Bond of the Split Star

The Starstone Bond

The Starstone Bond is one of the rarest and most perilous Va’nu’ian rituals. An unbreakable vow that binds two individuals as true siblings in the eyes of clan, culture, and ancestors. Equal parts alliance and vulnerability, the bond offers unmatched loyalty and protection… but also the risk of devastating consequences should either sibling falter.

Only those willing to bare their strengths, secrets, and weaknesses step into this ceremony.

Overview

The Bond of the Split Star ritual, often called the starstone bond, is one of the rarest and most sacred Va’nu’ian traditions. It forms a lifelong alliance between two individuals, binding them as siblings in the eyes of their clans, ancestors, and society. The bond promises loyalty, protection, political unity, and unwavering support. And it can only be broken by death.

Because Va’nu’ians value strength, secrecy, and self-interest, the willingness to enter such a bond is considered one of the highest acts of trust. A single betrayal can turn the alliance deadly, elevating tragedy to an ancestral warning.

History & Origin

The origins of the Starstone Bond stretch back to the First Landing, when early Va’nu’ian settlers lost many biological siblings during the crossing between worlds. In their grief, they forged a ritual that allowed them to create new clan ties that were just as deep, if not deeper, than blood relationships.

At the time, weakness was tolerated only within these bonded pairs. It preserved survival, unity, and the rebuilding of clans on Va’nu.

This ancient tradition survives into modern times, though it has become extremely rare. Practiced only by those willing to bare their strengths and weaknesses completely before another.

"...it is from when our people landed upon this world. When many had lost their siblings. Either on the trip here or because they remained on K’lais. When siblings were needed and weaknesses overlooked."

--Kazyr to Kaida in The Raven: Allies

"It is said when one discovers a starstone, their ancestors are watching. Promising a sibling who will be true and loyal. Often to a fault. If the stone breaks when removing it from where it rests, the being is found wanting. If it remains whole, the ancestors approve. The brighter the spiral, the stronger the bond it foretells. Binding hearts across the sands, across worlds, and across the trials that Va’nu itself will send."

--Kazyr to Kaida in The Raven: Allies

Cultural Significance

A successful bond creates:

• • A permanent alliance

Each sibling can call upon the other’s Clan for aid. Even distant members of powerful dynasties are obligated to answer.

• • Social and political consequences

Because clans become linked, the ceremony requires approval from key leaders; head clan members

• • Mutual vulnerability

No secrets may exist between bonded siblings. Weaknesses must be accepted and overcome together.

• • An unbreakable tie

The bond ends only with death. Failure, betrayal, or disfavor can make the bond fatally dangerous.

Participants

• Bonded Pair: Those entering the sibling-bond.
• Witnesses: Not required, but often present if involving multiple clans.

A clan member, or more members, can witness it. But it is not required.

Materials & Symbolism

Starstone

A rare gemstone found only in Va’nu’s caves. More common in the subterranean caves.
It features:

• Dark blue surface
• Silver threads like molten rivulets
• A spiral formation on the back resembling a tiny galaxy

Meaning:
Starstones are believed to be gifts from ancestors.
Their reaction while removing the stone from the cave wall/floor determines the fate of the bond:

• If it breaks smoothly: The ancestors approve.
• If it shatters: One or both candidates are found wanting.

The brightness of the spiral foretells the strength of the bond itself.

The Ritual

1. Permission

Before the ritual, each participant must gain full approval from:

• Their own clan,
• The clan of the other,

Without these approvals, the bond can become deadly for one or both participants.

2. Presentation of the Starstone

One sibling presents a starstone they have discovered themselves. A tradition dating back to when they arrived on Va'nu.

3. Breaking of the Stone

Both hold the stone and break it together.
If it splits into two perfect halves, the ceremony continues.
If not, the ritual ends immediately.

4. The Vow

Spoken in unison, following a successsful breaking of the stone:

“Where you stand, I stand.
Where you fall, I carry you.
By star, by shadow, by the path our ancestors carved: you are my sibling.”

This is the heart of the bond, formally sealing the bond.

5. Acceptance

Upon completion, they are welcomed into their clans as siblings

The new sibling is now recognized by all Va’nu’ian law and tradition.

Consequences of the Bond

Benefits

• Clan protection for both siblings
• Shared prestige
• An unshakable alliance

Risks

• No secrets may be kept; absolute trust is required
• A single betrayal may provoke lethal repercussions
• Rival clans may attempt exploitation or manipulation
• The bond cannot be dissolved (exception being during the Starveil.)

 It is a true alliance, one that cannot be broken without the death of those bound. But it is also a gamble. Va’nu’ians thrive on self-interest. One misstep, one betrayal, and the bond can turn deadly. Secrets spill. Rivalries burn hotter than the desert sun. On Va'nu, loved ones are often used as leverage against the other.

Modern Practice

While ancient in origin, the ritual is seldom used today. Most Va’nu’ians consider it dangerously intimate, exposing vulnerabilities in a culture that rarely forgives weakness.

However, when performed, it is respected across Va’nu by all.