OOC Writer Account
"He who is armed with neither steel nor paper is doomed. He who is armed with both will overcome the beast today and his children still in one-thousand years." -Stiderwei Proverb
OUT OF CHARACTER INFORMATION- Intent: Flesh out the warrior religion of the Norr and 'state religion' of the Grutter Norr Ryk, its' constituent beliefs and practices, which I have already touched on in the species submission. Chiefly inspired by a mix of Bushido, Chivalry, Confucianism and Zen Buddhism.
- Image Credit: N/A.
- Canon: N/A.
- Permissions: N/A.
- Links: Grutter Norr Ryk, Kabal IV - Frysk, Nórrmen | Homo Sapiens Augeus.
- Religion Name:
- Angulisme (Norr: Angulism).
- Konvenanten fan de Strider (Norr: Covenants of the strong).
- Striderwei (Norr: Way of the Strong).
- Religion Type: Other - System of Behaviour/Thought.
- Classification: Ethno-religion.
- Influence: Kabal System. (Inter-Planetary).
- Influence Area: Kabal System.
- Symbol:
- Description: The "Way of the Strong" Is a martial system of thought or behaviour that originates with the Norrmen of Frysk. It could be described as an "Ethno-Religion" Though it lacks a deity, it is generally better characterised as s codified tradition or philosophy that forms a core part of Norr's identity. It has been the focus of Norr scholarly work and was a driver of the foundation of higher education in Norr society as its' recording and study became a central tenet of their society and drove the proliferation of literacy in the ancient world. Changing the Norr from brutal, violent hunter-gatherer barbarians to educated and civilised killers for brutal adversity, vicious struggle, and unyielding discipline is a way of life for the Norr navigated on the Way of the Strong.
- Founder:
- Angul: Angul was a Norr judge, warlord and blade master who lived in approximately ~3,000 BBY; he rose to become the Daimyo of Zorn after living a nomadic life as a hedge warrior adhering to what he described as the 'Way of the Strong', which would go on to be adopted by the most prominent scholars and nobility of his day and would be spread to the masses.
- Membership: Active Practice.
- Rite(s):
- Mettle test: The 'Mettle Test' is a rite of passage for Norr youths as per the way of the strong; it is brutal and simple in its' practice: Maniples of adolescent males are thrust into the 'wild hunt' where they are expected to test themselves until breaking. Remaining in the unforgiving tundra and taiga of Frysk's surface for about twelve weeks, where they are expected to endure a hunt for the world's most dangerous vertebrate predators, not returning to their schools until each male has slain a worthy foe, who may also be a Norr opponent as per defence of honour. Adolescent females' mettle test provides the genetic material to create a pregnancy in vitro. It is customarily expected to procreate no less than three offspring. Females who cannot perform or refuse this task endure the wild hunt.
- Rite(s):
- Sacred:
- Characters/People:
- Keizer fan Izer (Norr: Emperor of Iron) - In the contemporary scholastic landscape of the Way of the Strong, Imperator Rurik Fel is considered one of the foremost practitioners and is held in reverent respect by its' adherents despite his origin as a 'Low man' and is often compared favourably to Angul himself as a wise teacher and valiant lord. This is thanks in no small part due to his personal battlefield valour and former leadership of the now fledgling Empire's continued support for the Ryk's development, which has seen the Norr ascend from their homeworld's atmosphere and into the cosmos. Adherents are known to shout the Battlecry 'Foar de Keizer fan Izer' in his honour.
- Items/Objects:
- Grut Boeken Wysheid (Norr: Great Books of Wisdom) - A compilation of five authoritative books illustrating the core values and belief system of the Norr and an introduction into the Norr way of thought known commonly as 'Angulism'. A different Norr scholar authored each book; one of these scholars and the most influential was Daimyo Angul of Zorn, who authored the 'Book of Rites' and prescribed the social, administrative and social practices of Zorn, that would go on to extend to the whole Norr race.
- Koarte Dea (Norr: Short Death) - The Koarte is considered a deeply important weapon to the Adherents; its' carriage is central to their belief system under the ideology that the carriage of their weapon identifies a warrior and that without a weapon, a warrior is not entirely whole. For adherents, the Koarte Dea is that weapon.
- Characters/People:
- Dogma:
- Martial Behaviour:
- Anointment in Crimson: Before embarking on a campaign or beginning a military operation against an opponent, Norr warriors will be anointed with a stripe of blood from the ritualistically prepared corpses of fallen warriors or sacrificed animals, whatever is available. It reminds the soldiers of the blood that flows through their veins and is considered a benediction of strength.
- Blood Sanctification: The Norr believe that one's life force and the history of one's family, all of its strengths and weaknesses, resides in the blood. As such, it is treated with reverence. It is considered the highest pledge of loyalty to make a 'blood pact' when one-another where two warriors will prick their fingers and shake hands with bloodied palms. Conversely, drawing another's blood contrary to law in criminal acts attracts severe punishment. Norr believes that blood nourishes the soil upon which it falls, so it is ritually scattered by farmers to mark the planting of crops.
- Clean blades: After melee combat, Norr warriors wipe down their blades, cleaning them of blood before resheathing; this generally takes the form of a swordsman running the flat length of the blade in the crook of an elbow, along a sleeve or between an index finger and thumb.
- Competition respect: Struggle and success in the spirit of competition mean everything to Norr warriors. They possess a deep respect for their peers and scorn the weak. A worthy adversary should be respected and acknowledged; the weak or cowardly should be shunned. Killing those beneath you or offering no competition offers no honour or glory.
- Death Vow: A commitment or pledge commonly made by warriors who consider their life already forfeited to the cause before they meet their end. Ergo, it is a pledge to spend their lives fighting for the cause they serve absent fear of death or dying. Warriors who honour this tradition with integrity are regarded with the utmost respect.
- Defence of Honour: Within Norr public, the concept of 'self-defence.' extends to more than protecting one's life and property; it also extends to 'honour'. The way of strong demands for mutual respect between adherents and citizens. Extreme rudeness, hindering a public official in the execution of their duty or defamation upon one's character is considered an attack on honour. Strikers, in a defence of honour, have the onus of demonstrating their self-defence was justified and may use lethal force if reasonably necessary due to the seriousness and nature of the attack on their honour. In a military context, a non-commissioned or commissioned officer is entitled to defend their honour when insulted by a subordinate. However, if they choose to do it through this legal tradition, they may not commence proceedings by way of a court. Additionally, the struck shall be entitled to protect themselves. Once the defence has been made, a striker is required by law to report their use of force to a law enforcement officer, give their version of events and supply the details of any witnesses. In civic life, Citizens must spend no less than thirty standard days at home as evidence of meditation on their behaviour, even in circumstances law enforcement officials consider it lawful. For self-defence to be considered lawful, it must be done shortly after the attack.
- Dismemberment: Adherents to the way of the strong, with their respect for worthy stubborn foes, are known to cut off their heads, boil the flesh and skin away and display them on their pauldrons as trophies; this derives from a superstition that the eye-sockets of the skull can be used as a window from the otherworld into the material plane. The vanquished warrior may accompany his still-living foe and vicariously experience the thrill of combat and competition. The practice is outwardly seen as naught but the barbaric desecration of corpses, but for the adherents, it is one of the highest honours to observe this practice. Among the Norr adherents of the Covenant, the skulls belonging to Mandalorian warriors command the most respect.
- Filial obedience: The Norr hold deep reverence and respect for their elders, mentors and ancestors, taking considerable pride in the countless generations of warriors who have preceded them. With their respect for the authority and experience of elders, there is no room for doubting or questioning the wisdom of veterans or the authority of one's superiors on the field of battle, and may only be done with great respect in civil society.
- The only dishonour is surrender: There is no shame in defeat dealt by a worthy enemy, however. It is considered a humiliation and unconscionable disgrace to surrender or knowingly be taken captive; they do not surrender and, if given an opportunity, will die in battle or perish in the attempt. An honourable fate for a mortally wounded warrior in imminent danger of captivity is to fall on their sword and commit suicide. Additionally, it is considered acceptable to request the aid of a comrade or friend to facilitate the passing. To be the executioner in such a scenario is a great honour as it implies deep intimacy, trust and respect between the two parties.
- Mercy is for the weak: For the Norr, the phrase "Mercy is for the weak" is taken literally to the extreme. Mercy is genuinely for the weak because snivelling non-combatants and cowards aren't worth the honour of death by combat. The Norr warrior revels in competition and broadly ignores those who don't want to fight them unless instructed otherwise.
- Relentlessness: Norr soldiers pride themselves on dedication and tenacity. They fight immediately and head-on; their singular, unwavering focus is to mow down their enemy beneath their blades or arrow fire.
- Welcome strength: Adherents to the way prize the characteristics of Strength and Honour in fighters, friendly or enemy alike. It isn't unusual for Norr adherents to invite a defeated enemy to fight with them. Conversely, they will acknowledge this when a strong and honourable enemy defeats adherents. They can be persuaded to be brought into the service of what may have been a competitor or an enemy. This is how, culturally, the Norr was turned to the service of the Galactic Empire.
- Social Norms:
- Academic Duels: Known as the 'Skaalstriid' in Norr's native language. It is a traditional and heavily regulated form of duelling practised widely in Norr secondary and tertiary-level schools. It is, fundamentally, a test of valour and courage. Participants wear protective equipment protecting their fencing arm, hand, and throat, completed by metal goggles and a nose guard. Duelists stand at arm's length from each other and attempt to strike the unprotected parts of the opponent's face and head. The point of the duel isn't to avoid the strikes but to endure them and the associated pain. Duelling scars on Norr males are worn proudly and considered a desirable feature.
- Catechism: To educate adherents on the ethics and practices of the Way, published works often include catechisms that are popular with adherents when teaching children. The Catechisms are essentially a form of cant that take the form of questions and answers, with the authoritative speaker or author posing a question and the listener or reader supposed to propose an answer.
- Hospitality: The offering of water, bread and care to the dying, even amongst their respected enemies who are incapable of or unwilling to end their own lives, is considered a virtue of the victorious warrior to grant respect to a worthy enemy. Additionally, to offer someone water or food, even an enemy, is considered an offer, at the very least, of a temporary truce so that words may be exchanged. The Norr respects this ancient diplomatic tradition and will bring and permit no harm to a message carrier. It is often said accurately of the Norr if they offer you fresh water to drink, your safety is assured. However, if offered salt water, they will execute you shortly thereafter by drowning or slitting your throat, whatever is readily available.
- Keel-dragging: The preferred method of execution and torture of prisoners or detainees is "Keel-dragging", where the ankles fasten a condemned person to a sea-faring ship and then thrown overboard and pulled taut to the keel of a ship's hull and dragged through the waves; this prevents blood of the unworthy weak from being loosed onto the ship's deck or otherwise where it isn't desired.
- "Prove Boast!": Boasting one's accomplishments and deeds without embellishment shows confidence and conviction; not boasting demonstrates humility. It is considered the greatest flattery one warrior can offer to another as a witness to acclaim and laud their achievements. A Boaster may be challenged, although a witness may not. The challenged would be obligated to cite a witness or the challenger, and the challenged would be obliged to participate in a mutually agreed upon competition with no fewer witnesses than the total contest participants. For example, if a Boaster claims: "I am a better swordsman than everyone in this tavern." and is challenged, they would have to duel each tavern patron to prove their boast if challenged.
- Height is Nobility: Among the way's adherents, height is considered admirable and attractive, and there is a belief that height is a sign of dignity and nobility. Their leaders are often taller than average.
- Ritual purity: Adherents to the way have high respect for physical cleanliness and purity; broadly, they view cleanliness with high respect and consider excessive and overgrown bodily hair, including unkempt beards, as characteristic of disregard for cleanliness; Norr custom demands grooming and thus, in contrast to other cultures. Norr men and women regularly shave their bodies with razors which in practice makes it easier to access injuries and from an aesthetic standpoint, accentuates their physiology's musculature, a sign of a warrior's skill to shave with a straight razor without cutting the skin.
- Warcant: Adherents recite ritual cants hoping for favour and good fortune during combat.
- Martial Behaviour:
- Reputation: The "Way of the Strong" among foreign audiences with layman knowledge is often considered a religion where war and conflict are worshipped as a monotheistic deity where the Norr's ancestors fulfil a role as an angelic class of spirits. Its' adherents have the reputation of being disciplined, stoic and fanatically ferocious warriors. Adherents are known to answer rudeness and insults with violence, which can give rise to their presence, making others uneasy, with some even considering them unpredictable in a parochial manner. A reputation is born from a misunderstanding among foreign people that adherents loathe weakness with such intensity they execute their dying warriors, not understanding that such 'execution' is made from one warrior to another. Only carried out with the executed party's consent is a high honour for the executioner as it implies deep trust and respect between the two parties. Adherents are reputed for their carriage of ancient-looking swords, even in civil life and are equally known for their skill with these swords. Weaponry is part of their religion, and they are known to be highly resistant to the idea of being disarmed even under the pretence of 'security'. Adherents have a ghastly reputation for openly displaying the skulls of vanquished enemies on their person and vehicles.
Population: ~13,160,000
Members:
- Anneke Cinderstar - Warsmith.
- Heinir Stonehail - Chief of Army.
- Mieke Balefire - Chief of Navy.
- Thelir Blackcrown - Archon of the Ryk.
- ~3,000 BBY: Angul and a handful of other Norr scholars publish the most influential and core authoritative text on the Way of the Strong, prescribing the core administrative, civil, social and moral principles that would drive Norr society.
