Vincere

A title that takes tens of years to earn, and a lifetime to master.

Amongst the Latenes Sunt, there is a title "Vincere" that seems to hold a profound reverence among these hidden people. It means "committed to duty and honor", and it is a core ideal of the culture as well as a title (see side panel).

Holders

The use of Vincere as a title is not an indicator of rank, and it is not bestowed via a ceremony, but by common assent. Those referred to by this title are treated with profound respect by others. The title is sometimes given to the ruling matriarch, but it is not exclusive to rulers, and is not indicative of the socio-economic status. It is not obligatory to use this title for the ruler, and it has been held even by the lowest soldiers or peasants, although this is not typical.

Obligations and Expectations

Vincere designates a special status upon the individual and seems to confer some rights and very heavy responsibilities and expectations upon the person. Those who are referred to as Vincere are characterized by a obsessive active service to the community, even to the point of detriment to their personal relationships, health and personal wealth. They are often the voice of wisdom in negotiations, have expertise in their sphere of professional practice, and typically anonomously give large sums and work with charitable organizations to ensure that the aged, infirm, and poor in the community have opportunities to succeed and support when they are incapable. They are typically leaders in civic, military, religious, and social circles, although their advice is sought in forums outside their professional training.

Attaining the Title of Vincere

It is considered extraordinarily rude and disqualifying for any individual to suggest that they should be given the title Vincere. There are typically no more than three Vincere's in the kingdom of Novam Domum at any given time. Those who are referred to as Vincere never use the title for themselves - it is always attributed to an individual by others, and there is no ceremony that establishes it in any formal capacity. At first blush, the term "Vincere" when referring to an individual appears to be nothing more than a superlative descriptive term that one might use to describe another in the same way as one might use the terms "genius" or "breathtakingly beautiful", however this casual use of the term is not born out by the social stigma attached to those who have accepted the designation and fail in some obscure point regarding the responsibilities or expected behaviors.
It is not unusual for people to reject the title, though doing so is a tricky business as one must tread a fine line of social behavior to turn down so distinguished an honor. It is difficult for outsiders to fully discern, but the rejection of the title may actually be part of the social protocols of becoming Vincere.
Unmerited use of the honorific has been used by unscrupulous individuals to manipulate foolish rulers or high ranking officials into situations in which publicly acceptable options for the honoree are severely limited.

The principles of Vincere

This is my duty:

• to seek truth and speak it always,
• to cling to justice,
• to trust with wisdom,
• to accept responsibility,
• to value my people above my own welfare,
• to serve them with all I am,

I have no honor if I have not done my duty

Symbol of a Life of Service

Origins

Common belief amongst the Latenes Sunt hold that the term originated with the first matriarch, Vincere Callidus Iratus, but others trace the title back further to Vincere Iraenox, commander of the dark elves during the The Uprising of the Dark claiming that Callidus Iratus took the name Vincere to honor the fallen general.