Clan Member Dynamics

  Split Packs    The Lunari tend to split off into smaller packs, those that are usually incredibly tight knit, each consisting of a few families, their wolf companions, and some even adopt incredibly trusted outsiders into them as part of their family units. Each pack lives in a separate dwelling, be it a building or a cave den. The different packs also all know each other, though. They even run into each other frequently. They are no strangers being part of the same clan, after all.  No One Leader    Unlike traditional Keeper clans, the Lunari don't follow a single matriarch. Due to their more split nature, each smaller group or 'pack' are usually led by an agreed upon member, usually the wisest and most experienced Lunari from it. Not necessarily the eldest, but it usually ends up that way. These heads are then considered the representatives of each group in bigger gatherings where decisions that affect all of them are made, ones that tend to guide the collective based on their combined knowledge and wisdom.  Strange Hospitality    The Lunari are willing to welcome strangers into their spaces away from the cold, especially during heavier storms. But they tend to watch such newcomers very closely and hurry them on their way as soon as possible. No one's entirely at ease having strangers in their home, regardless of harsh climates. There’s exceptions, of course; as mentioned previously, smaller packs could ‘adopt’ people into their chosen families in cases. It is difficult to turn away a strong back or a skilled toolmaker, after all.

Sword & Sorcery

From trained hunters to powerful ice mages, the Lunari have a wide array of tools under their belt that each individual character uses for their own style of combat.  Sword    Those more traditionally inclined can be sporting weaponry from small knives to large axes. They're very proficient at turning the earth's ores into sharp weapons. From skilled blacksmiths to those who waste no part of a hunt's carcass, be it food or turned into weaponry. Harsh climates and harsher training also cause them to be proficient warriors, some utilizing their brute strength and others their agility. Whatever it takes to win a fight in these harsh climates.  Sorcery    The Lunari as a collective have a stronger concentration of ice aether than most, and tend to be able to utilizie it in many ways, from healing magic to offensive sorts. And those in tune with their aether & Menphina are very capable of becoming powerful ice mages, those that can cause great harm, induce snowstorms, conjuring ice elementals, and many other ways magic manifests. Each person's magic is unique to them and their control on their aether. As a side note, it tends to be affected by locations; being especially potent on their home turf where the cold weather amplifies it, and much less potent in a hotter climate like Thanalan where their powers quite literally melt away.  Bow    You don't have to rely on magic to be long ranged, bows are very frequently utilized by Lunari Keepers, especially during a hunt where they can aim on wolvesback.

Beastmastery & Falconry

  Beastmastery    Their connection to wolves doesn't stop at their theming alone, but their incredibly powerful connection to them throughout their lives. Some members take actual wolves on as their companions; as main members of their packs and family, and those who aid in hunting and life's ventures. Most members are trained in riding wolves as mounts, aiding in traversing the snowy plains, especially now that they're in a permafrost. and even use wolf sleds to transport the elderly and goods over long treks. They consider wolves to be valued companions that the clan has learned to live with over generations.  Falconry    Their connection to Eorzea's beasts doesn't stop at four legged ones; some Lunari members are more in tune with avians, from riding lanners to training hawks to aid in hunts. There's even a cave aviary where the carrier birds send messages out of to all clan members when a meeting needs to be held.

Social Events & Traditions

The Lunari hold many events, during which the different packs' members are usually contacted through the messengers that rely on falconry to distribute the information before any events are held. This isn't an end all be all list, but here's some examples!  Hearth Gatherings    The different members, as well as any trusted 'plus ones', collectively gathers around a hearth, sharing nights of food, storytelling, passing of skills, etc. These can even be used for particular one-off celebrations, such as kits passing their training rites, or finding new good dens to move into, but often just for the hell of it. Who doesn't love a night of fun, community, and food?  Winter Solstice Hunt    On the longest, coldest night of the year- when the winter’s at its peak, the mostly nocturnal clan’s various packs join up to hunt a particularly nasty beast that’s been causing them problems. Be it a great frost dragon or whatever other horrors the lands have released upon them lately. These became particularly essential ever since the calamity, which turned Coerthas into a much more inhospitable place due to the constant conflict with dragons. They are adaptable, though, and have sure as hell adapted to fight back.  Vigils of Mother Moon    During particular full moons, the clan’s spiritual leaders hold events honoring Menphina. How that looks like for different ocs depends on each person’s personal connection to her, but most stay awake throughout the entire night to partake however they please. These are also the same events where natural clan markings would be painted on top of in order to make them more prominent by using a permanent kind of black paint that stains the skin for most, and crushed ice crystals for those who want to strengthen their magic.  Star Charting    On clear nights, especially under the light of the full moon, elders teach the younger kits about navigation using the stars, a vital survival skill in a land of snowstorms and shifting terrain. One all members use to find their bearings till they pass on.  Yearly Stockpiling    An important communal event that happens before the worst of winter sets in annually. The clan works together to stockpile goods that can survive in storage, preserve meats, and gather as well as chop firewood. The completion of this crucial task is celebrated with a large event around the hearth where stories of their ancestors arriving in Coerthas are passed down by elders, as well as smaller ‘classes’ teaching various skills.  Ice Fishing Contests    Events held when the clans need to restock on their fish supply in order to boost morale, anyone can partake, even outsiders! The fish are then all collected and preserved to serve as a stockpile. These are usually more cheerful events with other mini activities on the side, such as snow sculpting and a hub for resource trading that invites even strangers to join in.  Handicraft Lessons    Anyone who’s particularly mastered their craft is encouraged to hold lessons mentoring anyone interested! From woodcarving, weaving, pottery and leatherwork to more magical interests like herbalism, alchemy and things that relate to ice crystals and use of aether

Raising Kits & Growing Up

  It Takes a Village Pack    Lunari kits don't really necessarily know their blood relative better than anyone else in the pack. Instead of a parental figure, kits end up with a mentor who’s a bit older, this mentor is then expected to teach them how to hunt, how to survive for themselves, how to carry your own weight and be a useful member to the pack, etc. It doesn't end at one, though. Lunari tend to value knowledge, and are lifelong learners who choose new mentors throughout their entire lives. Once your current mentor’s taught you all they could, you go looking for a new one in search of more knowledge. Even in older ages, they're expected to see when someone else has a wisdom or an insight they can learn from, whether from the clan or not, and strive to do so.  Harsh Climate, Harsher Methods    The kits are often left to their own devices to survive the climate for periods at a time starting around the age of ten, at their own peril. Is it an incredibly tough method? Yes. But they believe the best way to adapt to surviving harsh weather is by being put out into it and left to figure it out. Is it smart? No. But their parents did it to them, so they do it their kits. It is purely based on tradition rather than effectiveness, and rarely 'works' as intended.  Rite of The Hunt    Around the age of sixteen, kits go through a 'rite of passage' of sorts, where they're assigned a tough task. Be it hunting a particular beast or reaching a specific level of magic potency. These are customizable to each kit's walk in life, and their passage is celebrated in a social gathering where they are then seen as an equal member of the collective, rather than someone to look after.

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