Endowment

A Way To Know And Be Known

The Endowment is the means by which all people of Bastille are connected to the Weave of magic. Born from the Goddess Mystra, the weave is the means by which magic inhabits the world. It is through this Mark that the people of Bastille are connected. The Endowment takes the form of a glowing geometric design on the right hand. The Mark is unique to each individual and it is said that is expresses their personality in its intricate design.

History

Friend or Foe?

When the Bastille was forged by the Grand Wizards in DR1492, they created a means by which to prevent saboteurs and assassins from gaining entry to the safe haven. They used their talents to create a relic with which to create unique magical signatures. These magical signatures would manifest in the shape of a Mark. A geometric design that glowed with Arcane Energy. These Marks could be verified as genuine by any other bearer of the Mark with absolute certainty. The Marks could not be faked or replicated. It was a fool proof means to determine if an enemy had managed to slip into Bastille without being noticed.

The First And The Last

When a child is born, it is mandated that its birth be performed within the maternity wing of Light Watch. As soon as the child is free of its mother but before the umbilical cord is cut, the Endowment must be performed. This is known as The First Right. The Mark is given to the child using the Mark of Truth relic. It is not uncommon for some design elements of the mothers Mark to transfer to the child.
When a man dies in Bastille, his body is to be returned to Light Watch where it is cast into The Great Light. This is known as The Last Right. The Mark of the deceased is recorded in The Tome of the Departed.

Execution

Each endowment has different flourishes and embellishments depending on the family's wishes, but each Endowment, to be considered official and recognized by Light Watch, must have these three steps:

1. The child's birth must be witnessed by an officiating authority sanctioned by Light Watch
2. After the child is born but before the umbilical cord is cut, the officiating authority must press the Mark of Truth to the childs head and inpart the Mark upon the child.
3. The officiating authority must then record the child's Mark into The Tome of New Life. The child is then presented to the residents of Bastille. This usually takes the form of a celebration within the child's home district.

Components and tools

The Endowment requires the Mark of Truth in order to be performed. A particular spell must be cast in order for the relic to work. The words and forms of the spell are recorded in both The Tome of the Departed and The Tome of New Life.

Participants

The ritual requires an officiating authority from Light Watch to be present. However, this is by formality and tradition. The role of the authority is to operate the Mark of Truth and record the child's name and Mark into The Tome of New Life. If a child is birthed without an an officiating authority, the Mark it receives is considered an abomination and illegitimate.

Primary Related Location

Light Watch