The Rite of Unions

One of the most important Rites among the Orcish Tribes of Krag'ash, it is a complex series of traditions in which both male and female groups prove their capabilities as young adults, and conclude with comitting oneself to another as others do in marriage.

History

Teenaged Orcs are segregated by gender preference as they begin to be lead into their responsibilities. Both are expected to fight and to care for the camps, but the prevalance of the skills are heavily swayed. Where females are taught predominantly self defense techniques, males are lead on how to track and hunt. Where men are taught how to prepare a kill to be taken to a camp to be cooked and how to prepare food for long journeys, ceremonial and more sedentary cooking is taught to females.

Along their adolsecant journeys, both are lead in exercises to create bonds among each other. No Orc can survive alone, especially with the threats of the genocidal Intransicans. At intermittent intervals, the young Orcs are allowed to desegregate and interact with one another, under chapperone. Though physical intimacy is frowned upon, it is encouraged that amorous affections be explored and expressed. At a point where they are technically adults but still unproven, Orcs are allowed to interact with one another openly, but cannot become comitted to one another. Consumation of relationships are technically prohibited, but rarely reported to elders when discovered.

Execution

The Rite of Union is a full day of activities. With the Chief and Shaman overseeing, a group of strong and trusted adults lead the groups through a series of tests and trials. The tests themselves are not ritualized, so the manner changes from year to year and from group to group. The point remains the same, the trials are to test the Orcs in their strength, their endurance, and their combat effectiveness. As things move on into the evening, the tests become more intense, often with there being no possible means of success. Here the comraderie, the cooperation, and the resiliency are tested. In the end, all of the male or female groups pass, or none do.

The tests end at the break of dawn, with the groups now fully declared to be both adults and fully trusted members of the tribe. The tests concluded, the male and females are brought together. Incantations are made by the Shaman to bless them all as members of the tribe or clan. At this point, relationships are now fully permitted, and it is expceted that romantic partnerships are officially declared. Incantions are made again, and the pairings may now live together fully as husband and wife, if they so choose.

Participants

The Chief oversees the events, though is not directly involved. He or she ensures that no test is unduly unfair, that no individual is being singled out too harshly or being given special treatment.

The Shaman blesses the events at their beginning and through the end. As the tribal expert of their heritage, he or she is often brought in at pauses to grant glimpses of wisdom and guidance, explaining possible reasons for the seeming inexplicable trials they are being subjected to.
Once the trials begin, nobody but the participants are permitted to observe what takes place. When the trials are over, the entire tribe comes together to celebrate the unions.