Cardinal

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Naming Traditions

Unisex names

Cardinals are another specimen of the strange fascination harpy culture has with mimicking the world around them and the people within it. Typically, cardinals are given names derived from the weapons of the surrounding cultures that they deem appropriate for the fledgling. Though there are cases where a cardinal is named after an important figure or weapon from history that they may have overheard and thought suited the fledgling. These names are traditionally given after a hatchling has been sanctified through bloodbathing and given by the elders.

Family names

Like other harpies, cardinals have last names. They do however come from clans. These clan names can be used as last names, similar to some noble houses. However, these clans are seldom bound by blood relation. Completely unrelated cardinals could be in the same clans, perhaps even entire families all under one name. This is because cardinal clans are based off their respective deviations of Ballett. They've trained tirelessly to perfect their respective techniques, and show that pride by naming entire clans after these fighting techniques. Though this isn't to say that cardinal clans are one-trick ponies, it's common for many sub-deviations of their techniques to exist within the clan. Some cardinals may feel their techniques are different enough to warrant creating a new clan and leave to further perfect their techniques.

Other names

A unique tradition that Cardinals comes from the fact that they have two given names. Seldom to cardinals have fewer than two once they've been sanctified. A cardinal will start their life being given a name based on their first cry. To cardinals, this cry is taken as the hatchling giving themselves a name, introducing themself with a hearty cry. These 'birth names', are typically only used by the cardinal themself or by close family and friends. It's considered disrespectful to call someone by their birth name when you don't know them, as it's not only informal but it also discredits their blood rites.

Culture

Culture and cultural heritage

Origins

There are several possible origins, and the exact details have been lost to time over the course of many chroniclers. But what is known is what is believed by most. It's said that the cardinals started when a harpy named Quah was left for dead by her sisters after a failed hunt that left her arm broken. She tried to find any sign of her sisters, a path back to the nest perhaps, but she got lost in the tall grass of greengrave's rolling hills. Unknowingly, she had wandered too close to a human settlement and encountered a band of wandering knights. Being one of the main predators of their region, harpies seldom remember the fear of being prey themselves. She couldn't fly, couldn't run, and she couldn't hide. But, she was fine with this, this was normal. She accepted her fate, and asked only for the knights to make it quick. The knights were surprised, but it wasn't uncommon for prey to know when to put their head down. But there were mixed opinions. Some believed they should kill her before she changes her mind, others believed it a trick, and one wished to spare her. "There is no honor in killing a flightless bird". The knights argued and fought, until one decided he would take matters into his own hands and drew his sword to kill the harpy Quah. The largest knight, one who's name has been lost to time, stopped him and the knights began to infight until there was nothing but broken bodies and blood-stained grass. The warrior looked tired, hesitent. Quah asked him one question; "Why?" The knight hesitated, looking at the wounded harpy, looking to the horizon ahead, and back towards the direction of his home. "I am a Knight of House Rediran. It is my duty to protect the innocent, human or monster. The moment anyone draws their blade upon the innocent, their life is therefore forfeit. Noble brothers, vile monsters, or common thugs it matters not. The blade of justice is nondiscriminatory." For a brief moment, there was silence. The knight turned to leave, but the harpy stopped him "What will happen to you?". Again, the knight paused. The absurdity of the situation was palpable, a harpy worrying about a knight was unheard of. Maybe she would be okay. He took his sword, stabbing it into the moist soil, and rested his cowl upon the pommel. "I will die standing." And so the knight left, with everything but his humanity.

Ballet

as many scholars might know, harpies don't make for great warriors. Beyond their feral fury and the strength of a beast, they lack the qualities of species like humans, elves and dwarves and have flaws in their anatomy that makes combat difficult against a skill warrior of the previously mentioned species'. Their bones are hollow and easier to break, they lack the needed dexterity and strength in their hands to hold certain weapons, and even if they do find a suitable weapon, they have to balance strikes with the continuous flapping of their wings. But one of the biggest flaws is that harpies cannot be born strong. Humans, for example, can be born strong given the right parents. Two strong warriors are likely to give birth to a strong child that might even surpass them, or perhaps exabit other useful qualities that lend themselves to combat. On the other hand, harpies will always be born around the same level of strength due to the lack of genetic diversity. In times that this isn't the case, it's due to severe birth defects that hamper other abilities. A human can be born strong, but a harpy will always be born a harpy. Over generations, different harpies have created different styles of fighting against humanoids. Harpies are excellent copycats after all, and who better to copy than the best. Some have learned to throw knives, others drop heavy objects onto others, some may even adopt certain martial arts involving open-hand fighting. The cardinals wouldn't settle for anything less than matching the strengths of humans, or even surpassing them. Cardinals spread themselves far and wide, learning the fighting styles of their other harpies, watching how humanoids fight. This intense observation lead to the creation of a primitive fighting style that would become Ballett. This fighting style was much like the fighting style of duelists, in which one talon holds a long bladed weapon while the body leans back, while the wings were meant to stabilize and work around having only one point of contact with the ground. Using the natural capabilities of their avian anatomy lends itself nicely to quick, forceful attacks involving circling the enemy on the ground, using their wings for a quick thrust or even to strafe quickly to the left or right. This basic concept could then be used for other weapons, not just swords. Bludgeons, duel-wielding, and in very rare cases there have been harpy archers. However, there was still a huge roadblock for cardinals; flight. Flight was part of harpy nature, it's easy to fall back on if something gets tough. In short, it was a crutch. Cardinals began a practice of wrapping the arms of young cardinals with heavy cloth. It was meant to restrict their abilities to fly and keep them from learning until they could fight without it. They were grounded, and would remain so. Ballett took many generations to reach a level of proficiency. Cardinals would undergo intense training, beaten down and built back up into a perfected physicality. This is what we now know as ballet; a powerful martial arts that brings the likes of cardinals to the same level of combat proficiency as human warriors, if not even surpassing them. When cardinals are finally allowed to use their wings, they become powerful, unpredictable warriors.

Preservation of history

Like many harpies before them, cardinals struggle with written history. Most are illiterate, and those that aren't seldom write with such clumsy talons. However, cardinals do have a method of preserving history. Harpies have many names for this social rank, but many refer to them as chroniclers; harpies who keep the history of their race through word of mouth and oral traditions in the form of specialized songs. Chroniclers exist in most larger harpy clans, and they are a vital part of their society. When a chronicler dies before they can inherit their knowledge to another, it can set that clan back by generations. Typically these songs each have a historical meaning behind them, whether it be an ancient event, a well-known myth, or even just a recipe. Chroniclers are by far the most important piece to any clan, let alone the cardinals.

What it means to be strong

What is most important to a cardinal will always remain the same; the protection of the weak. They aspire to protect those that cannot protect themselves, to be known as icons of hope among harpy culture. In the heart of every cardinal is the hope that they can one day create a future where harpies don't need to hide, where they can live in harmony with the world around them. In their culture, true strength is the ability to be gentle. Cardinal virtues involve a strict moral code, and a code of conduct. Cardinals will defend all those who cannot protect themselves. It doesn't matter the relation the cardinal has with the person, it is their duty to protect them. All cardinals will have to face the day that they cannot save everyone, but the only shame a cardinal can never wash away is to draw their weapon upon the innocent.

Shared customary codes and values

The moral code of a cardinal is as simple as it is important; To protect those that cannot protect themselves. A cardinal's purpose is to protect the weak, the innocent, and to take the lives of those who wish to do so. Once they draw their blade on the innocent, their lives are forefeit. Though this isn't as clear and simple as it may appear at first glance. Cardinals have very strong familial values and connections with broader harpy culture. However, cardinals detest glorifying the dead, they consider it a great offense to take the name of the dead and put them on a pedestal. The dead have lived their lives performing both good deeds and bad, and in rest they deserve to be treated as another person to have lived, that they existed. Worshiping them only glorifies the idea of the deceased, a grave offense to those who dedicated their lives to the cause, or even those outside of their culture.

Common Etiquette rules

Introductions

It's customary to introduce oneself when making the acquaintance of anyone. This involves giving one's name and title, before then asking for the same of the acquaintance. Respecting the titles of their fellow cardinals, or people outside their oath is customary, and only to be disregarded if that cardinal wishes to start a fight or introduce themself as anything other than an enemy. Cardinals of rivaling clans might forgo this vital part of the introduction to ruffle some feathers. Otherwise, when approaching a cardinal, introduce yourself by name and title, then ask for theirs if unknown. Refusing to call them by their title at least during the introduction is very rude.

Feather exchange

When meeting fellow warriors it's customary to offer a feather as a sign of goodwill and a sign of respect to a sister of the feather. Though this isn't only among cardinals, they may offer these feathers to harpies outside their oath or even other intelligent species such as humanoids if they're attempting to make a good first impression. These feathers can be freshly plucked for from the cardinal's collection. While rare for a harpy outside their oath to give a feather back, it's considered offensive if a cardinal refused to give a feather in return.

Challenges

Cardinals embody the spirit of nobles knights, seldom attacking haphazardly. When attempting to enact a duel, a procedure must be followed. The cardinal must announce themself to the person they wish to duel and announce their intentions in front of a witness. Rejecting the duel isn't forbidden, but it can be seen as an act of cowardice, or by thus proving the approaching cardinal to be stronger. If the person accepts the challenge, the cardinal will bite into their wooden talon or more commonly their arm to signify the honor at stake. The duel will then take place either where the challenge was accepted, or postponed to a more formal setting within an arena

A moment of reflection

Before any communal gathering or meal, it's customary to take a moment of silence for those that cannot sit at the table. It's very disrespectful to make any noise during this silence, not just towards those who no longer are, but to the cardinals who gave their time to begin with. Only after a minute is it deemed appropriate to then continue towards the action at hand.

The gift of service

Offering help to others, especially those in need or to fledglings, is seen as a fundamental duty to the cardinals. Declining a request for help without a valid reason can be disrespectful, even resulting in punishments among some clans of cardinal depending on the circumstances. This goes the other way as well, as declining help without a good reason can offend some cardinals. Declining help is to say 'you are incapable of helping me', though punishments are rarely given except under highly specific circumstances. Some cardinals forgo even offering the help and instead simply give it. This can come in the form of helping someone carry something heavy or helping someone that has fallen. It's all simple decency and respect for their peers. Though certain events prohibit interference or acts of help, such as the bloodsong trials or punishments given by the elders.

The council of elders

Foods & Cuisine

Overview

Cardinal cuisine is simplistic and uses many of the same ingredients. They're focused on practicality and the preservation of resources, and making due with what they have. Most of their diet consists of meats from local game, such as fish, giant badger, deer, or smaller game meat such as rabbit or flying foxes. They also make extensive use of silkweed and red clovers in their dishes to inspire the growth of muscles and strong fledglings. Much of their cooking is either over a fire, spits, smoking, or searing on large slabs of granite. This causes much of their food to have a very primal taste to it, similar to certain dwarven cuisines. Sea salt, silkweed and grape blod is used extensively to add additional flavor in their meals to great effect, sometimes even nightshade when an especially important even approaches. When preservation is the top priority, jerkies are made instead. Though cardinals do have other dishes aside from simple cooked meats; fruit. Fruit salads, fruity drinks, dried fruits, these all play an important role in a cardinal's diet, as the fiber and natural sugars keep the body healthy and hydrated, along with salts. Cardinals seldom cook every meal, preferring to preserve foods in storage in the case of hardships. Jerkies and dried fruits take the bulk of this, offering both meat and fruit that can stay good for long periods of time. Cardinals love jerky, especially because of the outrageous appetite of harpies, they're always eating something. This keeps cardinals always filled with salts, protein and iron. Dried fruits offer similar benefits, but typically are reserved for periods around the nest rather than hunting, as fruits are common within the cardinals' hunting grounds, and fruit attracts certain pests.

Safety practices

Because parasites are so common within predators and seafood, bleeding silkweed is used in their cooking. This is because silkweed feeds off blood, the fresher the better. When cooking meats, the meat will turn a red coloration to signify it's fully cooked, as the blood of the parasites feeds the vile plant to signify it's safe to eat. This extends to their water as well. Water is gathered from the sea and boiled with clumps of silkweed inside. Then, the water is placed within somewhere dark and condensed, typically caves. The water is then set to boil until the vapors travel up high and cling to the cealing, where they will then drip down. This is the standard method of gathering salt and clean drinking water, both free of salt and parasites.

Common Customs, traditions and rituals

Promises

Words mean a lot to cardinals, and promises are taken very seriously. When a cardinal makes a promise, they will bite into a object resembling a talon carved from wood. This object will then hold that promise. It's not uncommon to find these covered in bite marks due to the promises cardinals make on their honor. However, not everyone carry these implements, some prefer to instead mark their promise on their own flesh, biting deep into their wing until blood is drawn. This is particularly common among some cardinal warriors. Broken promises are representative of the cardinal who makes them. A broken promise means they're unreliable, that they can't keep their word. This can be troubling. However, not all promises are made equal. When a cardinal undergoes their bloodsong trials, they will bite into one of these talons and promise to uphold the beliefs and standards of the talons of hrungnir. This promise triumphs over all others, and to break it can mean excommunication or even death.

The importance of feathers

A practice sometimes called flocking is when cardinals take their feathers as keepsakes and to acknowledge the passage of time. This starts with being given a feather from their mother, or another relative if the fledgling is motherless. This is added onto once per year, with a feather plucked from the fledgling by the mother to count the years passed. Some cardinals hold these feathers very dearly, keeping them safe within whatever cove they call home. Others might tie these feathers to the pommels of their swords to represent the effort they've put into their craft. Some especially brutal warriors might take a feather for every battle won, tying them to the pommels or crossguards of their swords. This is a sign of status among warriors, to silently announce their prowess and combat superiority to rivals and enemies alike. Some punishments may entail losing these prized feathers, essentially stripping them of both their combat rank. This is a great shame that many cardinals will be stunted from, but they can always earn them back through proving themselves anew.

Thunder channeling

A favored and very dangerous sport among seasoned cardinals is an act of lunacy in which cardinals will gather at the beginnings of lightning storms. These will draw their swords and attempt to redirect lightning strikes towards each other like a game of catch. This game has no end goal, it's simply a means to pass the time during a storm. This 'game' is incredibly loud, like a string of thunderclaps with a metallic clap for each bolt successfully parried. Some especially brave cardinals have used this game as inspiration for battle, striking at stray bolts to force lightning to strike their enemies. This is rare and requires a lot of skill to pull off. Many cardinals have been injured in this game, with deaths uncommon to it. However, it's quite common amongst the battle junkies.

Birth & Baptismal Rites

Birth

when a new cardinal is scheduled to come into the world, there is a huge celebration for both when the egg is fertilized and when the egg hatches. Cardinals from the sister clans will travel great lengths and stay with the clan in question for a number of days. In the case of the fertilization of the egg, the cardinals of sister clans will stay for upwards of a month, or at least stay close. They will offer their blessings to the mother and the family, as well as hoping for good fortune for the hatchling-to-be. For the hatching however, they will stay for as long as a seven days. During these 28 days, the mother will sing to their egg about the great things they will do for their people. During these ceremonies, cardinals will gather and socialize, reminiscing on old times, talking about their great deeds and the accomplishments of their ancestors, as well as their hopes for the future hatchling, to whom the celebration is owed to. Like some events, this is one of the few where talking about one's accomplishments is seen as appropriate. For the days these cardinals will stay, they will bring gifts, good food, and entertain the guests with several activities. Some activities involve duels against old rivals, or simply the exchange of ideas through combat. During which, fellow cardinals may sing a ballad to go along with the artistry. Gifts range greatly from celebration to celebration. These gifts can be anything from weapons, clothes, or trinkets from travels. Others might be blankets, or other such necessities to keep the hatchling warm. Before the hatching of a cardinal, those from the sister clans who haven't decided to stay at the expecting clan are usually close by, with close contact with those at the expecting clan. Attendance isn't required but it's appreciated. During of which, cardinals will surround the egg, with the mother or caretaker of the egg at the front to be the first person seen by the hatchling. This is incredibly important for the hatchling to recognize its mother. To interrupt this is a great insult against the mother. Then, as the hatchling is brought into the world, only then is it safe to name them. When the cardinal cries its first cry, this is the birth name it chooses and thus will be named it, being given a formal name later on.

Birthdays and hatchdays

Cardinals seldom celebrate only hatchdays, preferring to instead celebration the anniversary of the egg's fertilization as well as the day the fledgling hatched. These celebrations are very similar, and technically the cardinal only ages on their hatchday, but the crossover is expansive. Typically, birthdays and hatchdays have a similar structure and share many of the activities. These events are separated into four quarters, each dedicated to something different. For the first quarter of the celebration, cardinals from the sister clan will visit with gifts and stories to tell to the fledgling. This quarter is simply to socialize and catch-up with old friends and rivals. It's not uncommon for friendly sparring to take place among the older cardinals. Many of the visiting cardinals will wish for fledgling's good fortune. Over the second quarter, the fledgling of the hour will spar with the other cardinals around their age. This is to help inspire rivalries and to learn from each other in low-stakes combat. If the fledgling is much too young, the mother or sibling of the fledgling will spar instead with others around their age while the fledgling watches. The third quarter towards the late-end of the day involves the fledgling of the hour being fed a clover stake and given gifts from their fellow cardnals. Most gifts tend to be practical or ornamental, such as weapons, ceremonial weapons, ceremonial garments, hand-me-downs, or trinkets from that cardinal's travels. Though there have been accounts of other gifts such as crude wooden toys, or even young beasts to be tamed by the fledgling into a proper hunting animal. Though such instances are rare. The final quarter as the sunsets is a somber moment where the fledgling will perform a demonstration of what they've learned that year in a tradition known as 'Shadow Ballett' where the fledgling will seemingly 'fight' with their shadow. This can go on for as short as ten minutes or upwards of an hour. This tradition is accompanied by a choir of the close family of the fledgling singing a somber note. In a similar case, if the fledgling is too young, a sibling or the mother might perform this instead while the fledgling watches. Cardinals will sometimes stay overnight in temporary nests and leave the next morning, or leave shortly after the shadow ballet.

Bloodbath

bloodbaths are a sanctification ritual done as early as four eclipses old, or even as old as ten. Unless circumstances make it impossible, fledglings are sanctified as early as possible. This ritual is often a more serious one involving elders of the Talons of Hrungnir carrying out the ceremony. Some cardinals will have their fledglings sanctified at their nest, or go to the mother nest to have them sanctified there among other fledglings. The ritual involves a large clay structure with the appearance of a chalice or bowl on a pedestal with a fire underneath. The fire is stoked with a number of different kindling, typically of nice smelling woods such as flutewood if available. The structure is then filled with the nectar of bleeding silkweed and the blood of fresh game, predators are preferred. This concoction is then brought to a boil underneath the fire before red clovers are put into the sanguine brew. The fire is then snuffed out, and the fledgling will walk in. The effects of the bloodbath are both symbolic and physical, as the red clover and silkweed directly contributes to the muscles of the fledgling being built upon, tearing skin as muscle is broken and remade, a cycle that continues until the bodies of these fledglings are 'remade' into a perfected form. It's common for cardinal warriors to stand by, as the fledglings commonly go into a berserker rage, shattering the clay structure. It's only after they've passed out from overexertion that the transformation is complete. For group bloodbaths, the clay structure is replaced with a larger, more resilient one that cannot be so easily destroyed. Cardinal warriors are to stand by to prevent infighting. After the ritual is complete, the elder gives a name to the fledgling-now-cardinal. They are no longer a fledgling, they are a cardinal. A similar rite takes place after the cardinal undergoes their bloodsong trials.

Coming of Age Rites

Bloodsong trials

When a cardinal reaches the age of 13, they undergo a brutal coming of age rite. This tradition was dubbed the bloodsong trials after the battlecry of cardinals hoping to carve their path in their society. The bloodsong trials, otherwise shortened to bloodsong is a tradition where cardinals get to earn their right to fly. The first stage of the ritual involves an elder or high ranking cardinal testing the capabilities of each cardinal-to-be to see if they're strong enough to undergo the trial. If they're deemed too weak, they will be rejected and forced to train for another eclipse before they can attempt it again. If the cardinal is deemed to be strong enough, they will be paired with similarly capable younglings, all called 'bloodsingers'. These cardinals will be tasks to hunt and kill one or several strong beasts while grounded. Groups of six bloodsingers will be lead into the deepest part of the woods, supervised by two cardinal sentinels that are only to interfere if something goes wrong. Cardinal vanguards will be sent to find and lure strong beasts into the area in which the bloodsingers must hunt and kill, lest they be hunted themselves. The ritual can go on for as long as weeks, in which the bloodsingers must hunt and forage for their own food and water, all while hunting their target. Bloodsingers are required to work together if they wish to succeed, cooperation is not optional. There are several ways to succeed in the trials, and many ways to fail. Killing the beast won't always necessitate a cardinal's ascension, and failing to kill the beast doesn't always mean failure. The trials are meant to test if the cardinals are ready to devote themselves to their clan and the weak. During the trials, leaving sisters to die, stealing valor, or otherwise dirty tricks are frowned upon and grounds to fail the cardinal. However, saving sisters, even at the cost of oneself, humility, and good cooperation can be grounds for ascension, even if they fail to kill the beast or it were to escape. The trial is all about drilling the importance in comradery among the bloodsingers, even those with rivalries. If a cardinal fails the trials, they are sent to train once more for another full eclipse, where they must look within to become their best self. Only then will they be allowed to retake the trials. For bloodsingers that succeed, they will undergo a ceremony on the same day, one similar to the bloodbath of their youth. The process is much the same, though it must be done within the mother nest, aside from very specific circumstances. It is then that these cardinals are truly born, and their wings unbound.

Funerary and Memorial customs

Rite of absolution

The somber event of a life gone. It's rare to find anyone who seldom know the pain of loss. Among the children of hrungnir, death is common, but never painless. Bloodsong trials, the hrungnir bloodfest, or even just protecting those they love, the cardinals cannot escape their own mortality. In the case of a death in the clan, the body is to be preserved until the ceremony takes place. If the body cannot be retrieved, than whatever was left will do; garments, weapons, anything. Regardless of the state of the body, it will be given the dignity in death that it deserves. The clan artisan will put in the order for ceremonial weapon known as the 'sword of penance'. These swords can reach lengths of fifteen feet, though the average is around ten and weigh up to 300lb. These swords are long and slender, with a circular cutout at the center of the crossguard. The crossguard itself is covered in sharp spikes, and the handle is made long for the use of both hands. These swords are made from iron and forged into shape and quenched in a special oil that causes the sword to be tinted red under the right light. The ceremony begins during the sunrise or sunset, depending on the circumstances of death. The next of kin will have the responsibility of carrying the sword to its final resting place. If the deceased has no sister, than the next of kin will go in order of familiarity, typically mother, cousins, aunts, etc. The next of kin must carry the sword whilst grounded before stabbing it into the earth. Next, the mother will carry the deceased and place them atop the cross guard, hugging the handle. The spikes will insure the deceased will always be displayed with dignity. Lastly, the kin of the deceased will impart their final words. Upon the blade, the kin will draw blood, leaving a handprint. In clans with higher literacy, these words are instead written in their blood or inscribed. The deceased will always have their own handprint or their last words inscribed into their blade of penance. For many cardinals, these parting words mean a lot and can shape the very memory of the deceased. As the ceremony is about to end, bleeding silkweed is spread over the deceased. Come next morning, and they will be covered with the vibrant red flowers, forever immortalized. To many, this ritual is a sign of existence. Harpies may get lost in the virtues or the stories of cardinals, but at the end of the day, cardinals wish only to be remembered. Not for the deeds they've done, the people they saved, or even who they were. These swords are meant to show that they existed. That they lived. That at the end of the day that don't have to uphold their clan's name any longer, that they may finally rest knowing that they lived, whether for a short time or a long time. This rite is one carried out by the swordkeepers. These figures are tasked with caring for the deceased. They will stand tirelessly to keep these swords safe, that they may not be disturbed into their good night. Swordkeepers seldom leave their fields, if only for food or drink. For those without kin, for those who have no clans, it is up to the swordkeepers to give them rest. In the times of great hardship, these swords may be moved to the new nesting grounds, either by kin or by the swordkeepers. It is forbidden to disturb the swords of penance. Only kin of the deceased may disturb the sword, and only to clean it, leave offerings, etc.

Common Taboos

Oath breaking

one of the most common types of taboo among them is to break your promises or your oath. A cardinal's purpose is to protect the weak, and to cast judgement upon those who wish to harm them. For a cardinal, someone who draws their blade on the innocent, their lives are therefore forefeit. There are many ways their oath can be broken, with mild breaks resulting in lesser punishments, while more severe infractions can result in even death. While not all taboos necessarily break the oath, there are some acts considered shameful within their society.

Punishments

The trial

When a cardinal has committed a sin, they must show themselves before the elders of the surrounding clans, including their own. Cardinals and other harpies may gather to watch the trial, but for especially horrible acts, entire clans might come to watch what judgement is cast. However, when a cardinal commits an irreversible act that goes against their oath, they must show themselves to the council of elders within the mother nest. When a trial is held at the mother nest, that cardinal's face has likely already been sealed. For mild offenses, the elders may strip the offending cardinal of their honor by taking one or more of their prized feathers. Though they might instead decide to clip their wings instead to prevent flight for a short while as atonement for their sins.

Grounding

Grounding is a similar act to putting a prisoner in a stockade. Though the means at which grounding is done is different. Rope is used to bind the cardinal by their wings, ankles and neck, and forced into a kneeling position with their neck forced upwards and wings outstretched. This cardinal is then left out in the elements for periods of times ranging from days to weeks. During this time, they must repent for their previous acts. Only a select few are allowed to interact with a grounded cardinal, and only to feed them. One or more guards are stationed nearby to keep watch on the cardinal in the events that someone tries to attack the grounded harpy or try to release them prematurely.

Trial by combat

One of the most symbolic ways a cardinal can be punished is through combat, as it gives a hope for redemption. This combat is often held in a specified area such as an arena, often made from the natural rock formations of the area. In this combat, the convicted cardinal must fight one or more of their fellow warriors to prove where they stand. Losing in a combat trial will result in that cardinal's honor being stripped away, such as through their prized feathers or by clipping. Losing in combat is humiliating, but it serves as a good reminded of what they've done. If the cardinal can hold their ground, they'll be let off with a warning, and their honor fractured but not broken.

Excommunication and banishment

While different, they uphold many of the same elements. Excommunication is an especially harsh punishment that prevents the cardinal from participating or interacting with any event upheld by the cardinals or talons of Hrungnir. Banishment takes it a step further, completely barring them from these events and stripping them of their cardinal status. These banished alto harpies are sentenced to be grounded or executed depending on the reasons for banishing them are.

Warriors of penal

When execution is deemed too cruel, a cardinal will be stripped of what makes them unique and turned into a warrior of penal. Their name, their culture, everything. This harpy will have their wings bound so they can't fly, their faces bound in cage-like helmets, and branded with the sign of the betrayer. These warriors are to serve their sentence as expendable warriors that will fight to the end for the talons of Hrungnir. Only by proving themselves worthy will they be given back their name and their freedom. Seeking redemption is a road that often leaves one more broken than when they started.

Execution

When a cardinal commits a sin that cannot be undone, they must pay the ultimate price; their life. The execution of cardinals is one performed by the swordkeepers, either through ceremonial combat or a brutal duel to the death in the case of those who escape. Cardinals executed are not to be given their rites of absolution. The only grave they'll find is being burnt to dust.

Cardinal Coat of Arms by Beetlepins

Related Items

Related Locations

Greengrave

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