Wardens of the Gloaming
The depths of the firmament above
The veins of the earth below
O Warden, make of these your fang and hide
The First Lesson
In the heart of the canyonlands, the Wardens of the Gloaming make their home.
Generations spent in the desert have had a massive impact on their pack's culture and practices. The seven Lessons are their way of passing that learned wisdom down to the next generation. All Wardens are encouraged to keep these lessons in their heart and in their songs.
As you enter their territory in light of the setting sun, you hear a chorus of howls rising on the wind.
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The earth offers shade to cool you and water to slake your thirst
Accept His gifts and you needn't fear the day, dear one
The Denfather's Lesson
Wardens prefer to stay underground during the day and only leave their dens after the sun has set. This helps them avoid the blistering heat. A network of caves in the depths of their canyon home provide plenty of shelter. Their main source of water is a huge underground lake. They consider the ground to be a loving, kind god. It's common for pups born into the Wardens to be named after types of stone or other underground things.
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Yours is the night, Warden
It muffles your steps and conceals your thoughts
They will never see you coming
The Huntress' Lesson
Hunting at night has its challenges, but a skilled night hunter can use the darkness to their advantage. Many wardens have very dark fur, which is often seen as a blessing because it helps them blend in. Dark fur is not a requirement, though: many beloved members of the pack have fur that stands out in the night.
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Do not shun those that walk different paths than yours, Warden
They know Lessons that you were never taught
The Mentor's Lesson
Wardens are expected to be welcoming to travelers. Turning away a stranger in need is seen as a grave transgression, especially the young, sick, or elderly. They are also encouraged to seek out mates from outside the pack, though the expectation is that they will probably raise their pups without that mate. Outsiders who do choose the join the Wardens are generally welcomed.
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Walk in the light of the stars and you will find your way home
The Wayfinder's Lesson
Wardens have a long tradition of navigating by the stars. Their second god is the sky, and his stars are their compass. It's common for Warden pups to be named for these stars.
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Warden, walk in the prints of the ones that walked before you
You are fortunate to have their wisdom as your guide
The Healer's Lesson
Passing down knowledge to the younger generations is very culturally important to the Wardens. They keep detailed records of those who have gone before in their songs and on the walls of their cave homes. They value treating the old and experienced with respect.
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Warden, you were born of the deep
Return the bones of your fellows to the earth
This is the final gift you can give to them
The Final Lesson
When a Warden dies, they are initially left for the scavengers. However, once their bones have been picked completely clean, their packmates let them fall into the underground lake that is their main source of water. This is seen as a last show of love and respect for their fallen family member. However, Wardens who ask not to be entombed like this have their wishes respected.
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