Ruka: The Spiritual Craftsmen of Krugmar

[Panashea 2644]

An Insight on Orcish Architecture and Crafting

OOC:

Why do orcish weapons look the way they do? Why do orcish buildings look the way they do? Orcs are not a stupid people, nor are their architects and blacksmiths unaware of designs of the other nations and kingdoms. Still, it often feels like the architecture and weapons of the orcs lack any sense of appealing aesthetic or comfort. This post is to explain how and why orcish craftsmen act the way they do, as well as flesh out the role of builder, architect, and merchant within orcish society. The orcish people are also looking for more builders, so if you’re looking to build unique buildings beyond the scope of traditional medieval buildings please reach out.  

Introduction

A subversion of traditional craftsmen and laborers, the Ruka are a superstitious and serious aspect to the architecture and crafting of orcish people. Often mislabeled as a stern folk, they regard the nature of the spirits with an intense focus. The Ruka see the world as a place of balances and debts that need to be corrected and amended. In all aspects, spiritual, physical, and economical, the Ruka ensures this balance is met. Ruka serve the Rukagoth, the primary figurehead of these people, as well as working with Draagha and Yazgurtan.  They may also take part in the actions of the Krughai, to look over and determine which tributes are acceptable to the orcish people.

 

Orcish Superstition

In a world filled with spirits, attracting the ire of the incorrect spirit is the difference between life and death. As descendants of Krug and chosen people of the Spirits, the orcish people delegate themselves as mediators of the spirit realm. Even those who are not shamans still understand the importance of balance among the spirits, and do their best to regard them as fickle and powerful beings. The Ruka walk this line in looking over the work in orcish architecture and smithing. 

 

In the primordial world of orcish people, the spirits pull and influence everything. A beautiful building is more prone to the capriciousness of an earth elemental. A beautiful sword may infect its users with spirits of bloodlust and rage. The orcs reject beauty and perfection not because they lack intelligence, but because it would kill them. An intense pull in any direction leads to unwanted direction and so the Ruka are tasked with smoothing those jagged edges.

Roles of the Ruka

The Ruka are, or often accompanied by craftsmen, blacksmiths, and architects. They discuss the design and methodologies of the orcish people, and how not to draw the ire of the spirit. During construction or crafting processes they are often seen chasing away spirits through physical and spiritual means. Rituals of banishment, or violence are often employed. Buildings are struck with hammers until their supports are intentionally made weak. Swords are bent and twisted into crude and warped shapes as to divert the spirits towards others. 

 

Ologs are often employed as Ruka, as spirits loathe their stupidity and complacent mentality. Their strength also serves much of the architectural and trade work within Krugmar. 

 

This does not mean that the Ruka devolve into primitivism and simplicity. Orcish weapons still possess a remarkable lethality and smithing unique to the other races. To a Ruka, a sword is not just a sword, but a living weight to balance out the realm of the spirits. 

 

Ruka are also merchants, traders, managers of tributaries, and craftsmen. What some may call greed, the Ruka would describe as equality.

Edited June 30, 2021 by Panashea

[L0rdLawyer 2271]

Hu-din supports this orcish class.