Post by Aldrannath on Nov 7, 2009 16:04:20 GMT 1
The Hunt is a symbol for the whole life and mission of each Kaldorei, in service of the Balance. Malorne is believed to guide and instruct his followers through their experiences in the hunt. Hunts and other travels in the wild are therefore discussed and carefully considered, for signs or omens that may indicate the path a follower must take.
The kill itself is an act of particular significance, ritualised in the Rite of the Hunt and (most especially) the Rite of Tranquility. The victim dies "in place" of the hunter, and its blood is spilled on the hunter as a symbol of her own self-sacrifice to the Balance, and of her mortality. The Way of Malorne places great emphasis on reminding its followers that, in spite of their agelessness, they are in fact mortal, and like all of Elune's creatures they must eventually die. This is considered an important element of the humility which is also called "Tranquility".
Rangers of the Way of Malorne, including younger Druids and Priestesses, are expected to hunt, and to roam the wild. This is considered an essential element of their spiritual journey. The experiences they bring back, and the discoveries they make, are discussed and analysed by the Elders for their true meaning. Novices accompany Rangers or Elders on their travels, receiving both practical training and spiritual guidance in the process.
The act of Hunting and eating meat is therefore central to the Way of Malorne, and is treated with the care and respect due to a religious act.
Food
Hunting
The Rite of Tranquility and the Rite of the Hunt
The kill itself is an act of particular significance, ritualised in the Rite of the Hunt and (most especially) the Rite of Tranquility. The victim dies "in place" of the hunter, and its blood is spilled on the hunter as a symbol of her own self-sacrifice to the Balance, and of her mortality. The Way of Malorne places great emphasis on reminding its followers that, in spite of their agelessness, they are in fact mortal, and like all of Elune's creatures they must eventually die. This is considered an important element of the humility which is also called "Tranquility".
Rangers of the Way of Malorne, including younger Druids and Priestesses, are expected to hunt, and to roam the wild. This is considered an essential element of their spiritual journey. The experiences they bring back, and the discoveries they make, are discussed and analysed by the Elders for their true meaning. Novices accompany Rangers or Elders on their travels, receiving both practical training and spiritual guidance in the process.
The act of Hunting and eating meat is therefore central to the Way of Malorne, and is treated with the care and respect due to a religious act.
Food
- Meat can be eaten only if the hunter who caught and killed the animal is participating in the meal. An exception is made for preserved meat, taken from such a meal for consumption later.
- Domestic animals and agriculture (as practiced by other races, but not normally by Kaldorei) are forbidden, and followers do not eat food produced in this way. Nuts, roots, fruit and berries form the basis of a follower's diet; these are normally gathered by wisps.
- Normally only healthy male animals may be killed by hunters. Druids alone have discretion to kill females, the injured or the sick - or ask others to do so.
- Hunters are normally permitted to kill males of any edible species, such as deer, goats, horses, boar, wolves, large lizards, spiders, and sea creatures such as porpoises and large fish. The killing of inedible animals (such as cats - but Kaldorei do eat spiders) is permitted only for Druids, or others acting on their instructions. Only Druids have discretion to kill whichever creatures they see fit, or ask others to do so.
Hunting
- Animals that are naturally white are seen as an omen. They are to be chased, but never killed. Intentionally and unnecessarily killing a white animal - even animals that are normally white, such as polar bears - is regarded as a crime against Malorne.
- Technology (such as guns, or other weapons made by other races), and the use of traps where the hunter is absent, are forbidden.
- The kill must be as swift and sudden as possible.
- Immediately after the kill, the animal's throat is cut, its blood is spilled on the hunter and on the clean earth, and the hunter speaks a prayer for the animal and for the Balance.
- The head is removed and placed in a hot fire, to burn in honour of the gods.
- The kill must be eaten immediately, or preserved for consumption later. The meat must all be eaten; none can be discarded or burnt.
- Every part of the animal must be eaten or otherwise put to good use, except only the skull and any other parts that are neither edible nor useful. The hunter is responsible for ensuring that nothing usable goes to waste.
- The bones and the charred skull are buried in clean earth, with prayers and blessings. Any other unused parts of the animal are burnt.
- When a fully-grown stag or (rarely) a bear is killed, the skull is set high in the branches of an ancient tree, with great ceremony.
The Rite of Tranquility and the Rite of the Hunt
- The hunter must hunt alone, using only weapons provided by nature, or made in the wild by the hunter herself.
- The animal is sedated (to unconsciousness) and immediately brought to the place of the Rite.
- Ritual victims are kept alive and more or less uninjured until the time of the Rite.