mitto 2307 Share Posted April 28, 2018 Ichorian Practices [x] "Do not forget your duties, young one. Aspects guide you, you shall be reborn in ichor." Teachings and practices of Koi Oracle Valor Caerme'onn 4th of the Grand Harvest, 1661. Scarification [Art by Trinn] Scarification is one of the many practices of the Ichor Way, by the carving of the skin either through natural means, or by ritualistic patterning. The natural ways of scarification can vary, often from pain related trials of endurance and perseverance. The wounds of determination through pain should be cherished, as they also double as a sign of struggles past. Through ritualistic scarification, certain symbols can be engraved into the skin. The lengthy and painstaking process is a true sign of dedication and can even be used over traditional tattooing. An Ichorian can use these to double up their current tattoos or add more over them. It's not an easy or soft process. Other scars can be obtained from battle or trials, some of the common trials are having aspirants move through natural tundra like thorn bushes unprotected. The pain of this process can weed out the weak but bring up the strong. Other combat with dull blades can cause lacerations on the skin, which can be respected as a sign of willingness to fight. Albeit wounds of the back are often seen as a symbol of cowardice unless they were formed in the defines of someone's behalf. Markings in Ichor The emotions are the catalyst of greatness in our kin, but they come in many forms. Especially before a challenging event such as battle, it’s looked down upon to reserve your true feelings. Regardless of the emotions you feel, you can utilize them for greatness. The Ichorians brand themselves in their blood, and sometimes also the blood of their enemies or last hunt. Depending on the pattern is dependent on the emotions felt, even to mark yourself with a debilitating emotion is a sign of strength, because it shows despite that emotion you show determination and commitment through it. Two lines from the eyes This marking is synonymous with mourning or sadness, often when someone has suffered loss yet is still challenged with a great task they will display their sadness this way. The markings themselves aren't reserve for strictly combative scenarios, some may even choose to bare this mark at memorials. Hand on face A bloody hand is a literal translation to feeling suffocated, which has become a symbol of fear. Some can wear it on their face, others on their neck. Fear has become known as weakness, however Ichorians know that fear can breed greatness, so they show their fear with pride. Two horizontal lines These markings show someone’s calmness, sometimes in the gruelling experience of certain struggles, someone becomes completely desensitized to them. This can be a sign of someone’s dominance in a certain aspect, but to wear it falsely can mark anyone a fool. Two lines under cheekbones Lines starting from the ear under the cheekbone and sometimes straight down to the jawline is a sign of determination, bravery and loosely happiness. Someone's unwavering solidarity can be displayed through them, and in vast numbers it's a sign of camaraderie and perseverance. One line from bottom lip to chin To bring a line from either over the lip or under the lip down to the chin is a sign of a personal vendetta. If someone has a message to send, or a problem to settle, this is a mark of revenge. A murder in this light is often marked on the victim as well, the Ichorian will mark the corpse in the same marking in the victim's blood. It can be a warning. Ceremony of the Beasts Carcass [x] Sacrificial ceremonies are a sacred part of Ichorian practice, they can take place no matter the occasion. The attendees can vary from other Ichorians, general Naelurir, Aspectists or even the unconverted. It's a way of demonstrating the core values of Aspectism and the Ichor Way. Common occasions are generally after a hunt, or in preparation for bigger events such as monster hunting or battles. However, Ichorians can do it as a rite to the unconcerned or Aspectists to solidify their dedication to the Aspects. The beast doesn't matter however, it generally applies to bigger game as there are many offshoots from the main ceremony revolving around the by-products of the carcass. This ties into one of the main Aspectists tenants off offerings, as well as the common practice of recycling and leaving little waste. The beginnings of the ceremony generally start the same. To honour the beast’s death, an Ichorian will cut its heart out raising it all to see. The Ichorian will recite a prayer or a speech in Aspects name, honouring the life and death of the beast. Traditionally the ceremonial head will eat the heart raw, marking his face in the blood. The next stage is removing the head of the beast, cleaning it off any meat and excess, this can either be repurposed into food for the attendees or as fertiliser for new crops. An Ichorian would comment on how in death, the fruit of the beast can be used for the growth of new life. The skull of the beast can often be used for ornamental purposes for the rest of the ceremony, although it’s very traditionally worn as a headdress. This is seen as a representation of Cernunnos, as the ceremony continues the ceremonial head is acting as the spiritual vassal of Cernunnos’ will. The rest of the carcass body is treated as regular, the pelts are moved on for use in clothing, some pelts are often worn around the shoulders for the rest of the ceremony to be repurposed later. The meat is divided for a feast, the inedible is used as fertilizer as aforementioned. Bones are used for a specific purpose known as bone tokens. Bone Tokens Spoiler [x] The bones are often cleaned and used for offerings, there are often enough for many of the attendees to participate to remove themselves and clean. This process can be a sign of dedication of Cerridwen's beauty, with bones being made into intricate designs such as carvings or necklaces to be offered at a shrine. Certain bones such as the skull can also be mounted in sacred locations as an ornament as a symbol of Cernunnos’ watch. Ornamental bones often adore sacred locations such as shrines, as a symbol of the beast’s new life in the Eternal Forest, which is a status worth celebrating. Smaller bones are again often carved and or made into decorative pieces often necklaces. These necklaces are often cared with sacred symbols signifying concepts such as; luck, bravery, good health and many others. These can be given as gifts, with personally or laid upon a burial site. Carving old elven into bones is also very common. Monumental Totems [x] Similarly, to the practice of Oracle totems, after the occurrence of a significant event such as a grand monster hunt or a battle, an Ichorian will use his control to erect a totem pole. This can be carved by hand to signify the events that occurred there, as well as those who participated. This practice is synonymous with ancient traditions of passing on the stories of old to the descendants. As well as a beacon of hope to all who come past it, a totem of perseverance to install strength and dedication into the hearts of its observers. Often, we wander in our defeats, but what we gain in them is strength and these displays on strength and immortalized in wooden symbols of excellence, lest we forget them. They can be adorned by bone tokens and marked in blood also, as per other Ichorian practices. Combat Combat is an almost vital part of being an Ichorian, you must always be prepared to stand up for your beliefs at any time, as well as the fact you must train and pass on your knowledge of training to those who aspire. Combat scenarios can be waged in multiple different ways for many different reasons. The equipment used is generally respective to the reason for the battle, sparring for battle practice is often done in armour with a sword. Whereas friendly combat can be unarmed with no shirts, personal quarrels and retribution can be done unclothed with weapons such as thorn whips or blunt blades which later goes on to add to scarification. An Ichorian is not limited to the common trials, they can again be called for a plethora of different reasons and the conditions can always vary. However ultimately it works to make sure an Ichorian is always strong, always adaptable and ready to overcome all obstacles. To also accept defeat and become stronger despite it. Coming of Age Trial When the child of an Ichorian, or a young Ichorian aspirant comes of age, they are often trailed with fighting a fully-fledged Ichorian a match they will ultimately lose. However, it's not about winning, a demonstration of true determination and unwavering passion alongside the knowledge learnt from the elders. It's these which mark the passage of a young one who has passed into adulthood. Trial by Combat When words fail, it's not unlike us for our passion to take over. However, unlike the past senseless violence has been looked down upon. Ichorians can often challenge other Ichorians or any descendant to a trial by combat for the winning argument. The terms of this trial are agreed on mutually, but the result is final. Ichorians who lose these battles especially to non-Ichorians can often go on to do trials of retribution for penance. Trial of Retribution A trial of retribution can vary in many ways, some like to mark their failure through scarification. This can be through combat unarmed against someone with a thorny whip or unarmed against a beast with sharp claws and teeth. What specifically marks a retribution trial is the Ichorian will always be unarmed, to show that they don't need vices such as swords to be strong. Prayers “Cerridwen, grant me purpose. Cernunnos, grant me power. Ancestors, watch over me. My kin, believe in me. Aspects guide me, Dominion follow me. Ichor runs through my veins.” ((more soon [tm])) [!] This tome can be found at a local elven whereabouts. 10 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts