Cassia

Cassia is a land on the world of Alca.

Homeland of the legendary Cassid general,

, Cassia is a land foreign to the isle of Midrath. Despite the Cassids' dislike of the Dendrit people, they still appear to worship or at least have awareness of the twin sun goddesses,

and

.

They once wore

Corrupt Onyx

upon their talismans for protection in battle, which made their way onto Midrath during the Cassid Reign. However, these stones are now scavenged by the Ode and used for crafting weapons.

Cassia’s night sky is said to be "tainted by the ever-glow of the Borealis", which makes it difficult to observe the stars.

"Stamped onto the soles is the Duelo's creed: "Truth lies in the blade."" - Mestra's Breeches

The Duelo is a ritualistic form of combat, after which the

Duelo

pact was named. It is understood to have originated in Cassia, due to the Cassid origin of the Mestra and Mestre's Rapiers.^[1]

A master of the Duelo is known as a Mestre or Mestra, and the mark of such a master is the

Mestra's Helm

; linen, adorned by tassel.^[2]

For the Mestre mentioned by Carmo, see The Mestre & The Mestra.

The ritual battle of the Duelo has many ancient customs; a Duelo can only begin when a challenger steals the Mestre's

Duelo Ribbon

and wraps it around their head. When a Mestre is confronted so, the Duelo is sealed and cannot be denied.^[3] It is customary to Bow to one's opponent before engaging in a Duelo; and strikes above the shoulders, or below the waist, are implied to be against the creed.^[4]

Variations on the Duelo exist: one such example is the Duo Duelo, in which two duelists face off against an opposing team.^[5]