The Sword of Urshel

The Sword of Urshel is the sword that marks the highest member of the Noneanos clergy. It is believed to have a direct connection to the divine and will select the next High Clergyperson itself. All Noneanos clergy wear a mock of the sword at their belts.

The Story of Urshel

by Nazrin B

According to Noneanos myth, Urshel was gifted the sword by the High One at a time when the High One's people were being oppressed. At this time, those who had magical gifts were in control of the society, and those who did not have magical abilities were lower class citizens, and sometimes even slaves. Urshel, being a manipulator of water, was a high status person, but heard the call of the High One to protect those who were without magic. So Urshel led an uprising of those without magic and, with a great flood, overthrew the government and set up a new one.

In doing so, he freed the slaves and created a new society in which people rose to the high classes, solely by their merit, regardless of their ability to use magic.

Myth Variations

Though Urshel is spoken of as a hero among the Noneanos, followers of other religions see him as a villain. Among the Yub Urshel was said not to have led the rebellion in order to help those of low status, but to ensure that he maintained high status once the rebellion ended. They also tell stories of him pitting his enemies against a variety of animals to dispose of them. The Allabasi add that Urshel was a member of an organized crime group, and the rebellion merely allowed him to continue to commit crimes, only legally. Although this is sometimes acknowledged in the original story, it is said by the Noneanos that Urshel joined the crime group to set them on the path of the High One. The Allabasi instead point out the amount of bloodshed wreaked by Urshel and how the new system is even stricter in how people are allowed to rise above their station than the old one was.

Ceremony of High Clergy

When the High Clergyperson has died, and it is time to select a new one, a tea ceremony is set up to determine the next High Clergy. A spoonful of tea is placed in a teapot, next to to a bowl of icy water. The sword is placed in front. One by one, each clergyperson takes the sword and after backing away from the table, attempts to make the tea using the sword's power to manipulate water. The person who is able to successfully fill the teapot and boil the water is believed to be granted the gift of divine connection and becomes the new High Clergy.

Appearance and Powers

The sword is remarkably plain, with virtually no markings to make it unique, though it is said to practically hum with power. Furthermore, it is known to never get dirty, and thus it is recognized by its gleam. Not only is it said to allow the bearer to speak directly with the High One, but it has power over water and prevents disease.

by Orien