HONOR IN BLOOD

WHO ARE THE AKAAL?

The result of the union of three clans - Izig, Ram, and Mog, Clan Akaal is the culmination of centuries of orcish culture, history, and spiritualism stemming from the ancient lands of Mor’Ghuun. Clan Izig, a clan cursed to never see the light of the Stargush’Stroh, dedicated themselves to spreading Krug’s influence as penance. These urukim revered the story of the descendants of Krug, believing that hardship and suffering is what elevated one's soul. Clan Ram embraced orcish savagery and bloodlust. Those of Ram worshipped the spirit Leyd and dominated their enemies with unmatched ferocity. Clan Mog championed Orcish Xionism, putting aside the worship of the immortals to focus on the capabilities and prowess of the urukim alone. The goblins and orcs of Mog wielded their deception as a blade, using tricks and deception to shape the world in their influence. 

While each of these three clans had distinct identities, they held one truth in common - the descendants of Krug must take precedents over all else. That the blood, bone, and flesh of the urukim is paramount. That whether one worshiped one immortal spirit over another, or any immortal spirits at all, it must all be in service to a greater cause - the legacy and preservation of the legacy of Krug. And so, united in this cause, the three leaders of Izig, Mog, and Ram came together and formed Akaal (meaning “Of Light”). At the center of Akaal is a struggle for balance, enduring the suffering of their brethren whilst remaining in the light to ascend to the Stargush.

The primary duties of Akaal are to enlighten, protect, and purge. Akaal enlightens the urukim through its shamans, ilzhonals, haruspexes, and rukas, ensuring the lessons of Krug are taught and understood. Akaal protects the urukim with blood, bone, and the elements, calling upon elements of the material plane to ensure the preservation of its people. Akaal purge the darkspawn from this domain, following the footsteps and achievements of Krug who defeated Iblees against all odds. The Akaal are well-known and recognized for their feats against the evils that challenge their very existence. 

HIERARCHY OF AKAAL

KUKAAL OB IZIG - KUKAAL OB RAM - KUKAAL OB MOG

         Akaal is led by three leaders called Kukaals. Each Kukaal represents one of Izig, Ram, or Mog. The first Kukaals were represented by Skaatchnak’Izig, Krothuul’Ram, and Ixula’Mog. Kukaals share in the governance of Akaal, however, each typically devised their own purpose and goals with overlap common as they seek to further the will of Krug.

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THREE PATHS OF AKAAL

         Traditionally, Akaal purposefully avoided structure to encourage every uruk to have autonomy in their spiritual and mortal journeys. In recent years, the elders of Akaal seek to refine their blood, guiding more toward the light. . Like the three Kukaal, three sects of Akaal have developed, shaped by the blending of culture and ideals of Izig, Ram, and Mog. These sects include the Maukaal, the Fauthkaal, and the Thrakaal are explained in further detail below.

MAUKAAL - WARRIORS OF LIGHT - Led by the Fakhthal, the Maukaal represent the merging of Ram and Izig. These warriors of Akaal embrace a controlled brutality and are often those who are on the front lines of any conflict. Within the Maukaal, it is common to become champions of Leyd, the spirit of Dominance and Strength, like the Rams of old. The Fakhthal leads the Maukaal into battle, ensuring that the warriors of Akaal fight with honor and to please the Ancestors. 

THRAKAAL - LIGHTBRINGERS - Led by the Hûn ob Grish, the Thrakaal represent the merging of Izig and Mog. These Akaal focus on haruspexy and the Grizhizubu, the orcish blood faith. Together, the Thrakaal are tasked with spreading the blood faith through ritual and the erection of Morukhs within the Horde and outside the Horde. The Hûn ob Grish is charged with guiding the Thrakaal and organizing their influence. In addition to their individual spiritual beliefs, most Thrakaal follow Throqugrish, the Heartbeat.

FAUTHKAAL - HIDDEN LIGHT - Led by the Zûrlaam, the Fauthkaal represent the merging of Mog and Ram. These Akaal are tasked with the darker aspects of mortality and spiritualism, investigating and learning about darkspawn. It is not uncommon for the Zûrlaam to use the Fauthkaal as a network of dangerous scions to achieve the Akaal goal of purging the lands of evil. However, to defeat the dark, the Fauthkaal are often tempted by its power. Thus, the Zûrlaam holds the important duty of ensuring that its Fauthkaal remain faithful to Krug and his descendants.

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HOW TO JOIN?
 

Akaal is looking for new members! For years, Akaal has existed as one of the most popular clans and is led by a bunch of older orc players who love to teach orcish culture and spiritualism. There are many opportunities to rise within the clan and experience unique RP that is not found anywhere else on the server. Whether you want to make a descendant of Izig, Ram, or Mog, or join on any orc, we welcome you!  

To join - you can join our discord ----> https://discord.gg/fdQP9FKg

(alternatively, feel free to reach out to me on discord @krunos10)

{The large poster reads}

Kukaal Maukurz of Ram

"The rightful third Kukaal seat in Clan Akaal, representing the Clan Ram of old, now belongs to Maukurz'Akaal of Ram. Any Akaal Clan member who wishes to debate this decision can challenge Maukurz of Ram to a klomp."

If challenged, the rules of the Klomp are as follows:

To the death without revival from the spirits.

No other rules or restrictions.

Reminder: One other Kukaal seat remains vacant due to the dissapearance of former Kukaals.

Current Kukaals: Ghoraza and Maukurz.

Shakh-ob Brîu | Kukaal-uk

I AM KYBAL’AKAAL, SHAKH-OB BRÎU, KUKAAL-UK!

The Akaal are not meant for sloth, for the Grizhizubu, dictate action must be taken. The Akaal will not rot in silence, nor do we fall to ill-fortunates of that Ilzgul try to place upon the Urukhim. are the fist of the Ancestors. We are warriors, not worms, and I shall not let our blood grow weak with stillness.

This silence offends me, and cannot be permitted to continue. I proclaim myself Shakh-ob Brîu! Lord of Horns! I am the Mazauktar of the Ancestors of Ram, Mog, and Izig, and by domination's and endurance's’ right, I claim supreme Chieftain Hood of Akaal. The three Kukaals shall remain in power to give the Clan their guidance, but I shall be the voice of Akaal in these times of Bûrzum.

I take upon myself the name of Kukaal-uk! All Kukaal! I claim this right through my strength, my claim is absolute. Let any Kukaal who opposes me feel their Ancestors’ shame - and fight me openly. I welcome this challenge, may my will and hammer be tested..

KAAL-AKAAL!

Gothûrz-ûr Stargûshrim 

Kybal’Akaal, Shakh-ob Brîm, Kukaal-Uk-ob Akaal

Missives are placed on the board of the Iron Horde's capital.

Izû slai, izû mat, izû slai urzkû.

A shell lost to the Moris, back on Almaris.

Reborn, sent back by Krug to complete his mission.

Blood and flame guide our path, rot and pain calls our truth.

We claim back what was ours :

Our name, Ar-Borok of clan Akaal.

Our title, Kukaal of Mog.

Our path, mat buurz, mat golug, mat shâra.

We summon forth the elders of Akaal.

Skaat back to the desert kranklûk.

Skaat maûk void-gaam, Xan's snagas, Azdromoth's grazadh ûgh naga Buurzlûks.

Signed

Ar-Borok of clan Akaal, Elder of the Horde, Kukaal of Mog,

Destroyer of Elysium, Druglord of the south, the Immortal,

Ogrol's champion, Carrier of the North's wrath.

____________________________________________________________

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       For too long have I, Gazhnahk’Akaal, been the only Akaal in the goi. Ixula’Akaal appears once in a blue moon but it is simply not enough. There are young orcs who wish to join the clan which I can’t do a single thing about. Our clan grows colder and more dead by the day.

     Maukûrz’Akaal, I have not seen you in years, as a Kukaal it is your duty to help the clan thrive. If I am to be the only Akaal in the goi I need the power to help it grow.

    So, Maukûrz’Akaal, I challenge you to a klomp for your title. You can either be around in the goi to help our clan grow or forfeit your title. I give you one cactus week to accept my challenge and show your face around the goi more often, otherwise I’ll take it as a forfeit of your title.

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- Gazhnahk’Akaal

[A BANNER IS RAISED IN THE UNDERKRUG OF SAN'BRIU WITH A NOTE BELOW IT]

Ug, bruddahs agh sistahs. I ahm Drus. I come to lat all with a request for a klamor, dedicated to our future as a clan ob the Horde. 

For our clan to prosper, agh for the protection ob the Horde, we muzt unite azh't again to share our ideas for the betterment ob all. 

It iz welcome to all ob the Akaal, or those who wish to grukk ob our wayz agh our progenitors. 

Those directly ob the lineage of Ram, Mog, agh Izig are especially welcome as they are our progenitors agh founderz.

If lat wish for the prosperity ob the enlightened union clan, come with lat ideas agh help spread the light.

KA A L    A K A A L

[DATE: SUNDAY OCTOBER 15th 6PM EST]

[BE THERE OR BE SQUARE]

From deep within the Underkrug of San’Briu, a lone haruspex grips his bone-adorned ritual knife, its blade etched with the symbols of yore. He presses its sharpness against his new body, remnants of his former self sewn into its composition as its spills to mix into the gore that already decorated the room. The storyteller’s eyes rolled back into his horned skull as he released a gutteral chant of the language of shamans. Crimson illustrations hovered over his head as Dlimbok’s sacrifice allowed for the memories of the former Kukaal to come forth. 

And so, Ghuun’Akaal told story after story, memories of his past life being introduced to the Clan Hall, to his evolved form. 

A large, burned covered uruk used his war scythe to carve rows of darkspawn that dared to challenge him.

A mighty Ram smashed down with its hulking warhammer to smash the skull of a bone monstrosity.

The one-handed juggernaut rising before the spirit of Dominance to become his champion.

The serpent of Akaal leading his nation into an era of Blood.

A Ram of Thunder calling upon and guiding the storm itself.

The horned Brute rising victorious in the arena of San’Velku, his form covered in his opponents blood.

A half-goblin shaman aiding the urukim in clearing the darkness about the Gate of Dom.

Each of these stories of Akaal passed through the air, serving both a reminder of the clan’s achievements while demonstrating that clan’s potential.

KAAL AKAAL

[!] A large piece of human looking flesh hangs from a wooden post pinned up by sharp and broken bones. Words are carved into the flesh. Dried blood from the puncture spots cover some of the letters.

I return to the goi with bub plans. And I think its time I finally make moves. I've lived life hungry for physical power but never political power. I'm changing that now, I've already been at the peak of my physical. I want your spot Bumba, and I challenge you to a Klomp for it. And since I know this may get some attention... on the topic of klomp make sure to look out for FiztKrak as it too makes its return. That's right. I advertised in a challenge declaration. Anyways I will peep you in the ring Bumba. May the better monster win. 

[!] A flier with a message written on it. The ink appears to be blood.

The Honorable Rex has led the Horde into a new age of light. One that will thrive for years to come. The Horde grows because of Rex Kybal’Akaals commitment and drive.

During this time, the Rex has had to focus on global politics, instead of Akaal. He is not to blame for the stagnancy that is occurring within the clan. The work that comes with being Rex far outweighs the work of a Kukaal. A weight must be lifted off the Rex’s shoulders. A weight that should not be there to begin with. A weight that should have been passed on to the next Grizh of Ram when Kybal took power over the Horde. 

That being said, I, Maukûrz’Akaal, challenge Kybal’Akaal, for their position within the clan. That being Kukaal. A klomp with Leyd as our witness will show if I am meant to ascend. Leyd decides my fate as he always has.

No matter the outcome, the Grizh of Ram will help guide Akaal, while the Rex guides the Horde. 

With Respect,

 Maukûrz’Akaal

The Clan Akaal, and the Blood Faith requires action and abhors the stagnancy. As we walk the Light of the Ilzgul and our Ancestors. Therefore, I, Kybal of the Clan Akaal seek to challenge Ixula’Akaal, Kukaal of Mog, to their position of Kukaal… They may seek me and we will determine how the challenge may proceed according to our ways and traditions, and whoever is victorious will claim the position.

KAAL AKAAL

 IKH-U-ILZGULI

Kybal’Akaal, the Stargazer, Shaman of the Bloodstone.

Krothuul of Akaal, the last Ramgoth, is dead.

Killed without honor, by a strike to the back of the neck.

We, Borok of Akaal rise to the position of Kukaal of clan Akaal replacing our Elder.

Weep not brothers and sisters, for our Elder lived a good life.

Cry not for he now resides in Stargush'Stroh.

Lûp Krothuul, son of Gadhaal the black, grandson of Ram.

Ar-Borok of clan Akaal, Kukaal of clan Akaal,

the Victorious, the Blood Rex,

Dealer of Drugs, the Mad, the Burned, the Brown,

Targoth of the Iron Horde

AKAAL
(“Of Light”)

The Akaal serve as heralds and messengers of a new age of urukim. Many traditional clans find the Akaal’s ways to be unorthodox. Above all, the Akaal are worshippers of urukim, both those who have passed to the Stargush’Stroh and those that remain in the mortal realm. Placing much significance on the material world, the Akaal have developed rituals, customs, and practices involving blood, alchemy, and their own bodies. With less of a significance on the immortal spirits, the Akaal revere the ancestral and elemental spirits, believing that combined with the divinity of blood, they contain the means to reach the epitome of urukim, the ultimate image of Krug. With great diversity within their own numbers, the clan is connected in their purpose to shepherd the descendants of Krug into a new age of spiritualism.

Immortal and Ancestral Spirits:

Unlike other orcish clans, the Akaal do not worship specific immortal spirits. Instead, it is common for clan members to pick and choose the immortal spirits that they dedicate themselves. Other members renounce the immortal spirits all together, finding them to have corrupted the orcish people, leading them towards periods of dismay. The Akaal are able to reconcile these spiritual distinctions, finding greater purpose in the unification of the blood and soul of the urukim. The Akaal venerate the ancestors, taking great pride in the orcish lineage that connects them to Krug. Those who were honorable and worthy enough to cross into the Stargush’Stroh are deserving of the utmost respect and praise, the stories of their lives a testament to the greatness of Krug’s children. It is not from the immortal spirits but from the ancestors that the Akaal seek guidance, hoping to bring themselves and their brothers into the orcish afterlife. 

Mortalism, Grizh, and the Elemental:

Recognizing their own mortality, the Akaal place great importance on the impression they leave on the material realm. Blood is regarded as sacred as it ties each orc to their ancestry. However, their adoration of blood is not only for their own. Instead, the Akaal glorify the divine embodiment of blood, drawing from its power through ritual, battle, and sacrifice. To spill the blood of the corrupted is to purify this transcendental oversoul, bringing strength and honor to the individual and to the urukim. Among the primordial aspects of nature, Akaal recognizes blood as a quasi-elemental force that exists on a similar level to the elemental. Their attention to the elemental extends beyond blood, the Akaal viewing the elemental spirits with special significance. 

Body as a Living Tapestry

An Akaal regards the physical form of the urukim as sacred. Every scar, tattoo, and marking reveals the story of the individual, these modifications serving as badges of honor and status. To mark one's body without purpose and meaning is to desecrate your image before your kin and your ancestry. This mortal divinity extends beyond scarification, as a urukim’s blood is of high significance, only to be spilled for worthy causes such as spiritualism and war. For these reasons, you will find the Akaal riddled with marks, scars, and tattoos that chronicle the clan members life. Their rituals and practices often involve scarring and the spilling of blood. Their blood serves as their closest connection to Krug in the mortal realm and their scars serve as conduits for guidance and knowledge from their ancestors.

In order to bring greater organization and prosperity to the Uzg, the three enlightened clans gathered to discuss a confederation under one banner. The Wargoths from Izig, Mog, and Ram entered a smokehouse and spoke together; culminating in the union of the Akaal, a clan dedicated to the spiritual culture of Uruk society, seeking to enlighten all descendants in the ways of the spirits. Among the Akaal are several shamans already initiated in spiritual rites, each with varying ways of life and practice.

Taar’ghashan
“High Command”

Whom do the Akaal serve? The Akaal are a muddled folk. Many revere the spirits and Ancestors, though have divined their allegiances through the making of their clan. In the process of becoming an Akaal, the orc's life is forever changed and imbedded within the strange spiritual realms that impact the Mortal Realm.

SPIRITUALISM

Ancestrals

The Kukaal serve their Ancestors, deifying Krug and his kin, for they share in the same sanguine blessing that allowed them to surmount Iblees. Every Kukaal is pacted and bound to some sacred lineage, serving them in daily rituals. They pray and perform sacrifices in honor of the blood they are birthed into. The blood connects them all and allow for the future to be read through the actions of the past. 

Grizhizubu

 The Orcish Blood Faith
They revere the Throqu'grizh, an entity that embodies all aspects of life and death through its sanguine divinity. It is a mortal practice of blood-letting, asceticism and a reverence of the mortal form. The blood connects, grants life, and allows for wisdom to be shared to the Akaal. The holy nature of blood is seen in their architecture and their art, a true reflection of how close viscera and bone means to their people.
 

Oghob Slaium
“Way of Life”

All Uruks understand the importance of community, but to have true brothers among them is another thing, somewhat lacking in the recent years of the Krugmar: The formation of the Akaal is a remedy for this, mortal life being much more joyful when you have sworn brothers of whom you can tell or do anything with, with numbers aplenty to truly enjoy life’s bounty and glory. With this in mind, the Akaal fervently celebrate all of mortal life’s gifts.

When gathering for a hunt, the Akaal sing praises and stretch, priming each other to exercise the ancient tradition of their ancestors. Upon felling a great beast or an undead the clan takes tokens of battle, taking respectful care in the inspection of the remains. The Akaal decorate their home or body with them, often using them in haruspex and shamanic rituals, once again acknowledging the life of the animal or descendant. 

This reverence extends even further to the remains of their brothers, whereupon the organs are removed and preserved separately, while the body is mummified after those close to them have taken their respective trinkets to remember the deceased. After all this preparation, the body is placed upon an altar, around which the Akaal gather to celebrate their life and exploits, after which they’re entombed among the mortal remains of their ancestors.

The Akaal often use psychoactive substances in their communal rituals, Uruks are often already exposed to cactus green at a young age, but upon initiation they’re dosed with one of the Akaal’s intense psychedelics whether experienced or not. These come in the form of various mushrooms, toalak slime, and world cactus buds. Each collected and prepared with esoteric methods, the Akaal believe they open their consciousness and prepare them for the Stargush, others with the belief  that those of the clan are more opinionated about their way of worship due to these practices.

Zunghûr
“Piercing Bravery”

Many of the Akaal adorn their bodies with fetishes, paint, and masks, all signifying their status, worship of their respective spirits, and ability to endure. Even going as far to scar themselves to show their honor, ranging from simple piercings to removing teeth and nails, each earning the Orc varying levels of respect. The Akaal bear these openly with pride, though remaining reserved on the specifics of their methods and practice.

Splayed across the body of every Akaal in some manner is a spiritual tattoo or paint, made from clay and dyes and spread across the skin, denoting their status among brothers. White is worn by the Ashliaug, initiates, revealing their fresh mind and untarnished body. Orange is worn by the Akaal, symbolizing the fire awakened inside them. Red is worn by shamans or haruspex, for the blood they have seen and wrought. Purple is worn by the Kûkaal, elders, displaying their power and intellect before all.

Piercings and scarification are commonplace among all Orcs, every Akaal bearing at least one as a form of initiation, though most go beyond just this. Scale-skin, forming deep, unhealable wounds before inserting tree-sap or clay under the skin. The removal of perfectly healthy teeth, substituting it for a gem of considerable size, the process of which is heavily secretized. There are more taboo body modifications practiced by the Akaal, though not clearly evident to others.

Some members of the Akaal make beautifully crafted masks, blessed and covered with the spiritual essence of another, made with the intent to hide from certain spirits. Decorated with shamanic wards and sigils to fend off the ill-influence and mental illness spirits are inclined to inflict upon those who practice esoteric spiritualism. Ologs are used in the same sense, intelligent spirits wary of their perplexing minds, they’re adorned in fetishes and materials of which said spirits oppose.

Initiations/Trials

The Akaal test their new recruits in five different ways. Each having their own purpose, filtering out the orcs who do not fit. 

Combat Trial

The initiate must klomp against all three Kûkaal. It is not required to win, but new Akaal must show that they can tame and control their inner bloodlust, using it to their advantage. Following the klomps, they will be sent to defeat a beast and will be shown how to properly harvest a corpse.

Spiritual trial

Learn about three ancestral spirits and explain their accomplishments to the Kûkaal. Each ancestral must be from a different clan, allowing the Initiate to gain the most knowledge from this trial. Seek out a shaman who can take you to speak to one of these ancestral spirits.

Loyalty trial

Take action against an Immortal spirit chosen by one of the Kûkaal. Modify one of your limbs to represent your dedication to the task given. This trial proves the initiates loyalty to the clan and their understanding of the clans ideals.

Mind Trial

Travel to the realm of the spirits (Ancestor or Immortal) and pursue action towards aiding, or hindering their work.

Secret Trial
The last trial is one made secret, a mix of rituals and occultism to fulfill the transformation of one’s life into the clan.