Oath of Loyal Affirmation
The Oath of Loyal Affirmation is a recent oath forced on some Commoners since the disappearance of High King David.
Words
As the sun guards the day, as the moon and stars keep watch at night, as the earth upholds the natural order, so do I guard, watch, and support my rightful lord/lady. Let weakness of eye and ear and limbs claim me if I fail to remain true to the chosen protector of the Dreaming, and let the Dreaming itself forswear me if I renege in my promise to serve those in authority over me. My hand to your service, my heart to your cause, my very soul to your will in all things! This I so swear.
Overview
With the disappearance of High King David, many nobles began to make the commoners dwelling in their domains swear oaths of loyalty, even those who already had sworn oaths of fealty. The stated purpose of the oath, which varies in wording, is "to make fast the Dreaming in this time of trouble and secure the peace of Concordia in the absence of her rightful king." Some commoners know better, though, and realize it's just the nobles trying to forestall any uprisings.
Many commoners took the oath, fearful of what would happen if they refused. These Oathtaken are trapped by the oath, in some ways, and find they can no longer trust their friends of other loyalties. Many commoners, though, resisted. Some refused to swear outright knowing they'd be labeled outlaws. They fled their homes and took to the roads as the vanguard of the commoner resistance. Others just managed not to take the oath, sending reasons why they couldn't come to take the oath, and setting guards in place to warn them to scatter if troops were seen coming. Some used Arts to confuse the administrators of the oath into thinking they had done so. These Oathfree have taken a stand against tyranny and declared war on the nobles.
Effects
There are no listed effects of the oath. Turning against the noble to whom a fae is sworn or even protesting to hard makes one an Oathbreaker. Possible effects could be reduced Perception or Strength attributes, all of which makes the forsworn less able to fight against their lord or lady.
