Rarza Thunkae
A religion among Gvegh Vargr.
Description[edit]
Rarza Thunkae (Arrghoun: "Seekers of Destiny") is a religion established on Utsurr (Gvurrdon 3004) during the colonization of the world during the decline of the Second Vargr Diaspora. The name may remain in the Arrghoun language, but linguistic scholars have yet to interview the Mentors and Seekers of the cult. The core tenets of Rarza Thunkae hold that, since the Vargr were engineered by the Ancients from a lower life form, they are therefore an inferior race. The religion has since de-emphasized that teaching and now propounds the concept of proving one's worth as an individual.
New members of Rarza Thunkae, called Seekers, face a number of trials designed to test their worthiness through ordeals that take the Seeker to the very limits of mind and body. These involve fasting, questing for inner wisdom or guidance, and tests of endurance conducted under the punishing heat and glare of the deserts of Utsurr, where only the hardiest survive.
Though seen by non-members as unproductive and sadistic, the trials undertaken and passed by the Seekers of Destiny produce quite spiritual experiences. Those who survive gain the confidence and self-respect beyond the racial tendency of Vargr Charisma.
The traditions of Rarza Thunkae have been in place for centuries. Once an individual completes the trials and ordeals, they are titled as Mentor, though this is not an official term. Typically, though not necessarily, Mentors stay on Utsurr for two years, helping and advising new Seekers before rejoining Vargr society on other worlds.
After 1500 years of continuing trials and graduations of Seekers to Mentors, a community has grown up around the original settlement on Utsurr, featuring many shops with Mentor proprietors. These businesses cater to the needs of other residents, though a majority of goods are imported from other worlds.
New initiates to Rarza Thunkae must tithe a reasonable donation before a Mentor is assigned to them. Most of these donations go to support the population and maintain the facilities within the city. Mentors of recent times live lives of luxury, while Seekers are pushed to the brink of death. Numerous places of study and recreational facilities are enjoyed by the Mentors.
As Seekers have such low self-esteem and fewer driven by their Charisma, very little Infighting occurs on Utsurr. Most Seekers come to Utsurr and join Rarza Thunkae to attempt the trials and either prove their worth or die.
References[edit]
- Simon Beal. Gvurrdon Sector (Mongoose Publishing, 2012), 30-31.