Traditions. Part 1.

"It is tradition that before a warrior enters a new dungeon for the first time, that he kiss the pommel of his sword three times while reciting the Oath of Combat. Or, if the fighter uses another type of weapon, then they should kiss the head of it, thrice, while reciting the same oath.

Upon receiving a new shield, it is tradition that a fighter spend one full evening (alone) polishing it with filigree grease if it is predominately metal, or oiling it with a mixture of willow sap and linseed oil if it is wood. During this time, they must not speak to anyone in the party, or their shield may break during their first skirmish.

A new weapon traditionally requires a drop of the new owner’s blood on the blade, as well as an evening in their bed. It should also be given two names: one to be used in polite conversation, the other, when the two are alone, and the person finds they have to give it a bit of a pep talk for letting them down. The secret name is its true name and is descriptive of it inner nature. The public name is for generating interest and fear around such a weapon. Both names should be bold.

When new armour is worn for the first time, tradition dictates the person rub ashes all over it to take away some of its lustre. This does not include, leather or padded armour. Preferably the ashes should be from the forge where it was made. If this is not possible, then any ashes will do, as long as they are still slightly warm. Once the armour is completely lacking in sheen, the wearer must walk backwards through any doorway reciting the prayer of protection in reverse. Once completed the armour can be buffed back up to its original shine.

If however, the armour is primarily made of leather, the tradition is somewhat different, as well as practical. It is to be  soaked in a equal mixture of  ale and horse piss to allow it to soften and mold itself to the wearer's body. 

Traditionally, a newly forged helmet requires a good dousing in sheep’s brains to ward off unlucky head shots. The brains should be mashed into a wooden bucket, along with the eyeballs of the same sheep. A handful of its dung is next, then a flagon of its blood. Mix thoroughly and leave to stand for one full evening. In the morning, while the dew still lies on the ground, submerge the helmet into the bucket and leave until sunset of that evening. Then take it out, give it a good clean, and hey presto, off you go.

When breaking in new pair of leather boots, tradition dictates that you fill them with your own urine to soften the leather, and disguise your scent from devils and demons that seek to waylay you on the road of life. It sounds counterintuitive, masking your scent, with your scent, but I don’t make the traditions, I merely describe them.

When a fighter finds themselves in the lists for hand-to-hand melee, it is tradition that they wipe lampblack under their eyes to ward off the suns glare. Also, they should be clean shaven. This tradition goes back to the times of Xelander the Conqueror, who slew his nemesis with ease, by grabbing him by his beard and lopping off his head." 

Traditions and Trials by Arms by Arik Red-Eye