TWO SWORDS OF CERUSIL

[sam33497 7356]

 

[ !️ ] 

ᴛʜᴇ ꜰᴏʟʟᴏᴡɪɴɢ ᴘᴏꜱᴛ ɪꜱ ᴄᴏɴꜱɪᴅᴇʀᴇᴅ ᴏᴏᴄ ʀᴇꜰᴇʀᴇɴᴄᴇ ᴍᴀᴛᴇʀɪᴀʟ ᴏɴ ᴛʜᴇ ʟᴏʀᴇ ᴏꜰ ʜᴏᴜꜱᴇ ᴄᴇʀᴜꜱɪʟ. ᴛʜᴇ ꜰɪʀꜱᴛ ꜱᴇᴄᴛɪᴏɴ ᴍᴀʏ ʙᴇ ᴄᴏɴꜱɪᴅᴇʀᴇᴅ ᴄᴏᴍᴍᴏɴ ᴋɴᴏᴡʟᴇᴅɢᴇ, ʙᴜᴛ ᴀɴʏ ɪɴꜰᴏʀᴍᴀᴛɪᴏɴ ꜰʀᴏᴍ ᴛʜᴇ ʟᴀᴛᴛᴇʀ ꜱᴇᴄᴛɪᴏɴꜱ ɪꜱ ᴄᴏɴꜱɪᴅᴇʀᴇᴅ ɪɴᴛᴇʀɴᴀʟ ᴋɴᴏᴡʟᴇᴅɢᴇ ᴏꜰ ʜᴏᴜꜱᴇ ᴄᴇʀᴜꜱɪʟ ᴀɴᴅ ꜱʜᴏᴜʟᴅ ʙᴇ ʟᴇᴀʀɴᴇᴅ ɪɴ ʀᴏʟᴇᴘʟᴀʏ.

 

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T W O    S W O R D S    O F

 

 

"ɪꜰ ɪ ᴅᴏɴ'ᴛ ʜᴀᴠᴇ ᴇᴠᴇɴ ᴛʜɪꜱ ᴀᴍʙɪᴛɪᴏɴ, ᴛʜᴇɴ ᴡʜᴀᴛ'ꜱ ᴛʜᴇ ᴘᴏɪɴᴛ ᴏꜰ ʙᴇɪɴɢ ᴀʟɪᴠᴇ? ᴛᴏᴅᴀʏ ɪ ᴛʀᴇᴀᴅ ᴜᴘᴏɴ ɢʀᴀꜱꜱ; ᴛᴏᴍᴏʀʀᴏᴡ ɪ ꜱʜᴀʟʟ ᴛʀᴇᴀᴅ ᴜᴘᴏɴ ᴍᴏᴜɴᴛᴀɪɴꜱ ᴀɴᴅ ʀɪᴠᴇʀꜱ."

—Cerufen Silmali

 

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ɪ. ʙᴀᴄᴋɢʀᴏᴜɴᴅ

The House of Cerusil is a family of militaristic mali’aheral which publicly formed preceding the declaration of the Principality of Celia’nor upon Almaris, although the genetic and cultural ancestors of the Cerusil family are theorized to have upheld a similar oral tradition for centuries before. The emergence of this house into the ranks of elven nobility occurred when the ancestor Cerufen Silmali swore fealty upon Ivarielle Ibarellan during the Almaris-era civil war of the Silver State of Haelun’or, the Royarch thereafter formalizing her descendants as ennobled members of House Cerusil. They are considered to uphold loyalty to the Royal House Ibarellan to this day, despite the disappearance of the mainline.

 

Typically pale of hair and golden of eye, the Cerusil are most easily characterized by intense traits of ambition or militarism, presenting them as somewhat of an oddity amongst the children of Malin. A popular remark would be that they live at the pace of valah, if not faster, despite their longevity. Due to this, many of them have been known to meet strange, violent, or unfortunate fates, with many making their mark amidst the annals of history. Nearly every military leader of the Principality of Celia’nor was a Cerusil, and a few were known to fight as mercenaries even in the chaotic conflicts of valah. Furthermore, their lineage is believed to have an immense innate talent in magics of the Void, though it is possible this can be attributed to their tendency toward single-minded ambition. Several mages of this bloodline have reached the highest echelons among modern magi since the times of Almaris.

 

Following the capitulation of the Celia’norian successor-state in Aevos, most of House Cerusil vanished from the public eye. Only upon the continent of Azuras, after the proclamation of the Empire of Azuras by Hadrian I, did the house come into the public light again amidst the Princedom of Caurost.

 

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ɪɪ. ᴏɴ ᴛʜᴇ ɴᴀᴛᴜʀᴇ ᴏꜰ ᴛʜᴇ ꜱᴡᴏʀᴅ

The foundational dogma defining the Cerusil lies in the concept of the Sword. Though it is not a concept often spoken of outside of intimate family settings, it is evidenced in centuries of reinforced habits amidst each generation and aspects of it can be inferred even by outsiders.   Traditionally, the Sword might have meant a literal blade, but it has since become an idiomatic expression describing a lever by which a Cerusil might influence their fate and the world around them. Meek powerlessness is unacceptable to the Cerusil, and to those within the house it is preferable to be dead than to accept an undesired fate without having labored honorably to defy it.   Children of House Cerusil are hence encouraged if not utterly demanded to develop such a Sword, whether it be a form of military leadership, martial or arcanic prowess, intrigue or craftsmanship, or conceivably anything which enamors the child and may bring utility and power to the House.

However, broadly the paths a Cerusil might take in their development of such a Sword have been separated into two main schools of thought since the times of Celia’nor, those being the First and Second Sword, named for the dual blades wielded by the ancestor Cerufen Silmali.

 

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ɪɪɪ. ᴛʜᴇ ꜰɪʀꜱᴛ ꜱᴡᴏʀᴅ

 

Those who follow the First Sword carry the traditional talent of violence or its perpetration. Whether this lies within a blade, a sharp commanding word, or the arts of beyond, the ability to compel others through force is the most versatile of them all.

 

Despite the violence those of the First Sword learn to perpetrate, the art of wielding this Sword extends beyond wanton violence and bloodshed. In acknowledging the harshness of fate the Cerusil strongly understand the limitations of the individual, and those who senselessly slay are sure to draw the ire of many and fail in their ambitions. Hence does the First Sword also entail prudence and a deeply sinister wit, ensuring that one’s Sword falls only when a demonstration of power is of utmost advantage.

 

Those who become masters of the First Sword are capable of immense violence and know exactly where to direct that violence in order to turn the wheel and axle of history. It is a secret long-known to the house that heroism and barbarism are only distinguished by the observer.

 

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ɪᴠ. ᴛʜᴇ ꜱᴇᴄᴏɴᴅ ꜱᴡᴏʀᴅ

 

Those who follow the Second Sword seek a more nuanced and soft lever than pure violence. They serve as a counterpoint to their brothers and sisters of harder power, the strategists and artisans of their house. So long as their Sword may affect others or influence their minds to great degree, it is an acceptable interpretation of the Second Sword.

 

Despite the First Sword bearing greater ties with ancient tradition, there is no shortage of Cerusil who have broken the mold and utilized their ambition to become prodigious in various fields. In modernity the Second Sword bears equality in status to the First, for the pure violence laying within the genes of Cerusil has proven many times over the need for tempering. While the Cerusil are resistant to being influenced by the slothful or frivolous, it is precisely the ambitious Cerusil who may make diplomats, artisans, spymasters, or statesmen capable of effective mediation and cooperation with those alike them.

 

Beyond the role of mediation with their counterpart, some of the Second Sword seek a level of prodigy that justifies itself beyond all means - though a Cerusil parent might worry for the development of their child’s Sword, none can fault one whose works undeniably surpass the examples of the world and work to the aid of the house, or otherwise demonstrate its greatness.

 

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ᴠ. ᴏɴ ᴀɴᴄᴇꜱᴛʀᴀʟ ᴛʀᴀᴅɪᴛɪᴏɴ

 

Though modern events have shaped the House Cerusil into pragmatism, there are ancient oral and written traditions of intense violence wrought into their identity, quietly maintained even if they do not often elect to utilize them. Undeniably in a family producing so many ambitious figures, there shall come times when their use is necessary.

 

Excommunication. Those who are deemed swordless or failures to the House may be stripped of the name Cerusil entirely. This is traditionally decided by a council of elder Cerusil. Once excommunicated, it is typical that one’s life might be targeted by particularly spiteful house members, in an effort to reclaim the secrets of the house.

 

Anathema. Those who inflict significant grievances upon a Cerusil, such as unjust maiming, faltering plans through hostile schemes, or otherwise killing, may be declared anathema by the Patriarch of Cerusil. Such figures, no matter of their stature, no matter the implications upon standing or oaths, are to be hunted and killed at all costs. As such, after the ennoblement of Cerusil, the Patriarchs reserved this designation for prudent targets as a means to galvanize members against them, rather than using it as a senseless engine for petty revenge. It is unknown the extent to which the antiquated ancestors of Cerusil used this designation, but the bloodthirsty nature of the genetic line may be evidence.

 

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ᴠɪ. ᴏɴ ᴀɴᴄɪᴇɴᴛ ᴛɪᴇꜱ

 

The House Ibarellan. As the birthright of the House Cerusil, the identity of the house is contingent upon serving the descendants of Ivarielle Ibarellan, which the Cerusil did dutifully for so long as they have been in power. Should this tie ever be reneged, it would be tantamount to the formation of a bastard house.

 

The Ferrymen. Many ancient members of House Cerusil once bore the regalia of this infamous mercenary band. In modernity this group has disappeared from the public eye. Should ancient members with verifiable regalia of this group appear upon sizable households operated by House Cerusil, a traditional courtesy should be conferred in the following provisions if needed:

 

-Lodging and aid with general matters, so long as it does not contradict the oaths upheld by House Cerusil.

-Ordinary-grade weaponry and armor sufficient for road skirmishes and small raids.

-A single coin offered to the bearer of the regalia, should they offer one first.

 

[It should be noted that the bandanas produced at the dyeworks in the Veletz-era Kingdom of Hanseti-Ruska of Aevos do not match those recorded in Cerusil historical record, and bearers of such regalia need not receive preferential treatment.]

 

Houses Amethil, Py’lrie, Nullivari. Those fellow mali’aheral houses of Celia’nor sworn to House Ibarellan bear the longstanding respect of Cerusil, and it would not be uncommon for their descendants to be welcomed as guests to the homes of Cerusil. However, the particulars and extent of these biases differ within the house from member to member.

 

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ᴠɪɪ. ᴏɴ ᴛʜᴇ ᴠᴇɴᴇʀᴀᴛɪᴏɴ ᴏꜰ ᴀɴᴄᴇꜱᴛᴏʀꜱ

 

The following ancestral figures of House Cerusil have been especially noted by historical record as great contributors to the house, and as such their names and accolades are preserved in written and verbal tradition.

 

Celius Cerusil. The greatest Patriarch of the House Cerusil, a friendly but vicious statesman who was responsible for upholding the power of Cerusil throughout the Principality of Celia’nor.

 

Senna Cerusil. Considered to be the greatest female member of Cerusil after the founder, a powerful warrior, leader, and Mordu’lar of Celia’nor who inspired the hearts of her house and nation, and a prodigy at the arts of the arcane.

 

Sylvir Cerusil. In the age of Celia’nor, the mightiest warrior of the mali’aheral, undefeated in battle and unaffected even by the turning of the era. His fate is unknown.

 

Eloise Cerusil. A genius of the Second Sword, the one who brought the ideals of Cerusil into artform and paved the way for the expansion of the house beyond pure military might.

 

Atul Cerusil. A strict mind whose dogma defined the unfaltering mindsets by which Cerusil persevered beyond the fall of Celia’nor.

 

 

 

ADDENDUM

 

The ancestor known as LANRE CERUSIL, a powerful mage and mass-murderer, is known to retain an undead form after his death and hence failure toward the house. Known for deception and corruption of others, all members of House Cerusil are to avoid contact with him, under penalty of excommunication.

 

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ᴠɪɪɪ. ᴏɴ ᴍᴏᴅᴇʀɴ ᴛʀᴀᴅɪᴛɪᴏɴ

 

Coming of Age. Since the time of Celia’nor, twenty-five has been the age at which Cerusil are considered adults. In the days prior to this landmark, celebrations of grandeur are held in their honor, lavish festivities that endure for days; hunts, feasts, or balls of extravagance. After the celebratory events, the Cerusil is expected to solidify an avocation and/or an indurated profession, which becomes the basis of the Sword which they will pursue for the rest of their life.

 

Once prowess is achieved in their excursion, determined by the Patriarch or Matriarch of the house, they are afforded a concluding rite of sealing. Before the eyes of kin, a slit is made across the palm and blood is offered to a carafe of yore containing the ichor of many who lived before, invariably retaining newly and elder kin in eternity. It is a twining of devotion to one’s passions and reverence towards family; a bond that cannot be broken through toil and upheaval, short of failure and excommunication from the house.

 

Marriage. Unions are treasured and yet vehemently precise in Cerusil tradition, as the decision to welcome another into the fold of Cerusil is an important one. There stands a triad of rituals that must be upheld to assimilate a lawful and venerated joining of houses. 

 

1. THE HALLOWED HUNT

The man of the union, whether wedding Cerusil or alleging a wife, is to pursue a fabled foe or ill-hearted rival of their betrothed. They and their groomsmen are to slay at the minimum two assailants and preserve their skulls for the day of their nuptials. The act is done in reverence of their bride, guaranteeing that any being of malice is to be seized and blundered in cherish of their security and safety. 

 

When matrimony is to come, the skulls retained are to be cracked by the bride and groom before the audience, marking a deliverance of all animosity that came before the joy of unification. 

 

2. MAIDENLY CHARMS

The woman of the union, whether wedding Cerusil or alleging a husband, is expected to establish a bauble in consideration of her husband’s fondness. Whether it be a sheathe for a blade, or a medallion esteeming a lock of hair; the greatness of the item must reflect their endearment. At the altar, the item will be given before the audience, bringing merit to the union. 

 

The bearer of the hand-crafted gift is expected to wear it to his demise, incapable of stowing or abandoning it through the fruits and toils of marriage. The sole time a Cerusil is to be liberated of such a gem is amid his funeral, where kin will pilfer and deliver it to the widow. If the widow lives not, it is expected to be buried amongst the couple. To thieve a gift of the bride is a heinous act, warranting death and misfortune upon the ill-willing. If the brigand be of Cerusil blood, their ties are severed and they are to be hunted. 

 

3.  SANCTIFIED VOWS

The bride and groom must be readily available to not only swear themselves to each other but promise total fealty to the heir of Ibarellan. Proceeding marital ties, the couple is to bend the knee and pledge themselves; a contract as impenetrable as their nuptials. To refuse the vow or betray those of Ibarellan is considered a grand crime, guaranteeing expeditious divorce and excommunication from the family. 

 

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ɪx. ᴏɴ ᴍᴏᴅᴇʀɴ ᴛɪᴇꜱ

 

The House Ilumrin. Following the capitulation of the Principality of Celia’nor within Aevos and the disappearance of the Ibarellan mainline, the Cerusil who had arrived upon Azuras acknowledged the mainline of House Ilumrin, descendants of Húrin Nullivari-Ibarellan, as the heirs to their ancestor’s commitment to Ivarielle. As such, those of the House Cerusil who remain within public sight are sworn to the High Prince of Caurost.

 

The Tiberian Line of Horen. Though no close relationship is held, the Cerusil incidentally hold an oral tradition of respect for the Captain-General Gaspard of Veletz and his descendants which rule the continent of Azuras. The origin of this tradition is unclear, though it’s likely it has to do with affinities from the time of the League of Veletz. This tradition is personal and particular, and does not necessarily extend to the whole of the Empire.

 

Tarot Club. Though no information is officially kept by House Cerusil regarding this group, which only officially operated within the Underdark campaign by the queen of Mori’quessir Felyndiira Mierillis, tarot insignia is often seen borne by those affiliated with the house. Further information on the relationship is a mystery only known to particular members of Cerusil. However, it’s undeniable that the house possesses troves of mysterious knowledge, armaments, and wealth, and it’s almost certain this organization is related.

 

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OOC:

Spoiler

The original Cerusil lore-post was written mostly by me a few weeks after I joined the server over 3 years ago. Since then I've put almost 3,000 hours across two different personas within the family.. o_o

 

Now that Celia'nor is a thing of the past, I hope I can use the RP and lore I've contributed to and built, alongside the contributions of all other players and those who interacted with the house, to make something cool and interesting in the modern day. We are looking for players with little intention to gatekeep (that can happen irp) so reach out to ameme. on discord if you are interested.

 

[Echo_42069 386]

"Bring back Celia'nor" The ex Lord Commander of the Diraar yelled out in his self banishment