The Honor Call: A Rorestvian Tradition

Throughout Rorestvia's turbulent history, particularly during the Era of Endless Battles, our ancestors recognized the need for formal protocols before bloodshed. The Honor Call emerged as a sacred tradition, offering one final chance for resolution before violence became inevitable.

Historical Significance

The first recorded Honor Call occurred during the Battle of Swanward, where Clan Avenel and clan Braun forces engaged in formal negotiation before their famous confrontation. While that particular Call failed to prevent bloodshed, it established the modern ceremonial structure. During the Lake Rorest Summit, the Honor Call tradition was formally codified, becoming an integral part of Rorestvian diplomatic and military culture.

Traditional Structure

The Opening Call

The challenging force must initiate the Honor Call before any hostile action. This typically occurs at dawn or high noon, symbolizing transparency of purpose. The call must be made from beyond weapon range but within clear sight and hearing of the defending force.
Traditional Opening: >"Under sun and sky, I stand as Voice for [Authority/Clan]. Let it be witnessed that I speak with honor's tongue, bound by tradition's chains."

The Response

The defending party may:

Accept the Call (signaling willingness to negotiate)

Reject the Call (considered a legitimate but grave choice)

Delay the Call (permitted once, typically until the next dawn)

Traditional Response if Accepting: "Under sun and sky, I stand as Voice for [Authority/Clan]. Let it be witnessed that I speak with honor's tongue, bound by [variant: blood and soil/ancient right/etc.]."

The Meeting

Takes place on neutral ground between forces

Each side may bring up to three representatives

Weapons may be carried but must remain sheathed

Traditional gestures of peace (open palms) must be observed

Breaking the peace during an Honor Call is considered a grave dishonor

Terms Exchange

Both parties must clearly state their terms. Traditional format: "These are our terms: [state terms clearly]. Do these things, and [state consequences/rewards]."

Resolution

Three possible outcomes:
1. Terms Accepted: Both parties agree to conditions
2. Counter-Terms: A new proposal may be offered once
3. Terms Rejected: Formal declaration of hostile intent

The Withdrawal

Both parties must be allowed a safe return to their forces

Tradition grants time "until the sun reaches it's next landmark."

Breaking this withdrawal period is considered dishonorable

Combat may begin only after both parties have returned and the granted time has passed

Variations

Clan Honor Call: Emphasizes bloodline and tradition

Crown Honor Call: Invokes royal authority and law

Merchant Honor Call: Used for serious trade disputes

Blood Honor Call: For personal or family grievances

Modern Practice

While still observed throughout Rorestvia, interpretations vary:

Traditional Clans: Observe full ceremony

Urban Centers: Often abbreviated but maintained

Military Forces: Incorporate into formal protocols

Merchant Guilds: Adapted for trade disputes

Breaking the Honor Call

Breaking the peace during an Honor Call or violating the withdrawal period is considered one of the gravest dishonorable acts in Rorestvian culture. Such actions often unite otherwise neutral parties against the offender and are remembered in clan histories for generations.

Remember: The Honor Call is not merely a ceremony—it is a testament to Rorestvian civilization's commitment to resolving conflicts with honor, even when peace proves impossible.

Primary Related Location

Lake Rorest

Related Organizations

• Rorestvia