Animae Ignitus

Stages of the Ritual

 

The Pilgrimage

The warrior must first seek out the nesting grounds of the Dracolisks, which are often located in dangerous and remote regions as this tests their endurance, survival skills, and resourcefulness, as the path is fraught with natural hazards and hostile creatures with their friends of the Clan.  

The Gaze of the Reckoning

Once the warrior reaches the nesting grounds, they must approach a Dracolisk alone - the warrior must survive the dracolisks' natural environment for a set period, often three days and three nights. During this time, the dracolisks observe the warrior from the shadows, testing their patience, resourcefulness, and resilience.     It is told that, the warrior must show no fear, for a Dracolisk can sense doubt and weakness. They must hold the Dracolisk’s gaze, proving their courage and inner strength. It is most often that the warrior often use a mirror or other object to first 'choose' their companion - however, some confront the basilisk directly and endure its petrifying gaze. The warrior usually resist by sheer willpower and inner strength, while other use use meditative techniques to fortify their minds. Others recite ancient oaths and hoping this would help them and further more bind them to the Neo-Ordo Ideals.   Failure at this stage results in death or permanent petrification, leaving the warrior as a stone marker of their attempt.  

The Duel of Scales

The warrior must engage the Dracolisk in combat—not to defeat it, but to demonstrate their martial prowess, resilience, and respect for the creature’s power. This trial is often brutal, requiring the warrior to evade its petrifying gaze, endure its venomous breath, and counter its devastating attacks.  

The Bonding

• If the Dracolisk deems the warrior worthy, it will cease its aggression and allow the warrior to approach. At this point, the warrior must perform a binding ritual, sealing a lifelong pact between them and the Dracolisk.
• The ritual involve the warrior offering a piece of their blood, symbolizing their commitment. Some Neo-Ordo traditions might involve the Dracolisk marking the warrior with a scar or sigil burned into their skin.
• If the Dracolisk rejects the warrior, it may leave them alive but dishonored, or in harsher cases, kill them outright.