Orc Government

The Ranking System of Burz'kal

The Warchief

The Warchief is the supreme leader of Burz'Kal, chosen through strength, wisdom, proven leadership, and devotion to Gruumsh. They command the Clan in war, settle disputes, oversee relations with outsiders, and bear ultimate responsibility for the strength and survival of the Orcs. The Warchief's word is law, and to openly challenge that authority is to challenge their right to lead.

The Warshaman

The Warshaman is the highest spiritual authority of Burz'Kal and the foremost interpreter of Gruumsh's will. They oversee the Clan's rites, traditions, sacrifices, and sacred teachings while advising its leadership through omens, visions, and spiritual counsel. The Warshaman also guards the Clan against corruption and is responsible for ensuring that the Orcs remain upon the path laid before them by Gruumsh.

Thupar

The Thupars are the leaders of Burz'Kal's three great Orders: the Bloodsworn, Dush-Hai, and Lazgul. Each commands and oversees their own Order, maintaining its traditions, training its members, and representing its interests before the Clan. Together, the three Thupars form the Council of Thupars, sharing responsibility for the leadership of Burz'Kal.

A Thupar is expected to embody the strengths of their school and command the respect of those beneath them. Their position is earned rather than inherited, and a Thupar who proves weak or unworthy may find their right to lead challenged.

Bloodsworn

The Bloodsworn are the warriors of Burz'Kal and form the backbone of its fighting force. An Orc earns a place among them through courage, martial ability, and service to the Clan. Upon proving themselves, a Bloodsworn may be granted a weapon forged from sacred Bloodrock, marking their acceptance as a proven warrior of Burz'Kal. The Bloodsworn also train younger Orcs in warfare, discipline, and the responsibilities expected of those who fight for the Clan.

Lazgul

The Lazgul are the shamans and spiritual warriors of Burz'Kal, drawing their power through faith in Gruumsh rather than the arcane. They conduct rites, interpret omens, preserve sacred traditions, and invoke Gruumsh's blessings in both war and peace. Through their teachings and example, the Lazgul are responsible for maintaining the spiritual strength of the Clan and ensuring that its Orcs remain faithful to the laws of Gruumsh.

Dush Hai

The Dush-Hai are Burz'Kal's practitioners of arcane magic. Unlike the Lazgul, their power does not come directly from Gruumsh, but through mastery of arcane and elemental forces. Their path demands study, experimentation, and discipline, making them scholars and specialists as much as weapons of war. They are often called upon when the Clan faces magical threats or requires knowledge beyond the understanding of other Orcs.

Makur

The Makurs are the craftsmen and builders of Burz'Kal. They forge weapons and armor, construct fortifications, maintain the Clan's tools, and transform the resources of the land into whatever Burz'Kal requires. Their work is considered an essential form of service to the Clan, with the greatest among them earning considerable respect for their skill. The Makers are led by the Headmakur, who oversees their work and ensures the needs of Burz'Kal are met.

Unbloodied

The Unbloodied, commonly called Pugs, are Orcs who have not yet earned their place within one of Burz'Kal's schools. They may be young Orcs coming of age, newcomers from other clans, or others who have yet to prove themselves. Through service, trials, combat, and acts benefiting the Clan, an Unbloodied may prove their worth and be accepted into the Bloodsworn, Dush-Hai, Lazgul, or another respected calling within Burz'Kal.