Gwenan (Beekeeper's Brooch)

Mechanics & Inner Workings

For the most part, the Gwenan is a simple symbol, although this can vary. When used by Sidhe or Formorian users, the acceptance of the emblem confers an Ere-Hud upon the holder to deliver their message. In extreme cases, the object itself confers this ere-hud, compelling a person who picks it up off of a slain messenger to take up their place, delivering the message as if they were the initial messenger. A messenger created in such a way is often unaware of the contents of their message until it is delivered. Magikal creatures that respect the Gwenan are compelled to not attack the messenger until their duty has been fulfilled, often extending the courtesy of allowing an unladen messenger unmolested passage out of their realm, often with a reply.
Among the Bediz, such arkane protections are rarer, instead conferring the mere symbol of a messenger upon the individual. In the cases of powerful guilds or nobles, the Gwenan Brooch may also contain a seal or signet that the messenger can affix to a document upon delivery.

Significance

In Bedouar, Beekeeping is an itinerant trade, with hives located on flat-bottomed barges, which navigate the canals, rivers and waterways of the world, drawing pollen and nectar from the flowers that grow alongside these. This constant movement has made the beekeeper's an essential method of communication, bringing news and gossip from all over the Western Realms as they pass through villages and cities. This has led to a saying that gossip is "one for the bees", a saying which taken seriously by literal-minded Sidhe.
The Gwenan marks a trusted messenger and it is displayed prominently by those who wear it as an insignia. The brooch is the most common of these, although, painted signs of bees, tabards or banners serve the same purpose. Those bearing the mark of the Bee in good faith are given passage by the civilized peoples of Alvez, both Bediz and Fae. The Sidhe Courts, the Korrigan Troupes and even the Formorian Clans will allow messengers of the Gwenan to pass unmolested to a destination. Those who wear it in bad faith are typically afforded no such protections if found out, similar to a breach of Hospitality, a reaction shared by both Bediz and Fae.
Oddly, the emblem of the Bee is respected by the otherwise near-feral Finfolk, who will spare those wearing the emblem, arkane or otherwise. As a result Fishermen in the Mor Marv wear a Gwenan brooch while at sea. However, the Finfolk will only spare a single individual in a group wearing the symbol, reasoning that only one is needed to deliver a message...

Item type

Clothing / Accessory

Rarity

On a conceptual level, the Gwenan brooch is common and can be made from a verity of materials, ranging from small bits of painted wood to gold and jewelry.

Raw materials & Components

Gwenan Brooches vary based on the sender, but are most typically made out of bronze, tin or gold. In some cases, a wooden brooch painted with the colours and patterns of a bee may suffice and amongst some Korrigan troupes, the messenger may wear an actual bee to serve as this symbol.