Serical

The bronze serical of the Premyslovid Empire, located in western modern Zesmynia.

The serical (Literary Vitrian: zrĭkala) is an object central to the symbolism and legitimacy of the state in Cositene perceptions, and in West Borea as a whole. The serical is a mirror, as suggested by its name's etymology, and not only symbolizes the constant reflection of rulers on their ability and conduct, but also the importance of Cositene truths (metaphorically seen through the reflection) in providing guidance to the ruler and even granting their very right to rule. The symbolism of rulership with mirrors is not a Cositene innovation; it was traditional for Sepcans to use bronze mirrors as a symbol of the responsibility of a ruler, and by extension of the state.

The serical was originally an elaborately decorated bronze mirror, but later other more precious metals such as silver and gold were used in their construction. The serical was regularly filled with holy water to make it reflective. Sericals are often used in various extensive state rituals as the foremost representation of the state; this was their main use, in the 'internal' aspect of the state's affairs, as opposed to 'external' aspect (diplomacy, war, trade), where a flag was used instead.

Sericals themselves are divine objects not possible to be forged by man; all 'true' sericals that grant recognized legitimacy to states are purportedly those granted at the Investiture of Peregnevy, each symbolizing a direct commission by Adytum on behalf of the True Lord to its recipient on administrating the Cositene communion and the world. All Peregnevy sericals are equal in status, complete sovereignty promised with the possession of each.

At Peregnevy, exactly 302 sericals were bestowed to West Borean rulers; in the following years many were lost or hidden away as the Razarian Hegemony unfolded with the Empire of Razaria's destruction of its competitors. In the following centuries, the creation of new states was typically symbolically founded upon the 'rediscovery' of a serical, which then became the central object of the new state and a long standing symbol should the state be able to establish itself. The importance of sericals as state symbols remains heavy to today and they are still respected parts of stately paraphernalia, though they are less frequently observed directly as most rituals involving the serical have become infrequent or ceased completely.

Sericals are bases for West Borean heraldry; the special ornamentation of each unique serical adorns a Cositene symbol that is interpreted as the holy truths seen in the mirror's reflection.