Clan Origins

Some of the oldest Icewarg in Iringard exist within this fiercely spiritual Clan, so their knowledge and memories of past events are well-known, though they have yet to be well documented. They are responsible for the upkeep of the Temple of Fenrir, where they practice and worship. Next to the palace, it is the oldest structure within Iringard. To keep it maintained and beautiful, the elders spin beautiful silks and tailor delicate garments for rich and royal alike to purchase at exorbitant prices. Their members rarely leave the Temple, but when they do, they wear cloaks that bear the color and insignia of their Clan to help identify themselves and intimidate those who may wish to approach them. Joining is a mysterious process few know about, though rumors abound that "blood must be spilled" to prove one's dedication — though whose blood is not immediately apparent.

Clan Arshaw's origins are as mysterious and unknown as the Clan members themselves. Nobody knows who initially founded the Clan, as the name was lost due to time and lack of recordkeeping, perhaps intentionally. It is one of the oldest Icewarg Clans, next to Clan Gravenrail. Still, like Clan Emerstead, they are primarily based within Iringard and founded as a religious following within the Temple of Fenrir. Much of the Clan's behavior since has done little to dissuade such rumors. Some of the oldest Iceward in Iringard are members of Clan Arshaw, so their knowledge and memories of past events are closely coveted among them. Younger members of the Clan aren't privy to the story behind the Clan's founding, either.

Clan Culture & Values

Much of Clan Arshaw's culture and values are shrouded in secrecy, and it is the ability to hold a secret, a promise, that many within the Clan believe to be of the utmost importance in a warg's character. As such, devotion comes in a close second - dedication to one's principles, to the Clan, and loyalty to Fenrir and the Temple. But that devotion also extends to the Icewarg - Clan Arshaw firmly believes that the Icewarg are the true children of Fenrir. With unwavering resolve, members of Clan Arshaw will do everything and anything to preserve Niflheim and its inhabitants. Because of this, Clan Arshaw also puts a lot of credence behind the idea of purity. As children of Fenrir, it is paramount that Clan members keep pure minds and healthy bodies, create their materials, and purchase materials of the purest make. They diligently maintain their ritualistic practices, praying in the Temple, and most of these services are reserved solely for Clan members. Keeping to rituals is a means of maintaining order, especially important now in a seemingly mad world.

To the outsiders of the Clan in Iringard, Clan Arshaw is primarily an enigma. Nobody knows what it takes to become a member of Clan Arshaw, though rumors circulate that the ceremony involves blood-letting and tying oneself to the Temple and its beliefs. Most members of Clan Arshaw, when they leave the Temple, wear heavy hooded cloaks that bear the Clan's insignia, and their appearances and unwillingness to talk to strangers is often enough to drive away even the friendliest of Icewarg. Arshaw's chief contribution to Iringard and Niflheim's economy, and the primary way their members interact with the public, is the production of beautiful silks and tailoring, and their finely crafted garments sell for exorbitant prices in Iringard and the surrounding lands. The money made from such sales all goes to the upkeep of the Temple, which is a beautifully maintained, if not haunting, structure next to the palace.

Clan Politics

Clan Festivals & Events

Ritual of Cleansing

Every Full Moon of Winter

It is not so much a festival, but a quiet and private event reserved only for members of Clan Arshaw during every full moon during the wintertime. During the day, Clan members fast, pray, and meditate; at night, when the full moon is bright and Fenrir's light dances across the sky, Clan members can partake in modest to extravagant meals and sing hymns of praise. Even if a member of Clan Arshaw is not in the Temple or within Iringard, they participate in this practice so that the individual and Clan can be united even when apart.

The Silk Bazaar

Summer

During the height of summer, Clan Arshaw will spend a week selling their silken wares just outside of their Temple; this event is known to attract all of the wealthiest Icewarg in Iringard. Before the Cataclysm, even Stonewarg and Woodwarg would travel simply to see the wares that Clan Arshaw would sell during the Silk Bazaar. Additionally, Clan members will engage in elaborate interpretive silk ribbon dancing routines, often to tell stories of Fenrir and Iringard’s history, and lavish meals are served. It is a time of plenty and of extravagance, and even those who cannot afford the fine garments on sale will often come just to see the wonder of Arshaw’s craftsmanship and the performances.