Editing Urrokkh (section)

=='''🪓 The First Marking War'''==
<blockquote>"''To touch the face of your enemy, and let him live, is to own him. To kill him too soon is to forget his name.''" — Urrokkh Hornsage proverb</blockquote>

'''⚔️ Context: The Encroachment'''

The Avalonians, seeking expansion and border control, begin military road construction through what they see as "untamed highland territory." They underestimate the wilderness—and utterly ignore Urrokkh stone totems and painted warnings left on rocks, trees, and animal trails.

The Urrokkh clans of the region, seeing Avalonian patrols as trespassers, send warriors to intercept.

But they do not kill.

Instead, they stalk Avalonian squads, overpower them in silence, and mark them—handprints of dyed paint across armor, faces, or bare skin, then vanish without a trace. Some victims are left tied to tree trunks or ritual stakes, painted and mocked, but physically unharmed.
To the Urrokkh, this is an honorable warning, a challenge, a way to test and assess.

'''⚔️ Avalonian Reaction: The Humiliation of Steel’’’

The Avalonians are furious.
*They see the paint marks as insulting desecration, not a show of restraint.
*Marked soldiers are publicly ridiculed or dishonored, sometimes discharged.
*High-ranking knights consider it an affront to military pride, especially if the mark is on the face or crest.
*Priests claim it is heathen magic or psychological warfare.
In response, Avalonian patrols are ordered to:
*Hunt down any painted warriors.
*Kill on sight.
       
The leader of the Avalonian forces is Le Chevalier Alric du Morne.  Largely acting on his own as a Garde member is supposed to.  His title and persuasion of King Corwin imply political mastery as well as military ruthlessness.