Berserkers

Berserkers

Berzerkers are inspired warriors and wielders of the first of the Storm Father’s inspirations. They also hunt, craft, or sing songs with their fellows, but the inspiration of the Storm Father drives them to achieve martial perfection. Most Berzerkers practice the Wurm-Slayer style which uses two short axes in fast brutal strikes to maim opponents, though Berzerkers are not limited to it. Although all people in the Rock of Storms are considered warriors, a Berzerker is one who has hears the calling of the Storm Father in peals of thunder and the howls of the wolves and are driven to become masters of combat. Berzerkers are not so much made as they are inspired by a spiritual closeness to the Storm Father.

Berzerkers are usually identified when they are young and first learning to use a weapon. Such children are marked by being especially ferocious and tenacious, and sometimes losing coherence when they fight causing them to foam at the mouth, speak in tongues, or sweat blood. These young warriors are always taken aside and taught by others Berzerks how to hold their frenzy and focus it to use only when it is needed.

Berzerks are expected to exemplify the role of the warrior in their clan, and if a Berzerk’s company feels they are not worthy of the title, they will likely be challenged to ritual combat. Failing to meet a challenge is a shameful thing, but failing in such a challenge proves humility and strength of character. The possibility of being challenged is always present, for any meeting of Berzerks is followed by the Game of Boasting. Often, Berzerks call their comrades on their boasts and they must prove the worthiness of their deeds.