Ratsor

A **Ratsor** is an individual who is fully inducted into a Ratsor Community as a warrior. When accepted, a Ratsor is sworn to the live by the code of their particular group, which are usually consistent with the beliefs and lifestyles of the Kodex of Mordprav. Ratsors, by their vows, reside in a keep belonging to their community.

## History

The term Ratsor comes from the Vurbathian language, in which it roughly translates to "faithful one". Although the exact definition has not been found, Hoschlang has a similar word: "Ratzor", which translates directly to "obedient". Due to the linguistic and ethnic ties between modern Hoschyns and Vurbathia, many historians and linguists consider the two words to be related.

As Mordprav began to spread as the predominant religion in northern Granheim many saw the faith as something to give them further purpose in their lives. As time passed and the idea of a religious warrior emerged, the first Ratsor communities were founded. Separate from the main armies of Alsesia, Ratsors trained constantly to become strong, educated warriors who knew the ways of war and the words of their holy texts. One of the most prominent early Ratsors was Karl Holsten, who helped develop many of the traditions and training regimes of the era.

Following the Norjet Revolt, Czar (INSERT) issued an ultimatum to Ratsor communities, officially subordinating them to the rule of the crown. The conditions for their continued existence entailed sweeping changes to the relationship between Ratsors and the existing military, with conscription becoming a possibility. Communities that accepted these terms are known as Czarist Ratsors, while communities that rejected these terms and left the country for Kretila and Tarepas became the Freeborn Ratsors.

Freeborn communities continued to live by the Kodex, but refused to bow to any state authority. Some were ostracized and harassed for this reason, and occasionally, desperation led them down a dark path. Ratsor communities that abandoned the teachings of the Kodex to pursue sinful careers such as slave-trading became known as Fallen Ratsors. It was said that while a Czarist and a Freeborn Ratsor could. civilly debate, a Fallen Ratsor was to be slain at any opportunity.

In the modern era, Ratsor communities continue to provide troops and training to the Alsesian Armed Forces.

## Organization

A modern Ratsor community is led by a council consisting of a Ratsor and Hador elected by their fellows, and another member elected by the community at-large.

## Becoming a Ratsor

The process to become a Ratsor is often a relatively time-consuming process. All acolytes begin as recruits called Geldzits, who are trained to become a Ratsor. Becoming a clerical Hador is an entirely different process.

A prospective Geldzit is inducted into a community at their request. This request must be given to a sworn Hador of the Ratsor community, and a vow must be performed in front of three witnesses from the community. From that day on, the newborn Geldzit undergoes a harsh training process.

The first step of the training is to master the concepts of Mordprav and the Kodex, as well as understanding the philosophy of the lifestyle. Geldzits also learn to use the traditional weapons of Ratsors, along with more modern equipment. such as firearms. This process is an often difficult one, as many Geldzits must master weapons considered long-obsolete, such as the halberd, bow & arrow, and warhammer, without prior experience.

Concurrent to the weapons training, a Geldzit also performs services within the community. Large Ratsor orders occasionally send Geldzits on foreign missions, where they assist full-fledged Ratsors with logistical duties. As they are not trained to do so, a Geldzit may not engage in proselytizing.

The time between becoming a Geldzit to being sworn as a Ratsor is estimated to be between 36 to 40 months.