History

The family was once large and mighty, covering most of the snowy land they called their own in Romania. An earthquake caused the mountain they lived on and around to shake and the snow to slide into an avalanche. The fast-moving snow killed off a huge number of their family members and those who were left were split up. Over time some found each other. They started seeking a place that wasn't built on the corpses of their own. Finding Amaryllis offers the Monteanu family a new chance and a new start to rebuild what they once knew.

Physical Appearance
Ultimately, they’re very wolfish in appearance although the range of colors varies widely.

Common markings include:
» Face Mask
» Helmet
» Feathering on saddle
» Saddle
» Socks or stockings
» Dark tail
» Fluffy
» Dorsal marking
» “Butt” marking
» Males are Large. Females are medium to large.
» Brightly colored eyes. While solid colors are most common, heterochromia is seen randomly.

An heirloom gene that occurs in almost every Monteanu is an upward marking by the arm/shoulder that joins a “saddle” marking with the underside.


Culture, Family and System
Romanian name origins, focusing on elemental meanings (ex. Codrin means forest, Petru means stone)

Overall, the Monteanu are a patriarchal society that values their family and their future. Bloodlines are also especially important, an innate value being that only the strongest and most capable are permitted to continue the name.

The Monteanu, as a whole, are generally monogamous, family-oriented, and distrustful of outsiders.

Gender Roles

⦁ Males are expected to be the pillars of their prides and family units, acting as protectors and defenders and valued highly for their strength and capability. Males are the ultimate authority and leaders, and most pursue the Master Trade of Outlaw, while also considering trades of Barbarian, Paladin, Sleuth and weaker males consider Cleric, Bard, or Medic.

⦁ Females are highly regarded for their capability as partners, support systems, hunters, and fighters, but only an incredibly accomplished female would earn the respect as Advisor (a female’s highest honor). Females are taught self-defense, although they generally pursue the more “domestic” Master trades of Pathfinder, Ranger, or Medic. They often consider Sleuth, Ambassador, Assassin, or Paladin.

⦁ Males and females alike are taught self-defense, and generally encouraged to learn the ways of battle.

⦁ Females are seen as subservient (albeit loved/respected) until proven otherwise. Even females that have not proven themselves are valued higher than an outsider's female.

Marriage & Reproduction

⦁ Monteanu males and females only take one spouse, unless a tragedy or unforeseen circumstance occurs (death, infidelity, betrayal, etc.). It is not uncommon (although frowned upon) for males to “fool around” if they are not married. If this results in cubs, see below. For females, this behavior is frowned upon for any reason and the females run the risk of being left on their own. If they and their cubs are accepted, see below.

⦁ Females can only marry if their suitor is either picked or approved by the Patriarch or Second. Females do not elope or would forever cast away the Monteanu name and family.

⦁ If an “outsider” wants to marry a Monteanu woman (and the marriage was not previously arranged/agreed upon), he has to battle a Monteanu man picked by the Patriarch to ensure that he is worthy.

⦁ Males are honor-bound to choose a wife that will benefit the family line, whether it is through political alliance or the woman’s own individual strengths/capabilities. Generally, the marriage should be approved by the Patriarch or Second. This is not required, but the wife may be ostracized by the family otherwise. The main exception to this would be the Cleric, if he wishes to marry he needs to find a strong female to marry and have her approved by Patriarch.

⦁ Same-sex affairs are allowed, however, because the obligation to the family is compelling, the Monteanu would still be expected to continue the line in an appropriate manner. This is a caveat that only exists until the Monteanu discover Maua.

Cubs

⦁ Cubs born within marriages claim the last name Monteanu.

⦁ Cubs born outside marriages claim the last name Volca (if born out of wedlock by a Monteanu woman) or Volcav (if born out of wedlock by a Monteanu man). They are also referred to as mongrels, and while they’ll be raised and claimed by the family, they will also be treated as a lesser class.

Religion

⦁ A Monteanu male born within the family who does not possess the natural gifts of the others (read: weaker) is expected to pursue the role of Cleric. Although not strength based, it is still an honorable role to hold and this male is respected within the family, especially amongst the most devout.

⦁ The amount of faith each member holds varies, although all are religious to a certain extent.

Roles
⦁ The Patriarch (Petru) is the leader of the family, and generally held by the oldest male. His word is the ultimate law, and he is the protector of the family’s way of life. His master trade is Outlaw.

⦁ The Second in Command (“Second”) is often the brother of the Patriarch or another close and trusted relative. When the Patriarch is unavailable, the Second is the one in charge. His master trade is Outlaw.

⦁ The Patriarch & the Second make larger decisions together, often with the counsel of the Advisor.

⦁ The Advisor is the head of the females and is often the oldest female. She is expected to keep the Monteanu females in line, care for cubs, supervise, train and handle hunts – or delegate those tasks accordingly. She often gives advice to the Patriarch and Second, and while her advice is more often than not respected and considered, it ultimately does not override the authority of either male.

⦁ Disrespect for the family leaders is handled with extreme punishment.

Common Personality Traits
» Stubborn
» Proud
» Stoic
» Loyal
» Level-headed
» Practical
» Straight-forward
» Respectful of Authority
» Strong-willed
» Battle-ready
» Determined
» Pride/family-oriented

Punishment Clause!
The Monteanu family has rules and standards that must be followed. Not doing so could be cause for a maim or dm. The family may use violent punishment to make sure the point gets across and while banishment from the family is uncommon, major maims would not be. By adopting a member of the family you agree that the Patriarch, the Second, and in some cases the Advisor can start a maim (minor or major) or a DM without prior permission needed regardless of PvP level.

DM reasons -
Treason. (Killing a family member)

Maim reasons -
Directly disobeying a leader, depending on the level will depend on if a warning is given or not.
Trying to abandon or break family ties
Placing the family or a family member in harm's way
Discussing private family matters to an outsider

(This list is just a guide for items, ICly it may be different things. These reasons may be expanded upon if things happen ICly that call for it)


Current Family Tree
Coming!

The Monteanu family was started by Ice with lots of help from Poe and Rico.
Founding family member players all had a hand in shaping the family into what you see today.
Founding members: Ice. Rico. KitDrifty. Nova. Squid. Zay. Kitsune.

This will be updated as the family grows and changes.

Check out our adoptables!