The Caelorian Incline (Kay-lore-ian- Ink-line)

Patrols: Patrols within the regions of Epanon and Veeano vary according to the place:

• Epanon: Epanon consists of thirty soldiers patrolling Tharnhim Castle, courtyard, and stables. The leading associates keep an eye out within Teyidorai and Seosseocyre (domed courtyards), but two soldiers (each) patrol outside of them for safety. Two soldiers alternate as look-outs on each of the Twin Peak Watchtowers. Lastly, at the start and end of every week, the Ca'rthavial vales and Heavenly Gate have two soldiers from Tharnhim Castle sent to protect them.
• Veanno: Veanno consists of thirty soldiers in groups of five patrolling the streets of the Homes of Thorns, while only ten soldiers patrol the edges of the Tythal farming fields.

Divisions:

• The Rosehip Division: This division comprises 500 elves who wield 20 inch dual short swords. Co-managed by Saphilia Ause and Limanuul Plaive.
• Axil and Bud Division: This division comprises 1500 elves who wield 7-foot spears. Co-managed by Viykar and Eaekon Anthrui.
• The Auricle Leaf Division: This division comprises 350 elves who wield shields and specialise in hand-to-hand combat. Co-managed by Olaressia Amnara and Naisvin Dusai.

Patrol Equipment: Due to the Caelorian Incline travelling between C'avarnia and the regions of Epanon and Veanno, the soldiers often pull around wagons, utilise horses, and carry their weapons on them when patrolling throughout the day and night. Below are some of the items they use:

• Wagons: Wagons are pulled along by two-four horses, which carry resources or equipment from Tharnhim Castle to be contributed to C'avarnia. Any long-distance travelling requires wagons for heavier items that elves cannot lift.
• Horses: Horses are used to pull wagons and for transportation purposes. A Caelorian Incline courier may use a horse to transport messages, or horses could be used to pull wagons with equipment that elves couldn't hold or carry a load of elves.
• Spears: 7-foot spears are taken on patrols within the Homes of Thorns.
• Lanterns: These are used throughout Aethel Caeloria when the night becomes too dark to see clearly. The stars and the moon usually illuminate the night, but they are sometimes clouded, leaving the elves below susceptible to complete darkness. This is when lanterns are needed.
• Nagtaive Birds: This avian species is primarily used for transporting messages over long distances.

Caelorian Incline Armour: The leaders and soldiers of the Caelorian Incline wear different clothing items to differentiate their ranks. Clothing as below:

• The Soldiers: The Caelorian Incline wears black velvet cloaks with golden embroidered edges. They have ebony metallic armour with golden thorns engraved throughout. Their helmets are pure ebony, covering their faces completely. Above the helmet are six golden metallic wings covering the eyes and the mouth. The wings allowed for a slit in the guard's eyesight and mouthguard. There are also two golden wings spread out wide atop the helmet.
• Associate Leadership: They wear the same as the soldiers of the Caelorian Incline; only the wings on their helm are saer with white leaves engraved all over. Each associate wields a weapon of choice, with two short swords being a popular choice. Each associate wears a brooch resembling their sworn house's sacred item, Bloodsbane.
• The Head: He wears the same as the soldiers of the Caelorian Incline; only the wings of his helm are golden with saer leaves engraved all over.

Patrol and National Service Weaponry: Patrols only wield 7-foot spears when observing the regions of Epanon and Veanno.   Division Weaponry: Each division uses different weaponry. Below are the types of weapons utilised:   The Rosehip:

• Dual Short Swords: This division carries 20 inch dual short swords. A saer twisted pommel and twisted Aegean blue leather grip with a golden silk ribbon tied to the end of the grip. A saer crossguard with dark brown metal thorns protruding around it. No rainguard. A smooth blade with a lenticular fuller and sharp point (American Tanto style). The sheaths and locket, and chape are identical and leather brown with engraved golden thorn patterns. The Rosehip is commonly located in the centre of a formation.

Axil and Bud:

• Spears: This division carries 7-foot tall spears. They are located on the second line of a formation just behind the Auricle Leaf. The spear's shaft is initially wien wood, then painted completely Aegean blue with golden thorn shapes engraved around the entire weapon. The head of the spear takes the appearance of a magnolia leaf. It is 16 inches with sharp edges of 7.5 inches and has a very acute point. The shaft fits in the socket without pins or nails. A dark brown leather back harness comes with the spear, tight enough to fit in and take out. These spears can be used as dual spears, throwing spears, and normal spears. Axil and Bud are best known for their abilities to lunge spears over 150 yards.
• Dual Spears: These too are 7-foot tall but can be separated in two, making them both 3.5 inches long. At the rear end of the spear is a hidden needle spear that can protrude out and tightly fasten to appear identical to the other, except for the head because one is magnolia leaf-shaped, whereas the other is needle-shaped. The spear's shaft is initially wien wood, then painted completely Aegean blue with golden thorn shapes engraved around the entire weapon.
• Throwing Spears: These weapons are the same ones used in the Varcanai Guard. Axil and Bud combine with the Taive Vision in their training to successfully lunge up to 180 yards. The spears have three heads and detach from the central spear (like throwing knives) when in the air to pierce more enemies. Therefore, the elves throwing the spears must know the precise trajectory of their throw. This is highly advanced work.

The Auricle Leaf:

• Multi-purpose Shields: This division carries 4-foot shields (heater-shaped) covering the entire body. They are multi-purpose because they can be used as a weapon and a form of defence. Made from three layers of wien wood, this shield is highly valuable. The shield bears the sigil of House Tythal on the face, with Aegean blue, gold, and black colours filling it. Curved underneath the sigil is the House Tythal motto, "Sworn by The Sword." Surrounding the sigil are little brown metal thorns attached to the shield for combat uses. There are two thick leather grips on the inside of the weapon. These shields can be attached to the back with a tight brown leather harness with a small blunt hook sticking out used to hang the device on the wielders back. These shields are used to protect their wielders, and if arrows/spears descend upon them, they can be used as cover to protect a few elves behind them. The Auricle Leaf is commonly located at the front and around the sides of a formation.

Weapons Readily Available: It's a matter of numbing the pain and persevering. Each soldier within the Caelorian Incline uses their hands or semi-sharpened weapons when training to emphasise to all members that the spilling of blood is likely to happen regardless of what role they take. This also applies to the leading associates and the head. However, then facing combat, the militarised group have the choice of a few depending on what division they are allocated to:  

Normal Spears, throwing spears, and dual spears.

Dual Short Swords

Shields as multi-purpose objects

Generally, all elves of Aethel Caeloria use a few creatures for various reasons:

• Horses: These are used as transportation over short and long distances.
• Stallions: These transport urgent messages to elves in different kingdoms.
• The Nagtaive: An avian mammal used to deliver letters and small packages to elves over long distances.
• Wagons: Wagons are utilised for carrying the more extensive resources, including chests, barrels of alcohol, traders tools, finances, tools and equipment, and sometimes elves for transport purposes.

The Head of the Caelorian Incline:

• Viykar (Pronounced: Vi-car): He teaches everything associated with spears and has trained with the militarised group since elflinghood working his way up the ranks and succeeding his predecessor, who hand-chose him to lead. Viykar co-manages the Axil and Bud division too. He gave up his surname wanting only to be known by his first name for the sake of ease. He oversees the entire Caelorian Incline, deals with National Service recruits, hand-picks elves from the Varcanai Guard to train/serve within the Caelorian Incline, contends with foreign relations, and regularly patrols the streets of the Homes of Thorns and Tharnhim Castle. Viykar attends the Council of Thorns, retrieving his soldiers' necessary equipment and resources. If he is not training elves, he can be found atop one of the two watchtowers within Tharnhim Castle (usually at night). He enjoys meandering around the lands of Tharnhim Castle and drinking with his fellow associates within the Ivory Orchid Tavern, where he sometimes converses with Vaeril out of goodwill. He can travel to distant lands if he believes it is necessary. However, Viykar is often frowned upon, making him leave a lot earlier than his peers.

The Leading Associates Six leading associates (including the head) within the Caelorian Incline have become close friends over the years, treating one another like family. These elves train elflings, adolescents, and adults alike, ensuring everyone is challenged as much as they can be, imparting wisdom where they can. From a young age, those deemed more advanced than their peers in the Varcanai Guard are transferred into the Caelorian Incline and taken onboard to be intensely trained by Viykar and his associates. Those selected learn the traditional fighting ways of their ancestors. Leading associates and their specialisations below:

• Olaressia Amnara (Pronounced: O-lar-ress-e-ah-Am-nar-ah): She manages the Seosseocyre dome and is considered Viykar's second in demand, attending the Thorns Council out of duty. She also co-manages the Auricle Leaf division. Olaressia enjoys walking around the Summergloss fields and exploring the lands of Aethel Caeloria but can travel to distant lands if she believes it is necessary. She usually trains students to use shields as multi-purpose objects. If she is not training elves, she can be found atop one of the two watchtowers within Tharnhim Castle (usually during the day). Olaressia has two elfling sons, Anfalan and Selanar, who study within the Glazed Temple as practising healers. Her husband is Silver Amnara, the Guide of the leading family, House Tythal.
• Limanuul Plaive: (Pronounced: Limb-a-null-Play-ve): He teaches his student's parkour and co-manages the Rosehip division. Limanuul doesn't have any elflings, but he has a partner Elhana Plaive, a revered gown tailor within one of the few shops located within the Homes of Thorns community. He co-manages the training of elflings within Tharnhim Courtyard and can travel to distant lands if he believes it is necessary. Limanuul enjoys a good drink within the Ivory Orchid Tavern with his fellow associates when the day is done but also appreciates the power of prayer, taking to the Nelaeryn Y'vaphasai and the Haven of Solaris for solace.
• Eaekon Anthrui (Pronounced: E-kun-An-through): He manages the Teyidorai dome and trains his students in hand-to-hand combat. He also co-manages the Axil and Bud division. As the managing associate of the Teyidorai dome, he is expected to attend the Thorns Council out of duty. After a hard day's work, he can be found conversing with elves within the Ivory Orchid Tavern. Eaekon thoroughly enjoys horse riding, indulging in the swift speeds they can run over short distances. He can travel to distant lands if he believes it is necessary.
• Saphilia Ause (Pronounced: Saf-ill-e-ah-Ooze): She trains her students to use short swords and co-manages the training of elflings within Tharnhim Courtyard. She also co-manages the Rosehip division. As a lover of socialising, she meets with her Varcanian friend within the Ivory Orchid Tavern, who is the deputy head, Mytha Torva. She is often found within Galsra travelling with newer Caelorian Incline soldiers, dropping them off and travelling back to Aethel Caeloria with the experienced ones. She can travel to distant lands if she believes it is necessary.
• Naisvin Dusai (Pronounced: Nays-e-vin-Dew-sigh): He trains his students in advanced martial arts and meditation and co-manages the Auricle Leaf division. Naisvin can be found travelling to Galsra alongside Saphilia to transport elves for their national service and deal with the paperwork. Naisvin can travel to distant lands if he believes it is necessary, which is often the case when transporting elves to Galsra. If he is not training elves, he can be found atop one of the two watchtowers within Tharnhim Castle. He enjoys playing the game, mendax often winning against friends and strangers alike within the Ivory Orchid Tavern.

Experienced Incline Soldiers: These elves are soldiers who have completed their primary and enhanced training and have undergone their ceremonial rites as a fully established Caelorian Incline members. About 700-900 soldiers are experienced, imparting their knowledge to newer members, especially the elflings who want to train consistently.   Training Elflings: Elflings that are hand-chosen or recruited into the Caelorian Incline are the ones who must endure basic training and enhanced training from the leading associates. They must also complete their national service within C'avarnia or Qeruma.   This is the only training that allows for the spilling of blood. Each of the above combat techniques takes years to perfect, with many in the Caelorian Incline training for over half of their lives (over 300 hundred years).

Common Formations:

• The Thornbush: A small circular formation of the associate leaders on horseback with their weapons pointing towards their enemies. This is a warning for any potential threats willing to invade their lands.
• The Pedicle's Lunge: The Axil and Bud division form three horizontal lines a few metres behind the other two divisions, lunging their spears out into the distance as a volleying attack against foes on horseback or running towards them. This is to eradicate the enemies used as pawns and make fighting easier for the other two divisions. The Pedicle's Lunge is a prevalent tactic used in combat.
• The Anther's Blockade: Once an enemy group has been captured, the Axil and Bud division will begin to slowly approach the enemies in a three-layered circle digging their shields into the ground each time they take a step forward. The three layers consist of an outer ring of soldiers with their shields facing the outside world. The inner layer is filled with the Rosehip division and their short swords, and directly behind them is the last layer, which is the Axil and Bud division again, but facing their enemies. Once the enemies are tightly secured in the centre by the shields to the point where no one can move, a slight gap is made where the Rosehip division will use their short swords to impale their foes through the gaps, leaving none alive unless specified. This method is effective because it ensures no enemies can escape from their sights.

National Service: Native elves from Aethel Caeloria can choose to sign up or are hand-selected for national service within the Varcanai Guard for two years and over. After that, the duration of the Varcanai Guard is optional; however, many choose to serve for life. Once the two years are over, elves have the choice of remaining in the Varcanai guard or transferring over to different occupations such as agriculture, arboriculture, trading and sales, scholar studies, law studies within the Virtuous Order, and more. During elflinghood, elves are sent to practise in the Varcanai Guard for a few years as a means of learning basic self-defence. The duration is their choice; however, to become an experienced soldier requires at least 100 years of training.   Everyone is treated with respect and cared for accordingly by the three armies; The Varcanai Guard, the Howlite Clan, and the Caelorian Incline. Where recruitment used to be compulsory, King Filarion Aalarelai changed it to become optional and that all citizens could choose what field they wanted to serve in. All members of the Varcanai Guard are trained for years to perfect and hone their skills. When war is looming, Nelaeryn's Rage is practised regularly to ensure everyone knows what they're doing, especially the more inexperienced elves.   Basic Training: No matter what age the elves in question are, they all start at the same point. Viykar teaches a few topics but primarily supervises all basic training while the leading associates play different roles in guiding the newer intakes. All basic training takes place for a total of 100 years, ensuring the soldiers are familiar and have mastered the relevant topics:

• Viykar teaches everything associated with spears and what is expected from each soldier throughout their national service. This training takes place for twenty years.
• Olaressia Amnara trains her students to use shields as multi-purpose objects. This training takes place for ten years.
• Limanuul Plaive teaches his students parkour. This training takes place for three years.
• Eaekon Anthrui trains his students in hand-to-hand combat. This training takes place for two years.
• Saphilia Ause trains her students to use short swords. This training takes place for ten years.
• Naisvin Dusai trains his students in advanced martial arts and meditation. This training takes place for five years.

Along with the basic training, Viykar teaches elflings about manners and etiquette and the value of responsibility among friends and strangers alike. Many elflings are chosen from a very early age meaning their education comes from the Head of the Caelorian Incline and the Glazed Temple and Haven of Solaris. Once the above has been completed, further basic training takes place to ensure the soldiers selected have what it takes to endure later training and life within the Caelorian Incline. Viykar supervises all three stages with the selected soldiers who pass the first part of their basic training. Those who do not pass are sent back to the Varcanai Guard to continue their national service with them:

• Stage 1, Bound Through Bravery: Soldiers will be given the task of guarding the Heavenly Gate every two weeks as a part of discipline training. They must remain on guard next to the cave entrance ensuring no Vithra creatures escape. If soldiers do not run from the cave, especially if they catch sight of a Vithra, they are deemed suitable for the next stage of their training. This proves courage and bravery in the face of danger and the willingness not to give up at the first hurdle. This training takes place for twenty years.
• Stage 2, Seeping Silence: The next stage is spending time on the secluded island of Aerraven in pure silence as a part of meditation training. Those who make it this far must use their skills to adapt to their environment, prepare for harsh weather, cook for themselves and meditate. This proves that they can remain calm under pressure. It also offers them inner peace and the ability to self-reflect, teaching them to block out all other problems and only focus on the task they have been set. This training takes place for fifteen years.
• Stage 3, Saer Speed: Elves are taken to Seosseocyre and Teyidorai to complete their fitness training. Elves must last more than three minutes in the ring with the associate leaders as they undergo an intense game of dodge and chase. They are confined inside Teyidorai and are given the space to roam freely for three minutes. If the chosen associate leader does not catch them in those minutes, they win. Each soldier gets three chances. This training lasts for five years.
• Stage 3.2, Saer Speed: The second part of dodge and chase requires soldiers to run up and down the Summergloss fields blindfolded, avoiding obstacles, and using their intuition to avoid running into the associate leaders. They are standing at random points within the area with a 4-foot shield. This training requires the soldiers to think quick on their feet, be swift with their actions, and trust their initial instinct because a wrong turn could result in getting caught or knocked to the ground by the leaders. This training lasts ten years.

Enhanced Training: Once the basic training has been completed, the soldiers who succeed are expected to attend the enhanced training for a further twenty-five years, which teaches them valuable skills with elves and creatures alike. There are only three parts to this training:

• Part One, Nelaeryn's Equilibrium. Supervisors: Naisvin Dusai and Limanuul Plaive: For this stage of the soldiers training, soldiers are made to stand on the very edge of the Ca'rthavial Vales for an entire month without moving an inch despite their surroundings slowly crumbling from time to time. The only time they can move is when recuperating or eating. This stage will allow soldiers to alternate every three months for five years. Before they balance on the cliff edge, they are equipped with their armour and weapons from head to toe. The soldier must not fault from their starting position, their spear must continue to point upwards at the stars, and their shield must reflect the blue sea ahead of them. This training allows soldiers to retain their posture for an extended period while carrying a heavy load. Standing for a long time increases their lower leg, stomach, and upper arm strength too. This part of the training proves that they can be patient and as still as a statue, which will help them in an environment that requires stealth. This training lasts ten years.
• Part Two, Sara'lia's Benevolence. Supervisors: Eaekon Anthrui and Saphilia Ause: During this stage, soldiers must learn to be compassionate, kind, and understanding to creatures within the Myserth Forests. Being a soldier requires understanding and compassion, which Sara'lia bore in bounty years ago. As animals are less complicated than elves, learning kindness through them is the best way to understand the behaviours of elves later. They are taken deep into Phiseqar, a dense green forest known for its creature habitats and are told to set up camp for a few days. Once they have found areas they feel will be suitable, they wait patiently in the dark for creatures to approach them on their terms. Two items will be given to the soldier, food and a dagger. This stage requires soldiers not to resort to violence but to be open-minded and understanding to those different from them. Being averse becomes irrelevant as the trust of Aethel Caelorian creatures means one can protect the weak and vulnerable from those who wish to harm them. The soldiers that manage to gain the animal's trust by remaining still until the beast is within their grasp means that they have completed that stage of the training. Once the trust has been gained, depending on the creature, the beast will eat out of their hand and sit comfortably in their presence for a few moments before returning to the wild. Proof of their success would be the coat malted/shed from the creature on their uniform. Those who are unsuccessful will harm the animal with the dagger and would have been attacked. If they come back bloodied, they have failed and must spend a minimum of one year fixing their mistake under House M'ithai's rule by tending to the Phiseqar Forests under close supervision of the Howlite Clan keepers. This teaches the soldiers that they are not superior to anyone or anything. They are equals trying to survive in a brutal world.
• Part Three, Thy Gentle Tongue. Supervisor, Olaressia Amnara: During the last stage of their training, soldiers must speak to civilians and royalty alike; therefore, they must know how to talk politely, firmly, and with the utmost respect. They are tested in different roleplays with the associate leaders who act like royalty, criminals, civilians, or ranked officers. The tested soldiers must speak appropriately to the leaders to ensure they are not disrespectful or condescending in any way, shape, or form. The last part of this test requires all soldiers to speak to the head of Tharnhim Castle, Lamruil Tythal and either the Prince or King of Aethel Caeloria, Filarion Aalarelai or Vaeril Aalarelai. It teaches them to be respectful and courteous to everyone regardless of status and disregard all adversity towards different races and species.

Advanced Training: Once the primary and enhanced training has been completed, the soldiers would have been officially accepted into the Caelorian Incline, which is where the training for the six subjects are delved into at a highly advanced rate: spear fighting, swordplay, hand-to-hand combat, martial arts, parkour, and shield combat and defence. Elves practise these with fellow experienced and officially recognised Incline soldiers to challenge and develop themselves. Most of these elves train within Seosseocyre. The spilling of blood is still accepted here.

The Caelorian Incline is associated with House Tythal, who have sworn healthy to House Aalarelai; therefore, the Caelorian Incline also owes their allegiance to the Aalarelai bloodline.