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The Chosen

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The Chosen are a sect of females who lived on the Other Side, a pocket dimension, where they served the Scribe Virgin until Phury became the Primale and freed them from the constraints of tradition. They now live on what they call the Far Side, aka earth.

Biology[]

The Chosen do not need to feed, go into their transition, nor do they have a needing cycle while living in the Scribe Virgin's Sanctuary. To go through their transition, they drink from a cup in the temple.[1] Afterwards, they are presented to the Primale in his temple for the Mating Ceremony.

Once they cross into the Earth realm their natural biologic cycle, which has been arrested thanks to the magic of the Other Side, becomes active. Too much time in the Earth realm without frequent returns to The Scribe Virgin's Sanctuary causes a Chosen to go into her needing.  On the Other Side, the Chosen are always fertile.[2] When one is pregnant, they have a birth companion, similar to a doula,[3] but are not immune to the hazards of giving birth inherent to the race.

They can be identified as Chosen in blood tests.[4]

Death and Disease[]

Because of the effects the Other Side has on their biology, they are virtually immortal;[5] however, they are still susceptible to the dangers of pregnancy and to a latent recessive disorder called the Arrest or freezing disease. The early stages are marked by fits of trembling, dizziness, and temporary loss of hearing and motor function. Blood tests show slightly elevated white blood cell counts and inflammation markers.[6] As the disease progresses, the Chosen's muscles stiffen and their joints solidify into bone and fuse together then return to normal until the next attack. The current theory is that the immune system fights off each attack until it eventually fails.[6]

It's roughly analogous to fibrodysplasia ossificans progressiva in humans.[7] At the end, their joints show the same density as metal on x-rays.[8] They choose a final position from which they will never recover and their body is covered with plaster to form a statue, which is placed in the cemetery.[5] Fortunately, no more than a dozen of the Chosen have ever suffered the Arrest.[7]

Since there's only been one case studied by modern physicians, there are no known treatments or cure.[9]

History[]

When the race was young, the Chosen's duties consisted solely of the breeding program instituted by the Scribe Virgin. Over time, they came to serve her and provide blood to the Black Dagger Brotherhood as well.[5]

Up to the 1930's, there was a portal to the Sanctuary until three rogue vampires armed with weapons stormed the Sanctuary in search of loot. The previous Primale killed them but died in the process of protecting his females. Afterwards, the Scribe Virgin rerouted all traffic so no one may enter nor leave without entering her private quarters.[10]

Tenets[]

Conformity, purity, and a perpetual state of joy were of utmost importance before Phury became the Primale, anything less was considered a failing. Even touches of comfort between friends or sisters, such as hugs, are forbidden. Selflessness is the greatest of all values[11]; individuality and personal desires were deemed sinful.[1] There were no personal failures for any disgrace on the part of one was to bring shame to all.[10]

The Directrix[]

The medallion about the size of a fountain pen strung on a white satin ribbon[12] is the symbol of her office and acts as a key to the few buildings in the Sanctuary that are locked.[10] Her duties include delivering scrolls to the Chosen on their birthdays.[13]

Amalya is the current Directrix.

Dress[]

The Chosen wear two white robes, an inner or underlayer and an outer robe. They wear their hair in identical braids wound into a chignon and necklaces with a single teardrop pearl.[10] No footwear is described; since the Brothers go barefoot on the Other Side and Cormia often went barefoot when she first visited the Far Side, it's likely that they don't wear any.

Ehros[]

This order of the Chosen is trained to provide blood and sexual services to the Black Dagger Brotherhood. After performing in their role, they traditionally report to the King and the Directrix on all that transpired.[10]

Etiquette[]

It's considered taboo to turn one's back on a Chosen.[14]

The Fallen[]

Very rarely, a Chosen would defy the service they've been commanded to perform, face some shame that could not be forgiven, or simply leave for the Far Side. and they would step down from the ranks of the Chosen or be cast out. These females are known as the Fallen.

First Mate[]

There are some benefits to being the primary mate of the Primale, however, she does not have any control over who he sleeps with and when.

Cormia is the current First Mate.

Great Camp[]

Rehvenge has provided his Adirondacks Great Camp as the haven of the Chosen who left the Sanctuary; the primary residence of Phury & Cormia.

  • The main house is a huge barny two-story, stone house with diamond paned windows and cedar-post porches on both stories.[15]
    • The décor is Victorian garnet, gold, and deep blue[16] with heavy Empire furniture[15]
    • A massive stone fireplace is surrounded by the taxidermied heads of bison, bobcat, deer, and moose.[17]
      • A stuffed owl is wearing sunglasses and there's a raccoon lamp. They've always creeped out Trez.
    • There's wicker furniture on the back terrace
    • Each room has a different theme[15]
      • One sitting parlour is full of antique clocks: grandfather clocks, brass windups, & pocket watches on dispaly
      • Another parlour is decorated with shells, coral, and ancient driftwood
      • The library has Oriental vases and platters on display
      • Medieval icons are on display in the dining room
    • Rehvenge's bedroom there has a pair of carved doors, an oxblood club chair, a fireplace, and a gooseneck lamp
      • The putti carved mahogany bed[18] is covered with a red velvet duvet and a mink fur[15]

Members[]

One must be born of a Chosen, the status cannot be conferred. As of 2008, there were 40 members, when they numbered closer to 200 in centuries past.[19] An entirely female order, it's not unusual for younger Chosen who've never left the Sanctuary to have never seen a male if there are periods without a Primale.[10]

Known members include:

Primale[]

All Chosen, including the Directrix, are under his command with only the Scribe Virgin standing higher than him.[20] A gold medallion about the size of a fountain pen strung on a black satin ribbon[12] is the symbol of his station and acts as a key to the few locked buildings of the Sanctuary[21], it can also vibrate to indicate a summons from the Other Side.[22]

The Primale's primary purpose is to produce young with the Chosen; any male offspring of the Primale and a Chosen become conscripted soldiers for the Black Dagger Brotherhood, while the females become Chosen. None of the Chosen may refuse him and must submit to his desires. If he's unable, or unwilling, to perform there are oils, unguents, and incense that can produce the results required to impregnate a Chosen.[23]

Phury is the current Primale.

Sequestered Scribes[]

These scribes, of which there are up to six, lock themselves away from the rest of the Sanctuary and Chosen to write the private diary of the Scribe Virgin in the Old Language; the seclusion is to keep her secrets. To keep the histories of the race, they use crystal bowls filled with water from the fountain to see events in the real world and transcribe what they see. The Scribe Virgin edits and approves all history recorded, passing scrolls back and forth between a slot in the door. The pages either go to the library or to the Sacred Archives.[24]

Rituals[]

Birthday[]

The Chosen hold a ceremony for each birthday. No details are given over than the individual is not the one celebrated.[13]

Mating Ceremony[]

The Scribe Virgin and the Directrix, who wears black instead of the traditional white, greet the Primale and his second. The Scribe Virgin speaks in the Old Language over him and the rest of the Chosen, dressed in blood-red, bow to him.

Aphrodisiac incense burns In the Temple of the Primale and the Chosen is tied spread-eagle to a marble platform. Her face is obscured by a curtain hanging from the ceiling that pools at her throat.[25]

After laying with the Primale, a Chosen traditionally remains in bed for 24 hours.[26]

Mourning[]

When a member of the Black Dagger Brotherhood dies, any blank pages in his biography in the Temple of Books are marked with a crih symbol and the date is noted on the front page of the first volume. Other ceremonies are performed, but no details are given.[27]

Purification[]

When a pregnant Chosen is having difficulty, the room is purified. While chanting to the Scribe Virgin to watch over the mahmen and her young, incense is passed three times around three white candles.[11]

The candles are made with sacred healing herbs and flowers mixing with a binding made with water from the Scribe Virgin's fountain.[28]

Reflection[]

A Chosen who has committed a particularly egregious infraction will lock themselves away for seven days without food, light, or interactions with others. It is said that the worst of these deprivations is light because the Chosen crave it.[10]

Sequestering[]

When a Chosen becomes a sequestered scribe, they are bathed in incense.

Thideh[]

Prayers that are recited before bedtime.[29]

Viewing[]

When a Chosen has been selected as the primary mate of the Primale, she is purified with a dozen different ritual baths and various facial masks that use rose, lavender, sage, and hyacinth. She's rubbed with oil while incense is burned in honour of the Primale and prayers are chanted.[30]

Then she's dressed in a diaphanous chemise, over that is worn a heavy white hooded robe embroidered with diamonds and gold. The hood is drawn up around the head and the tail pulled down over the face then tucked behind the buttoned front of the dress, leaving the Chosen blind and faceless; some vents at the neck provide fresh air. This is intentional to symbolize her as representative of all Chosen and not herself as an individual.[30]

The Primale dresses in loose black silk pants, a matching top that looks a little like a smoking jacket from the 1940's, and the medallion of the Primale. In the amphitheatre, the Primale sits on a golden throne set right in front of the stage.

The Chosen tied spread-eagled to a sort of tilted slab and rolled out onto the stage where two other Chosen reveal the body of the first Chosen, leaving her hooded. Once the Primale's given his approval, another Chosen uses a white feather to waft incense over the first Chosen three times: once for the past, once for the present, once for the future.[23] The Primale's second, the equivalent of a best man at a wedding, gives his approval, too, as witness. Then the first Chosen is bathed in incense again by two singing Chosen with staff braziers.[23]

The Sanctuary of the Chosen[]

Prior to Phury assuming the role of Primale, the Sanctuary was all white: the marble edifices, the grass, oak and elm trees, the forest boundary, the sky was a pale blue fading to white at the forest, and even their food was white.[31] It was not unusual for a Chosen who'd never left the Sanctuary to have never seen colour.[10]

When Phury broke the traditions, the Scribe Virgin gave colour to the grass, sky, trees, flowers, buildings, etc.

There is no breeze, no bugs, no weather, the temperature is always 70, therefore there's no need for glass panes in any of the windows.[12]

Adytum[32][]

Amphitheatre[10][]

  • Hung with a vast white velvet curtain at the back[23]

The Chosen's Cemetery[]

The Chosen's Lodgings[]

  • The dormitories are four-stories high[12]
  • Each cell is white marble with a cot and small white candle; a thin silk curtain serves as a door[1]

Courtyard[]

  • There's a white arcade of Corinthian columns and white marble fountain[33]
  • The only access between the Other Side and the Far Side[10], accessed by dematerializing.[33]
  • There is a white tree in one corner with white blossoms and a flock of brightly-coloured songbirds.
  • A small, ornate[34] door leads to the Scribe Virgin's private quarters[33]
  • A set of gold doors leading to the rest of the Sanctuary are marked in the Old Language:
    • "Behold the sanctuary of the Chosen, sacred domain of the Race's past, present and future."

The Directrix's Quarters[24][]

  • She has two rooms
    • The sleeping area is no different from that of the other Chosen
    • The extra area has stiff-backed chairs without cushions for audiences with the sisters.

Nursery[]

  • Inside are rows and rows of empty cribs.

Reflecting Pool[]

  • No one may enter or touch the water[10]

The Temple of Sequestered Scribes[24][]

  • This high ceilinged, windowless room is adjacent to the entry to the Scribe Virgin's private suite
    • The door to her suite is ornate and silver and used when the Scribe Virgin dictates her private diary
  • There are 6 white desks with backless stools stocked with parchment, quills, and red ink
  • 3 sets of bunk beds line one wall and a curtain covers the doorway to the private bath

Temple of Atonement[1][]

Temple of Books[]

  • At the end of a long colonnade, this long, thin, and tall building's[35] double doors are always open[32]
  • One restricted section is devoted entirely to the Black Dagger Brotherhood[32]
    • Behind a glossy red door with a golden handle marked with the device of the Brotherhood
    • Gold leafed high ceiling, black marble and books bound with black leather and gold script
    • Soft bloodred carpet and black candles
    • There's a biography section with the name of the brother and his paternal lineage
      • The title page is a painted portrait of the Brother surrounded by script detailing his name, birthdate, induction into the Brotherhood, and prowess by weapon and tactic
      • The page after that is his lineage going back generations, followed by a listing of the females he'd mated and his children
  • Contains the Scribe Virgin's records of the race spanning thousands of years[32]
    • These were dictated as a diary by the Scribe Virgin to specially trained Chosen
    • They're arranged chronologically and within each year by social class

Temple of the Primale[]

  • This temple on top of a knoll is entirely gold[10]
  • It has Roman lines and columns with a set of double doors with knots for knobs[25].
  • Inside, there's a marble platform with a cushion on top that serves as a bed.[25]

Tomb of the Youngs[10][]

  • A white rectangular building with a white fence and black ribbons tied to the door handles
  • This is where infants born of the Chosen but die in childbirth are entombed, it's rarely visited due to communal grief.

Treasury[]

  • Inside this building, which has been kept locked since the 1970's, there are baskets full of gems sorted by type. Some of these are used in rituals or for the Scribe Virgin's sequestering.[10]
  • Historic artifacts[21] are kept here, which are the only items allowed from the Far Side[36], such as:
    • an old pair of spectacles
    • a whiskey bottle from the 1930s
    • an Oriental porcelain bowl
    • an ebony cigarette holder
    • a lady's fan of white feathers
    • an 1890 Colt Navy .36 caliber, 6 cylinder revolver

The Scribe Virgin's Quarters[]

  • Since she requires neither food nor sleep, her rooms are empty and she mostly uses them to pace.[34]
  • A room with a doubly locked door where Payne was kept in suspended animation.
  • The Sacred Archives, where the Scribe Virgin keeps her private accounts as dictated to the sequestered scribes.[24]

References[]

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 Lover Unbound, Ch. 4
  2. ↑ Lover at Last, Ch. 59
  3. ↑ Lover Enshrined, Ch. 21
  4. ↑ Lover at Last, Ch. 22
  5. ↑ 5.0 5.1 5.2 The Shadows, Ch. 5
  6. ↑ 6.0 6.1 The Shadows, Ch. 29
  7. ↑ 7.0 7.1 The Shadows, Ch. 9
  8. ↑ The Shadows, Ch. 69
  9. ↑ The Shadows
  10. ↑ 10.00 10.01 10.02 10.03 10.04 10.05 10.06 10.07 10.08 10.09 10.10 10.11 10.12 10.13 Lover Unbound, Ch. 25
  11. ↑ 11.0 11.1 Lover Enshrined, Ch. 28
  12. ↑ 12.0 12.1 12.2 12.3 Lover Enshrined, Ch. 13
  13. ↑ 13.0 13.1 Lover Enshrined, Ch. 2
  14. ↑ Lover at Last, Ch. 38
  15. ↑ 15.0 15.1 15.2 15.3 Lover Avenged, Ch. 23
  16. ↑ Lover Enshrined, Ch. 42
  17. ↑ Lover at Last, Ch. 49
  18. ↑ Lover Avenged, Ch. 19
  19. ↑ Lover Unbound, Ch. 29
  20. ↑ Lover Unbound, Ch. 43
  21. ↑ 21.0 21.1 Lover Unbound, Ch. 51
  22. ↑ Lover Enshrined
  23. ↑ 23.0 23.1 23.2 23.3 Lover Unbound, Ch. 34
  24. ↑ 24.0 24.1 24.2 24.3 Lover Enshrined, Ch. 43
  25. ↑ 25.0 25.1 25.2 Lover Unbound, Ch. 42
  26. ↑ Lover Reborn, Ch. 64
  27. ↑ Lover Enshrined, Ch. 10
  28. ↑ Lover Enshrined, Ch. 30
  29. ↑ Lover Enshrined, Ch. 47
  30. ↑ 30.0 30.1 Lover Unbound, Ch. 32
  31. ↑ Lover Enshrined, Ch. 16
  32. ↑ 32.0 32.1 32.2 32.3 Lover Unbound, Ch. 12
  33. ↑ 33.0 33.1 33.2 Lover Unbound
  34. ↑ 34.0 34.1 Lover Unbound, Ch. 53
  35. ↑ Lover Reborn, Ch. 15
  36. ↑ Lover Enshrined, Ch. 33
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