In the heart of Durotar, banners flutter with the emblems of diverse orc clans, and the air is thick with anticipation. As the sun sets, whispers of ancient customs resurface, tales of feasting, games, and blessings that once adorned the slopes of Oshu'gun, now finding their echo in these arid lands. A new chapter unfolds as orcs from every corner assemble, not only to honor their ancestors but to craft unity from the threads of their differences.The inaugural Kosh’harg of Durotar promises to rekindle the fires of tradition, forging a new path toward unity and strength in a world forever changed. The call has gone out – will you heed it?
| Date | 21 - 24 September |
| Location | Razor Hill, Durotar |
| Faction | Horde |
| Argent Archives | https://www.argentarchives.org/node/267922 |
The drums of destiny are beat once again to unveil a spectacle of tradition, unity, and honor that shall echo through the ages! Immerse yourself in the heart of orcish culture, where clans unite, spirits commune, and bonds are forged. The Kosh’harg is set to blaze a trail in Durotar from the 21st to the 24th of September. Let the fires of camaraderie burn brightly as we celebrate our heritage and forge new bonds!
The Kosh’harg Festival is more than a mere celebration; it’s a journey through the core principles that define the orcish way of life. As the festival unfolds, each day is imbued with the spirit of one of the blessings that shape the Om’gora, the revered rite of passage that shapes every orc’s understanding of unity, honor, and their place within the world.
Only orcs are granted the honor of active participation in the blessings, yet outsiders are welcomed to bear witness to the profound spectacle of orcish culture or engage in the various side activities. Those who heed the call and participate in each of the blessings — embodying the very essence of the Om’gora — shall be rewarded with an honorary name bestowed upon them at the culminating event: the Grand Feast.
The Clan Games: Forging Unity Through Fierce Competition
One of the cornerstones of the Kosh'harg Festival is the exhilarating Clan Games, where the spirit of friendly rivalry ignites the grounds of celebration. Orcs from various clans converge at the heart of the festival grounds to partake in an array of competitions that epitomize strength, skill, and unity.
The Clan Games act as a collective stage for clans to showcase their prowess and determination. Emblazoned with their respective clan banners and colors, participants pledge their allegiance before embarking on the competitions that await them, representing their heritage and values in thrilling challenges that span the spectrum of physical and mental abilities. As the games unfold, they accumulate points for both themselves and the clan they have chosen to stand beside, creating an atmosphere of intense camaraderie.
These competitions encompass a diverse range of events, from wrestling bouts that test the participants' strength, to races that demand speed, agility, and strategy. With each victory, the participants contribute points to their chosen clan, fueling the collective push for supremacy. The clan that amasses the most points by the end of the competitions secures the honor of being crowned the festival's ultimate victor.
The Clan Games not only foster an exhilarating spirit of competition but also become a platform for cultivating a strong sense of clan pride. As clans strategize and encourage their champions, the festivity's intensity grows. Friendly rivalries between clans deepen the engagement, weaving an intricate tapestry of unity and strength that resonates through the festival grounds.
The Om'gora Blessings and Rites: Discovering the Essence of Orcish Identity
The heart and soul of the Kosh'harg Festival is embodied in the orcish rite of passage known as the Om'gora, a sacred journey that imparts the very essence of being an orc. Rooted in tradition and legacy, the Om'gora guides participants through three pivotal blessings, each a testament to the core values that shape orcish culture: Clan, Land, and Ancestors.
The Blessing of the Land immerses orcs in harmony with nature. The elements become their companions as they navigate challenges that preserve the equilibrium between fire, water, earth, and air. By mastering this dance of nature, participants mirror the unity they share with the world around them.
The Blessing of the Ancestors unites orcs with their past, guiding them to honor those who came before. As orcs present offerings to the ancestors and delve into ancestral memories, a bridge forms between generations, instilling a profound understanding of the debt they owe to generations past.
The Blessing of the Clan reinforces the understanding that strength arises from unity. Participants, stripped of armor, venture into the wild to track and conquer a beast while championing their clan. By smearing their face with the beast's blood as proof, they honor old traditions, forging a deeper connection with their clan.
Successful completion of all three blessings rewards participants with a profound understanding of orcish heritage, solidifying their place within the world. As a mark of this achievement, an honor name is bestowed upon them during the Grand Feast, a testament to their dedication to unity, honor, and the spirit of the Om'gora. Through these blessings, orcs not only learn what it truly means to be an orc but also reinforce the unbreakable bonds of unity, tradition, and honor that bind all orcs together, forging a path toward a stronger and more united future.
Thursday, 21st September
20:00 - Opening Ceremony
As the sun's last rays grace the land, gather at the heart of the festival grounds. Seers will ignite the spirit of the Kosh'harg with a stirring opening ritual, setting the tone for days of camaraderie and competition.
20:30 - Clan Games
Unleash your inner champion! From wrestling bouts that test strength to races that demand speed and agility, choose your clan to champion and engage in friendly competitions. The points earned will shape the destiny of the festival. The clan that conquers the most games will rise as the festival's triumphant victor!
Competitions
Wild Wolf Run
With the wind at their backs and the spirit of the wild urging them forward, orc riders and their trusty wolves surge onto the rugged terrain of the Wild Wolf Run. As the festival crowd roars in anticipation, the bond between rider and wolf is put to the test through a formidable obstacle course. Participants strive to deftly navigate each challenging hurdle, from fallen trees to rocky crags. Every sprint, every leap, and every twist is a testament to the harmony between orc and wolf, their unity a fierce force charging through the trials of the land.
Solo - Running contest as well as dice rolls at predetermined locations.
Boulder's Fury Challenge
Amidst the echoing cheers, orcs gather to showcase their unyielding might in the Boulder's Fury Challenge. The earth trembles as contestants step up to the line, ready to heave massive boulders into the distance. Each throw is an embodiment of strength and a test of endurance. The true test of valor, however, lies in controlling the boulder's trajectory, ensuring it follows the intended path and shatters expectations, much like the indomitable spirit of the orcish people themselves.
Solo - Dice rolls, three rounds to determine the furthest. D20 rolls determine the distance, up to a maximum of 15. A roll of 20 allows the crushing of another's boulder, taking them out of the game.
Tug-of-War Rumble
In an exhibition of sheer might and camaraderie, clans form teams to engage in the age-old contest of Tug-of-War. Amidst cheers and jeers from the raucous crowd, orcish sinews strain and muscles flex as teams pit their collective strength against one another, vying for the honor of dragging their rivals across the battle-scarred ground. This classic game, rooted in both physical prowess and unyielding unity, echoes the ancestral valor of the orcs as they rally to seize the glory and pull their foes to the precipice of defeat.
Teams - Group dice rolls that will be accumulated. Win three rounds in order to win.
Ring of Rampage
In the chaos of the Ring of Rampage, the orcish spirit blazes fiercely as contenders step onto the battleground. In the midst of a swirling melee, honor-bound combatants clash, their blows resounding as a clarion call to the past glories of the Horde. The cacophony of combat is a testament to the indomitable spirit of the orc, as contestants fight their way through opponents one by one, until the dust settles and the last orc remains standing, hailed as the ultimate embodiment of unyielding strength and prowess.
Solo, though contestants are allowed to form teams - A free-for-all in a designated area. Choose an opponent and each roll a single dice. The highest wins and moves on to find the next opponent.
Duel of the Elements
In this heart-pounding game of strategic prowess, participants wield the formidable Elemental Channeling Wands, channeling (relatively) safe elemental power. As contestants gather in the designated ring, their goal becomes twofold: to skillfully shoot bursts of elemental energy from their wands, aiming to tag opponents and gather points, all while deftly sidestepping incoming elemental assaults. The art of precision and timing takes center stage as players engage in an exhilarating contest of hit and evade, where each elemental burst is both a weapon and a shield.
Solo, though contestants are allowed to form teams - Make sure you have the Dazzling Rod toy! (https://www.wowhead.com/item=127859)
Friday, 22nd September
20:00 - Nature’s Blessing
Feel the ancient bond between orcs and the elements. Shamans will bestow blessings upon the gathering, inspiring a sense of unity with the natural world.
20:30 - Rite of the Elements
Teams of orcs, embodying fire, water, earth, and air, will embark on a sacred quest. Engage in challenges that maintain the delicate balance between the elements, ensuring no force overpowers the others. Can you master the dance of the elements and prove your worth to nature?
Side activities
Fishing Tournament
Cast your line and compete to reel in the most extraordinary fish from tranquil waters.
Beach Bonfire
Gather around the bonfire under the stars, sharing stories, laughter, and dance to the rhythm of orcish music.
Durotar Restoration Rally
Embark across Durotar's diverse landscapes. Plant saplings, cleanse corruption, and revitalize the land, embodying the Blessing of the Land's essence.
Saturday, 23rd September
20:00 - Gathering at the Offering Stone
Clans assemble with their carefully crafted offerings, paying homage to the ancestors who paved the way. The aura of reverence sets the stage for a day of reflection and connection.
20:30 - Rite of the Spirits
Venture into the realm of ancestral memories, solving puzzles and gaining insights that bridge the gap between past and present. Discover the wisdom that lies within, passed down through generations.
Side activities
Story Circle
Gather by the bonfire, sharing tales of valor and singing orcish songs, keeping the spirits of our ancestors alive.
History Trivia
Test your knowledge in a friendly competition, showcasing your grasp of orcish history and legends.
Ancestral Costume Parade
Adorn yourself in the attire of old, embracing your roots and celebrating the heritage that binds us.
Sunday, 24th September
20:00 - Rite of the Hunt
Set forth on a daring beast-hunting expedition. Stripped of armor, teams will track down formidable creatures, trophies in hand, to display their prowess and honor their clans.
21:00 - Great Feast
As the sun casts its warm embrace, each clan erects a feast area, laden with traditional orcish delicacies and tales of glory. The camaraderie and stories shared will fortify the bonds that unite us all.
Why are only orcs allowed to participate in the blessings?
The blessings are rooted in orcish tradition and are tied to the Om'gora rite of passage, shaping an orc's understanding of unity, honor, and their place within the world. While outsiders can engage in other festival activities, the blessings hold a special significance for orcs.
What activities can outsiders participate in?
While only orcs can actively participate in the blessings, outsiders are welcomed to witness and engage in various side activities throughout the festival. These include a fishing tournament, a beach bonfire for socializing, and the Durotar Restoration Rally aimed at revitalizing the land. These activities allow non-orcs to partake in the festival's spirit of camaraderie.
Why is the Kosh'harg being hosted in Durotar instead of Nagrand?
While the Kosh'harg has traditionally found its home in Nagrand, this year we've embraced the winds of change to offer a new and refreshing experience for our participants. While we've hosted this esteemed festival many times in Nagrand, we've recognized the wealth of opportunities highlighted by the recent introduction of the heritage armor quest and wanted to harness this momentum to create a more unique and engaging experience for participants. By shifting the location, we aim to infuse the festival with a fresh perspective and invigorate the time-honored traditions of the Kosh'harg. We of course won't stand in the way of anyone that wishes to hold any Kosh'harg in Nagrand, however.
What about guards? How will conflicts be resolved?
The festival is a time of peace and unity. Any aggressive or disruptive behavior will not align with the festival's principles. Any foul or aggressive behavior during the festival will reflect poorly on both the individuals misbehaving and the clans they represent. Chieftains are expected to maintain order among their own orcs for the sake of honor.
Can I host my own events and activities?
Yes, you are encouraged to contact the organizers to host your own events! The schedule can be adjusted to accommodate additional activities wherever possible.
Can I set up a stall or sell wares?
Absolutely, setting up stalls and selling wares is encouraged! Do make sure to embrace the opportunity to share your crafts, creations, and offerings with fellow festival attendees.
What if my orc doesn't have a clan to represent?
If your orc doesn't belong to a specific clan, you can choose to champion one that resonates with you or aligns with your orc's values. This allows you to participate in the festival's activities and embody the spirit of unity.
What about representing my player-made clan?
Player-made clans are welcome to be represented, but to maintain a balance and encourage interaction, it's requested to limit the number of teams to one per clan. This way, the festival can bring together players from the various traditional clans who might not typically interact.
| First Place | Second Place | Third Place | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wild Wolf Run | Resha Goresong, Iron Wolf Clan | Grashka Redcleaver, Iron Wolf Clan | Gralna Frosteyes, Blackrock Clan |
| Boulder’s Fury Challenge | Gruluk Snarlaxe, Warsong Clan | Zehmni Felcrusher, Iron Wolf Clan | Resha Goresong, Iron Wolf Clan |
| Duel of the Elements | Ro’shera Bloodfang, of the Horde | Zhakra Bloodmist, Warsong Clan | Gralna Frosteyes, Blackrock Clan |
| Ring of Rampage | Ghormisa Lightfury, Bleeding Hollow | Zhakra Bloodmist, Iron Wolf Clan | Gruluk Snarlaxe, Warsong Clan |
| Fishing Tournament | Charmie, Iron Wolf Clan | Lorrus Roseshield, Meridian Edict | Ko’wi, Iron Wolf Clan |
| History Trivia | Mork the Hungerer, Warsong Clan | Razaron Madeye, Red Blade Clan | Draz’hul Dusklight, Red Blade Clan |
| Ancestral Costume Parade | Tahi Darkember, Red Blade Clan | Elcak the Wicked, Laughing Skull Clan | Kraag, Red Blade Clan |
Clan Games Winner
The Iron Wolf Clan
| First Place | Second Place | Third Place |
|---|---|---|
| Iron Wolf Clan | Warsong Clan | Bleeding Hollow Clan |
