Sole

The Keepers of the Flame, House of All History, Scholars of Tow
 

House Sole is known for being both rich in its traditions and secrets. The family has grown in size over the last several years, and although they have experienced some financial hardship, they are ever the pictures of what a Noble of the Empire should be. They hold the very power structure of the Empire in the palm of their hands, but they are necessary to the future of the Empire as well because they hold all the lessons that must be learned, but must be kept secret from the general populace. Generally a Sole family member picks one area of study and immerses themselves in it at an early age. They are well learned in every subject, of course, but this one area of study becomes their expertise. They currently are ranked fourth in the Empire in standing, but have been given the opportunity to earn their rank back to third. Their living is based entirely on stipend from the Emperor, and with their lavish lifestyle, they often run to the very brink of bankruptcy. They do however give back to the empire in many ways. They teach, tutor, and instruct those who seek it. They created the Sole Library in the common quarter so that all may learn from the rich history and knowledge of the Empire.

Note: Those who play as a member of House Sole are expected to live up to an amazingly high standard of role-play. You must live by the documentation at all times unless something has been previously discussed with the Immortal staff.

‘With knowledge comes the ultimate power.’
 

The Family Hierarchy

Head of House:
The Head of House is responsible for all activities within House Sole. They must approve all marriages, all major decisions that will hold the House’s name and all preemptive strikes the House plays on other houses. They are afforded the highest level of respect in the House and are advised by the Matron or Master of the House. When in this position, the Head of House -is- House Sole. Their word, though final, is highly influenced by the Matron or Master of the estate who is highly influenced by the Council of Three.

Master Historian:
Generally named one of the Council, the Master Historian is the ultimate and final say in all matters that relate to the history of the empire of Tow, including the surrounding villages. They can generally recall, with amazing clarity, any event in history and will often spend time telling tales at the public library of important historical incidents. They are often called upon by the SunJin or the JaiChen on matters of history, hopefully to enlighten or to remind of similar points in history, choices that were made, and how events transpired because of that decision.

Currently Serving:
Head of House and Unta: Kejin Sole
Master Historian: Ascent Sole
Master/Mistress of Archives: Kejun Sole
Junior Archivist: Kasceno Sole
Estate Planner: Koulare Sole
Master Librarian: Jinah Sole
Junior Librarian: Lili Sole

Traditions
House Sole is rich in tradition and culture. The family is very close-knit emotionally and stands together at all costs. They always see other family members points of view, and even if they don’t agree, they will live to be sure that family member is safe to pursue what they wish.

Coming of Age
The coming of age ceremony held when a Sole family member becomes an adult is of course, the same as the traditional ceremony held in the city with a minor adjustment. The child must present his or her first book before the Head of House (within the House called the Matron or Master) for inspection and judgment. This book is written with the child’s specialty in mind and is judged to be worthy of the Sole archives or not. If the book is worthy of the archives, they are considered ready for adult status and allowed to be given a task within the House. Otherwise they must study for a period of three years before making their next attempt.

Transition to Ranked Family
Transition to a position of rank within House Sole is considered a great honor. Positions are chosen with the Head of House and Matron or Master o the House both being in agreement. Once the family member is chosen, it is said that they tend to go into hiding for a period of time to read and study every facet of their new position. All of the previous people to hold that position have written in a journal about that position, and it is passed down as each family member gains that position.

Mating a Commoner
Only a ranked family member has the option of mating a commoner, and this option only exists if the Head of House approves. The newly inducted family member must pass a series of tests set by the Head of House before the marriage ceremony can be conducted. These tests (usually three) could be anything from finding a rare item to writing a fantasy novel. Once the tests are completed to the satisfaction of the Head of House, the marriage ceremony will be preformed.

Death
Death is not celebrated or handled any differently than the city tradition dictates, except that all family members are buried within the family crypt on the estate.

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Births
Required by all family, is the rite of Birth within the Sole family. Immediately cleaned and swaddled, the child is passed to each ranked family member to receive a word of blessing and a moment of close attention. The child is enveloped in hugs and love and soft song and sweet words of adoration. Champagne is sipped, songs are sung, and a quiet, family-only celebration is held in the presence of the child. For one day alone, that child is as a god.  It is said that children of Sole remember their moment of birth, and ever-on.

The Test of Intellect
When a child of the family wishes to be considered for a ranked position later in life, a test is given. Written on scrolls, the test is administered by the Head Historian and Head of House as well as the matron, or master. Every question must be answered correctly and in full before a child will be considered for training for such a position. The test is administered again after the child reaches proper age and after the position is open, with a more strict eye to detail in each question. The Head of House at the time of the test, ultimately decides whether or not the fates of the House would be best served with this person in that position.

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Copyright © 2006 Alaire (Codename). All rights reserved.
Last modified: 12/19/06.