On Allowing Flamebrands as Heirlooms

[AstriaS 4988]

 

In recent days, the question has arisen of the possibility of allowing a newly ordained Keeper to take a deceased relative’s Flamebrand as his own. As no precedent on this matter has been previously set, it must be addressed swiftly so as to ensure that the question is not simply tabled and given no answer. However, in the consideration of the issue, a number of other concerns have arisen, which need to be addressed.

Firstly, there is the matter of those of the laity, who, following the death of a Keeper within their family, wish to keep and maintain the flame within said relation’s flamebrand. This is a matter that must be carefully considered on a case-by-case basis. While this could be interpreted as a desire to honor the deceased relative, it could just as easily be a simple desire to keep a symbol of status. In the worst of cases, the desire to keep the flamebrand may be born of a desire to attempt to impersonate a Keeper. Thus the decision to allow keeping the Flamebrand must be very carefully considered, based on the potential for harm. Furthermore, given the singular importance of the All Father’s flame, the decision, if it is to be made, must be made by a Keeper of requisite seniority and experience, namely a Hearth Keeper or superior. In the vast majority of cases, it should be considered unwise to allow a flamebrand to be kept by any member of the laity. However, should it be decided that a flamebrand is to be given into the care of a particular individual or clan, then those persons responsible for the flamebrand’s care shall be sworn to oaths before the All Father. To break or fail to uphold these oaths, whether by the misuse of the Flamebrand, allowing its flame to burn out, or allowing it to be taken, should be considered the ultimate dishonor.

In regards to allowing a particular flamebrand to be passed from Keeper to Keeper, the decision in question becomes much more about permission and circumstance. Should the previous owner give his explicit permission for his flamebrand to be used by a given relative, then the flamebrand shall be kept until such time as said relative completes his initiation and is ordained as a Keeper. Should no explicit permission be given, the decision shall again have to be made by a Hearth Keeper or superior, based on a consideration of the context of the situation. Should the original explicitly state they don’t wish their flamebrand to be passed on, then that wish must be respected. In either case, once the flamebrand is passed to new hands, the recipient, rather than lighting a new flamebrand, as is custom, must symbolically “relight” the one they have received.

 

 

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The Relighting Ritual

 

As an inherited flamebrand doesn’t require a lighting ceremony like a new one would, it must instead undergo a symbolic relighting. Though it need not be said, at no point should the flamebrand be extinguished. Before the relighting can occur, the recipient of the flamebrand must first take the flamebrand, along with offerings, to the shrines of the original owner’s paragon and that of the recipient. Once the offerings have been made, and permission asked, then the relighting can take place. This ritual is functionally identical to lighting a flamebrand from the hearth, as is normal, except rather than an unlit flamebrand, an existing flame is being reintroduced to the hearth, renewing the covenant between the Keeper and the All Father.

 

Alisa Camian, 1757