Scarlet Caste (RRaMC)

The Loyalty Ceremony

 

written by Appolonaire
2/18/2009

 

A group of warriors gather in a chamber, forming a circle. A fire burns intensely in a pit in the middle of the circle. The highest ranking amongst the rarii commands his brothers to order, whereupon they come to attention.

He speaks:

 

"Honor is honor, in small things as well as great; Honor resides in both words and in deeds."

 

"Those assembled here today have pledged their very existence to live by the codes and aphorisms of the warrior caste."

 

The prospective warrior is then invited to join the circle.

 

He is asked: "Do you know and understand what it means to make a vow, to make a pledge before the men in this circle? Do you hereby swear an oath of fealty to the Caste, to uphold traditions of respect and honor?"

Should the prospective warrior agree, then the elder warrior continues:

Behold the fire that burns in the midst of this circle. The flame cannot be grasped... it is not a thing that can be touched, but its power is indeed felt. Its heat brings warmth, but the flames can cause great pain and misery. Its burning consumes that which is around it. If not controlled, a fire can bring about wanton destruction. With wisdom, and with the firm hand of guidance, this consuming fire can be tamed. Its force and power can be harnessed and be used to do great things. Such is the passion of a warrior, who is guided by honor. His honor defines him as man.

 

You, who stand here in front of these warriors, do you pledge to live and die by the codes? [Yes]

 

Then unsheath your sword, and raise it high.

 

"I, [state your name], do solemnly vow to honor the warrior ways and traditions, and to lead by example for others to follow. My conduct will be honorable, as befits a rarii."

 

Should you ever make mockery of the codes and aphorisms and bring disrepute to this organization, to this circle of men, you will be disbarred and humiliated, and stripped of the recognition of the warrior caste.

 

Keep that sword raised high and say:

 

[By the power of grayskull, I have the power!]

 

Do you vow to lead your life as an example of honorable warrior tradition? [Yes]

 

Step forward and be recognized. Let it be known, Warrior XXX is recognized as a man of honor, a member of the RRaMC.