[Clan Ixtzûl] Trials

[Althea_ 331]

Ixtzûl Clan Trials

 

The Ixtzûl Trials are divided between those of Trials of Valor - for both the coming of age of orcs born into the clan and for outsiders wishing to join it - and Trials of Penance - for redeeming those who have went against the Clan, or the Spirits’, ways.

 

Trials of Valor

 

The following Trials are to be undertaken by not only those born in the Clan, during their Coming of Age (18), but also Outsiders intending to join the Clan as either full blown Ixtzûl Members or Honoraries. Both are to prove their mettle and dedication to the Clan in those trials, with Outsiders undertaking them after Learning the Culture through sufficient coexistence with the Clan. They may be performed alone or in groups, the trials being more difficult the more participants there are.

 

Light in The Depths [Event]

 

 

 

Spoiler

The Young or Prospect Ixtzûl is to venture onto subterranean depths bearing with them a set of Ceremonial Candles of Aztran, setting them onto the cave-walls one by one to light the tunnels, in a Symbolic Gesture to demonstrate the Aztran’s Light conquering and persevering even in the darkest of places. 

 

The Ixtzûl also carries with them a Small Lantern, to represent Aztran is with them - thus it’s imperative the lantern is kept safe from the many Horrors they are prone to encounter on their journey. Should they manage to light up the path into the depths, and return with the lantern unbroken and still-lit, they will have succeeded.

 

Grasping the Heavens [Event]

 

 

 

Spoiler

After shedding Light into Darkness, the Young or Prospect Ixtzûl then is to ascend closest to Aztran’s Domain, seeking to Rise up the Summit of the Tallest Mountain (or Vulcano) they can find in order to set up a Shrine thereat, signaling their success to those below by lighting up a Great Torch from above. The Orc then is to Evoke the Sun-Spirit (be it through an offering, ritualistic performance such as a dance, chant, etc).

 

Suffice to say, this journey requires quite a lot of planning, with the Orc likely traveling the lands to find a tall-enough mountain to ascend to. The temperature, weather, biome and especially the fauna offering substantial hazards for oneself unprepared. For this reason they often pursue blessings of various Spirits that may aid them on the climb.

 

Should they succeed though, festivities are to await home, for now they may fully consider themselves worth the name Ixtzûl - the new Clan Member being taken to <Pact with Aztran> thus (in case they haven’t already).

 

 

Trials of Penance

 

 

Spoiler

These Trials serve as a set of Punishments to those who have gone against the Clan’s, or the Spirits’, Ways or Will, with the ultimate purpose of Redeeming the individual in question by making them Pay for their ‘Sins’.

 

Those who undertake these Trials generally are White-Washes, ex-Servants of Other Deities & Voidal-Users, Orcs of Dark/Malign Ancestry (with the Ixtzûl believing Black Orcs bear such color for these reasons, therefore demanding they undergo Penance-Walking), among others.

 

The Trials are Dictated according to the ‘Sin’, greatly varying from one another, while generally being poetic in justice and tied to the major Spirits of the Clan. 

 

A thief could be forced to live without hands for a year (only later being helped by a Witch-Doctor); an ex servant of a deity could be forced to shed ties with their past by destroying a shrine of theirs and building a Spirit’s; someone who upset the natural balance (say caused a wildfire) would be burnt or/and be forced to help restore the woods.

 

 

On top of these Punishments, they are commonly forced to Repent Under Aztran’s Burning Sun on a Penance-Walk [Event], alluding to the Ancestors of the Ixtzûl that ventured into Aegis’ Deserts to plead the Spirits for forgiveness (for their original Clan - Dom - ‘s Dark Shamanism). The Individual is Left Stranded in the Desert after Being Drugged, Knocked Out and Black-Bagged. They are left in possession of No Weapons or Food, having to Rely on Spirituality, Survivalism Skills & Honor to find their way back to the Clan, pursuing Guidance of the Stars.