twin blades

a symbol of total religious power

The 'twin blades' are lesser used symbol of the Vid'Oshi. They are, as an actual visual symbol, almost never seen. The symbolism of the twin blades is instead a concept spoken of by a devout elite of Vid'Oshi who operate with seeming total authority and unwavering respect within wider Vid'oshi society.
The concept is typified by these elite individuals identifying themselves by repeating the ritualistic phrase: "I carry the twin blades." In turn, they are referred to as "carriers" or "bearers".
There have been only two simple illustrations depicting the concept found. Both show a pair of simple curved daggers crossed at the handles. The use of the actual drawn symbol seems to have started shortly after the end of the Yoshnu uprising but only lasted very briefly. With the massive clampdown and segregation of the Vid'oshi across Yatan'aa, even painting the image of a weapon on a wall or piece of paper may have been enough to earn the wrath of some local nobleman.

History

The origin of the concept, and it's accompanying code phrase, is quite unexpected. It comes from a disgraced Dal Karchuan officer from the House Nakadya Elite Guard.
After managing to capture the legendary leader of the Vid'Oshi uprisings, Jiha Kaare, the esteemed Major Tal Haan held him in his camp for questioning for two days before a secure transport escort could be arranged. In this time it seems that instead of gathering intelligence and a confession from the heretic, Kaare was swayed by his captive and influenced by his twisted ideologies. When the Nakadya camp was attacked by Vid'Oshi saion, Kaare managed to release himself from his bonds in the chaos but was found by Haan before he could escape the camp. The unarmed terrorist in nothing but the rags he was captured in stood his ground against the well armed and armoured Nakadya officer. Instead of simply killing the heretic before he could escape however, Major Haan sheathed his weapon and conceded to Kaare. When Kaare asked him why he had surrendered, Tal Haan is purported to have said: "I carry my sword in my hand. You carry yours in your heart and in your mind. As I see it, that gives you a two-to-one advantage in arms." Jiha Kaare then simply bowed to the Major and made good his escape.
Jiha Kaare and the Vid'Oshi extremists went on to occupy nearly half of Naya Xinsho before finally being stopped and wiped out on the shores of Brhaan Shi Lake.
Tal Haan was executed for dereliction of duty and intent to commit heresy.

Significance

While the symbol of the two crossed blades as a visual work seems to have faded from importance amongst the Vid'oshi, the concept and phrase "I carry the twin blades." seems to have an incredible significance to them. Every member of the religion seems to know the phrase very well, and yet upon hearing it, immediately acquiesce to the speaker with no accompanying identification or verification that the speaker is somehow deserving of the dramatic and immediate deference they receive. How and why this symbolism is not more widely used or taken advantage by the general Vid'oshi populace is not understood.

"I carry my sword in my hand. You carry yours in your heart and in your mind. As I see it, that gives you a two-to-one advantage in arms."

- Major Jiha Kaare, House Nakadya (402AS)

Rarity

The concept of the 'twin blades' was such a highly guarded one, and so rare, that the Zhoyaala of Antiquity only discovered it a hundred years ago, and after decades of research only vague information and insights have been gained about it.

Weight

NA

Dimensions

NA

Raw materials & Components

The daggers depicted in the few depictions available show a simple curved short blade and short counter-curved hilt with only a minimal finger guard. It seems that the general silhouette of the dagger matches the sort of dagger issued to House Nakadya officers of the time, lending credence to the theory that Major Tal Haan is indeed the source of the symbolism.