Ancestors of Albion
This document was written before the chosing of the Trinity of Albion in 1106. This documents remains for posterity.
The ancestors of Albion are many and varied. With the arrival of the Empire into this land, patron ancestors of Albion have also awoken to claim Albion as their own.
Nurturing Ancestors
Many of the Ancestors of Albion could be described as nurturing ancestors. Their primary aims are to look after the people of the land defend and heal them.
The Mother
The Mother has been worshipped in Albion since the forming of the Empire of Man.
She is commonly worshipped in three forms … the Maiden – a bearer of arms that can fight along side the warriors, giving them healing on the field of battle; the Mother – a nuturer of children and patron of healing; and the Crone – the lady of wisdom. Rarely worshiped in current times, the Crone represents the protection of the dead.
The Mother is most strongly worshipped in the east of Albion.
Nethras
Nethras was the patron of the tribes of Albion before the forming of the Empire. When the Mother was weakened by the Void Entity, Nethras made a resurgence.
Although at first hostile to the people of Albion, many members of Albion society have worked with her and her followers, and she has grown in both strength and acceptance. This is especially in Gloucester which is the stronghold of her worship.
Like The Mother she has three forms … the Maiden is a warrior who will lead others in battle; the Mother is the guardian of hearth and home; and the Crone is the bringer of death and lady of wisdom.
Igraine
In Cornwall, worship of Igraine as a primary ancestor is becoming more prevalent. She is seen as a guardian of Cornwall and a protector of its people, and is as much as symbol of freedom and she is an Ancestor.
Igraine is the regarded as the she who will fight for the people of Cornwall, heal their wounds and watch over them when they pass over.
Wild Ancestors
A second group of ancestors of Albion are the wild ancestors. These are primarly the guardians of the wild places and the creatures that call Albion their home.
The Hunter
The Hunter has been worshipped in Albion since the founding of the Empire. He was often seen to be an aspect of Tebron (the ancestor of the occupying soldiers) and Albertus Hroc, the self proclaimed Pendragon, is known to follow The Hunter and be blessed by him.
The Hunter was corrupted by the Void Entity, but unlike the other ancestors of the time his followers killed his mortal body so he could be reborn.
The Hunter has four aspects which he has revelaed to his followers. The Alpha – the leader of the Hunt; the Consort – the partner and protector of The Mother; the Woodsman – the protector of the woods; and finally, the Trickster – who shows the weaknesses of an enemy so that they may be exploited.
The trickster aspect is the weakest of The Hunter’s forms and it is believed that Puck has stolen this role for himself.
The Green Man
The Green Man is an ancestor of the ancient tribes of Albion. At its height it was the strongest of the ancestors and, even trapped by imperial enchantment, he managed still to teach The Hunter how to hunt in the wild.
The Green Man is still respected by many in rural areas and superstitions relating to him are common across Albion.
It is thought that The Green Man has been driven mad by The Enchantment Of Albion and is thrashing out against anything he perceives as a threat. The destruction of the towns of Elf’s Rest and Castleford in the summer 1105 was attributed to the actions of The Green Man and his followers.
Mannanan
Mannanan is an ancestor of the seas and is known to be a cruel master. Along mainly costal areas many will throw tribute to him to make sure that the seas do not
After the salting of the land in Cornwall, many believe that the tidal waves that lash the coast are a manifestaiton of his wrath, and his worship in Cornwall is growing.
Ancestors of Change
The third group of ancestors represent change. These are the most varied of the ancestors and the seem to reflect the lives of their followers during the time they were primarly worshipp.ed.
Puck
Once a lowly forest sprite, Puck has somehow managed to elevate his station to become one of the major ancestors of Albion.
There is much resentment to his status from many quarters of Albion, but his loyalty to the land has never been in doubt and often he acted in its defence.
Puck seeks to inpsire others to better themselves, not only by nuturing their hopes and dreams but also by mocking supidity, laziness and dogma wherever he encounters them.
Puck is worshiped across Albion although, due to his nature, his followers are not great in numbers.
The Architect
The Architect was originally an Imperial ancestor and one that lost much power after the destruction of the Empire. He represents wealth, prosperity and civilisation … and encourages his followers to see such things as signs of personal growth.
Worship of the Architect is on the increase, especially in the southern duchies of Cornwall and Winchester. He is however often shunned by Albion’s more tribal races (such as the elves).
Taranis
Taranis – like the Archetect – is a previously thought dead ancestor. The Void entity took the forms of both these ancestors, but when it was defeated the followers tried to find the truth behind their worship. Taranis is the lord of the storms and the mists, and like Mannanan expects tribute.
He believes that destruction allows rebuilding and rebirth, and encourages people to put aside the old in favour of newer, stronger and better ways.
Taranis does not have very strong worship in Albion but it is obviously growing – especially in Cornwall.
The White Dragon
Seemingly a fairly new ancestor to Albion, the White Dragon has called several nobles to himself.
The White Dragon is worshipped by a small minority in Gloucester and Keswick – but it has become increasingly obvious that he has had links with other ancestors in Albion in the past.
The details of such ties are not widely known and It may be that there are things about the White Dragon that his followers do not know, or will not admit.
| Reann ap Nimh, High Incantor of Albion Summer 1105 |