Ratsor (Ultima)

Ratsor is a gender-neutral term for an individual that is a fully-inducted warrior of a Ratsor Band or Order. 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 Mordprav. Ratsors, by their vows, reside in a keep belonging to their band/order, with some choosing to raise families within the keep.

History
The term Ratsor comes from an ancient language in which the definition is roughly translated as "faithful one". Although the exact definition has not been found, Kylang has a similar word: "Ratzor", which translates directly to "obeying one". Due to the historical connection between several North Volaryn tribes and ancient Kylan, many historians and linguists consider the two words directly connected.

When Mordprav began to spread as the predominant religion in Northern Granheim, soldiers of Alsesia, former and serving, saw the faith as something to give them further purpose in their lives. As time passed and the idea of the faith-bound warrior emerged, the first Ratsor groups emerged, vowing loyalty to the Czar while also proclaiming their faith. 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.

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 Haidor is an entirely different process.

A prospective-Geldzit is inducted into a band or order at their request. The request must be given to a Haidor of the Ratsor group, and a vow must be performed in front of three witnesses belonging to the group. From that day on, the newborn Geldzit undergoes a harsh training process.

The first step of the training is to learn to use the traditional weapons of Ratsors, along with simpler equipment, such as firearms. This process is an often difficult one, as many Geldzits may have familiarity with the sword, but must master polearms such as the halberd, warhammer, and spear without much prior experience.

Concurrent to the weapons training, a Geldzit also learns the vows of the group and performs their duties as a Mordpravan. Large Ratsor orders occasionally send Geldzits on foreign missions, where they protect and aid other Mordpravans. As they are not trained to do so, a Geldzit may not engage in proselytizing.