There were twelve initiates standing in the grassy field, shivering in the cold evening rain. They were all well muscled, tanned young men, dressed in short kilts and shirts. These were the men who had survived. This was to be their final test before they would begin the years of ritual, surgery, testing and training before they truly earned their place amongst the Thunderbirds.
From the tree-line three-hundred some meters away, emerged five massive figures, details obscured by the mist, rain and distance. They walked with a warriors fast stride, heads swiveling, scanning their surroundings. The initiates knew who they were. They were from the Thunderbirds and they were here for them.
The initiates had been taken to the field many hours ago by a Thunderbird in gleaming white armor that had put them all through much pain to test their blood and vital essences. Two had died, screaming, as the Thunderbird found hidden flaws or impurities and ended their lives. However, each of the twelve in that field represented the finest of their generation, and of their own particular tribes and clans. All were hunters or warriors of some form or another and had been doing so for years, since they could hold a bow or spear, or charge into the fray with their elders.
Now they would have their bodies tested, physically and mentally. Legend claimed the Thunderbirds would stalk the initiates for many days in the dense woods and hills that sprawled over much of the world. However, that was just legend and apprehension gripped many of the young men as the giant armored figures strode ever closer.
Finally, the Thunderbirds stood before the crowd of initiates, their dark blue and maroon armor decorated with the bird-man that was their symbol. For several long minutes, not one word was spoken. Then, the Thunderbird in the center spoke.
"I am Tor, brother-captain of the Thunderbird chapter. Survival does not matter here, whether you live does not mean you have earned the right to come with us. It is by my word that you shall pass on and embark on the hardest journey of your lives or cast aside, broken and dead. Many have tried, and many have failed this test."
"In several days, how long I cannot say, you will hear a horn. When you hear that horn, come back to this field and we shall see who is left and how you all have fared. There are no rules, simply elude the five of us,' Tor gestured widely at the four Thunderbirds standing at his sides, 'and survive as best you can. Begin!"
For a long minute, the initiates stood, looking at each other, dumbfounded, until one of the Thunderbirds took a threatening step forward and the twelve took off like the very hounds of hell were on their heels. No one knew what they would do, not just yet, but those that had been hunters were already coming up with thoughts as they entered the tree-line and plunged into the dark forests. It would be more than the Thunderbirds would be hunting them before long, as the forests were home to many terrible beasts and nasty creatures that would be looking for an easy meal.