A View on Orcs

[Panashea 3324]

 

Orcs face a multitude of problems, both OOCly and IRP. These issues, compounded together leaves orcs as a race with very few, relatively active players without a way to keep the new players satisfied and enjoy their new characters.

 

Sure, many claim that orcs lack culture or RP, but any time spent on the ‘Orc Roleplay tab’ proves otherwise. Thankfully, Smaw and a few others have made playing the race much easier, simplifying blah and providing a multitude of guides in making good characters that will provide RP that does not involve spirit worship or sacrifice.

 

https://www.lordofthecraft.net/forums/topic/153273-orcish-character-creation-and-characerization/#comment-1447819

 

https://www.lordofthecraft.net/forums/topic/143062-orc-rp-my-interpretation/

 

https://www.lordofthecraft.net/forums/topic/145084-orc-rp-the-mindset-of-an-orc/

 

In roleplay, orcs are struggling to make their way out of one of the worst positions they’ve ever been in. This is mostly my fault, due to my absence, but the transition from city to city due to OOC and RP pressure has killed any chance of lasting RP, or players willing to join a race that constantly has to travel about. I completely understand that roleplay actions affect decisions, but only to a certain extent. If orcs nuked Athera with Krughatten or some other nuke, would it make sense to simply shut off the server because it was an ‘rp decision?’ Orcs are trying to generate their own RP within their city, though with the little playerbase we currently have means we cannot be around 24/7 to facilitate roleplay. All of the council/leadership of orcs either works or is in college, leaving the city often abandoned. Worse still, as soon as an orc, often a new player leaves the city, they’re bombarded by the hate and ire of the entire server.

 

When a new player join the server and makes a mistake in RP or does something that is clearly stupid, it is brushed off. And yet when an orc does so, it stains the entire community, as if the nation recommended such actions. I don’t understand all the salt and hate brought on about these new players, and the sudden assumption that these players ARE the orc community, rather than orcs without the sufficient playerbase seeking roleplay.

Rather than bragging about how you kill orcs for walking into your city in forum posts completely unrelated to you, perhaps explain to the new player that orcs aren’t welcome here, or simply allow the new player to roleplay there if they aren’t causing harm. Ganking new players simply shits on the garbage retention we already have when they don’t understand what a ‘pvp default’ is.  

 

Rather than WARCLAIMING a race for the actions of one new player, who clearly does not understand the brevity of his actions, or the diplomacy of nations, perhaps explain what they’re doing is wrong, both IRP and OOC. Better yet, address this with the orcish leadership or community. I’ve mentioned this before, and yet no one has done this. But if you see a banditting/slaving orc with poor RP, write a villain blacklist and tell someone in orcish leadership. One of the smallest, buffless communities is doing their best to try and rebuild after shitty leaderships, (including my own). It’s disgusting to see people gloat about victories when you’re picking on the smallest disabled kid in the class.   

 

Rant and salt aside, this not simply the server’s or the other nation’s fault alone. Orcish leadership since Athera has been shaky. Though we’ve had good leaders, (Smaw, Humanistic, Pok, etc) the presence of active leaders is negligible. Wargoths and shamans are supposed to lead and yet they’re more inactive and apathetic than the orcs who need the roleplay in the first place.  I understand that life is more important, but as an orc of power, with whatever title you have, you should be doing EVERYTHING you can to entice new players into making orcs. There shouldn’t be locked off forms of shamanism, simply because there aren’t active players to roleplay it.  During peak hours, the city shouldn’t be empty. If you’re not able to be on due to IRL business, write lore, whether it be history, stories, or random tidbits about orcish culture, or help new players with their applications. I’ve been an orc for 5 years (going on six), and I find the current situation unacceptable.

 

If anyone wishes to aid in the endeavor of reviving the race, whether it be in a leadership position, facilitating RP, or creating art and media, PM me or detail your information on the post.

 

Thanks.

[Runabarn 1028]

I've always felt like the political structure of orcs plays a major role in keeping them down. The position of Rex can be extremely volatile and easily taken away. How many Rexes have there been that didn't make it through the first week?

 

While one might argue that bringing constant change is a good thing, orcs do this far too frequently for it to be good. Good leaders are scarce, simply by statistics we can see that orcs get a ton of bad leaders in shorter times. And more often than not one Rex will completely oppose what the previous Rex did, undoing everything. This has made it hard for orcs to stick together consistently both as a nation and playerbase. These violent shifts of power occur at the very top and the shockwave reaches all the way to bottom shaking the entire system. And this happens all the time.

 

Worst part is this isn't something that could be changed without angering a good portion of the orc playerbase. It has been that way since the very beginning of the server and at this point it has become too deeply rooted.

 

Sure there are more problems and issues that trouble the orcs, but I feel like this is one that has never been properly addressed.

[marimbamonk 1501]

The divided nature and weakness in the orc nation at this point serves as a great opportunity for reformation.

We should all discuss what's most important to orcs as a culture, as a race, as a community, and ask ourselves what works and what doesn't work for us.

 

I'll make my own post about this soon, but I'm all for helping the orcs get back together.

[Bvie 1754]

You have too many clans and too few players. Too many positions of power because of these clans, and not enough followers to be commanded. 

 

This is is one of the arguements I've said when trying to offer solutions. Too many chiefs. Not enough Indians. 

 

Like Whym said tho, change that happens too frequently isn't good. Your unable to actually plan, follow through, collect results, and reflect before someone's kicking you out of power. 

 

Some solid foundation and consistencies, especially with new players goes along way.

 

imagine being a new player and being told to go collect wood for the Rex, they come back two days later and it's someone else now. They'd be so confused. And confusion leads to frustration because now this new Rex doesn't want the wood he was told to get. 

[marimbamonk 1501]

Just now, SquirtGun said:

imagine being a new player and being told to go collect wood for the Rex, they come back two days later and it's someone else now. They'd be so confused. And confusion leads to frustration because now this new Rex doesn't want the wood he was told to get. 

 

Couldn't have said it better, hahaha. 

[shortchangehero 4217]

You guys need a powerful war figure whom instead of trying to make great shaman RP reverts back to old fun Orc ways of skilled (Not 'MINA OR DIE') villainous actions (Banditing, Slaving, Sell-sword etc) and starts reverting the Orcs back to the good'ol days where they were a strong feared MILITARY force to be reckoned with. If I play an Orc I want to be a villain, I want to be a big scary green guy that loves to pillage, raid and klomp all the time. Not do some next shaman RP in a language that's so hard to understand. But y'all make some sick shaman RP posts, I'll give y'all that.

[Galendar 631]

this idea of rex's changing everyday is very unfounded and without evidence. Most rex's that are accepted as rex by the population make it a long time before being removed/surrendering the title. 

[Panashea 3324]

24 minutes ago, SquirtGun said:

You have too many clans and too few players. Too many positions of power because of these clans, and not enough followers to be commanded. 

 

This is is one of the arguements I've said when trying to offer solutions. Too many chiefs. Not enough Indians. 

 

 

I personally have tried to remove clans during my Rexdom, whether it be due to inactivity, or to encourage a central leadership. Everyone seems to freak out and screech whenever such actions are taken, so I don't know if such is possible. Most clans are inactive, save for Raguk and Yar, and only 4-5 leaders actually exist. The Rex issue is a problem, though most of the good Rexs often remain in power due to the community in enjoying them. I haven't seen a good Rex kicked out of power, nor do I see such shifts that often up until now, due to WCs and irl issues. It is a good point though, now seeing the constant changes of power so soon.

 

 

7 minutes ago, The Combatant said:

You guys need a powerful war figure whom instead of trying to make great shaman RP reverts back to old fun Orc ways of skilled (Not 'MINA OR DIE') villainous actions (Banditing, Slaving, Sell-sword etc) and starts reverting the Orcs back to the good'ol days where they were a strong feared MILITARY force to be reckoned with. If I play an Orc I want to be a villain, I want to be a big scary green guy that loves to pillage, raid and klomp all the time. Not do some next shaman RP in a language that's so hard to understand. But y'all make some sick shaman RP posts, I'll give y'all that.

 

I love you GGT, but that doesn't work for orcs on this community. Slaving only leads to BSDM or annoyed people. Banditting leads to Meta Teams or the memery of an entire descendant race. Aegis was a decent blend of both, but focusing on combat and fighting doesn't work. It's an RP server and focusing on something that's generally PVP isn't good for a community. Orcs have more than just PVP, and enslaving. The links in the original post show that. I'm not saying avoid pvp,banditry, etc, but there needs to be a balance. 

[Xerihsob 33]

I myself am a new Orc and have only been here around a week; perhaps my insights could hold some value.

 

I feel like the scariest thing for myself was the lack of collected information in an easily accesible place. I had to dig deep in forums and the wiki to find out how Orcs act and think; this should be a lot easier. I have been thinking about making a "master-post" of some Smaw writings as well as other helpful links and wiki posts, but have not found the time. A notable thing that did stick out to me however was the fact that Orcs are very about culture as opposed to PVP; so kudos to all that have put in immense work to make this so. Which brings me to my next point, I disagree with every one above who says the Rex should be a more permanent position. For longevity and retention perhaps it should; but it is in the Orc culture that a Rex should not live long or be around long. It is how we are.

 

I have been trying to do my part to increase interest in Orcs and have been meaning to message Smaw about it; asking if he ever needs any help writing lore. Since you are offering now I would like to take you up on the offer, simply PM me with whatever needs to be done and if it is in my power I will do it. Currently I am writing a piece of lore for a clan that has been long forgotten or simply left behind; it's still being written because I am trying to make it as canon as possible while still remaining unique. Another contribution I have made to the Orc community is the Discord. I have set that up myself (with some help from Pok to get the word out) and it is doing pretty well in terms of membership currently. I feel like the Orcish community is the strongest and most lore intensive race out there we just don't have the playerbase to make it known.

 

I feel like a lot of Orcs do however fail to realize the fact this is how we are suppose to be treated. I'd assume it would be the same if Orcs truly did exist; everyone would be racist to them. I don't think there will ever be changing this fact, because that is simply what it is and how it is. Just racism.

 

I am sorry this is so badly written, I'm in a little bit of a block currently where I can't figure out ways to voice what's going on in my head. I'll try to clean up this post when I get over it.

 

Edit: I would also appreciate it if you yourself could join the Discord, it would be easier to communicate my ideas to you.

[WuHanXianShi14 0]

You talk about the whole server going against you, yet Oren has given the orcs several peace terms, all of which from what I have seen the orcs have ignored or refused.

 

 

 

These terms were degrading in RP as they involved public apologies, kneeling before the Emperor and being monitored by imperial authorities to ensure the orcs did not step out of line again, but agreeing to them would have ensured you peace.  (The fact you show up at every warclaim on the side opposing oren doesn't help either, i.e snow elves, dwarves, etc)

 

You want peace but not at the cost of your pride. If you are strong enough to do that then all the power to you, however it appears you are not, otherwise you would not be making these threads. How about instead of writing about the plight of the orcs on forum threads, you actually capitulate to some of the many peace terms you've been given? It's clear you cant' win a war. So either you submit to the greater powers terms or you keep getting aggressed on. Its your choice to make.

 

tl;dr: Try actually accepting some of the peace terms offered. You cant keep refusing diplomacy then complain you keep getting attacked. That's what happens when you refuse treaty terms from a nation with greater bargaining power than you.

[Xerihsob 33]

2 minutes ago, 吳憾戰士14 said:

-snip-

 

This post is more-so about the revival of the Orc race and trying to re-establish it; please do not attempt to make it about Oren vs. Orcs. No need to create unnecessary drama.

[Panashea 3324]

10 minutes ago, 吳憾戰士14 said:

-snip-

 

Why are you talking as if I'm part of orcish government? Seems like this is more directed towards me when we're talking about orcs a whole. I don't make any decisions or change anything as orcs. I'm simply making a post because I'm concerned about the way orcs currently are. It seems like you read the first paragraph and forgot the rest because I literally say later on that this is not the server's fault, it has to do with the current orcish leadership.  Also, please pay attention to diplomacy. The first thing I did when I was Rex(for the short time) was making peace with Oren.

[WuHanXianShi14 0]

Just now, DivineJustice said:

 

I was talking to the orcs in general really. From what I can see nothing has really come of any peace talks. Infact from what I hear you were looking to make peace but then were deposed by an anti-oren faction who was pro-war. I could be wrong though, since I heard that through the grapevine. In any case, getting the lion's share of your race on board with diplomacy and willing capitulation to treaty terms would definately go miles in giving your playerbase the leeway it needs to rebuild. We elves would know.

[Caravaggio 146]

19 minutes ago, 吳憾戰士14 said:

You talk about the whole server going against you, yet Oren has given the orcs several peace terms, all of which from what I have seen the orcs have ignored or refused.

 

 

 

These terms were degrading in RP as they involved public apologies, kneeling before the Emperor and being monitored by imperial authorities to ensure the orcs did not step out of line again, but agreeing to them would have ensured you peace.  (The fact you show up at every warclaim on the side opposing oren doesn't help either, i.e snow elves, dwarves, etc)

 

You want peace but not at the cost of your pride. If you are strong enough to do that then all the power to you, however it appears you are not, otherwise you would not be making these threads. How about instead of writing about the plight of the orcs on forum threads, you actually capitulate to some of the many peace terms you've been given? It's clear you cant' win a war. So either you submit to the greater powers terms or you keep getting aggressed on. Its your choice to make.

 

tl;dr: Try actually accepting some of the peace terms offered. You cant keep refusing diplomacy then complain you keep getting attacked. That's what happens when you refuse treaty terms from a nation with greater bargaining power than you.

 

Make no mistake- accepting those terms from Oren would not have been a truce or a peace, it would have been the first step towards vassalization. By allowing Oren to enforce these demands upon us in exchange for the few scraps of our culture and our roleplay that would remain afterward would have been no peace- it would have been a complete and utter surrender on our behalf, with the only benefit to Orcs being that we don't have to fight anymore, which is a very non-Orc thing to do. Had Oren offered a true peace, where all hostilities were ceased without strings attached, we would have accepted it- needless violence is something that we would not want to see happen. But by offering a false truce, a poisoned olive branch, Oren did nothing but increase their already existing aggression towards our nation, and anyone with half a brain should be able to tell that the treaty offered was just a ball and chain.

 

Also keep in mind the strong sense of honor and pride possessed by Orcs- while many players may agree OOCly that yes, these terms are the best thing for the orc nation, in roleplay no red-blooded Orc would accept them, regardless of the benefit that it would bring due to the shame that it would bring to all Orcs.

[WuHanXianShi14 0]

1 minute ago, Caravaggio said:

 

Sometimes you need to agree to unfavourable terms if you want to avoid destruction, especially when you're facing a generally stronger power capable of using bigger army diplomacy.