The Northern House of Evershade
House Septentrio
Pronunciation: sep-TEN-tree-oh
SEPTENTRIO • AER • HIEMS
North | Air | Winter | Night
Wisdom • Perspective • Independence • Clarity
Welcome to House Septentrio
In the northern halls of the School of Evershade lies House Septentrio, the House of Air and Winter.
Inspired by northern skies, distant horizons, and the quiet landscapes of winter, Septentrio honors wisdom, perspective, independence, and clarity. It is a House that encourages curiosity, thoughtful observation, and the confidence to explore ideas from different points of view.
Its identity draws from the history of navigation, the geography of the far north, and the stars that have helped people find their way for centuries.
Whether these ideals already feel familiar or are qualities you hope to develop, Septentrio welcomes scholars who choose to make it their home.
The House Record
The Name Septentrio
The North and the Seven Stars
The name Septentrio comes from Latin and means north. Its origins are traditionally associated with septem, meaning seven, and triones, meaning plowing oxen, referring to seven prominent stars of Ursa Major, commonly recognized as the Big Dipper.
These stars have long been important in northern navigation. By observing their position in relation to Polaris, the North Star, travelers can locate the direction north.
At Evershade, this connection inspired Septentrio's identity. Just as the northern stars have helped travelers find their bearings, the House encourages scholars to seek knowledge, consider different perspectives, and develop their own sense of direction.
The name therefore reflects both a genuine historical connection to the northern sky and Evershade's chosen ideals of wisdom, perspective, independence, and clarity.
The Northern Lands
Direction: North
Septentrio draws its geographical inspiration from the northern regions of the world, particularly the Arctic and subarctic environments of the Northern Hemisphere.
Its associated landscapes include boreal forests, Arctic tundra, frozen coastlines, northern mountain ranges, and wide expanses of open sky.
Across these regions, seasonal changes in daylight can be dramatic. Areas within the Arctic Circle experience periods when the Sun remains above or below the horizon for at least a full day, depending on the location and season.
The aurora borealis, or northern lights, is another well-known feature of high northern latitudes. These displays occur when charged particles interact with Earth's magnetic environment and atmosphere, producing light in the sky.
Evershade draws upon these landscapes and natural phenomena for Septentrio's colors, artwork, and atmosphere.
Although its identity is inspired by the north, Septentrio welcomes scholars from every part of the world.
The Element of Air
Aer
Air is one of the four classical elements recognized in several ancient philosophical traditions. Unlike the chemical elements identified by modern science, the classical elements were part of early attempts to explain the natural world.
Within Evershade, Air represents freedom of thought, movement, curiosity, and the ability to approach a subject from different perspectives.
Wind moves across landscapes and beyond boundaries. From a high vantage point, a familiar place can appear entirely different.
These qualities make Air a fitting element for Septentrio, particularly in its associations with independence and perspective.
Air also connects the House to its creature, the gyrfalcon, and its elevated Common Room, the Aerie.
The Season of Winter
Hiems
Septentrio is associated with winter and the months of December, January, and February, following the Northern Hemisphere's meteorological seasons.
In northern regions, winter often brings shorter days, lower temperatures, and dramatic changes in the landscape. Some animals migrate, others alter their behavior, and many plants enter periods of dormancy.
Although winter may appear quiet, the natural world remains active beneath the surface.
Evershade chose winter for Septentrio because of its associations with patience, reflection, careful observation, and endurance.
The season complements the House's emphasis on thoughtful study and the understanding that meaningful discoveries sometimes require time.
The winter months are symbolic associations, not requirements for membership. Scholars born in any season may choose Septentrio.
The Hour of Septentrio
Night • The Northern Stars
Each House of Evershade represents a period within the daily cycle.
Oriens is associated with morning and the rising Sun. Meridies represents midday, when the Sun reaches its highest daily position. Occidens represents evening and the setting Sun.
Septentrio completes the cycle through its association with night.
Unlike the other three names, Septentrio does not refer to the Sun's position or a particular time of day. Its connection comes from the northern stars associated with its Latin name.
At night, stars become visible when conditions are sufficiently dark and clear. In northern skies, circumpolar stars appear to travel around the north celestial pole without setting below the horizon.
Evershade chose night to represent Septentrio because of this relationship with astronomy and navigation.
For the House, night symbolizes observation, contemplation, and the pursuit of understanding.
The Colors of Septentrio
The Tradition of Shades
Each of Evershade's four Houses follows a different principle of color: shades, tints, hues, or tones.
Septentrio is the House of Shades.
In traditional color theory, a shade is produced by adding black to a hue, creating a darker variation of the original color.
Evershade chose deep jewel shades for Septentrio, inspired by northern skies, winter landscapes, and the rich colors of gemstones.
Midnight Navy
The deep darkness of the northern night sky.
Sapphire
Rich blue associated with clear winter skies and the brilliance of blue gemstones.
Amethyst
Deep violet inspired by twilight and the varied colors of northern light.
Dark Emerald
The enduring green of northern evergreen forests.
Together, these colors give Septentrio a rich, atmospheric identity.
The palette is not restricted to four specific colors. Other deep jewel shades may appear in House artwork, decorations, and student creations.
Antique gold remains part of Evershade's shared heraldic tradition and appears in the House crest and official insignia.
The Four Virtues
Perspective
Understanding through different points of view.
Perspective allows us to consider an idea, event, or problem from more than one position.
Septentrio values the willingness to examine unfamiliar viewpoints and recognize that a different perspective may reveal something previously overlooked.
Wisdom
Knowledge guided by understanding.
Wisdom involves more than collecting facts. It means asking questions, evaluating information, learning from experience, and recognizing what remains unknown.
Septentrio encourages scholars to pursue knowledge thoughtfully and remain open to discovery.
Independence
The freedom to think and discover.
Independence means developing the confidence to question, investigate, and form one's own conclusions.
It does not require isolation. Independent thinkers can learn from others, cooperate, and contribute to a shared community.
Clarity
Seeing and communicating with understanding.
Clarity involves careful observation, recognizing important details, distinguishing evidence from assumptions, and expressing ideas accurately.
Septentrio encourages scholars to seek understanding rather than simply accepting the first available answer.
The Virtues of a House. These virtues are ideals that Septentrio celebrates, not personality requirements. A scholar may already identify with them, wish to strengthen them, or simply appreciate what they represent. No Everspark is expected to embody every virtue perfectly.
Meet Alaric
The Gyrfalcon of Septentrio
The gyrfalcon is the largest species of falcon in the world. It inhabits northern regions of Europe, Asia, and North America, where it hunts across open landscapes, tundra, and rocky terrain.
Gyrfalcons are powerful birds of prey with keen eyesight. Their plumage varies from pale white to gray and darker forms, making them especially striking inhabitants of northern environments.
Evershade selected the gyrfalcon as Septentrio's House creature because of its northern habitat, remarkable vision, and connection to the open sky.
These characteristics provide a fitting representation of the House's associations with Air, perspective, and independence.
What Does Alaric Mean?
Alaric is a name of Germanic origin, derived from the Gothic name Alareiks. It is commonly interpreted as "ruler of all."
The name has historical associations with leadership, most notably through Alaric I, king of the Visigoths.
Within Evershade, the meaning complements Alaric's role as the named creature of Septentrio and the House's emphasis on independent judgment and thoughtful leadership.
Alaric appears in the House's heraldry, artwork, and official symbols.
The Crest of Septentrio
Symbols of the Northern House
The crest of Septentrio brings together the House's northern identity and the shared heraldic traditions of Evershade.
Its traditional shield and antique-gold detailing establish its place among the school's four Houses.
The eight-point Evershade star represents the connection between Septentrio and the wider school.
Alaric the gyrfalcon serves as the House's principal creature emblem, while northern and celestial motifs reflect its associations with the sky, winter, and navigation.
Deep jewel shades distinguish Septentrio from the other Houses.
The crest is an official symbol of House identity and may appear on documents, artwork, announcements, and House materials.
The Aerie
Common Room of House Septentrio
The Aerie is Septentrio's official Common Room, located within the northern halls of Evershade.
An aerie is the nest of a bird of prey, often found in an elevated or difficult-to-reach location. The name was chosen to reflect the House's connection to Alaric the gyrfalcon and the element of Air.
The Aerie serves as a gathering place for Septentrio scholars to share discoveries, discuss their studies, participate in House activities, and contribute to their community.
While it primarily serves Septentrio, visiting scholars from other Houses may explore the space.
The Aerie is distinct from the Quadrivium, the shared student commons available to every Everspark.
Head of House
Professor Thistleloom Webblethorn
Professor of Runes & Ancient Writing
Professor Thistleloom Webblethorn serves as Head of House Septentrio.
As a professor of ancient writing systems, she guides scholars through the study of historical scripts, inscriptions, and the ways civilizations have recorded and preserved information.
Her field requires careful observation, interpretation, and an appreciation for the many ways people have communicated across time.
These academic pursuits complement Septentrio's virtues of wisdom, perspective, independence, and clarity.
As Head of House, Professor Webblethorn helps guide the Septentrio community, encourages participation, and supports the development of its activities and traditions.
Her classroom, like every classroom at Evershade, remains open to all scholars regardless of House membership.
House Life & Traditions
Septentrio's identity is established, but many of its traditions are still being formed.
Its scholars will help shape the activities, customs, and shared experiences that become part of the House's history.
Future traditions may include seasonal observations, collaborative projects, academic challenges, creative activities, and contributions to the wider Evershade community.
Some may become annual customs, while others may develop naturally through the interests of House members.
Those who join Septentrio during its early years have an opportunity to help establish traditions that future scholars may continue.
Choosing Septentrio
Every scholar at the School of Evershade is an Everspark, whether they belong to a House or not.
House membership is entirely optional.
The Evershade Sorting may recommend Septentrio based on a scholar's responses, but it does not assign membership. Scholars are welcome to explore all four Houses and choose whichever community appeals to them.
There are no restrictions based on birthplace, birth month, academic interests, or personality.
Choosing Septentrio does not determine which classes a scholar may attend. Every classroom remains open to every Everspark.
House membership simply offers another way to participate in the school community.
The Four Houses of Evershade
Four directions. Four elements. Four seasons. Four periods of the day.
Four Houses within one school.
Every scholar is an Everspark first.
Scientia antiqua scintilla discendi renovatur.
House Septentrio Scholar Files
From the school gift shop — printable scholar's files, $2.95 each. Print at home on US Letter paper. Personal use. The lessons are free at schoolofevershade.squarespace.com.
The Way Back
The Quadrivium
↓ Head south, back the way you came — the whole school meets there.
Winter Is Septentrio’s Season
From December through February the house gathers in the Aerie — and its season’s games live there, on the Aerie shelf.
Visit the Aerie