Druzh Clan

The Druzh Clan was once a very aggressive clan before Gora Nos was unified. Though they no longer conquer their neighbors, the clan has retained many of their traditions. In particular, all families in the clan come together every five years to share news and compete with each other to show off their ability to protect their people. The Druzh are unusually egalitarian in that women and men are expected to compete alongside and against each other. From a young age, members of the Druzh Clan begin training physically to defend their family. They are all well versed in firearms and more traditional swords. The clan is also known for breeding and training cinder hounds which they sell abroad as guard dogs. Traditionally, the dogs were used in warfare to harry infantrymen and track snipers. During their festival, they offer sacrifices to their warrior ancestors, and the winners of each contest are ritualistically rejuvenated to protect their family for another five years. Winning a contest is seen as a great honor, while anyone who doesn't believe they can complete the tasks is better off not participating than bringing dishonor to the family by failing. Boars, bulls, and elephants are prepared and eaten with the belief that they will impart their physical strength to members of the clan. Due to their emphasis on physical strength and ability, many people in the clan have names that harken to the qualities they should have. There is also great camaraderie within the clan as everyone is seen as a protector of each other. The elderly protect the clan's history, the warriors protect the clan's members, and the children protect the clan's future. They have a coming of age ceremony in which a teenager demonstrates his or her ability to defend the clan and then partakes on a ritual stag hunt. After killing the stag, the initiate must eat the heart to take in its strength. The Druzh Clan largely doesn't believe in Orrus and exists on the outskirts of most society. Many other groups view them as heathen savages. Though no actively prosecuted, they are not welcome in most cities and rely on themselves to survive. Some have taken to hiring themselves out as body guards and mercenaries in order to make money for their family.