vedvevs

Vedvevs is a term appearing in speculative fiction and game lore to denote a structured system of ritual knowledge and the priestly lineage that preserves it. In the canonical texts of the setting, vedvevs refers both to the body of rules and to the individuals who interpret and enact them. The concept combines a cosmology of celestial cycles with practical codes for ritual preparation, initiation, and community dispute resolution.

Etymology: Vedvevs is a constructed term created for the setting. Linguists within the fiction trace it to the language family of a northern archipelago, where the root ved- is associated with light or guardianship, and the suffix -evs marks a plural, collective role.

Practice: The vedvevs maintain astronomical tables and ceremonial tools, and oversee rites of passage from birth to elderhood. Ritual cycles are tied to solstices and harvests, with ceremonies conducted in temples or open plazas and led by senior vedvevs known as keepers of the path.

Cultural role: The vedvevs wield social authority, serving as historians, educators, and judges. Their interpretations can influence political decisions and the legitimacy of rulers, though rival factions sometimes challenge their authority and reinterpret the lore. They are frequently depicted in fiction as guardians of hidden knowledge, symbols, and artifacts.

In media: The term appears across novels, role-playing games, and fan content, usually as a folkloric or mystical element within the world’s lore.