Blood Offering
The kingdom runs on blood is an old poeticism, referring to the toil of her people to tend the frozen lands, or how a country is naught without citizens. It has been taken literally by some, and the sentiment utilised in barbaric fashion.A catchall term for a cluster of similar practices, blood offerings are rituals performed within the Republic of Xiy Kiiquldast and in some of its former territories. While the purpose of the ritual can vary, ranging from improved harvest to evidence of religious piety, all require blood to be spilt, a fact which makes these offerings controversial.
Common Rituals
Agriculture
Due to the cold climate of the Xaqulbijwa ice fields, ensuring a bountiful harvest can be vital for survival. To that end, farmers and their neighbours will mix some blood in with the first seeds planted in a season, hoping to imbue them with strength to survive the mild summer. Some will further bless their tools with blood to the same effect.Pacts
To seal an arrangement or deal in the north, those party to it will either prick their fingers and press them together, or mix blood into a wax seal used on the official documentation. A similar practice involves signing papers using your thumbprint in blood, proving your commitment to the matter.Faith
In order to curry the favour of the gods, blood will often be offered at temples and shrines to show your dedication to them, with some churches having bowls that a congregation will donate to at the end of ceremonies. This can be syncretised with worship of Qiliind by dropping blood into raging bonfires, most common during winter.History
While blood has undoubtedly served minor ritual purposes throughout Thurásin over the centuries, the modern and prominent practice of blood offerings can be directly traced to the tenure of Admiral Godzhu of Xiy Kiiquldast. Coming to power in 23 Discovery (273 Years Ago), he introduced to the fledgling republic a peculiar method of worshipping the Divinities - human sacrifice. This practice proved unpopular, both within the upper ranks of the republic and with the conquered citizenry who were being executed for petty crimes, and is considered among the factors resulting in later riots against Xiy Kiiquldast's rule. These arguably culminated with the riots led by Annqyun Ulijwa in 2 Famine (143 Years Ago), resulting in the razing of the Grand Church in Qariy and eventually in independence for the island. However, the role of blood within Xiy Kiiquldast had been well established, and gradually evolved away from outright human sacrifice into smaller and less obvious acts, considered "less barbaric" to outsiders. In the far north, such as the island of Iinjuva and parts of Biin, these practices easily syncretised with existing worship of the sun god Qiliind, where items are offered to huge bonfires to empower him during winter. This has allowed the practice of blood offerings to survive even where Xiy Kiiquldamii rule has not, though some practitioners are careful to do this in private to avoid accusations of lingering loyalty.
Related Ethnicities
Skull and Bones by Skitterphoto
Mortal or Animal
At the peak of Xiy Kiiquldast's power in the Xaqulbijwa ice fields, the most prominent blood offerings were the sacrifices of humans and elves to the gods. Seen as grotesque and villainous, these are no longer widely practiced, but some still believe the spilling of such a quantity of blood is vital to certain rituals. As such, some northern priests will instead sacrifice animals, such as seals and even bears. Due to the nature of the animals involved, these sacrifices might take place as part of a hunt, with a blessing cast over a slain animal before its body is taken for food. With the risks involved, even these "adjusted" sacrifices are becoming less common.
Fireworks by davidgarry
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