Mirror-fist salute

Performed by several military groups from varying origin, the mirror-fist salute is performed when a duty is handed over to the next. Example include the end of watch duty, a new commander relieving the old one, or a noble abdicating their position.
The person being relieved salutes first, left fist in front of their heart, then says "we have stood" before moving their fist to their side. The relief salutes in response but with their right fist, while saying "we still stand". Once the relief has moved their fist to their side, the exchange is over and the relieved party either leaves or escorts the relief.
Nowadays the salute tends to be performed without the vocal part. Additionally, most only use their right fist, rather than opening with the left. The full salute only is used by older leaders and nobility, as well as by some mercenary groups. A notable example of these are the Shadow Lancers, though they only use the words towards each other.

Practicioners

• Soldiers
• Mercenaries
• Nobles

Origin

Uncertain

Status

Outdated

Origin

There is no information on what the salute originally came from. However, it seems it is mostly practioned by those with ancestors from the valley. This suggests that the gesture originates from the original inhabitants. Given the use by mercenary groups, perhaps their original leaders also left the valley somewhere during its fall. Tight lips and poor records mean this hypothesis cannot be checked.

Meaning

While the origin is unknown, there have been bards and philosophers that analysed the salute throughout the years. The clenched fist is said to represent resistance, possibly an expression of anger and stubbornness. 'We have stood' then represents the act of defiance in the face of danger. 'We still stand' is to express that the fight is not yet lost or forfeited, the resistance will continue.