Writing One's Name in Heaven

== Writing One's Name in Heaven ==
Writing One's Name in Heaven is the highest award in Essotori, and the wider Ascendancy, for both civilian and military forces, though its criteria is left up to the Nozerod, or a temporal regency council. Theologically, Writing One's Name in Heaven means to carve out an individual place in history, a name that will endure entropy, and has gained the personal attention of the Nozerod on a spiritual, and direct level. The recipient is summoned to Radonstinatle, escorted by the Nozerod's personal guards, and taken in the height of luxuary, to the Palace of Origin, and are lifted on a sedan chair by a party of favoured servants, to the Hall of Distinguished Heroes, around the 100th floor. Here, the recipient is instructed to kneel, and is given approximately ten minutes to mentally prepare, before the guards search them for any weapons, or undisclosed items. Traditionally, the recipient would be stripped, as the Nozerod crafted each life, however, this requirement was dropped by Nozerod Extraordinary Inspiration, in 1892. Now, the recipient will merely be searched, and may remain clothed. After this search is completed, the recipient will be bathed to perfection, and optimal condition, to prevent any spread of disease, and to present the recipient in peak physical condition before the Nozerod. After the washing, guards would leave, granting total privacy for private contemplation and prayer. The Nozerod will enter after a few minutes, when a signal is given, in the complete Ascended Veil, as is normal. At this point, the Nozerod shall sit upon a throne, positioned at the back of the hall, a raise plateau, while the recipient kneels before the throne, on the steps, or on the floor, or on a chair. Then, the Nozerod shall stand up, instructing their subject to arise, stating their reasons for granting this reward, in the form of an order to accept, to which the recipient shall formally accept, as instructed. The Nozerod shall then remove the Ascended Veil from their face, though some may remove it from their head completely, exposing their hair, most only show their faces. The ceremony is followed by a personal audience, during which, the recipient is permitted to discuss any topic with the Nozerod, to which, the Nozerod replies truthfully, as a good ruler respects their subjects. Traditionally, recipients beg forgiveness for Faelin, and for their families, though some figures, use the opportunity for personal gain, requesting money or political favours. Some, simply use the opportunity to talk casually, which was particularly well regarded by Nozerod Extraordinary Inspiration, who enjoyed listening to the people, and offering earnest advice and sympathy.
== History ==
The practice was started by Nozerod Precipitous Glory, during the Ashwood Dynasty's Three Hundred Years War with Sereine. It was decided that some achievements, namely that of Count Clemont Victor, after his series of victories against the Sereinians, required an honour above all others. Clement Victor's ceremony was unlike his successors, in that his ceremony was overtly militarily themed. His family joined him for the ceremony, and the Nozerod and subject, instead of merely talking, practiced sword fighting together, as they were already deeply bonded. It is said that Clemont, upon seeing the face of Precipitous Glory, simply stated "This Crownslave has seen what he already known, that the Ascended One is the greatest of heroes." Since the institution of the ceremony, it has been granted on 422 occasions, with three being declared invalid. 
=== Unique Instances ===
==== Precipitous Glory ====
Precipitous Glory, as the founder of the award, gave it out twenty one times. Primarily, to military figures, who served well in the three hundred years war. He also bestowed the honour to his wife, as well as his stepdaughter. The instance with his stepdaughter was swiftly erased from Essotori records, as it was overtly selacious in nature.
==== Extraordinary Inspiration ====
Extraordinary Inspiration gave out the largest number of honours, particularly to politicians, scientists, and nurses. He was a humanitarian, in that sense. However, he used the award to enrapture women, causing a series of political scandals. Throughout his later life, he began indulging in conversation with his recipients, talking about their lives, their issues, and their aspirations.
=== Glorious Jade ===
The current Nozerod, Glorious Jade, has been fairly active in granting the honour, though the extent of genuine autonomy in granting them is questionable. For the first four years of her reign, Glorious Jade was directed by the Entropic Regency Council, who used Glorious Jade as a tool to enrich themselves. The first, and most prominent recipient of the honour, was John Livingstone, who recieved it for the dubious reason of "Personal service and total dedication to the Ascended Family". Livingstone used the opportunity to demand a Divine Government, which Glorious Jade, inexperienced in administration, was pressured into accepting. This allowed the Livingstone government to secure power, and reign until 2020.
Category:Essotori
Category:Ascendancy
Category:Essotori Culture