Hlirke
The Hlrike are an ancient yet surviving military order deeply connected with Dlroch'veldr and the Wolgos cultural zeitgeist. They existed as an integral pillar of old Dhonowlgos and were the rulers of its successor Wolgos state, the Bind. Despite the changes in politics, terrible wars that threatened their continuity, and military technology advances, they endured. The Hlrike has always had a place in Wolgos society since their inception, they are the place in Wolgos society for homosexual Wolgos men, a place where they have a purpose and significant prestige.
Since ancient times, the Hlrike have dedicated their lives entirely to martial prowess, renowned for their unyielding resolution, aggressive military tactics and the mastery of riding Haiter as mounts. As war tactics advanced and new technology came into existence, the Hlrike adapted eagerly, adopting firearms and vehicles. During the Bind era, they existed at the forefront of military technology and invested heavily in the development and stockpiling of munitions and war machines. At present, as part of the forces of Hergom ep Swekorwos, they exist not as the main forces of the nation but as a largely independent and elite military force with their own independent military-industrial complex that arms and funds them.
The Hlrike are also renounced for their subculture, which exists as a subset of Wolgos culture, a subculture that both gives them fulfilment and sets them apart from the wider Wolgos society. They have their own slang, literature, rituals, arts, mannerisms, and codes, and differences make them seem arcane, awe-striking, and yet fearsome to most Wolgos. The Hlrike still construct brochs, but these are nothing like those of past ages. They are typically highly secure and reinforced bunker compounds in isolated and highly defensible regions.
They have a complex relationship with Hergom ep Swekorwos and the resurrected Wolgos tribes; they serve the state and the Wolgos people yet still view the rule of the tribes as somewhat illegitimate. They are not treasonous but believe that they have a much greater role in the destiny of the tribes and the wolgos people than what they have been relegated to.
History
Foundation
The Hlrike trace their origins to the hinterland rangers of the old Wolgos lordships of the first millennium, who were homosexual wolgos men and other men like unwanted bastards and troublesome eccentrics were banished to the border regions of a lordship to live in small look-out posts and shelters, and they served their lord by providing border control and a look out for threats and in exchange they were tolerated, given food, drink and gifts of clothing and other trinkets. During this time, they had no known label or institution; each border ranger camp operated under their lordship's directions and rules and those of their own.
The official establishment of the order came in 3156 CE, when the Whloerra Komh’hergh sought to disband all lordship retinues. They commanded all the lordship to give up their existing border rangers to the state and, in perpetuity, all their homosexual men to the state yearly. The lordships, in exchange, would obtain trade and taxation privileges over their tribe's clans as sanctioned by the faith. The lords of Dhonowlgos complied as these fragmented and highly irregular forces were thought of as marginal and supplementary; in reality, as the years passed, it became clear that they almost accounted for five per cent of the male workforce.
The Whloerra brought all these men to old ruined temples, made them reconstruct the temples and fortify them into new monasteries. They were given these monasteries as their home and ordained at the Hlrike, or H2kleyrikos in old Wolgos, meaning vowed and consecrated guardians.
The Hlrike and the Whloerra formulated their ethos, their rituals and their way of life, moulding the fragmented bands of men into a united and formidable retinue of the state.
At first, serving as enforcers of local monasteries, and over the years, as they grew stronger, more organised, built brochs and became experienced in skirmishes and warfare, their duties expanded. By 3174 CE the Hlrike were being used to intimidate the lords of the realm, slowly subduing lords into disbanding their retinues and in erasing from the land all traces of mercenary forces.
By 3300 CE, the ever more sophisticated and martial Hlrike grew to possess their own manors with their own subservient villages and lords, given in lease to them by the Whloerra to fund the ever more expensive military of the realm.
The Hlrike built a strong Haiter cavalry, siege engines, workshops, dry docks and harbours; they created a navy for the realm. The navy of Dhonowlgos worked closely with their subservient villages and granted privateer licences to raid the lands beyond the stormy sea.
Pan Anarian War
The Bind
Hergom ep Swerkowos
Society
Hierarchy
Initiates - H2élbhromos
All Hlrike begin as initiates (H2élbhromos); initiates are most commonly Wolgos boys between the ages of fifteen and eighteen, as families are encouraged to keep and help prepare their sons while they grow and mature to an age where they will be able to transition into their new life. In wolgos society, there is no stigma in asserting one's orientation, and as such, most families know if a son will need to be helped be prepared to be part of the Hlrike. In modern times, the Hlrike run support offices for families and prospective members to prepare for the eventuality of a boy joining the Hlrike. They also run social and fitness groups to help boys conform to Hlrike standards.
Once at a Hlrike broch, the initiates undergo aptitude assessment, basic training, further education, initiation rituals and religious services and study. Those deemed suitable for combat and warfare are sent for further training and eventual differentiation into squires and knights. Those not deemed suitable for combat are trained for administrative and logistical roles.
Bonded pairs - Bheidhwóm
The Hlrike largely make bonds for life, male couples forming one working union, lovers, warriors, and a team. A hlrike "couple" or bonded pair is known as a Bheidhwóm, and a bonded pair is composed of a knight (Rótskwos) and a squire (Tl̥gwéntos), and no two knights or squires can form a bonded pair.
A knight is the leading partner of the bonded pair, the knight is usually older, experienced and usually the active sexual partner as per Hlrike norms. A knight will be part of the rank hierarchy and will be part of the knights' Skéwpom, a congregation only for knights and the hierarchy of the Hlrike. A knight is not necessarily an officer or a commander but the leading partner of a bonded pair.
A squire is usually younger and the passive sexual partner in the bonded pair; they serve their knight and fight alongside them and are not part of the skéwpom, which means that they will always be squires, and their seniority within the Hlrike will be tied to that of their knight.
If a bonded pair dissolves due to death, romantic issues or irreconcilable circumstances, a knight can seek a new squire or become a squire of another knight, depending on the circumstances. Conversely, a squire may seek another knight, or if wishing to pair with a squire for himself, he must undergo a series of ascension protocols and even training to become a junior knight.
A master of deeds (Héwkwosétos) is the non-combat equivalent of a knight, while a helper (Pékwtos) is the equivalent of a non-combat hlrike squire. they form the units of non-combat bonded pairs.
Non-combat Hlrike - Hóposkwos
Not all men are suitable for combat, command or warfare; those boys and young men deemed unsuitable for a lifelong career in the forces of the Hlrike are relegated to administrative and logistical roles. That does not mean that they are seen with contempt. They are celebrated in their own way for contributing to the organisation as a whole. Many work in outreach offices and broch administration as mechanics, scientists, engineers, coms experts, weapons research and development, manufacturing, logistics, intelligence, and even in unlikely roles such as weapons sales and PR. And in reality, the Hóposkwos make up over half of the Hlrike.
Despite not being relentlessly trained for combat, the Hóposkwos are expected to uphold the image of the Hlrike and have strict physical training to keep them in their best physical condition possible, attend character-building rituals and expeditions, receive combat training at least three times a year for two weeks at a time.
Reputation outside Hergom
The legacy of the Hlrike, though steeped in the valour and traditions of ancient Wolgos, is inexorably tainted by a pervasive and deeply ingrained culture of violence. Their approach to warfare is not merely about achieving strategic objectives but also about instilling terror, a deliberate and calculated use of brutality that has become their signature on the battlefield. This aspect of their character has churned the stomach of the international community and cast a long, dark shadow over their storied history.
In the theatre of war, the Hlrike are not just combatants; they are harbingers of dread, wielding psychological terror as deftly as physical weaponry. Their tactics are designed to not only overpower but to demoralize and dehumanize their adversaries. The gruesome fate of those who fall into their hands is not merely a consequence of conflict but a carefully orchestrated spectacle of suffering, aimed at breaking the spirit of their enemies and showcasing their own dominance and ruthlessness.
The coalition wars laid bare the harrowing essence of the Hlrike's approach to warfare. Captives were not only subdued but subjected to unspeakable acts of violence and degradation, their fates a stark testament to the Hlrike's merciless nature. Survivors, scarred both physically and mentally, served as living reminders of the Hlrike's capacity for cruelty, their stories echoing through the annals of history as a chilling warning of what it means to stand against them.
The international community, recoiling from the horror of the Hlrike's actions, has not been silent. Organizations like the International Council of Nations (ICoN) have cast a critical eye on their conduct, denouncing their tactics as not just acts of war but egregious violations of human rights and international law. The Hlrike's reputation as a fearsome and effective force is thus inextricably linked with that of a group implicated in war crimes, their name synonymous with atrocities that have drawn widespread condemnation and moral outrage.
Bherghmegh2 (Hlrike corps)
The Bherghmegh2, serving as the core of Hergom's ground forces within the Hlrike, represent the pinnacle of military professionalism and capability. Through rigorous and lifelong training, coupled with a culture of relentless specialization, these troops have evolved into formidable units known for their role as shock troops, commandos, and specialists in various other high-stakes operations. Their reputation on the battlefield is marked by a blend of brutal efficiency and tactical precision, earning them widespread recognition and a formidable reputation among friend and foe alike.
A cornerstone of the Bherghmegh2's tactical doctrine is the strategic use of terror and psychological warfare. This approach is not merely about achieving military objectives but also about undermining the enemy's will to fight, thereby achieving their goals through both physical and psychological dominance.
In the realm of research and development, the Bherghmegh2 uphold a culture of intense secrecy, matched by a relentless pursuit of excellence. Their commitment to quality and sophistication ensures that the Hlrike are equipped with state-of-the-art, highly specialized, or adaptable equipment and armaments. This focus on innovation and excellence provides them with a significant edge, allowing for substantial flexibility and the capacity for ground-breaking military experimentation.
Beyond their formidable military prowess, the Bherghmegh2 and the broader Hlrike play a pivotal role in the cultural and ceremonial life of Hergom. They stand as custodians of tradition and continuity, linking the modern state to the ancient Wolgos heritage and thereby reinforcing the legitimacy of the current regime. Among their ceremonial duties, the Haiter cavalry units hold a place of special prominence. Renowned for their elegance and historical significance, these units are not just a symbol of military heritage but also a living testament to the cultural and historical legacy of the Wolgos states. Their presence at key national landmarks, festivals, and parades is not just a display of military might but a celebration of national identity, history, and the enduring spirit of the Wolgos people.
Ranks
| Knights - Rótskwos | Squires - Tl̥gwéntos | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Enlisted Ranks | Tl̥ghrótskwos ("Initiate Knight") | Tl̥gwéntos ("Squire") | |
| Hrédrōtskwos ("Field Knight") | |||
| Officers | Pélwrōtskwos ("Veteran Knight") | Tl̥gwéntopélwr̥tós ("Veteran Squire") | |
| Senior Officers | Sképwrōtskwos ("Council Knight") | ||
| Command & flag officers | Hḷḗmnodhrédwos ("Field Paladin") | Hḷēmnótl̥gwéntos ("Champion's Squire") | |
| Hḷḗmnodēwḱwos ("Guiding Paladin") | |||
| Rótḱlhḷḗmnodēywos ("Sacred Centered Paladin") | Tl̥gwéntodēywos ("Holy Squire") |
Uniform
Weaponry
Equipment
Vehicles
Bases
The Hlrike's maritime capabilities, though modest in scale, are uniquely tailored to fulfill their distinct strategic objectives. Operating two streamlined fleets — the Phasian and the Trans-Antarctic — the Hlrike's naval approach is one of precision and specialization, rather than sheer force. Their fleet composition, primarily consisting of corvettes and frigates with a select number of cruisers serving as command vessels, reflects a tactical preference for agility and versatility over brute strength. Furthermore, their submarine fleet, characterized by sophisticated modifications, is meticulously designed to cater to specialized requirements, primarily focusing on stealth and surveillance operations.
Despite the relatively modest size of the Morih2weh1 fleet, especially when contrasted with the more expansive Wodr̥h2ekmon, it's crucial to recognize the inherent differences in their operational ethos and strategic imperatives. The Morih2weh1 is not designed to mirror the conventional naval prowess or power projection typically associated with larger fleets. Instead, it embodies a distinct paradigm of naval strategy, emphasizing highly specialized, high-stakes operations that align with the unique mandate of the Hlrike.
This focused approach allows the Morih2weh1 to excel in its designated role, supporting the Hlrike's intricate operational spectrum. It's adept at undertaking missions that demand a high degree of precision, discretion, and tactical acumen, distinguishing itself as a crucial component of Hergom's broader military apparatus. The fleet's specialized nature underscores its significance, not in terms of quantitative metrics or conventional power projection, but through its capacity to execute complex, specialized missions that are critical to the strategic interests and security objectives of the Hlrike and, by extension, of Hergom.
Ranks
| Knights - Rótskwos | Squires - Tl̥gwéntos | |
|---|---|---|
| Enlisted Ranks | Tl̥ghránáuros ("Initiate Seafarer") | Tl̥gwéntos Náuromos ("Sailor Squire") |
| Hrédrōtnáuros ("Field Seafarer") | ||
| Officers | Pélwnáuros ("Veteran Seafarer") | Gwénḥnátos ("Son of the Foam") |
| Senior Officers | Náurṓtskwos ("Warrior Seafarer") | |
| Command & flag officers | Dr̥ḱmnáuros ("Tide Master") | Dyūtḱlwéntos ("Squire of the Lightning")
|
| Ṭékwnáuros ("Binder of the Waves") | ||
| Ḱléwmṇáuros ("Herald of the Storm") | Stl̥gwhígwéntos ("Squire of the Tempest") |
Uniform
Weaponry
Equipment
Vehicles
Bases
Gelh2weh1 (Hlrike Air force)
The Gelh₂weh₁, serving as the aerial extension of the Hlrike, epitomizes the specialized and strategic essence that characterizes this elite branch. Functioning in harmony with the overarching objectives of the Hlrike, the Gelh₂weh₁'s operational doctrine is underpinned by two foundational pillars: logistical support and the execution of complex, high-stakes offensive operations.
First and foremost, the Gelh₂weh₁ is tasked with the critical responsibility of ensuring robust logistical and transportation support for the Hlrike. This facet of their mission is not merely about ferrying personnel and equipment; it's about doing so with an unwavering commitment to stealth and efficiency. The operations demand air transport solutions that blend seamlessly into the operational theater, maintaining a low profile while ensuring the rapid and secure movement of resources vital to the success of the Hlrike's missions.
Beyond the realm of logistical support, the Gelh₂weh₁ is an instrumental player in conducting intricate and high-risk offensive operations. This branch of the Hlrike harnesses some of the most advanced aerial technologies and aircraft that Hergom has to offer. Their fleet is not limited to conventional jet fighters. It boasts an array of specialized aircraft, including stealth fighters designed to evade detection, bombers capable of delivering devastating payloads, high-altitude reconnaissance crafts that provide critical intelligence from the skies, and multi-mach speed aircraft that can strike swiftly and retreat with equal haste.
Moreover, the Gelh₂weh₁'s significance extends into the vanguard of Hergom's technological advancement. This branch is not just a user of cutting-edge aviation technology; it's a primary contributor to its evolution. As a hub of avionics and electronic warfare research and development, the Gelh₂weh₁ is where innovative ideas take flight, literally and figuratively. This commitment to technological excellence ensures that the Gelh₂weh₁ remains at the forefront of aerial warfare, equipped with tools and tactics that redefine the boundaries of what is possible in the realm of military aviation. The Gelh₂weh₁, therefore, is not just an air branch of the Hlrike; it's a critical component of Hergom's strategic prowess, propelling the nation's military capabilities into the future.
Ranks
| Knights - Rótskwos | Squires - Tl̥gwéntos | |
|---|---|---|
| Enlisted Ranks | Tl̥ghródyuos ("Initiate Flyer") | Ṭléwdgwéntos ("Flowing Squire") |
| Hrédródgwhos ("Field Flyer") | ||
| Officers | Pélwdyuonos ("Veteran Sky Rider") | Ḱléwgwéntos ("Thunderous Squire") |
| Senior Officers | Dyuótskʷos ("Sky Warrior") | |
| Command & flag officers | Hḷḗmnodyuós ("Protector of the Skies") | Ṭléwmnáuros ("Flowing Seafarer") |
| Ḱléwnódgwhos ("Thunder Commander") | ||
| Rótḱldyuós ("Sacred Storm Binder") | Ḱléwnédgwhos ("Echo of the Storm") |
Uniform
Weaponry
Equipment
Vehicles
Bases
Non-combat Hlrike
Ranks
| Knights - Rótskwos | Squires - Tl̥gwéntos | |
|---|---|---|
| Enlisted Ranks | Tl̥ghréhéwkwosétos ("Initiate Master of Deeds") | Tl̥ghrépékwtos ("Initiate Helper") |
| Hrédréhéwkwosétos ("Field Master of Deeds")
| ||
| Officers | Pélwhéwkwosétos ("Veteran Master of Deeds") | Hrédrépékwtos ("Field Helper") |
| Senior Officers | Sképwhéwkwosétos ("Council Master of Deeds") | |
| Command officers | Ḱléwhéwkwosétos ("Herald of Deeds") | Pélwpékwtos ("Veteran Helper") |
| No higher ranks - as they are subordinate to a Hlrike branch command | ||
| Wolgos Sub-species | |||||
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Physiology topics: Wolgos Psyche - Wolgos Development From Birth to Adulthood - Death for the Wolgos - Wolgos Sexuality - Wolgos Masculinity - Wolgos Womanhood | |||||
| Historic and current Nations of the Wolgos | |||||
| Dhonowlgos | The Bind | Hergom ep swekorwos | United New Kingdoms | ||
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| ~3000 CE - 7505 CE | 7508 CE - 7603 CE | 7608 CE - Present | |||
| History & Geography |
History of Dhonowlgos: History of Dhonowlgos - Stained Era - Era of Rising Lilies
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| Politics & Economy |
Dhonowlgos Politics: Politics - Foreign Relations
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| Society & Culture |
Dhonowlgos Society: Monuments - Society - Brochs of Dhonowlgos
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| History & Geography |
History of The Bind: History - Geography - Military - Science - Brochs of The Bind
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| Politics & Economy |
Politics of The Bind: Politics - Military - Administrative Divisions of the Bind
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| Society & Culture |
Society in The Bind: Brochs of The Bind - communication in The Bind - Demographics
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| History & Geography |
History of The United New Kingdoms: History
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| Politics & Economy |
Politics of The United New Kingdoms: Politics - Military
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| Society & Culture |
Society and Culture in The United New Kingdoms: Wolgos Culture in the UNK - Demographics - Humans of the UNK
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