The Ragnari

The Melrath Military - The Ragnari

As a powerful fighting force, Melrath has four branches of the Ragnari. The Valkyrion are a large, powerful force of men and women that act in the role of soldiers. With flying mounts, incredible weaponry and unique combat styles - these soldiers are a terrifying force to witness. Mervarians make up the navy of Melrath, be it through the use of ships, creatures or Mer soldiers. What they lack in numbers they make up for in brutality and prowess, as well as some of the finest ship builders in Idalos. While the navy is nowhere near the most powerful, they make a deserved name for themselves. Skadiri are the assassin branch of the military, a group of well trained hunters that work as silent blades in the night. Hundreds of men and women fall to these, be they traitors to Melrath or enemies of the nation overall. One thing is clear, though. When the Skadiri are sent to work, their targets will never live to see the next sunrise. Lastly, the Syns are a group of mages that would rather focus on their magic rather than blend with other branches. While a mage can technically join any branch, those that want to work closely with others of their kind are often found working as Syn. Powerful, destructive and feared - this is a faction that few would dare quarrel with.

Military ranks and prowess are recognisable by the use of tattoos. Each time a new rank is gained the soldier will be given a new and unique tattoo based on their choice, meaning the more tattoos a soldier has the better

The Valkyrion

“What did I see? Darkness. What we thought were storm clouds ended up being much, much worse than any storm. Valkyrion. Warriors that rained down on us. I was lucky to get out alive. None of the thousand other men could say the same.” - Falrar, former general of Rynmere.

Ferocious, powerful and fearless - the Valkyrion make up a large brunt of the Melrath military. Yet this doesn’t mean they aren’t powerful, nor are they disposable. Despite having a smaller army than other larger countries, the Valkyrion are an incredibly dangerous fighting force. Some make use of flying mounts while others prefer to fight on land, but all are taught a to fight as a Melrathi would, engaging in fearless fighting styles and assaults. Be it axes, swords, spears or any other weapon one might possess, a Valkyrion is sure to be a fighting force to be reckoned with.

Acting as both the general guards and the standard soldiers of the military, the Valkyrion are set to do an array of tasks, be it killing local bandits and rebels or going out to war.

Like all of the military groups in Melrath, Valkyrion wear tattoos to display their prowess and power. While these are not uniform, the most common tattoos will be bold and on show, long sleeves and sometimes even facial tattoos.

Battlethirst:(Ability)

The Ragnari possess a special ability that is granted to them when they first reach the rank of Knight. Upon doing so they will be taken to their branch’s headquarters and given their first tattoo. This tattoo is quite unique, much like the tattoo granted to the Aesir in that it awards the Valkyrion with an special ability.

Once per trial a Knight of the Valkyrion can activate Battlethirst for roughly one break. This will grant them increased reaction time, strength, and endurance. At first this effect is very slight. But the more enemies that a Valkyrion kills, the stronger the effect becomes, until they are able to increase these traits by nearly two fold. Please be aware that the more powerful you become, the more likely it is for your character to harm themselves.)

However, this ability comes with a price. Battlethirst affects the mind and renders the Valkyrion far more merciless and hungry for taking lives. Known simply as the “Thirst” a few a wayward soldiers across history have lost themselves to this effect and accidentally turned their blades on their own comrades. It isn’t uncommon for fully fledged Knights of this branch to be feared by the general public due to the brutality this ability has made them known for. While it is a great boon in combat, the “Thirst” is both gift and a curse.

If you should leave the Ragnari, you will be given a brand across this tattoo which leaves it inert and incapable of generating this ability. If an ex-Ragnari decides to try and evade this fate they will be hunted down until they are found and the tattoo will be removed.

(The process of gaining this tattoo may be self modded once you become a Knight. The tattoo may be in any shape or form you like, although for some reason your character will notice that getting this tattoo is far more painful than any other they will ever receive. )

Ranks

Recruit (0 Points) - Soldiers in training, these recruits are working their way to the title of a proud Valkyrion. Given no tattoos until approved to be a Knight, they go through harsh training until they are deemed worthy of becoming a Knight of the Valkyrion. These recruits are trained by Knights and shown the ropes, taught how to be a true soldier and earn their first military tattoos. With the right experience this rank can be skipped, as it is meant for those that need work with their training.

Knights (20 Points) - Recruits that have been promoted or newer soldiers that skipped the Recruit stage due to past experience, these Knights finally earn their first tattoo. At this stage specialisation begins to show, whether it be a weapon of choice or prowess with a mount. Because of this the Valkyrion Knights are gifted certain items depending on their request and the armies ability to meet it. For many this will be a weapon or a (Insert name of flying horse mount here), but it can vary.

Slayers (40 Points) - A step up from the Knights, the Slayers are proven warriors with capabilities in battle beyond that of most soldiers. While it isn’t possible to start as a Slayer, it is also not an uncommon rank to find earned by those that work hard for it. Though they are in no way as common as Knights, Slayers are a fair margin of the fighting force and earn their name, taking down enemies with near-ease at times. With much more prominent tattoos now, these men and women are monsters on the battlefield.

Officer (60 Points) - Leaders of a small task force of men and women, these Valkyrions are elite in a way that very few others are. With more than just the ability to fight, men and women of this stature are bold tacticians, turning a battle with ease and putting all of their troops to good use. These men and women are recognizable by their gear and, of course, the mass of tattoos they bear.

Commander (80 Points) - Now able to lead battles entirely, the Commanders only answer to the Warlords. They are a powerful force alone, but their talent really lies in their ability to bring a group of soldiers and turn them into the best fighting force Idalos has ever seen. Even with short numbers of troops, the Commanders are able to pull off incredible feats of courage, leadership and tactics.

Warlord (100 Points) - Highest ranking Valkyrion’s earn the title of Warlord, soldiers that have slain countless lives and saved countless others. Coated in tattoos, this soldier is a trophy for Melrath, a soldier so finessed they can slay many single handedly. Very few ever reach a rank this high, but most strive for it. Those that achieve a goal like this will be remembered forever, giant mantels and walls dedicated to art of them across the military rooms, telling tales of all the heroes both old and new.

The Skadiri

“Everybody doubted them for a while. What use was subtlety when you could take the camp by force? But the small faction proved themselves. With the Skadiri’s Anaks of Darkness coming in to play, the bandits could barely see their own hands. By the time the sun rose and the fog parted - there was nothing left but empty tents.” - Tales of Melrath, Founding of the Skadiri

Sometimes, power takes forms that few expect. While many respect the Valkyrion for the raw combat prowess they possess, their abilities deemed unmatched, nobody ever doubts the Skadiri. With many ties to the Spirits of Melrath, these unseen shadows wander the world in hunt of mortal prey. When their target is found tactics are used to mask their approach, often with the help of the Spirits they find themselves tied to. Before the night is over their targets last breath is sliced from their body with such elegance that nobody really knows what happened. Nobody but the Skadiri.

Not all of the Skadiri are killers or assassins, some preferring to work in espionage and deception. Infiltrating cities for information, spying on a key target or gathering information atop a flying mount are just three examples in which a Skadiri can be useful without ever taking a life. What they all have in common is their expertise, each a master at something, perfecting their art until they become a legend.

For the Skadiri, the tattoos and warpaint are often much more simple than those of the other branches. With basic black paint to help them blend in with the darkness and tattoos that reflect their practice, be it a dagger in the dark or a watchful eye, these men and women show off what they are with great pride. Each Skadiri, from the lowest to highest rank, are viewed with respect and fear.

Ritual of Shadows (Ability):

Upon reaching the rank of Apprentice the Skadiri are anointed with their first tattoo. Similar to the Valkyrion, this tattoo is quite special and grants the soldier a new and frightening ability. The Ritual of Shadows tattoo may be in any form the soldier desires, however it is always written in the blackest of inks that rumours suggest are actually made from living shadows. During the tattooing process the Skadiri is bound with this tattoo to an Anak of Shadow that has chosen to join with the mortal. This spirit will follow them unseen, and unknown even to the soldier it is linked with until it is called upon. (Let it be noted that this Anak is free to do as it wills, there may be times when it refuses to aid you.)

Many Skadiri comment that once you are bonded to the Anak you will never be able to shake the feeling of being followed, albeit distantly. (This Anak will never communicate with you beyond darkening your steps or perhaps toying with your own shadow for its amusement.)

Once the tattoo is complete the Skadiri Apprentice may then utilize what is known as the Ritual of Shadows in order to call upon their new ally. This ability may be used once a trial for the length of a break. It must also be done with the utmost respect for the Anak that has chosen to work with them.

To summon their bonded Anak the Skadiri must submit themselves fully to the darkness of the world. This can be done easily, either by snuffing out all the light in a small space or even closing their eyes and meditating on the nature of the abyss. However you must at least be competent in meditation to use this second method..

Then they must speak the Words:

Words of the Ritual of Shadows

“Blackest of nights and darkest of trials,

I call to you.

Starless dusks, and storm shadowed dawns

I call to you.

I give myself freely to your embrace, and welcome your abyss.

I call to you.”

Once the words are whispered aloud the Anak will reveal itself. A dark fog will roll in, emerging around the feet of the Skadiri in an area about a hundred feet in diameter. This fog will substantially cloud the vision of those within it and begin to drain away ambient light in the area. All light sources near the Skadiri will slowly begin to be snuffed out seemingly by natural phenomenon as well . Lamps will gutter and flicker into nothingness, campfires will abruptly be silenced with a sudden gust of wind. The Skadiri themselves will find that they are mostly unhindered by the shadows of the Anak, and their night vision will sharpen to the point that they can see almost clearly in the darkness the spirit has manifested.

(The process of getting this tattoo may be self modded once you are an Apprentice.)

Ranks

Newblood (0 Points) - At the early stages a Skadiri is tested more than they will ever be. Ruthless tests of both physical and mental prowess are forced on them day in and out to perfect them for their assigned task, be it a spy that can never crack under torture or a killer that can never be caught. War paint and other camouflage tactics are taught to them as a last resort, to ensure all Skadiri can escape no matter how dire the situation.

Apprentice (20 Points) - It is at this stage the first tattoo is given, designed to fit the role that the Skadiri will fill. This is the beginning of their real journey, assignments becoming available beyond those in Melrath’s main cities. It is rare for an Apprentice to be assigned outside of the nation, however it is not impossible.

Stalkers (40 Points) - Now that they have fully proven themselves as a member of the Skadiri, the Stalkers can begin to spread their wings and work on missions that many would deem impossible. While they aren’t given the toughest of the tough, a single Stalker might be tasked with the murder of a powerful noble or the job of befriending a dangerous foreign warlord for information. Should they prove themselves now, their name will go down in history with the rest of their brothers and sisters.

Shadowwalkers (60 Points) - Once a Skadiri reaches this tier they earn themselves all the fear they are met with. While the civilians of Melrath trust these men and women, they realise the potential they possess and the dark deeds they might have done to earn their place among such a high rank. Every Shadowwalker can, should they choose, lead a small squad of Stalkers in to missions.

Unseen Ones (80 Points) - Unseen Ones go down in history as near-perfect Skadiri, remembered for acts they committed and others done without anyone ever knowing it was them. Nobody is safe, no city is safe. Nothing can’t be done by just one of these masters of stealth, deception and assassination.

Lords/Ladies of Deceit (100 Points) - Only a few have ever earned this title, most dying before they could hope to achieve it or reaching the peak of their talents. But those who do reach it are talented, committed and above all - dangerous. These Lords and Ladies earn more than just pride and honor, but a name that will be feared for as long as Melrath lives on. The Lords and Ladies of Deceit are the commanders of the Skadiri and are responsible for choosing where and how their branch utilizes their skills.