Ours is the story of many of the great tribes. The legends tell of inspired leaders, striking their own in the wilderness, building their fledging clan to glory and conquest. The legends tell of heroic acts and great deeds, or bravery and cunning. But I know that many of the great clans started because of fractured tribes, regrouping after the great enemies beset them with steel and cannon. There is much honour in the old ways, but I fear that the glory of the orcish crafters—leather and ironbone, obsidian and raw strength—has met its match against the industry of the dwarves and humans. We fight to bring glory to those who have fought before us, but the humans and dwarves do not fight for honour; they clad themselves in metals that were not from glory in combat, and while it shames them to do so, I cannot argue its effectiveness.
I know all this, and I know that many—nay, most—of those who head into the wilderness are never heard of again. They achieve glory and honour in fighting the elements and the great foes, but all that remains of them now is a shattered spear or rusted arrow-head amongst a circle of stones.
But I speak none of this to the others. Despite our homelands being shattered, they are eager and believe they will be the stuff of legends. I look across the barren wilderness and our meagre supplies, and I hope that they are right.
Ours is a band of misfits. No families, no homes, and nothing to lose. There's Vyctryx, an impressive olog, rarely seen, and twice the size of any other in our band; pure muscle and strength, she is the most fearsome thing I've ever seen. In our journey through the wilderness we raided a village for supplies, and she flattened the helm—and the head—of a human warrior with a single strike of her maul. She has appointed herself as warchief, and none dare argue with her decision.
CptCrunchy and Mahrgell are proficient bow-snagas, quick on their feet, and quick with their wits. Once upon a time some tribes regarded snaga poorly, but all of those tribes have since fallen from their beliefs. While not as fearsome with an axe, most snaga seem to have an agility that still makes them deadly foes. Alas, they seem to suffer from the mental affliction that plagues bow-orcs everywhere; I know not why archers choose to forget their arrows, and I know it's not ours. I've walked the dreams of the leaders of the dwarves, and seen their frustration as crossbow-dwarves use their weapon as if it were a mere club. Mahrgell has proven to be handy with a pick, and CptCrunchy with a pen, or so he claims.
Theog is a fine orc. Skilled with a spear, brave in battle. I believe he will go far. We have need of a carpenter, and while none of us have any experience in those ways, Theog has stepped up to that role admirably.
Tarkuul is our tribal crafter. Knowledgeable in the old ways, I've been impressed by her work. Theog and Vyctryx are clad in her lamellar armour, and Theog wields an obsidian spear of Tarkuul's design. She does not have the same lust for glory in combat as others; or maybe she does, and she brings that about through the weapons and armour she creates.
SageEthereal is another dreamwalker, we found her wandering the wilderness, like the rest of our band. She is skilled in the ways of healing, and I am delighted by her company and conversation.
Our new home is secluded. Cold, forested, it reminds many of our number of home, whatever homes we had. We have some basic weapons, some leather and tools, some food and drink, but not much. Despite it being spring, the snow is still thick on the ground, and the river is frozen. In summer it may thaw, and we may go raiding upon it, but for now it provides us nothing, not even fish or fresh water. But these lands are rich in game; ones worthy of a hunt, there are signs of great beasts here, larger even than Vyctryx and her giant maul.
We strike camp at a bend in the river, and as we strike flint to steel for a fire, a star shoots across the sky. I know from my dreams that our destiny is close, and the heavens have given us a sign. The others feel it too. We set about digging a space underground to protect us from the elements, and we discuss The Circle and its design:
While the design varies from clan to clan, The Circle has always been the way of the taiga orcs. Each orc has their own hollow, and as new clansmembers arive or are born, the circle is expanded to accommodate them. The hollows are not just a place to live, but a place to demonstrate skill and worthiness. Every clansmember has a workshop, their own accommodations, and their own trophies, where they display the greatest of their accomplishments. When their day of glory arrives, a celebration is held for their ascent to the Fields of Battle, and their remains are interned amongst their trophies and masterpieces, and sealed for good. The greatest of clans have many rings of great warriors who have ascended, and the surface of such circles have the greatest of shrines.
We dig the first layers of The Circle, but we also sink a shaft to see what may lie below. The stars have indeed shown favour upon us:
Obsidian! The cooled blood of the earth! The greatest of warriors have caskets made of this black glass, and it has long been crafted into the sharpest of claws and
macuahuitl. But that's not the only discovery that awaits underground. We breech a cavern complex not far underground. It has fresh water, and a great deal of mineral wealth:
Above ground, CptCrunchy shows the bravery of the clan. While felling a tree, he is set upon by a monstrous cat. The size of a giant, but CptCrunchy shows no fear, and wounds it, but not without his own injuries. It is a great honour for him to have his blood spilled in combat upon the grounds of our new home.
Theog hears the sound of battle, and is quickly upon the scene, disabling the beast quickly with his spearorcship:
There are more of the enormous cats in the woods, and even though they tower over her in size, Vyctryx quickly proves her worth, slaying two of them:
The skulls of these beasts are incredible; Theog tells me that even while unconscious, the spirit of his beast clung to its body despite dozens of strikes to the skull. It was only when Vyctryx crushed it with terribly force did it eventually die:
This is a great day for us, the giant cats shall provide us with meat for many months to come, and their remains shall continue to be honoured as they are fashioned into much needed armour and decorations. Their skulls shall be fine trophies indeed for CptCrunchy, Theog, and Vyctryx.
Orcish thoughts and personalities
Mahgell
`Mahrgell' Udualatuum has been quite content lately. He gave somebody food lately. He slept without a proper room recently. He talked with a friend lately. He has complained of the lack of chairs lately. He has complained of the lack of dining tables lately. He was caught in a snow storm recently. He has been satisfied at work lately.
He is a faithful worshipper of Zatalat Cloakedlied the Night of Ruthlessness and a casual worshipper of Glogh Dentedvolcanic the Frenzies of Smoking.
He is a citizen of The Gluttonous Evil. He is a member of The Profanity of Shocking. He arrived at Krishumpagduul on the 1st of Granite in the year 101.
He is thirty-six years old, born on the 21st of Malachite in the year 65.
He is average in size. His dark taupe hair is extremely long. His ears are slightly flattened. His skin is olive. His eyes are russet.
He is clumsy.
`Mahrgell' Udualatuum likes pure native aluminum, welded cobalt, bone of armok, nautilus shell, bodkin arrows, taiga sabrecats for their silver dappled fur and largemouth bass for their large mouth. When possible, he prefers to consume magma crab and longland tea. He absolutely detests toads.
He has an amazing spatial sense, a sharp intellect and an ability to read emotions fairly well.
He is often nervous. He cracks easily under pressure. He tends to avoid crowds. He does not have a great aesthetic sensitivity. He lacks confidence. He is self-disciplined. He acts impulsively. He likes working outdoors and grumbles only mildly at inclement weather.
A powerful humanoid creature with violent tendencies. Taiga Orcs build their strongholds in the twilight lands at the margins of the world. Snaga have mixed Goblin blood and are treated as an inferior caste, although they are quite agile and make fine bow-orcs.
Theog
`Theog' Gashalatuum has been quite content lately. He made a friend recently. He slept very uneasily due to noise lately. He slept in a good bedroom recently. He has been annoyed by flies. He admired a fine Bed lately. He has been satisfied at work lately. He was caught in a snow storm recently.
He is a worshipper of Shamat Shadowunseen and a worshipper of Amalatab.
He is a citizen of The Gluttonous Evil. He is a member of The Profanity of Shocking. He arrived at Krishumpagduul on the 1st of Granite in the year 101.
He is thirty-five years old, born on the 16th of Hematite in the year 66.
His dark taupe hair is extremely long. He is tall. His slightly protruding russet eyes have thin irises. His head is somewhat tall. His ears have small lobes. His eyes are somewhat narrow. His somewhat long nose is slightly hooked. His skin is olive.
`Theog' Gashalatuum likes orpiment, steampowered, fire gem, blowdarts, goblets and pekyts for their tough hides. When possible, he prefers to consume lobster and sunberry juice. He absolutely detests red sand leeches.
He has an amazing spatial sense, a very good feel for social relationships, very good intuition and a feel for music, but he has poor focus and poor empathy.
He occasionally overindulges. He appreciates art and natural beauty. He dislikes intellectual discussions. He is trusting. He is candid and sincere in dealings with others. He is easily moved to pity. When he's bored, he often scratches his nose. He has a very distinct laugh for when he's excited. He likes working outdoors and grumbles only mildly at inclement weather.
A powerful humanoid creature with violent tendencies. Taiga Orcs build their strongholds in the twilight lands at the margins of the world.
CptCrunchy
`CptCrunchy' Kratalaghakh has been quite content lately. He received food recently. He has complained of thirst lately. He talked with a friend lately. He has been satisfied at work lately. He was caught in a snow storm recently.
He is a dubious worshipper of Amalatab and a worshipper of Amalatab.
He is a citizen of The Gluttonous Evil. He is a member of The Profanity of Shocking. He is the sergeant of The Profanity of Shocking. He is the master scribe of The Profanity of Shocking. He arrived at Krishumpagduul on the 1st of Granite in the year 101.
He is thirty-two years old, born on the 26th of Moonstone in the year 69.
His big toe, right foot is fractured. His big toe, right foot is smashed open. His ring finger, right hand is fractured. His ring finger, right hand is smashed open. His right hand is dented. His left forearm is dented. His right foot is dented.
He is average in size. His russet eyes are slightly protruding. His dark taupe hair is extremely long. His nose is narrow. His head is somewhat narrow. His lips are somewhat thin. His third toe, right foot is gone. His skin is olive. His left forearm bears a massive straight scar. His right hand bears a massive curving scar. His right foot bears a very long straight scar.
He is flimsy.
`CptCrunchy' Kratalaghakh likes silver bearing rock, bloodsteel, ice gem, mountain goat horn, the color pale brown, bridges, genies for their magic powers and nether horror for their ability to turn people into eldritch horros. Seriously, what is wrong with that dwarf. When possible, he prefers to consume prickleberry juice and rope reed seeds. He absolutely detests bog crawlers.
He has an iron will and a sharp intellect, but he has an iffy memory, a very bad sense of empathy and little natural inclination toward music.
He occasionally overindulges. He is assertive. He loves a good thrill. He does not have a great aesthetic sensitivity. He prefers familiar routines. He dislikes intellectual discussions. He believes that some deception is necessary in relationships with others. He finds helping others rewarding. He is immodest. He is not affected by the suffering of others. He is occasionally given to procrastination. He blows his breath out when he's annoyed. He likes working outdoors and grumbles only mildly at inclement weather. He is getting used to tragedy.
A powerful humanoid creature with violent tendencies. Taiga Orcs build their strongholds in the twilight lands at the margins of the world. Snaga have mixed Goblin blood and are treated as an inferior caste, although they are quite agile and make fine bow-orcs.
Vyctryx
`Vyctryx' Buurgolgashnaak has been quite content lately. She slept very uneasily due to noise lately. She slept without a proper room recently. She has been satisfied at work lately. She talked with a friend lately. She has complained of the lack of chairs lately. She has complained of the lack of dining tables lately. She took joy in slaughter lately. She was caught in a snow storm recently.
She is a faithful worshipper of Zatalat Cloakedlied the Night of Ruthlessness and an ardent worshipper of Amalatab.
She is a citizen of The Gluttonous Evil. She is a member of The Profanity of Shocking. She is the warchief of The Profanity of Shocking. She arrived at Krishumpagduul on the 1st of Granite in the year 101.
She is thirty-three years old, born on the 18th of Galena in the year 68.
Her dark taupe hair is extremely long. She is tall. Her somewhat narrow russet eyes have thin irises. Her nose is hooked. Her head is somewhat tall. Her ears have small lobes. Her skin is olive.
She is amazingly agile, but she is very quick to tire.
`Vyctryx' Buurgolgashnaak likes grand acid gem, stone, small toxic gem, mangrove wood, mountain tuskox hoof, the color black, amulets and ironclad badgerdogs for their fierce loyalty. When possible, she prefers to consume purring maggot, shad, cheese and rat weed tea. She absolutely detests rats.
She has an amazing spatial sense, but she has a meager kinesthetic sense and a large deficit of willpower.
She rarely feels discouraged. She is self-conscious. She is not a risk-taker. She is immodest. She likes working outdoors and grumbles only mildly at inclement weather. She is getting used to tragedy.
A powerful humanoid creature with violent tendencies. Taiga Orcs build their strongholds in the twilight lands at the margins of the world. Olog are a caste of thick-skinned brutes from the deepest mountains, slow to learn most tasks. They are deadly with blunt weapons, and surprisingly fond of working quietly with stone or jewels.
Tarkuul
`Tarkuul' Urbbuurb has been quite content lately. She made a friend recently. She slept uneasily due to noise lately. She slept in a good bedroom recently. She had a fine drink lately. She has complained of thirst lately. She was irritated to be forced to talk to a pillar of society recently. She has complained of the lack of chairs lately. She has complained of the lack of dining tables lately. She was caught in a snow storm recently. She has been satisfied at work lately.
She is a worshipper of Radbur Dropletflowered and an ardent worshipper of Shaguurz the Mysterious Twilight.
She is a citizen of The Gluttonous Evil. She is a member of The Profanity of Shocking. She is the former clan leader of The Profanity of Shocking. She arrived at Krishumpagduul on the 1st of Granite in the year 101.
She is twenty-seven years old, born on the 9th of Opal in the year 74.
She is average in size. Her dark taupe hair is extremely long. Her nose is narrow. Her ears are somewhat broad. Her head is somewhat tall. Her skin is olive. Her eyes are russet. Her eyes are somewhat narrow.
She is agile.
`Tarkuul' Urbbuurb likes lignite, lay pewter, small acid gem, storm aurochs hoof, dices and ironclad cragtooth boars for their amazing sense of smell. When possible, she prefers to consume turtle dove, orcish pear cider and roasted seeds. She absolutely detests larks.
She has a deep well of patience, a great feel for the surrounding space, very good creativity, a lot of willpower and the ability to focus, but she has a little difficulty with words, an iffy memory, poor empathy and a poor ability to manage or understand social relationships.
She is often nervous. She prefers to be alone. She is often cheerful. She has a fertile imagination. She is open-minded to new ideas. She is put off by authority and tradition. She is easily moved to pity. When she's thinking, she has a tendency to chew on her cheek. She mutters under her breath when she's nervous. She laughs in a unique way whenever she's annoyed. She likes working outdoors and grumbles only mildly at inclement weather.
A powerful humanoid creature with violent tendencies. Taiga Orcs build their strongholds in the twilight lands at the margins of the world. Snaga have mixed Goblin blood and are treated as an inferior caste, although they are quite agile and make fine bow-orcs.
Tarrlox (McTeellox's Orcish name)
`Tarrlox' Hoshamatbugh has been ecstatic lately. He slept very uneasily due to noise lately. He slept without a proper room recently. He has complained of thirst lately. He talked with a lover lately. He became caught up in a new romance recently. He has been annoyed by flies. He has been satisfied at work lately. He was caught in a snow storm recently.
He is romantically involved with `SageEthereal' Harvesterplagued. He is an ardent worshipper of Zatalat Cloakedlied the Night of Ruthlessness and a worshipper of Zatalat Cloakedlied the Night of Ruthlessness.
He is a citizen of The Gluttonous Evil. He is a member of The Profanity of Shocking. He is the clan leader of The Profanity of Shocking. He is the clanspeaker of The Profanity of Shocking. He is the sergeant of The Profanity of Shocking. He arrived at Krishumpagduul on the 1st of Granite in the year 101.
He is forty-one years old, born on the 23rd of Felsite in the year 60.
He is scrawny. His dark taupe hair is extremely long. His close-set russet eyes are bulging. He has a round chin. His narrow nose is hooked. His eyes have thin irises. His skin is olive.
He is indefatigable and quite quick to heal, but he is weak and very flimsy.
`Tarrlox' Hoshamatbugh likes mutilated, exploding, black diamond, roach fish tooth, quivers and mountain tuskoxen for their wide stature. When possible, he prefers to consume shrimp, nether wine and lich meal. He absolutely detests green blood worms.
He has very good intuition, a sum of patience, a good spatial sense and a good memory, but he has really poor focus.
He is very friendly. He is not a risk-taker. He regards intellectual exercises as a waste of energy. He is compassionate. He has a strong sense of duty. He cracks his knuckles when he's bored. He likes working outdoors and grumbles only mildly at inclement weather.
A powerful humanoid creature with violent tendencies. Taiga Orcs build their strongholds in the twilight lands at the margins of the world. Dreamwalkers are physically frail and are often exiled from feral warbands. The settled Taiga clans, however, value the Dreamwalkers wisdom and unique ability to absorb powerful magics from places of power.
Sage Ethereal
`SageEthereal' Ashnagughorn has been ecstatic lately. She slept uneasily due to noise lately. She slept without a proper room recently. She became caught up in a new romance recently. She talked with a friend lately. She has been annoyed by flies. She has complained of the lack of chairs lately. She has complained of the lack of dining tables lately. She was caught in a snow storm recently. She has been satisfied at work lately.
She is romantically involved with `Tarrlox' Serpentinejackals. She is a dubious worshipper of Urzump and a worshipper of Shamat Shadowunseen.
She is a citizen of The Gluttonous Evil. She is a member of The Profanity of Shocking. She is the shaman of The Profanity of Shocking. She arrived at Krishumpagduul on the 1st of Granite in the year 101.
She is forty-one years old, born on the 26th of Granite in the year 60.
Her dark taupe hair is extremely long. She is tall. Her russet eyes are close-set. Her eyebrows are extremely long. Her small-lobed ears are somewhat tall. Her ears are slightly flattened. Her skin is olive.
She is slow to heal.
`SageEthereal' Ashnagughorn likes scarlet lacquered, welded wolfram, fire gem, acid, blowdarts, mail shirts, catapult parts and animated hammers for their ability to float. When possible, she prefers to consume polar bear and mead. She absolutely detests black sand leeches.
She has a very good feel for social relationships and a feel for music, but she has bad intuition and lousy creativity.
She is often nervous. She occasionally overindulges. She appreciates art and natural beauty. She has a good awareness of her own emotions. She finds helping others rewarding. She is disorganized. She laughs very loudly whenever she's surprised. She likes working outdoors and grumbles only mildly at inclement weather.
A powerful humanoid creature with violent tendencies. Taiga Orcs build their strongholds in the twilight lands at the margins of the world. Dreamwalkers are physically frail and are often exiled from feral warbands. The settled Taiga clans, however, value the Dreamwalkers wisdom and unique ability to absorb powerful magics from places of power.
UnholinessSparked is a thematic embark based upon the Orc Fortress (rebalanced) beta.
For a list of orcs, links to story posts, and more, check out the UnholinessSparked wiki page
