Dovrasól

Overview of the Dovrasól

The Dovrasól, known as the "Speakers of the Depths," are a subterranean race thriving beneath the surface of Nevrátha, within the intricate root systems of the sentient Nevánath trees. Inhabiting vast, bioluminescent caverns formed by the massive roots of the Nevánath, the Dovrasól live in harmony with their shadowed, mist-filled environment. They sustain themselves through the consumption of Nethryl, the life-giving sap of the Nevánath, which flows abundantly through their subterranean world and serves as both a physical sustenance and a spiritual connection to the sacred trees.

The Dovrasól maintain a closer connection to their distant Vorlathen ancestors, both in physical appearance and cultural practices, than their cousins, the Zuhálain. This ancestral resemblance is reflected in their bioluminescent features, intricate spiritual rituals, and their profound reverence for the Vorthúna, the eternal cycle of life and death. Unlike the more surface-oriented and outward-facing Zuhálain, the Dovrasól remain deeply tied to the subterranean world, preserving traditions and characteristics that hearken back to their Vorlathen heritage.

Reclusive and isolationist by nature, the Dovrasól live in tightly-knit Dravályn, clan-based chiefdoms where dominance, resources, and spiritual alignment define their social structure. The Dovrasól culture revolves around survival, reverence for the Nevánath, and their faith in the Vorthúna, which guides their understanding of existence and their place within the natural balance of Nevrátha. Through generational consumption of Nethryl, they foster a unique spiritual connection to the Nevánath, which subtly influences their instincts and decisions, aligning them with the sacred trees’ will.

Their bioluminescent appearance, intricate craftsmanship, and sacred rituals reflect their profound relationship with their subterranean environment and their ancestral lineage. This makes the Dovrasól not only a mysterious and integral part of Nevrátha’s diverse tapestry but also a living link to the enduring legacy of the Vorlathen.

Physical Characteristics of the Dovrasól

General Body Structure

Height and Build:

• The Dovrasól are slender and slightly elongated, with a build that combines agility and resilience. Their physique is optimised for navigating the dense, root-filled subterranean environment they inhabit.

Posture:

• They maintain an upright posture, but their movements are fluid and stealthy, reflecting their adaptability to tight and intricate spaces.

Body Proportions:

• Their limbs are proportionally longer than their torsos, aiding in climbing and moving efficiently through root systems and underground streams.

Head and Facial Features

Skull Shape:

• Their skulls are elongated and angular, with smooth contours that enhance their streamlined appearance.

Eyes:

• The Rútháril’s large, glowing eyes dominate their faces, shining in shades of blue or green.

• Their eyes lack irises or pupils, giving them an ethereal, piercing gaze.

• Adapted to low light, these eyes offer exceptional vision in dim environments, allowing them to detect subtle movements and details in bioluminescent surroundings.

Eyebrows/Forehead:

• Their foreheads are gently sloped, with smooth, glowing skin patterns that extend slightly above their brows, emphasising their bioluminescent features.

Nose:

• Small and slightly upturned, their noses blend seamlessly with the angular structure of their faces.

Ears:

• Elongated, leaf-shaped ears curve outward, featuring delicate translucent membranes in shades of pink or green. These highly sensitive ears are finely tuned to detect faint sounds and vibrations in their subterranean world.

Mouth:

• Their lips are thin and naturally tinted, suited for consuming water infused with Lunvél sap and other subterranean sustenance.

Skin Texture:

• Their skin has a deep blue-green or mossy tone, blending naturally with their dim, root-filled environment.

• Intricate bioluminescent patterns resembling glowing vines or root systems adorn their skin, softly pulsing with light to communicate emotions or aid navigation.

• The texture of their skin is slightly rough yet supple, akin to moss or bark, providing durability and camouflage.

Hair:

• Females: Adult females possess flowing, vine-like pure white hair that cascades down their backs. This striking feature glows faintly in low light, symbolising their deeper connection to the Nethryl and enhancing their ethereal appearance.

• Males: Male Dovrasól have shorter vine-like hair in shades similar to their skin tone. It subtly glows, blending into their bioluminescent patterns and reflecting their connection to the Nethryl, albeit to a lesser extent.

Limb Characteristics

Arms:

• Their long, sinewy arms are flexible and strong, enabling them to grip and manoeuvre through intricate root systems.

Hands:

• Elongated fingers end in sharp, claw-like nails, ideal for gripping slippery roots and defending against potential threats.

Legs:

• Their legs are similarly long and sinewy, with powerful musculature suited for climbing and leaping.

Feet:

• Slight webbing between their toes aids in swimming through underground streams, while claw-like nails provide excellent grip on slick surfaces.

Specialised Features

Tails:

• Many Dovrasól possess a prehensile tail that is slender and flexible. These tails assist in balance, climbing, and grasping objects, enhancing their agility in complex environments.

Markings

Skin and Coloration:

• Base Color: Their deep blue-green or mossy skin tones reflect their subterranean surroundings.

• Patterning: Root-like bioluminescent patterns glow softly, aiding in communication and navigation.

• Luminosity: Their patterns pulse faintly, especially during emotional expression or movement.

Movement and Locomotion

Gait:

• On land, Dovrasól move with a quiet, creeping grace, their footsteps barely audible as they traverse the dense root systems.

Special Abilities:

• In water, their streamlined bodies enable them to glide effortlessly, moving with precision and fluidity through subterranean streams.

Voice and Sound

Speech:

• Their voices are soft and melodic, carrying a rhythmic quality that reflects the natural sounds of their subterranean world.

Other Sounds:

• During rituals or heightened emotional states, Dovrasól may emit subtle, resonant hums that harmonize with the bioluminescent energy of their environment.

Cultural or Environmental Influences on Appearance

Adornments:

• The Dovrasól decorate themselves with glowing fungi, polished stones, and other elements found within their environment. These adornments serve as symbols of status, individuality, and connection to their surroundings.

Clothing/Armor:

• Their clothing is woven from durable, lightweight fibers derived from subterranean plants, designed to offer protection without hindering their agility.

Environmental Adaptations:

• The bioluminescent patterns, prehensile tails, and slight webbing of the Rútháril reflect their seamless adaptation to the dimly lit, water-laden subterranean environment of the Veltheris.

The Dovrasól's physical characteristics embody their symbiotic relationship with their subterranean world. Every aspect of their appearance and movement reflects their role as caretakers and stewards of the Veltheris’ hidden depths.

Culture of the Dovrasól

The Dovrasól culture is deeply rooted in survival, competition, and community. Champions (Tharváris) and exalted hunters (Mirvalin) hold a place of high honour, embodying the strength, skill, and resourcefulness that are vital to thriving in their subterranean world. Their traditions, including interactive storytelling (Sólvarin), sparring matches (Brathkaíl), and communal feasts (Várahalin), reflect a blend of practicality and communal pride, all designed to prepare them for the challenges of Nevrátha.

Champions and Hunters

• Mirvalin (Exalted Hunters):

  • Hunters who demonstrate exceptional skill in tracking, trapping, and navigating the mist-filled caverns are revered within their clans. They are awarded symbolic adornments, such as carved bone pendants and braided root cords, marking their status as protectors and providers.

    • Honour Through Feats: Their successes are celebrated through Várahalin (Feast of the Hunt), where their accomplishments are retold in vivid stories, inspiring younger generations.

• Tharváris (Strength Guides):

  • Champions, chosen through Brathkaíl (sparring matches) and other physical trials, represent their clans as symbols of honor and resilience. They lead in times of conflict and serve as role models, guiding their people through difficult hunts and territorial disputes.

    • Clan Symbols: A Tharváris is often adorned with ceremonial root carvings or sacred moss patterns, denoting their role as protectors and leaders.

Games of Strategy and Skill

The Dovrasól’s games are more than entertainment—they are tools for sharpening minds and teaching critical survival strategies. These games emphasize tactical thinking, resource management, and adaptability.

• Rynakall (Path of the Flow):

  • A Tafl-like game where players simulate a hunting or defensive scenario. One side plays the "prey," seeking escape to a safe zone, while the other plays the "hunters," aiming to capture them.

  • Cultural Significance: Winning at Rynakall is a mark of strategic brilliance and is considered as prestigious as physical prowess. Clan champions in this game often advise on territorial defense and hunting tactics.

Storytelling and Verbal Challenges

Oral traditions are a central part of Dovrasól culture, serving both to entertain and to test wit and creativity. Storytelling is interactive and competitive, blending education with verbal sparring.

• Sólvarin (Challenge of Words):

  • Storytelling nights, known as Sólvarin, involve elders and participants weaving tales filled with survival lessons, strategic dilemmas, and riddles. At key points, listeners are invited to propose solutions or predict outcomes, turning the story into a communal challenge of wit and ingenuity.

  • Interactive Element: Listeners who provide the most clever or strategic responses are celebrated, and their ideas are often incorporated into future tales.

• Rynathrá (Flowing Challenges):

  • A tradition akin to flyting, Rynathrá is a form of verbal duel where participants exchange clever insults, riddles, and boasts. These challenges are both entertaining and a test of composure, creativity, and quick thinking.

  • Rules of Rynathrá: Duels are judged on creativity, humor, and the ability to outwit an opponent without losing one's composure. Victors gain respect and bragging rights within their Dravályn.

Sparring and Physical Contests

Physical contests are a cornerstone of Dovrasól culture, serving as both training and entertainment. Sparring matches are held before large crowds in the Root Halls, blending spectacle with practical preparation for real-life challenges.

• Brathkaíl (Trial of Skill):

  • Sparring matches, or Brathkaíl, are highly anticipated events where warriors test their strength, technique, and endurance. These contests are fought with wooden or blunted weapons to minimize injuries while showcasing skill and adaptability.

  • Role in the Clan: Victors in Brathkaíl often become Tharváris, representing their clan in larger tournaments and earning a place of high respect.

  • Crowd Participation: Matches are communal spectacles, with spectators cheering and learning from the strategies displayed in the ring.

• Climbing and Obstacle Challenges:

  • These contests, held during festivals, test participants’ agility and problem-solving skills as they navigate complex root systems or scale cavern walls.

Celebrations and Cultural Events

The Dovrasól’s cultural events are lively and competitive, focusing on celebrating achievements, strengthening bonds, and honing survival skills.

• Várahalin (Feast of the Hunt):

  • A communal feast held to honor the Mirvalin (Exalted Hunters) and their contributions to the survival of the Dravályn. During the feast, the stories of their hunts are told in dramatic detail, and games such as Rynakall and Rynathrá are played to inspire the younger generation.

• Sólvarin Nights:

  • These storytelling gatherings are both entertainment and education, offering lessons in strategy, wit, and survival through the interactive exchange of tales and challenges.

Core Cultural Values

1. Strength and Resilience:

   • Champions and hunters are celebrated as the backbone of the Dovrasól way of life, embodying their unyielding dedication to survival.

2. Strategy and Wit:

   • Mental acuity is as important as physical strength, reflected in their love for Rynakall, Sólvarin, and Rynathrá.

3. Unity Through Competition:

   • Whether through sparring, storytelling, or verbal duels, the Dovrasól use competition to foster mutual respect and camaraderie.

4. Respect for the Flow:

   • Their connection to the cycles of Nevrátha and the sacred flow of Nethryl underpins every aspect of their culture, from their celebrations to their survival practices.

The Dovrasól culture thrives on competition, storytelling, and communal pride. Their traditions, from the Sólvarin to the Brathkaíl, reflect their relentless pursuit of excellence and their enduring commitment to the survival and strength of their Dravályn in the depths of Nevrátha.

Society of the Dovrasól

The Dovrasól live in a pluralistic society where survival knowledge is essential for all, regardless of gender. While males primarily act as hunters and gatherers, females serve as spiritual leaders and guides, deeply connected to the Nevánath. This contrasts sharply with their cousins, the Zuhálain, who follow a rigid caste system. The Dovrasól’s flexible, cooperative culture emphasizes harmony with their environment and shared responsibility for the Dravályn (Bound Clans).

Social Structure and Roles

Pluralistic Society

• All Dovrasól, regardless of gender, are taught basic survival skills, including hunting, foraging, and navigation. This foundation ensures that every member of the Dravályn can contribute to the clan’s resilience.

  • Males: Primarily responsible for hunting, resource gathering, and crafting tools. They are the clan’s protectors and providers, navigating the challenging subterranean terrain with the guidance of the females.

  • Females: All females are Ráthmira (Root Mothers or Mothers of Birth), revered as nurturers, teachers, and spiritual guides. They also act as Míraváris (Sacred Guides or Life Seers), leading the males during periods of thickened mist, when visibility in the subterranean lands is reduced. Females play a pivotal role in strengthening the spiritual bond between the clan and the Nevánath.

Ritual Education

• Male Children: By the age of nine, boys join their male relatives in hunting expeditions, learning to fight, hunt, and traverse the complex subterranean regions.

• Female Children: By the age of nine, girls begin training under the Ráthmira, learning to care for the nest (settlement), oversee communal well-being, and deepen their connection with the Nevánath through rituals and spiritual practices.

Spirituality and Faith

• The Dovrasól’s belief system is rooted in their symbiotic relationship with the Nevánath and their reverence for the Vorthynár (Eternal Return), the cycle of life and death. Their spirituality revolves around maintaining balance and harmony with the sacred trees and the flow of Nethryl.

Core Practices

1. Rynáthil (Sacred Flow):

   • The ritual consumption of Nethryl to enhance spiritual connection with the Nevánath and attune to the cycles of Nevrátha. This act is central to their faith and identity, symbolizing the bond between the Dovrasól, the sacred trees, and their environment.

2. Vorthynár (Eternal Return):

   • The Dovrasól believe that life and death are part of a continuous cycle. Death is seen as a transition, a return to the Nevánath, ensuring the renewal of life. This belief fosters a deep respect for the natural balance of their world.

3. Míraváris Guidance:

   • During times of spiritual reflection or peril, the Míraváris lead the clan, using their heightened intuition and connection with the Nevánath to guide their people through challenges.

Clan Life and Daily Roles

Dravályn (Bound Clans)

The Dravályn form the cornerstone of Dovrasól society. Each clan is self-sufficient but maintains loose connections with neighboring clans for trade and alliances. Every member contributes to the welfare of the clan, ensuring its survival and prosperity.

• Communal Living: Settlements are organized around Root Halls, large central caverns where clans gather for feasts, rituals, and decision-making.

• Shared Responsibility: Tasks such as harvesting Nethryl, cultivating bioluminescent crops, and fortifying the settlement are distributed among all members based on their skills and training.

Gender Dynamics and Interdependence

The relationship between males and females in Dovrasól society is one of mutual respect and interdependence:

• Male Role: Males rely on the guidance of the females, particularly during challenging periods like thickened mists, which obscure the subterranean pathways. They provide physical strength and protection but defer to the spiritual insight of the Míraváris.

• Female Role: Females are seen as the spiritual backbone of the clan. Their role as Ráthmira ensures the nurturing and education of the next generation, while their duties as Míraváris ensure the clan’s spiritual alignment and safe navigation through their world.

Core Values

1. Survival and Unity:

   • Every Dovrasól must contribute to the clan’s survival. Cooperation and adaptability are essential traits.

2. Reverence for the Nevánath:

   • The Nevánath are the lifeblood of Dovrasól society, providing both physical sustenance through Nethryl and spiritual guidance through the Vorthynár.

3. Respect for the Vorthynár:

   • The cycle of life and death is a sacred principle, fostering gratitude for life and acceptance of death as part of a greater balance.

4. Education and Growth:

   • The training of children, both male and female, reflects the Dovrasól’s emphasis on preparation, resilience, and spiritual alignment.

Spiritual Hierarchy

• Míraváris (Sacred Guides or Life Seers): Female spiritual leaders who guide rituals, interpret spiritual signs, and provide direction during difficult times. Their role is deeply tied to the Nevánath and the flow of Nethryl.

• Ráthmira (Root Mothers or Mothers of Birth): Female elders who oversee the upbringing of children, ensuring the preservation of traditions and the nurturing of future generations.

The Dovrasól culture is an intricate tapestry of cooperation, spirituality, and resilience. Their pluralistic society and mutual respect for gender roles distinguish them from their cousins, the Zuhálain, while their deep connection to the Nevánath, their Dravályn, and the eternal cycles of the Vorthynár ensure their enduring survival and harmony within the hidden depths of Nevrátha.

Geography and Habitat of the Dovrasól

The Dovrasól live exclusively within the Dóvrathil ("Realm Beneath the Roots"), a vast and treacherous subterranean world shaped by the massive root systems of the Nevánath. Their settlements, known as Ráthgarad ("Root Strongholds"), are concealed within the protective embrace of the largest and oldest Nevánath. This intricate environment, with its glowing flora, mist-filled passages, sacred waters, and perilous depths, defines the survival and adaptation of the Dovrasól.

The Layers of the Dóvrathil

The Dóvrathil is a complex, multi-layered environment, each layer presenting unique challenges and contributing to the survival of the Nevánath and the Dovrasól.

1. Ráthenkar (Root-Weave):

   • The Ráthenkar forms the uppermost layer of the Dóvrathil, where the massive, intertwining roots of the Nevánath create natural walls, ceilings, and platforms. This layer serves as the foundation of the Ráthgarad, offering structural stability and concealment. The roots glow faintly with the flow of Nethryl, their life-giving sap, which sustains both the trees and the Dovrasól.

2. Lýthvalen (Glowing World):

   • Below the Ráthenkar lies the Lýthvalen, a bioluminescent ecosystem thriving on the roots and cavern walls. Mosses, fungi, and lichens emit soft light in hues of green, blue, and amber, illuminating the darkness and supporting limited agriculture within the Ráthgarad. The Lýthvalen is vital to the Dovrasól but also harbors dangerous fauna, making it a risky zone to traverse.

3. Dovraskarn (Depthstone):

   • The Dovraskarn lies beneath the Ráthenkar and Lýthvalen, where the roots of the Nevánath burrow deep into Nevrátha’s surface. This stony, unstable region is home to the Rynvára (Sacred Flowing Waters) and Dovránar (Rivers of the Depths), vital for sustaining life. However, it is also the most perilous layer, inhabited by aggressive predators and marked by unpredictable terrain, such as hidden pits, sharp outcroppings, and sudden drops into rivers.

4. Nevthalin (Mist Path):

   • The Nevthalin are mist-filled passages that weave through the layers of the Dóvrathil, connecting the Ráthenkar, Lýthvalen, and Dovraskarn. These corridors are sacred yet treacherous, as the thick mist obscures vision and can disorient travelers. Navigation through the Nevthalin requires exceptional skill and familiarity with the terrain.

Features of the Dóvrathil

The Dóvrathil is a dynamic, living ecosystem shaped by the roots of the Nevánath and the flow of Nethryl, providing sustenance, shelter, and challenges.

• Rynvára (Sacred Flowing Waters):

  • The Rynvára are sacred lakes where the roots of the Nevánath converge, creating pools of water infused with Nethryl. These shimmering lakes are essential for both spiritual renewal and physical sustenance. The Dovrasól rely on the Rynvára for rituals and drinking water, but their isolation in the Dovraskarn makes them difficult and dangerous to access.

• Dovránar (Rivers of the Depths):

  • Underground rivers, known as the Dovránar, flow from the Rynvára through the Dóvrathil, carrying the sacred Nethryl throughout the subterranean world. These rivers connect different parts of the Dóvrathil and provide a vital source of water, but their routes are fraught with natural obstacles and predators.

• Bioluminescent Flora:

  • The glowing flora of the Lýthvalen includes mosses, fungi, and lichens that thrive on the energy of Nethryl. These plants not only light the caverns but also serve as a limited food source for the Dovrasól. Their cultivation is confined to within the Ráthgarad to ensure safety.

• Concealment by the Nevánath:

  • The Nevánath conceal the Ráthgarad beneath their massive root systems, shielding them from predators and rival groups. This natural camouflage is enhanced by the strategic placement of entrances within the Ráthenkar, making the settlements nearly impossible to locate without intimate knowledge of their locations.

Challenges of the Dóvrathil

Living in the Dóvrathil is a constant battle against environmental and predatory threats, requiring the Dovrasól to maintain a deep connection with their surroundings.

• Predatory Fauna:

  • The Dovraskarn and Nevthalin are inhabited by dangerous creatures adapted to the darkness and mist, making hunting and gathering perilous tasks.

• Treacherous Terrain:

  • The unstable ground, sharp outcroppings, and hidden dangers of the Dovraskarn pose constant risks to those who venture beyond the safety of the Ráthgarad.

• Mist and Disorientation:

  • The thick mist of the Nevthalin obscures vision and dampens sound, making navigation a challenge even for experienced Dovrasól.

• Resource Scarcity:

  • The limited availability of safe agricultural zones within the Ráthgarad forces the Dovrasól to rely on hunting and gathering expeditions into the more dangerous layers of the Dóvrathil.

The Ráthgarad: Sanctuaries of Survival

The Ráthgarad are the only settlements of the Dovrasól, serving as fortified sanctuaries that provide shelter, sustenance, and a connection to the Nevánath. Built beneath the largest and oldest Nevánath, the Ráthgarad represent the intersection of safety and spiritual significance in the Dóvrathil.

• Protected by the Nevánath:

  • The Nevánath not only sustain the Ráthgarad through the flow of Nethryl but also protect them by concealing their locations and deterring external threats with their vast root systems.

• Self-Sustaining Ecosystems:

  • Within the Ráthgarad, bioluminescent crops are cultivated in small, controlled zones, while water from the Dovránar and Rynvára sustains the population. Hunting and gathering are conducted in large, coordinated groups to minimize risk and maximize resource collection.

• Strategic Design:

  • The Ráthgarad are designed to blend seamlessly into the Ráthenkar, with hidden entrances and defensive features such as collapsible tunnels and elevated platforms. These measures ensure the safety of the inhabitants against both natural predators and rival Dovrasól.

The Dóvrathil is a realm of contrasts: luminous yet shadowed, nurturing yet dangerous. The symbiosis between the Dovrasól, the Nevánath, and their concealed Ráthgarad reflects the delicate balance required to survive in such an unforgiving environment. Every layer of the Dóvrathil plays a role in shaping the habitat of the Dovrasól, who thrive as masters of this perilous, subterranean world.

Belief of the Dovrasól

The belief system of the Dovrasól revolves around their profound connection to the Nevánath, the ancient and sacred trees that sustain their Ráthgarad. These trees exist in a unique state of semi-sentience, gaining self-awareness and memory through their symbiotic relationship with the Dovrasól who consume their Nethryl. The Cycle of Life and Death, or Vorthynár ("Eternal Return"), is the foundation of their theology, emphasizing a continuous exchange of life and essence between the Nevánath and the Dovrasól. From birth to death, the lives of the Dovrasól are inextricably tied to the tree that protects, sustains, and communes with them.

The Sacred Birth Rite: First Connection

1. Birth in the Rynvára:

   • Every Dovrasól is born into the Rynvára, the sacred pools of water infused with the Nethryl of the Nevánath. This act marks their first connection with the tree and with the Cycle of Life and Death.

   • As the newborn enters the Rynvára, they are immersed in its sacred waters, which contain the life-giving sap of the Nevánath. This moment is believed to be the beginning of their bond with the tree.

2. First Consumption of Nethryl:

   • During the birth rite, the newborn instinctively consumes the Nethryl within the Rynvára. This initial act of communion establishes a lifelong spiritual and biological connection with the Nevánath, embedding its essence into their being.

   • The Nethryl is believed to awaken their senses and align their spirit with the tree, imprinting the unique character and guidance of their Nevánath onto their identity.

3. Spiritual Awakening:

   • The Dovrasól believe that the consumption of Nethryl during birth allows the Nevánath to "see" and understand the world through the newborn. In turn, the child gains an innate awareness of the tree’s presence, creating a mutual exchange of understanding from the very beginning of life.

The Nevánath as Divine Guardians

1. A Living Memory:

   • The Nevánath stores the collective memories and essence of the Dovrasól who return to the Rynvára after death. These memories enrich the tree’s awareness and ensure its continued guidance of the community.

   • Through their unique type of sentience, the Nevánath gains self-awareness and wisdom from the lives of the Dovrasól, allowing it to act as a spiritual and practical guardian.

2. Mutual Dependence:

   • The survival of the Ráthgarad is tied to the health and vitality of the Nevánath, while the tree depends on the Dovrasól for protection and nourishment. This relationship reinforces the sacred bond between the two.

Core Beliefs

1. Vorthynár (Eternal Return):

   • Life begins and ends in the Rynvára. The Cycle of Life and Death is sustained by the Nevánath, which nourishes the living and preserves the essence of the deceased.

   • Death is not an end but a return to the roots, where the essence of a Dovrasól merges with the Nevánath, enriching its awareness and completing the cycle.

2. Nethryl as the Essence of Life:

   • Nethryl is viewed as the sacred substance that binds the Dovrasól to their Nevánath. It sustains them physically, enhances their spiritual connection, and aligns their spirits with the cycles of Nevrátha.

3. Connection Through Birth:

   • The sacred birth rite is a cornerstone of their belief system, symbolizing the eternal relationship between the Dovrasól and the Nevánath. This bond, established at birth, continues to guide and shape their lives.

Sacred Practices and Rituals

1. Vorthynár (Return of Death for Life):

   • At the end of life, the body of a deceased Dovrasól is ceremonially returned to the Rynvára, where their essence merges with the Nevánath. This act of renewal ensures the tree’s vitality and continues the cycle of life.

2. Daily Preservation of the Nevánath:

   • Worship is expressed through the daily care and protection of the Nevánath. This includes tending to its roots, ensuring the flow of Nethryl, and safeguarding it from potential threats within the Dóvrathil.

3. Nethvára (Sacred Sap Flow):

   • The communal consumption of Nethryl reinforces the bond between the Dovrasól and their Nevánath. This act aligns their spirits with the tree’s guidance and strengthens their unity as a community.

Mystical Nature of the Nevánath

1. Shared Awareness:

   • The Nevánath gains self-awareness through the Dovrasól who consume its Nethryl. Each life and experience deepens the tree’s understanding of the world, allowing it to guide its people with wisdom shaped by generations.

2. Eternal Memory:

   • By preserving the essence of the deceased, the Nevánath acts as a living archive of the community’s history, holding the memories and knowledge of countless lifetimes.

3. Sacred Sap: Nethryl:

   • The Nethryl sap serves as the physical and spiritual link between the tree and its people. It is a source of sustenance, guidance, and connection, making it central to their way of life.

Sacred Spaces

1. Rynvára (Sacred Flowing Waters):

   • The Rynvára are the holiest sites within the Ráthgarad, where life begins and ends. These pools, infused with Nethryl, are where Dovrasól are born, connected to their Nevánath, and ultimately returned in death.

2. Ráthvenar (Root Gathering Place):

   • The communal halls serve as spaces for rituals, storytelling, and reflection, reinforcing the unity of the Dovrasól and their shared bond with the Nevánath.

3. Roots of the Nevánath:

   • The sprawling roots of the Nevánath are treated with reverence and care, as they represent the lifeline of the community. Daily acts of preservation ensure their continued vitality.

Philosophy

1. Symbiosis and Balance:

   • The Dovrasól believe their existence is a mutual exchange with the Nevánath. They rely on the tree for sustenance and guidance while ensuring its protection and preservation.

2. Unity Through the Cycle:

   • The Cycle of Life and Death, beginning at birth in the Rynvára and ending in the same sacred waters, symbolises the unity of the Dovrasól with their tree and their community.

3. Strength in Connection:

   • The bond formed during the birth rite is the foundation of a Dovrasól’s identity and resilience. Through their connection to the Nevánath, they find purpose, guidance, and strength.

The beliefs of the Dovrasól emphasize their eternal connection to the Nevánath, beginning with their birth in the Rynvára and culminating in their return to the sacred waters. This theology of mutual dependence and the Cycle of Life and Death defines their identity, ensuring the survival of both their people and their sacred guardians.