Cassilines
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Cassiline Brotherhood
The Cassilines are an order of warrior priests who do what they do in the name of companion Cassiel, for as long as there have been temples dedicated to the other Companions. They are composed of men only, in grey garb wielding sword, dagger and a keen and emotionally unfettered mind. The perfect companion. No mere bodyguards but deadly trained warrior priests that many are hardpressed to want to best. Hard training, rules, meditation and life are in store for those who find their path takes that of Cassiel's, voluntarily or by birth.
History and Traditions
Tradition has always stated that the middle son was meant for Cassiel. Those who had three male children or more would often send their child at the age of ten to the Monastary of the Brotherhood in the wilds of Siovale. While for the longest time it fell out of fashion, people sending less and less children to what seemed to be a somewhat pointless place, it wasn't until the actions of Joscelin Verreuil, the anathema Cassiline Brother, and his deed became public that it became the on dit once more and people began to once more adhere to the old traditions.
After the infamous battle between Joscelin and Brother Rocaille with his attempted Assassination on Queen Ysandre de la Courcel during a progress to La Serenissima, which was written in history as one of the legendary battles known in d'Angeline history, the Brotherhood was stripped of the right to guard the crown, and from carrying their sword within the city. Between then and now, however, the crown reinstated the cassilines as part of thier daily gaurd.
The fighting style of the Casilines are unique to them, and rarely seen in anyone but those who have had Cassiline training. The telling of the hours, a circular fighting style, they focus first and foremost on defense, before offense. The forms all have specific names, be it birds names, poets names or taken from nature. The most famous though, never fully carried out in known history is the Terminus. Using both daggers, the Cassiline sets up one dagger to throw at the neck of his ward, thereby ending their life, and the other dagger slices his own neck. The last act of a perfect companion, done to protect his ward and ensure they do not fall to the hands of those they are trying to protect them from.
Lifestyle
The life of a Cassiline is not an easy one. From the age of ten, when traditionally a child is sent to the Monastary or when an orphan is brought to the Monastary in Siovale, they are taught through intense training and meditation to put their emotions to the side. Emotions will cripple you when your ward is in peril and make you second guess your instinct. For ten years they will go through the physical training necessary to become the perfect companion.
Another aspect of the Cassiline lifestyle that differentiates them from any other protector is thier vow of celibacy. Cassiel never took a province for himself, nor took to procreating and spreading his gifts. He stood steadfast beside Blessed Elua as his constant companion. This is why the Cassiline lifestyle is not one suited for all, why oftentimes they are made fun of, and why the need for serious meditation.
Of an oddity, despite being treated sometimes with scorn and laughter by some of the d'Angeline population, Yeshuites actually like Cassilines. If by like, one means, attempt to convert. The Apostates, they are called, because Cassiel did not break faith with the One God like the other companions did to follow Elua, but instead only turned his face away in shame. Yeshuites believe that Casilines can be turned back to the One God, whereas the rest of d'Angeline society is unsaveable. The Cassiline order walks the line between both religions, nearly one of their own since they call the followers of the other companions, the misguided.
Clothing
Cassilines are easily spotted a mile off by their drab grey tunic and trousers. Hair is usually pulled back into a club at their neck. They bear vambraces of steel with chainmail underguards on their wrists, daggers at their belts and a sword at their back.
Rules of the Cassiline Brotherhood
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Quotes
Steel glinted as Joscelin bowed. "I am vowed to serve as Cassiel did, your grace" he said in his even voice.
"I, too, take my vows in earnest"
The Duc shook his head, mystified. "They say the old blood runs purer in the provinces. Your Siovalese, lad?" Is your house of Shemhazai's line?"
Josceline hesitated a moment. "A minor house, yes. But I am the middle son and sworn to Cassiel" -Kushiel's Dart, pg.285-286
"Why so many adopted into Lord Rinforte's Hosuehold?" I asked As the Queen's Poet, Thelesis could ask nearly anything without being questioned; It was presumed research for some work of poesy. "Orphans taken in by the Cassiline Brotherhood always take on the Prefects name. Rinforte's been prefect for a long time" Kushiel's Chosen, pg.187
