The Níðhöggr Warband

[Qizu 4037]

 

Deriving from the hearts of Norland, the Níðhöggr Warband stands proud as a bulwark against the dark that lingers within the far northern lands of Almaris.



 

Purpose
The purpose of the Níðhöggr is to defend the northern lands against that of darkspawn that seek to plague the souls of the descendants who linger within these lands. Members of this warband find themselves doing countless training, preparations, and missions in their endeavor to rid the plague that stains this world. They often only protect that of the North and disregard the lands to the south of them for they are unknown to the people of this warband.

Members come from all walks of life so long as they adhere to the purposes that the Warband puts forth as a group, and actively participate in the warbands betterment. Soldiers are encouraged to grow strong within themselves and to become increasingly knowledgeable of the world.
 

History
The History of the Níðhöggr is rather unknown. The current descendents of the Warband only recently descended south from the far north in which they had once lived. Their current numbers are rather small though with them they carry some history.

Long ago these members took upon themselves disguises as they placed themselves among civilizations of the world. Their eyes often hidden behind a mask as they observed the sins of the world running rampant before them. Oftentimes they will allow such sins to build and  swelter before taking action. In times past they have found themselves growing extremely small as a result of their divine mandate.

This mandate, being that they are to give their all even their lives to slay darkspawn persists to this day. During battle they are unable to retreat, unable to turn away even if one soldier stands before twenty for it is their sole purpose within this life and the next. Due to this, one unsuccessful mission could result in nearly the entire order being wiped out by strong forces.
 

 

Rituals
The Blooding Ritual - If an individual finds themself wishing to join the Níðhöggr Warband, they have one simple starting task. The seeking Member is set out into the world with nothing more than their armor and a weapon of their choosing. To join they are to seek out a darkspawn and sever their head from their body. Once this is done they must bring it back to the Warband and display it as a showing of their strength. If they are successful in this, they will undergo a special ritual in which they are branded and marked by the warband signifying their conjoining.

The Ritual of Consumption - This practice is often disregarded by many of the world however it is one of the core beliefs of the Níðhöggr. Upon slaying a darkspawn, they believe that by consuming their bodies they will permanently rid the darkspawn from the world in which they exist, and destroying the power that once drove the dark force they had slain. By doing this they signify themselves within the Warband by showing not only their strength, but their willingness to do what must occur. Often they bathe in the blood of their fallen enemies rejoicing in their death and the cleansing of the world.

The Oath of Persistence - Cowardice and Weakness are two qualities that are unwelcome within the warband. All members who find themselves completing the Blooding Ritual, serve an oath during every breath of their life. This oath being the Oath of Persistence. In battle warband members must fight to their very death. Any act of retreat, cowardice, or weakness will render them an execution on behalf of the Warband’s Hierarchy. They are to serve as the frontline against any inquisition regarding that of the dark.

Fire and Blood - Fire and Blood are sacred materials among the warband. Through fire and blood they slaughter their enemies. They often use spells regarding flame, coat their armaments in fire, and wear the blood of their enemies. The appearance of members often is a tell of how much battle they have endured. Their beards and hair often stained a dark crimson ichor. Their weaponry and armor would be scarred  from battle and even coated in ash.
 

Rankings
Rankings in the Níðhöggr are quite simple. At the top of the Níðhöggr lies the Warlords, whereas the rankings such as Warbosses, Warriors, and Recruits lie below them.

Warlords - The Warlords of the Níðhöggr are members who have been within the warband not only the longest, but have proved their purpose and worth among the grouping. They are the commanders of the group and wear the helmet of the Warlord which is a helmet adorned in blood and horns. They are the strongest and most powerful among the grouping and direct the warbands proceedings.

Warbosses - Warbosses are members who have proven their worth in battle and their ability to lead those below them. They are strong individuals who are given much trust within the grouping. Their capabilities, if used, will quickly lead them to that of the Warlord ranking through time and effort.

Warriors - Warriors are general members of the warband. They are often newer members who have yet to ascend in the rankings, or they have been deemed weak and still need to prove themselves. Warriors are the life and blood of the Warband. Without them the warband itself would not exist.

Recruits - Those who have not yet completed the Blooding Ritual find themselves within the Recruit ranking. They can still participate in the methods and tasks of the Warband, however if they have yet to prove themselves with such the simplest of tasks, they are incapable of ascending. Once they complete the Blooding Ritual however, they will be given armor, and a rank within the group.
 

 

 

Spoiler

If you are interested in joining, join this discord and reach out to me in game!

https://discord.gg/b5U8tnfk4j