Raguk Culture: Appearance

[Smaw 2376]

"Ah Raguk widoud treshure iz nub Raguk ad alh."

 

 

Most Raguk are born within the chasms of the clan fort. Amidst soot and ash, their first smell is that of bubbling bronze and their first touch from a calloused and bleeding hand. They grow around the dangers of production. On a daily basis, the risks of deep burns and wounds are prevalent, and many will suffer deep scars before they even mature fully. In an environment as harsh as this, there is seldom solace for Redskin Orcs to enjoy.

 

However, deep within the Wargoth's treasury exists a single, aged female Raguk. She is clothed in tattered cloth, and more notably, numerous adornments of gold, diamond and silver. She is a Jewelcrafter, one of only a handful to exist within the clan. Working around ingots of varied size and material, she crafts one of the most important items to any Raguk. Their treasure, and by extension, their identity.

 

A Raguk is permitted to keep a percentage of each precious mineral they mine, and with increasing rarity comes a requirement of greater skill. It is for this reason that jewelry of varying quality denotes the status of a Redskin. When an Orc surfaces to the Uzg, they represent their clan completely, and in wearing precious items, they show the great skill and production of the Raguk.

 

Typically, they will be seen wearing a great number of golden rings and ear and nose pieces, with diamond encrusted necklaces and bracelets/anklets. Due to extreme temperatures and little need for them, Orcs in general do not wear much clothing, leaving much of the flesh free to be adorned in jewels and tattoos. Generally, tattoos are pierced along the body as symbols to represent those aspects of Orcish culture that the individual holds dear. Some examples of common tattoos are as follows:
 

Markings
 

The Open Hand: Every Raguk is brandished with this symbol; that of the Raguk clan itself. An open hand signifies the capabilities inherent in each Raguk, the hand being the ultimate and greatest tool they will ever use. It represents a hand that can heal, but also destroy, give and also take. A hand that serves as an ultimate expression of the duality that exists within the Universe. It is also seen often in the Raguk flag.

 

The Three-Headed Snake: This symbol is a representation of the three aspects a Raguk should work on. Strength, Wisdom and Perseverance. The Uzg is unforgiving and unrelenting, and one must perform at ones best to stand a chance at surviving even the day.

Strength is an extremely large aspect of Orcish culture as a whole, and no Orc will be permitted weakness.
Wisdom is necessary to maintain peace among neighboring clans, and indeed those within the Raguk.
Perseverance, perhaps an overlooked quality. It is the drive to continue that leads to the greatest success.

 

The Hammer: This symbol represents the reason for the existence of the Raguk. To serve the Uzg. To create weapons that will penetrate the hearts of Orcish enemies, to mold the foundations on which we build our homes, and to protect our skin from the dangers of the world.

 

The Skull (with markings beneath denoting a tally): The skull (as in many other cultures across Vailor) represents the inevitability of death, something all mortals will face regardless of strength. Usually, a tally of lines will be seen beneath the skull, a reminder of each flat an Orc has achieved. It is a great honour to take the life of a powerful enemy, and for this reason only the worthy are marked.

 

The Silhouette: The Raguk do not hold to the notion that the spirits are necessary for progression or success. They do not worship as often as the other clans, and instead commit almost entirely to labouring and raiding. It is the strength and determination of the individual that yields results, not the expectancy of the ignorant.

 

To conclude, it is better to show your power and life-path through physical display, than to spout words without backing.