Hospitality

With gifts of earth, sky and sea, I invoke the right of hospitality.
The Ere-Hud of hospitality is one of the most powerful and important rituals in Alvez, observed by the Sidhe, Korrigan, Dragons and numerous other peoples of faerie, becoming widespread enough that it is commonly invoked by most Bediz, even if enforcement lacks the touch of Arkane that makes breaking the spell so egregious.

One of the most powerful Ere-hud of Faerie, the hospitality ritual is almost uniformly observed by the Sidhe, Korrigan, dre Sidhe, Re Vihan, dragons and other creatures of Fae, and has become widespread enough that many humans in Bedouar also observe its rules, even if they are not under the ere-hud themselves. Breaking a contract of hospitality is an egregious sin and not taken lightly. Those who do are ostracized and often fall to great calamities.

History

The Ere-Hud of hospitality is one of the oldest and most powerful Arkane rituals in all of Alvez, commonly invoked and carried out to great effect. It was first put in place by the Ard Rí Nemed to ensure safe conduct among the rival clans of the Tuatha de Danaan while in his hilltop fortress. The ritual was adopted by clan leaders and eventually individuals to create safety for travelers and guests. The ritual spread throughout the Fortunate Isles, brought by traders, explorers and conquerors to the continent.
The ritual was adopted by the Bediz early in the reign of Gradlon Mwar to ensure safe negotiations with local Korrigan populations in the leadup to the War of the Two Brothers, continuing as widespread practice throughout and beyond the existence of the Kingdom of Kernev. The ritual has been widely used in Northern Kornôgel since then.

Execution

Obtaining an oath of hospitality is a highly ritualized and specific ordeal. The seeker must explicitly invoke hospitality and make a presentation of certain gifts in exchange for a vow from the host that the rite will be observed. The specific terms of the hospitality are agreed upon, magically binding both parties to those terms for the agreed upon limits and conditions. It is crucial to remember that terms are followed to the letter, not the spirit.
For example, an oath of "No Harm Shall befall you while you remain under my roof" protects only for interior spaces, but also places an powerful obligation of the host to protect their guest from all harm., even taking proactive steps against the actions of third parties or accidental injury. As a result, terms are often carefully tailored based on the participants and situation.

Components and tools

At its core, hospitality requires both an agreement and a symbolic gift. The gift consists of 3 parts:

• Bread of the Earth - Bread is used as the symbol of earth, grown from wheat. Formally given as a full loaf.

[

• u]Salt of the Sea - Salt represents the sea, but the actual origin does not need to be.

• Honey of the Air - Honey stands in for the air. Chouchen is also a popular substitute, and it is often used at toasts for this purpose.

Participants

The Ritual requires a host and a guest, but can involve other parties as well, including other residents of a home or companions of a traveler. The protections and obligations of these third parties relies on the oath of hospitality.

Observance

When making an agreement with the Fae, both parties are tied to the specific terms that are asked and agreed upon. This language is very specific and will be observed to the letter. If a guest arranges for safe passage at a lodging, it does not automatically extend to her companions. Tales are full of guests who attended fairy feasts, only find themselves unable to return to the mortal world, trapped in the timelessness of the faewylde because their passage does not extend to a return journey in a timely manner. The Sidhe are notorious for this adherence to the letter of an agreement, but not necessarily the spirit as understood by the human. The Fomorian King Bres was even executed by his Tuatha de Danaan hosts utilizing the specific terms of a hospitality agreement.

• Bediz adherence is often unbound by ere-hud and therefore does not contain the magikal compulsion that forces strict adherence. Bediz hospitality rituals are often broader, determined by social convention rather than specific terms and usually including unspoken assumptions.

Variation: When entering a new home, a small bag of bread, honey and salt is placed in each corner of the structure to create a place of Hospitality.

Primary Related Location

Kornôgel

Important Locations

• Fortunate Isles