The Oath to Arandor

Elf

OOC NOTE:

To join an order your Elf will need to:

• Apply to the guildstone in Arandor

• Participate in Roleplay/Events (Not necessarily in Arandor, but this is first and foremost a Roleplay Shard!)

• Become recognized as someone who will contribute to the group in terms of time/effort/material in some way. While we do not expect a full-time commitment from you, as everyone has a life off game, you should contribute in some way the same way that others are contributing.

The Oath to Arandor

Each part of the oath serves a specific purpose, building layers of loyalty: to the kingdom, the monarch, the divine, the Order, and finally to the individual's role within the Order. This structure reflects the hierarchical and interconnected nature of Elven society, where each individual is part of a larger whole, guided by duty, tradition, and spiritual purpose. As a character ascends the ranks of their order, the oath is re-stated each time as they recommit to their past vows while accepting the responsibility of their new role.

Part One: Allegiance to the Kingdom

"Kingdom Before Kin, Kingdom Before Clan, Kingdom Before Comrades."

This phrase emphasizes the supreme importance of Arandor as a collective entity. To the Elves, the kingdom represents their heritage, their people, and their shared purpose. It is the embodiment of everything that sustains their way of life—the land, their traditions, their culture, and their spiritual alignment with the Valar. The phrase signifies that the well-being of the kingdom must take precedence over any personal or smaller group loyalties.

• Kingdom Before Kin: The Elves are expected to prioritize the safety and prosperity of the kingdom even over the bonds of family. While family is incredibly important in Elven culture, this part of the phrase underscores that the kingdom’s survival is paramount. Elves are taught that they may be called upon to sacrifice personal desires or even family members if it means protecting the greater good of Arandor. The needs of the kingdom supersede individual or familial needs.

• Kingdom Before Clan: Elves are often bound by their ties to a specific clan or social group, but this part of the phrase reminds them that clan loyalty must not surpass loyalty to Arandor itself. Even though clans may play a critical role in the social and political structure of the Elven society, the kingdom stands as the unifying force that transcends these divisions. Internal conflicts between clans must be set aside when it comes to the defense or prosperity of Arandor.

• Kingdom Before Comrades: In battle, Elves fight alongside trusted comrades, with whom they often share strong bonds of loyalty and friendship. This part of the phrase reinforces that even the close relationships forged on the battlefield must not take precedence over the kingdom’s greater purpose. The kingdom’s survival and honor outweigh personal allegiances, and an Elf must always put the kingdom’s needs first, even if it means difficult choices regarding those they hold dear.

Part Two: Allegiance to the Monarch

"In the name of Arandor, I pledge my loyalty to the Elven Monarch. By their wisdom, I am guided, and by their command, I shall abide. I pledge to serve their will with honor and uphold the unity and strength of my people. Though their mantle is heavy, our protection is their purpose, and I shall share in their burdens."

For the Elves, swearing loyalty to the Monarch signifies a commitment to the unity and stability of Arandor itself. The monarch is seen as the living embodiment of the kingdom's values, traditions, and purpose. Whether the monarch is a warrior, scholar, or healer, the Elves place their trust in their ruler to guide them wisely. This oath binds the Elf to the monarch's leadership, reflecting a deep-seated respect for the sovereign role, regardless of who holds it.

Elves view this loyalty as essential to maintaining harmony within their society. The monarch is the focal point of Elven governance, and the oath ensures that each Elf places the needs of the realm above any personal ambition, regional loyalty, or familial ties. To them, the monarch’s command is a guiding force that ensures the prosperity and protection of all Elvenkind.

The Monarch is not just a political leader; they are a spiritual and cultural figurehead. This oath means that the Elf recognizes the monarch’s role in balancing the need to preserve ancient traditions with the need to adapt to the present. The Elves see their monarch as the protector of their way of life, a custodian of Elven values passed down through the ages from the Valar. The monarch’s wisdom is trusted to guide the Elves in matters both mundane and profound, helping them navigate the complexities of their world while remaining faithful to their heritage.

By swearing this oath, the Elf acknowledges that the monarch’s vision is necessary to lead them toward a future that honors the past while embracing the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.

Part Three: Allegiance to the Divines

"By the stars above and the earth below, I swear my life and spirit to the will of Fanyarnir, the Sky Father, and to the sacred Valar who guide us. With their light to illuminate my path and their wisdom to shape my actions, I shall honor the balance they maintain across the realms. I vow to protect the harmony of the world, to defend the natural order, and to serve the greater good of their world. By their divine grace, I pledge my heart, my mind, and my strength, so that in all things I may act in service to their eternal will."

To the Elves, this oath is a sacred covenant that defines their place in the universe. It is a declaration of their unquestioning loyalty to the Valar, and by extension, to the natural world and the greater good of their people and their realm. It is also a reminder of the interconnectedness of all things, as they believe their actions affect not just themselves but the balance of the entire cosmos. The oath is both a spiritual and moral guide, ensuring that they act with honor, wisdom, and humility. By committing to the will of Fanyarnir and the Valar, the Elves align themselves with the forces of creation, protection, and order, understanding that their existence is part of a greater cosmic harmony that they are duty-bound to protect.

Part Four: Allegiance To Their Order

There are nine possible oaths given by an Elf when they choose which order to join:

Order of the Celestial Sovereign (Fanyarnir)

"By the light of the stars and the wisdom of the skies, I pledge my soul to the Celestial Sovereign. Under the boundless heavens, I shall guide my kin, protect the balance, and honor the will of Fanyarnir. In all my actions, I will seek the harmony of the cosmos and the knowledge within its infinite depths. My path is written in the stars, and my heart is forever bound to the sky.

Order of the Verdant Heart (Aldarwen)

"By all the majesty in her domain, I swear my loyalty to the Verdant Heart. I shall protect the wilds, nurture the balance of life, and defend the sacred woods from harm. In Aldarwen's name, I will walk the path of nature’s keeper, listening to the voice of the trees, the rivers, and the creatures who dwell within. Let my life be a part of the eternal cycle, as I stand as a guardian of the living world."

Order of the Illuminated Mind (Ithoril)

By the light of knowledge and the power of wisdom, I vow to serve the Illuminated Mind. Guided by Ithoril's endless quest for truth, I will seek out the mysteries of the world and safeguard the wisdom of ages. I shall strive for enlightenment, honor the pursuit of learning, and preserve the lore of my people for future generations. With a mind open and a heart committed, I dedicate myself to the path of understanding.

Order of the Radiant Embrace (Caladria)

By the light that heals and the warmth that restores, I swear fealty to the Radiant Embrace. In Caladria's name, I will bring light where there is darkness, solace where there is pain, and healing where there is sorrow. My hands shall be instruments of her grace, and my heart shall be her beacon. Through her guiding light, I will mend what is broken and restore what has been lost, offering hope and comfort to all in need.

Order of the Valiant Shield (Dovaros)

By the strength of my arm and the fire in my heart, I pledge myself to the Valiant Shield. In Dovaros' name, I will stand firm against the darkness, defending the innocent and upholding justice. I shall fight with honor, protect with courage, and never falter in the face of evil. By force of arms, or the might of my magic, I will be the bulwark of my people, ever ready to defend those in need.

Order of the Mystic Veil (Seraphiel)

By the mists of dreams and the veil of prophecy, I swear allegiance to the Mystic Veil. Guided by Seraphiel’s wisdom, I will walk between the worlds of the seen and unseen, deciphering the visions granted by the Valar. In her name, I will navigate the depths of foresight and dreams, ensuring the balance of destiny and time. My path is shrouded in mystery, yet illuminated by the light of her guidance

Order of the Harmonious Muse (Solinor)

By the harmony of sound and the beauty of creation, I pledge my devotion to the Harmonious Muse. In Solinor's name, I will inspire the hearts of my people with music, art, and craft letting my creations be a reflection of the divine. Through song, story, and craft I will weave the threads of unity and joy, bringing light to the darkest corners of the world. May my works honor Solinor and enrich the lives of all who hear and see them.

Order of the Astral Enclave (Ophilia)

By the stars that guide and the magic that flows, I vow to serve the Astral Enclave. In Ophilia’s name, I will master the arcane arts and guard the mysteries of the cosmos. With discipline and wisdom, I will wield magic with reverence and restraint, ensuring that the balance of power remains unbroken. My soul is bound to the stars, and my purpose is to explore the infinite realms of possibility.

Order of the Eternal Sentinel (Verilion)

By the bounds of reality and in defense of truth, I swear my life to the Eternal Sentinel. In Verilion’s name, I will protect the boundaries between worlds, ensuring that the veil between the realms remains intact. I will be the watchman at the gate, the guardian of the unseen forces, and the defender of the fragile balance that holds existence together. My duty is eternal, my vigilance unwavering.