Motsham-Koh: History
Motsham-Koh: A History
"The Orcs are a people often misunderstood, and more often still, derided by those who fancy themselves more "civilized." It is true that their way of life is starkly different from our own, and their concept of time may seem crude to those who chart the passing of the world with minutes, hours, and years. The Orcs, however, do not tether themselves to such constructs. They measure their lives by the seasons, the cycles of the moon, and the eternal rhythm of the earth. Their history is not etched in ink on parchment nor stored away in grand archives. Instead, it is carried within their hearts, passed from elder to young, and told around the fires that warm them on the eve of battle or victory. They live their history, and each struggle they overcome, each scar earned, becomes part of the story they weave. Mock them at your own peril, for theirs is not a history you can simply capture in a dusty tome, nor something you can measure by the weight of years. Deride them if you choose, but their oral tradition is born not from ignorance but from a deep connection to the world they inhabit. There is no need for them to leave behind written records, left to gather dust in some forgotten archive, because their story is always alive, always being forged. They do not dwell on the past or seek to immortalize their deeds in books—they look forward, their eyes ever fixed on the path ahead, charging into the future with the strength and ferocity that only they can muster. And for that, I will respect them. Their way may be beyond our understanding, but it is no less valuable, no less worthy of recognition. The Orcs will not leave behind a library for the world to study in quiet reverence. Instead, they will leave behind a legacy carved into the bones of the land and the hearts of those who face them. That is their history."
Valion Aradhril, Champion of Valor, Order of the Valiant Shield, in the Aftermath of the destruction of Olverton
The Beginning
In the primordial days of the Orcs, all were united under the oppressive dominion of Igneos, the ancient fire elemental, whose power was born from the molten heart of the world. The Orcs were bathed in the heat, darkness, and brimstone of the volcanic fortress, and from this hellish landscape emerged the Shadowclan, a cruel faction of orcs shaped by the fury of Igneos. As the volcano erupted and spread its fire across the land, the Shadowclan spilled forth from their mountain stronghold, bringing destruction to all in their path. For a time, they seemed unstoppable, raiding and pillaging across the world. Only the combined might of Man, Elf, and Dwarf was able to push them back into the fiery depths from which they came. In the deep shadows of the earth, hidden beneath layers of volcanic rock, the Orcs lived in servitude to Igneos, bound to his will. It was in these depths that the first Orc shaman heard the voice of Gruumsh, the All-Goth, calling to him through the earth. The call was a whisper at first, carried on the faint tremors of the land. Gruumsh promised freedom from the shadowy chains of Igneos, a life under his protection and dominion rather than under the tyranny of the fire elemental. In the open night sky, beneath the stars for the first time in his life, this chosen Orc pledged himself to Gruumsh, vowing to lead his people out of the darkness and into the light of the All-Goth’s power. More and more Orcs heard Gruumsh’s call, a quiet but undeniable promise of liberation. These Orcs, who had been born in the darkness of the volcanic depths, gathered in secret. Their worship and teachings of Gruumsh were hidden from the fiends and the Orcs still loyal to Igneos. The risk was great, for any who were caught would face certain death. But the promise of freedom was too strong to ignore, and these secret gatherings marked the beginning of a rebellion that would forever change the fate of their people.
The Breaking of Chains
The Orcs of Gruumsh, armed with the divine power of their new god, rose up from the depths. It was a brutal and bloody battle, as they fought not only against the forces of Igneos but against their own kin—Orcs who still remained loyal to the Shadowclan and the fire elemental. The shamans of Gruumsh, empowered by his divine gifts, became the backbone of the rebellion, using their newfound abilities to break the chains that bound their fellow Orcs. As the rebellion gained momentum, more Orcs joined the cause, and the battle for freedom surged through the volcanic caverns. With each victory, they freed more of their kin, breaking the hold of the Shadowclan and weakening Igneos's grip. Eventually, the Orcs of Gruumsh managed to escape the volcanic fortress, leading a massive exodus of liberated Orcs to the surface. Fleeing southward, they scattered across the wild lands, with some Orcs choosing to settle in the swamps, jungles, mountains, plains, and even the deserts. However, the shamans of Gruumsh were guided by their god’s vision, and they led a group of Orcs to a new home—a mighty volcano known as Burz’kal. This sacred place, resonating with the primal power of the earth and fire, became their stronghold and the spiritual heart of their people.
The Gathering of Clans
As time passed, many of the scattered clans rose and fell. Some sought to gain power through conquest, while others chose to withdraw from the world and pursue enlightenment. However, through blood, blade, and the divine power of Gruumsh, Clan Burz'kal grew to be the most powerful of all the Orcish clans. Under the leadership of their Warchief and Warshaman, they became the pinnacle of Orcish culture, respected and feared by all others. The strength and prestige of Burz'kal attracted the attention of other clans, and soon a system emerged. Clans from the swamps, jungles, mountains, plains, and deserts began to send their best warriors to Burz'kal to compete for the honor of joining the mighty clan. These warriors would fight in brutal contests, proving their worth in the eyes of Gruumsh. Any clan that produced a warrior deemed worthy enough to join Burz'kal received the blessings of the shamans and the praise of Gruumsh himself. For those clans unable to provide warriors, tribute in the form of resources—metal for weapons, food, and lumber for the fortresses—was offered instead. These contributions also earned Gruumsh’s favor, and the tribute fueled the ever-growing power of the Orcish horde of Burz’kal, strengthening their armory, feeding their warriors, and ensuring their dominance.
Current Times
In the present day, the Orcish horde of Clan Burz'kal remains a powerful force, ever vigilant against its foes, both external and internal. The ancient rivalry with the Shadowclan, who still serve the fiery will of Igneos, continues to fuel their determination, as does the persistent threat of undead and other lurking dangers. While historically the Orcs of Burz'kal fought fierce skirmishes against the Elves, Humans, and Dwarves, modern times have seen an uneasy truce settle between these races and the Orcs. Though this truce allows for a fragile peace, it is one built on mistrust rather than understanding. There are certainly those among the Elves, Humans, and Dwarves that still see the Orcs as dangerous and untamed, failing to differentiate them from the Shadowclan, who remain enslaved to Igneos. This misunderstanding has prevented true cooperation from forming, as some of the other races view all Orcs as part of the same looming threat. However, the Orcs of Burz’kal, while not openly hostile, continue to guard their lands fiercely, and they remain wary of outsiders. For the Orcs, Gruumsh's mandate is clear: they must defend their home and their honor, but they will not hesitate to show their strength if provoked. Despite this tension, the clans from the swamps, mountains, jungles, plains, and deserts still come to Burz'kal with their tributes, seeking the favor of Gruumsh and protection from the Warchief. The Warchief of Burz’kal acts as the final authority in matters of inter-clan disputes and holds the power to settle grievances. In times of conflict between the clans, the Warchief’s word is law, ensuring Orcish unity remains intact in a world that watches them with suspicion. Though the Orcs maintain their own independence, they understand that they must navigate the delicate balance of external pressures while remaining true to the teachings of Gruumsh and their warrior heritage.
