House Tudorix

[Schneebo 1593]

 

 

FOR HONOR, FOR THE CREED, FOR THE MOON

 

 

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

• Origin
• Beliefs
• Culture
• Structure
• Weapons
• Attire
• Faith

 

 

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☽      ORIGIN      ☾

 

Dark elves have always been a ragtag group of individuals- never truly belonging even in their own nation states. Even now our race remains divided upon their religious beliefs and their cultural practices. We are no different. The Tudorix believe in serving a purpose in life- namely that of the protection of elvenkind through martial prowess, dedication, and servitude toward our reunification.

With the calling of Prince Galahad Ilumrin, we finally have our purpose called upon: to live, breathe, and die for our kin to be united under one banner. We have heed the call and will continue to abide by our oaths to our kin until death finally claims our soul.

For Honor, For the Creed, For the Moon.

 

☽      BELIEFS     ☾

 

Honor
Honor is the most important facet of Caurosian society. Without one’s honor, they are worthless, and if they are worthless then they are not one of us. Honor comes in many forms and requires one to remain true to their given word- whether that be on paper or in verbal agreement, honor is showing up to fight for your kin if you are able bodied, and honor is abiding by the laws that have been established by those who have granted us sanctuary.

One’s honor can be challenged by any of those of Caurost if they truly believe they have disgraced the belief. If the allegations are made, with or without dignification, the accused may challenge the accuser to a public duel where the conditions of victory are decided between the two parties in front of either the High Prince or the Archon of Tudorix.

The Creed
The Creed is taken by all of those who are either born into this life or those who wish to identify with it. Upon their 50th year of life or their initiation, they are to swear a recited oath by memory to the High Prince and the Archon to affirm their loyalty. After the reciting, their palms will be cut by the blade of the Archon to affirm their blood oath - the same blade that all of [name] had been cut on before.

“I, [name], kneel before you to swear my service to you and this state. By my blood, I will protect our kin until I bleed no more. By my honor, I will remain loyal to my kin and this sanctuary otherwise my head hangs from your gallows. By my sword, I will be your tool to guide and preserve Elven Unity for without it, we will fall.

For Honor, for the Creed, and for the Moon.”

It is something that all need to identify with and uphold lest they wish to be listed as a Creedbreaker. Even those who have been denoted as Creedbreakers are not outcast from the Sanctuary of Elves, but will no longer be able to bear the armor or the ranks that come with being in the Vanguard.

The Moon
The Moon is the most common thing amongst all sects of Dark Elves. She is a representation of the first Maehr as it was Her honor and creed that broke us free from our own clawing madness. Rituals, ceremonies, and iconography within our sect will always be within Her view- the Moon.
 

 

☽      CULTURE     ☾

Those of House Tudorix have truly and fully assimilated to that of Caurosian beliefs and dogma. Such is the way of a warrior focused family inside a state founded by like-minded individuals. There is a lot of overlap between the familial beliefs and Caurosian Creeds - this is a primary reason why Tudorix claimed home under the High Prince.

 

CAUROSIAN CREEDS
 

• Defense of the Home

A home is a gift and a privilege. If it is threatened, all must take up arms to protect it in whatever way they can.

• Rejection of Apathy

Those who sink into an apathetic and sluggish state of mind contribute nothing to their family and culture. One must always reject the temptation of stagnation.

• Rejection of Cowardice

One must face all threats and challenges with bravery. To run away is to reject the opportunity for success, against all Caurosian values.

• Discipline of the Mind

The mind carries one’s full potential, the beginning and end of all things. One is expected to hone it, harnessing their emotions and ambitions into tangible productivity.

• The Quest for Self-Improvement

No single person can achieve perfection, but they must ever strive for it, lest they grow content with mediocrity.

 

☽      STRUCTURE      ☾

Regardless of the standing structure of Tudorix, they will still respect their superiors and commands of their standing officers within the High Prince’s Military. All of those who are Honorbound are obligated to lend blood and blade to the Crown Prince and their endeavors for elven betterment. That being said, dark elves have their own identification amongst their fellow kin to ensure further order.

Archon
The Archon is the head of House. They are the embodiment of the oaths taken and the honor they continuously uphold. Their duties include ensuring that their Honorbound remain loyal to the Crown Prince as well as their kin.

An Archon is a lifelong position held until either their passing or ‘retirement’ in which the Creedkeepers determine amongst themselves who is the next rightful Archon.

Creedkeepers
The Creedkeepers are a group of elite warriors tasked with ensuring the day-to-day operations of the military if the Archon is either occupied or indisposed. They are used to relay or settle any squabbles within the ranks and ensure the maintenance and well-being of their kin.

Honorbound
The Honorbound are those who have taken their oath and continue to abide by it. Seeking to ascend the ranks to eventual Creedkeepers. Honorbound are able to sponsor initiates in order for them to eventually join their ranks as fellow warriors.

Initiates
Initiates are those who are too young to have taken the oath or outsiders who wish to eventually claim the oath. They offer their sword until they are recognized
 

☽      WEAPONS      ☾

Viewed akin to an artist’s paintbrush or a smith’s hammer, a weapon in the hands of any mali’ker is seen as a mere tool for warfare. Yet, one’s choice of weaponry or manner of fighting is as sacred as any other practice followed by the Tudorix. All maehr are encouraged to choose how they fight, whether it be blade, sorcery or otherwise. Pride and honor are found in the art of one’s methods, so long as they are dedicated to fighting for the creeds and beliefs they uphold. 

 

Favored amongst the mali’ker of Caurost, are brutal and destructive means of warfare, meant to bring fear to one’s enemies and awe to one’s people. This is typically displayed with serrated blades, spiked cudgels, alchemically-treated arrows, or elemental magics.

 

☽      ATTIRE   ☾

 

Those of Tudorix typically have two different types of attire that they wear amongst themselves. That being that of ceremonial or combative garb. These, of course, can be interchanged at times when more relaxed environments are present. However, every member of the family will always have at least two variations of attire.
 

Ceremonial
This is the garb typically worn by those in positions of government, but also whenever the family is invited to events outside Caurost where the host’s militia will be offering protection. These all coming in a variety of colors ranging from dull blues to vibrant oranges - it is all about displaying who they are as a person and what one might expect when interacting with them.

Combative

This garb varies from every person within the family and their preference for fighting style. Those who lean toward the elements may wear casual robes, others might adorn full plate armor, and others might have more loose clothing to allow more free movement. At the end of the day, it comes down to the practicality and their combat style.

 

☽      FAITH      ☾

 

 

Rooted in the vastly differing traditions of those before, the honorable maehr show great reverence to the Mother Moon itself, attributing it to various concepts or personifying it through figures like the first maehr Velulaei or the spirit of the moon Luara. Its origin in their salvation sticks within the hearts of the Maehr’uhier, a broad belief and faith that will never be forgotten even between different clans and houses.

 

More commonly to those outside of priesthood, the Tudorix view their fallen ancestors and figures of legend as people to emulate and show utmost respect. Rather than viewing themselves one and the same as the orcish spirits, they see their deceased heroes and loved ones as something divorced entirely from spiritual practice. While the religious practices of those in the Ilmurin Vanguard are accepting of those with shamanistic backgrounds, to call their ancestors and themselves the same as uruk-kind is something the people oppose. Other honorbound maehr who are scattered across the world are more friendly to the idea of a connection between their spirits and orcish ones.

 

Shrines to both folk heroes and the Moon are often found publicly in city streets, while those most important to a clan or house are found within households. Offerings are left at these altars, many of which are burnt so that the departed (which are most likely cremated) may make use of them in the realm after. 

 

There is a particular emphasis put on the ancestor Malin within the lands of the Vanguard, for it is he who sent his daughter across uncharted seas in search of wisdom, leading to the maehr becoming the knowledgeable souls they are today. 


 

Spoiler

Thanks to @Unwillingly for the formatting and @ivery @amongus for writing/feedback.

If you are interested in joining the family or just dark elf RP in general - feel free to reach out to me on Discord: kiiztria

 

[Rig 17581]

"Squeaky clean," said the Rex Rhak'Dom of Lurak, the Gortslayer.