Salsola

Like the Pictou river that flows down from Halcyon, the secretive kin of Salsola proved their adaptability, constancy, and coldness again in 2014. The year started off under the stony reign of Salvia, the Thistle Kingdom's formidable and iron-willed Queen. Tensions rose beneath the pack's icy surface as ambitious heir, Lokr Revlis, vied for a position of favor and forged a greater foe in the likes of the scheming Sotto Capo witches, Siv Helsi and Isabella Heiwa. Early in the year, the form of a catalyst came as Basilaris Eternity, long-lost brother of the Queen, returned with a stranger from across the oceans. It was soon after their return that Salvia took the stranger, now known to be Stannis de le Poer and son of Inferni's previous Aquila, as her mate.

The unexpected mateship caused chaos in Salsola's upper ranks, with Lokr humiliating himself at the pack's corresponding Last Supper, and the Sotto Capo plotting to get their Queen with pups so as to distract her ever-keen attentions. Meanwhile, the pack suffered the sudden and heartbreaking loss of father and mate Imhotep Aabt, who passed away in his sleep due to a failure of his heart. His mate, Odessa D'Angelo, and sons Ankh and Sol, were left in mourning.

Further trouble came from a cruel jackal attacking Itachi Lykoi's daughter, Violeta, and severely wounding her. A manhunt was set for the attacker, and the incident reminded all Salsolans of the need to be suspicious and careful when dealing with those not of the Family. This poor news and the loss of Imhotep were amended only by the new lives brought into Salsola in 2014 - During the year, 6 new litters were born!

In an attempt to redeem himself from his earlier shame, Lokr Revlis began making active trades for the pack, corresponding closely with trading partners in Freetown. After discussing a clever idea with the Queen, Salvia agreed to Lokr's suggestion that Salsola found the first pack-owned trading outpost. A location was found near the mouth of Rockport Cove, a mere 8 miles from the central Freetown Docks. Salvia sent her trusted Henchman Aedan de Valence to settle the new trade point, and Aedan took his mate Wisteria and daughter Claire, leaving behind her more independent sister, Delphinium D'Angelo. Odessa also chose to accompany the troupe, using it as a way to escape her grief and nostalgia. The pack experienced a further boon with the Drifter Bay roundup, increasing the wealth and value of the horseflesh belonging to the Family and strengthening bonds with neighboring pack and ally, Inferni.

With the oncoming of Winter, change once more took a hold of the pack. After proving his loyalty and ferocity, Lokr was promoted to Lord Commander of the pack, serving as the right hand of the Queen. This announcement was made at the pack's end-of-Autumn Last Supper, where the new ranks that Lokr and Salvia had been working on were also revealed. Ambitious Salsolans have been quick to leap up the ladder towards the Sotto Capo - But who will take their place among the ruling elite in the year to come?

Ankh D'Aabt

(Favorite Thread)

"I ask not for a lighter burden, but for broader shoulders."

Art by Alaine

Artemisia Eternity

(Favorite Thread)

The key to all power is knowledge.

Art by Sie

Azucena Lykoi

(Favorite Thread)

"Oh, you’re leaving again?"

Art by Nat & Raze

Basilaris Eternity

(Favorite Thread)

Even if it seems certain that you will lose, retaliate. Neither wisdom nor technique has a place in this. A real man does not think of victory or defeat. He plunges recklessly towards an irrational death.

Art by Alaine