Branding Ritual

The Branding Ritual is a Clan Hell's Horses rite undertaken by members of the Warrior Caste. The participants consist of six warriors, two of each type: MechWarriors, Elementals, and aerospace pilots. The members are selected from different units and are considered without rank or Bloodnames for the duration of the ritual.

The participants are given hunting and survival gear, along with a laser branding rod. The warriors are sent to desert world to explore the caves of Niles to hunt for their totem animal and brand their elusive prey. The Branding Ritual is not a safe rite, as it has been reported that some of the warriors who have undergone this ritual have either died or been scarred in the process. Knowing this, the failure will not penalize the participants, unless the member kills their totem or the team is uncooperative.

Warriors who succeed in this ritual will be awarded with the Mark of the Horse. Those who fail the ritual in an un-Clanlike manner such as arguing and showing a lack of cooperation will be branded with the Mark of Hell. It is similar to the Mark of the Horse, however it is meant as a badge of shame. This "award" is personally given by the Khan to show the warrior's dishonor for failing to uphold the Clan's standards. As a result, the warrior must wear a black armband to cover up their shame, alerting other warriors of their disgrace.[1]

References[edit]

  1. Field Manual: Crusader Clans, pp. 62–63

Bibliography[edit]