Blood Oaths

This rarely preformed ceremony is carried out in the darkest hour before dawn. The ceremony is called the Blood Oath for it is the practice of cutting one's self and letting one's blood mingle with the earth. With it, Elves invoke a promise for revenge after suffering great and terrible anguish or humiliation at the hands of another (the revenge is saved only for sentient beings who have caused the anguish or humiliation on purpose). Forsaking all other past times, Elves under the Blood Oath seek retribution with all the strength they possess.

Depending upon what insult or injury was done to the Elf, the offender may seek forgiveness through giving a time of service to the avenging Elf (or a sincere apology in case of an insult). There are, however, times when nothing less than death will satisfy the demand of the Blood Oath.

Elves are extremely hesitant to commit themselves to this soul binding promise and do not perform it lightly, knowing that vengeance often brings more harm than good. Only a truly regrettable deed would cause an Elf to forsake all the pleasures in life and turn his or her focus solely on bringing forth vengeance for ill deeds.  Some Elves find a strange emptiness after having completed a Blood Oath. The mission they devoted so much of their life and strength is suddenly over and they must begin their life anew.