Del'shanur

Given to none save the most renowned warriors within Altowood culture, the Del'shanur is a title of nobility carried by a caste of elite soldiers within the region of Kiptravos. Those carrying this title are known for more than just strength; they represent the culmination of rigorous military training, artistic study, honorable conduct, and philosophical enlightenment. Though most swear fealty to nobility or the lords of Altowood, their true loyalties lie with the oaths to justice and order that they swore to uphold.

Qualifications

Unlike most ranks within the militias of Altowood, to become a Del'shanur requires more to qualify for than simply one's skill in combat (though it is still a factor), nor is it solely limited to military officers. First and foremost, the most distinctive feature of any Del'shanur is their equal commitment to intellectual endeavors, particularly art. A Del'shanur is expected to be just as much of an artisan as they are a solder, meaning of such skill that they can equal or best most professionals. From woodcarving and metalworking to singing and calligraphy, Del'shanur must be devoted to honing their skills at all times. In some historical cases, individuals have had the combat requirements waived entirely due to their artistic merit.
Beyond art, potential Del'shanur are also considered based on their aptitude for understanding philosophical concepts about the world around them. They are expected to be thoughtful of their place in the universe and mindful of their standing among society, civilization and nature itself. Many of the greatest political treatises of Avani history were written by Del'shanur or those who went on to become one.
As this is a military rank, Del'shanur are also in most circumstances expected to be elite fighters and expert swordsmen in particular. The mythos surrounding the Del'shanur holds the sword in a sacred place among weaponry; impossible to use at range, generally inferior as a formation weapon, it represents the courage to face your opponent up close and the skill to hold one's own in single combat.

Requirements

Though it takes great skill and honor to be considered for the rank, there are three actual requirements. These requirement are:

• Age 13 or older
• Not currently serving just punishment for any crime
• Defeated a current Del'shanur in single combat

The last requirement can be waived by the agreement of three tenured Del'shanur in cases where a candidate is being considered for their artistic mastery, sufficiently heroic deeds, or moral character.

Appointment

Upon meeting the official requirements of becoming a Del'shanur and being judged as meeting the expected moral/artistic qualifications, one may be appointed to the rank of Del'shanur by any current holder of the position (in fact, the current holder is bound by oath to do so). The appointment is sealed by two essential rituals: the judgement of the soul and the forging of the blade.
The first, the judgement of the soul, is a spell cast by the appointer upon the appointee to determine whether the candidates external appearance of worthiness is matched by who they are on the inside. Cast using the Piece of Shanur carried by every Del'shanur (designed so even birdfolk with zero magic can use the spell), it looks into everything about the individual's character, personality, intentions, and nature. Nothing is hidden from it; it can even reveal shapeshifters and Undead (though neither factor into the judgement). The only thing it doesn't look into is an individual's past: whatever evil acts or beliefs are in their history, if they have changed as a person and repented of their wrongs it doesn't matter.
Upon gleaning all of this information, the spell indicates a simple judgement: worthy or unworthy. Unworthy candidates are affected by the spell according to the degree of unworthiness, which can range from simply feeling cold for a short time to being struck blind or even killed by the spell. In part, this is a portion of the judgement. Appointees are informed of the potential consequences for failing the judgement; continuing with the ritual in spite of this knowledge counts for courage, if nothing else.
If the judgement of the soul comes up worthy, the second ritual begins.
The forging of the blade requires exactly what its title describes: the creation of a sword. In this ritual the prospective Del'shanur is required to design and forge a weapon from the point of gathering the necessary materials to fashioning its handle. This process can take days to finish and requires the candidate to pour every fiber of their soul into the weapon (however, they may be guided throughout by the Del'shanur appointing them to this rank. The point of the ritual is the effort, not the bladesmithing knowledge).
At the end of the forging of the blade, the apprentice Del'shanur is knighted with their forged weapon by the veteran Del'shanur and given their Totem of Shanur, the jewelry that is bound to them magically and forever marks their rank. From the point of knighting, the apprentice is a full-fledged Del'shanur with all of the duties and honor that comes with it.

Duties

Upon taking their sword, the Del'shanur are bound by oath to uphold justice and order. In this context these are not just metaphorical ideals to be obeyed. The ritual physically binds the Del'shanur to the Order domain of Magic. In some cases this bond can even give the warrior magical abilities and benefits similar to what a magician has.

Accoutrements & Equipment

All Del'shanur carry a blade of their own forging, the one created during the ritual for their knighting. It is always tailored for the ideal use of the individual who forged it and magically sealed to be of the highest quality possible even if the wielder had never blacksmithed a day in their life. They are held in reverence within kiptrawood culture and recognized as a sign of great courage by those outside it.

Type

Nobility, Military

Alternative Naming

The Knights of Kiptrawood, Wings of Justice, Paladin (kish translation)

Equates to

Jassar (Jasani )

Source of Authority

The local lord or, in times of emergency, the High Lord of Altowood

Length of Term

Lifetime or good behavior

Current Holders

• Kerrak Devakri

Related Locations

• Kiptravos

Related Organizations

• Altowood