Journal Vignette 19:01 The Ascension of Urik

As the suns are setting, Urik asks everyone to have a seat as he stands in front of the fire. It is obvious that he is freshly washed and shaved, and there is a faint scent of oils that he borrowed earlier from Aja. Before beginning to speak he looks nervously at Tars, who nods with encouragement. “Friends and acquaintances are important, but the tribe is truly the forge that shapes a being. I wear a tattoo of the Black Crow upon my back as a tribute to the tribe that I was born into, but this small group of varied, and sometimes strange, beings is the tribe that I have claimed as my own.

In the Orcish tribes and clans, tattoos and scars are used to show that one has moved into a new phase of their life. As my tribe, I ask you to bear witness and rejoice with me, as I declare a new milestone in my life.

The holy symbol that I carry belonged to a wise mentor of mine and I hope that in my travels, I have honored both Josca and Maalik Stonebearer. My symbol is worn with dents and scars from battles long forgotten, and it will continue to wear as I wield it in Josca’s service. The holy symbol is but a tool, and once it is set aside and forgotten it loses all power. In fact, it holds no power in itself. It only is a tool that faith can be channeled through for the greater good.”

At this point Urik pauses, and carefully places his holy symbol, a 7” long iron and silver scepter, onto a bed of glowing orange coals that was obviously prepared before everyone came over.

“Much like the holy symbol, I am only a tool that Josca has chosen to wield in this world. It is my hope and desire, that my service to Her never eclipses Her glory. As I continue down my path of servitude I wish for others to know that my efforts are only for Her glorification, and I wish to be reminded daily of my duties to Her.

As my tribe, I ask you to bear witness, and as the elder Orc of our tribe I have asked Tars Evermoor to bear both the honor of marking me, and the duty of keeping me upon the narrow path that I have set for myself.”

Muttering prayers underneath his breath, Urik glances at Tars and nods before reverently kneeling in front of the fire. After a brief pause, Tars approaches the fire and carefully removes the holy symbol using a set of short iron tongs. As Urik silently continues his prayers, Tars loudly proclaims in guttural Orcish, “I proudly accept both the honor and duty that you have bestowed upon me, and I ask the tribe to accept this duty as well.”

Tars firmly presses the scepter against Uriks left cheek, immediately leaving a vertical area of inflamed flesh going from Urik’s jaw to just below his temple. Sweat immediately begins to pour from Urik’s forehead as he continues his prayers and shifts his weight slightly to apply more pressure against the brand. After only a second against his skin, Tars removes the holy symbol and proclaims in Common, “I proudly accept both the honor and duty that you have bestowed upon me, and I ask the tribe to accept this duty as well. You have behaved with honor and courage, and I now present you to the tribe as Urik ‘The Bearer of Her Glory’ Bonecrush.”

Urik slowly rises to his feet, swaying slightly from the pain. He winces in pain as he quietly states, “Thank you for bearing witness and rejoicing with me. I wish to spend the rest of this evening in prayer, but upon our return to Chraillis I will host a dinner in honor of our tribe.”

Tars firmly grips Urik’s left arm and guides him to a quiet corner where a meal of water and jerky has been laid out. After helping Urik get seated, Tars turns around and draws his weapon obviously intending to stand guard over him for the rest of the night.