The true inhabitants of Alhandria
Unbridled passion, wild might and tribal focus. You cannot deny the orcs.
As far as can be remember, they were the first race of Alhandria. They are part of her and she protects her children.
Apart from the H’irth Elves and some select human families, most live in peace with the Orcs.
Everyone recognise the sacrifice their people have made in the Great Fall. Entire tribes was lost to the undead hordes and the apathy of the Houses of the H’irth, ensure that very little was done, to aid the orcs. To this day, the Dwarves of Krulnaro and the Wood Elves of the Northern Savannas, still give more than they should, to help restore the name of the Orcs.
Tribes
\\ Jackal aka Silent wanderers
Habitat: Savannas
Colour: Golden, Black, Brown
Traits: Cunning. Resourceful, Territorial, Caring.
Groups: 1-2 in smallest groups.
\\ Hyena aka Bone crushers
Habitat: Desert
Colour: Sandy, Brown, Black
Traits: Powerful and strong, great senses.
Groups: 1-2 in smallest groups.
\\ Vulture aka Sky watchers
Habitat: Wide range (Desert, coast, savannas)
Colour: Black, White, Light grey, Tan, Brown
Traits: Great team workers. Scout larger areas from high above in the sky. Rarely speak and uses a range of grunts and hisses to convey subtle messages.
Groups: 1-5 in smallest groups.
\\ Crab aka Rough skins
Habitat: Coast and sea.
Colour: Blue, Brown, light grey, Brown
Traits: Hardened skin with exoskeleton that forms. Can live and breathe underwater. Use scissor like attacks with weapons to great effect. Drums and slap on hardened body parts to send messages. Slow regeneration, that allows them to regrow limbs or major damage.
Groups: 4-7 in smallest groups.
- Culture:
They have a strong tribal culture, one where they celebrate death and believe in rebirth. Tattoos adorn the body of an orc, depending on which clan they originate from. An orc can gain the mark of another tribe, if they fought with them in battle or have aided them in a significant matter. The greater the achievements of the person, the more expansive and intricate is the pattern.
The orc Shamanistic society is a community of orcs that adheres to the principles and practices of shamanism. Shamanism is a spiritual and mystical belief system found in various cultures around the world, emphasizing a connection with the natural world and the spirit realm. The four laws of shamanism are principles that guide shamanic practitioners in their understanding and interactions with these realms. While the specific details of an orc Shamanistic society may vary depending on the fictional setting, I can provide a general overview:
- Law of Connection: The first law of shamanism emphasizes the interconnectedness of all things. In an orc Shamanistic society, this law would mean that the orcs view themselves as part of a larger web of life, deeply connected to the natural world, the spirits, and their ancestors. They believe that all beings, both seen and unseen, have a spiritual essence and that maintaining harmonious relationships with these entities is crucial.
- Law of Reciprocity: The law of reciprocity highlights the importance of maintaining balance and exchange. In the context of an orc Shamanistic society, this law would govern their interactions with the spirits and the natural world. The orcs understand that for every favor or request made to the spirits, there must be an appropriate offering or reciprocation. They engage in rituals, ceremonies, and offerings to show their respect and gratitude to the spirits and to maintain the delicate balance between the physical and spiritual realms.
- Law of Power: The law of power refers to the understanding and responsible use of personal power. In an orc Shamanistic society, this law would guide the orcs’ relationship with their own spiritual abilities and the power they derive from the spirits. Shamans, who act as intermediaries between the spiritual and physical realms, are highly respected in this society. They undergo extensive training and initiation rituals to harness their spiritual power and use it for the betterment of the community. The orcs recognize that power should be wielded with wisdom, integrity, and humility.
- Law of Change: The law of change acknowledges the dynamic nature of existence and the inevitability of transformation. In an orc Shamanistic society, this law would encompass the orcs’ understanding of cycles, seasons, and the ebb and flow of life. They believe that change is a natural and necessary part of the world, and through their spiritual practices, they seek to align themselves with these natural rhythms. Orc shamans guide their community through times of transition, such as birth, death, and significant events, helping them navigate and adapt to the changes occurring in their lives.
In summary, an orc Shamanistic society would be characterized by a deep reverence for nature, a strong connection with the spirit realm, and a commitment to upholding the four laws of shamanism. Through their rituals, ceremonies, and spiritual practices, the orcs strive to maintain balance, harmonious relationships, and spiritual growth for both individuals and the community as a whole.
Religion
The life of Alhandria, the spirits that run with the winds, walk with the animals and grow with the trees. The orcs embrace the spirits, especially the spirit of the animal their tribe aligns with.
The Shamans perform a variety of functions. They heal, leading a sacrifices to the spirits, preserving the tradition by storytelling and songs, fortune-telling and acting as a guide of souls.
They holy grounds, where they commune with Alhandria’s spirits, sites they freely share with wood elves of the north and others who have embraced the voice of nature.
- Weapons:
They use weapons they can create from nature’s gifts. Rarely using blades and if they do, it will be obsidian or sharpened bone.
They normally use from the weapon list below:
- Spears
- Bows
- Daggers
- Clubs
- Slings
- Bolas
- Martial Arts. A fighting style, disguised as a dance.
Poisons used with weapons are mostly used to disable or weaken enemies. In extreme cases deadly toxins are employed.
Imbuing weapons, armour or artifacts of great power is done, but not without counsel and approval of elders.
One cannot bestow a object of power to someone who does not respect it.
- Magic:
The shamanistic magical focus controls the major control of divine magic in the orcish tribes.
There are others who have taken up druidic paths of magic and some warriors who grew into the barbarian magics. Accessed through rage and alignment with spirits of nature’s fury.
They actively dispel or create wards against arcane an magics of necrotic nature.
- Medicine and Science:
Herbalism
They use natural plants and animal parts to great effect to heal and enhance mental and physical attributes.
Many herbalist and alchemist travel to the tribes to gain their knowledge.
To gain access to they training of the orcs’ knowledge, you must serve the tribe and gain the blessings of the elders.
- Demographic breakdown:
