THE URUK | A GUIDE

[Coronate 5519]

ON THE URUK

 

THE URUK

The Uruk or Orcs are the descendants of Krug, strong and powerful like their forebear however cursed with a lust for blood. While the Uruk at heart always long for battle they are called to find such conflict through honorable means, for above all the Uruk is blessed with honor. Honor, however, does not always mean the picking of 'fair fights' but merely a code of conduct from which all descendants of the mighty Krug are called to live by. The Uruk's curse of bloodlust has at times outweighed their blessing of honor, it is the responsibility of the Uruk to hold themselves to the strict guidelines their people have followed for thousands of years lest they lose their honor and be outcast. The Uruks bond with one another is great and they are by far the most loyal of the races, betrayal is not taken lightly in Uruk society the punishment for this, OSTRACIZATION, a fate worse than death.

 

 

 

URUK SUBCULTURES

 

Since the creation of the War Nation of Krugmar many Uruks many natives believed that only one Uruk state could exist, this was where the “Uruk Strong Together” mentality was borne that saw foreign Uruk, despite many having originated in their own Uruk culture and not even mingling with other descendants to be labeled as “no longer Uruk.” While in recent years this has greatly changed with the acceptance of Onii as their own people for example, there still remains prejudice abroad for Uruks having or admiring culture not belonging to the primary group. While this can be a righteous prejudice as in the case of Uruks who completely disregard their own people in favor of another and betray the codes of their ancestors, often this is simply used to silence dissidents from the main band of Uruk; this of course neglects the many Uruk subgroups which have existed for millennia such as:

 

• Onii - Uruks of the Far East, often intermingled with Oyashiman cultures.
• Jotunnar - Uruks of the Far North, interactive through trading and battle with Northmen Cultures and Snow Elves.
• Desert Uruk - The most common Uruk found in Lurak, the traditional warriors of the desert.

 

 

RELIGION

For Uruk religion is one of the cornerstone pillars of society. Uruk revere the SPIRITS, and communion with them has been a staple of Uruk society since Krug gave such a blessing to his people. The Uruks commune with the spirits via the Shaman who follow in Krug's example. Because of this, Uruks take heart with Shamans and treat them with great respect, however Uruk do hold Uruk Shamans in higher regard than Shaman of other race as they are removed far from the originators of the faith. Lies and affronts against the spirits are not tolerated, and while it is acceptable to believe that the spirits are not the greatest powers it is unacceptable to alter them with taint or to create false narratives of them. The Lodge of Shaman are led by the Motsham; and whilst Uruk religion is not as organized as others Uruk are wise to listen to their spiritual leaders.

 

CLAN STRUCTURE, FAMILIAL BOND, MARRIAGE

The Clan is at the heart of Uruk society, for after loyalty to Urukkind the Uruk’s duty is to their Clan. The Clans are led by their Wargoth, the representative of their people who speaks for them at the KLAMOR before the Rex. Actions within this society of Clans are of great importance, actions done that shame the Uruk shame the Clan at large, and conversely actions which bring praise upon the Uruk bring praise upon the Clan. The Clans operate and function in their proceedings with their own customs, though many follow the same structure of government itself with a council of the wisest among them which made decisions for the Clan at large; the role of Wargoth passed down meritocratically and not dynastically. Wargoths are expected to keep their Clan in line, for a dishonorable or disloyal Clan usually means a dishonorable or disloyal Wargoth.

 

For Uruk the bond of family is a tight one and is a bond between all members of the Clan for they share a common ancestry and ideals, it is why pacts made with other Uruk are not taken lightly and often take careful consideration, such as the marriage of two Uruks from different Clans. Additionally those of other races might become HONORARY URUK, through the process of Trials, these Trials bind them to an Uruk Clan and grant them status within Uruk Society.

 

Marriage, especially in Uruk society, is not undertaken lightly- and once enacted rarely is dissolved. Uruk marriage is undergone with the purpose of intertwining the souls of the two Uruk for eternity and it is only disgraceful action that separates the souls in their bond. Marriage usually occurs within the Clan, but can occur outside the Clan as well; it is not uncommon for two Wargoths to allow members of their Clan to marry but the action is not taken lightly and the deliverance of Uruk to another Clan means one less loyal and devout member of the Clan. Marriage rituals are common and vary between Clans though all retain some aspects, there is without exception always trial involved; the proving of an Uruk’s worth to the Clan which is to give away their member to said Uruk’s Clan. Great Hunts, Glorious Battles, and Shamanistic Rites all contribute to a vast array of marriage rituals the Uruks hold dear.

 

URUKAHL, ORCISH

 

The language of the Uruk is URUKAHL, directly translating to "Uruk-Speak," a colorful tongue derived from many influences, and standard amongst the Uruk of Lurak. The language of an Uruk depends on the Clan, Nation, and life experience of the individual Uruk. Uruks who live on the periphery of other cultures might take up certain words or phrases of their people or even speak their language entirely; this was for many centuries frowned upon but recent cultural apparatus views this as a good thing, something which might foster relations and build friendships in other communities in order to gain better treaties, learn new technologies, and secrets.

How Urukahl is used is up to the player, it is not a requirement.

 

URUK ART AND MUSIC

 

Art is one of the largest parts of Orcish society whether it be painting, tapestry, or monumental. The Uruk is known mostly for their wide variety of textile art called “Urukfihm” from which they trade actively for the machinery to produce such textiles. “Urukfihm” are known as some of the best rugs, blankets, and tapestries on the market, both in quality and in design. Depending on the Uruks origin these textiles take on different appearances they almost always incorporate nature in some way.

 

This incorporation of nature is true also for Orcish painting which takes place upon most objects. Uruks paint walls, doors, logs, beams, and skulls, if it has a surface that may be painted it is more than likely susceptible to being used as a canvas for Orcish expression. Uruk believe symbols to hold power, especially those in line with more ritualistic and shamanistic beliefs; it is why before battle Uruks paint their armor with wards and symbols of the Spirits they wish to protect them, why Uruks are painted before the wedding ceremony to see their union flourish, why Uruk women are painted in protective wards before childbirth. Paints can vary in origin, but most often natural materials and components are used, in the case of battle wards blood is used.

 

Musically, Uruks have one of the most vibrant cultures on Aevos. Ranging from the tribal calls of ancient Uruk that summon the KLAMOR together to the modern Swivwahg which is used to both bolster the Uruk and tear down opposition. Uruks are known for their musical ability and voices, a loud chorus of baritone Uruk and tenor Goblin which shout out in a beautiful combination and frighten other descendants with their harmonies.

 

 

URUK APPAREL, STYLE

 

The Uruk have a distinct style that is like no other. Uruks incorporate both Uruk-made and natural apparel; an Uruk might wear a shirt of cotton or silk while also bearing a pelt of wolf hide upon their shoulders. They might wear bracers of silver given to them for service but also wear a necklace of Throqual teeth. The Uruks are greatly connected with the land they live on and wish to not let anything go to waste so they devise elaborate trophies of hunt to wear and incorporate into their clothing. This might even extend into war.

 

Uruk’s do not strut about in luxury as other races are prone to do but show off extravagance through symbols of honor or devotion. If an Uruk is wearing a distinct item, it is important to them personally. The hide of a lion bore on the head and shoulders of the Uruk could be a trophy from a significant hunt in their lives, a necklace of emeralds could be a gift passed down through the Clan at a significant point in the Uruk’s life. The Uruk is not opposed to wearing opulence but rather wishes to see significance in the opulence.

 

It is important to note the habitat in which Uruk’s live also, for if they are an Uruk of the desert or the Jungle the heat might be too harsh to wear certain items such as jackets or shirts. The Uruk’s skin protects them from the sun so they needn’t layer. If the Uruk is of the mountains they might wear mostly the warm pelts of hunts conducted. If the Uruk is separated from their society they might take to the fashion of others, or if the Uruk finds distinct honor in certain foreigners or their culture they might wish to take aspects of it to wear as as a show of friendship and respect.

 

THE KRUGHAI

 

It is the main station of Orcish society, the ultimate goal for many Orcish men and women, that they are considered as an integral part of the Host. Since the origin of the Orcish nation, war has been a staple; for as their curse says, the Uruk will experience bloodlust for his brother, and slay him. And so it was that Uruk took to warband, to raiding party, and demolished opposition; that he went out and slain his brother purposelessly.

 

But these skirmishes, battles, and wars have amounted to little in their hastiness. It is why Krug’s sons have come to conclusions over eons and eras, that their fury must be tamed and utilized. The Host embodies this understanding, for while Uruk will hunger for battle- to shed blood, the Host points such lust toward the correct avenue, towards the deserving.

 

When KRUG did battle with IBLEES, KRUG the honorable and valiant, who turned away from the deceit promised to him by the DAEMON, KRUG fought an opponent deserving of rage. It is not far to grasp KRUG’S teachings. War should be brought to the deserving. War should be brought to the wicked. War should be brought to the craven. So it is then that Uruk lays down the blade against an unworthy target and turns towards the true enemies, the deceivers, the wretched, and the vile.

 

The Host harnesses the Uruk’s might into a disciplined and unstoppable force. Training through day and night the Uruk of the host are taught how to do battle. Whether it be single combat, self-defense, or full-scale conflict, the Uruk of the Host are prepared. The Host is meritocratic, for one’s position in Luraki society does not determine whether they are worthy, but rather their worthiness determines their position in society.

At the head of the Host are the Targoths, Generals of the Rexdom who are not just the best specimens of Uruk society physically but also brilliant strategists. Below them are Targests which report to the Targoth and keep order when their General, Autarch, or Rex are not present. The common soldiers of the Host are Krughai, warriors. While they hold no immediate position nor dominion over their companions, they are as their society merits- some of the most respected in Lurak.