Being Sword
Posted by Apostate on 11/26/21
Q: So, I have a couple of questions about what it means to be appointed a Sword. Is it a life-long appointment? What are the peers (outside the playerbase) view of a Sword that chooses to step down - and what are the reasons that one would choose (rather than be asked) to do so? If a member of the peerage abdicated their title (like, example - for love) and became common - would that also mean that they would need to step down as Sword? Just wondering. Thanks for the time!
A: So being named a sword is both a sign of recognition of a liege's faith in the loyalty of the Sword, but it's not considered a ceremonial award- since a Sword has a very real role of deciding the Outcome of the house in Grand Challenges between houses, it is typically considered the finest warrior for a house, and as such retirement when they are no longer considered the best is typical. Donrai Thrax as an infirm cripple with leprosy holding it was considered a major scandal- but also an implicit statement that Thrax under no circumstances would bother to honor great challenges, and would instead always opt to militarily crush any challenger.
There's no dishonor in stepping down from a Sword, and in fact it's seen as very admirable to step aside if someone thinks they can't serve to the best of their ability, or if another is more capable of representing the house in battle.
Other duties for Sword is ceremonial (representing the House in other symbolic duties of honor), or not- it's common for a House Sword to be the Captain of the House Guard for example.
A: So being named a sword is both a sign of recognition of a liege's faith in the loyalty of the Sword, but it's not considered a ceremonial award- since a Sword has a very real role of deciding the Outcome of the house in Grand Challenges between houses, it is typically considered the finest warrior for a house, and as such retirement when they are no longer considered the best is typical. Donrai Thrax as an infirm cripple with leprosy holding it was considered a major scandal- but also an implicit statement that Thrax under no circumstances would bother to honor great challenges, and would instead always opt to militarily crush any challenger.
There's no dishonor in stepping down from a Sword, and in fact it's seen as very admirable to step aside if someone thinks they can't serve to the best of their ability, or if another is more capable of representing the house in battle.
Other duties for Sword is ceremonial (representing the House in other symbolic duties of honor), or not- it's common for a House Sword to be the Captain of the House Guard for example.