Illarion - Radosh (Blood Days)

The Days of Blood span the whole month of Mas and in general are unique to the race of the Orcs, even though they are divided in two groups to whom the Blood Days have an opposing meaning.
Those who worship Moshran greet the Month of Mas with joy and obeisance. They devote themselves to frenzy and celebrate these days in ferocity and vehemence. Only little information could be gathered about these celebrations, but it is said that the Orcs paint their bodies with red dye and dance around great bonfires. After some time they fall into a kind of berserk rage in which injuries are common. Animals and in exceptional cases even people are sacrificed. But seldom captives of other races receive the present of the sacrificial dagger, instead members of the own clan voluntarily embrace death. The Orcs believe that this kind of death is the highest honor a fighter can receive. Those who will die in this way will return to the living in a strong body blessed by Moshran.

For the other part of the Orcs, who broke away from Moshran, these days are a time of mourning and despair. They commemorate one of their greatest leaders Drokan Norotar, whom they hold in high esteem as a martyr. A long time ago he united the peaceful clans of the Orcs and he gave them for the first time in history a major voice in the big family of nations. But the neighbors of Drokan Norotars nation mistrusted his assurance that he meant no ill towards them. Under the disguise to enter into negotiations they lured him into a trap and killed him. The young nation soon disintegrated and these circumstances resulted in a lot of suffering for the Orcs.
In remembrance the Orcs smear ash into their faces and cut themselves with swords and dagger at their scalp and hands, as the assassins had cut off the head and the hands of Drokan Norotars; as a symbol that the Orcs were leader- and powerless. With their blood covered faces they intone lamentations ceaselessly throughout all of the six days.

For most of the other races these days have a rather symbolic meaning. Without any kind of celebration animals are sacrificed to appease Moshran and thus they try to turn away harm directed against them. It is customary not to pray. Instead this rite resembles a hush gesture done in silence. After the sacrifice most people remain at home and hope that the days of Mas are soon over that a new year may begin.