The Clans of Thagurz'Grish

[Panashea 3327]

 

Axan

“Zatal matuga kul-shum hûrûrz”

 

Clan Animal: Vulture

Clan Spirits: Kor, Theruz

Clan Colors: Black, White

Clan Weapon: Polearm

Donned in white tattoos that mark their entire bodies, the Axan are a striking clan of strange and mysterious orcs. They are dedicated to the preservation of orcish culture and history, performing last rites over fallen orcs, and guiding new ones along a path towards Krug. When an orc seeks the path of khatûn (wisdom), they are brought before the Axan.  They are educated in culture, martial aspects, and the spirits. Axan’s hold no favor in any of these aspects for they only act a guide for someone along the path of khatûn. Every Axan understands the true nature of Uruks and the world, or khatûn. Inside of every Uruk, Goblin or Olog, rests a fragmentation of Krug’s spirit. All Orcs are connected by Krug and without Krug there are no Orcs. In this way, the Axan seek enlightenment through the path of khatûn and aid others in achieving this self-realization.

 

Once their initiate fully understands Krug’s path, they are taken on a pilgrimage deep into the desert, where the forces of nature and the spirits are the most powerful. Here, they must meditate amongst the chaotic energies for three days and three nights while their elder clans member watches over them. The purpose of this initiation ritual is not to commune with the spirits, but it is for the Orc to commune with his own. The first step onto the path of khatûn is self-actualization.

 

The Ilzpaak, or the Orcish Zodiac, is an important role in every Orc’s life. The Axan, as caretakers of knowledge and culture, understand the Ilzpaak’s importance to living in khatûn. If an Orc does not know if he is born of the Red Sand or Yellow Sand or which Ilzpaak he was birthed under, how can he expect to know himself, or the true nature of Krug? He cannot, and this is why the Axan feverently uphold these sacred traditions. If ever in doubt of your Ilzpaak, consult with an Axan and they will show you their wisdom.

 

The Axan oversee the passing of other orcs. They too set out on a pilgrimage, for the hands of death are transparent. Brought to the Holy Lands one final time they are taken to the highest peak, their throats are slit, and their bones burned to dust. It is a solemn duty, though the Axan see it as paramount. To disturb the natural cycle of death or to perform unholy arts is spitting in the eyes of Krug, and so many seek out lutaumancy or other magics in order to defend the Ancestral Realm.

 

Any who seek wisdom or knowledge may travel to these lands with the accompaniment of a Axan, for in meditation and offering, one can find the words of their ancestors in these distant, sacred lands. When not on pilgrimages, one would find an Axan recording and archiving history, often recounting tales of famous orcs, discussing their decisions, or providing wisdom to other orcs at the tavern or the youth.

Maukta
“Lorz-arg baal loik"

 

Clan Animal: Snake

Clan Spirits:Letrothak,Veist

Clan Colors: Blue,Purple

Clan Weapon: Axe

The Maukta are a horrific group of orcs, hailing a from a cold desert in which light rarely shines. This is where their wickedness hails from. They savor torture and the misery of others, even between their own kin. They are extremely wise, as those who lack the knowledge were left in the frozen wastes to starve. When Maukta are born, they are given hideous names in hopes to steel their hearts and kill any sense of pride within them.

 

Reveling in trickery and deceit, it is rare that a Maukta’s face is shown, wearing masks and helmets to cover their vissages. To them, the act of tricking another is no different than a klomp.They honor and revere Krug for his ability to see through Iblees’ treachery and seek to train each other in the same otherworldly ability. For this, they are great liars, assassins and merchants, using their tongues like blades.

 

Maukta are often isolationist despite being clansmen, holding much disdain for their kin, as they too seek to be the most intelligent and wisest among their ilk. This fierce competition of wits drives most Maukta from socializing with each other outside of clan business and rituals. It is not uncommon to find an Orc of the Maukta prowling between streets, or offering wares to the most unsavory of folk.

 

 

Izig:

“Ghashn-Grish”

 

Clan Animal:Bear

Clan Spirits:Krathol,Enrohk

Clan Colors:Red,White

Clan Weapon: Flail

It is said that an Izig is born with two weapons in their hands. They lack the self-preservation for shields, and seek to bring forth bloodshed in both hands. Those that do wield a shield bear it more as a weapon, adorning it with spikes and bludgeoning any fool that grows close.

 

Izigs are covered with wounds that never heal.  You can tell how noteworthy an Izig is by how injured they appear to be.The few that revere the spirits praise Krathol, using his pain as a stepping stone towards Krug.

 

Krug speaks through pain, as he endured the great pain in battling with Iblees. These messages arrive in different body parts.  A shooting pain in the leg is an omen for cowardice. A dull ache between the shoulderblades foretells the betrayal of a close friend.

 

Krug speaks through scars, as his green hide is a reminder of the curse his children bear.  Examine the edges of the scar. Are they clean? Are they mottled?  Is the scar raised? Discolored? Does it follow the curve of the body, or does the flesh struggle against it?  Izigs do not trust a person without visible scars, just as humans might not trust someone who refuses to reveal their name.