The Traditions and Rituals of the Fidelis
Spirit Speaking
The ritual of Spirit Speaking may only be preformed by the Shaman or Rex/Regent. It's a means of contacting the Celestials in a less formal means than 'Dreams of the Fallen'. The one preforming the ritual must first set up their 'Contact Area'. This small, temporary space is considered sacred for the duration of the ritual. No others are allowed to touch it.
A mixture of dried, pulverized herbs will be used on the ground, creating the base of the layout. Then a piece of quartz, blessed and seen as 'Spirit Material', must be placed on two, opposite points of the circle. In the middle the Shaman or Rex/Regent will sit. Once settled in the middle they'll light an instance which will signal the start of the ritual before eating a psilocybin mushroom. |
If anyone else is present they must leave all aside from a single individual deemed acceptable. This lone individual will be in charge of keep track of what the Shaman or Rex/Regent channels through from the Celestials. The Shaman or Rex/Regent will enter an almost trance-like state. While in this state it's said the Celestials will channel and speak through the Shaman or Rex/Regent. This may last for anywhere up to twenty minutes before ending. If one pushes too far above that threshold, it's said they may break whatever spiritual connection they hold permanently.
Dreams of the Fallen
Dreams of the Fallen is one of the few traditions the Caedis and Fidelis share. It is speculated that somewhere back in the generations there was a time of shared ancestry. Its a ritual where the living may speak to the Celestials via a dream. It is only allowed by the Rex/Regent or Shaman. Those unfit to try the ritual are said to have nightmares and hellish dreams for months to follow.
The Rex/Regent or Shaman will go to the entrance of the Celestial Chamber. There they will light incense and say a prayer. "I have come to speak to those fallen before me. I seek an audience with the Celestials, may you grant me entry." They will then enter the cavern, taking a vow of silence until they're finished. Upon bowing their head they'll light an incense and offer a few herbs onto the shrine near the entrance. Afterwards they will lay in the middle of the cavern, near the largest quartz crystal. They'll begin to meditate and eventually enter a brief state of slumber. As they sleep the Celestials will speak to them in the form of a very vivid dream. In rare cases a Celestial may come to them much sooner; before sleep even fully befalls them. |
Sproutling Challenge
When a trainee has learned all they can are deemed ready to be promoted to their full rank, they'll undertake the Sproutling Challenge. The challenge is usually done anywhere between the ages of none to two years. They will head out on a hunting trip, normally in pairs if possible. Traditions once stated it should be done solo, but due to the dangers of the Plague Lands, there will always be a patrol waiting nearby to offer protection and help as needed. Though this aide is never to be for the challenge itself, more so if the trainee were to get attacked or ambushed.
The trainee will be tasked with hunting and bringing back food for the tribe. This solo kill is seen as their first real means of providing for the tribe. It's a right of passage and tradition that the trainee will keep a piece of their first kill to wear as an accessory. This can be a horn, feather, tooth or even a bone that is turned into some sort of jewelry. The item is known as their Challenge Talisman; it's believed to bring them good fortune as long as they wear and keep it safe.
After the success of their hunt the Rex/Regent will call a meeting for the tribe. The trainee will stand before them with their head bowed as the Rex/Regent speaks.
"Before us you stand as a fully grown sapling, no longer a sprout. (Name), you have completed your Sproutling Challenge and the Celestials smile down upon you. As your (Rex/Regent) I welcome you as an official (rank here) of the tribe."
From here the tribe will began to chant and cheer. Afterwards there is normally a moderate celebration in honor of the newly welcomed rank into the tribe.
The trainee will be tasked with hunting and bringing back food for the tribe. This solo kill is seen as their first real means of providing for the tribe. It's a right of passage and tradition that the trainee will keep a piece of their first kill to wear as an accessory. This can be a horn, feather, tooth or even a bone that is turned into some sort of jewelry. The item is known as their Challenge Talisman; it's believed to bring them good fortune as long as they wear and keep it safe.
After the success of their hunt the Rex/Regent will call a meeting for the tribe. The trainee will stand before them with their head bowed as the Rex/Regent speaks.
"Before us you stand as a fully grown sapling, no longer a sprout. (Name), you have completed your Sproutling Challenge and the Celestials smile down upon you. As your (Rex/Regent) I welcome you as an official (rank here) of the tribe."
From here the tribe will began to chant and cheer. Afterwards there is normally a moderate celebration in honor of the newly welcomed rank into the tribe.
First Steps of Growth
Once a progeny reaches the age of six months they'll be ready to begin their First Steps of Growth. They will be approached by the Rex/Regent or Ambassador and asked about which rank they wish to follow. Upon deciding this they'll be assigned to a mentor who will be responsible for teaching the new trainee throughout this milestone. It's a very important first step for the life of one in the tribe, but is usually a more private affair. Often it will involve the new mentor meeting and spending time with the trainee and showing them around to meet their new peers. It's not uncommon for the family of the newly promoted trainee to hold a small celebration among their closest friends and family.
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Binding of Hearts
The Binding of Hearts is ritual for two partners who wish to intertwine their spirits as eternal mates. It is essentially a marriage; a vow of faith and loyalty to their partner for the remainder of their life. It's most commonly done by a single pair, but polyamorous unions are not unheard of. The Binding of Hearts is regarded as a precious ritual that only those who are deeply in love will pursue.
First the partners will come together in front of the Rex/Regent and ask for their blessing. If approved they must then seek blessing from Celestials as well. It's customary to bring forth an offering to a shrine and offer a prayer. |
The partners will each search around and find a Soul Stone. This is a rock, precious gem, crystal or mineral that calls to them. It's customary to not reveal the Soul Stones until the day of the ceremony for good fortune. The Soul Stones will be taken to the Shaman who will keep them resting within a small pool of water in the Celestial Chamber to 'cleanse them' until the ceremony.
Once it is time for the ceremony the partners will gather in the center of the camp with the Shaman present in front of them. It's not uncommon for the entire tribe to gather in order to celebrate. The Shaman will lead the ceremony, briefly touching their nose to each of the partner's shoulders before saying a prayer.
"Celestials of the moon may you bless these lovers with peace. Celestials of the sun, watch over and ensure their hearts are filled with warmth. Celestials of the stars see to it that their bond is strong and loyal. May the ancestors smile down upon your union."
It is then that the Soul Stones will be presented from the Shaman. The partners will take and soon after exchange them with one another. These Soul Stones are meant to show their affection for one another and represent their union. After the ceremony they'll often have them turned into matching pieces of jewelry that they'll always wear.
Once finished the gathered tribe-members will cheer and chant, throwing flowers or leaves into the air to rain down upon the new bonded mates. Afterwards there is a celebration with stories, drinks, food and dancing. At any time the binding union may be broken if agreed upon. They will approach the Shaman together and request their bond to be broken. The Shaman will guide them to the tribe's shrine. They will be alone aside from those involved. Members of the tribe are not invited to join in. Incense are burned to appease the Celestials and they give their Soul Stones to the Shaman. It's the Shaman's job to place the stones in a fire. Though this doesn't physically always destroy the precious stones, it is viewed as the only method for unbinding them. The former partners will depart separately and must stay separated from one another for the duration of three days.
Once it is time for the ceremony the partners will gather in the center of the camp with the Shaman present in front of them. It's not uncommon for the entire tribe to gather in order to celebrate. The Shaman will lead the ceremony, briefly touching their nose to each of the partner's shoulders before saying a prayer.
"Celestials of the moon may you bless these lovers with peace. Celestials of the sun, watch over and ensure their hearts are filled with warmth. Celestials of the stars see to it that their bond is strong and loyal. May the ancestors smile down upon your union."
It is then that the Soul Stones will be presented from the Shaman. The partners will take and soon after exchange them with one another. These Soul Stones are meant to show their affection for one another and represent their union. After the ceremony they'll often have them turned into matching pieces of jewelry that they'll always wear.
Once finished the gathered tribe-members will cheer and chant, throwing flowers or leaves into the air to rain down upon the new bonded mates. Afterwards there is a celebration with stories, drinks, food and dancing. At any time the binding union may be broken if agreed upon. They will approach the Shaman together and request their bond to be broken. The Shaman will guide them to the tribe's shrine. They will be alone aside from those involved. Members of the tribe are not invited to join in. Incense are burned to appease the Celestials and they give their Soul Stones to the Shaman. It's the Shaman's job to place the stones in a fire. Though this doesn't physically always destroy the precious stones, it is viewed as the only method for unbinding them. The former partners will depart separately and must stay separated from one another for the duration of three days.
Honor for the Fallen
Rexes, Regents, Shamans, and any other high ranking Fidelis member are granted a special ceremony when they enter their Endless Dream. The death of any Fidelis is considered worthy of a ceremony, but those who lived exceptional lives while serving the tribe are granted a special celebration to honor their memory and sacrifice. On rare occasions, non-high ranking Fidelis members may be granted a ceremony of the fallen if their death was for a valiant cause that warranted acknowledgement. The death of a leader, shaman, or any other high rank is often considered very traumatic for the tribe. As such, the ceremony is typically led by the successor of the rank. The honor for the fallen ends with a Song of Sorrow, in which members of the tribe will call to the Celestials to express their grief and so that the fallen can hear their voices from beyond the grave. |
First the deceased will be cleaned and rubbed with sweet smelling herbs and incense by the Shaman and Clerics. There will be a main procession made up of the kin, close friends and senior members of the tribe. They will carry the deceased to the Placid grove, followed behind by the rest of the tribe who wish to attend. Their body will be lowered in a pre-dug grave where they will be buried along with the seed of a tree planted. Through the entire process there will be a vow of silence to show respect.
After buried the tribe will sit together near the grave and the Shaman will say the Burial Rights prayer. Things may be added in such as notable things the deceased accomplished and other kind words. Afterwards anyone may offer flowers upon the fresh grave. Those gathered will lift gaze to the sky and all howl, roar or call in unison, called the 'Song of Sorrow'. Everyone will disperse, often leaving those cloest to the deceased to sit vigil throughout the night at the grave.
After buried the tribe will sit together near the grave and the Shaman will say the Burial Rights prayer. Things may be added in such as notable things the deceased accomplished and other kind words. Afterwards anyone may offer flowers upon the fresh grave. Those gathered will lift gaze to the sky and all howl, roar or call in unison, called the 'Song of Sorrow'. Everyone will disperse, often leaving those cloest to the deceased to sit vigil throughout the night at the grave.
Burial Rights
Once one has traversed to the deepest parts of the labyrinth, a hidden passage opens to the Placid Grove. The Placid Grove is a sacred place for the Fidelis where the fallen members have been buried and the seeds of their remains have sprouted new life. It is cradled on all sides by steep cliff faces, impossible for even the most agile of infected to navigate. Whenever a Fidelis dies, the tribe brings their body to the grove where the loved ones will openly mourn for their fallen. If the corpse of the dead member could not be retrieved in the case of predation occurring or if the body is destroyed by some other means, the Fidelis will bury a seed dictated by the next of kin or close companions to honor their spirit.
The Rex, Regent, and Shaman will all openly give their condolences. Kin and loved ones will have chosen a seed to be buried with their dead, this seed will grow and serve as a grave marker for their deceased. Oftentimes families will choose many of the same plant or flower to have their loved ones be buried with. Only the most skilled gardeners in the Fidelis tribe are granted the honor of tending to the flora here, and it is a task taken very seriously. |
If a Fidelis was to cause the death of a flower or plant here, even if inadvertent, it is said that the shame from the Celestials would bring about an eternal curse of bad luck. Fidelis believe that the afterlife consists of an Endless Dream in which virtuous and worthy spirits live out their days in the comfort of the Celestial Meadow.
"Fidelis! We are gathered here today to say farewell to (Name here) as they enter their Endless Dream. The time has come for the Earth to reclaim their body, and we ask of the Celestials to accompany their soul as they leave this realm behind and enter the next. May their voices still reach us when we seek their wisdom, may their warmth still embrace us when we seek their comfort, and may their legacy continue to inspire us when hope feels lost."
"Fidelis! We are gathered here today to say farewell to (Name here) as they enter their Endless Dream. The time has come for the Earth to reclaim their body, and we ask of the Celestials to accompany their soul as they leave this realm behind and enter the next. May their voices still reach us when we seek their wisdom, may their warmth still embrace us when we seek their comfort, and may their legacy continue to inspire us when hope feels lost."
Dance for the Fallen
The Dance for the Fallen is a very sacred tradition for the Fidelis Tribe. Once a year during the first weeks of Spring. It will be the Shaman who decides when it is the best time, usually dictated by the state of the trees in Placid Grove. It's said the best time is when the cherry blossom trees are in full bloom. The tribe will gather in a procession through the labyrinth and to the Placid Grove. It is there that the the highest ranking individual present will designate a 'dance leader'. Being chosen to lead the dance is seen as a great honor among the tribe. The 'dance leader' is in charge of leading the dance, as such will be the first in line. Other members will line up behind them. There is no set order, but any trainees will stay by their mentors and progeny by a parent. This is the only tradition in which progeny are encourage to attend.
Certain members will have instruments tied around their ankles. These instruments are called 'Noise Shells' and are crafted out of turtle shells tied together with twine. The shells will be sealed with tiny pebbles, shells or bone shards inside. When shook they create a sound. Those wearing these instruments are called 'Noise Stompers' for the duration of the tradition. Led by the Dance Leader the tribe will dance among and around the various trees of the grove. They'll stomp in time to a beat that the Nose Stompers create with the instruments. This dancing will last up to twenty minutes or more. Afterwards it is customary for the tribe to gather in the grove and have a meal. This tradition is how the tribe honors their fallen ancestors.
Certain members will have instruments tied around their ankles. These instruments are called 'Noise Shells' and are crafted out of turtle shells tied together with twine. The shells will be sealed with tiny pebbles, shells or bone shards inside. When shook they create a sound. Those wearing these instruments are called 'Noise Stompers' for the duration of the tradition. Led by the Dance Leader the tribe will dance among and around the various trees of the grove. They'll stomp in time to a beat that the Nose Stompers create with the instruments. This dancing will last up to twenty minutes or more. Afterwards it is customary for the tribe to gather in the grove and have a meal. This tradition is how the tribe honors their fallen ancestors.
Joining Rites
Those not born into Fidelis must complete a series of challenges to prove their worth and earn their place in the tribe. These trials were created by Farryn, the current reigning regent of the Fidelis. The Joining Rites are meant to test new loners who seek sanctuary within the Fidelis ranks. There are three stages to the Joining Rites: Rite of Strength, Rite of Courage, and Rite of Honor. Failure to complete these tasks dictates that the loner wishing to join will have to wait the minimum of a moon before they can try again.
Success of whether a Loner character completes the Joining Rites will be determined through a dice roll via our discord. |
"Outsider! You are here today to prove yourself to your (rex or regent) and your tribe. You are required to pass three tests: The Rite of Strength, The Rite of Courage, and The Rite of Honor. May the Celestials bless your trials, and may you show us your worth."
Rite of Strength
The Rite of Strength is possibly the easiest, and most straightforward challenge to pass. The first part of the challenge involves loners hoping to join needing to stand against two Fidelis warriors in combat, and not be beaten beyond a certain point. The second part of the challenge involves the loner needing to successfully hunt a prey item released in the tunnels, failure to complete either of these tasks will result in a failure of the Rites and the loner will need to re-attempt a moon later if they wish to try again.
If successful: "Outsider, you have successfully demonstrated to us your strength. The Celestials have blessed your prowess in combat and hunting, and I (rex or regent) have deemed you worthy enough to proceed to the next Rite. Strength is not all that is needed to be a successful Fidelis, next you must demonstrate for us your courage."
If unsuccessful: "Outsider, you have failed to demonstrate for us your strength. A Fidelis who cannot fight or hunt is weak, and weakness is not permitted amongst our ranks. Leave now, and only return when you are strong enough to reattempt.
Rite of Courage
The Rite of Courage is slightly more difficult than the Rite of Strength. The Rite of Courage involves loners needing to withstand harsh conditions with an unfaltering spirit. Loners undergoing this trial will be denied food, water, and rest to test their will. The Loner will be required to sit vigil in a harsh area that is cold with no available food or water while under the watch of Fidelis sentinals. They must stay here for a minimum of a day and a half. If they forfeit the challenge, lose consciousness, or attempt to cheat they will fail the Rite of Courage.
If successful: "Outsider, you have successfully demonstrated to us your courage. The Celestials have blessed you with a strong spirit and an unfaltering will to survive. I, (rex or regent), have deemed you worthy enough to proceed to the next Rite. Strength and courage is not all that is needed to be a successful Fidelis, next you must demonstrate for us your honor."
If unsuccessful: "Outsider, you have failed to demonstrate for us your courage. A Fidelis who cannot withstand hardship lacks the resolve needed to live amongst us. Leave now, and only return when you can withstand the cruelty of the Plaguelands."
If successful: "Outsider, you have successfully demonstrated to us your courage. The Celestials have blessed you with a strong spirit and an unfaltering will to survive. I, (rex or regent), have deemed you worthy enough to proceed to the next Rite. Strength and courage is not all that is needed to be a successful Fidelis, next you must demonstrate for us your honor."
If unsuccessful: "Outsider, you have failed to demonstrate for us your courage. A Fidelis who cannot withstand hardship lacks the resolve needed to live amongst us. Leave now, and only return when you can withstand the cruelty of the Plaguelands."
Rite of Honor
The Rite of Honor is the single most important Rite of the three; a loner who lacks honor is considered useless to the tribe. In a world that is hanging onto existence by a thread, everyone wants to be on top. Loyalty to Fidelis and their values is imperative to synergy within the tribe, and the Loner must prove their honor by reciting the values of the Fidelis code. An honorable Fidelis dispatches of infected threats dispassionately; their duty to their tribe and their takes priority above all, including their individual morals. To pass the Rite of Honor, a test of wills may be imposed upon the refuge Loner, in which they will be forced to kill an infected creature regardless of threat status.
If successful: "Outsider you have successfully demonstrated to us your honor. The Celestials have blessed you with a calm mind and virtuous soul. I, (rex or regent), have deemed you worthy enough to join our ranks. Your strength, courage, and honor will be valuable assets to your tribemates. May you continue to demonstrate your worth throughout your life."
If unsuccessful: "Outsider, you have failed to demonstrate for us your honor. A Fidelis who cannot give everything for their tribe and Rex/Regent cannot live amongst us. Leave now, and only return when your ready to offer your heart to your tribe."
If successful: "Outsider you have successfully demonstrated to us your honor. The Celestials have blessed you with a calm mind and virtuous soul. I, (rex or regent), have deemed you worthy enough to join our ranks. Your strength, courage, and honor will be valuable assets to your tribemates. May you continue to demonstrate your worth throughout your life."
If unsuccessful: "Outsider, you have failed to demonstrate for us your honor. A Fidelis who cannot give everything for their tribe and Rex/Regent cannot live amongst us. Leave now, and only return when your ready to offer your heart to your tribe."