Salay'an'shyr

> *"Thy deeds are naught but an echo of a foolish strut, resonating in emptiness, doomed to silence." - extract from the Catechism of the Brotherhood, 'Teachings'*
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The Salay'an'shyr, or Brotherhood of Silence in common tongue is a guild of Dark Elf assassins, dedicated in slaying mages.

Known for their unorthodox talents, assassins of the Brotherhood are known to chase their quarrels with zealous devotion, employing close quarter acrobatic maneuvers to confuse their victim while denying any spell casting attempt with their bizarre counter-spells.

## Organization

> *"Intent in every shadow" - The Catechism of the Brotherhood, 'Foundations'*
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The Brotherhood's inner society is unknown to those outside of it: while it can be deduced that they have a leader, the Salay'an'shyr have a religious component that is entwined with its leadership, thus making it even more cryptic to outsiders.

### The Shrines

Throughout the world, there are several Shrines, secret bases where the Salay'an'shyr assassins can rest and resupply, meet their fellow murderers and join the ceremonies of the Cult. There are five other shrines other than the Prime Shrine, seat of the Hessari, scattered throughout the world.

#### Hessari

The supreme leader of the Salay'an'shyr is known as the ***Hessari**,* the equivalent of a Rogue Guild's Grandmaster. A rough translation would be *Bride* or *Spouse*: in fact, the Hessari is a rank exclusively reserved for women who dedicated their life to the Lord of the Shrouded Halls, *Eleviris*. Hessari are not just the fulcrum of the guild's organization, giving out missions and tasks to its members - the Brides also administer the rites and sacrifices within the Guild's First Shrine and also the most important ceremonies, such as the *Torment*.

#### Veshari

Within a Shrine, ***Veshari*** are the highest authority both in faith and organization issues: they make sure that the Shrine prospers and that its components are trained to their peak capacity. Unlike Hessari, these individuals can be men and alongside the other Veshari and the Hessari, they form the Council of the Harrowing, that reunites upon the request of either the Bride or half of its member to discuss of the most pressing matters or for the most important rituals.

Veshari authority in the Cult is second only to that of the Hessari: they can administer rites, sacrifices and judge minor crimes within the Shrine, while major offenses are handled by the Hessari.

#### Ayarei

**Ayarei**, or Adepts, are pivotal in the administration of a Shrine: while Veshari represent the guild in a global setting, Ayarei make sure that the relationships in a Shrine aren't strained, as that would hinder their operation. Ayarei organize, alongside Veshari, organize the Shrine into teams and make sure that the Shrine is well-supplied and every member is paid. Usually, a shrine has no more than one Ayarei, who is also an exemplar figure to other assassins.

#### Esteri

**Esteri** are fundamental for the growth and survival of the Shrine: elder assassins, Esteri act as mentors to young recruits, keep a vigilant eye on possible neophytes and often take part in assassinations, making sure that their recruits perform the task as requested. A cohort of Esteri can be assembled by the Ayarei to face a particularly vital task.

## Recruiting

The Salay'an'shyr's popularity is due to their rigorous training and selections, even though very little is known of the tough regime.

### Neophyte

Potential Brothers of Silence are trained from childhood: orphans, street urchins and alike are easily inducted into the Shrine, where they begin training from a tender age.

It is possible to join the Salay'an'shyr even if individuals are already mature: the Salay'an'shyr is known to include within their ranks criminals, veteran assassins or members of the *Shadow League*, provided they can survive the various steps of becoming a Brother of Silence.

### Apprenticeship

After the first year of rigorous physical exercise, a Neophyte moves onwards to become an Apprentice. Still without the *Mark,* the Apprentice follows the Esteri and continues their physical and mental training, preparing themselves for the *First Harrowing* and the *Scarring.*

### First Harrowing

The First Harrowing is kept secret to every apprentice: once announced that one will undergo the Rite, the apprentice must fast for seventy-seven days, living on minimum sustenance and recite the Omens of the Catechism, one chapter every day. Failing to do so means the Apprentice will be disowned and released from the Cult's protection.

The First Harrowing is, in essence, a test of spirit: within the First Shrine lies the *Shrouded Halls*, the sealed tomb of Eliviris. The First Harrowing takes place in the antechambers of the Halls: within the blackened walls, the apprentice must go through the dark rooms and look for the *Answer*, the essence of the Cult's Creed, while surviving the horrors of the Crypt. Within three days, the Apprentice must emerge with the answer - or starve in the tomb and join the many bones of older apprentices that failed.