
World
THE ANGEL SWORN
Deep in the mountains lies a valley with a secret to immortality—Clairvaux—where the Queen Mother reigns supreme. Hidden within the cliffs and rocky paths and shrouded by waterfalls, the Gallows Tree grows immortal fruit, but only the loyal angel sworn can partake and live forever, weaving magic with grafting wands and bonding to animals in order to borrow their powers while balancing the good in all living things.
But a lurking evil is coming that will change everything they believe about the past, the present, and the future.
Locations in Angel Sworn

Clairvaux
a secret valley hidden in a vast snow-peaked mountain range where the Gallows Tree grows. It is the sanctuary of the angel sworn, those who have entered into covenants to serve the Queen Mother in exchange for perpetual youth.

Ecbatana
a flourishing trading city in the heart of a vast network of trade routes. The city has seven walls to protect the wealth safeguarded inside.

Montheron
an island fortress of the angel sworn in Lake Beatriz commanded by Captain Odeon. It defends the opening to the only pass leading to the valley of Clairvaux and has successfully withstood any attack.

Tirich Mir
a range of mountains in a distant land where tribal people controlled by tyrannical warlords were in a constant state of violence. Until the angel sworn destroyed them.

Vikander
a country of superstitious warriors living in the shadow of mountains and deep fjords. They believe in the existence of lych-gates and fear anything living that cannot die.
CHARACTER ARCHETYPES

Healers
the angel sworn who study the variety of plants and herbs that cure injuries and disease. They leave Clairvaux to be of service to anyone suffering.

The Morgarten
the angel sworn who defend Clairvaux and the Gallows Tree from any threat.

Long Patrol
hunters loyal to the Queen Mother who defend the mountains and its passes, and who venture into the wide world to observe what humanity is plotting against each other.

Curia Regis
judges chosen by the hierarchy of the angel sworn to rule towns and villages and settle disputes.

High Council
the formal hierarchy of the angel sworn to decide which orphans or tributes are chosen to be admitted, what service they can perform, and to decide which matters are urgent enough for the Queen Mother to act upon.
Magic & Lore
In the Origin of the angel sworn is told of how the Oldknow created the gardens of Clairvaux where a serpent tempted the first father and mother to eat of the fruit of knowledge. The man ate and was exiled. The woman did not and became the Queen Mother. She continued to tend the garden and protected the Gallows Tree. Partaking of its fruit could reverse someone’s age all the way to infancy if the entire fruit was devoured. The angel sworn have committed to live and serve and follow the covenants of the valley. In exchange, they can regularly partake of the fruit of eternal youth.
Each angel sworn and those in training are given a distaff, also called a grafting wand. With it, they can harness the attributes of animal life—the flight of birds, the speed of a hare, the ferocity of a bear through a union called bonding which is temporary and causes both to experience pain. Individuals have natural affinities to certain creatures. When someone is bound to those animals they have a natural affinity for, the bonding is easier and lasts longer. Only the angel sworn can use distaffs for the Oldknow gave them dominion over the beasts of the field, the fowls of the air, and all living creatures.
Cast of Characters

Cimree
a healer in training on the verge of making her final oaths to the Queen Mother.

Queen Mother
ruler of Clairvaux and guardian of the Gallows Tree

Trinati
the arch-angel of the Queen Mother who leads the High Council

Odeon
captain in charge of the fortress of Montheron, defender of Clairvaux

Azra
a fallen angel