Bearer of the Radiant Blade
Only those the sword accepts can ever hope of wielding it. Even if a person wields the sword, they need to be strong of character and fierce of heart. One cannot hope to take this sword by force. Nor can one hope to use this blade to slay innocent lives. The blade will always judge you.
Grand Master of Sword Order
The Bearer of the Sword is considered one of the most influential positions. The person who wields the sword is also the head of The Order of the Radiant Blade . They become known as Grand Master of Sword Order. The position requires a lot of political finesse to keep the peace between factions. While the Council of Elders is the law behind the Treaty signers, the Sword Order is the might. The Council may request the Order of the Radiant Blade to go to a location and act as bodyguards for them. Or in some instances there may be battles between the Sword Order and non-Treaty groups.Qualifications
Strong character and fierce of heart. The magic sword sees into the person who seeks to wield it and determines whether that person is acceptable.
Requirements
The magic sword will test the person wanting to wield it. If the sword senses that the person wishes to use the sword to harm others or that the person has a weak constitution or easily influenced, then the sword will not form a bond with the person. There is no requirement to be a magic-user as plenty of non-magic users wielded the sword throughout the years.
However, many join the ranks of The Order of the Radiant Blade in order to get closer to the sword and hopefully become the Bearer should the current bearer die. While there are many Bearers who come from outside the Order, it usually is frowned upon. The Bearer of the Radiant Blade also becomes Grand Master of the Order. As head of the Order they need to have the confidence of the Order's knights to be able to lead them.
However, many join the ranks of The Order of the Radiant Blade in order to get closer to the sword and hopefully become the Bearer should the current bearer die. While there are many Bearers who come from outside the Order, it usually is frowned upon. The Bearer of the Radiant Blade also becomes Grand Master of the Order. As head of the Order they need to have the confidence of the Order's knights to be able to lead them.
Appointment
There is a special ceremony where the person is presented the sword. The sword speaks to the person. The sword reviews every memory of the person and judges whether that person made fair decisions or was motivated by greed. If the sword deems the person worthy then the sword bonds with that person. The person decides on a name for the sword. The name often signifies something of how the person views their reason to wield the sword.
Duties
There are three major duties associated with this position.
- As the head of the Order of the Radiant Blade, they are in charge of everything the Order is responsible for. In some respects this is more of a ceremonial position as the Order can exist without a Grand Master. However, the head of the Order can shift the responsibilities of the group, for example if the Bearer has a particular pet project. This only works as long as the Grand Master has the support of the people below them.
- Protect the Mortal Realm from those that may threaten it, particularly threats that may come through from the Veiled Realms. The sword itself came from the Veiled Realms. The very first Bearer took up the sword to fight against the demons that came through the Portal of the Veil. Since that time, this was one of the main functions of the sword. Particularly to use the power of the sword to protect those who cannot protect themselves.
- To act as "head of state" between the Order and other magical organizations. There are times when other magical groups would ask the Order for assistance or protection. Those request are often decided by the Grand Master. This can be where the Order throws its weight around.
Responsibilities
The Bearer spends a lot of time being a political mover and forming alliances with various factions and groups. Their main concern is protecting the Mortal Realm, so they often travel to areas where skirmishes are happening. These travels may result in battle or acting as muscle for Council members to negotiate a peace.
A large part of the position is also seen as being a quasi-religious figure. The sword is deemed 'holy.' The times there are no Bearer can be stressful to believers. Just the act of the Bearer being among the people and bearing the sword can bring stability and calm to the region.
A large part of the position is also seen as being a quasi-religious figure. The sword is deemed 'holy.' The times there are no Bearer can be stressful to believers. Just the act of the Bearer being among the people and bearing the sword can bring stability and calm to the region.
Benefits
Aside from wielding one of the most powerful magical artifacts in existence, other benefits include a great deal of political clout and devotion from the Order of the Radiant Blade.
Accoutrements & Equipment
The Sword is the main equipment of the position. The other accoutrement is the delicate golden weave signature that is embedded in the Bearer's skin. This is the physical representation of the bond.
Grounds for Removal/Dismissal
The only means of removing or dismissing a Bearer is by death. It is not uncommon for Bearer's to be assassinated in a coup by their own Order. This usually happens when the Bearer is seen as weak or neglecting their duties as Bearer.
History
The first Bearer of the Sword, Theodas Oloric, wielded the sword to protect the Mortal Realm. His Realm was attacked by demons in Veiled Realms and he followed the demons to the Mortal Realm. The Mortal Realm was vulnerable to the demons, which feed on the magical energy of the Earth. The first Bearer gathered fighters around him, and commanded them in battle against the demons. After the demons were defeated, the surviving fighters banded together under the Bearer and formed the Order of the Radiant Blade. During a second battle with the demons, the first Bearer was mortally wounded. It was here that the passing of the sword and signature were established.
Cultural Significance
Some individuals believe the Bearer to be a savior or religious figure. They view the Bearer as someone who will set things to right. In periods without a Bearer, these individuals tend to become doomsayers. During times when there is a Bearer, these individuals look to the Bearer as a savior and tend to take the Bearer at his word.
Notable Holders
First Bearer of the Sword: Theodas Oloric
Type
Civic, Political
Form of Address
His (Her/Their) Eminence
Alternative Naming
Grand Master of the Order of the Radiant Blade
Source of Authority
Chosen by Magic Sword
Length of Term
until death
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