Oath of Sharguul
Through Sharguul’s Dark Fang, we silence those who mean us harm.
Through Sharguul’s Blackfur, we protect those we love.
Through Sharguul the Unborn, we devote ourselves to his word.
Sharguul, walk with us in life as we walk with you in death.
Now we are the shadows that watch over the clan and pack!
Culture of the Cult of Sharguul
TaboosThe focus of Sharguul rests upon the acts that have to be done and deeds to be committed that others do not wish to do. They are recognised as a necessity if lives are at stake from the clan. To do what is right, but might stretch the code of Akashok, is what Sharguul approves of in his followers. Rather than having these deeds carried out with malice, spite, or heartless convictions, the claws of Sharguul strike with the wellbeing of the clan in mind. His following holds no place for those that have ill intent and seek to misuse his patronage.
Unlike those who thread in the steps of Vrull, Sharguul seeks no recognition for the deeds done. Whilst they are not celebrated, not even in private, they do not go unremembered. Those who do follow him often have a list of acts which have been carried out even in violation of the clan's tenets, to remember what has been done as others will not. They do not take credit, nor do they take the blame, they always work in the shadows.
DevotionMany who worship Sharguul come from different backgrounds, although all do casually offer a half-thought prayer or draw the symbol of Blackfur when speaking of death. Piety is strong when his followers dabble in his areas, but they quickly push away the spectre of death when they are mingling in everyday life.
Some of the more extreme followers actively oppose the undead that wander both the ranks of the clan and the Horde, as that does go against the cycle and keeps the spirits of the fallen from passing on to the realm beyond.
Just like how there are two sides to the Unborn, there are also two names for him; Dark Fang and Blackfur. Those who follow his way of sticking to the shadow and guarding the clan from the outside and the inside, refer to him as Dark Fang. Those who tend to the fallen and seek the safe passing of those who have perished often call him Blackfur, for it is the colour of the pelt you see when you pass on to the next realm.
Proverbs of the followers
One hand is used for giving - Much like the duality of the spirit, this phrase contains just that. It is used as a salute to those around, but also dubs as a warning. Those who utter the words have their motivations remain a secret, and a gift in one hand may be offset by a threat in the other.
If you cannot lie, speak the truth - In a faith of secrecy and duality this phrase is used both as an insult and as advice. Lies are often laced with the hints of truth, it is what makes them more believable. It is a phrase often said when the thin veil of lies has been pierced by the insight of the speaker.
By the blood and the word - Often used as an oath and promises for secrecy to be taken to the grave, swearing that only Sharguul shall hear it in person (and only once the person making the oath has perished), or that he will claim the oath-maker early if he breaks the promise of secrecy. It is often accompanied by the touch of a finger and a thumb to the sides of the neck (as if choking), followed by kissing or licking the first two fingers of that hand.
Three must fall - A commonly heard phrase among orcs who train to become Stalkers of the Gul'thauk. Outsiders to the Path of Cunning don't know the true meaning behind it, but it's often spoken as if to signify an important goal.
Subtle like Sharguul - Advice commonly heard among the Gul'thauk. Just as Sharguul is the quiet shadow that follows every orc unto death, the Gul'thauk are like the shadows that remain unseen, waiting for their unsuspecting prey. Gul'thauk often recommend one another to be as 'Subtle as Sharguul' when heading out on missions or when parting ways.
The Sacrament of Death
The Sacrament of Death is a ceremony that blesses the fallen on their journey to the after life, the Gul'thauk will learn all about death by preparing a deceased body, crafting a pyre and performing the Sacrament of Death ceremony. This task should remain with all Gul'thauk throughout their tenure in the Path of Cunning as it's one of the most important sacraments in the path.
Steps for the Sacrament of Death:
- The Deceased BodyCleansing the body will require it to be cleaned and mended where it can be, the body will need the markings of Sharguul painted on it or carved in to it by one of the Varog'Gor's Fangs of the Unborn. The latter will be determined by a Varog'Gor's alignment as it could be deemed disrespectful. The deceased's personal belongings should be placed alongside them, this includes any armour or weapons they will need in the after life.
- The PyreTo prepare the Acolytles will have to collect wood and then they will have to craft pyre from scratch. Herbs will be needed for cosmetic reasons that revolve around preserving the body.
- The Sacrament of DeathThe pyre will be ready by the start of the ceremony. All orcs are asked to gather. Once they are all there, silence will be asked and they will be greeted with a small prayer, to ask for Sharguuls attention.
Sharguul, Spirit of old
Hear these words, hear my cry
Spirit from the other side
Blackfur, Dark fang
Cross now the great divide
Tender to the ones that die
Your guidance do we ask
Honor us with your shadows
For this important task. Following the prayer, some words may be spoken about the orc laid to rest on the pyre, such as their name, rank, how they fell and that they will next be honoured. Others may be invited to speak if they wish, or to lay down their offerings. Tradition dictates that any mate or closest loved ones may have the first honour.
Next comes the cutting of the palm. If the orc being laid to rest is a full member of the clan, following will be said:
"[Name], we hold you to your oath. Your duty to us is done, Akashok looks down upon you with pride, our clan ancestors will welcome you. Your oath is fulfilled, and we thank you."If a New Blood of the clan is being laid to rest:
"[Name]. With this we recognize you as a [brother/sister] in blood. You fell in service of the clan and we will honor you for this. May our ancestors welcome you on the Plains."After that, the black fur will be laid over the body with the following words:
"Black fur, for protection on the road to the next place. Sharguul, embrace this Orc and safely guide her to her ancestors, her loved ones, so they may take her in their midst."Atop the black fur, a dark wolf fang will then be laid upon the chest.
"Dark Fang, to give the strength for the journey ahead. Sharguul, protect this Orc and safely guide her to her ancestors, her loved ones, so they may take her in their midst."Finally, one of the Gul'thauk or a Varog'Gor will bring a burning torch. The mate or loved ones are asked if they wish to have the honour to light the pyre or not - otherwise the Gul'thauk or Varog'Gor will do so. When the pyre is put afire, the following words are spoken:
"Sharguul, we release this spirit to you. The one whose feet are stilled and the one who laughs with us no more. To you we say, our love was with you here, and goes on with you now... to that place where you rest and take delight. Blackfur, Dark Fang will guide you. May his paws lead you along the path, to that place where all is fresh and green. Where lovers, friends and ancestors wait with open arms to greet you."