Guul'Akash, the Blood Lands

[Smaw 2376]

"We will appease the Spirits upon this blessed land."

 

 

Guul'Akash is characterised by the swathes of crimson sand that blanket the region. It is a land far within the depths of the Uzg, where life is virtually non-existent. It is a terrain completely devoid of water and plantlife, and is an extremely volatile environment upon which extreme winds and thundering weather interchange on a daily basis. Those that set out on the pilgrimage to the Blood Lands would find an unusual monument within the centre; a series of stairs with an engraved tabletop. It would be reminiscent of the desert, stained in a deep red colouration.

 

Raguk Culture:

To those of the Raguk clan, the sands appearance would have a deeper meaning. It is often said to be blessed by the great spirit, Krug; the progenitor of all Uruk-kind. They believe that its characteristic hue is a result of Krug covering the land with his blood, therefore granting a greater connection to him. For this reason it is deemed as a sacred sight, upon which no other races are permitted to tread of their own will. This notion even extends to mounts, and those that ride to the sight must dismount upon the yellow sand before making their way deeper into Guul'Akash.

 

The Blood Land and its harsh weather system is viewed as a byproduct of the power latent within the sand. It is a harsh and unwelcoming plane, a reflection of Krug himself. The Raguk believe that life does not exist here because it is too weak to, and only the Uruk are hardy enough to survive there. It is therefore considered something of a sanctuary, upon which the Unbroken Orcs can appease the Spirits of the world; in particular, the immortal spirit of forging and industry, Gentharuz. 

Sacrifice:

A depiction of Gentharuz consuming the soul of a Shara (Human)

 

 

The very foundations of the Raguk clan are embedded deep within the culture of slavery. The two clans that formed the Raguk were notorious slaving groups, and this profession has carried on through the ages; perhaps honed in many instances by the united force that later became the Raguk. Many times, a great surplus of Znagah (Slaves) are often found within the pens of the Raguk fort. Cramped and malnourished, the slaves cry out for supplies.

 

It is a waste to feed so many, and so the least useful are gathered together and brought to Guul'Akash by the great Myrzym. When they reach the boundary, the Uruk climb from their mounts, guiding the Znagah in many individual lines. They are brought to the very peak of the shrine, upon which a ceremonial table rests. Several ivory daggers are adorned across the side of the table, with which the Raguk appease the spirits. 

 

Irrespective of physical strength, the Raguk believe that all living creatures have an inherent power. The ability to continuously fight against death is something to be admired, and those with blood running through their veins are suitable targets. For this reason, those of the clan will often raid settlements in search of Znagah. When they have collected a reasonable amount, they distribute them among the clansmen. Those that meet certain criteria are almost invariably assigned to the Shaman responsible for performing the Blood Sacrifices.

 

The Raguk believe that the colour red is a sign of great power, and non-Uruk with red hair are immediately selected for sacrifice. Additionally, virgins and leaders of nations are selected for their pure or powerful blood. When they are brought to the Kraal (The Table of Sacrifice) they are held down by a couple of Uruk. The Shaman of the clan will then stand over them, citing from ancient tomes of Spirit worship. Once this process is complete, the Shaman or Wargoth of the clan will cut out the heart of the sacrifice, offering it up to the Spirits that observe them.

 

The Sound of Life:

 

Music is an extremely important part of the process, and many Uruk will be selected to beat the Sacrificial Drums as the ritual takes place. They are to mimic the beating of the heart, assisting the severed heart in continuing to beat once it is taken from the body of the sacrifice. When the heart has been offered up to the sky, it is subsequently thrown into the fires for the Spirits to consume. It is believed that a heart must be further purified within the scorching flames to be suitable for the Spirits to consume.

 

As soon as the heart is thrown into the fire, the drumming pauses as all Uruk present hum without pause. This sound reverberates through the sands of blood, first awakening Krug so that he may consume the hearts if he so chooses.

 

The Deceased:

 

When the sacrifices have had their heart cut out, the remainder of their corpse is brought to an area further within Guul'Akash. It is here that the limbs and organs are separated for consumption. The Orc assigned to butchering the bodies will be responsible for collecting the blood in large vials, which will be later used in the smithing process. The notion of all life having inherent power is not lost to the Raguk, and they include the blood of their enemies in the forging process, believing it to aid in the creation of durable weapons. This forging is particularly relevant when the Raguk have sacrificed to their chosen Spirit, Gentharuz.

 

When all rituals have been completed, the Uruk return to the fort to continue with their daily labouring and fighting. It is only the Shaman of the clan that is permitted to live on the land, so that he may answer any requests that the Spirits may have of them.

 

[Man of Respect 5471]

((Beautiful.))

[Argontum 153]

((A really well made post, can't wait to rp the sacrifice and everything))

[Trenchist 864]

Zislag'Raguk smiles as he notices the big dunes of red sand from a distance, dismounting from his beast and

begins walking deeper into the sands as a big, proud smile comes up on his face.

[Angmarzku 1251]

Moved to the Archive. It shall be sorted into the appropriate category shortly.