Induru

The Induru was born of the Maktahai - the native tribes of Baliklav - and came to be a vital part of the subsequent Dumyla culture after the arrival of the Abians.
The purpose of the Induru is two-fold, though it has largely narrowed in use.
The first reason one may perform an Induru is as a show of power or intimidation. The dance was supposed to invoke the will and attention of the gods, and therefore consecrated the battlefield and offered the battle itself to heaven. This also served to intimidate, as it was a declaration that they were fighting with divine right at their back. This has persisted as its primary use in the current era, as a hallmark of Dumylan warrior culture.
The second is as a sign of great respect. To do an Induru with no weapons was to call the attention of the gods in welcome. It would be done to grant the blessings of the gods and wish prosperity and peace on those the Induru was performed for.

History

The history of the Induru can be traced pretty far back to the earliest records of the Maktahai. Though there was no written language for the Maktahai, and thus very little in the way of accounts from their perspective, many inhabitants of early age Aberia spoke of the terrifying dances of the Óthud or "Coldfolk" (an early way to refer to the Maktahai).
After the arrival of the Abians during the Great Banishment, the Induru became an integrated part of early Dumylan culture, making it part of their pre-battle worship.

Execution

The execution of an Induru is varied in the specifics, but always consists of a number of components.
The first is that there will always be an invocation of some kind. The purpose of the Induru is primarily as worship, so those performing it must invoke the name of a god. Generally, this is Moira or Ludh, as they are gods of war, but it may also be one for Thædn, to ask that all the blood they spill (their own) be an offering to him. This involves much chanting - generally in a guttural and harsh tone to double as intimidation.
The second is the beating of drums. While the warriors will beat their shields with their weapons, or even just their weapons against each other throughout the Induru, there are also those dedicated solely to drumming. To play the drums for an Induru is a great honor, as it symbolizes the heartbeat of the gods. This drumming continues throughout the battle, essentially keeping the eyes of heaven on the field. If one of the drummers falls in battle, this is supposed to represent the gods turning their backs from the warriors.
Third is the "dancing". It isn't so much dancing as rhythmically striking poses with some footwork and arm movements. This is actually an integral part of the Induru, as it is the main show of power to the others. The striking of poses is meant to show that the warriors are without fear; they dance before their gods.

Primary Related Location

Baliklav

Related Ethnicities

• Dumylan
• Maktahai