Orc Clan System

Mostly found in lands generally not inhabited by other humanoid, such as high points in mountains and deep within forests, orcs are a self-reliant clan based group with several different factions. Although particular customs do differ from clan to clan, they are each led by two figures: the Warrior Hand, who generally is male and the Shaman Tongue, who generally is female. Although it is customary for the shaman to rule during their whole life, the Warrior Hand may be challenged by any high ranking male warrior for a duel to the death, in which the stake is leadership.

The orcs are a proud race that frowns upon any contact with other races unless it is completely necessary. Each clan will not adhere to each other's laws, but they will always follow an intricate and strict honor code that guides their action within and outside of the battle field. In times of peace all orcs are expected to pull their own weight to aid the village, and risk being banished if they do not. Elders are greatly respected amongst their people, but those who are weak or cowardly and who aged by keeping away from danger and trial are cast out, branded and never allowed to return to their clans. Above all else courage is valued amongst orcs, and even other creatures may earn their place as friends in the clans if they display an "Orc Heart".

From their early years to the age of nine, children are expected to learn about hunting, wielding weapons, and perhaps even learn a trade. At the age of 10 every orc must go through something called a Ritual of Ascension, which may vary from tribe to tribe. The most common test amongst all tribes, however, is sending the kids out to hunt their first cave bear. When preparing to go through with their Rite, the children are given nothing but an axe and a wineskin filled with water. After that, the child may not accept aid from anyone, and must alone track and slay a cave bear. After that is done, the youth must bring its carcass to their clan.

Upon their return, the shaman calls forth the child and declares him an adult, skinning the bear and placing its pelt atop the new adult's head. The remainders of the bear is then feasted upon, but the child will keep their pelts for the rest of their lives, along with the bear's stomach, later treated and used as a cooking pot of sorts.

In the clans there is no discrimination between males and females, and they both may seek the same careers. Females, however, will not even consider a male unless he has taken three ears from his dead opponents in combat, effectively proving their strength and that their seed will create strong orcs. Tattoos are often seen as a way to distinguish separate family, clans and sometimes even special functions assigned to certain orcs. Scars are seen as positive commendation of a warrior's honor, and a warrior without any scars is ridiculed and often kept with the younger untrained masses.

When another clan tries to encroach upon an orc's territory, they are not afraid to wage war against each other, and for that reason many clans die out as quickly as they are formed. When another clan is defeated, it is customary to take their children and men as slaves, either working them to death in the mines to gather ore or send them to work in the fields. Orcs are generally found in the deeper parts of the mountains, in the cave systems devoid of drows, and sometimes in small, fort-like cities with high walls to keep prying eyes away.

Social Hierarchy:

1st-Warrior Hand and Shaman Tongue
2nd- Elders and Shamans
3rd- Warriors and Hunters
4th- Smiths and metalworkers
5th- Maimed warriors and farmers
6th- Slaves and cravens