Mark of Annihilation
The Mark of Annihilation is a sacrament of the code of chivalry by which the Pact abides. You will find it peppered through the smoldering ruins of their victories.
Purpose
The mark is a warning that their attack (The Hunt) will come in 2 days time, and that those who stay behind will be treated as willing combatants, Equals in the field of battle regardless of training or outfit. There are tales abound in every Banner of the valiant last stands of ad hoc militias and resistances.
The Pact sees this as a sign of respect for their foe, and will not extend this sacrament to foes whose tactics or lives they do not respect, such as the House of Sorrows.
Origin
The Mark of Annihilation has a long history and has gone by many names. This most recent iteration was named by Emperor Clasnithra Khandea, who once ruled over the Aempian Empire on Jhoutai before the Pact. Clasnithra projected the symbol over Malisyk holds for two days before assaulting them.
Before then, the Malisyk used it to mark targets for assassination and to strike fear into their foes. They called this the Sigil of Murder, so named for the Demon of Murder which they worshipped. The symbol had been adapted from the Faecha symbol of War, which in turn was Cannibalite in orgin, and whose ancestral inspiration is unknown.
The Mark is especially associated with The 4th Panel.
Ooo, this is really interesting. I love the idea that they warn others of their impending attacks. Such a sign of strength, I think.
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Thank you! They use it as a bit of a moral bypass, a disclaimer that they're not responsible for the atrocities done to citizens if they're still around when the attacks begin! As you might imagine, their detractors malign the act, but they consider it very chivalrous!
Yeah, it seems like quite a convenient ethical out for them! XD
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