Vulpaa
The Clan of the Fox
It is hard to tell when exactly the split between Tahnsko and Vulpaa occurred, as there was not a singular event of separation that can be pointed to in any written histories. The stories recount that some Tahnsko nomads grew restless of their cyclical travels, and splintered off in fragmented waves from the great migration. Curiosity led them off of the plains and into deep and hidden woodland spaces, filled with wonder and enchantment. However, veering away from the migration put them out of touch of the Eordrún and its magic.
A small band of such wanderers ended up trekking deep into the vast forest of Fyrnweald, just northwest of the Giant’s Bed. In the heart of this immense woodland space, they made contact with the ancient and reclusive race of Sylvans. A troubadour called Saoirse shared with them the history and culture of the Eórdfolk through her lute and harp, and in return the Sylvans shared with her the Eórdæphrm, the Breath of the Giants that haphazardly spreads magic through the wind in the forest branches and across the plains. Through this new connection to the Giant’s Magic, these Eórdfolk were able to fully commit to their wayward, vagabond lifestyle.
Sharing their new knowledge with other roving bands, they came to form various ‘dens’ or cultural hubs in hidden corners of the Realm. Embracing their newfound independence from the Eórdrún and the versatility it brought them, they formed themselves as a new clan: Vulpaa of the Fox. As they continued to grow in their esteem, Vulpaa maintained close connections with the Sylvans of the Fyrnweald, learning from them many lost secrets of the forests and becoming skilled in the magics of illusions and enchantments.
From the dens of Vulpaa comes a whole array of magicians, players, tinkerers, and wayfarers. Vulpaans dabble in a wide variety of arts, using the tools of their numerous trades to support their wayward lifestyles. Some Vulpaans may form wandering troupes, venturing from settlement to settlement, performing for their meals and a space to sleep. Others use their knowledge in magic and herbs to make a living in the healing arts. Whatever trade a Vulpaan may find expertise in, they never let it keep them stationary for long - they are sure to be back on the road ere they become too settled.
Compared to the other clans of the Realm, the people of Vulpaa may appear to be irrationally free-spirited, lacking in forms of overarching governance in favor of a spirit of perpetual revelry and merrymaking. Many in Middangeard find Vulpaans fanatical about the need to be untied to any particular place or destiny, and they often paint the Fox clan to be cunning tricksters and swindlers, wily, mischievous, selfish and stuck in their own world. Yet while the spontaneous lifestyle of most Vulpaans makes them unpredictable at the best of times, they pride themselves in their commitment to embracing all the twists and turns of fate.
