Sailor 498 Share Posted November 24, 2023 CERUSIL EVARIR THE TWO SWORDS TABLE OF CONTENTS I. INTRODUCTION II. HISTORY III. RELICS IV. TRADITIONS V. STRUCTURE I - INTRODUCTION MISSION STATEMENT “To be our own creation and destruction; all, within our grasp.” The ultimate purpose - the very reason for the existence of every Cerusil - is the maintenance and development of the blade. The blade, as it exists to the Cerusil as a concept, is not physical, nor is it something one necessarily wields - the blade is the power and ability to protect oneself. It is the power and ability to exert one’s will upon others. The blade is the implement through which a Cerusil upholds the will of the family, and thus promotes themselves symbiotically through it. The goal of each Cerusil - that horizon which each member walks towards in perpetuity, is the sharpening of that blade. It is the honing of the attributes of an individual to their utmost. It is that endowment of effort and ability from part to whole, and it is that path that many minds and hands forge together towards prosperity and power. “To reach new heights; to cast away old; to rebirth ourselves with the blade.” PHILOSOPHY/MINDSET “It is not called short-sightedness when one only looks forward - it is called initiative.” Each Cerusil, empowered by their blade, seeks to utilize this for the promotion of themselves and their family. Whether it is through righteous or conniving means, the talonii will work tirelessly towards the goals of the family. Simultaneously, the Cerusil are unfortunately rarely allowed to strive in this way on their own - indeed, most goals include interaction with other groups and people - thus, this philosophy extends the reach of the mindset of the Cerusil to a set of interpersonal codes with which the Cerusil treat others. Primarily, the Cerusil place themselves firmly opposed to anything which might hinder them, or oppose their processes - no matter how legitimate or lawful this hindrance is, the Cerusil shall take it as an extreme slight if some restriction is placed upon them, or if they are spoken badly of. Along the same lines, given the primary goal of the Cerusil is the sharpening of the blade and the furthering of the family itself, the loyalties of the members of the family, as well as its whole, primarily lie with each other, not necessarily resting in any outside source. However, due to an oath made long ago by the founder of the Cerusil, they remain loyal to Ivarielle and her legacy, and thus will follow whoever they see to rightfully inherit it. The Cerusil see their investiture in the family as a gesture of ultimate trust - with each other, and with the family itself. Thus, it is a life-long commitment, and to each member of the family, removal from the family is akin to death, and the killing of a family member is the worst crime one can commit, with the family likely declaring anathema on anyone who does so. “It is through absolution of our weakness that we are seen to be whole; it is the fulfillment of our purpose through which we are forgiven.” II - HISTORY ORIGIN The High Elves have always lived lives akin that of the scholarly class or in pursuit of various curiosities, may it be the arts, sciences or otherwise. With the Eternal Library as a central heritage, it could be said that while the silver sons of Malin seldom intervened in war they were never afraid to when needed. But if there is one thing that is commonplace amongst elves as much as men, it is betrayal. It was during such a very ordeal that Cerufen Silmali excelled, leaving his mark not only in history but also tying himself to those who would shape it in the years to come. Leading his family who was known to practice the blade and its many forms, he led one of the many vanguards, striking down foes at the behest of Ivarielle I of Celia’nor. Though at the time she was not known as a ruler, but rather, by her name alone. Cerufen Silmali had sworn an oath to her and her family the Ibarellan’s just days prior. The man was one of the few who were privy to the plan of attack. All he asked for in return of his oath and the oath of his family, to safeguard not only the Royal Family to come but also, the future society of elves they’d come to make, was for her to promise him a prosperous society - successful and resplendent - one in which his family could prosper. It was with these thoughts in his heart that Cerufen led his family into combat, striking down foe after foe. When they had finally cut a bloody path through the battlefield and faced the Silver State’s many champions, while victorious in the moment, the war was far from over. As though the Deities above themselves had decided to interfere, the two sides parted, to form each their own society. Though they both knew it likely that conflict would rise once again. By the orders of the Primarch, the First Sword of Cerusil the family was given instructions to go into hiding until the day each of the descendants were to receive a letter. Told to never let their swords go dull and for them to prepare for the future war. While the Primarch remained to finish what had been started. In the years that passed since the new blades slowly prepared, to no one's surprise, the letters came not long after and Celius Cerusil and the rest of the family set out for Celia’nor, to uphold an oath, to protect the prosperous society their first Primarch was promised - the will of the First Sword. NEW BEGINNINGS “I asked my blade if it cared if I died - it did ne respond, it just gazed towards the enemy.” When Cerufen Silmali grew accomplished it was by no surprise that his family made their name Cerusil, honoring him, as well as staying true to their creed. As his hope was for them to remain a mighty sword that guards the Celian Society. The Cerusil, who are raised to know naught but the blade, naturally gravitated towards military matters, soon ingraining themselves within the Celiadiraar. It was in this venture that, through the assertion of the will of their founder and the oath she made to Ivarielle, the Cerusil gained new purpose - and that purpose was the protection and promotion of the nation of Celia’nor, and it would remain so in perpetuity should the legacy of Ivarielle and the oath that they made not be strayed from. The Cerusil, gathered in Celia’nor, reformed their family which had once been whole and then scattered - forging it whole again and remaking it in the image of their original vision, as much as this could be remembered and recounted. But it was too during this time that necessity spurred new tradition in the Cerusil, and new traditions were developed in adherence to the time and the state of the world. Through this philosophy, the house, under its new Primarch Celius Cerusil, did begin to prosper within the nation of Celia’nor, eventually falling into the hands of Celius’ daughter Senna Cerusil, who continued to propel the family into heights never before seen. III - Sacred Relics THE TWO SWORDS OF CERUSIL “One blade for each hand - indeed, two is a divine number.” The primary relics of the Cerusil family are the two original blades wielded by the founder Cerufen Silmali, after which the structure of the family is metaphysically fashioned. It is the likeness of these two blades through which the family forms itself, the relics themselves being the namesake for the primary groupings with which the Cerusil organize themselves, and the physical reclamation of these relics, which are currently lost time, is seen as one of the primary goals of the family. “With one sword we shall strike down our foes, and with the other we shall rewrite history.” THE FIRST SWORD OF CERUSIL “I asked my blade if it cared if I died - it did ne respond, it just gazed towards the enemy.” The First Sword of Cerusil, the original blade wielded by Cerufen Silmali in her right hand, represents to the Cerusil family martial prowess, and the physical aptitude of all members within. It is those members of the Cerusil who are most skilled with the sword, other martial matters, leadership, and general charisma, that identify themselves most heavily with the First Sword. It is said that the physical First Sword will be reclaimed by a worthy Cerusil, who shall propel the family to heights never seen before through pure use of their own strength and leadership, for it is this blade that represents that physical strength, vigor, and leadership present in all Cerusil. The appearance and nature of the physical sword itself is a description lost to time, and it only exists in sentimental meaning now to the Cerusil. “Ask not why it is silent in my wake.” THE SECOND SWORD OF CERUSIL “It was the most potent weapon ever used against me, and I did ne even feel it.” The Second Sword of Cerusil, to the family’s talonii, represents intelligence, intrigue, and, indeed, magic. It is those Cerusil who fashion their blade in the way of something non-traditional - whose strongest weapon is not necessarily physical, but affects and promotes the family just as potently. Though their blade is non-traditional, they are still instrumental to the success of the family, indeed encompassing one of the family’s two primary branches. It is those of the Second Sword who plot and connive, who bring plans to fruition and allow those of the First Sword to enact their martial prowess; indeed, without those of the Second Sword, the family would swiftly fall to nothingness. Similar to who may reclaim the First Sword, it is said that one who reclaimed the Second Sword would elevate the family with their plans and ambition - it is surely one of the First Sword that would command the most respect from the world, but one of the Second who would propel the family to newfound heights in society. “I asked you to be patient - it was a test, and in your haste you passed.” IV - TRADITION Dagger Gifting “Without you, how could I manage the cruelty of the world?” It is in the symmetry of the Two Swords of Cerusil that the family organizes itself, and, indeed, it was known to the founders of Cerusil and reflected in the tradition that one Sword is quite useless without the other. Through this acknowledgement, the tradition of dagger-gifting was synthesized, and along with it, the concept of the blade-bond. The blade-bond is a process through which one of the First and Second sword might bind themselves together in eternal friendship and trust - and it is indeed true that no Cerusil may exist for long without such a bond and find themselves successful within After one has been consecrated within the tradition of the Cerusil for some years, they might be expected by their kin to make a dagger-gift to one of the opposite sword, and if this gift is accepted, those two bonded shall be seen as unified through life and death - indeed, it is the highest dishonor if harm should fall upon the one you are bound to. Though it is not strictly unheard of for those of the same Sword to partake in this bond together, it is most common, and practical, for those of different Swords to do so, thus increasing the overall range of skills of the pair, and allowing them to better serve the Cerusil. The design and nature of the dagger gifted, as well as which one of the pair gifts it, is seen as very significant to the Cerusil, and shall depend strongly upon what the to-be-bonded know of each other, and what they feel is correct, whilst also adhering to conventions of Cerusil tradition. For the same reason, Cerusil rarely accept gifts of daggers or other blades from people outside the family, or, indeed, those other than their blade-bonded. “With me, throughout danger you are safe; throughout hardship you are calm.” Disownment “I will not suffer this disgrace! How have I failed you so?” To the house Cerusil, disownment is synonymous with death. It is a great violation of trust should one commit actions that warrant a disownment, and, indeed, the only process through which the Cerusil implement disownment is summary and extrajudicial execution. Indeed, the Cerusil claim the ultimate authority over the lives of their fellow talonii, which supersedes any political entity they might be a part of. The decision to disown a Cerusil must be a unanimous decision of the Council of Two Swords, and is not to be taken lightly. If the Cerusil disowned attempts to escape this fate, the Council is summarily expected to declare anathema upon their name “Do not remember my name. Strike it from existence.” [SPOILER: All Cerusils must agree to a PK clause on their character, and they must PK under the following conditions: 1. You are disowned, or otherwise executed by authority of the Council 2. You are killed by a Cerusil. If one escapes this fate for 5 OOC weeks after abandoning the name of Cerusil and anathema being placed upon them, their vows can be considered renounced and this clause no longer applies to them.] Anathema “Upon you, the highest order of our hate shall manifest. From us you shall never feel safe until a knife adorns your throat.” In the history of the house Cerusil, there have been many figures who have presented significant threat to the progress or even the existence of the family, and thus their existence is an extreme slight in itself, and cannot be tolerated. It is upon these figures that the Council of Two Swords shall place anathema. This anathema means simply that they receive the hate of all Cerusil, and that all Cerusil shall strive, with the utmost of their blade-endowed power, to end the life of this individual. Such an order supersedes any law, domestic or foreign, that may bind them, and absolutely must be fulfilled in timely fashion by the family, lest extreme disgrace come upon them. Each Cerusil is expected to contribute to this summary execution in a manner unique to them and their blade. One of a martial blade - one of the First Sword - might be expected to challenge them to a duel, or to attack them on the road. One with a blade focused around intrigue or diplomacy might hatch a plot for assassination or to frame them for a crime, so long as it results in Cerusil control of the killing. It is seen as an unsatisfactory conclusion if the person who receives the anathema of the Cerusil is killed by another hand - it is not so large a disgrace as failing to kill them altogether, but it is a small disgrace nonetheless. “Our anathema upon you - indeed, you breathe, but your life has ended.” V - STRUCTURE The Primarch and the Council of Two Swords From among the Cerusil a Council is formed of six members, three of the First Sword and another three of the Second Sword. It is among these councilors that a Primarch is elected, with this position being the tie-breaking vote and additionally figure heading the family, as well as leading the Council itself. The Council is tasked with voting on the course of action for the family, on banishments and anathema, and otherwise resolving matters relevant to the Cerusil. When a Council position is left vacant, the Primarch shall appoint a new Counselor to the position, though it is recommended traditionally that the number of Counselors from each Sword is kept at three. Blademaster Each of the two Swords of Cerusil will elect among themselves a leader, who shall be considered a blademaster of Cerusil, expected to best reflect the values of their respective Sword. Outside of the direct structure of the Council of Two Swords, these Blademasters would wield an informal authority over their Swords, likely being able to command most Cerusil which belong to it. Traditionally, the Primarch should be a Blademaster, and the other Blademaster should reside on the Council of Two Swords, but neither of these are strictly required, though - should this not be the case, it would likely indicate disunity in the house, which is generally frowned upon, so most Cerusil will adhere to this convention. Cerusil and Siloan Cerusil Until Cerusil come of age and are properly blade-bonded, they are considered Siloan Cerusil, which is essentially a Cerusil that is not yet recognized as a true Cerusil that is bonded to all of their traditions - and thus, they are barred from much of the respect and opportunities afforded to promoted Cerusil. It is extremely unlikely, except in times of dire need, that a Siloan Cerusil would be afforded the position of a Counselor, and the resources of the Cerusil will almost always prioritize the bonded Cerusil over the Siloan. Though ordinary Cerusil are not granted direct political power within the family, they still do possess the ability to influence the decision-making of the family as a whole through contribution to the decision-making meetings of the Cerusil. It is likely that a Cerusil’s word will be heeded over a Siloan’s in most situations. Military Integration All Cerusil are expected to join the Diraar and seek high rank within it, regardless of the nature of their blade. The Cerusil will always be warriors striving to further and protect themselves, and thus, there can be considered no better profession for them than a militaristic one. It is through this they additionally are able to uphold their oath to Ivarielle - by using their finely honed blades in protection of the nation which carries her legacy. Cerusil Retainers Though the Cerusil are historically a large family, it is often that martial matters do require extra hands, and in the spirit of the promotion of the individual blades of each Cerusil, it is important that each Cerusil has many resources with which to carry out whatever work they do in order to further the family. Thus, it is common for Cerusil talonii to take up to two retainers, either commoner or noble, whose loyalty they can be assured of. These retainers will be tasked with the protection and service of their respective Cerusil, and they will also swear themselves to the house itself, joining the Cerusil in their various efforts, though most communications they receive will be limited and through the Cerusil that they serve. Traditionally, if a Cerusil is to take a retainer, and especially if they take two, it is highly encouraged that they are able to evaluate these to-be-retainers as aligning with the values of the First or Second Swords of Cerusil. If two retainers are taken, it is recommended that one would align with the ideals of the First, and the other with the Second. AY’PUERAN; The Honourable Former Mordu’lar, Senna Cerusil, of the Cerusil Talonnii, former presiding member of the High Council in the Principality of Celia’nor. The Honourable Former Parir, Lanre Cerusil, Member of the Cerusil Talonnii, The Honourable Parir, Celius Cerusil, Member of the Cerusil Talonnii, Councilor of the Cerusil Credits: Writing: sam33497 Formatting: SailorBTY, sam33497, VoxyNoir Ideas: SailorBTY, sam33497, VoxyNoir 10 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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