, and it is quite common for them to challenge each other, fostering internal wars to prove who is the strongest and most worthy to lead the people. If you possess such ancestry, some may curse your ancestors for their pact with the Trudens, but no one can deny you an audience with Alper's rulers.
• Sons of the Early Satyrs: Among the several lines of Satyrs that once populated Iùrmen, only the Rizadrin survive. Among them, some boast a blood bond with the kings of the World Below, supreme governors of the lost cities of the Lunar Satyrs. Such a lineage cannot be ignored even by Anvernia, who rules over the Lunar Cult.
• Descendants of Erven the Strong: Everyone knows the legend of Erven, and the Gray Folk literally idolize this legendary figure. He had three children, who gave rise to three sub-kingdoms. However, it is highly likely that the last descendants of Erven's bloodline come from his daughter Hislith. Proving to be heirs of such a noble lineage would allow you to find open doors among the Gray Folk or in the vicinity of Ervenrun. Even among the followers of the Old Tradition, rulers of the citadel, you would stir a certain awe.
• Ancient Disciples of Rahidra: Primevals pass down the tales of how Rahidra led her people to the east, and still many tell tales of those who were at first her direct disciples and then became spiritual guides of tribes and families. Those who can boast the legacy of Rahidra's historical disciples enjoy a special consideration and a certain respect among the Ejre.
• Perchta’s Blood: Although Krampus adventurers are always outcasts and exiles who have left the pack, they can still prove to be part of a glorious lineage. Some of them, in fact, can prove that they have ties to the mammoth Ladies of the Beast in their blood, as if they were descendants of primordial authority. This is due to the fact that the Ladies of the Beast sometimes blessed children of their feral people, giving them a semidivine spark, hoping that they could become fearsome followers and fierce protectors. Those who can show this lineage are welcomed in peace, or at least not in open hostility, by the packs of Krampus in spite of their status as an outcast.

Variant: Pertcha's Blood

A Krampus who manifests the bygone feral spark granted by the Ladies of the Beast replaces their background features with the ones listed here.

• Skills Proficiencies: Athletics; Perception
• Other Proficiencies: One type of martial weapon (melee or ranged)
• Equipment: A martial weapon in which you are Proficient, a mask made of wood and feathers with an engraved symbol that resembles the Perchtas’ icon (worth 10 gp), tribal clothes, an oil flask, a witch’s pack and a bone knife

Suggested Characteristics

Being descendants of a noble house or iconic characters is a burden, as well as an honor. Characters may find themselves enjoying both renown and prejudice. The nocturnal adventurers of Ancient Lineage often have very specific personal goals, such as restoring the importance of their family, regaining the privilege and lost power, or standing as leaders and paragons for their own people, inspired by their ancestors’ accomplishments.

Traits

Ideal

Bond

Flaw