TO ALL URUKIM,

The second born of KRUG, Gorkil, perfectly embodied the idea of a season orcish warrior. Through superior tactics, physical ability, and honor, Gorkil was able to steer his armies to victories against insurmountable odds. He was an ideal Son of Krug,

one of the greatest orcs to ever live.

Gorkil’s first and most favored son, Angbad, wanted to carry on his father’s legacy after his passing. In doing so, he founded Clan Gorkil, one of the eldest and most notable Orcish clans that the realms of Aos and Eos had seen. But through time, this once grand and honorable clan has waned. Wargoths had come and go, and its members had scattered throughout the land.

To preserve the values of our ancestors, I, Kho’Gorkil, claim the mantle of Wargoth of Clan Gorkil. Any challengers may meet me in the pit.

Trials of the Boar

Clan Gorkil. The oldest clan of them all. Joining the ancient clan is no easy feat. Only the ones worthy enough may join the hulking sons of Gorkil, the second born of Krug. The aspiring Gorkil has to prove to the Wargoth, the clan’s leader, that they're powerful and honorable enough to call themselves Gorkils. For this, the 3 trials of the boar were made. Only upon passing the 3 trials one can call
himself a son of Gorkil.

A Gorkil warrior getting ready for battle

Trial of Strength

A son of Gorkil is expected to be in peak physical condition at all times. The ones who wish to join the clan must show they’re strong enough to be called a Gorkil. The first part of the trial is fairly simple. It consists of various physical activities such as weight lifting and rope climbing. The second part is also rather simple. A fight against the Wargoth/Elder conducting the trial. The outcome of the fight doesn't dictate if one passes or fails the first trial, what does is the aspiring Gorkil’s ability regardless of the outcome.

Trial of Leadership

The aspiring son of Gorkil must show he’s capable of leading before even joining. The second trial is much more complicated than the first one. Accompanied by the elder conducting the test and or the wargoth as well as a third clan member, the aspiring Gorkil has to successfully lead a hunt of a dangerous beast. The orcs accompanying the aspiring Gorkil will follow their orders during the hunt, making leading a hunt a little bit easier for the aspiring Gorkil. Only after proving they’re capable of making quick and smart decisions while also leading a group, the aspiring son of Gorkil may advance to the last trial.

A group of Gorkil warriors hunting as a part of the trial of leadership

Trial of Endurance

For the last trial, the aspiring Gorkil must prove their willpower and endurance to extreme physical pain. The trial consists of the aspiring Gorkil being tied upside down while the rest of the clan, some armed with whips and daggers, cut, cut and whip the aspiring gorkil until they’re at the brink of of bloodlust. While most orcs are capable of passing the trial without much work, it is still not an easy feat. The trial of Endurance also serves as an induction ceremony. After the trial is done, the Wargoth slaughters a sheep for the new son of Gorkil, letting its blood spill into a bucket. Upon returning to the clan with the bucket, the Wargoth makes his way to the new Gorkil clan member and pours all the sheep’s blood on them. Only after receiving the shower of blood one is truly conisdered a Gorkil.

 

(gorkil warriors in battle)

Introduction

Clan Gorkil was once one of the most powerful clans, providing Krugmar with the most powerful warriors aswell as the most intelligent strategists.

Now the clan fades away completely. A clan like this with history

so rich must not be forgotten. An orc by the name of Ulug began a campaign to revive clan Gorkil and bring it to its former glory.

Ulugs Intentions
 

With his plan Ulug had simple intentions, to revive clan Gorkil
and bring the clan to what it used to be, a clan of the greatest masterminds of the orcish race, and their most powerful warriors. Providing the Krug-Hai with powerful warriors and strategic masterminds, Ulug had a plan for a reformed clan Gorkil, He wanted clan Gorkil to fight for those who cant fight for themselves, to offer protection to any orc or citizen in the Iron’Uzg.

How To Join

A clan is nothing without members. To revive clan Gorkil, Ulug is seeking help from likeminded orcs. If you’re a strong and determined orc and wish to help Ulug revive clan Gorkil, then join the call towards strength. Ulug is looking for orcs that will follow honor and Krug at any time. Those who wont run away from battle and are willing to defend those you can’t fight for themselves at all cost. If you find yourself fitting, find Ulug in the Iron’Uzg and ask him about joining his cause.
 

Ever since the unification of the Orcish people, few names has stayed as constant as the name Gorkil. Renowned for their honor and ferocity in battle, they have been called by some the ‘Prime Orc’ - strong and honorable, but in return incredibly prone to their own bloodlust. Fueled by pride and a passion for combat, the clan has stood as a pillar of not just Orcish society, but the world. Empires have been founded and crumbled, the dead risen and fallen, but Gorkil still stands, steadfast, eternal.

(Please note the rank list is incomplete and only consists of people who have been active within Krugmar/Discord in the last few months or so.)

"Honour is not something granted to those passive; it must be claimed and worked for with every action and breath. To allow weakness to take root and fester is to betray yourself and every orc around you. I would see you dead before you do that."

- Mogroka'Gorkil the Glorious, Ex-Rex of Krugmar

Wargoth

The Wargoth has the ultimate authority of the clan. He supervises and ensures that everyone is accounted for, and everyone within the clan is properly represented to the Rex. He makes the final decision in every clan matter.

Hargurr’Gorkil (Sykogenic)

ELDERS

Elders are the wisest of Clan Gorkil. To become an elder, one must have proven themself through their service to the Clan, either through wise leadership, compelling victory in battle or sheer loyalty.. The title of elder can only be issued by a Warchief, and cannot be issued onto oneself as Wargoth. The Gorkils who proved themselves to be great leaders, masterful tacticians, or wise thinkers or shamans. Having proven their mettle, they are to be treated with the utmost respect, even by the Warchief, and look to to help the Clan and Warchief however they see fit. They are, however, still bound by the rules of the Clan, sometimes even more-so than their subordinates.

Shakul’Gorkil (dragonslayerelf)

Nazark’Gorkil (_Jandy_)

Murak’Gorkil (TheNanMan2000)

Skorkon’Gorkil (Vilebranches)

Blooded

The Blooded are Kindred that have proven themselves as valuable Orcs, and capable of going above and beyond what is expected of them.  Dedicants to the Clan, these Orcs are scarred on their arms by the Wargoth with a special sigil to represent their loyalty to the clan.  These Orcs are expected to show tenacity in combat, or true cunning in strategizing. At this rank, these Gorkils have shown to the Wargoth and Elders that they have mastered their chosen path and shown undying loyalty. However, some exceptions maybe be made for those who show exceptional skill in other fields such as Blacksmithing or Alchemy.  It is at this rank that a Gorkil will truly gain full respec, for example a challenge for Wargoth from someone at this rank would be taken seriously, not laughed at and dismissed. Should they have not been birthed into the clan they will be considered a full-blood member, capable of starting their own Gorkil bloodline.

KINDRED

The majority of Gorkil clansmen. These are the Orcs who have been born into or accepted into the clan, but not yet achieved the status of elder. They are expected to follow the orders of the Warchief first, and the elders second. Outside of what their superiors demand of him, they have no obligation to any specific duties or to pursue a specific profession. lack the experience to become elders just yet. They are expected to take orders from their Warchief first, elders second and bluds third. But outside of any demands by their Warchief or the laws of the Clan, Gorkils will find no obligation to do anything such as follow a specific craft.
 

Ugghra’Gorkil (ThatEmoPerson)

Bolrug’Gorkil (Luca_The_Plane)

Blutige’Gorkil (_Blutige_)

Groggnar’Gorkil (Elite_Snipes_)

~

1. If a Gorkil finds a person who is injured or starving, be they Uruk, human, kha, or any other race, and this person has done nothing to harm them or another Uruk, it is a Gorkil’s obligation to assist them by tending for their wounds, bringing them to a doctor or healer, or feeding them and offering them shelter.

2. If the Wargoth/chief demands something, a Gorkil should comply without question.

3. A disagreement between two brothers must first be sorted out by talking with each other and trying to reach an understanding. If they fail to come to an understanding, they will have an honor klomp.

4. Never betray your Clan: Betray it not by acting. Betray it not by failing to act. Betray it not by deed. Betray it not by word, sign or inscription.

Breaking any of these laws is very serious. Should one be foolish enough to do so, they will be met with an array of punishments.

~

• For leaving an injured or starving person, you will be forced to fast for one week. If you repeat this offense, you will be cast up into a freezing mountain and forced to fend for yourself for two weeks. If you repeat this a third time, you will be killed by lacerations to the neck.

• If you back down from a fight or cower, you will have your fingernails torn off. If you do this again, you will be branded with the word ‘coward’ on your forehead. If this is done again, you will be cast out from the clan and made a whitewash.

• For not following the Wargoth/chief’s orders, you will have your right hand crushed with a hammer. If this offense is repeated, you will be branded with the word ‘disgrace’ and cast out from the clan.

• For betraying your brother, you will have your neck lacerated with a rusty dagger.

• In the most serious of cases, a “Blood Eagle” would be performed on one’s persona. Your back would be slit open, and ribs hacked away from your spine. This would cause it to spring apart to resemble an eagle’s wings. The executioner would then draw the lungs out of your back and draping them over your shoulders, leaving you to die.

Pureblood Trials:

A kub from a Gorkil bloodline is given a trial straight from birth. They must fight a scorpion on their own. If it kills the scorpion, it will be warmly welcomed into the clan. If it fails, it will be left to die as it is unworthy of being a Gorkil. If the kub is unable to complete the trial and does not die, they are cast off into the wilderness to fend for themself for a week. If the kub manages to return, they will be given a second chance. But if they fail again and still do not die they will be unable to attempt to join the clan without unanimous agreeance from the Wargoth and all Elders.

Leisure:

Gorkil breeds Orcs of all different walks of life with an immense variety of interests, as the clan is less vocation based but rather, ethics. However, many Gorkils are fiercely competitive. And as such, highly competitive games or activities are very popular. Common pastimes for Gorkils include war or strategy games, klomping, boar racing, and Hun’Zna .

Scars:

Before entering battle, Gorkils will often mutilate and scar themselves, usually in an impromptu meeting before entering the battlefield. In these meetings, the Wargoth/chief begins the ceremony by slicing somewhere on their body, deep enough to let their blood coat the blade, and pass it around until all of those in the ritual are bleeding. The lacerations inflicted can be anything from a small slice on the palm of their hand, to intricate carvings covering one’s chest, however it is advised to not let too much blood, or else your ability in combat could suffer.

A scarred Gorkil

The reasons that Gorkils go to such lengths to harm themselves are twofold. First, it is considered a symbol of their clan’s strength and ability to withstand anything. And second, it helps to bring out the highly potent bloodrage in Gorkils, a tactic that has proven to be incredibly effective throughout the countless battles Gorkils have fought in.  Due to this, being covered from head to toe in these scars is considered a sign of longevity and extreme prowess on the battlefield.

Tattoos:

Some Gorkils mark themselves with clan tattoos, symbolizing their kills. A tattoo, or perhaps a scar or brand of the blood crescent shows that the Orc bearing the tattoo is part of the Gorkil Clan. Gorkil Tattoos are split up between young and old blood. A Gorkil has to gain at least five young blood tattoos to gain one old blood tattoo. The tattoos will occasionally be substituted for lacerations that leave the shape of the tattoo as a scar.

Spirituality:

Despite a Gorkil shaman being a rare sight at one point, that is not the case any more. The Gorkils have carved out a name for themselves as a mix of savage and spiritual. There are no rules surrounding worship, however Farseers of the clan may guide and advise other members to lend their prayers to certain spirits at times. The most commonly worshipped spirits on a clan level are Enrohk, Vulka, Kezt, Jevex and Leyd.

If you are interested in joining Gorkil, complete the following application. Once you have done so, either speak with or send a letter to the Wargoth or one of the elders. This will prompt a short meeting between you and the elder or the Wargoth. The meeting will consist of the elder or Wargoth getting to know the prospecting Gorkil, asking them about their life, their views and moral code, and their knowledge of the clan’s traditions and history. The Wargoth will then decide whether or not the Orc will be permitted to move onto trials.

APPLICATION:

IN-GAME NAME:

TIMEZONE:

ROLEPLAY CHARACTER NAME:

RACE:

DISCORD:

Trials for newbloods and clanless vary greatly depending on the Gorkil overseeing the trials, and elders are encouraged to use creativity when creating a trial. There are three major categories for trials that a prospecting Gorkil must succeed: in a trial of strength, a trial of endurance, and a trial of wit. These categories all represent strength, in all its different forms, and anyone worthy of becoming a Gorkil should excel in all of these fields. The trials must be completed in the following order; Strength, Wit, Endurance.

The Trial of Strength is meant to to test the prospecting Gorkil’s physical strength. If someone wishes to join Gorkil, they need to prove that they have exceptional physical strength and are capable of holding their own in a fight. This trial involves fighting 4 other Uruks, win or lose. For the sake of this trial fighting an Honorary does not count, they must be born of Krugs blood. Should the Gorkil-Hopeful win, they are expected to do so with dignity and honor. Should they lose, they are expected to do so with the same.

The Trial of Wit forces one to prove their intelligence, how quick they can think and their ability to solve problems. A Gorkil needs to be able to think on the fly while in dangerous situations, and understand what to do in order to save not only themselves, but those that have been put in a life threatening situation. This is the trial with the most leeway for creativity. This trial tends to involve the Gorkil-Hopeful being put into a mildly life-threatening situation. It could be something as simple as being thrown into a scorpion pit and seeing what escape method they come up with, or being told to organize and lead a successful hunt of a dangerous animal. The Uruk giving the trial will need to accompany the Gorkil-Hopeful on this trial, however will not assist them in any way.

The Trial of Endurance is the final trial, and is where one proves their capacity for pain, physical stress and mental stress. Having the willpower to withstand physical pain and stand strong is something all Gorkils should be capable of. In this trial the Wargoth or Elder will attempt to get the trialing Uruk as close to a bloodlust state as they can by cutting, whipping or otherwise physically assaulting them. When the trialing Uruk has reached the brink, they will recite an oath of fealty to the clan. Should the Uruk enter a state of Bloodlust they will be subdued and need to start over. The Trial of Endurance is a simple trial, requiring very little work on the Orc going through the trial other than simply holding their wits about them and withstanding the pain.

(( Special thanks to 2samspan for putting everything together, Gamma_Byte for designing the banner and TheNanMan2000.))

The Gorkil Warrior’s
Arsenal

“Zteel iz onleh az hozh az dah flezh dat wieldz it, but ah warriur ztill needz hiz toolz” - Mûrak’Gorkil

The Philosophy on Armaments

An Orc is born into the world with the gift of his race’s evolution and descendance from Krug to be naturally gifted killers.  When thinking about an Orc, and their physical condition, they are closer to chimpanzees or gorillas, than Humans, in terms of strength.  But even so, there are more beasts in the world that were born with even greater feats of natural, predisposed ability to take the lives of contesting prey.  As such, a Blacksmith must look apon the Orc condition as the framework to a killing machine, then with a fine and precise tool, decide what must be added, and what must be protected.  A sword, to many Orcs, must be massive, heavy and adorned with numerous spikes along it’s serrated edge. However, such a crude weapon gives little benefit in exchange for a clumsy and tiresome experience for the wielder.  The rules of weaponry and armour must apply the same to a Gorkil as it does to the weaker races, who can’t rely on strength alone to keep them alive. Every ounce of steel, serrated spike or gap in the armour must have its purpose.  Gorkil swords seem very similar to their Human counterparts, albeit Gorkil swords are proportionally sized to their strength, so that they are not too cumbersome, yet take advantage of being able to be longer. The same applies to armour.  Breastplates are only as thick as is necessary to withstand the piercing of bows and crossbows. Helmets as enclosed as possible without causing too much restriction in the eye-sight of the wearer. When such a philosophy is carried out by an Orc, they become an almost unstoppable force of nature.  Both physically gifted, and paired with fine-tuned weapons of war

Common Weapon-types

Military Weapons

Shaatii, the Spear 

The weapon a Gorkil is first taught to use is the spear.  Perhaps the most neglected weapon amongst Orcs and many races, however, it has been present amongst the entire duration of history.  A spear is longer than the vast amount of weapons carried, far faster, capable of delivering fatal stab-wounds upon first incision, and can be paired with a shield.  Such a weapon is most prevalent during hunts, where many beasts, such as Wyverns or Straadoths, may decapitate an Orc with one singular strike. To avoid such a quick demise, it is advised to remain at a distant, outside the beast’s attacking range.   However, spears also make exceptionally well at piercing tough hides. If the spear-head is thin, even a Wyvern’s rough hide cannot resist the streamline metal piercing through, sethering arteries and tearing tendons.

Poleluzk, the Poleaxe -

Similar to the spear in use, a Poleaxe is granted to a Gorkil once they have grasped the fundamentals of using a Spear.  With a spike on its head, an axe-head at the front and hammer-head on the back, it’s a highly diverse weapon, but requires more skill, and is best paired to a warrior when fully armoured.  Due to the added affixes at the top of the weapon, it needs to be shorter so that its weight is not too far away from the wielder, thus meaning the wielder is then closer to the enemy, and more likely to be hit.  Despite the set-back, however, the Poleluzk is often a display of a Gorkil’s prowess in combat.

Shaatii-Luzk, the Halberd -

Adopted after its use by many Human nations, the Halberd is a two-handed weapon, as long as most spears, but carry an in-wards angled axe-head underneath it’s spike.  The weapon is best used on the battlefield, in a formation of Halberds to create an opposing formation that have the capability to both hold off and withstand an enemy for long periods of time, or cause heavy hitting strikes whilst standing at range to deal a surprising amount of casualties.  It’s not entirely uncommon for a General to switch-out the use of Spears amongst the main force of his army to use Halberds, if the General believes the enemy will be fielding few archers, or if the General believes the enemy is most susceptible to being over-run and slaughtered in the battle.

Leydzult, the Greatsword -

Perhaps the rarest sword used by Gorkils that is still documented to be used, the Leydzult is chosen by very few Gorkils, and just as many are skilled in its use.  It’s advantage lies within its size, and hitting power, however, such advantages are also gained in other two-handed weapons, but have less downsides. Many Gorkil commanders and strategists have debated over how a Leydzult should be used in battle, but perhaps the most prevalent is their ability to make big, scything swipes against spear or pike formations, batting the weaponry aside so that the opposing side may advance.  Despite the weapon’s controversy and rarity, the Leydzult is still considered a noble and honourable sight. Representing the power and strength of the Orcish race, and it’s potential to cut a fighting warrior cleanly in-half during battle when in the hands of an Orc.

Side-Arms

Longzult, the Longsword -

Every Gorkil should be armed well enough to defend himself, and his kin, at all times.  Where-as a spear can be cumbersome to carry around during your daily tasks, a longsword can sit more comfortably on the hip.  Compared to other sidearms, such as a single-handed axe or mace, the Longsword has impressive range, and is also very agile, whilst capable of delivering immediately fatal blows to foes.  The weapon is very well balanced in all aspects a sword can be used for. Thrusting, cutting and even, in many longsword designs, piercing maille. A skilled Longswordsman with a longsword tapered well enough to pierce maille can defeat even a foe in full-plate, so long as they employ half-swording. 

Kurvedzult, the Saber -

Instinctually, for many Orcs once adrenaline has taken over and the bloodlust has sunk in, the natural pre-disposition is to start start wailing and slicing at the opponent.  Although such lack of skill and control over the bloodlust is frowned upon by Gorkils, it can be easier for some to use a weapon that emphasize cutting and slicing in it’s fighting style.  Thanks to the curved edge of sabers, striking an opponent will cause the edge to slide even more along their body, and due to the curve, the edge of the sword lands with less surface-area. To anybody that knows about physics, something that is sharp, hits hard and has less surface area will pierce deeper than a normal sword with a flat edge, which has more surface area on impact.   However, such emphasis and cutting power of sabers comes at the price of more difficult and restrictive stabbing. Depending on the curvature of a Saber, the wielder must angle the weapon at an angle in order to get a clean thrust, and even then, such an angle often makes the thrust less powerful, and make piercing the target more shallowly. The saber, to many Gorkils, is considered a more savage and ruthless weapon.

Duf, the Knife -

Carried by every Orc almost everywhere, a knife is highly useful in everday life.  However, due to the philosophy of always being armed and ready for combat, many Gorkils carry knives that can be used in combat if necessary, or specialized to pierce chainmaille when grappling.  A design for combat would be a Messer, a design created by Humans, or a stiletto, excellent at piercing chainmaille. 

Shakop, the Mace: 

A fairly uncommon sight amongst Gorkil warriors, the mace is purely designed for striking opponents in armour, or more particularly in the head.  A poor choice for a main side-arm, however they can be useful if carried around with another weapon, like a sword, incase fighting an armoured opponent.  When compared with the strength of an Orc, however, they can cause devastating blows, snapping bone, mashing flesh into a bloody pulp and caving-in skulls.  The mace can also be affixed with sharp flanges surrounding it’s metal-globe, causing it’s force to be centralized on a small surface area, sometimes allowing it to deliver more force upon armoured targets, but more importantly, it also means when used on unarmed foes, the metal flanges may cause deep lacerations on the skin, almost as much as a sword.  The Mace is the most crude and bestial of a Gorkil’s arsenal, however, it is often very prevalent amongst ritualistic killings.

Ranged Weaponry

O’Lig, the Bow -

One of the most common ranged pieces of weaponry used by numerous races, an Orc can make far more effective use of it’s simple design.  A highly experienced and trained archer may be able to use the Longbow, at most weighing around 110lbs in draw-weight. However, an Orc, far stronger, can pull 200lbs or more, making armours such as chainmail vulnerable to it’s use, aswell as the thick hides of numerous beasts.

af-Shaatii,  the Javelin -

A common ranged weapon used by many infantry and cavalry forces in the Gorkil army, it can be thrown with tremendous power from an Orc, and with the right spear-tip, can pierce targets better than a bow, such as shields.  If in desperate straights, it can also be used as a short spear, however the only downside having to carry it around, which is usually only done when expecting conflict.

Flakas, the Sling -

An ancient weapon, used before Orcs knew how to make bows and used in replacement of throwing rocks.  The Sling, despite it’s crude and ancient origins is still an effective weapon when used by the right wielder on the correct target.  With the power of an Orc, swinging around the slung rock, or even metal ball, it may be propelled with skull crushing and bone splintering force.  An added benefit to the unlikely weapon is it’s incredibly easy to carry size and inconspicuous design.

af-Pilik, Tomahawk -

An uncommon weapon, only a select few Gorkils choose to carry one or more of these weapons.  Ineffective against most armour, and even gambeson is most cases, the Tomahawk, or throwing axe, is a close-ranged throwing weapon that is optimized and specifically made to devastate unarmoured targets.  This weapon, however, takes a long time to train with and is limited in it’s use.

Krûklak, the Crossbow -

A typically unfavoured ranged weapon, due to the fact it generally doesn’t benefit from Orcish size or strength, the Crossbow is still a choice for any Orc.  It’s by far the easiest to aim, requiring a small amount of time to practise with and can be pre-loaded to be quickly and readily fired when it may be needed later.  However, it suffers from a load and prep time that’s longer than the other forms of ranged weapon, and generally must be done when standing still.

Light Armour

kaal-Mau, Gambeson -
The most common and easily accessible type of armour, many believe Gambeson to be only used by peasants, or that it is next to useless when protecting against weaponry.  However, the tightly packed and thick layers of cotton or other fibers creates a very effective form of padding, and can often even restrict blows from Longswords completely, or make their damage on the body minimalized.  Not only that, but they are highly effective when worn under another layer of armour, such as chainmaille, plate or even a leather jerkin. It is essential to all forms of warrior, from peasant to fully armoured veteran.

horn-Mau, Leather -

Typically a rare form of armour, due to its price and usefulness for other more important items, like boots, belts and gloves, it’s a much more common sight amongst Orcs who belong to Clans with it’s own Clan-beasts that have hides more sturdy than common cattle, aswell as going on many hunts against large beasts who may yield a large amount of highly durable leather.  When standard cow leather is boiled, it’s durability is on par with standard gambeson, however it typically does not provide as much padding, making it less preferable against blunt weaponry. However, if a beast such as a Wyvern or Jabbernak is slain and skinned, it’s thick and dense leather can sometimes rival the strength of chainmaille. A skilled warrior often chooses such armour as a sign of his prowess.

Medium Armour

gaium-Mau, Chainmaille -

One of the most common armour types used by a Gorkil, gaium-Mau is well-rounded in it’s protection, weight and mobility.  Both scouts and warriors can put this armour to good use, paired with gambeson beneath to bring it to its peak potential. Many Gorkils do not increase the thickness of their rings to provide extra protection, but keep them at the same size of a Human’s.  This gives them enough protection from most weapons, but makes the armour very light, making long-lasting combat much easier, and allowing the Gorkil to undergo a bloodlust in peak vigour.

hiis-Mau, Scalemaille/Lamellar/Coat of Plates -

Also called lamellar by some, scalemaille is less common than chainmaille, however it’s design of overlapping plates makes piercing more difficult, as weaponry must first slip through the plates at an awkward angle before passing through.  Some instead make the overlapping less tight and compact, allowing more movement to grant the wearer less restriction, but makes penetrating the armour less difficult. More commonly worn by Warboar riders, the design is less heavy than chainmaille, although more-so because it cannot cover as many areas, such as the joints, and so thinner chainmaille is often worn beneath, or segments are wrapped around exposed areas.  What truly makes scalemaille popular, however, is due to cockatrice scales. Usually a task of great undertaking and difficulty, elite Gorkil warriors will track down the dangerous beast and slay it on a hunt, collecting each scale from it’s large corpse to make 2 or 3 sets of complete cockatrice scalemaille. Due to how lightweight the scales are, whilst retaining the strength of iron, a Gorkil Warrior with a set of cockatrice scalemaille is a fast, explosive and durable combatant on the field, capable of sustained pro-active combat, or riding with the fastest of the Warboar vanguard.

Heavy Armour

goth-Mau, Plate Armour -

The most expensive, yet most protective armour any could buy.  First made by the other races, it’s highly effective design was quickly adopted by the blacksmiths of Clan Gorkil, and serve as a great deed in the name of Azog upon being forged.  Such all-encompassing armour slung over the body of an Orc creates an extremely powerful entity of war, and its use is regularly employed.

uf-Mau, Bone Armour-
Perhaps the rarest type of armour, this armour is primarily and most commonly ceremonial and used as a form of outfit, usually to show of the wearer’s skill in bringing down as many beasts as they would need to in order to make the armour.  However, the rare few, often mad or obsessed with the hunt, wear bone armour for combat. In these instances, it’s usually from beasts with bones renown for their strength, such as Wyverns. Since it is bone, it regularly needs to be treated with oils and kept in the right conditions so it does not dry out and become too brittle.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ytQ5CYE1VZw

Hûn’Zna

Lore extension and Addition

“Martial Arts are codified systems and traditions of combat. The term is derived from Latin and means “Arts of Mars” The Roman God of War…”

(Thank you _Jandy_ for allowing me to expand and update the original, amazing Hun’Zna lore-piece you made)

History of Hun’Zna

Orcs’ bodies are evolved, conditioned and bred for combat. An Orc’s worth is determined by his ability to fight, and their society has been built upon a Warrior culture.  To an Orc, strength, size and determination are the key traits for a Warrior, although to the members of Clan Gorkil, skill and prowess counters all. Ugluk, Gorkil’s third born son and famed for his skill as a Warrior stands as the bastion of all combat-orientated Clansmen, and it was under him that Hun’Zna was born.  Ugluk, although physically dominant in his own right, was not as big as his father, Gorkil, and certainly not Rax, but he didn’t have the brains of his brother, Angbad, and didn’t have the savinness of his other brother, Azog. As such, he took up the role of a Warrior. Thanks to his physical traits, he stood out from the other Orcs, but he would never take the lime-light from Rax.  Unwilling to settle for being looked over, he sought out the Shamans until one suggested a Spirit that may help. Vulka, the Spirit of Siegecraft, Strategy and Warfare had a lesser in her realm who had not yet been discovered. Maukumgoth, the Spirit of Martial Arts and Combat, had hoped that an Orc would travel to his realm for a long time. Ugluk did not have to spend long communing with the Farseer before Maukumgoth reached out and contacted them.  With that connection, the Farseer took Ugluk to his realm. Perhaps they had expected a wartorn land, a battlefield or cold and dark room filled with heavily scarred and fearsome Orcs, although instead they found some of the weakest races from their own world. Elves, Humans, even Halflings, but not an Orc in sight.

His realm was peaceful and serene.  Ugluk feared he had been tricked, but he had no choice but to continue forward, walking through a peaceful garden and arriving in a large hall with a padded floor, punching bags, training equipment and four people sat down on a large mat.  One was an Elf, a Human, another a halfling, but the 4th, at the centre and behind them, was a large Orc. Moving forward, as soon as he stepped on the mat, the Human rushed at him. Before Ugluk could take up a stance, the Human shot forward onto his front knee, slid his rear foot forward and his shoulder collided into him, wrapping his arms around his legs and lifting him into the air before slamming him off the mat with a double-leg takedown.  The Human then immediately moved back, sat down and the Elf looked over Ugluk sternly. Letting out a grumble, Ugluk moved forward, back on the mat for the Elf to then rush forward. Ugluk this time knew what to expect, and lowered his hands to receive the takedown, but instead the Elf feinted a takedown, then quickly sprang up with an over-hand right, connected with his jaw, then landing a left uppercut and finished off with a leap in the air, kicking his right leg back and firing his right fist forward, colliding with his face in a superman punch.  Ugluk, yet again, fell back off the mat and onto the floor. Angered, and a bloodlust beginning to boil, rushed forward. The halfling then moved forward. Ugluk stopped in his tracks and braced, not knowing what to expect, however the Halfling surprisingly laid on his back right in front of him. After a moment, Ugluk moved forward and sent his fist for the Halfling’s face, only to be halted by a foot on his hip, then another foot slamming into his ankle, sliding his foot back and causing him to fall to 1 knee. Before he could pull back his arm, the Halfing wrapped his arm around it, then pressed his foot besides his collapsed knee and throwing him heavily over that foot with a leg against the side of his chest on the other side, flipping him over with a scissor sweep.  Falling on his side, Ugluk tried to stand, although before he got up very far he felt a yank on his arm and a leg swing over and pin against his chest, then another slide over his lower chest. Struggling, he’d slowly stumble up to his feet, however the halfling hung from his arm and began to pull back and push his hips forward. Ugluk didn’t have time to slam him to the ground before his elbow fuzed with pain as the joint was about to pop out, and he tapped quickly to the Halfling's armbar. The halfling immediately let go and returned to the trio. Filled with anger and shame, he looked to the Orc with a lowered head, obviously not willing to fight another skilled fighter, but this time equal in strength, speed and endurance. About to leave, considering himself unworthy, the Orc spoke “Lat’z azh’zt lezzon ov humility iz komplete.  Return tomorruw agh wi zhall begin teachin’”. Ugluk said nothing else as he thought about what to do. But it didn’t take long for him to decide he would study this art until he met the grave.

Introduction

Hun’Zna is the method and style of combat taught within Clan Gorkil, passed down by it’s original master, Ugluk the Third born of Gorkil.  It’s use can be used by any type of fighter or race, from Halfling to Olog, with specific areas of the martial art being especially effective for certain fighters.  The utmost amount of focus is placed on pure efficiency and constant improvement. Tradition has no place inside the art, and it’s masters are expected to constantly fight and challenge other masters, including those from other nations with other styles.  Before a fighter becomes a teacher they make a vow on Ugluk and Maukumgoth to demonstrate any technique in live sparring if doubted, and to never refuse a challenge from another martial art. A practitioner of Hun’Zna must hold proficiency in every form of unarmed combat and from there they may choose which to focus on.

Grading

A practitioner will wear a Burzol’Nak, a hemp rope, on a specific area of their body to roughly display their proficiency.  Where the rope is tied is dependant on if they display the most aptitude in either Mauk, tied to the waist, Grush, the upper arm, or Glim, below the knee. In the same order, Grappling, Striking and Wrestling. The rope changes in colour as the practitioner’s aptitude increases, going in order as follows (IRL time):
Grey - 1 week minimum

Orange - 2 weeks minimum

Brown - 1 month minimum

Green - 2 months minimum

Black - 3 months minimum

Blue - 4 months minimum

Red - 6 months minimum

(IRL practitioning of MMA, or a martial art that covers all the 3 forms can skip the practitioner into an appropriate colour)

The Three Forms

Mauk’Zna - Grappling

The method of fighting whilst on the ground, transitioning into superior positions, sweeping your target to put them on their back or latching onto them and then submitting with strikes or a submission.

Grush’Zna - Striking

The method of fighting with your limbs to strike the opponent in any way, such as knees, elbows, punches and kicks.  The practitioner may also make use of light wrestling and clinches to supplement their strikes.

Glim’Zna - Wrestling

The method of fighting in which the practitioner takes the opponent to the ground and defends takedowns in any way they can, such as tripping, picking up and slamming, hip-tosses, tackles and dragging.  This form is considered extremely important in order for the fighter to dictate where they want to take the fight, either to the ground or staying standing.

Joining a Gym

For an Orc to join a gym of Hun’Zna, called the Tail-dâr by practitioners, an Orc must seek a blue or red Burzol’Nak combatant and join their teachings.  Sometimes an aspiring fighter will have to complete a task, or a trial.  Other times they are simply taught, with the process itself of learning the art as a trial.  Either way, those capable of teaching are most often public knowledge, and their gyms often being somewhere seen by many.

Codes of the Art

Hun’Zna is praised and held with honour amongst those who study it.  Seen as a direct, tangable blessing from Maukumgoth, learning it’s way is as cherished as Shamanism and all it’s forms.  As such, before someone undergoes their lessons, they must swear an oath;

Code of the Initiate: I swear, (name), to follow the path of Maukumgoth in learning the art of Hun’Zna with honour and integrity.  May my body be a vessel of his knowledge, and my instinct directed by his teachings.  All challengers who wish to test my form shall not leave the arena unbloodied, nor shall my techniques remain untested with full veracity.

(Taken by those about to receive their first lesson)

Code of the Fighter: I swear, (name), to continue the path of Maukumgoth in learning the art of Hun’Zna with honour and integrity.  May my art remain effective, and the lessons I learn shape my for my future self.  My ego shall remain dulled by my humble defeat against my masters.  Challengers have fell to my skill, and myself have fallen to my own flaws.

(Taken by those after receiving the brown Burzol’Nak)

Code of the Master: I swear, (name), to continue the path of Maukumgoth in learning the art of Hun’Zna with honour and integrity.  May my art be passed on with honest intention and in praise to our ultimate master.  In teaching this art, I acknowledge my still present flaws, and strive to find solution with passing on my knowledge.  May those who benefit from my experience in turn grant me new perspective and challenge.

(Taken by those after receiving the blue Burzol’Nak)

The Gorkil

Warboar


“Big zkah’n gitz wiv der originz goin’ bakk zinze dah dayz ov Gorkil!”

History

Hailing from the days of Gorkil and his sons, and likely even Krug, the Warboars travelled with Clan Gorkil throughout time.  Their unity to the Clan being a symbolic, almost Spiritualistic connection and process of trust and companionship. Ever since the beginning, Warboars being used as cavalry have been a essential and famous hallmark of Gorkil warfare.  Whilst the Gorkil Berserkers would wield zweihanders, Kriegsmessers or Poleaxes in a fit of bloodlust, swathing and scything apart the enemy with untouchable speed and agility, the Warboars would pierce the rear end of the enemy in wedge formation, driving the riders deep into the collapsed and terrified foe, to then leap off and then lose themselves in a fit of frenzy, now being fully succumbed to rage and actions dictated by years worth of muscle memory.

Physiology

Growing from 5 to 6 feet, and usually weighing around 500-800lbs, and some even bred to be as tall as a typical Paint Horse, Warboars have thick, dense and explosive muscles and light bones, allowing them to suddenly sprint forward in a burst of speed and charge down almost any foe , far quicker than a normal horse, and faster than even a Lur wolf. Their tusks grow long and sharp like scythes, with two sets growing on both sides in many cases.  Their skulls are thick, allowing them to withstand impact from their charges, and their necks are tall and strong, evolved from their days of digging up roots from the ground.  Finally, the Gorkil Warboars are famous for having mud-red fur, whilst also being thick and wiry, allowing them to withstand the moderate cold, and protect them from the sun.

Mental Characteristics

Typically skittish and temperamental, a Warboar is likely to either charge or flee in an instant upon seeing someone in the wild.  A mechanism commonly used for charging, and subsequently goring, any who would dare approach them .Their brains are hard-wired to be the first to react, and their bodies have evolved to be the quickest animal on the plains.  For a tamed Warboar, the instinct to flee can be dulled and dampened when bred right, and the right training can make almost any Warboar instantly charge upon command, or when trained to recognise certain foe. The pure reaction time of a Warboar, and the speed at which it accelerates on a foe is usually enough to finish someone off out-right, and afterwards, the Warboar is likely to begin eating it’s target’s corpse.  Although a brutal and smelly beast, once an Orc has tamed a Warboar, it will immediately form a strong bond with its owner, and if it is the alpha in it’s farrow, the entire farrow themselves may adopt that Orc as their leader. Similarly to Orcs, Warboars breed from the strongest. The alpha Boar gains most of the mates, whilst the lowest in the chain tend to get bullied, and often cast out from the farrow. A harsh behaviour, but when a single female Boar, a sow, can give birth to as many as 12 Warboars in one pregnancy, and sometimes give birth to yet another dozen in the same year, Warboars find themselves to be their worst enemy, and as such, there’s little point in allowing the runts and weaklings to eat from the food-source when they serve no use and only worsen the gene-pool.
 

Diet

Warboars famously have a voracious appetite, and will feast off of anything edible.  Roots in the ground, and animals they are able to kill are a common part of their diet, although an Orc may feed his farrow with the left-overs of feasts and the un-usable parts of his kills.  Even Humans, Elves and whitewashed Orcs are on the menu.

Warboar Armor

The Gorkil smithmaster, usually the oldest and wisest devout of Azog in the clan, can be commissioned to make Gorkil Warboar Armor for the boars of especially notable individuals, such as the Wargoth. Since the beast is exceptionally large, it can typically be a long endeavour, but the result will be worth it. To prove a boar worthy of its armor, the boar needs to pass a series of tests that measure speed, endurance, and strength, for only the strongest boars can carry the heavy armor.

Strategy

“Few Urukz iz born true Warriurz, but meneh bekum zo through trainin’ agh forze ov Diziplin”  - Wargoth Mûrak’Gorkil

“Ang Gijaak-Ishi”
Introduction to the Philosophy on

Warfare

‘Iron in Blood’

The oldest currently existing Clan, and one fully committed to waging warfare in the truest form.  Gorkil, who the Clan is named after and son of Krug, was arguably the greatest military general to exist, and his sons all came to represent War in each form.  Angbad, a brilliant Military General. Azog, one of the greatest Blacksmiths to exist, and Ugluk, a great and powerful Warrior. Where a Braduk may wage war using their size and overwhelming bloodlust.  A Raguk may make the finest suit of armour and send hordes into the enemy, and a Lur may fight from the sidelines with archers, skirmishers and Wolves used as anti-Cavalry. A Gorkil embraces all the greatest aspects, and hones them into the ultimate fighting force.  The elite Veterans, usually in their 2nd Century or older, and their minds and bodies completely adapted for battle. Their muscle-memory is by now pure instinct. Each step taken in a fight has been hard-wired for countless years, and even in Bloodlust their Muscle-memory is impeccable.  Fighting with skill, grace and pure efficiency, a Gorkil Elite is THE greatest warrior on the planet.

Ranks Amongst the Army

Da Durbûrz

The Mighty;  As already mentioned, these are the elite of the elite.  No other fighting force could match their skill in combat, and their mastery of Warfare.  Not only are The Mighty extremely fine-tuned for combat, but they fully understand the codes and rules of Warfare.  Each has researched and studied past battles. Understand the physics and uses of certain armours and weaponry, and how to use the Bloodlust in an effective form. It is from these Uruks that Clan Gorkil has gained it’s reputation of being berserkers.  The Mighty are equipped with some of the greatest arms and armour that you can obtain. Although not Bloodsteel, the armour of The Mighty looks very similar to Human plate-armour. It’s purely efficient, designed to withstand blows from all weaponry, and each piece of metal forged and fixed has a reason.  Whether to deflect lateral blows, protect gaps or offer more choices of inflicting damage on the opponent by fixing a metal spike on their helm or elbow. This unit is either mounted on Warboars, or on-foot, tasked with cutting through a specific area in the enemy formation to get to their general. The Mighty are responsible for slaying their leader, or swathing a hole through the enemy’s line to break it’s formation and overwhelm them.

Da Krampûrz

   The Loyal;   After years in the field and fulfillment of countless tasks and deeds, an Uruk is promoted in this retinue.  For many, this is as far as an Uruk can hope to achieve, and for even more, it is the greatest honour they will achieve.  To survive enough battles and be skillful enough to reach here means an Uruk has near enough mastered combat, and understand warfare through their own experiences.  Usually, this unit will ride Warboars, however special circumstance may require them to serve as a infantry unit, often serving as the Wargoth’s personal bodyguard. When mounted on their Warboars, they wield multiple Pilum, a Polearm of their choice, and a side-arm of their choice.  Reaching out furthest on the battlefield, and tasked with the most crucial aspects of the battle, which may be taking down the enemy’s cavalry or harassing their general. When they have finished their tasks, they will be given the order to form a wedge and slam into the rear or back of the enemy and leap off when penetrated deep into the formation, losing themselves in a fury of arching and body-hurling strikes and blows of their weaponry and limbs.  However, the fury inflicted in the ranks isn’t from lack of skill. Instead, each blow is delivered with exceptional technique and forth-rightness. Only, it is empowered with Bloodlust, and thus almost unbeatable.

Da Ânghâsh

 The Anvils;  Making up the majority of the army, The Anvils are the soldiers who have fought for a few years and learnt how to fight

well, whilst taking moderate control over their bloodlust.  The role of The Anvils is dependant on the battle, however they typically line up in a wall, wielding a large shield and a long spear, similar to a Spartan Dori.  However, suitably long to their own physical strength. These talls bastions act as a meat-grinder to the enemy. Only the great beasts such as mammoths could pose a threat of penetrating the line, however, with spears as long as an Anvil’s, the Phalanx is capable of having 3 rows of men fighting at once.  The front, second and third, holding the spears over the rows infront of them and striking, thus meaning no matter how close the enemy may get to the shields, they are always being struck by a spear, and the 400 pounds of muscle behind that spear.  For an enemy to fight a foe larger than them, heavier than them, around a 100 years of fighting experience and good quality armour is the nightmare of any foe.

Da Shaatii

The Spears;  The new recruits of the army, given a set of Pilum, spear, shield and one-handed axe, these Uruks have the least combat experience, and thus tend to have little control over their bloodlust.  As such, they are used at the start and before a battle as skirmishers. Running back and forth to try and antagonize a charge from the enemy, or simply inflict casualties upon them using their Pilum.  Such ranged warfare allows these men to work up a bit of a bloodlust, without losing themselves in a melee and harming their own kin. Also, from here, they get used to the battlefield without dying at a young, unexperienced age.  During the collision of the main army and the enemy’s, they are on the flanks. Still skirmishing and responding to commander and general’s commands. Sometimes they are most useful hurling their Pilum into the sides of enemies committed to combat, whilst other-times the Warboars will have pinned down the enemy cavalry, in which case The Spears charge the enemy cavalry and assist the Warboar riders in finishing off the cavalry.  In dire situations, The Spears can fill-in the main Phalanx, however, such a choice can easily result in many deaths of the inexperienced fighters, and their uncontrolled bloodlust often makes them take stupid choices and die. The goal is to keep The Spears alive, and allow these recruits to mature into Anvils.

Pre-Battle

Although the true out-come of a battle tends to be decided on the battlefield, preparation and tactics used before any combat takes place is vital.  It can decide which army is properly fed, which army has proper sleep and which army suffers from poor morale and skirmishing casualties. The main body of a Gorkil army is situated apon a hill, the slope of a mountain or, if no-higher ground is available, in a large open clearing of woodland, or beside a lake/river.  The camp is to be set in a location hard to encroach upon without being seen, and to give a environmental advantage if the enemy manage to attack un-seen. Warbands are formed, comprised of a mixed group of experienced soldiers, to both make sure they all have someone experienced to give out commands, and to teach the Shaatii what to do.  The warbands are assigned different tasks. Some to collect firewood, or others to roam the woods for scouts, search for their resource collectors and some to encroach upon the enemy camp mounted on warboars and harass them with pilum. Scouts are also sent out, sometimes mounted on a Warboar, other times dismounted to remain more concealed.  If in enemy terrain, or near their border, raiding parties are sent out in warboars to perform lightning raids, setting fire to buildings and slaughtering their populus. Should they have resources or equipment, such as wagons and food, and enemy forces aren’t close, the raiding parties seize what they can to bring back for the army. However, if the village of town being raided lays their weapons away and submits, they are spared and allowed to keep all they own, aside from their weaponry.  Such a tactic is employed to persuade the enemy to surrender instead of fight, causing the enemy general to consider going on the offensive, or risk losing his lands and his people out of their fear of being killed. The last tactic employed before a battle is sending spies, disguised as envoys, to the enemy. These envoys are often slaves, however Orcs, or specifically Goblins, can be sent in their place to deliver many different demands. These demands are usually preposterous, such as demanding all their lands to be submitted, however the goal isn’t to get an agreement, rather to allow these envoys to see the enemy’s fortifications, the morale of their troops and any other valuable information, and due to the general rule of not attacking envoys, these spies are rarely put at risk of being killed.

Battle Strategy and Tactics

As is now obvious, a Gorkil army is diverse and adapted for the majority of military engagements, with a focus on methodical planning and countering of enemy tactics to create victory.  Although each battle will be different depending on the terrain and circumstance, certain rules and tactics are usually always enforced.

Formation:
At the front of the army the Spears stand with Pilum and shield, spread out in a line as long as the enemy’s front-row and spaced out to best reduce casualties from enemy missile units.  Their aim is to hurl pilum into the enemy and cause casualties, render shields inoperable and, hopefully, instigate an advance from the irritated enemy. Behind them are the Anvils with shield and spear, lined up in a loose shield-wall to protect from missiles, although not so tight as to make moving over terrain difficult and slow.  Only once they are close to the enemy to they squeeze together and interlock shields to create the phalanx with three rows of attacking spears. Often the un-engaged Orcs behind will raise their shields to create a canopy to defend against arrows. If the enemy do not engage, the Phalanx slowy moves forward in unison until their front row of spears are able to attack.  The goal of the Anvils is not to inflict mass casualties or break apart their formation, but rather to remain defensive, never stepping out of formation to land a blow or overreaching with their arms and risking injury. They simply stand their ground and deliver stabs at enemy troops who make steps forward or over extend with their arms. With the enemy now pinned down, The Spears stand on the flanks with new bundles of pilum and a spear, their goal to harass the enemy flanks and prevent their own flanking maneuvers.  Beside them are then The Loyal, either dismounted or on their warboars waiting for command from the general. If the enemy have fielded cavalry and they are moved far away enough from the enemy missile units, The Loyal (If on Warboars) will charge the cavalry, hurling pilum and harassing them, instigating an attack or risk losing their men and horses before they have even fought. The Loyal will try and pull the cavalry back to their army’s flanks, and then engage in melee, so that The Spears can then charge the pinned-down cavalry and begin slaughtering them with their spears.  Once the enemy cavalry is defeated, The Loyal move to the rear of the enemy to look for where the formation is thinnest, or begin slaughtering their missile units. When they eventually have finished off the missile units, they form a wedge and charge into the rear of the weakest line in the enemy formation, leaping off once at a halt and beginning to cut and tear apart the line. Finally, stood behind The Anvils are The Mighty, with their general and waiting for the enemy line to falter and show weakness. Then they move forward towards the general, either moving around the army or cutting directly through the enemy formation in order to get to him.  With a tired foe, this unit of highly armoured and incredibly well trained Orcs is near impossible to with-hold, and thus The Mighty begin slaughtering and tearing, their goal to finish the General and deliver the final blow to the enemy force to cause a mass-route. When the enemy are routed, the Spears and The Loyal follow after their routed men, aiming to kill the most valuables troops first. Before they are then too out-stretched from the main army, they pull back. The Loyal and Spears are then sent out to scout the area, whilst the rest of the army begin looting the battlefield and loading the goods on carts and wagons. Enemy defeated and loot plundered, they bring it all back to the camp to be counted and distributed evenly.

Post-Battle

When the main force of the enemy’s army is defeated, the Gorkil army makes a methodical advance through their territory, arriving at each village and town with warbands of men to secure loyalty, or slaughter the resistant.  The goal is to make sure the populus is tamed, and do not cause trouble when the army moves even further in the enemy lands. Along the main-road men are ordered to construct wooden forts on hills and strategic areas. These forts are not only made for defence, but to look out for enemy armies, defend the roads to protect the supply-lines and to impose dominance over the locals to remind them who is here.  It is very rare for a Gorkil army to advance quickly through enemy lands, since quick advances make for easy ambushes and over-extension of the army. Only when a Gorkil army does not plan on settling the land do they advance quicker, but even then they still construct temporary forts, although the difference is that in this instance they will burn and pillage everything they come across, rather than tame the populus.