Eg Damvugzirun (ɛg dɑːmvuːgzɪrun)
Coming of age rite
For a young man in the clans of the Makubash, no day is more important than their "Eg Damvugzirun", name that translates to "the First Bloodshed". It is this rite that stands between them and adulthood, and the full membership of their clan. No longer they will be milk-drinking babes, but true orcs, with full responsibility and the benefits of what it means to be a man among the Makubash.
During Eg Damvugzirun the youngsters hunt for the prey that will define their role in the clan as well as their future - depending on the catch and the performance of the youngster they receive a new name to replace their childhood nickname, now one they will carry the rest of their days.
Execution
Youngsters ready for their hunt are gathered to all the clan to see, brought to the circle of men by their mothers as the older men offer them advice, as well words of warning and encouragement. The goal of the hunt is simple: during the next five days, the boys will track and slay a target, which they bring back to the clan. After this, they present their catch to the men of the clan, together with tales of their hunt, and the confirmation of the kill from the older hunters.
Judging of their skill and prey, men give the boy his new adult name, and position of apprentice for one of the clansmen. Both name and the apprenticeship are tied to the prey. If the youngster brought a quick beast with their arrow, clean and efficiently, they might have a future as a scout, and the name of "Hurdakh", short for "Hurik Todakh" ("Quick/smart Arrow"). Boy that brings an easy prey might be less fortunate, end up having a less glamourous future with a name of "Durdun", short for "Durak Gazdun" ("Cheap Snack"). Boy that fails to bring any prey will be required to wait for the next time rite is held, or in the worst scenario is banished from their community.
Most common preys are beasts and lesser drakes. Those able to best a Giant Boar are considered to be in Gruumsh's and Ilneval's favour, and might get a chance to find a place of the chief's side. But the most ruthless or maybe most desperate might try and get a full pack of vicious dire rats; such gift might amuse Yurtrus, punisher and the lord of disease from the Orc Pantheon. With such gifts a place of executioner, shaman or judge might be granted with a very foul and intimidating name.
The ceremony concludes with dancing, men chanting for Gruumsh to bestow his will for the sons that are now men, feast and a last little challenge, where the now accepted will make themselves a trophy from the bones and skins of their prey, which they then wear as a sign of their success.
Components and tools
Participants are allowed to use any non-magical weapon and bring any type of prey they deem worthy to bring forth to the circle of men; this can be a beast, drake, enemy of the clan or some unlucky soul that moved through the clan grounds without asking permission to pass.
Some might even take the opportunity to change their Eg Damvugzirun to a duel, where they challenge another clan member, was it one of the men or another boy being trialled, to combat till death. Both participants must accept the challenge for this to be counted valid, and the duel must be honourable. Such challenges are rare, though, but not entirely unheard of.
Participants
Eg Damvugzirun is held during the spring and fall whenever there are boys of the clan that are becoming of age, which among orcs means the age of 12. Boys that were born during spring or summer take part in the rite during spring, and those born in fall or winter during fall time.
The boys are accompanied by the Speaker of Herne or the Speaker of Bahgtru, depending on the traditions of given clan, as well as some more experienced hunters of the clan. Speakers and hunters are there to observe that the boys do not cheat and to give them advice. They do not, however, take part in the hunt themselves, or intervene unless one of the youngsters has already secured their kill.
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