Burz'Kal Hont-Ob: The Tribe
Burz'Kal Hont-Ob: The Tribe
Orc Society
The Tribe is second most important aspect of orc life. For without the tribe, how can one survive? All orcs understand that it is not only the strength of the individual, but the strength of the many, that decides the the fulfillment of the promise of Gruumsh. As such the tribe represents the single minded dedication to Gruumsh. In the tribe all things are shared. Orcs have no real concept of economics. It is also a meritocracy at it's finest, the strongest are rewarded with the finer weapons and armor. Though food and drink are readily given to all, Orcs covet their gear, as it is their status symbol, their trophies in service to the All-Goth. Life in the tribe can be harsh at times, as the demand for constant bettering of one's self and the tribe can lead to serious in fighting at times, but these situations only occur when the Warchief or Warshaman is seen as too weak to continue leading the tribe. In normal times, a day in the life of an Orc is filled with fighting, worship, and gathering materials for the makers of the tribe. Games of drinking and eating are also a common occurrence and usually end when one is incapacitated. When the Warchief feels it is time, a Ride will be called, it is at this time that all warriors and shamans of the tribe ride into the "civilized lands" and demand tribute to bring for Gruumsh. Individual Orcs are encouraged to ride on their own, getting to know the land and fighting to better themselves, though a captured orc is a dead orc. (Unless they are able to escape). Very few orcs venture away from the tribe, as the tribal mentality is so ingrained in them, that the thought of being away from the tribe is in fact being far away from Gruumsh. Orcs that leave the tribe are considered traitors before the eyes of Gruumsh and are declared the greatest of enemies. No mercy is shown to them and their deaths will be incredibly slow and painful.
Gatherings, Rituals and Rites
The number and types of rituals and rites performed are many. Most shamans have their own personal rituals that they will perform at any point in time. These are considered lesser rituals and are too numerous to mention. There are a few major events and rituals that the Orcs hold at certain times
The Ride: The Ride is the fundamental gathering of the tribe. The orcs gather at the call of the Warchief and ride into the world to perform their sacred duty of culling the weak and collecting Tribute from the other races so that they may please Gruumsh. The Ride also serves as a test for the orcs themselves to see who performs best in combat and thus determine who is ready to be rewarded (or punished). The Ride is usually called once or twice a Moon cycle, it really depends on the Warchief.
The Great Tribute: The Great Tribute is grand ritual of the Orcs. Performed at the beginning of each full moon, all tribute that has been gathered over the previous moon cycle is gathered and ritualistically given to Gruumsh. More useful items such as weapons and armor are given as trophies to the warriors who have shown their strength. Less useful items are given out to the tribe as needed or thrown into the caldera of Burz'kal. The Warshaman leads this ritual in conjunction with all other lesser shaman.
The Rite of Blood: The Rite of Blood in the challenge given when one orc feels that he is stronger than another and thus entitled to a claim. Usually this is over a particular piece of gear or in more dire cases, position of leadership. To keep this from being a case of simple bullying, The Warchief or Warshaman must decide if the challenge is just before the fight can occur. In the case of the Warshaman or Warchief being challenged for leadership, the challenge cannot be declined and results in the sacrifice of the loser to Gruumsh (*Note* If a challenge is issued to the Warchief or Warshaman, the loser accepts that their character will be Perma-dead, re-rolls will be at staff discretion, I cannot speak for them) (*Note2* Non-leadership challenges do not have to involve combat, IE a maker competition or story telling)
These are the most notable gatherings, rites and rituals of the orcs, however some other events are Blessed Ore Smelting, Bonfire nights and Hunts. These events can happen at any time and do not have to be led by the Warchief or Warshaman.
Tribal Hierarchy and Law
Within the tribe, like any other culture, there is a noted hierarchy and a few laws to regulate and lead the Orcs in the proper direction. The Hierarchy is as follows.
Warchief- The Warchief is the last word on all decisions for the Tribe. He is the undisputed champion and strongest of all orcs. It is at his discretion as to what direction the Tribe will take, though a smart Warcheif will listen to his Warshaman.
Warshaman- The Warshaman is the religious authority of the tribe. It is under his watchful eye that the tribe and Warcheif are headed in the proper direction as so to please Gruumsh. The Warshaman oversees all rituals and usually serves as arbitrator and speaker for the tribe in matters dealing with other races
Thupar- Thupar are the elite guard of the Tribe, and as such serve as commander of the Greenskins and Lazgul. There are only two Thupar at any given time and answer directly to the Warchief and Warshaman. These are probably the strongest orcs of the tribe save the Warchief, and command great respect. The position, however, can sometimes be short lived. This is usually the best many orcs can hope and thus there is much competetion. Though few understand it, The Thupar is possibly the most difficult position of leadership, not only being directly responsible for thier underlings, but they are forced to be at their peak at all times, less a more cunning Orc were to claim their title. Lazgul and Greenskins may become a Thupar
Greenskin- The Greenskin is the main force of the tribe. He is a battle tested warrior and his strength has been proven. It is when an Orc is made a Greenskin that he is given a weapon of Bloodrock, the sacred metal of Gruumsh. They are also the instructors in ways of combat for young orcs who have not earned their place.
Lazgul- The Lazgul are the Orcs that show the ability to manifest the will of Gruumsh. Also known as the shamans, they serve under the warshaman much in the same capacity that the Greenskins serve the Warchief and as such hold the same place in society.
Maker- Behind every great society there are those that build. If the Greenskins are the fist of the Tribe, the the Makers are surely the backbone. Since the earliest encounters with Humans, the makers have learned to bend metal and wood, sew and tan leather all to serve the Tribe in it's great promise. Given the Orcish philosophy of strength, the orcish armory is filled with some of the deadliest weapons around. The makers are organized by the Headmaker who works with the Thupar to oversee the needs of the Tribe.
Young Orcs that have not been given a proper place in the tribe serve as auxiliary forces and are usually resigned to doing grunt work for the tribe when they are not training for battle, be that mining for ore or chopping wood or tending to the herds. It is on them to earn their place in the tribe.
Laws of the Tribe
There are five simple laws that the orcs live by
1. Gruumsh Above All Things: Without Gruumsh, there is no life
2. Tribe Above The Orc: Without the Tribe, There is no Orc
3. Grow Strong, Learn Much: Strength and knowledge of the world pleases Gruumsh and only serve his purpose
4. Cull the Weak: Weakness is to be weeded out. Only the strong survive.
5. Treachery is worse than weakness: A traitorous Orc will suffer a fate worse than death.
