#virginialarp

The Lanakova Dynasty The Lanakova believe that if something is to be done, it should be done with style and flash. They tend to be socially aristocratic and sophisticated. Rumors are that the Lanakova Dynasty rituals are some of the most elegant ceremonies in Talvair. Of course no one knows the truth of this rumor but the Lanakova themselves. The Lanakova don’t tend to be overly nurturing to other members of their Dynasty since they have a very competitive nature, though their loyalty to the Dynasty agenda is unquestioned. The family Lanakova is small and while its members are always present to preside over ceremonial gatherings, they are not often seen otherwise and many members of the Lanakova Dynasty will go their entire lives without meeting someone with the surname Lanakova. Of the other Lanakova Dynasty families, the Von Carlov tend to take the lead in most of the day-to-day business of the Dynasty. This family is historically aristocratic and its members are masterful artists of diplomacy and negotiation. Many Von Carlov are obsessed with self-improvement and may augment their bodies with clockwork limbs or buy expensive ointments to overcome or hide any blemish or deficiency. This leads to some interesting Atropos fashion trends from time to time. The Contagion Dominus is a highly placed position in this family, being the person responsible for the health and wellbeing of the family, as well as being the most versed in all types of poisons and their antidotes. Other Lanakova families of note include the Lothaire, the Fiacre, and the Adelpha. The Lothaire are a family dedicated to military perfection. The instructors at the elite school of tactics in Atropos, The Seminary of War, are exclusively of the Lothaire family. The elegant sisters leading the Adelpha family are said to be able to stop a man in his tracks with a mere glance. Adelpha gambling parlors throughout the Strongholds are popular places of entertainment in these troubled times. The mysterious Fiacre are given wide berth at social gatherings since their patriarch, the powerful Orpheo Fiacre, is a master in the elite art of Necromancy. Rumors of Fiacre grave robbing circulate from time to time, but anyone who knows the family dismisses these as blatant falsehoods since no Fiacre would ever stoop to such menial labor. The Lanakova Dynasty is denoted by a white crown on a mosaic field of red, blue, and gold. The Lanakova tend to be most usually in agreement with the Phaidor and most opposite in opinion from the Ashay, but such broad generalizations change drastically based on the situations and people involved.

The Enotar Dynasty The Enotar Dynasty is the only Dynasty that still primarily refers to itself in the old way by calling itself a Battle Clan. The Enotar embrace their wild inner nature, allowing instinct and basic drives to reign supreme. While some see this as a primitive mindset, to the Enotar it brings peace. If the Enotar have food, family, and a secure home, they tend to be content. Unfortunately, such things are difficult to come by on Talvair. In times past, six great families came together to form Battle Clan Enotar and are strongly represented to this day within the Dynasty. The first of these is the Naborenko, who are a clan of mountain-folk, famous for their skill as woodsmen, hunters, and scouts. They provide the core of the outrider units that patrol the area around Zakhar and give warning of approaching enemies. They are unusually skilled with the bow. Archery is their passion, but they are also renowned for their tactical acumen and the endurance that they show in traveling the rough and hazardous terrain of the Hinterlands. The Seikovski trace themselves back to Barin Kovvar, said to have been Zakhar's blood-brother. They are a fearsome host, renowned for their skill with the great sword. Nearly every member of this family has served in the standing army of Zakhar for as long as anyone can remember. While records are scant and the claim is difficult to confirm, it is said that more members of the Council of Warlords have come from the Seikovski family than from any other. It is said that the Seikovski family keeps the secret of an ancient blood ritual which grants them near invulnerability in battle. The Pashednik family and their farms account for nearly all of the agricultural production in the area around Stronghold Zakhar. The reason for their dominance of food production is simple: they seem to be the only ones with the knack for coaxing crops out of the thin, dry, stony soil. Scholars and mages of great wisdom and power, the Zukarev family is involved in the dangerous and lucrative business of locating and exploring ancient ruins. It is rumored that they have amassed a great stock of artifacts, both powerful and mysterious, from forgotten ages in the course of their explorations. It is whispered they are skilled in the ancient magics of bloodoaths. The Zukarev tend to the ranks of the Honored and the Avenged in the Great Crypt of Avaielon. Only the Zukarev know the truth of the rituals that happen beyond the great basalt doors and of the strange things that occur sometimes under the silent watch of the statues of great Enotar leaders. The last of the founding families of the Dynasty are the T'silokov. The T'silokov family alone is charged with the care of the fabled Hot Springs of Zakhar. The T'silokov family is unusual in that family matters are decided by a Matriarch, Fyokla T'silokov. The restorative magics worked by the healers of the T'zilokov family are said to be nothing short of miraculous. There are, however, rumors that they are equally adept in darker arts best not spoken of, calling upon terrible powers in times of battle. The Enotar and Zakhar lines died out long ago, but it is common for members of the Council of Warlords to take on the surname Enotar or Zakhar as a pledge and a reminder to always put the interests of their Dynasty and Stronghold above their own. The Enotar Dynasty is denoted by three black and white leaves on a mosaic field of green, blue, and purple.

The Age of Death has passed and the shattered cities lie in desolated ruin. The forces of rage that troubled the world slumber once more. The Phantasms have come, the Mythics have gone. The heroes of the final battles can now look around them and from the shattered pieces of the world of Talvair build a new image, their image. Welcome to Ascendant, an East Coast LARP where visions are feared and creatures of myth have faded into seclusion. Here, by the Pool of Shuh Lien, the forces of good have triumphed over the forces of evil at long last. It is now up to heroes of all backgrounds to survive, prosper and establish the new destiny for the land.