Brotherhood(Closed RP; BetaW and Fade)

[BetaWülf]

Jiralhanae Chieftain Garatus the Deathless, Restorer of Tribes, Slayer of Shadowed Imps, Butcher, Burner of Demons
Doisac: Bloodstone Desert
Rousing the Pack

Garatus sat upon his throne in his great feasting hall, a testament to Jiralhanae skill in craftsmanship. The hall itself was truthfully a hundred feet from end to end, half again as wide, and so too did its heighth equal the width.

The Stonework was superb, a light gray marble, smooth as a whelps fur and hard as the resolve of its inhabitants. Twelve mighty pillars rose from the floor to meet the ceiling. While eight of them ran along the sides of the Great Hall, two stradled either side of the Gate, while two more stood on either side of a dias at the opposite end of the massive building.

The center of the hall was taken up by a huge fire pit, bordered on either side by a long wooden table; metal grates resting over the flames for food to be roasted upon. A third table rested between the dias and fire pit, this one engraved steel and meant for the Chieftain's most trusted Warriors and Kinsmen.

The Gate of the building itself was constructed of the finest of Doisac's lumber, reinforced with Jiralhanae steel, spiked on the outside to prevent battering rams or vehicles from being used to break in; though there were two gaps big enough for Jiralhanae hands to push or pull it open. The interior of the Gate however was carved with a history of the Bloodstone lineage; from first to last.

From the dias at the far end of the Great Hall rose a great red stone, short steps carved into leading up to a wicked a metal crown that formed a seat. The seat itself was adorned in furs, leather cords hanging from the jutting spikes bore trophies aloft; skulls and knuckle bones from many species.

A small part of the red stone jutted out to the left, about halfway up the stone's heighth. Upon it rested the head of a mighty Hammer; the Gravity Hammer of a Chieftain, the end of which rose to about the same height as the arm rests.

Upon this throne sat a large Jiralhanae, orange eyes peering out from scarred and tattooed brows, resting above a wide mouth bristling with sharp teeth. His fur was orange as well, though not as bright as his eyes, the beard being long and unbraided, and the hair atop the head rising into the crest of a fine Mohawk. Pauldrons, a Bandolier, and a single gauntlet were all the attire he wore; other species would call him naked despite the thick fur that covered much of his body.

The Chieftain Garatus the Deathless he was called; generous and fierce. Hailing from a long line of Chieftains spanning back long before the First Immolation. The Bloodstone Desert was their traditional homeland, vast desert, scrubland, and savannas, magma rivers flowing South east through the lands. Garatus's Tribe controlled the only bridges over the Magma rivers, effectively cutting off rival Packs from raiding. To the East grasslands swept, with Jungles South of them. North west a small woodland bordered the shore of a lake which feeds a river that brings precious fresh water to the Desert.

Garatus looked out over his Hall, stroking his beard in thought as he looked over it all. It was morning, just past dawn, the light streamed through the stained glass windows along the walls. The Jiralhanae were surprisingly quiet at this time; eating breakfast and ruminating about the chores and tasks of the new day. Some simply chose to bask in the new day's light; others warming themselves by the fire pit that crackled low.

Garatus rumbled a low growl which slowly began to rise in a deep humming noise; soon joined by the other Jiralhanae present. It was rhythmic, heartfelt, and originated from an old war chant that became a Clan song. In the distance a drummer started playing from a tower, adding to the chant and waking any late sleepers. The humming continued, joined in by thumping of fist and tapping of foot; then culminating in a group howl lead by Garatus.

The day had officially begun.

[Remnant]

Jiralhanae Minor Karonus
Doisac: Bloodstone Desert
A New Dawn

Inside Garatus' Great Hall, Karonus sat at the table of engraved steal, as the fading dawn's light peered through the hall's windows, beaming onto the table and Karonus' breakfast. The food itself was great. The lighting inside the hall was mystique, beautiful. It all served to wake a tired Karonus, who only just woke up around a quarter of a unit ago. He was steadily becoming more energetic and less tired, preparing for the day to come. His tiredness seemed to fade after a few rooks, and his breakfast was almost depleted.

No longer tired and fully aware of everything around him, he heard a low growl rising into a deep hum. He near-instantaneously recognized the voice: Garatus. The hum sounded familiar as well. It was something Garatus had taught him during his childhood. It was an old war chant, turned into a Clan song. Without realizing it, Karonus immediately began humming along to the rhythm. Steadily, other Jiralhanae joined in. A drum sounded in the distance, adding to the chant, and it only got louder as the newly-awakened late sleepers joined in.

As the hum continued with the thumping of fists and tapping of feet, it suddenly turned into a group howl led by the Chieftain himself. For a rather long time now, Karonus had been practicing his howling. To him, a strong howl was the best kind of howl. Not because of completion. But because of dignity. To him, that was reason enough to make his howl stronger.

With all the air he could gather in his lungs, he joined the group, letting out a great, distinct howl. It instantly rose in loudness among the quieter howls, and with time, became one of the loudest howls among the group, dwarfed only by the Chieftain and several warriors.

After it was over, he was about to return to breakfast, when he caught something in the corner of his eye. A female. But not just any female. Normally, most of the females didn't interest him. Being of age, he has been lectured time and time again to get a mate, but none of the females seemed to be the one right for him. But this one in particular, seemed... different.

He stared at her in awe for a few moments. Her back was turned to him, as she conversed with her friend. Her fur was a blueish color (truly, it was grey, but an optical illusion made it appear blue), and seemed to embody the incarnation of beauty. She seemed to simply stand there for a lifetime, chatting with her friend, but he couldn't seem to take his eyes off of her. Until she turned her head. For a second, he caught a glimpse of her eyes as she peeked over her shoulder, and looked over to see Karonus sitting at the table of engraved steel. He quickly looked down at his food and continued eating, as if nothing had happened. He looked back up as she began walking away with her friend, off to who knows where.

Karonus grunted in confusion. He never felt so mesmerized, so hypnotized. How is it this female, among all others, seemed to have caught his attention? He temporarily dismissed the thoughts before he started thinking too deeply. Only time would tell.

Karonus turned his head to see Garatus, and could of sworn he grinned. But there was no telling for sure, as he turned back to his food quickly out of slight embarrassment, opting to finish what was left of his breakfast.

[BetaWülf]

Jiralhanae Chieftain Garatus the Deathless
Doisac: Bloodstone Desert
A Development? Finally?

Garatus was pleased that the Pack had risen relatively well this fine day. Sometimes it was like pulling teeth to get them all up, sometimes Garatus just gave up and went back to bed. By the Moons Garatus missed being a normal person, he loved sleeping in, but so rarely does a Chieftain get this luxury.

There was always a demand for his time. Warriors reporting on border skirmishes, farmers disputing over property markers, guidance needed for life goals. It was tiresome, and each season had its own troubles. Winter was slow and deadly, even in the desert. Spring was full of new cubs, blessings, tracking, and planting. Summer was the conserving of water and hunting of prey. Autumn was festive and pleasant though, the only real holiday season for them.

Looking down from his high perched throne, he observed shy glances between his young Cousin and another of the Tribe. A young female, of the rare gray fur color that looked blue in the right lighting. Much like how Jornarus had looked in life. Garatus's gut clenched at the painful memory of his beloved.

But, he couldn't help but grin. The shy glances, and the obvious smells the two couldn't quite control yet, there was a spark. It was about damn time too.

Most young males had already found a mate by Karonus's age, and given the lads dominant personality and aggressive mentality, it was surprising he hadn't been mated several years earlier. After trying to field gossiping questions concerning whether Karonus was as fond as females as he was of males, Garatus was relieved to have something conclusive to say to get the whisperers off his back.

Garatus chuckled softly, sliding off his throne with a thump, stretching his arms wide, hammer in one hand, as he yawned. Shaking his head slightly to dissipate the last of the grogginess, Garatus stopped by the engraved table for his most trusted friends and kinsmen, patting Karonus on the shoulder.

"I see the mating season this year might get me a second cousin, finally" Garatus said with a sly grin.

[Remnant]

[OOC: Very sorry for the long wait. Spent a while thinking of a post. Oh, and my computer got taken over bullshit, so I'm posting via mobile. Wish me luck.]

Jiralhanae Minor Karonus
Doisac: Bloodstone Desert
Peaking Interests

Karonus, finished with his food, turned his head when he heard Garatus get off his throne and proceed to yawn. "I see the mating season this year might get me a second cousin, finally" Garatus spoke, patting Karonus on the shoulder.

"Perhaps. Hopefully so." Karonus grinned, then began to chuckle. "Never have I been so interested in a female as I am now. I know there are rumors going around that I'm more fond of males. They are false. Truth be told, I haven't been focused or interested in relationships at all. I have always been focused on war. War gives me a sense of pride and joy. The battles, they give me focus. I wouldn't consider it a bloodlust or bloodthirst. More like a sort of... 'Battle Meditation'." Karonus spoke.

"I've always been more fond of combat rather than sociaizing. The excitement, the teamwork, it all interests me. But now, it seems that years of lacking a companion are now longing for me to find someone. And I believe she has been found." He continued.

"Such beauty... but, how does one attract a mate?" Karonus asked, in slight confusion.

[BetaWülf]

Jiralhanae Chieftain Garatus the Deathless, Restorer of Tribes, Slayer of Shadowed Imps, Butcher, Burner of Demons
Doisac: Bloodstone Desert
Brotherly Advice

Garatus chuckled as Karonus dismissed the rumors about himself, it was no matter, Garatus wouldn't care even if they were true. He listened to his Cousin speak of his reason for focus not being on familial pursuits, shaking his head slightly. It was all too familiar, Garatus had been like that in the early days of his career, but it didn't last long.

"Pride and joy is a great thing, but bloody monuments to our ferocity do not match seeing your first whelp born. Fatherhood is second to none, not even to Godliness does it compare, a living legacy that you shape over years" Garatus rumbled softly.

"I have been blessed in having raised you and Kevarus like brothers, so I was prepared to some degree for the later years, but a whelp is no easy creature to handle" Garatus recalled outloud, a shiver running up his spine as he recalled Fathering four whelps, a test of patience and strength, endurance even.

"Do not forsake your berserking" Garatus said with a scowl and a low growl, "it gives a strength to the body and spirit that cannot be rivaled by mere martial force" Garatus said, shaking his head slightly. "I have rent Humans in two with my bare hands effortlessly in such a state, something normally not quite so easy mind you, it took years but I have learnt to focus it" Garatus said with a dismissive wave of his hand as if it was a small achievement.

"If you bottle it up inside, you'll only make it uncontrollable later in life, when you finally do have cubs; whom would be endangered by such violent outbursts" Garatus said "and if your guilt did not drive you to suicide then surely my blade would end you" Garatus said matter-of-factly, normal and unassuming for a Jiralhanae.

Stroking his beard, Garatus considered Karonus's question. After a long moment of rumbling, shifting around, grumbling to himself Garatus straightened and motioned for Karonus to come stand beside him. Obviously, this would require the younger Warrior's full attention and a good angle to view from.

"Scent control is obviously something to consider here, and keeping your thoughts and feelings... clean, is certainly the most important factor to consider. Certainly, she is attractive, and you no doubt wish to eventually mate with her when the season turns; but that does not mean you should think of such things while with her! You are still young enough your scents aren't fully your own to control, so they may show your thoughts unexpectedly and embarrassingly" Garatus said pointedly.

"And remember you are a proud and fierce Warrior, a seasoned Hunter, descended from a line of mighty Chieftains spanning back to long before the First Immolation! Act like it, keep your posture that of an Alpha" Garatus said.

He stepped next to Karonus, kicking his Cousin's feet closer together so he stood taller. He lifted up under his Cousin's arms so his shoulders were high and broad. He placed a claw under Karonus's chin and tipped his head up, raised and proud. A sharp smack to the stomach brought it in, and Garatus nodded. He circled Karonus, appraising his work, before growling with approval.

"You should take a bath though, I can barely see your tattoos for the dirt little brother, were you wrestling some beast in the dust wastes? Forerunner's preserve me, your fur is oily too, why must rutting males forget such things...." Garatus said with a shake of his head, tossing his long well kept Mohawk in the process inadvertently.

"And gifts are always a good idea, start small though, you don't want to smother her! Get something anyone would like, and then catter to her specific interests as you get to know her better" Garatus said, clicking his claws together.

"This process is no simple affair, and will forever change your life, so do not expect it to happen over night. It can take months, even years, to gain the affection and love of your future mate" Garatus said, patting Karonus on the shoulder again as reassurance.

"I'm sure you'll do well, you are a valued member of the Tribe and good person" Garatus said with a smile.

[Remnant]

Jiralhanae Minor Karonus
Doisac: Bloodstone Desert
A Lesson On Love

Karonus took in what Garatus said to heart. He trusted his brother fully on pretty much everything, especially this. He was wise and to dismiss his advice would be incredibly foolish.

"And remember you are a proud and fierce Warrior, a seasoned Hunter, descended from a line of mighty Chieftains spanning back to long before the First Immolation! Act like it, keep your posture that of an Alpha" Garatus had said, intent on making Karonus look like a true warrior.

Garatus kicked Karonus' feet together so that he stood taller, lifted up under his arms so that his shoulders were high and broad, placed a claw under his chin and tipped his head up, raised and proud. Karonus felt a sharp smack to the stomach and brought it in. Garatus growled with approval as he praised his work.

"You should take a bath though, I can barely see your tattoos for the dirt little brother, were you wrestling some beast in the dust wastes? Forerunner's preserve me, your fur is oily too, why must rutting males forget such things...." Garatus said with a shake of his head, tossing his long well kept Mohawk in the process inadvertently.

"And gifts are always a good idea, start small though, you don't want to smother her! Get something anyone would like, and then catter to her specific interests as you get to know her better" Garatus said, clicking his claws together.

"This process is no simple affair, and will forever change your life, so do not expect it to happen over night. It can take months, even years, to gain the affection and love of your future mate" Garatus said, patting Karonus on the shoulder again as reassurance.

"I'm sure you'll do well, you are a valued member of the Tribe and good person" Garatus said with a smile.

Karonus smiled as well, and left with the posture of an Alpha, now intent on taking a bath. Garatus was right, he needed one. Perhaps a bath would give him the time needed to think of a gift. Start small, Garatus said.

[BetaWülf]

Jiralhanae Chieftain Garatus the Deathless
Doisac: Bloodstone Desert
A Timely Event

Garatus watched as his young cousin walked away, heading through the main doors of the Great hall. It was good to see the young Warrior could take direction from his elders, many Jiralhanae were just too stubborn and so suffered the burden of self imposed ignorance. But not Karonus thankfully, he was willing to learn. Garatus chuckled, shaking his head in amusement before turning back to head towards the Honored table where his most valuable Warriors sat.

Two of his honored compatriots were playing a betting game, using carved vermin skulls to gamble. The biggest skull settled on its right side showing a Rune of power, the other skull settled to rest with its teeth on the table; the top of its skull bearing the Jiralhanae script spelling the word "two". The roller of the skulls laughed and thumped his fist to the table, the other player barked in disbelief before begrudgingly tossing two coins to the winner who took them with glee.

Valorus, Garatus's trusted right hand had been watching this from his coveted seat in the middle reserved for the most valued Warrior after the Chieftain, but looked up when his leader approached. The two had been through much together, Garatus and Valorus. The mighty Chieftain had been but a freshly promoted Major when he first met Valorus who was a freshly enlisted Minor who'd not held anything more deadly than a farmer's scythe before. Garatus taught him much, but learned as much from Valorus in turn. Through the years they had progressed together through the ranks, fought together, seemingly everything they did side by side. They were however vastly different in many aspects still.

Valorus was Vheiloth while Garatus was Rh'tol. Garatus favored heavier weapons while Valorus favored small arms. Valorus hailed from the Jungles and Garatus the Desert. Garatus adopted the Mohawk while Valorus had long braids. The differences went on quite a ways more, but despite those things they were bonded through the horrors and glories of War, a bond not easily broken.

"It is time brother" Garatus said with a serious tone, watched Karonus fade out of view.

"I will make the arrangements my Chieftain" Valorus said with a bow of his head.


.::|Eighteen Hours Later|::.


Garatus stood on a short stone dias in the middle of the desert, the dias itself having three steps leading down to a raised walkway that led to an identical dias. The night was pitch black, torches were lit and brought good light to the immediate area; the assembled Kinsmen's eyes were alight(glowing like those of earth beasts). Not that the Jiralhanae needed the light source, their night vision was superb.

Opposite of the Bloodstone Chieftain stood his young Cousin Karonus, stripped of armor and covered in ritualistic body paint. On either side of the walkway stood three Warriors holding bludgeons, closest to Karonus was he and Garatus's Cousin Tantarus, standing two steps forward to the right of Karonus. Next down the path was Fenarious, two steps past Tantarus and to the left of Karonus. Two steps past Fenarious was Valorus, standing at the base of the steps to the dias Garatus stood upon.

On either side of the walkway were recessed areas where a great many Jiralhanae were assembled. They were onlookers, family, friends, and comrades gathered to witness the ritual, all bearing ritualistic markings painted in many colors denoting Tribe and Clan, age and status. Upon Garatus's bare chest Rh'tol symbols were smeared in blood taken from a predator killed by the Chieftain, the beast felled earlier in the day. Garatus wore his helm, pauldrons and greaves, the rest of his person left bare. From the distance between Garatus and Karonus, the Minor would only be able to see the shape of his older Cousin and Chieftain along with the beastial gleaming of the fangs and eyes.

"Step forward Karonus, son of Lucius, Warrior of the Covenant and Bloodstone Tribe" Garatus said, pointing to the ground beside Tantarus.

[Remnant]

Jiralhanae Minor Karonus
Doisac: Bloodstone Desert
...Ow.

Karonus stood amongst the night, stripped of his armor, and covered in ritualistic body paint. He looked down the walkway way, to see three warriors holding wooden bludgeons. Closest to him was Tantarus, two steps forward to the right. Next was Fenarious, two steps from Tantarus, to the left. After him, finally, was Valorus, standing at the base of the steps to the dias Garatus stood upon.

On either side of the walkway were a great many Jiralhanae, gathered in recessed areas. They consisted of onlookers, family, friends, and comrades who were gathered to witness the ritual, all bearing ritualistic markings similar to Karonus. Their eyes glowed in the eerie night. Karonus looked forward once more, seeing the faint shape of Garatus, along with the beastial gleaming of his fangs and eyes.

"Step forward Karonus, son of Lucius, Warrior of the Covenant and Bloodstone Tribe" Garatus said, pointing to the ground beside Tantarus.

Karonus did as Garatus said. He stepped forward, stopping at the ground beside Tantarus. Tantarus proceeded to smack him as hard as he could with his wooden bludgeon. Karonus staggered back and grunted, but tried his best to ignore the pain. He approached the next warrior, Fenarious, and was once again bludgeoned. This time the pain was sharper, and lasted longer. Karonus staggered once more, this time grunting louder and clenching his teeth slightly.

He approached the final warrior, Valorus. Karonus silently nodded to his mentor. Valorus took note of how Karonus managed to get past the first two without yelping or howling.

"Stubborn cub." Valorus muttered, referencing how Karonus was always this stubborn growing up. He gave a toothily grin, and then smacked Karonus as hard as he could with his bludgeon. Karonus felt the win get knocked out of him as he stumbled backwards. The pain on his chest was too great to imagine. His eyes widened as he clenched his teeth tightly. Instead of grunting, he coughed twice, before realizing the pain couldn't be ignored. He howled loudly in shock, as the pain began to subside.

Despite having failed to hold in the pain, Karonus refused to relent, and kept his alpha posture. There was no reason to be disappointed or defeated now. To yelp or howl in pain was to be expected in this trial. Finally, stood at the base of the dias, awaiting the word of his blood cousin (and considered brother) to begin the next phase of the ritual.

[BetaWülf]

Jiralhanae Chieftain Garatus the Deathless
Doisac: Bloodstone Desert
Ascension

Garatus watched with a fiendish glint in his eyes as Karonus stepped forward, being first struck by their cousin Tantarus. A good smack, but Tantarus was a slight lad and didn't have as much strength as some of the others. Next came Garatus's son, his heir, Fenarious. Fenarious took after Garatus in being a large Jiralhanae, so the bash from him was worse. Garatus nodded to himself as Karonus held in the pain. Next came Valorus, a mentor to Karonus and battle brother of Garatus. With the final hit from the veteran Captain, Karonus let out a howl of defiant pain.

The crowd of began to clamor and roar, howls and barks were abound as fists were raised in cheer and chests were beaten with pride. Garatus let out thunderous roar, extending his arms out to the sides with outstretched palms, long black claws glinting in the torchlight. The crowd went silent. "Kneel" Garatus commanded of Karonus, something Jiralhanae were not particularly keen to do, but Karonus complied regardless.

Garatus took a small animal skull from his belt, with skull cap opened so it functioned as a jar. He dipped his claws into skull, pulling them back covered in red ink. "This is going to hurt" Garatus whispered to Karonus before he began. Garatus slowly began to gently trace outlines on Karonus's face, but then began to cut them directly into the flesh with his claws, the ink seeping into the cuts to form future tattoos.

"Rise" Garatus commanded once he was finished, once more Karonus complied.

"Here stands Karonus, son of Lucius, Warrior of the Covenant and the Bloodstone Tribe! He who possess the rank of Major!" Garatus roared pridefully to the Tribe, who began to cheer and howl and roar once more, albeit more enthusiastically.


(OOC: Henceforth the character Karonus, owned by Remnant, holds the rank of Major within Garatus's Pack.)

[Remnant]

Jiralhanae Major Karonus
Doisac: Bloodstone Desert
Newfound Pride

Karonus took heed to Garatus' warning, but couldn't help but to yelp as his claws sunk into his skin, the ink stinging and seeping into the wound. As he stood up upon Garatus' command, he listened to his brother's announcement.

"Here stands Karonus, son of Lucius, Warior of the Covenant and Bloodstone Tribe! He who possess the rank of Major!"

Karonus gave a toothly grinned, proud of what was accomplished this night. He howled enthusiastically in triumph, then awaited Garatus' next command.