House Bentley

> Spirit of the North.
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The House Crest of House Bentley.

## Overview

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House Bentley is a well-statured warrior family that originated from Glockton, but is closely linked to the Ashmoor military. It has brought forth several high ranking officers for many years and are considered to be 'protectors' -- defined by their honor, not their blood. It is what makes a Bentley. All Bentley children must undergo a test of honor, endurance, and loyalty to officially earn their place in the House. Once they prove themselves, Bentley's kneel to no one. *(Inspired by: House of Zod & Klingon Empire)*

A true warrior fights to the death and would rather be killed than taken hostage — an act which brings dishonor on him or herself and their family for many generations. Their most important historic symbol of leadership, once said "Bentley's should fight not just to spill blood, but to enrich the spirit." Bentley's are also remarkably skilled hunters, relying on their senses to pick up and stalk their prey.

In the traditional sense, the Bentley House hold honor above all else: love, life, and family — although as with any culture, high-level politics and personal gain get in the way. In Bentley culture, lower-ranked officers consider it a duty to kill off a superior who is perceived as weak.

Warriors and their families are responsible for each other's actions. A challenge to clear a family's name ends in death if unsuccessful. They believe that death is an experience best shared and view it as a joyful time for one who falls in the line of duty and earns a place among the honored dead, celebrating the release of a dead spirit rather than grieving over what they consider to be the empty shell of the body. One of the most honorable deaths is a kamikaze-like suicide that takes an enemy's life with it.

Despite the disillusionment and disrespect of some Bentley's, Bentley honor still counts among the peoples. Challenges to personal honor are settled usually by personal combat. And although they believe in an afterlife, Bentley's form no burial ritual and dispose of the corpse by the most efficient means possible — although some archeological digs reveal a different custom at one time.

## House Crest

Upon a Helm with a Wreath Argent and Sable A demi Bull Sable armed unguled and winding a Triton’s Trumpet Shell held between the forelegs or mantled Sable doubled Argent.

## Culture & Traditions

### "Rite Of Passage"

Before the required age, all young male and female children participate and prepare for their very first tradition. This ritual will mark the attainment of a new level of spirituality for a Bentley warrior. Once they've reached the age of nine or 10, they're obligated to swear an oath of pledge allegiance to the House. As a sign and symbolism of their accomplished ritual, they must cut themselves at a certain part of their body -- arm, leg, or hand -- to show their bravery. The scar will always remain as a remembrance of their oath keeping. This is why the majority of them are quite disciplined and taught to show less emotion when dealing with conflicts.

### "Ancestry Celebration"

Once every year, the Bentley House gather for a week of festivity and merriment. They celebrate the history of their House and look forward to what is to come. The celebrations usually involve much of whatever land they own with props of all kinds being set up everywhere. The main themes of the festival are flowers and the colours white, black, and purple are predominant. During the festival, a special event occurs near the end -- ceremonial tribute. It occurs in late winter, near the end of the year.

### "Day Of The Dead"

This festival occurs approximately three months before the Ancestry Celebration. It is not as sombre an event as it sounds, but rather than being met with festivities, families are encouraged to spend time with each other, enjoying the life that they've made. They say prayers for the dead, remember past relatives and relations and take comfort in each other. Children born on this day are said to be gifted with empathy. The date is not wholly locked but is always set on month prior to it’s occurrence.

### "Arbiter Of Succession"

This position is established by Bentley law. This individual is responsible for administering the "Rite of Passage" ritual which involves the selection of a new current or future Headmaster. The Arbiter was responsible for selecting the challengers for leadership on the advisory body.

### "Elder Respect"

This tradition is a system of primogeniture based respect where a junior, no matter their rank, is expected to show a degree of decorum to their elders. Even the House headmaster is bound by this tradition and while it shows signs of wavering, it is still upheld in the morality and teachings of the daily Bentley. In the same way, however, elders are urged to give back as much as they receive. Some do, some don't -- they are not bound to it.

### "Adornment"

This is the Bentley House version of a 'coming of age ceremony.' When a Bentley household member turns the age of 16, they are elevated from the standpoint of child and given a bit more respect by their elders. The ceremony begins with a bath in hot, flower scented water. It then follows with  a black cloak, many feet in size, being draped across their shoulders and a wreath of leaves being placed upon their heads. It used to be a mass ceremony in the olden days but now families usually hold personal ceremonies while grande ones are held for the lesser/greater houses -- it is possible to be adorned before age.

## Relationships

### Members

* {Thaddeus Bentley ll}, the Patriarch of the family.
* {Claire Bentley}, the Matriarch of the family. His wife of House Evergreen.
	+ {Frederick Bentley}, their eldest son and heir.

### Household & Retainers

* Arbiter Of Succession {Mabel Bentley}, of House Chambers. Former Matriarch of the family.
* {Agatha Octavia}, of House Bentley.

### Ancestors

* {Thaddeus Bentley}, former Patriarch of the family. Killed by Thaddeus Bentley ll, via death of dueling.

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