Tides' Oath

Kena'an    Legends and Lore      Tides' Oath

“I don’t get it. Why should I part with it?” Aric’s voice was edged with anger, his fist clenched tightly around the iron locket, its chain swaying back and forth as he yelled, his eyes glistening with unshed tears.

“For the last time, Aric,” Rohan replied, holding his patience, “if you want to join me, you need to contribute. The Thalasyr demand an offering from each of us.”

“For gods’ sake! You’re the Sea Wolf! You’ve crossed the Archipelago a thousand times already!” Aric shot back.

Rohan met his gaze calmly, though his tone grew firm. “Aye, I have. But not once have I dared to sail without taking this oath.” He paused, his expression softening as he held the boy’s gaze. “The sea can be unforgiving, son. Her guardians watch closely, and they punish those who trespass without respect.”

Aric looked down, his grip loosening ever so slightly on the locket. Rohan placed a hand on his shoulder, steadying him. “We perform the ritual tonight. At dawn, we sail.”

Origins of the Ritual

Every seasoned sailor in Kena'an knows of the Thalasyr; the ethereal guardians of the sea, often spoken of as keepers of its vast, ancient memory. Recorded history suggests it was pirates who first began the custom of appeasing these beings, offering tributes in exchange for safe passage and guidance. In the early days, only the ship’s captain would perform this rite, promising the Thalasyr a portion of any treasure acquired, as a tribute to the sea itself. Yet, as tales of misfortune befalling those who neglected the spirits spread, the ritual evolved. No longer solely the captain’s duty, it soon became customary for each crew member to offer their own token of respect before every journey.

The practice became so widespread that at some point, a full-fledged ritual emerged, binding even the most skeptical of sailors to its observance. Known as the Tides' Oath, the ritual is now held by any crew wise enough to seek the favor of the Thalasyr. Especially prevalent among the sailors of the Alyrath Islands, the Tides’ Oath is performed at midnight on the eve of every voyage.

Rohan stood on the bridge of his beloved ship- the Phantom Tide- as his crew gathered around the ritual basin. Aric approached hesitantly, clutching a small object wrapped in damp seaweed. Rohan gave him a nod of approval as the boy took another step forward. Around them, the crew watched in reverent silence, each holding a similar parcel- some larger, some smaller- all wrapped in the same humble seaweed.

The deck glowed under the soft light of two dozen lanterns, casting a warm circle of light against the night, as if they walked among stars adrift in the dark sea. Rohan reached for a small package of his own, carefully lowering it into the basin. As the dry seaweed absorbed the water, it seemed to unfurl and come alive, tendrils drifting in the basin like sea grass in a gentle tide. Rohan’s voice broke the stillness, carrying the ancient words of the Tides’ Oath, each syllable echoing in the silence.

The Oath

Nowadays, the Tides' Oath is considered a sacred rite among sailors and pirates alike. While no magic is involved, the tradition is so deeply rooted in sailing culture that few dare deny its significance. The ritual, an act of devotion to the sea and its guardians, is always performed before embarking on long or dangerous voyages. It is held at midnight, the hour of the tides’ peak, when the world feels still and the ship is wrapped in quiet anticipation.

On the night of the ritual, a large basin made of polished bronze is placed in the center of the ship’s bridge, and two dozen lanterns are lit, their flickering flames casting an ethereal glow on the surrounding deck. The basin is filled with sea water, gathered ounce by ounce by each member of the crew, symbolizing the collective effort and shared fate of those aboard. The crew forms a silent circle around the basin, each holding their token, wrapped in dry seaweed. These tokens are often precious personal belongings: a locket, a ring, a small trinket passed down through generations. The items represent memories, sacrifices, and the sailors’ trust in the sea to protect them on their journey.

The importance of the token grows the younger or less experienced the sailor is. For those with little time on the waves, the offering is their way of proving their sincerity to the Thalasyr. It is believed that the sea, though vast, is a stranger to them, and thus their offering must be greater so that the Thalasyr will take notice and guide their way. For seasoned sailors, on the other hand, the offering is often smaller, for the sea already knows them and their journey. The Thalasyr, it is said, have already claimed the memories of their past voyages and the bonds they have with the ocean. However, seasoned sailors are not forbidden from giving more significant tokens; some do so as a sign of respect or a personal request for favor on their current voyage.

The captain, usually the one who leads the ritual, stands before the basin, holding his or her own token. With a solemn expression, they drop it into the basin, and as the seaweed absorbs the water, it seems to come to life, swirling gently in the water. The captain then recites the Tides' Oath.

Once the oath is spoken, the captain throws their token into the sea, and the crew follows suit. Each crew member, one by one, approaches the basin and dips their token into the water. They do not recite the oath again, for it has already been spoken on behalf of all. As the seaweed absorbs the water, the tokens are blessed by the Thalasyr, and the offering is complete. Finally, each sailor casts their token into the sea, sending their memories into the waves, trusting that the Thalasyr will watch over them on their voyage.

The ritual concludes in silence, with the crew gazing at the water as it settles. A sense of unity and solemnity lingers in the air as they prepare to sail, knowing they have made their offerings to the sea and its guardians. The Tides' Oath is more than a tradition; it is a bond between sailors, the sea, and the Thalasyr themselves, a reminder that their fate rests not only in their hands but in the vast, unpredictable depths of the ocean.

“Ready yourselves!” Rohan barked to his men, his voice cutting through the frenzy of the battle that had ensued in the deck.

But the attackers were swift; too swift. The Phantom Tide was surrounded, flanked by enemy ships on both sides. Steel clashed with steel, the sound of desperate battle echoing in Rohan’s ears. He fought with the ferocity of a beast, his blade cutting through foes with brutal precision, but it wasn’t enough. From the start, Rohan knew this wasn’t a fight they could win. They were outnumbered.

His heart pounded as his eyes searched the deck for Aric. The young sailor, barely a boy, had just begun his journey; still innocent in the ways of the sea. Rohan found him amidst the chaos, the fear and determination in his wide eyes unmistakable.

Aric fought valiantly, but his movements were unpolished, too raw for this savage fight. Rohan saw him take a blow. Then came a sharp cry, and the boy fell to the deck, blood staining the planks beneath him.

“ARIC!” Rohan shouted, pushing his way toward the fallen sailor. But just as his hand reached out, a hood was swiftly pulled over his head, plunging him into darkness.

He fought against the men who bound him, struggling to glimpse the battle around him. The sounds of dying men filled the air, but Rohan could do nothing. His body was tossed away as the screams of his crew pierced the night. He couldn’t help them. He couldn’t help him.

The last thing Rohan heard before a blow to his head sent him into unconsciousness was the Phantom Tide creaking, its timbers groaning as it sank into the depths.

---

Aric’s body felt like lead, and the pain from his wound stretched on. His surroundings blurred in and out of focus, the sounds of the battle fading as his life leaked away. But through it all, there was one thing that felt impossibly heavy around his neck: the locket. The silver chain, the one he had so desperately clung to, now felt like an anchor, pulling him deeper into the cold sea of death.

His thoughts, clouded and distant, turned to the ritual. The Thalasyr. He had believed their influence was nothing more than superstition. He had thrown his token into the water- just as Rohan had asked- but it had been nothing more than a lie. A trinket, a bauble, a worthless thing. The sea would know the truth. And as the pain in his chest dulled, he realized it was too late for regrets.

"I should’ve given more," Aric thought, his mind slipping away, the darkness closing in. The starry sky above was the last thing he saw before his vision dimmed and the world faded entirely.

Conclusion

The Tides' Oath is a tradition of respect, unity, and trust. For sailors of Kena'an, it is a reminder that their lives are intertwined with the vast and unpredictable sea, and that the Thalasyr, ancient guardians of the ocean, watch over them. Whether on merchant ships or pirate vessels, the ritual transcends differences and binds all who take to the waves in a shared bond of devotion to the forces that govern the tides. In a world where the ocean is as dangerous as it is essential, the Tides' Oath provides not just protection but a sense of purpose and belonging; a collective pledge that their journey, however perilous, is never faced alone. The sea, with all its mystery and power, claims both the memories of the past and the hopes for the future, and in return, the sailors offer their trust, knowing that the Thalasyr will carry them safely across the water’s expanse.

Important Locations

• Mythralis

Rohan the "Sea Wolf"

O Thalasyr, guardians of the deep,
Into your waters, our memories we keep.
We offer our tokens, our hearts, our plea,
Guide us safely across the vast, endless sea.

---

With each gift we offer, a memory is sent,
A sacrifice given, a vow well-spent.
May the tides carry us, as we journey afar,
Under the watch of the moon and the star.

---

So accept our devotion, O sea so wide,
And in your embrace, may our fates safely ride.
For the Thalasyr’s blessing we humbly implore,
To find safe passage and return once more.

Related Articles

If you wish to learn more about Rohan's fate after the sinking of the Phantom Tide, you can visit the following articles. The story they contain was created in responce to The Longest Journey, an unofficial challenge hosted by Tyrdal.