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Gears of war turn as the bellowing trumpets of siege beasts roar alongside the warriors of the scorpion. With mighty tusks, crimson skin, and eyes blazing with fury, they charge into battle. Atop their backs sit the proclaimed sons of the three gears, their skin blood-red and their hearts as unyielding as machines. 

From behind the brave, bloodred berserkers and engineers of the orcish horde came the sacred wise-men, blessing the fallen and sanctifying the blood spilled upon the wounded siege. They moved like ghosts atop the dark masses of bodies, their voices like engines and their actions a forbidden rite. 

One of the many wisemen catches sight of you from beneath his religious garb. His amber eyes lock onto yours, drawing your focus, With a tongue of hisses and growls, he says,
 

"Naakh-Za-Barash."

Suddenly, your heart sinking with fear, you awaken. 

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Clan Raguk is recruiting, if you’ve ever been willing to play an Orc, or already have one and are unsure on what to do with them, consider joining us to have a go at solid rp. 

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The Machine of Eternal Drudgery: an icon of the Naakh-za-Barash. The large cog represents Leyd, whereas the smaller cogs represent Gentharuz and Gazigash respectively.

Gazigazh-khlaar.

Khlaargrîsh.

The thunderous voice of the yeller filled the cavern.

Hear Gazigazh.

Hear the blood.

A thousand broken voices answered.

Ghaashgrîsh norknûl.

Ghaasgrîsh thrâk gaam.

The words of old blah echoed on the cold walls of stone.

Hear Gentharuz.

Hear the flames.

A thousand chants filled the cave.

Leydlûk skaat.

Leydlûk nork.

The flames of the firepit danced on the walls.

Hear Leyd.

Hear the wrath.

The voices of a thousand ancestral spirits chanted.

The lutauman stood away from the fire pit, his ichor dripping into the flames. The painted walls of the cave showed moving images of a settlement in the desert. Large towers raised from the ground, spitting black smog into the air of the south. The echoes of the spirit realm turned quiet as the orkish blood boiled in the fire.

[!]

Letters are sent across Aevos, carrying the seal of an ancient clan.

To my grîsh, I call you back to the honorbound lands.

Return for we have been summoned by the pantheon.

Gentharuz called for the flames to rise out of the sands.

Gazigazh called for a tidal wave of blood to wash away the filth.

Leyd called for the submission of lesser being, for his strength to flow through us.

The cogs of industry will be fueled with the desert.

Return to the Horde.

Return to Raguk.

Signed

Ûkmatum,

Blood of Kharak “Plaguebringer” Raguk,

Yeller of clan Raguk.

A NEW BOSS A NEW DESIGN

THE NEW WARGOTH

I, SKULLCRUSHA’RAGUK the son of JIH’N’RAGUK am stating my claim as the new WARGOTH in the name of LEYD and the previous WARGOTH, LEYDLUK II.

All previous decisions will be kept as they were, unless said otherwise through my tusks and strength. Those with the BLOOD OF KRUG flowing through them are welcome to challenge me to an honorable duel in which our weapons will be decided for us by the middleman.

I wish to PROVE the fearlessness and strength of the orcish kind, win or lose our battles WILL be fought till the end. I WILL prove and regain the honor of our ancestors, I WILL force punishment to those who disobey, dishonor, and show disloyalty to their words.

RAGUKS honor will always spin like a gear, and our might and force will spread like the soot and dust of the deep forge.

GRIZH will spill.

GRIZH will be worshipped.

GRIZH will be given.

Signed,

SKULLCRUSHA’RAGUK

the Kinslayer, the Wargoth of clan Raguk

[A MISSIVE PASSED OUT THROUGHOUT THE LANDS OF THE ORCS]

.

LAAG, the once-red olog of clan RAGUK, has paid the price for his disloyalty and dishonor. He has recently, without our permission, taken the arm of a bishop from the church in Balian and sacrificed it to the MAW in the name of the ancestral spirit, GRUBGOTH WUD. Due to Olaag not willingly accepting the original punishment he was supposed to be given, the price ended up being the most unfortunate of all: DEATH.

So this is a reminder to all those who show dishonor and disloyalty to their clan:

RAGUK WILL NEVER TOLERATE DISHONOR NOR DISLOYALTY.

SIGNED,

WARGOTH LEYDLÛK'RAGUK II,

the Second, the Raguktower, the Archivist, Wargoth of Clan Raguk

SKULLCRUSHA’RAGUK,

the Kinslayer

Ug tu da bruddas uv Krug,

    Mi ahm Sigurd’Raguk, lats may gruk mi as da Spirit blayd offisah uv da Krughai ur as ah Wagh Shomo ur leedin ah clan uv pinkehs whu led klompins ihn Orehn ahg burnt duwn Ebonwood.

Iht is ohn dis day dat mi ahm stayking mi claym tu be Waghgoth uv Raguk frum nuw uhn. Ihf anee Raguk nub lyke iht dey cahn klomp mi ihn da pit. Ihf noazh klomps mi den mi ahm nuw ihn charge uv Raguk.

Sigurd’Raguk

“ Dah grizh iz powerful. Dah grizh-lady guidez uz. “

A Raguk smith, explaining Bloodsteel.

Raguk bloodsteel is an ancient smithing tradition of Clan Raguk. It is one of the specializations of the clan and their art and trade, utilizing blood and sheer willpower to work their steel and make it more powerful and more resilient than regular steel - although some say that this is not true, and purely the belief of the Raguks. The process of crafting bloodsteel involves sacrifice, offering, mixing and precise measures, so that an offering to the Mistress of Blood does not go by without attention or care.

CRAFTING BLOODSTEEL

To make bloodsteel, there are four steps, though they all surmount to the same result; bloodsteel.

Step one, is to create the mold. Weapons of bloodsteel do not use traditional sword, axe or spear molds, for they cannot be conventional weapons. Despite being as sharp and as powerful as regular steel, bloodsteel is made for ceremonial weapons, for a Raguk Warlord’s execution weapon, something that invokes fear and respect. As such, the mold must match that.

Step two, is to prepare whatever is to be offered to the Mistress of Blood. Be it a live sacrifice to the mistress, or a sacrifice of pure blood, the Redskins of Clan Raguk believe that, to make bloodsteel without an appropriate sacrifice, while it might still work, will anger Gazigash. After the sacrifice is made, the smith can move on…

Step three, is to carefully place a bowl of blood and a collected bone by the stream of molten steel in the forge. The blood must heat, and the bone must slowly melt to the heat, so that they may be mixed with the molten steel and produce the ceremonial red steel. The bowl of blood is expected to be sizable, and the bone, while not necessarily needing to be that big, would be appreciated.

Step four, is to mix the half-molten bone and the boiling blood with the mold of cooling ferrum. The blood and bone mixture should mix seamlessly with the cooling ferrum, and after the last processes of smithing are done; the proper shaping, sharpening, sanding and whatnot, the steel should come out a hue of crimson; the ceremonial steel of Clan Raguk.

THE PURPOSE OF BLOODSTEEL

The purpose of bloodsteel is purely ceremonial. Knives, axes, swords and spears that will be crafted and most likely used for sacrifices, demonstrations, and since it is as durable as regular steel, it can even be used for honor klomps and small duels. It is a Raguk smith’s proof of devotion to Gazigash and Gentharuz; the ability required to forge a mold and a sword while a bowl of blood heats up without having it boil and evaporate, as well as the skill put into the sword itself. 

It is also a trade craft for those seeking a more.. ‘aesthetic’ blade from the Redskins of Raguk, known to be the best smiths in all the Uzg. However, the price for buying bloodsteel can be and is usually quite high, for it is an offering and crafted dedication to Gazigash and Gentharuz, and should be treated with seriousness, or the Raguks will simply klomp someone to have it back.

However easy the technique seems, it is a knowledge reserved only to Raguks. Other clans have attempted to copy this ancient tradition, to no avail. It would simply not come out red. Everything needs to be at a perfect point; the perfect point that only an authentic and trained Raguk smith truly knows.

|| Spluttertongue: OTOGAIMAG AKH RAGUK ||

LINE OF MALGUNUZ

[ x ] No known recognised offspring

LINE OF NAGG

[ ♂ ] Glottgut’Raguk - Deceased

• [ ♂ ] Klatus’Raguk - Alive

• [ ♂ ] Groggnar’Raguk - Deceased

[ ♂ ] Brainboila’Raguk - Deceased

[ ♂ ] Skalpboila’Raguk - Deceased

• [ ♀ ] Nakita’Lur - Alive, Non-biological

[ ♂ ] Eyeboila’Raguk - Deceased

Alongside much other unrecognised offspring.

LINE OF KHARAK

[ ♂ ] Gijaak’Raguk - Alive

• [ ♂ ] Gahnaak’Raguk - Alive

[ x ] No known other offspring

LINE OF TURKURZ

[ ♂ ] Paniik’Raguk - Alive

[ ♂ ] Hazurk’Raguk - Deceased

[ ♂ ] Brazurk’Raguk - Alive

LINE OF LEYDLUK

[ ♂ ] Megaflat’Raguk - Alive

[ ♂ ] Krukleyd’Raguk - Deceased

[ ♂ ] Morgoth’Raguk - Deceased

[ ♂ ] Goldgrabba’Raguk - Alive

• [ ♂ ] Kwikfinga’Raguk - Alive

[ ♂ ] Kuntkrimpa’Raguk - Alive

[ ♂ ] Zkrew-luz’Raguk – Alive

Alongside much other unrecognised offspring.

WARPAINT, JEWELRY AND TATTOOS

⚙-⚙-⚙

Jewelry and warpaint, to a Raguk, are as defining of their identity as the shade of their skin and the illusive Naakh-za-Barash. Whilst some warpaint or jewelry is arbitrary and there to boast combative acclaim or the possessors skillful craftsmanship, others hold spiritual or occult qualities.

WARPAINT

“Red makes lat go fasta’, itz been proved by da tunzantarz mi swear it!”

It is customary for the Raguks to slather red-paint on their Myrzyms or their Battlewagons prior to a skirmish or battle. Superstition states that, in a similar fashion to their Bloodsteel weaponry, if the paint is made with blood and blessed by Gazigash, she will grant them a boon of immense speed.

“Da blue gitz iz a danger’us lot.”

In the Raguk culture, blue-paint is reserved for only the most brutal Redskins. It is said that those who are privileged enough to wear blue-paint have the blood of Baderkuk in them, from the days when Braduk and Raguk were joined as one. How much of this is true is up for debate.

“Yella’ is da lukky colour ov looterz agh freebootas. . .”

Raguks with an affinity for gold and all things shiny - usually goblins - may paint themselves yellow before a major battle to heighten their chances of finding themselves something of interest on the corpses of enemies.

“Da blakka’, da choppia.”

It is not uncommon to see glyphs painted in black along the edge of weaponry or siege equipment; or to see a Myrzym’s tusks coated entirely with black paint. This is because it is believed that black-paint makes weaponry all “da more choppia”, or more effective in combat.

“Chrome - colour ov da flatted.”

Aged Raguks who anticipate their death in battle may slather their face with chrome paint beforehand to make it damned clear to Kor that a Raguk is approaching the gates of the Stargush, in death. Similarly, deceased uruks are painted chrome for the same reason. The method to craft this chrome paint, however, is knowledge known only by the Yellers.

JEWELRY

Jewelry, in a similar fashion to warpaint, has sentimental and spiritual value to a Raguk if not for vanity. For example, it is not uncommon to see an elf-ear necklace to boast the amount of elves a Raguk has killed, or a piece of bone or a tooth from giant game. Sometimes this jewelry contains gold, silver or platinum; sometimes bloodsteel and other exotic metals like mage-gold; or strange gems and stones to give it a qualitative lustre.

In a somewhat grizzly deviation, it is also not entirely uncommon for Raguks to take fingers, toes, tusks and ears from fallen kin to turn into amulets and charms, believing that the felled ork’s strength will transfer unto them.

THE RAGUK JAW

⚙-⚙-⚙



"Da jaw? Latz azkin’ why da big red gitz got dem jawz? It’z obveeuz! Tuh zhow da uzg dat da gakh peep hozh upon uz!." - Morkar explaining to a young Glottgut

FORGED IN BLOOD

The orcs of Clan Raguk were blessed with red skin by Gazigazh, the inclination to forge the weapons of war by Gentharuz, and the urge to wage war and domination by Leyd. But in turn, the Raguks would worship their pantheon of three more than any other.

This fixation with their venerated pantheon lead to the tradition of the bloodsteel jaw. There is no written recording of when it began to take hold in Raguk culture, but rather it naturally became an unspoken tradition within the higher ups of the Raguks in order to flex their position and wealth. In fact, these bloodsteel jaws are often created without much thought, an idea in the back of their mind until remembered. Yet still, their creation is a largely symbolic gesture to the three spirits. Bloodsmithing is an art taught by the powers of Gazigazh, mistress of blood and bone, while also utilizing the will to forge given to the Raguks by Gentharuz. And from the jaws does the dominating orders of Leyd come forth. But while done in worship of the spirits, they grant no magical powers. In battle, they provide a level of protection and offense at the same time, as headbutts would undoubtedly be more powerful with the heavy metal.

Bloodsteel smithing is required for one to forge their own jaw and cover their tusks and teeth with a layer of the precious metal, yet if a Raguk was respected enough then a smith may recognize him. Just like the weapons they forge, no two Raguks are ever the same.

ANATOMY

The anatomy of a Raguk jaw is fairly simple, and can easily be varied from orc to orc. All throughout the jaw is it made of bloodsteel, but one thing that can be different is whether or not the teeth is covered with a layer of bloodsteel. Naturally, most bloodsteel jaws covers the whole chin while not touching the neck. The jaw wraps around the head to where the cheekbones are, where they are screwed and bolted into the orc’s natural cheekbones. The wideness of the jaw is based on how close the jaw reaches to the neck, due to the weight needing to be balanced between the cheeks and the chin. This leads to the bulky, heavy jaw that is often seen on Raguk Wargoths and Zongoths.



Examples:

Jaw of Glottgut’Raguk - A large, bulky jaw that stretches wide and low. Note how the jaw ends in an upwards curve, to where the bones of his actual jaw is. His tusks are wide and coated as well.

Jaw of Hazurk’Raguk -  A short and light jaw, which ends where the jaw begins to curve around the cheeks. They also do not reach far back to his neck, leading to a much more lightweight and less stressful jaw.

THE RAGUK MOUNT | MYRZYM

⚙-⚙-⚙

CONTENTS:

1. HISTORY

2. USAGE

3. APPEARANCE

4. RITUALS

HISTORY:

“Lat nub gruk where our beasts hailed from? Come, sit, and mi will blah lat.”

- Leydluk’Raguk the SKAHING Honourable, explaining the resurgence of their beasts.

AS THE DRAG OF EXISTENCE FOR THE RAGUKIAN WARMACHINE GRUDGED FORTH, A WARMACHINE THAT WAS YET TO BE SATURATED WITH GOOD OIL, VARIOUS OTHER CLANS BEARING THEIR SYGILS OF KRUGMAR RECEIVED MOUNTS. TO THE BRADUKS, A GOLDEN RHINO WAS BESTOWED. TO THE UGLUKS, A BULL OF BEHEMOUTH PROPORTIONS. YET, THE PLAINS OF VAILOR BORE NO FRUIT FOR THE REDSKINNED SMITHS OF RAGUK.

NONE KNOW EXACTLY OF WHICH CORNER THE MYRZYM WERE BIRTHED, FOR THE STORY IS ONE SHROUDED IN UNCERTAINTY AND MYTH.

HOWEVER, IT IS RECORDED THAT A STRONG WARGOTH OF RAGUK VENTURED INTO THE UNBEARING WASTE WITH THE SUN UPON HIS BACK IN THE HUNT FOR A MOUNT OF THEIR OWN.

AND TO THOSE OF RED SKIN, HE PROVIDED. REARING HIS HEAD ACROSS THE HORIZON WITH THOUSANDS OF CRIMSON SPECKS, ALL TRUMPETING THEIR CALL OF RETURN AND STOMPING THEIR FEET TO MARK THEIR HOME.

RESEMBLING MUCH THE MAMMOTHS OF YONDER, THESE MYRZYM’S WERE SAID TO BE BROUGHT FORTH BY THE ALMIGHTY AND EVER MYSTERIOUS PANTHEON. THEIR RED SKIN AND MEAT CONJURED UP IN SACRED, SAVAGE RITUAL BY THE MOTHER OF RAGUK, GAZIGASH. THEIR TENACIOUS, FIRM FRAME BEAT INTO ONE OF MAGNIFICENCE BY THE LORD OF CHAINS, LEYD. THE VERY IRON OF THEIR BONES HEATED, TEMPERED AND FORGED WITHIN THE OVEN AND UPON THE ANVIL OF GAZIGASH.

THIS WAS A CREATURE BUILT FOR CONFLICT, WAAAGH AND THE ETERNAL LABOUR OF THE WARMACHINE, OF WHICH HAD NOW BEEN SUBSEQUENTLY OILED.

USAGE

“Peep da size of diz zkah’a! Hurhur, da gorkil gitz nub gruk wub commin’.”

- An unnamed Raguk
shocktrooper discussing the previous clan war with Glottgut’Raguk

USAGE IS ONE OF THE MOST CLOSELY PROTECTED ASPECTS OF THE
MYRZYM, AS IT IS CRUCIAL TO THE CLAN’S SAFETY AND SUSTAINABILITY. FOR THIS REASON, AS MOST ROSTERS ARE DIVIDED, THE MYRZYM ARE SEPARATED WITHIN A DUO OF CATEGORIES, THAT OF WAAAGH-BEAST, AND THE LABOUR-BEAST.

LABOUR-BEAST

BLUNT AND CONCISE, THE NAME OF THE CATEGORY SPEAKS VOLUMES. THE SMALLER, WEAKER AND OBJECTIVELY WORSE BRED MYRZYM ARE SUBJECTED TO THIS ROLE TO PERFORM MINOR TASKS OF LABOUR. PROFESSIONALITY IS TO BE EXPECTED FROM THE HERDA AT ALL TIMES AS HE HANDLES THIS BEAST, FOR EVEN THOUGH THEIR RANK, THE MYRZYM OPERATING THIS ROLE SHOULD STILL MAINTAIN A LEVEL OF RESPECT. THE MOST FAMED LABOUR BEAST HAS BEEN GENTURZ, NAMED AFTER THE SPIRIT GENTHARUZ.

WAAAGH-BEAST

BLOOD, THE SEARING AND SCARRING OF FLESH, THE LOUD BOOMS OF RUNECANNONS AND THE STENCH OF URINE AND INTESTINES. THESE ARE ALL SENSES THAT THE WAAAGH-BEAST ARE TRAINED TO HANDLE. IT IS EXPECTED FOR THE BEAST TO ACT AT 100% FUNCTIONALITY AT ALL TIMES WITHIN A BATTLE, TO NOT REAR IT’S HEAD OR RETREAT. OTHERWISE, THE BEAST IS TO BE PUT DOWN.

HOWEVER, THESE ARE STILL BEASTS OF LEYD. ANY ORK FOUND INJURING OR MUTTERING INSULTS OF THESE BEASTS WILL HAVE THEIR TONGUES OR HANDS REMOVED RESPECTIVELY.

THE MOST FAMED WAAAGH-BEAST HAS BEEN TWIGGIKRUNCHA, THE STEED OF THE EQUALLY FAMED GRUBGOTH WUD’FUD’RAGUK.

RITUALS

“Leyd-flok myrzym lat, flokolgûl glogol!”

- Krukleyd’Raguk granting permission onto a new wave of vanguard grunts to receive their beasts.

YET, THIS TOOL WOULD NOT BE GRANTED UPON ALL WHO CHANTED KRUG AND YIELDED TUSKS BENEATH THEIR MAWS. THIS WAS A CREATURE MOLDED TO FIT MERELY A SINGULAR NICHE, THAT OF THE RAGUKS. AND FIT IT DID PERFECTLY.

LABOUR-BEASTS

FOR A MYRZYM TO BE SUBJECTED TO THE TITLE OF A LABOUR BEAST, IS NO DISHONORABLE FEAT, EVEN IF THE RANK IS BESTOWED ONTO THE PHYSICALLY WEAKER OF THE LITTER. TO THE MACHINE OF KRUGMAR, THE GRIND IS BUT ONE OF THE FEW COGS NEEDED TO STEAMROLL INTO GLORIOUS WAAAGH. IT CAN BE SAID, HOWEVER, THAT THESE MYRZYM GARNER LESS RESPECT FROM THE VANGUARD AS THEY DO NOT RISK THEIR LIVES, AND DO NOT SHED BLOOD IN THE NAME OF LEYD. THESE MYRZYM WOULD BE BEHESTED TO BEAR MINERALS OR MATERIALS. THESE MYRZYM DO NOT GARNER NAMES, SIMPLY NUMBERS TO CALL THEM BY.

WAAAGH-BEASTS

THE CRIMSON-BRED AND DECISIVE SOLDIERS PROPOSED A MANNER OF IMPROVING THEIR INDUSTRIOUS EFFICIENCY WHILST PROVIDING THE SPIRITS WITH TRIBALISTIC PRAISE. UPON EACH RAGUK BORN OR INTEGRATED WITHIN THE CLAN, THEY WOULD BE DOUSED IN ELFKIN BLOOD AND GIVEN A BEAST OF THEIR OWN. ONE WHICH WOULD MIMIC THEIR TUSKS AND WARRIOR FEROCITY. FROM HERE, THE RAGUK WOULD INDOCTRINATE HIS MYRZYM AND FORCE IT TO BE YIELD AND BECOME ONE.

THE DUO WOULD GROW THEIR CHARACTER TOGETHER, CHARGE INTO THE FRENZY OF WAAAGH TOGETHER AND END LIFE ALONGSIDE EACHOTHER. AND WHEN GIVEN THE CHANCE OR WHEN THOUGHT SUITABLE, THE RAGUK WOULD NAME HIS BEAST, FOREVER CEMENTING THEIR LEGACY INTO THE BOOKS OF HISTORY.

AND IN THE DEPRESSING  EVENT THAT A WAAGH-BEAST’S LIFE COMES TO A CEASE, IT IS ASSURED THAT NOTHING OF THEIR EXISTENCE WOULD SURRENDER TO WASTE. THIS IS NOT A METAPHORICAL OR SYMBOLIC STATEMENT, AS THE RAGUK WARRIORS WOULD SAP THEIR BLOOD TO FORGE THE BEST OF BLOODSTEEL WEAPONS, BUTCHER THEIR MEAT TO PROVIDE CUISINE FOR KRUGMAR. EVEN THE BONES OF THE MYRZYM WOULD BE USEFUL TO SOME EXTENT.

APPEARANCE

“Do ya fhink da glint of gold or the texture of da tattoos will entrance our enemiz or bring fear onto them?”

“Perhupz boffh”

- Imp’Raguk and a nonsequencial ork discussing the Myrzym.

EVEN THOUGH AESTHETICS IS NOT OF THE MACHINE’S IMPORTANCE, IT IS A LUXURY THAT THE RAGUKS CAN AFFORD, ESPECIALLY WHEN TAKING IN MIND THEIR OFTEN REGAL APPEARANCE.

THIS INCLINATION TOWARDS BOISTERIORITY DOES NOT GRIND TO A HALT WHEN TALKING ABOUT THE ORKS, HOWEVER. OFTEN, THE NAME OF THE MYRZYM ARE ON MANY A PERSON’S LIPS WHEN SPEAKING OF LUXURIOUS APPEARANCE. YET, LIKELY THE MOST CONVERSED ABOUT MYRZYM IN PROSPECTS OF THEIR COSMETICAL VALUE HAS BEEN GAZGAZH, OF WHICH IT IS SAID GAZIGAZH HERSELF BESTOWED UPON THE BEAST WITH BLOODSTEEL ARMOR.

MANY A RAGUK ENJOYS ADORNING THEIR WAAAGH-BEAST WITH TRADITIONAL OR OFTEN INDUSTRIOUS COSMETICS. SOME WOULD PREFER DESIGNING AND SMITHING A FINESSE GOLDEN HARNESS, WHILST OTHERS PREFER THE CRUDE, DESATURATED ARMOR IN ORDER TO PROTECT THEIR BEAST. HOWEVER, TATTOOS ARE ALSO A COMMON SIGHT. THE CREATIVITY OF THE INDIVIDUAL IS ESSENTIAL TO PRODUCE QUINTESSENTIAL BEASTS.

"Ang Gund Griish."

⚙-⚙-⚙

(The Raguk Tome of Barzuga)

“Dem Raguks. Dey'z is tuff gitz,” - Unknown Ork

Decades ago, when the Raguk name was as fresh upon the lips as morning dew upon the grass, they were feared for their sheer numbers alone. Their encampment stretched over the horizon in a broad swathe of red: an artists filbert stroke across a canvas of sand-yellow. Many thousands of them here dwelled, within the desert of Vailor, their skin red like the blood that smears their hands.

Back then, they were referred to as The Vanguard, staunch supporters of worthy Rexes, protective of Krugmar and their Kin. They were the driving cogs of the War Uzg, leading by storm It’s industries and boasting an inconceivably large army. The cogs of the machine known as Raguk never faltered or ground to a halt - they were self-sufficient and well-oiled, forged from the mettle of two clans: that of Glogol and that of Garr. But whilst they were once a force to be reckoned with, overarching incompetence kicked it into the ground to be devoured by the ever-consuming sands of time.

(The Planes of the Vailorian Desert)

From the Deadlands of the Uzg came a new ork, a grunt by the name of Kharak. Rising the ranks, he shoved aside competition until he himself was Wargoth with now a great warband at his back. With his newfound army, he waged warfare against the High Elf colony of Fi’Ceru and gained himself a name that was respected amongst the orks. With his aptitude towards warfare, he was named Targoth under Kahn and reigned over the Krughai absolutely until the return of Ubba’Ugluk, which saw Kahn abdicate. Ubba then himself abdicated, the mantle of Rexdom passing over to Snoop’Azog with Eath’Lur as his Dominus. During Snoop’s absence, Kharak challenged Eath’Lur to a duel for his position and proved successful, ascending hence to Dominus. Here, he only took his aspiration further and challenged Snoop for the title of Rex. He bested the Azog in combat and took the throne of the Warnation. It was during this time that the Raguks were most powerful.

Kharak’s ambitions only drove him further and he came to learn the shrouded practice of shamanism. In time he became a great witch doctor, and employed his power to only sate his ambitiousness further: this time he wanted the world. By convening with Orgon - Spirit of Pestilence - he spawned a great plague that swept and ravaged the land, rending it useless; defunct of life and of purpose. Vailor had ended, and the descendants needed a new home. It was this great blunder that moulded the Raguk’s disdain towards the overtly shamanic.

(Rex Kharak’Raguk)

With the world in tatters, the Descendants were forced to commit a great Exodus. They trawled the seas in search of a suitable home- the world powers at least for now working in unison for the betterment of their kind -and came upon Axios a lush new land. Here began the scramble for land, but the orks did not worry, for the worst region always fell upon them - and that was how they liked it. This time they took the humid jungles of Asul and they thrived. The Raguks themselves fared well, but the iron of this land was poor in quality and heavily stunted their industry. This was until the death of their liege at the hand of a malevolent spirit.

Rexdom switched hands many times before falling into the hands of yet another Raguk: the unifier of Garr and Glogol himself, Malganuz’Raguk. Under Malgunuz’ reign as Rex, he ceded Wargothdom to a Raguk youngling who showed promise, Turkurz. But soon hereafter the orks saw the bloody rearing head of Oren decimate their lands and their people. Like outcasts they were thrown to each an every corner of the land until they were once more reunited in the desert of Tahn on a plot gifted to them by the Dwarven King, Torvin Grandaxe. Here a young Leydluk - then known as Kuntklobbera - challenged Turkurz in a klomp that lasted all night until he proved the victor. Kuntklobbera retained the position for a short duration before an odd infection refined him to a stooping husk and he was no longer capable of leadership. Turkurz once more attained Wargothdom.

The orks were to make one more migration under Drokon’Ugluk before settling in the mesa. Drokon, corrupted by the Dark Shaman Kulgarok - who in his naivety he trusted - began culling Wargoths who disagreed with him. First Turkurz was killed, then Aukha’Raguk. After a short but bloody rule - Rexdom was passed onto Orgoth’Braduk who was expected to live up to the standards of his bygone kinsman, Kahn. Unfortunately such expectations weren’t lived up to and Orgoth abdicated to Gurak’Yar.

Kuntklobbera soon after returned to the land of the living, bringing a new age of vitality to Raguk, reviving the Krugtel in the process. His reign was very successful and profits from the booming cartel brought him to ascension. Rex Gurak noticed Kuntklobera’s skill at money-making and promoted him to the position of Yazgurtan to ensure that Krugmar’s coffers were filled. Whilst in his position, Kuntklobbera noticed indiscrepancies within the Rexes policies, decisions and even his own personal living. Disdainful at the leaders lack of competence and honour, the Rex rallied a force of Raguk and like-minded orks and confronted the corrupted Rex at the table of his feast. A fight of course ensued. The Raguk, despite their name of the Vanguard, were cut down eventually by the greater force of outsiders who stood beside the false Rex.

Seeing the disdain from the orks he ruled, Gurak stepped down from the mantle of Rexdom and Kulgarok took it. His tenure was short lived, however, for through the cracks of his sugar coating it was noticed that he only wished to buckle the spirits. Eath’Lur defended the orkish tradition and dueled him to death. In victory, he took Rexdom and served shortly, before Kuntklobbera himself challenged Eath and ascended to Rexdom.

Whilst Rex, Leyd noticed Kuntklobbera’s advancement from afar: is rekindled clan of devout followers and their victories through dominance. In hopes of spurring more ambition from the ruler, to in turn bolster his own power in his own realm, he visits Kuntklobbera in a dream and named him his favoured son: Leydluk. After a mostly prosperous Rexdom, yet one that did not encompass his vision of conquer, he abdicated his claim and handed it to his Yazgurtan, U’la’Yar. Called to pilgrimage he leaves Krugmar and the mantle of Wargoth to Hazurk’Raguk: son of the slain Turkurz’Raguk.

(Rex Leydluk’Raguk)

After a successful stint of rule from Hazurk, which saw much in the likes of reform and development, he himself abdicated, called by pilgrimage. Ka’nur a prominent smith and tinkerer takes the reigns hence, but his rule doesn’t last long. Hazurk broke his own spiritual calling to meet with his old liege Leydluk and bring him to the new lands. Hereafter they separated, but Hazurk returned to the Uzg, once more taking Wargothdom.

After hearing of U’la’s death at the hands of the wood elves, Leydluk returns Krugmar to take the position of Rexdom. Hazurk steps down from Wargothdom and servers a brief tenure as Rex Leydluk’s diplomat. Leydluk assumes the title of Wargoth once more and bolsters the clan to a respectable state and a public asset, to equip the armies of Krugmar with valued Bloodsteel. Angered by the Wood Elven misdeeds, Leydluk musters his army and the armies of his allies and form a war front at Fort Stronk to wage warfare upon the wood elves, confident after extensive prior victories that ground would be gained. Alas, the Dominion proved successful in this endeavour and pushed the orks back- his right hand Hazurk dying in the process -and Leydluk once more abdicates for a fresher mind to take Rexdom: Morlak’Lak.

To end the conflict between elf and ork, an audience between the two nations was organized with Renatus as the mediator. Negotiations were at a stalemate and Leydluk suggested that the two leaders solve the conflict with a klomp, with repercussions not only in death. Morlak dueled the elven King in an event watched by many. . .but ultimately lost. The Capital, San’Kala, was stormed by the elven forces and the orks were once more displaced. Just as if history had repeated itself they found refuge with their dwarven allies. But the Raguks didn’t stay. By the Wargoth they were ushered away from Krugmar. Half of the clan stayed with Wargoth Nagg - an Elder of the Clan who assumed the position from Leydluk following his abdication - whilst the other half followed Leydluk to accompany him on his pilgrimage.

Once more Leydluk returns, this time with hopes to cement his Clan as a significant force, much like they had been years ago. . .

⚙-⚙-⚙

Warriors of Clan Raguk surging forth in a bloodlust fueled frenzy.

“Evr’y git gotz ta’ ‘ave dere own name, ya peep? If a brudda does real good at smashin’ twiggy nogginz den he’s ta’ be called Headsmasha, lat gruk? If a bruddaz rite ‘hosh at kickin’ teef den he’s ta be called Teefkicka. Ya get da picture?” - Imp’Raguk

Some names are allotted at birth, some from work or feats or because of character traits. Though amongst the most unique of Krug’s kin comes from those of Redskinned stock. They are particularly primitive in nature, simple too, yet descriptive enough and relatively utilitarian - as per the unspoken creeds of Clan Raguk.

ORK NAMES:

• Usually takes a body part and then a violent action. Sometimes a name is earned, though more often than not its allotted at birth.

• In other instances, they are named based on a peculiar trait, feature or mannerism.

• Some Raguks do boast names that do not fit the above criteria, but this is less common. They are particularly crude in comparison to other ork names, using more K’s and less ‘soft’ vowels.

• EG:

  • Megaflat, Skullchoppa, Headsmasha, Teefkicka, Bigtuzk, Longnose, Ash-Eye, Morkar, Nagg, Zult-Arm, Gutpuncha etc.

GOBLIN NAMES:

• Goblins take on names that somehow relate to their craft, a tool directly related therein, some kind of mechanism or a work process.

• EG:

  • Spanna’Raguk, Kog’Raguk, Skrew’Raguk, Pikk’Raguk, Hamma’Raguk, Smiff’Raguk, Nut’Raguk, Bolt’Raguk, Mill’Raguk etc.

OLOG NAMES:

• Olog names remain relatively unchanged. Three-letter names with simple sounds or the first thing that the olog in question eats is still the norm.

• EG:

  • Pohtaytoh, Tomaytoh, Wud, Bud, Mud, Oob, B’oob, M’oob, Huk, Guhrub, Fik, Gut, Zlop etc.

NAMESAKES:

• Namesakes are titular names granted to an uruk by the Wargoth for a great deed, feat of combat or test of mettle. They usually are written in the form of Old Blah and take a greater meaning than the regular names of Clan Raguk. It is an honour to receive a namesake, much like it is an honour to receive the title of ‘Ser’ amongst human holds.

• EG:

  • Leydluk [Leyds-Son], Turkurz [Valuable], Dhurburz [Strong] etc.

  •  

THE PANTHEON OF THREE

THE CULT OF NAAKH-ZA-BARASH

The Machine of Eternal Drudgery: an icon of the Naakh-za-Barash. The large cog represents Leyd, whereas the smaller cogs represent Gentharuz and Gazigash respectively.

LEYD

“Expand my reaches and for you, my son, the world will bow.”

The Lord of Chains: Spirit of Physical Strength and Dominance.

GAZIGASH

“Fill my chalice, redskins, fill it with the wine of life.”

Mistress of the Dar ob Griish: Spirit of Blood and Bone.

GENTHARUZ

“You have yet to be shaped, mortal; yet to be beaten, hardened and quenched.”

The Forgemaster: Spirit of Industry, Smithing and Forging.

Naakh-za-Barash, the illusive religion of the Raguk; one wrought in steel, blood and in chains. Three tenants that the Raguk believe vital for the continuation of life. In their minds, these factors - and the spirits that represent them - fit together like well-trimmed cogs into what is known as the Machine of Eternal Drudgery. Just as the Raguk proverb states:

__________________________

“Wars are not won without Steel. We are not one without blood. And forever are we bound in chains, whether mortal or immortal.”

____________________________

It is this belief that has kept the Raguk from ever truly failing. Never have they sunk so low as to be kicked into the wind like the husks of the clans of yore. Held together by kinship and this dharma, they shall drudge on for eternity like the machine dictates; like the Yellers dictate. . .

THE YELLERS

Those of the Faith

(Yellers making way for a battle-ready Muyakelg.)

The Yellers, those who trade sight and mundane speech for greater intuition on matters of the spiritual. They are illusive, by design, who stay below ground away from prying sounds and sights that may wish to disturb their eternal prayer. In some regard, they are considered living sacrifices, for unto their respective spirits do they give their minds, their bodies, and their soul until Kor’s grip separates them from the mortal plain.

______________________

KHLAAR-LEYD

He who hears Leyd: a seasoned yet silent warrior. Khlaar-Leyd leads the redskins in sacrifice and prayer for The Lord of Chains.  

KHLAAR-GENTHARUZ

He who hears Gentharuz: a skilled yet silent craftsman. Khlaar-Gentharuz leads the redskins in sacrifice and prayer for The Forgemaster.

KHLAAR-GAZIGASH

He who hears Gazigash: an intuitive yet silent bloodletter. Khlaar-Gazigash leads the redskins in sacrifice and prayer for The Mistress of the Dar ob Griish.

______________________

Whilst not necessarily shaman- for the Redskins possess a deep disdain for shamanism within their Ranks, save spirit smithing -they know enough of the Old Tongue - passed on from one to the next in the form of chants and incantations - to lead the Raguks in prayer. At the end of every year - in rotations - a great spiritual juncture shall be held, to remind the Raguk of their immortal greaters and to drive their iron will.

THE MACHINE OF ETERNAL DRUDGERY

“I shall give you a chance, fickle beings, a chance to redeem yourself from this great blunder. . .”

(Totem of Leyd - Dominion Forest: Axios)

The Yellers find many ways to cement the faith: through chants, incantations, great hunts and sacrifices; and through great stories of old that boast orkish or spiritual heroes, bloody battles and acts of honour. One story that resonates most amongst the Raguk is the story of Leyd’s bloody warpath, from which he defeated Gazigash and Gentharuz in unforgiving warfare. It teaches not only the aspiration of WAAAGH!, or the conception of The Machine, but it finds room to teach of mercy and efficacy. At its core, it perpetuates the Unspoken Creeds of Clan Raguk:

“A century ago, when the Clans of Glogol and Garr had yet to come together, the slaving clan Glogol embraced Leyd in his entirety. They built great shrines in their territory and sacrificed unwanted cargo to the mighty spirit in hopes of gaining a mere shred of his attention. Although he did not make it known, Leyd watched the Glogol from afar- gleeful at his absolute worship and his growing power.

But when Garr joined with Glogol, they brought with them their way of life and culture: including the worship of the Spirits Gazigash and Gentharuz. Observing this, Leyd grew angry; but he did not enact yet, for those remaining of Glogol stock stayed loyal and true. Though even this did last long, for the tide of many fought wars, time and eventual intermingling washed away the Glogol’s loyalty to Leyd - and Leyd alone - with blood.

With this sight before him, Leyd grew enraged. His power was meant to be absolute, but even now his most loyal followers had disregarded him for other spirits. He needed to grapple power once more- but in a war within the Spirit Realm, for immortal power was invaluable in comparison to any magnitude of mortal power. From his throne he rose, calling for his most powerful Lessers to amass their armies; and upon the realm of Gazigash he marched with his great host at his back. In a battle that lasted five decades, Gazigash’s armies were rended and she - and her most powerful Lessers - were bound with the firmest of chains.

(One of Gazigash’s Lessers of Bone, lying slain)

Next he was to march upon Gentharuz. The Forgemaster proved a worthy foe against Leyd, which lead to half of his army being wiped out in a bloody war that lasted near double the last. Gentharuz and his Lessers were also bound in chains, and with Gazigash and her Lessers, were offered Leyd’s merciful audience. It is said that his intention was to execute both Gentharuz and Gazigash, and take their realms for himself. However, with most of his forces depleted and his power considerably weakened, he needed to rebuild. Ever merciful, he gave this final offer to the Spirit of Blood and Bone; and the Spirit of Industry and Forging:

“I shall give you a final chance, fickle beings, a chance to redeem yourself of this great blunder. Join me in a pact that will shake the spirit Realm, and together we shall grow our influence upon the realm of Mortals.”

“Izg golm tiil bûth, darûkûrz  fulam, bûth u skaatkrum kraat urrhak. Largbashkaum za  riink frum gokut, sha largdurbûrz ikhîzub ir uzg ob matûrz.”

Having been bested, Gazigash and Gentharuz obliged and formed a great pact with Leyd that stays unbroken to this day; though a pact where Leyd’s power remains absolute. . .”

And with that The Machine was created, the pantheon that dictates most of Raguk life rising from the ashes of war, spreading their influence over the mortal realm as a collective, with the Yellers as their middle men:

⚙-⚙-⚙

[ROSTER]

"Ragukses is neva defeated in battle. If we win we win, if we flat we flat klompin’ so it nub count!" - T. Common Raguk Saying

THE WARGOTH: LEYDLUK'RAGUK

The biggest, meanest and reddest ork of Clan Raguk; Leader and Law of the Clan.

THE ELDERS

Experienced advisors and aged members of the clan.

THE BOSSES

Budding Raguks who take the various mantles of infrastructure within the Clan. They may oversee training, building, work or logistics.

THE SHOKKTROOPAS

Hardened veterans of the Clan, sporting suits of enamelled steel. The more flash amongst them may even sport full suits of Bloodsteel.

THE GRUNTS

The brunt of the Raguk force: armed to the teeth and sent out into the battlefield in droves. They boast Bloodsteel gauntlets and the Orkhelms of renown.

CHROMED

Deceased members of Clan Raguk, made chrome in death.

RUSTED

Dishonorable members of the Clan. Defective and thus rendered useless.

SPECIALIZED RANKS

DOK

Orks well-versed in the art of Raguk medicine.

REVHEAD

The bard of Raguk - tasked with inspiring morale in war with a variety of battle-worthy tunes.

GRUBGOTH

Cook of the Clan - tasked with preparing MREs to sustain the battle-ready Raguk boyz.

PRESTIGE POINTS

In order to rise from Grunt to Shokktroopa- and to even have a chance at being chosen for Boss - an ork must prove himself through deeds deemed strong willed and worthy. Whether through collecting snagas, participating in raids and in drills, winning klomps, collecting materials or slaying beasts- these are all legible methods in attaining prestige points. When a sufficient number have been collected, an ork may ascend.

_____________________________________________

WINNING A KLOMP - 2 PRESTIGE POINTS

PARTICIPATING IN A RAID - 5 PRESTIGE POINTS

CAPTURING A SNAGA - 5 PRESTIGE POINTS

ATTENDING A DRILL - 5 PRESTIGE POINTS

COMPLETING A TASK - 15 PRESTIGE POINTS

[MORE TO COME]

_____________________________________________

SHOKKTROOPA - 50 PRESTIGE POINTS

BOSS - 100 PRESTIGE POINTS

ELDER - 200 PRESTIGE POINTS

“ANG GUND GRIISH.”