Clan Dhûlrak

[Wizzar 481]

Spoiler

 

 

 

After the Warnation of Krugmar was dismantled, not all uruks remained to witness the growth of the Iron’Uzg. Disenfranchised with the acceptance of Xionism and Grizhizubu, some of the orcish people scattered across Almaris. Settling in the far north, a sturdy tribe took refuge in isolated caverns. Long nights enveloped by the cold, drowsy chills of winter, the uruks grew accustomed to and even looked forward to their protracted slumbers. Within these dreams, they found purpose, they found Dhûlrak. 

 

Decades later, these urukim return to their people, as the united Dhûlrak clan. These sleepy orcs have developed unique traditions and cultures that they developed in those harsh winters. The Dhûlrak people do not meddle in the other descendants affairs,  strongly valuing the protection of one’s home, ensuring safety in their journeys into Drelthok’s domain. Because of this, the Dhûlrak clan see themselves as the bastion of the Iron’Uzg, fierce and loyal defenders of the goi. 

 

 

Hailing from the frozen desert, the Dhûlrak clan faced relentless winters, scarcity in resources, and dangerous wildlife. These conditions required the Dhûlrak to be loyal, brave, and patient. Each serving to define the Dhûlrak interpretation of honor. 

 

Whether it was hunting for food or preparing for the cold, the urukim of Dhûlrak needed to trust one another. If a single orc did not do their part or acted in their own self interest, it would sentence the rest to death. For this reason, the Dhûlrak developed a fierce sense of loyalty. To betray your kin is the greatest dishonor.  

 

Without both patience and bravery, surviving the north would have been nearly impossible. Food was difficult to find, a failed hunt could mean no food for days. Thus, patience was required to ensure a hunter moved at the right time, patience to wait through the winter’s storm, patience to go without food and water. On the same token, the Dhûlrak had to be brave and have the courage to endure such conditions. 

 

 

The Dhûlrak clan mainly worship Drelthok, the Spirit of Sleeping and Dreams. Their time spent in the cold caverns of the North led to a unique perspective on sleep and its connection to the spiritual plane. Without a lutamancer or farseer to derive meaning from the spirits and ancestors, the Dhûlrak found meaning and purpose within their dreams. A Dhûlrak orc believes that Drelthok creates both dreams and nightmares to guide them. Only by following the meaning within these dreams can a Uruk truly understand their purpose in the Iron’Uzg. For this reason, the Dhûlrak clan reveres and cherishes their sleep. It is of the utmost disrespect to wake a Dhûlrak orc unless an emergency exists. 

 

Notable lesser spirits recognized by the Dhûlrak clan are Kezt, Dazkur, and Akûla. Kezt is important to the Dhûlrak who uphold a traditional sense of honor that is often lost in the more recent generations of urukim. Honor comes from strength and sacrifice. To die in a worthy battle, especially when protecting the goi is highly respectable. Dazkur is also regarded within the Dhûlrak for this reason. Loyalty to the clan, and protecting their slumbering kin is what has allowed their unique culture to develop. Lastly, Akûla is a lesser spirit of winter and the frozen tundra, one that appears in the form of a moose. It is rumored that Akûla reveals itself in the dreams of the Dhûlrak, guiding urukim through the domain of Drelthok.

 

 

Flograts (Dreamcatchers) - These orcish dreamcatchers are usually made of thorns and spiderwebs and are made to look intimidating to ward off any evil spirits that seek to interrupt or compromise their dreams.

 

Tarbakar - A fur pillow that most of the clan use. Most Dhûlrak have many tarbakar. The pillows are considered crucial for a good sleep. 

 

Dhûrku - When the Winter is in full effect, most Dhûlrak participate in the Big Sleep. A pseudo-hibernation tradition whereby the 

Dhûlrak host an enormous feast before entering a drug-induced sleep for 5 full days. 

 

Kaaralai - Ceremony upon which a clan member receives their animal headdress. The exact ritual is only known among the clan. 

 

Thadumps - The Dhûlrak are known for their enormous drums, their deep sounds echoing through their caves 

 

Baung - The Dhûlrak clan has a large gong that is only to be used in emergencies to wake the sleeping orcs in the face of immediate danger. During the Big Sleep, one orc stays awake to keep watch near the gong.

 

 

The Dhûlrak come in shades of brown, tan, and gray. They are average size urukim with sturdy physiques. Eye colors vary in different shades of gray, silver, blue, and brown. Their hair color comes in shades of gray, white, brown, and black. Deviation from these features is not uncommon.

 

While settled in the northern parts of Almaris, the Dhûlrak orcs started the tradition of obtaining an animal headdress upon coming of age. This new tradition has persisted despite moving toward the warmer climate of the Iron’Uzg. The Wargoth and other Clan Members of the Dhûlrak clan don a fur headdress symbolizing their worship of Drelthok. It is not uncommon to see Dhûlrak orcs wearing other furs on their bodies as well as trophies from the animals they have hunted. 

 

 

 

To eat is to survive, and the Dhûlrak most certainly know how to eat. Often creating soups and breads to last them throughout the winter. Most seek foods that help in their deep slumber, thus eating many hearty and rich foods. One of the favorites amongst the Dhûlrak is ‘Woolize Ztew’, which is a long lasting stew that is made from a mixture of mushrooms and mammoth meat. Another cultural cuisine amongst the Dhûlrak is a special cold jelly, made from the milk of Iron Ram Goats, and specially blended with a mixture of juniper berries and mushrooms. Known amongst their kindred as ‘Gimk’, it is often a rare treat, mostly preferred to the heavy sleepers and cubs of the clan.

 

 

Almost every Dhûlrak clan member wields a wooden round shield containing the clans insignia. It is not uncommon for these orcs to keep their shield on them at all times, keeping them within reaching distance even when they are sleeping. It is said that some Dhûlrak go as far as using their shields as pillows, lining them with thick furs. 

 

As for their weapons, most Dhûlrak clan members enjoy a one-handed mace or hammer. These blunt weapons are designed for knocking out their opponents, sending them into the nightmares of Drelthok. Hammers, maces, and even staves are common among the Dhûlrak. Even those who carry these large weapons keep their shield strapped to their back.

 

1. Flograt Creation

 

The aspirant must craft a dream catcher. These trinkets are plenty among the clan who keeps one on them at all times, also adorning their caverns in such. The creation of one’s first dream catcher is an important step among the clan. Feathers, gemstones, bones, and hide are among the materials that can be used. 

 

2. The Hunt

 

The aspirant must travel north and hunt a large animal. No equipment can be brought, rather they must forge their own weapons or use their hands to hunt such beasts. Often times, it is on these hunts that aspirants acquire the fur for their first headdress, however such is not required. 

 

3. Dream Walk 

 

An aspirant is placed in a drug-induced sleep whereby it is said they can enter the realm of dreams and become one with the clan. While the exact rituals of this trial are kept secret along he clan, it is said that those who complete it are awakened a new Uruk. 

 

 

If you are interested in making a Dhûlrak orc or in joining the Clan, message me on discord Krunos#7376 or ig at Krunos10
 

 

Writing Credits: Krunos10 (writer), Evonpire (Evonpire), SilvertheDM (cook/writer), Cheshire/Leyd (Drugs)

 

 

 

[OddOllie123 255]

Was lucky enough to get sneak peaks of this before it was posted, and damn, was it amazing to see develop! Some of the most thought provoking and eye-catching clan lore I've seen in a long time. Well done guys on creating a unique clan! :)) 

[lemonke 1873]

Spoiler

I'm so sleepy......

 

[Panashea 2644]

[_Leyd 685]

Zzzzz (im sleeping)

[Damnit_Delmar 1031]

How sleepy orcs and ologs be

[Cloakedsphere 1462]

Spoiler

Missed opportunity to call it Clan Dhûrag

 

[Mannamannaa 1626]

Love new clan lore!!!!