Kuddian Vow

A Kuddian Vow is a kind of oath of the highest caliber, sworn under secrecy, that follows a certain set of ancient rules.

Origin
The Kuddian Vow is said to have originated in the kingdom of Bailet, though some even attribute it to an older unnamed Kuddian king. Traditionally, the story goes that a great Kuddian king, sometimes Azurakal-kizi, made a pact with the old devil god G- to ensure that his kingdom would last for a thousand thousand years. He made the pact with the promise that if he does not return his end of the bargain, by building a great tower to G-, then he must fall upon his own sword and be cursed forever more. When, after conquering the many kingdoms about him and becoming quite prosperous, Azurakal-kizi did not follow through with building his tower, he was struck down in battle by a warrior of massive size, a man called Gilamil. Gilamil took up Azurakal-kizi's own sword and stuck it through his belly, killing him.

As legends of the first Kuddian Vow spread, it became a practice oft done in secret as a way to ensure that the parties would truly fear breaking their word.

The Rite and the Rules
To a perform a Kuddian vow, there must be at least two willing parties. The two must come to an agreement on what it is that one or both parties are performing. After, they must look each other in the eyes, swear upon the old god G-, and place their left hand upon the hilt of their weapon of choice. The following words are then spoken, depending on the area:

South of the Neck: Kimiltu al-amaru qimmanasi

North of the Neck: If these words I am to break, the wrath of the old god upon my crown I shalt make, and all the world shall know I am an oath breaker. Kimulasi.

The vow will be completed after. Some choose to also make a contract, showing written proof of the arrangement.

The following are the rules of the Kuddian Vow:
 * 1) I shall do no harm upon my fellow pact maker
 * 2) I shall complete my end of the bargain else suffer the wrath of the old god
 * 3) If the vow is not carried out to completion, my soul be forfeit to the hell that awaits me
 * 4) If a member of the pact is killed before the completion of the vow then the surviving members must carry on the vow until their own death.

Famous Examples

 * Alexei Wilem performed a Kuddian Vow with Queen Guinevere Wilem of Flowers for the protection and unquestioned service of Lady Cassandra Wilem until her return.