Asraiah

A S R A I A H ^the H U N T S M A N

BIOGRAPHY
Asraiah Snowkeep. The name rings throughout the Clan of Veiled Echoes, along with the word leader. This young man wasn't always as revered as he is now, however. Asra was once just an egg lost in the snow, the frigid weather so utterly cold that a thick layer of ice covered the thin egg he had been contained in. Eventually, Asra, a determined whelp, broke his way through the egg and participated in his first lone hunt, even though it was simply a rabbit he took down. From there on, Asraiah wandered the Frigid Floes, hunting, selling most of the hides he had collected, having some of the nicer ones crafted into armor to keep him warm and protect him on his hunts. Asra has made it clear to many that he will never leave the Icewarden's lands, but he may be convinced yet.

It wasn't until Asra's nearly fatal encounter with a yeti that he met the Ice Witch exile, a young woman named Curza. Asra hasn't much cared for religion, but Curza, who quickly became his best and strongest ally, was a devout follower of the Icewarden, believing her abilities to be a gift from the deity. With hormones being what they are, the pair has coupled once before, producing three offspring. Two of these have ascended to aid the Icewarden, while one has left home to venture out into the world. Asra is skittish of his progeny leaving, but Curza has taught him that the Icewarden provides for their children, as it is an incredible honor to be chosen for exaltation.

The Clan of Veiled Echoes, named for the silent stalker that is the Huntsman, and the swift demise that Ice Witch brings, is located on a rather large chunk of ice that tends to gravitate where ever the tide moves. With Curza's magic and the craftiness of Asraiah the Huntsman, their iceberg doesn't melt and shrink. They are able to build fur-lined huts and create caverns in the larger parts of the iceberg, able to remain warm without much aid from fire. The largest cavern belongs to Asra and the most ornate hut belongs to Curza. Occasionally, Asra will share his chambers with another male, perhaps a traveler or an ambassador from a nearby clan; Curza does not take offense, as she takes other lovers as she pleases too. The relationship between Curza and Asraiah is fluid and open, so long as progeny is produced between the two of them and a worthy heir to the clan is produced.

Asra demands that any who remain in the clan contribute in some way. Whether it be aiding him in his hunts or gathering materials for coin or for Curza's brewing, each clansman and clanswoman must put something on the table. Asra is the primary guardian of the clan, despite not having found his charge; Curza's wards around their territory, however, protect them just as well as Asra's deadly arrows. Trade is generally open with this clan, as Asra is something of a neutral force. He will trade with anyone, regardless of flight, so long as he can find a beneficial trade for his clan. Exaltation in the Clan of Veiled Echoes is an honored tradition, and most individuals within the clan that cannot contribute tend to opt instead to ascend, giving them a higher purpose while still providing a small bit of wealth to the clan.

Asra is ultimately a kind and just man, and he welcomes any who will join him in the Clan of Veiled Echoes.