The Blades of Malin

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Spoiler

 

LOTR: The Host of the Eldar - Extended Theme

 

 

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THE BLADES OF MALIN

THOSE WHO STAND AGAINST THE DARKNESS

 

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✷ FOUNDATION OF THE BLADES OF MALIN

✷ By decree of el’Sirame with the full assent of the Elder Council, heed this, all peoples of Aelwen:

 

As war rages on, the council must raise a military force proper to protect ourselves from our foes, whether they await us on the field of battle or lurk within the halls of the Sanctum. Thus, we create the Blades of Malin, to act as our state military and harken to the Elder of Blades, a position upon our council yet fulfilled.

 

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✷ RANK STRUCTURE

✷ The following ranks are the formal hierarchy within the Blades of Malin, which all Aelwen citizenry must adhere to.

Okarir’sil - Commander: The Commanders of the Blades shall act as advisors to the Elder of Blades, ensuring that all operations within the Blades run smoothly and without error. Commanders may organize various parties of Blades, be they temporary or permanent, for specific tasks. Commanders must enlist a Captain, two Veterans, three Blades, with Recruits assigned as the Commander sees fit.

Anniler’sil - Captain: The Officers spearhead various operations, patrols, and movements on the battlefield, embodying the voice of the Commanders and Elder as needed. Often, the Captains have the flexibility to pursue goals set by higher ranks, so long as there is assurance in the completion of the desired goal.

Diraar - Veteran: The Veterans are the most seasoned and proven Blades, with their ascension in rank being additional proof. Their tenure, while important, is not the only thing that will raise them higher in the military hierarchy. These stalwart servants of Aelwen must use their experience and skills to mentor the newer combatants. Their duty ensures both efficiency and camaraderie among the lower ranks.

Sil’malin - Blade: The Blades, as the namesake of the military, make up the bulk of the structure and fighting force. They are rank-and-file soldiers, entrusted to guard the Sanctum from all dangers, near and far, that threaten the fair city.

Evarir - Recruit: The Recruits are citizens of Aelwen who wish to join the Blades. They sit at the lowest rank, initiated into the military proper once they prove themselves capable in war and honor alike.

 

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✷ THE CULTURE OF THE BLADES

✷ On Service and Glory

Within the Blades of Malin, service is the highest devotion to their home and faith. For a Sil’malin to put their life on the line and defend the Sanctum or boldly confront darkness, in the name of kin and country, is sacred in itself. It is reverence for the hearth and ahe’Malin. In this understanding, glory is proof of their devotion and sacrifice, too. Sil’malin must be proud of their service and rewarded for their bravery. When their service meets recognition and completion, Blades become eternally respected members of Aelwen’s society in life and death. Retired Sil’malin themselves are free to act as they see fit, likely to become members of council or civil government thanks to their valor.

 

On Honor and Discipline

Glory is honor; great respect and distinction rooted in good actions. For this reason, the Sil’malins hold firmly to discipline and integrity to weed out those who would sully the hearth and faith of Aelwen. No Sil’malin may claim great achievement unearned, or boast beyond the truth. No Sil’malin may conceal their service out of false humility, for their role is vital and a source of virtue. All Sil’malins must know obedience, of their commanders and themselves, for restraint is a mighty tool. Strength is not an instrument of cruelty, but righteousness.

 

Alongside their restraints and strengths, a Sil’malin must demonstrate their care. They must care for their superiors, peers, and especially their own equipment. Sil’malins must maintain their manners, armor, and arms. The soldiers of Aelwen represent both its force and the state itself.

 

The Rite of Ascension

When an Evarir is worthy to take the mantle of Sil’malin, their promotion is a public ceremony. The Rite of Ascension takes place before the gates of the Sanctum, so that the people of Aelwen may witness and recognize another guardian among the halls. At dusk, as the night readies its advance, the Evarir approaches the gate, both unmasked and otherwise unarmed. Their blade, instead of at their waist, remains in their grasp and pointed downward. Before the gate, the Evarir kneels and faces the people of Aelwen, signifying their pledge to the people. A Diraar and Okarir’sil stand behind the Evarir, both masked, yet the Diraar wields the Blades of Malin’s banner and another helm. Clearly, the Evarir recites the Code of Brotherhood unto the citizenry. Upon completion, the Okarir’sil steps forth and declares:

 

“Rise, and let Aelwen see your strength.”

 

At these words, the Evarir rises to their feet before the people. The Diraar present then comes up behind the Evarir, placing the additional helm upon the Evarir’s head and then handing them the banner. The Okarir’sil asks the Evarir to sheathe their blade thereafter, only allowed to unsheathe it to defend Aelwen, its Prince, and its people.

 

The Code of Brotherhood

“Stand in honor. Hold in discipline. Advance in fraternity.”

The Sil’malin hold three central virtues: Honor. Discipline. Fraternity.

 

Honor demands truth and integrity in word and action. A Sil’malin does not lie to kin, does not abandon post, and does not stain their service with cruelty or corruption. Their name must be clean, for it carries the trust of the State.

 

Discipline requires mastery over impulse and obedience to lawful commands. A Sil’malin shall not be ruled by fear, rage, or pride. They must be governed by restraint; disorder within the self is weakness.

 

Fraternity binds the Sil’malins to one another. No Sil’malin stands alone in battle, nor in burden. The strength of the Sil’malins lies in unity. To forsake a fellow Sil’malin without cause is a grievous failing. 

 

Together, these virtues form the foundation of the Order.

 

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Signed and sealed,

EL’SIRAME, Adriel aen Araleth, 

Autumn Prince of Aelwen & Haelun’or

SIRAME ITO ELAETAHAN’LEH Urendil aen Almarea

Elder of Law and Spring Prince of Aelwen & Haelun'or

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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