A pack with wide reaches, Claymere remains steadfast and unwavering in the face of threats, but in the recent years of peace, there is little need to jump the proverbial gun. Claymere is generally fairly welcoming to strangers and other packs, unless they have a reason not to be.

Stelune: Unknown/Unaware
Xiaya: Unknown/Unaware
Vøskarig: Unknown/Unaware
Outlanders: Neutral, starting to lean Hostile

The first wolves to settle in the lands that modern Claymerains call home did not call themselves by any name. They were a simple band of loners, keeping to themselves and supporting one another as they sought a place to call home. 

Four of these wolves, mere mortals, would one day rise to godhood after their combined actions would save the land they would call home. One wolf, an old thing known to their fellows as simply ‘Old Grizzard’, was the first to speak of Lámfæt, regaling their fellow travelers with tales of a creature more powerful than any other. Some scoffed at the old wolf's ramblings, waving it off as nothing but senility, but a few would listen to their words.

Ule, a young she-wolf, took particular interest in it and soon would join Grizz in his worship of Lámfæt. Soon, they would be joined by Culfer, another aging wolf who had begun teaching the youths around him how to use herbs and other items to ease pains and heal wolves. With time, Nædre and Biren would also join them, and together, they are said to be the first true followers of Lámfæt. 

As this progressed, this small pack of loners had chosen to settle in the foothills bordering a low mountain range, settled comfortably between the towering walls of stone and the lake at the bottom. At the time, they are being led by a brute of a wolf, a creature more brawn than brains but seemingly decent enough. 

However, his true colors were shown when he began to show his blatant disinterest and detestment for Grizzard’s teachings. At first, it seemed he wouldn’t care much for it, and the old wolf was content to let it lay. They had no interest in forcing their teachings on those unwilling to hear them and were happy to remain committed to their small circle. But it became clearer and clearer that he was not pleased that they spoke of someone more powerful than himself, and soon, they began to realize that there was more to this brute than expected. 

He began to push for wolves to praise him, to follow him. And those close to him pushed and pedaled stories of his feats, urging others to look to him as more than a wolf but as a divine protector. 

When Grizzard, Ule, Biren, Culfer, and Nædre refused to do so, an example was made out of them. Old Grizzard was killed violently and brutally, and the other four were cast out as if to show mercy. 

With nowhere to go, the four of them stick together, watching from afar as their old family begins to grow and change. But with time, wolves split away from the brute's leadership, their distaste made clear. Some are thrown out, scarred, and branded as ‘traitors’, while others sneak out in the dead of night. 

Many of these wolves would find themselves taken in by the four exiles, and soon, what was once four, becomes six, eight, eleven, growing over months and months of time. 

The Brute was not fond of this idea that another group of wolves might soon encroach on what he claimed as his holy land, and finally, the tensions between the two developing packs exploded in a battle that would leave the exiles beaten and battered within inches of their lives. 

Culfer does his best to patch them up as he can, but it’s clear that their forces, even with Biren’s guiding paws, are no match for the Brute in a fair fight. 

Nædre, however, believes he has just the solution. He’s always been the least trusted of their band for his slippery and sly tendencies, but with his advice and Biren’s tactical knowledge, the Exiles formulate a plan of attack. It’s dangerous, and it’s stupid, and it might not even work, but they have to try. 

Together, the four of them would lead what was left of their exiles in one last effort to take back the land from the Brute. As spring rains soaked the earth under paw, they dug themselves into the bank of the mere, hiding amongst the clay and silt, letting it stain their fur as they waited, not so unlike snakes in the dark of the night, hunting a meal. 

Just before the dawn, when the Brute’s forces came down in search of them, they ambushed, taking advantage of the confusion brought on by the downpour, using their stained pelts to blend into the earth, falling upon their enemies like Ghosts.

By the time the battle is ended, the only survivors are the exiles, only a few stragglers of The Brute’s forces now scattering to the wind and fleeing for their lives. 

Only one survivor dies during the battle, old Culfer having been drowned by the Brute after he’d selflessly attacked him to save an injured packmate. With his grizzled fur still matted in clay and blood, Ule leads the exiles in prayer for his soul, and they watch as the river carries his body away into the unknown. 

Soon after, Claymere was founded, and life would move on for the wolves of the Clay. 

Time would pass, battles would be fought and won, territory lost and claimed. 

Biren would lose her life in a horrible flooding incident, her drowned body washed up on the shores, fur slicked with clay and silt. 

Nædre was killed in a mudslide shortly after, a near-direct result of the flooding. He would be dug out of the earth and laid to rest, coated in clay just like the others. 

Standing alone, the last of the original exiles, Ule would find herself crafting the first altar, and she would seek Lámfæt for council. Who would lead Claymere on her passing? Who would guide the pack through the coming times? 

Somehow, she remembers the list of herbs given to her by Grizzard, and with them, she sleeps and she dreams. She sees them, her old friends, not as they were but as they are now, gifted, lifted. They speak to her in tongues she should not understand but does, and she awakens with purpose. 

She names her successor that coming morning, a she-wolf descendant of Grizzard, the blood of the first wolf to speak Lámfæt’s name with reverence and care. She names her and any future pups she bears to be the leading line of Claymere, the ones to carry on the honor of guarding these lands and honoring their gods. 

Ule would spend her remaining days ensuring as much knowledge as possible would be passed to this new generation of Clay wolves, and when her end came, she slipped away peacefully, her cheek pressed into the cool clay of the Mere as age took her from the world in a gentle slumber. 

Aethel (Aethel), would be the first true Alpha to Claymere, and she would be the one to build the altars for Culfer, Biren, Nædre, and Ule. With clay from the ground, and whatever pieces she could scrounge from the territory, she would select a small cave among the brackish marshes, and there she built an altar for each god, a place to commune, a place to leave offerings, a place of shelter. 

A place to honor those Claymere held most dear. 

Code of Honor

To walk the banks of the Great Mere is to walk in the footsteps of The First Ones.

To walk the banks, is to swear yourself to their names. 

To swear yourself to their names, is to swear to give you’re all to them. 

To sully the clay with blood and dishonor, is to spit on them. 

Honor, in the name of The First Ones, always.

Laws

Claymore holds a strict code of laws that must be honored by all wolves within the pack. Should these laws be broken, punishment will be dealt with based on the severity of the crimes.  

- All life is precious -

 Any wolf that would senselessly take a life if not fit to live its own. All life is important in the eyes of Lámfæt and those who would kill without mind or mercy will see no mercy for themselves. 

- Do not abuse what you have been given -

Those that would overhunt or become gluttons that ravage the land and pack will either be taught respect for what they have harmed or gotten rid of. 

- Never Harm an Innocent -

Children, nursing mothers, and elders are not to be harmed in ANY way. If it is found that a wolf has broken this law, the consequences are dire. 

- The word of the Gods is Law - 

Never disrespect the gods, and never attempt to impersonate them or 'speak' for them. Their word is law, and it is final. To disobey or disavow the gods is to invoke their wrath. 

- Only Honorable wolves may lead Claymere - 

Any wolf of the pack can become an alpha via challenge or succession, but command MUST be taken honorably. Wolves that attempt to take the throne in a way that would involve backstabbing, lies, or deceit will bring darkness upon the pack. If such a thing is to happen, it is considered the pack's duty to take the throne back from the usurper. 

- All wolves may seek love, but to bear pups there are rules - 

Only wolves that have taken tasks may have pups, and it must be approved by the Alpha and Knight Council.

Lámfæt

Creator of the Claymere’s Patron gods and creator of the world. It is believed that the first wolves were molded in their image in clay from their own body. They do not require physical offerings (though they are welcome), as they prefer to look at the heart and intent of the wolf that comes seeking communion. It is said that their form always changes in ‘appearance’ but that they will always look like a vaguely wolf-shaped creature of clay. 

Culfer

Eldest of Lámfæt’s brood and patron of the Lights, is known for the blessings he gives. He can be appeased with offerings of herbs and anything else used in the trade of The Lights. He is often described as an elderly wolf with herbs and trinkets tangled into his fur, and currently, it is unknown whether or not he actually sprouts feathers along his body or if it’s just ones he’s woven into the fur. His steps are accompanied by the chiming of tiny animal bones and the heavy perfume of medicines.

Biren

The second eldest of Lámfæt and patron to the Shields is a god renowned for her military prowess and physical strength. She can be appeased with offerings of blood or feats of strength. She is often described as a wolf larger than life, her body crisscrossed with scars and oddly similar to that of a bear. Her coat is incredibly shaggy, and her shoulders are wide-set, leading down into thick, trunk-like legs, massive paws bearing extra toes, and long, tapering claws. It is said that she often carries the scent of blood with her at all times. 

Nædre 

Close in age to Biren, is the patron of the Blades. He is known for his stealth, speed, and quick wit. He can be appeased with offerings of trinkets and bones. He is often described as a lithe, powerfully built wolf with a glitter of snake scales amongst his fur. It is even rumored that his eyes bear slitted pupils, and his mouth harbors a forked tongue. 

Ule 

The youngest of the Lámfæt’s brood and patron to the Seekers, is a youthful God known for ever-expanding knowledge and grace. She is known for giving blessings to more than just those of her task. She can be appeased with offerings of verbal knowledge. She is often described as the smallest of her siblings but still stands well over the height of an average wolf, and similar to Culfer, it is believed that she sports feathers and eyes similar to that of raptors. She sports a strong body despite her scholarly role, and the scent of ozone and dust often accompanies her presence.

Seasons Change

As seasons change, Claymere celebrates. The first full moon of each season is when the festivities begin.

Both Fall and Winter seasons are celebrated around the Great Salmon Run, and Salmon is considered the main course, though some wolves may choose to hunt and consume other prey to follow their preferences. 

The Spring and Summer seasons are celebrated around the blooming of new life and the thawing of the world. These seasons are celebrated with big game hunts unless a wolf prefers fish and hunts their own. 

 The day starts as usual, but wolves are selected to collect food (either salmon or big game) and ferry it to a select location. From there, friendly sparring matches are held, games of strength and stealth officiated, with storytelling and feasting wrapping up the pleasantries. Fermented fruits are indulged upon, and Claymere will revel long through the night and into the early hours of the morning. The next day is a day of rest before the wolves of Claymere return to their usual duties. 

Coming of Age

When a litter (or single wolf) reaches the age of young adult, they are given a day of celebration. Oftentimes games will be played, a small feast will be held for those being celebrated, and it is considered a day of joy among Claymere that another soul has reached adulthood. As the moon rises high overhead, the youths are taken to The Sanctum, where the highest-ranking Seeker will lead them in communion with the gods. 

At the end of the communion, each youth's brow will be marked in the Seeker’s blood, symbolizing that they have been blessed by the gods. Most often, the skies are clear and starry, but when storms rumble through, flashing lightning and quaking the caverns in thunder… Sometimes whispers abound that the litter in question isn’t cursed. 

Births and Deaths

New life is a precious thing among Claymere, and unless asked not to, the Viscount will lead the pack in a day of festivities. The Viscount will personally congratulate the mother and father, and they are given gifts by their pack mates. They are then allowed the rest of the day to relax and rest, or if they so choose, take part in the festivities of the pack.

Death is something that Claymere does not fear, and those of Claymere are encouraged to stand strong even when grieving. The family of those who passed are given gifts and relieved of their duties until they are well enough to return to work. The Seekers will lead the pack in a prayer to the gods for the safe passage of the deceased soul and then will lead the pack in a mournful howl to the skies above. 

Those who died with honor are given a send-off in The Clay River, the currents carrying their bodies out to sea where they will feed the scores of Salmon and other ocean creatures and thus contribute to the cycle of life, giving their souls a chance to be reborn in the future. The pack will then take a day to remember that which was lost. They will tell stories of wolves past, including the recently lost, attempting to lift the low moods of the pack through tales and honoring their memory fondly.

Those that have dishonored Claymere are taken beyond the territory's borders and buried away from any source of water. Their graves are left unmarked and will be forgotten with time. The family of the deceased is still to be treated with respect, but there are no celebrations, and the pack continues to operate as though it is any other day. They are still allowed to grieve their packmate, but they are expected to move on quickly.