The Krug-hai | Initiation & Ascension

[Althea_ 331]

Krug-hai Initiation & Ascension 

Rites & Trials

Prelude

 

Inspired by millenia of culture, tradition, religion and practices; the Krug-hai Military has incorporated a series of tests & ceremonial acts into its organization and hierarchy; ranging from basic trials for the Grunav (Grunts) to ascend into proper Mauzûrk (Warriors), to even the rebirth of oneself into the grand role of Targoth.

Compiled here are many examples of these that have been developed and encompassed into the ways of the Krug-hai throughout the years.

Initiation

(Through which a Grunt becomes a True Warrior of the Krug-hai)

[[OOC: Essentially these are small quests for Initiates/Grunts to pursue]]

<A small band of Grunav undergoing their final trial together>

 

Honor (Lesson)

(Embraced be the blessing of our kin, and let its nature be known well)

 

Spoiler

The first lesson an aspirant Krug-hai Mauzûrk must undergo comes in the form of a reflexive debate: the Orcs gathered must express their thoughts and views on Honor, allowing the Warbosses administering the lesson to understand their viewpoint and deem whether it is fitting and acceptable or not, addressing their faults until they attain the right mindset of the Krug-hai, for they are to represent the Horde with honor.

 

This lesson can be administered in the form of a gathering, or by a Warboss’s guidance of a Grunav over time, assuring they get and  remain in line when it comes to honor. Another alternative is to watch their demeanor in more practical ways, be it on a day to day basis or in exceptional situations meant to put their honor to test.

 

The higher the rank of the Krug-hai, the higher the standard of honor they must display. The principles of Krug-hai Honor, interlinked with the ‘Code of the Krug-hai’.

 

[The Krug-hai’s Code can be found on: ]

 

 

 

Restraining Bloodrage (Lesson & Trial)

(Fended be the curse of Iblees, and let it never overshadow our Honor)

 

Spoiler

Whilst the 1st lesson focuses on elaborating on the Orcish blessing of Honor, the Krug-hai are to learn to fend off the Ibleesian curse of Bloodrage.  They are encouraged to seek out a preferred method to do so, being guided by the Warbosses among other Knowledgeable Orcs of the Uzg. 

 

Some known ways to tame bloodrage include:

 

 => Meditation or Drug Consumption;

 => Exposure to pain and/or administering non-lethal poisons (like by shoving their hands into a box of specific scorpions), to get used to pain;

=> Scarring themselves pre-battle like those descendent of Clan Izig;

 => Seeking guidance from Enrohk, Spirit of Bloodlust, to learn and earn her blessings;

 => Among others that may prove effective for the Orc.

 

Whatever the method adopted, the aspiring Mauzûrk is to prove they won’t easily fall victim to Bloodrage on a brief trial where they shall be beaten up by a Warboss with a heavy staff.

Seven powerful blows shall be delivered one after the other, while the Grunt is closely examined.

The Grunav will be unable to fight back, as this is a test of endurance, of resistance, not only of body but also mind and spirit. 

Should they not succumb to bloodrage, they will pass the trial.

 

With Ologs this method isn’t advisable, due to their greater leniency towards the curse, something beyond their own individual selves. 

Instead Ologs are to be overall conditioned by being given food among other signs of approval when they follow orders and do not fall to bloodrage; being left out unrewarded should they do otherwise. The role of Olog-Tamer is a specialization within the Krug-hai Military, acting similarly to the BeastMaster.

 

Respect the Spirits, Fear the Spirits (Lesson & Trial)

(For a Krug-hai must acknowledge the faith of their kin)

 

Spoiler

For this lesson the Grunav (grunt) is tasked with pursuing knowledge over/about the spirits, be it found through tomes, wisened Orcs or Shamans themselves and quench all their doubts about matters of Spiritualism and Shamanism.

The grunt is to find a Spirit they identify with in any capacity, no matter whether they are Ancestral, Immortal or Elemental; Lesser or Greater.

 

Once this Spirit is found they are not only to voice the reasons for their choice, but also display some form of reverence towards this one Spirit.

 

This can be done in a few ways:

 

 => Sharing their knowledge in-depth about the chosen Spirit and what they represent;

=> A tattoo or other physical form of symbol representing the Spirit;

=> Providing due offering, sacrifice or ode in name of the Spirit;

=> Encountering with them on a Spirit-Walk (vouched by the Shaman responsible);

=> Helping with the creation of an item in the name of the Spirit (a trinket, weapon, a shrine, or totem, among other crafts).

 

The Trial of Ash-Grísh (Trial of One Blood)

(Revere the Blood flowing on your veins & on the veins of your brothers and sisters, for it flows down from Krug all the same)

 

Spoiler

After succeeding in all other lessons and trials, the Grunav shall band together to undertake a special task or trial of their own, wherein they shall work together without influence of any Warboss or other Higher Authority of the Horde, having to think on their own to conclude the task given to them.

 

Such tasks may include:

 

=> A special hunt (be it of beast, foe or darkspawn);

=> An expeditionary pilgrimage (be it in the Mortal or Spiritual Realm);

=> Clearing an area/outpost from enemy occupation;

=> Taking a quest, trial or challenge given by either the Leadership of the Horde or a Spirit (be it in the Mortal or Spiritual Realm).

 

Should they succeed fighting as one, they shall be ready to undergo the Rite of the Blood-Duty as described below.

 

Blood-Duty (Rite following the Trial of One Blood)

(Bestowed with Purpose, Grasping Duty, The Mauzûrk Rises)

 

Spoiler

After understanding of Honor, attaining methods to restrain their bloodrage, learning of the Spirits and developing bonds of kinship that transcend their clans, the Grunav are to finally grasp whole the Purpose of a True Krug-hai, reciting the Krug-hai Code in first person (I shall. . .) loud with pride:

 

"I shall be utterly Loyal to the Horde, The Rex & The Targoth;

I shall acknowledge our Kin is Stronger Together;

I shall act with Honor and tame my Bloodlust;

I shall Slaughter all Foes with "Fight" in them, but spare the weak;

I shall purge all that is Dark in name of Scorthuz, and all that is weak in name of Kor."

 

Once the uttering of the Code concludes, their hands are to be sliced and bloodied, shaken with the Targoth or Warboss initiating them into the Krug-hai, assuming their Duty to the Horde and their kin as a whole through a Blood-Pact of Fealty & Honor.

Ascension

<A Targoth of Old leading her Krug-hai into battle>

 

A Warboss’s Rise

(A Test Beyond Mere Strength, Sign of a True Leader)

 

Spoiler

After being approved by the Krug-hai Council - due to show of great commitment and consistent good work - an aspiring Warboss is given a chance to lead an operation of the Krug-hai [ranging from any type of event, conflict/pvp, etc] alone to prove their voice of command. 

Should they be successful, they shall be welcomed into the Warboss Council, grasping their newfound role in the Military of the Horde - a celebration of varying nature often ensuing in their homage.

 

Targoth’s Ascension - Rebirth Through Blood

(Burdened with the Blood of All, Reborn Anew to Command Them)

 

Spoiler

Upon defeating the previous Targoth, or being willingly let into the position, the new prospect Targoth is still to overcome one last challenge handed to them by the Rex of the Horde.

Alongside his Councilors, the Rex is to come up with one last special trial specifically shaped for the Orc in question, often intended for them to work on their shortcomings or prove what is still left unproven to them and the Uzg as a whole, intent on sating the doubts of all Orcs in respect to the potential Targoth.

 

With success, the Orc is to symbolically establish a Blood Pact with all of the Krug-hai & be Simultaneously Reborn as a Product of It:

 

The Orcs are to gather around a small water source such as a pond, proceeding to pour their blood onto it.  A brief chant to Gazigash - Spirit of Blood & Bone - is uttered, to hallow the waters in her name.

 

The Shamans and Rex then set to evoke the names of Ancestral Spirits: Greater Ancestors of Old, Previous Deceased Targoths of Note & Krug himself, paying homage to such Leaders and Grand Orcish Figures that have crossed into the Stargush’Stroh, intent on having them cast their observant eyes onto the new rising Targoth, to heed and judge them from beyond.

 

The Targoth then slices their two palms open with cuts, descending and submerging into the bloodied waters, left underwater for their blood to mingle with that of the Krug-hai, as their body is wholly stained crimson, until they are unconscious, left in a state of near-death, for in order to be reborn, one must first glimpse Kor’s Gates.

 

The Orc then is to be tested one last time: they are to awaken. Granted they do so, they may now fully rises officially rebirthed as Targoth of the Iron Horde, given newfound purpose in life: to lead the Horde’s Military into Greatness, earning their Armor & Weapon - always an Ax, symbolically alluding to the Axe of Krug himself.

 

From there on out the Targoth is to seek the Clan Leaders, in hopes of earning their favors and respect through the means necessary.

 

SIGNED,

Targoth of The Iron Horde.

 

SIGNED,

Destroyer of Elysium.

Champion of Ogrol, Chosen of the Ilzgûlz,

the Brown, the Burned, the Mad.

[Mannamannaa 1626]

Kor'garr the Clanless looks upon the record keeping of the new Targoth with pride, having seen many of these initiations and rituals for himself.

"Hozh Werk, Targovv Kuvirr."