Thrinointment
The Thrinointment is a ritual where participants cover parts of their bodies in special oil to ward-off Thri-Kreens during the crossing on the edge of the Thri-Kreen's Forest. The term comes from combining "Anointment" and "Thri-Kreen", which simplistically describes the process. The objective is to protect the wearer from eventual attacks from Thri-Kreens: very aggressive and territorial mantis like humanoids.
History
The practice dates back to the time where an intrepid adventuring party was commissioned to bring a stop to the incessant Thri-Kreen raids on the West-Reed Military Fort). The original expedition into the forest was a bust, there were too many creatures to survive. On a whim, the party killed a few males and dissected them to find their hormones glands. They sent one member covered in pheromones hoping to attract the Queen. The strategy was successful and were able to dispatch her, limiting their ability to reproduce and consequentially drastically reducing their numbers and attacks on nearby settlements.
Yes, this is a true story, I had to DM a session where players decided to lure a Thri-Kreen Queen with pheromones... That was quite hilarious!
Obviously the original story and ritual mutated over time, and went from attracting a Queen to repelling the insect-like creatures. It is not known if the tribe migrated elsewhere or if only the original members survived from centuries ago. Never less, the pass is now a way more quiet location. It is still reputed to be a suicide run to waltz through the pass and deaths are still a common to rare occurrence.
Execution
The eve before a trader is due to cross the western pass on the outskirts of Thri-Kreen's Forest for the very first time, they must assemble with all the other traders in the "community-hall" of the trading post. Everybody and especially the "old-timers" (veterans) who have crossed the "Thri-Kreen pass" many times tell countless tales and adventures of how they travelled, encountered dangers and survived the trek to Yeusdria's Watch Outpost.
Copious amounts of liquor is shared between members and when everyone feels warmed-up, they bring "The Oil Jar". This is a standard pickle jar containing various bits and pieces of Thri-Kreen that has fermented in a mixture of nine part oil to one-part Caribou alcohol. About an ounce of oil is poured into a canteen and heated over the fire until it becomes very warm, but not scolding. This is meant to be fun and a rite of passage, so no-one should get hurt.
The initiates, then stand on a table in their underwear and rub the warm oil behind the ears, in the armpits and entirely cover their feet. It is believed the oil mixes with the sweat and provokes a reaction where a sweet sent is emitted that will repel the Thri-Kreens, thus protecting the traders. Some believe this is only necessary to do once before your first trip as the effects permanently protects the travellers.
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