How the Horde beganWhen the Horde first appeared at a society event, the three involved (Yang, Bork and Temujin) had not announced their plans. They wore black, brandished knives and were mistaken by the Kingdom for a motorcycle gang (all three of them!). Even after all things were straightened out, there was tension between the Horde and the Kingdom, a tension which has persisted (although in lesser degrees) up to the present. There are those who would like nothing better than to be able to say that they were right, that the Horde is filled with dangerous, vicious animals, ready to turn on the world at the drop of a hat. Therefore, we must act accordingly. Those who flock to our `tugh' (battle standard) expecting freedom from the burdens of courtesy, rules, and responsibility, will be sorely disappointed. We actually require a higher degree of self-discipline, of honor, and of perfection, than most every other group in the Society. The Dark Horde, therefore, is able to mean many things. It means the freedom to choose a persona from any point on the globe. It means equality and respect for each person, regardless of race, sex, age or even allegiance, as our rules regarding courtesy extend to Ch'agua (outsiders) as well as to our fellows. It means camaraderie and friendship: a huge motley family who will rally to your side in times of crisis. But most importantly, it means that we shall never know defeat as long as we cling to our ideals, for the ideals will outlast both ourselves and our opponents. And what are these ideals? The pursuit of perfection, not merely superiority, in all that we do. The pursuit of victory in such a way that both Horde and Kingdom will benefit. The respect of all men, despite personal differences. The creation of a better world by example. If, after taking the above into consideration, you would wish to ride with us, we will greet you as a fellow seeker after perfection. But think long before considering, for each step you take will make it more difficult to turn back. |