Lednian Hunting Organization - Druzyna

[DarthPurgillus 85]

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LEDNIAN HUNTING ORGANIZATION

DRUZYNA

 

 

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Table of contents:

 

1. Introduction and brief description
2. History and activities
3. Main characteristics and traditions, items and weapons
4. Hunting - what it looks like
5. Characteristics of Druzyna members

 

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1.Introduction and brief description

 

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• What is the Guild located in the settlement of Ledna, or as the village is now called - Brunfell? Nothing more than a group of people with similar interests - hunting and living in the forest closer to nature, forming a different community. Druzyna – as it is officially called in the language of the Kos clan (meaning a team/ group under someone's leadership) – is a hunting guild operating throughout the Kingdom of Norland, led by the Kos clan as its founders.

 

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2.History and activities

 

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• Founded by Falibor Kos, it is not known exactly when, because no one thought to write down the date in any document. He organized hunts in the forests surrounding the settlement, mainly targeting the packs of wolves that roamed the area. The guild itself also had a history of skirmishes with local bandits who harassed the surrounding areas - all of which were victorious. At present, its leader, Falibor's son, Raciborz Kos, is focusing on increasing the number of members and the number of hunts for local animals and beasts, as well as bandits roaming the kingdom.

 

 

 

 

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3. Main characteristics and traditions, items and weapons

 

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The traditions of the Druzyna largely coincide with those of the Kosevar people. Nevertheless, it is worth repeating the most important points:

• Lowy - This ritual concerns coming of age - it is believed that only after an event called “Lowy” can a boy or girl reach adulthood according to the traditions of the Kos clan. It is assumed that it is impossible not to take up this challenge. If someone fails, the rest of the group is obliged to exclude that person from social life and force them to leave the community. In case of refusal, the punishment is death, as that person is considered unworthy of bearing the name Kos or Druzynik (member of Guild). What does this event look like? A young man or woman, aged fifteen, receives only a hunting knife and then sets off alone into the forest for a month, where he must avoid contact with people and persevere until the end of his trial. Only then can he return to the community and become a full member.

 

• Narada - This is a traditional meeting of the entire community of a settlement or clan - and in this case, a guild - to discuss current issues (held annually) or when necessary (at the request of the Druzynik). At the Narada, every adult has the right to vote, but the final decision will always belong to the Vodz/Huntmaster.

 

 

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• Firrst spearr forrging - This is one of the newer traditions, belonging more to the guild itself than to the Kos clan, but clan members still follow it as members of the guild. What does it involve? After their first hunt, a full member of the guild goes to the local smithy, where, together with a master craftsman, they forge the tip of their new spear - intended for fighting in defense of their brothers and for hunting. This weapon becomes an extension of their body, and caring for it is a duty that testifies to their character.
• Blood oath - This is probably nothing unusual among tribal communities, but for the members of the Team it has a clear value. There are two types of blood oaths:

 

• Initiation - consists of officially joining the Druzyna after the first hunt, where, in the presence of other Druzyna members, one makes a sacrifice of one's blood, which is sealed with a sacrifice from each other member. This symbolizes the creation of a brotherhood that will last for the rest of one's life.
• Blood debt - When a member of the Druzyna suffers an insult, loses a member of their clan, or wishes to avenge another member of the Druzyna, they take a blood oath, which other members of the Druzyna may join. It is not mandatory, but once taken, revenge must be carried out with no turning back.

 

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• Kosevar spears - As mentioned earlier, spears are the main weapon of the Hunters. They are part of themselves and contain key information about their owners. They must bear the year of forging, the master craftsman, and the name or nickname of their owner - all engraved on the shaft in the ancient language of the Kosevars.
• Basic weapons - The most important weapons for combat are the axe and shield. Some may ask why hunters need such tools. The answer is simple. Druzyna members sometimes clash with bandits or other enemies. When this happens, they stand in a tight row, shield to shield, forming an iconic wall of shields. They use axes as weapons to chop down their opponents.

 

 

 

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• Hunter bows - These are composite bows made by Druzyniks skilled in this art. It takes many months to make one, but it is a valuable weapon due to its lethal range of up to 500 meters and its striking power.

 

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4. Hunting - what it looks like

 

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Characteristics of hunts - There are three types of hunts conducted by the Druzyna:

• Annual hunts - Convened only by the Huntmaster of the Kos clan. Their targets are usually wild animals living in the vicinity of the Team's headquarters.
• War hunts - Also convened by the Huntmaster of the Kos clan. However, their target is not animals, but people who threaten the Druzyna or stand in its way. War hunts often coincide with annual hunts.
• Special hunts - Any sworn member of the Druzyna can organize a hunting expedition - these are simply ordinary hunts for game under his leadership. They do not require the consent of the Huntmaster.

 

 

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5. Druzyna member ranks

 

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• Rekrut - Is a man who has just decided to associate with the Druzyna. He must prove his worth through training and the blood of wild animals and enemies of the Guild to proceed with his oath. Anyone can become one if he is interested
• Lowca- A Lowca is none other than a sworn recruit who has already proven his skills on the hunt and in his duties. However, it testifies to the honor of the Lowca he has proven. He needs to take a blood oath.
• Harcownik- This is a Lowca who has taken an oath and gained approval in his actions from the Huntmaster of Druzyna. He also crafted his Spear. It cannot be someone who is physically and mentally weak. He must set an example for others with his life, be good to those he fights for and put his life on the line
• Zwiadowca - He is something like a younger officer. He has the right to command junior ranks and leads them into hunts. To become a Zwiadowca you must gain the approval of the leader of Druzyna guild - The Huntmaster
• Dzikkus - This is a Zwiadowca man who has proven his dedication, demonstrated honor and skill. He can command people and take matters into his own hands. He is a senior officer who leads in the absence of the Hunmaster. There can only be two of them.
• Vodz Druzyny/Huntmaster - It can only be someone from the Kos clan, who commands all Guild hunters.

 

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Spoiler

Guild is still in build process so the post is WIP
If you are interested in joining this small hunting community - contact me on discord Darthpurgillus#5033