~~The following messages is written in Orcish and painted in blood on a wide stretch of pig skins sewn together within the orc cave of the north. Only those trained in the language of the Orcs and able to access the cave in the north can see it, let alone understand it. ~~
((Please do not post ooc here, and do not write here unless your character has a logical roleplay reason to be here. If you are not an orc, then do not write here. PM's are to be used for personal messages in between one another to avoid clutter on the board. Any and all messages following should pertain to the clan or the activity of it's members.))
Greetings, my Brothers and Sisters!
In these past few weeks, our brethren have been coming back together under an old banner that once flew in the winds many years ago. The need for a unified and strong clan to once again exist on the island was apparent amongst many of our brothers. The time has come once again to unite under a new, reinvigorated banner to revitalize the strength of our diminished kin. No longer shall we be under the boot of others, and no long shall we bicker amongst one another to cause disunion amongst our kind. Strength and honour will be restored to us in these coming years, and we shall rise in name once again.
The once great Bloodskull clan diminished years ago, and it has only been in more recent times that the clan is coming to exist once more. The old clan saw a great many days of glory for our kind. We were revered as warriors, and honored as such by others outside and inside our own race. The time has come again to rise above the ashes, and reforge the great Bloodskull Clan. Let none say against our union, and our strength together. The time has come to stand tall, my brothers, and unite. So once again, the Bloodskull clan will walk these lands, and lay claim to what is rightfully our own. Our predecessors did not die in vain for the glory we found so long ago.
Behold, my brothers, the reforming of the clan. Glory to the Bloodskull clan!
What we are...
We are not a guild.
In a guild, politics dictate the actions.
We are not a guild.
In a guild, what keeps members together, is the fees they pay, the name they gather under, and the commands of their leaders.
We are not a guild.
We are more.
We are Family.
We are a Clan!
We are all Orcs. We all fight and work for the same thing: Acceptance, a home, & most of all, respect for the Orcs of Gobiath. We are kept together by this dream - this mutual goal. And by that knowledge, we -will- achieve it. From this the actions of the clan are derived.
We are a Clan!
This is what makes us strong, stronger than any guild can dream of becoming. We are not a group of people who gather under one name for some questionable purpose. We are one in spirit, and this is why we can proudly say:
We are a Clan!
Content of Leather skins upon this Wall:
1. Recent News
2. Bloodskull Clan
3. Blood-Brothers/Sisters, Half Orcs
4. Oaths to Non-Orcs
5. Blood-Feud/War List
6. Treasury of Orc Tribe
7. Property of Orc Tribe
8. Armory of Orc Tribe
9. Great Hall of Warriors
10. Orc Ways/Customs
11. History
12. Tales of Battle or Woe
~~Outside the Door to the Orc Cave, a Rotting Skeleton is arranged in the following position, with words drawn in blood beneath it~~
Last edited by Bloodskulls on Fri Mar 23, 2007 6:36 pm, edited 3 times in total.
Currently, there is a small Blood-Circle. Orcs who have proven their worth shall be hand picked by the chief(ess) after a certain period of observations. If you have an interest in a position, let it be known to the chief(ess) and he/she shall consider you for it. This will not gaurantee you a position in the Circle, but only allow him/her to know that you are interested. Interest shows that you understand the responsibilities of that position, and are willing to do so with all of your heart.
The times when rallies shall be held will also be mentioned below. We shall hold them on a regular basis, and you are, as clansmen, expected to attend those you can. The rallies will help you keep up to date with the on-goings of the clan. If you have any further questions, seek me out.
It has come to the my attention that if we are to start using our land, we must halt many of our treks to Troll's Bane and other cities and start living here on our own. Soon, we shall begin work within the cave and on the land itself. The current plans are to dig out a cavern for our deceased elders, and provide the former brothers of the clan a proper burial place on Clan lands, rather than in the human cemeteries such as where the great Kaja Wolfagen rests. We shall also erect other caverns that will provide storage for the clan should we ever be faced with invasion from an outside force.
We have just completed a “Great Hall” for Bloodskulls to gather, eat drink sleep and share tales of battle. We have also completed a dueling caven for future bloodgames we shall hold in honor of our father, the blood-god.
I am now working on digging an escape tunnel, and defensive fortifications of our lands up top. It will be a mighty Fortress. We shall call it “Veralion’s Pride” in Honor of our Founder so many years ago. It will be a fitting Memorial to his Legacy!
~A rough drawing is made with various dyes upon leather~
We shall go from this:
To This:
“Veralion’s Pride”
I will maintain an approximate list of needed supplies for this undertaking here.
Supply Needed ~~~~~(Need/Have)
Silvers (800/ 150)
Bricks (10000/2550)
Sand (5000/ 1500)
Naldor Logs (400/ 400) “Complete”
Conifer Logs (100/ 100) “Complete”
Apple Boards (500/500) “Complete”
Nails (600/600) “Complete”
These are just a few plans of the near future. It is good to see that the clan is growing with the faces of many new brothers returning to the lands! The might of the Bloodskulls will raise once again, and the banners shall fly high against those who oppose the great spirit of the clan!
Promotion to Silver Skull of any Orc who recruits 3 new Bloodskull Orcs into Clan. This Orc will also be given property and/or money for his service to the Clan.
Glory to the Clan, my brothers and sisters! ~Warrior Queen Kurga Wolfbane
This project has been put on hold.
Last edited by Bloodskulls on Sat Mar 31, 2007 10:13 pm, edited 5 times in total.
The clan consists of a basis of members and a council, called the 'Blood Circle'. Council members are equal to members in every aspect except in that it is them who's votes decide on eventual changes in the clan. The council can consist of up to five Bloodskulls, but it may never consist of an even number of members. Every honorable Bloodskull can become a council member once, and every Bloodskull has an influence on the decisions the council makes. No changes that have not been discussed with the members before may be initiated by the Council. Council members can also be chosen by the Chief(ess) of the Clan.
The position of Chief(ess) may never be challenged from outside the clan. It can only be passed through blood, challenge from a Clan member, or chosen by the Chief himself. The Chief can also appoint titles to Skull members, and his word can make or break a decision for the Clan. The Chief of the Bloodskull Clan is the head of the 'Blood Circle' as well.
In the event of the death of the Chief, the blood-circle will convene to determine a new Chief who shall uphold the fundamentals of the clan, and keep unity within the ranks. Idealistically, the Chief must be one willing to sacrifice all and everything he has for the clan and his brothers within it. To the Chief, nothing more should be important than his brothers and the survival of the clan.
In the case of war, the Blood-circle (including the Chief) will meet to determine how and where the forces of the Clan shall be dispersed to deal with the threat. Members within the circle shall lead the forces of the clan against the foe, and shall put themselves ahead of those whom fight with them for the glory of the clan.
In times of peace, the Blood-circle shall determine what activities the clan shall focus on. These may include the expansion of the cave, diplomacy matters with other factions on the island, trade with other cities and factions on the island, projects in or on the land owned by the clan, and other things that come to mind. Diplomatic matters will be personally handled by the Chief, but the Blood-circle shall convene to speak their thoughts on the matter on such things as to whether or not the diplomatic situation shall benefit the clan as a whole.
Titles and responsibilities associated with them in the Bloodskull Clan:
Chief(ess) - This is the highest rank possible within the clan. The Chief(ess) is expected to carry out his role of maintaining unity and order within the clan, and dealing effectively with threats outside the clan. The Chief(ess) is the figure whom the clan looks up to, and respects, and in turn, the Chief(ess) will look to all his brothers with respect and honor.
Blood-Circle Titles - (Note - Blood-Circle member can be removed or added to by the discretion of the Chief(ess). If an orc fails to uphold his title, he shall be removed and a more suitable candidate will replace him. This includes inactivity or failure to perform one's duties. Unless otherwise said by the chief(ess), the roles of Clan Shaman and Red Skull are appointed for life. Therefore, those individuals selected will be expected to fulfill these duties.)
Clan Shaman - The clan shaman will act as an advisor to the Chief(ess), and as the voice of our father, Lord Moshran, to the rest of the clan. The clan Shaman must have a great knowledge of our father, and be considerably skilled in his craft. The Shaman must also be cunning, and willing to sacrifice his life for the glory of the clan just as any other member of the Blood-Circle. There will be only one clan Shaman.
Red Skull - The rank of Red Skull will be awarded to an orc who has been with the clan for a considerable amount of time, and proves his worth and devotion to the cause with the skill of his blade. He will have courage, and be willing to stand up to a problem with his quick wit and, if the situation demands it, his weapon. He will fight honorably in battle, and put himself before his brothers in a dangerous situation where his merit is worth. He shall train new orcs and those needing it in the art of the weapon. There shall be only one Red Skull.
Silver Skulls - These are skilled Bloodskulls of any craft (being warrior, craftsman, or shaman) who have been with the clan for a considerable amount of time and have proven their loyalty to the cause of the clan. These are the elders of the clan, and will be responsible amongst others for spreading the message to other orcs of the clan. They will also be responsible for training new brothers into the clan. There may be up to three Silver Skulls. As the Clan grows, it may become a Tribe. At that time, the Chief(ess) of the Tribe may appoint a silver skull with the additional duty of being a sub-chief of another clan. The Other Clan will be independent with a Separate cave, Totem Animal, money and supplies to start but still tied to the ‘Mother’ Bloodskull Clan under a ‘Tribal’ Government.
Other Titles: Other titles aside from the council include those associated with your craft as an individual. Like all other races, we will have a multitude of individuals skilled in crafts, weapons, and magics. These titles shall be unique in a certain sense, but in kin to others. More important to all of the previously mentioned titles, all orcs will be treated as equals! We are all brothers, and we shall treat eachother as such.
Bloodskull Clan members:This portion of the pigskin will mark those who have sworn their oath before Chief Grunith Shuth, and later Queen Kurga Wolfbane and have pledged themselves to the glory of the clan and their brothers. Those who have not are to seek out the chiefess so that they might form their blood-oath to the clan. You may leave your name below and Queen Kurga shall seek you out and speak with you.
So far, the following have sworn their oath to the clan and bear the marking of the Clan. The mark of the clan is a Red Skull etched onto your armor/clothing in blood. Wear it proudly throughout Gobaith, and let all know of your clan!
The Bloodskull Clan:
Chief: the clan is chiefless, Gabon has the power to choose the next chief or chiefess if he does not with to take the position for himself
Clan Shaman:
Red Skull: Gabon Corad
Silver Skull:
Silver Skull:
Silver Skull:
These are persons who have shown loyalty, friendship and Honor to Orcs. Only by Blood-Initiation before Clan Chief(ess) and Shaman, can these persons be given Honor of Blood-Brother/Sister and be part of the Bloodskull Clan.
Offspring of Orcs by non-Orc, either by Marriage, Rape or other, shall be called Half-Orcs and are not part of Clan. Half-Orcs must be Honored to Clan through acts of Bravery and Loyalty and be Blood-Initiated.
Last edited by Bloodskulls on Fri Mar 23, 2007 5:55 pm, edited 1 time in total.
The Bloodfeud is an obligation by the Clan to seek justice for a fellow Orc that has been wronged in some way. The Feud continues until the victim is mortally wounded ((Clouded)), and then finished. Vengence is complete.
A bounty is listed after each on the list. It will change depending on time and severity of offense. The first Bloodskull to moratlly wound ((Cloud)) one on the list gets the reward from the clan as recognition of their bravery and loyalty.
Current:
Human called ‘Deuce’ looks like ((11146...230)) 10 Silvers
Nalcaryos, Mage - Protected and interfered with War in Tavern. 20 Silvers
Elf described as ((9484...)) attacked Red Skull Gabon Corad on Neutral Ground with 2 dwarves. 20 silvers
Zub Angor murder of chiefess Kurga
War(s):
peace for now
Last edited by Bloodskulls on Sat Mar 31, 2007 10:08 pm, edited 7 times in total.
Traditionally, in the past following the Northerot Wars, the city of Troll's Bane honored the Bloodskull Clan with the entire Northern Peninsula as a reward for their daunting prowess and bravery in combat against Darlok and his minions. Over time, the Varshikarii came northwards and under the agreement that they would protect the castle against the resurrection of Darlok and his hordes, they were awarded the castle, and lands surrounding it.
Since the clan fell from activity in previous times due to war and internal conflict (like other clans that followed), land was lost and either unclaimed or annexed by other factions. The Bloodskulls bled for the land of the North, and by that right, they have a claim to that which rightfully belongs to them. Therefore, under these terms of blood-shed by our predecessors, the Bloodskulls claim the following lands, and recognize the following nations and factions on the island of Gobaith. Let none say otherwise.
Land can and will be added to the Bloodskull claim in the future depending on the course of events that follow. If war comes, or if a nation falls, and if the situation is proper, expansion may or may not come. (This is a very slim chance, but it is still possible.) For now, the Bloodskulls lay claim to the following lands and recognize the following nations.
((Map soon))
Orc Cave – Primary location of Bloodskull Clan
~~Dungeon, Temple, Kitchen, Smithy and Great Hall belong to Bloodskull Clan. Later, Chief(ess) room and Defenses be paid by Clan.
~~Bloodskull clan members may dig private rooms at own expense with permission of Chief(ess).
Mummy Cave, Panther Cave, Orcen Plateau – Reserved for later Orc Sub-Clans
Slaves:
Slaves may be obtained by the Clan from the Mainland ((New ‘Slave’ Chars.)) or taken in War. ((Battle with 10 or more people)) Any Orc caught kidnapping, Banditing or otherwise obtaining slaves will be punished by Chief(ess). Nothing brings more dishonor to clan than enslaving innocents.
Chief(ess) will be responsible for all slaves until Granted to a Master. Chief(ess) may never profit from Slaves, they are for the Clan.
New slaves owned or granted to Orcs by the chief(ess)will be worth 100 silvers.
Chief(ess) will judge worth of any slave at any time.
Worth of slave lowers over time as slave ages and becomes used to punishment and becomes more disobedient.
Eventually the Slave is useless to anyone and may be let go or stay as Slave but they feed themselves then. The chief(ess) decides these matters.
Slave may become a Blood-brother/Sister only if they have proven themselves worthy of the title by the Chief(ess). This is rare, but there are tales of a courageous slave who saved his Master from certain death and they became Brothers in Arms.
Responsibilities: Master of Slave:
Care for, treat, feed, clothe and especially discipline your slave.
Slaves must have instructions and jobs to do or they become lazy and disrespectful.
Old Orc saying, “A busy slave is a happy slave”.
Discipline may be with Words, beatings, whippings or chain leash.
Master may never beat slave to point of injury, it decreases slave’s value.
Any Master caught injuring or even killing their slaves will be punished by the chief(ess) and their property seized from them for the good of the Clan.
Slaves are honor granted by Chief(ess) to Clan for bravery and loyalty.
Every Orc in Clan obligated by Oath to help another retrieve a lost slave.
Master may sell slave to anyone, even non-clan, but no slave shall be granted to another except by the Chief(ess).
Slave:
Must obey orders of their master.
Resistance is futile, disobedient slaves will be punished.
If master chooses to sell you, It is up to new master to order you.
If we get too many slaves for cave, we may consider building Huts topside for them later.
Last edited by Bloodskulls on Sat Mar 31, 2007 10:15 pm, edited 4 times in total.
Legends of the Bloodskull Clan and Orcish kind
Below the list, an honorable memorial of past orcs who have served the Clan and lead it through previous times, as well as orcs who led the clans that disbanded before the reforging of the Skulls, shall be listed. Our Great Hall shall bear memorial to those that have lived for the Clan, and for those that died. A brief description of their contributions shall be mentioned, and a history of the clan shall also follow those remembered on these halls of the former days.
Many of the individuals you will find listed below have long since departed this world and travelled through the halls of the Mistress of Souls to meet our father, Lord Moshran. I hope that all look upon them as I do with the utmost respect. Know their names well, and pray that their spirits may watch over the clan and all the future generations of the clan to come.
Legendary Bloodskull Orcs: ~Descriptions and etchings of likenesses can be found hung upon the walls of the new "Great Hall" of the Bloodskull Clan always watching and guarding their descendants and sharing in their Glories~
Chief Veralion - Chief Veralion was one of the first chiefs and founding fathers of the original clan. Under his reign, the clan saw it's most prosperous and productive years. His efforts helped keep the clan together in times both thick and thin. When the darkest hours fell upon Gobiath and upon the clan, Veralion's spirit was always there to catapult us back onto the path of glory. In life, he was honorable, well respected by fellow clansmen, and revered as a great savior of our kin. His death came all too soon, unfortunately. It is suspected that the years finally caught up with him, and the great Lord Moshran beckoned his child to come home to him. Rest in peace, old friend.
A crude etching of the orcs visage can be seen below his description in the stone of the cave wall.
Kaja Wolfagen - Shaman, disciple, and child of the Bone Lord.
Kaja was one of the greatest Shamans to ever live on the island of Gobaith. His teachings of our father instilled great knowledge into the clansmen of the time. Many looked up to this orc with great respect. He had seen much in his days of life, which clearly showed in his ragged old form. During the Northerot wars, his magics helped create a lasting impression of power and glory for the clan.
Many around Gobaith knew and feared his name, for his prowess in his arts was nothing to be joked of. Most suspected the great shaman would meet his end in a quarrel with a human, but as a prime example of weakness in our kind at it's greatest, the great shaman of the Bloodskulls met his untimely end to a larger, younger counterpart seeking power. The Great Shaman's death initially ushered in the fall of the Bloodskull Clan, for few great leaders remained to guide the younger orcs. The Bone Lord ultimately punished this younger, ignorant orc and accepted the great shaman into his welcoming arms. Rest in peace, old friend.
Once again, a crude etching of the Shaman's visage appears on the stone under the blood smeered description, depicting what the great Shaman might have looked like in life.
Chief Gurok - Gurok was the first Chief of the Bloodskull Clan. Not much remains known of his reign and how the Clan faired under him. Neither has his fate been left to any orc's knowledge on this island. The last true orc who remembered him was the former Chief Veralion, now deceased. A crude etching of the orcs visage can be seen below his description in the stone of the cave wall.
Kzarak Zurouch - Kzarak was another chief who briefly reigned over the Bloodskull clan. His reign was the shortest of the original three, albeit highly honored. Kzarak was a warrior who devoted his life to the clan, and fought for the beliefs established by the clan. Whether he is deceased, or still alive is unknown. Once again, little remains to be known about this one. A crude etching of the orcs visage can be seen below his description in the stone of the cave wall.
Grunith Shuith – Grunith is the former chief who briefly tried to rally the clan before his mysterious disappearance. A crude etching of the orcs visage can be seen below his description in the stone of the cave wall.
Gabon Corad - He maintained the Clan until Warrior Queen Kurga Wolfbane assumed control of the Clan as it’s first ‘chiefess’. He currently serves as Red Skull as the eldest and most respected Bloodskull. He currently runs the clan. A crude etching of the orcs visage can be seen below his description in the stone of the cave wall.
Kurga Wolfbane – Warrior Queen Kurga Wolfbane, murdered by a clans man known a Zub. She was betraid and ambushed by Zub and several humans and elves. Kurga is most recent ruler of the Bloodskull clan. Under her short term leadership, the Orc Cave was expanded, the armory replenished and Orcs recruited. May she rest well with the greatest honor an orc can recieve. A crude etching of the orcs visage can be seen below his description in the stone of the cave wall.
Last edited by Bloodskulls on Sat Mar 31, 2007 10:17 pm, edited 3 times in total.
Laws:
I have searched many manuscripts from the former days of the clan, and these basic fundamentals are expected to be carried out and followed by all of our bretheren. Strength in unity, and glory in the spirit shall be observed through these. We will strive to follow them to our best, and see that they are carried out. I, as chiefess of the clan, expect that each and all of you respect and honor this blood-code set out for you.
No Bloodskull shall ever raise a hand onto another Orc or another Orc’s Property, unless it is self-defence.
No Bloodskull shall ever deny help to another Bloodskull, if in his power to do so.
No Bloodskull shall ever break his blood-oath to our father, Lord Moshran; our mother, Mistress Oldra; the great hunter, Lord Malachin; the mistress of souls, Cherga; and the fire-lord, Lord Bragon.
No Bloodskull shall ever kill without reason (although, if well presented, an insult may prove to be a reason).
Any Bloodskull may challenge for leadership of the Clan in a fight to the death.
Any Bloodskull must follow the instructions and rulings of the Chief(ess).
It is wise to follow the instructions of the members of the Blood-Circle. If they issue orders, they are surely not for the worst of neither the Clan nor the member who is to fulfill them. Gracious rewards can be awaited for the completion of especially dangerous tasks and good work.
All Orcs and Orcesses of clan welcome in cave.
Blood Oath to Bloodskull Clan:
To be part of the clan, must be Orc, swear allegiance to clan in a Shamanic ceremony known as the “Blood-Oath”, follow the Code and customs we have, and be welcome.
Benefits of Membership:
1) Protection from persecution. If any Orc has been wronged, the other members of the Clan are obligated to help.
2) Private rooms at cave. Any Bloodskull may request to dig private room(s) in the cave or Huts on top.
3) Use of things at cave and lands. No-one but Clan Orcs will be allowed to use our cave, huts, farms, pigs or anything in our territory under pain of death. The Orcen Mountains and Bay are just fur Bloodskull Orcs!
4) Paticipation in Quests for honor and coin. I am planning several quests and jobs for Orcs that will help other people everywhere, especially Orcs. We need to find more Orcs who can farm, craft and other things. I will post jobs soon.
5) Participation in shamanic ceremonies. We forget our Gods and they seem angry with us. We will have regular ceremonies again to honor the Gods and ask for forgiveness and strength. We need a Bloodskull who is a good Shaman for this.
6) Brotherhood and Honor of Clan. We stay together against all who mean us harm. Orcs have been getting too soft and weak. We are Orcs! We were here before all other races! We spilled our blood and paid our price for what we have. We have pride!
7) Promotions, Gifts and Glory. Based on loyalty, courage in battle or other Glory, the Chief(ess) will bestow honors upon the Clan members such as money, riches or property.
Customs:
The average orc is a little shorter than a human. Their skin is greenish, and two of the lower jaw teeth are longer than the others, and reach a little over the lips.
Their society cannot be described as organized, in fact, it consists of different tribes. The majority of these tribes live as nomads, with a certain teritory in which they travel with their herds.. Pigs and sheep are their main source of nourishment.
Orcs do not build houses, they prefer living in caves. An orc tribe's territory normally has several caves, some are natural, extended caves, others are digged out of the ground like mines. Some orcs have specialized in mining for ore and coal, and sometimes find rarer metals or even a few gems. The main tribe changes its cave with the seasons of the year, some individuals, shamans, old ones or the tribe leaders sometimes, live in the same cave or sometimes a hut over the whole year.
The larger orc tribes are split into sub–tribes with a kind of sub–chiefs. The tribe leader, most of the time, is the strongest one, and one of the oldest. Usually the main shaman is the smartest one, and often, he is their active leader, his wishes passed on by manipulating and impressing the chief. Or sometimes simply by brewing his favourite beer.
Most orc tribes are quite poor. Over the centuries, they have developed a rudimentary writing, consisting of different signs and scratch marks. In times of war, an orc tribe leader developed an encrypted languague, allowing allies to exchange messages without leaving the enemy the possibility to read them.
Most orc tribes honor different gods. Oldra, for most tribes, is the goddess of fertility and growth, and is prayed to in spring. She is also called the "spring– goddess" by them. In Summer, they honor Brágon, the "daily–sun–maker" or "strong–in–summer". Since summertime often means wartime for an orc tribe, some tribes pray to Moshran, called "bone–crusher" or simply "blood lord". Either Moshran or Malachín is the war god of a tribe, sometimes both.
In Fall, the most tribes pray to Malachín, "the hunter", for a good hunt and to prepare for the hard winters. The winter caves must be filled with food for the tribe and its herds.
During Winter, the tribes live in the winter caves, and Cherga is the honored goddess. Winter is the time of death, time of spirits, time of the ancestors. Some of the ancestors' skulls, are placed in holy places in the winter quarters, and some in the chief's and shaman's quarters, to help them in their decisions and to speak to them in dreams.
Summertime often means wartime for an orc tribe. These wars are often territorial conflicts between the different orc tribes, not resulting in many deaths, often more a sport and training to the warriors. These conflicts include espionage, stealing of animals, and some battles or battlegames prove the strongest clan.
Since the tribes are quite poor, they tend to raid small villages or farms sometimes, if they don't have enough food for the next winter. Normally, orcs are not bloodthirsty, but when they fight with other races, their primary war tactics is to cause fear in their enemies. Captives who are too badly wounded to survive, are sometimes brutally killed after the battle, with the surviving captives witnessing it. Then, some of these captives, who show strength and a brave heart, will be given the possibility to escape, to spread the news; and drive fear into the enemy's hearts. The others are sold as slaves or become personal servants, mostly peasants, cooks, or forced to help the women with their work. If the slave is worthy and shows good work or strength, and is of strong blood, he may be given the choice to leave some day. Sometimes a slave marries a female orc, and becomes a member of the orc tribe that way, resulting in several half orcs.
Orcs have a different idea of "Art", compared to a human or elf. Orcish "poetry" doesn't rhyme, but tells stories and produces disharmonic sounds to underline or describe situations. Same with orcish music. The melodies an orc produces with a flute or trumpet, can best be described as "loud", because they use most instruments just for the fun and for loudness. Orcs seem to love the sound of a drum, too. "Normal" songs, if played by a good bard, can fascinate an orc too, but it may sound strange to him, like music from another culture always does.
Orcs don't like to complicate matters. For them, it is best if a man speaks directly and with little words. That's why they sometimes have problems with elves, who always take their time, and prefer a more metaphoric speech. If a human insults an orc, the orc wouldn't immediatly strike him with a weapon, instead he would make a fierce, suiting answer, trying to make the other one look stupid. But since the orcish humor appears a little rough compared to a human's, it takes a lot for a human to insult an orc ( if he does not start to insult the orc's tribe or race ). In the most cases, it's the human who attacks first.
Since the tribes are quite poor, they tend to raid small villages or farms sometimes, if they don't have enough food for the next winter. Normally, orcs are not bloodthirsty, but when they fight with other races, their primary war tactics is to cause fear in their enemies. Captives, who are too badly wounded to survive, are sometimes brutally killed after the battle, with the surviving captives witnessing it. Then, some of these captives, who show strength and a brave heart, will be given the possibility to escape, to spread the news and that way cause fear in the enemy's hearts. The others are sold as slaves or become personal servants, mostly peasants, cooks, or help the women with their work. If the slave is worthy and shows good work or strength, he is of strong blood, and may be given the choice to leave some day. Sometimes a slave marries a female orc, and becomes a member of the orc tribe that way, resulting in several half orcs.
In fact, the old orcish kind of "marriage" is the "stone-on-head"- method. But in most cases, it's the female Orc who uses this method, and when the male awakes in her cave, he has to do her "bidding" (if he cannot run away). That includes priducing younglings and cleaning and enlargening the cave.
The orcish female controls the male one by shouting at them ad hitting them with things. the average time a male needs to run away / break out is about three to five years. Others choose to stay longer for what reason ever.
Last edited by Bloodskulls on Fri Mar 23, 2007 6:20 pm, edited 1 time in total.
11. History
Although we are all present, the clan has not existed forever. Behold the Legend of Creation!
Since forever the Orcs have been looked upon with scorn and jealousy by the other races. Created in the Age of Concord by the younger god Moshran, they already showed what were to become their most known characteristics: lust for war, deadly intelligence, incredible skill with weapons, and a short temper. With those combined skills they brought chaos and destruction with them wherever they went.
This the people remember.
Later, the god Moshran was overwhelmed by the still alive powers of his long defeated foe, Madrook Na’han, and became evil. Gathering the hiding armies of chaos around him, and unleashing the powers they still held, he brought about the Age of Discord. He was no longer the savior of the world anymore. He had become an evil and powerful god who brought fire and destruction to the world of Illarion. And thus is how he is remembered to this day. Now, he is who is remembered to be the creator of the Orcs: Not the noble god who rescued the world from its worst foe, nor the god he had been while creating this new fierce race. The Orcs are remembered to be created by the God of Blood and Bones, the god he didn't become until long after their creation.
This the people remember.
What the people forget, or rather choose not to remember, is that when Moshran set the powers of the army of chaos upon Illarion, the Orcs were not spared from the brutal and bestial attacks. They fought side by side with Humans, Elves, Dwarfs, and Halflings for the freedom of their world, and not but few of them left with their lives on the battlefields. The freedom of Illarion has also been payed for with the lives of Orcs!
This the people choose to forget.
The Orcs have become a dishonoured and hated race over time. They are not beautiful to look upon, and they are quick to use their weapons upon others. So they have been declared a race of criminals, murderers and worse.
This is not true. Just as there are treacherous Elves, there are Orcs who are murderers. But just as nobody disrespects Elves for the few among them who are evil, no one should disrespect all Orcs for those who are different.
And no one shall.
After long ages of dishonorful life under the hatred of the other races, the Orcs have decided to stand up. Three of the most powerful Orcs of Illarion, known by the names of Kzarak, Gurok, and Veralion, have come together and sworn an oath to bring the Orcs to the surface of the world, out of their hiding places. They swore not to rest until the Orcs are treated like every other race, until they are payed their due respect. They started showing openly in the public, trading with people and befriending persons from the other races, showing that an Orc is a worthy companion, and a friend to be trusted. But those who were not able to understand, those who were rude and disrespectful were treated in the way the Orcs have always treated their enemies. They had the opportunity to understand that if you are an Orc's friend, it is the greatest treasure that can be achieved, but if you are an Orc's enemy... well, that'll only last a few moments...
Soon, many other Orcs joined the cause, and they followed the example of their leaders. The Fellowship grew, and it became a clan. A clan that calls itself the Bloodskull Clan.
Last edited by Bloodskulls on Fri Mar 23, 2007 6:22 pm, edited 1 time in total.
Ergoth’s Quest
Veralion's death date: The fifteenth year after the landfall of the survivors of the darkness of the mainland, in the month of Eldas, on the 16th day.
It had been some time... nearly five years since the blood of Veralion was seen walking or even spilled on to the ground. Sunlight had just began to peek over the horizon when a small orcen vessel dropped its anchor off of the shores of Gobaith. A tattered flage waved in the winds the rose from the waters, and a faint red skull could be seen with two x's next to it. A figure grunted, stood on the edge of the ships deck, and plunked in to the water. The anchor lifted from the water and caught wind, slowly drifting away again.
Moments later, the clad figure reached the shore and rose out of the water, carrying only a few basic supplies. He was a little taller, but not as broad as his father. What some used to call bloodlust was nothing compared to what this orc was capable of. He was still young and fierce. Ergoth paced in the sand, thinking about how things might have become after such time. His instincts told him that things were not as well as he had hoped. He was afraid he was too late for his father. He could only hope he was not too late for the clan. With a hand on each one of the daggers on his hilt, he stood looking into the sun. His eyes, too, were of his fathers. One was a neon green, and the other a horrid red. The bow on his back was of Bloodskull craftsmanship. His armor had the traditional red skulls painted on it.
Ergoth had previously made his living as a mercenary Bloodskull. He lead many raids on small colonies and made riches and gained honor from that. He was an excellent marksman and faught well with a dagger. He remembered that his father always preferred a good staff or a double-handed sword and of course, the favored 'beheader'.
Years ago, he had recieved a letter from his father while he was in a period of rest and peace. It was scratched out in blood, telling of the troubled times that were about. Skirmishes were frequent and there was no true friend. This, however, had always been the regular for such a clan. In a sense, they were good times. The only thing that was truely troubling was the fact the not even the orc brethren would rally together.
The letter requested he come to the island, to take on the fight and to take what was rightfully his. Shortly after, Veralion was turned upon. Murdered by the bribed guards of the very cave Veralion spent his whole life working for along with the Bloodskull clan.
Ergoth knew that the time was now his, and he knew just what he wanted to do. He would begin a search for brothers of the clan, find out about his father, and hold the Bloodskull banner even higher than before. He raised his Bloodskull horn to his lips and blew a harsh noise...
Mordred & Nemanna
The Doompeak mountains they say, is a cold, unheartly place.
This may be true for most of the orc's dwelling in this nest of Uglieness.
But the orc Mordred was different. He was the orcspawn of the Gore Duo. They only managed to make one son before they sacrificed themself to Moshran, the Bone Lord. Mordred had a name of terror, and most Orc fled at sight. Mordred, at first, loved this feeling of power, but soon grew tired of it. One day when his pack reaped a human village for the fun of it, he saw a flower he had never seen before. It was the most beautiful thing he'd ever seen, and he ran to the hill where it grew to inhale it's sweet musk.
When he was a few feet away from the flower, he saw a young beautiful(?!?!?!) Goblin Lady. Nemenna. She was the Goblin druid of the Spineshackle tribe, out harvesting herbs. The beauty of both Nemenna and the flower made him boil...He swiftly struck his axe into Nemenna's head, leaving her unconcious. He raped this poor Goblin lady...Again and again...Until his heart collapsed. After a few day's out in the wilderness, a search party from the Spineshacklers found her. They thought she was dead, therefor they threw her into a small cave and laid the flower on top of her.
Who knows what kept the goblin lady alive the next six months. Maybe it was Oldra who felt pity for this sad goblin lady, maybe it was pure willpower. She was unconcious from the time she got raped and until she born HIM...The Northern Light, the Saviour of the Pleasant Orc.
Griitash
He was raised single handedly by his mother. Learning about the powers of nature, the power of herbs. He soon found the pleasures of mixing potions, and he was allways respected Nature for what it was. The downside of his potionmaking was that he found out how to make sweet wines and strong ale. From the age of 12 to the age of 30 he was constantly drunk...His mother loved her son so much so she couldnt teach him any better.
But Griitash also had a heart full of love. So he started to worship the two God's that felt natural for him to worship. Adron and Sirani.
The flower that caused his birth was his dearest posession. It was a Pink Lotus, only avaiable in the vicinity of the Doompeaks. He therefor never travelled far away from them.
But one day he did, and he soon found out that the Orc in him started to stirl.
Thats why he sometimes have bad manners...Call people bad things..Or even attacks those who threaten him...But all in all, Griitash is a friend you can trust..And a bloody good merchant...
The natives are restless in the Northern Kundun Desert this evening. Beware of roaming skeletons, goblins, Panthers and even mummies. I have dispatched all I have seen, but there are always more. Younglings need to avoid the area for a few days while we clean it out.
I hope everyone enjoys the new Skins.
I have added another 20 Magickal Longswords to our Armory, and soon we will be able to provide two to every Orc.
As always, anything listed in the Armory (Except reserved items) is available to and clan member, free of charge for their use. Just send Falcon to me to meet.
I have sent a falcon to the Mainland to aquire a Shaman soon. Once he arrives on next Orcen Transport, we will have Blood Oath Ceremony again for all Orcs who have not sworn yet. I will keep you updated on this.
You may also notice some slaves in the cave. Let them do their work, assign them simple tasks around cave if you wish, but I will oversee their duties until a Master is appointed for each one.
Warrior Queen Kurga Wolfbane,
I hope you do not mind me entering thy caves to post this note. I have seen, within my minds eyes, you have sent for a priest of Moshran. When they arrive, please arrange a meeting for them with me. I need a priest of Moshran to oversee the temple that will be built for the god at the Pantheon.
Blessings of the gods upon you all, orc brothers and sisters.
Salhari Whitewalker
*the note is written eloquently in common, for all to read*
Just wanted to remind you all that keys to the cave is only given to our most trusted Borthers and Sisters. These are Bloodskulls who have sworn the Blood Oath, and have made several appearances to the Chief(ess) recently, either in or out of the Cave. Any Bloodskulls who meet this requirement shall be given a key.
The Orc Cave is Locked at all Times! All those who have keys are responsible for keeping it locked. Due to the recent trickery of the dwarves, we cannot allow anyone inside we do not know. Sniff the door for their scent if you have too, but trust no-one who 'pretends' to be a friend of the Orcs. Only trust your 'Sworn Clanmembers'.
All other members of the Clan, seek me, the Red Skull or any Silver Skull to gain admittance. I'm sorry but this is for our mutual safety. The Orc Cave is the only 'safe' place we have to remove our armor (Which any true Orc wears at all times outside!). It is our home, our shelter, our mother. Care for the Keys please, we all depend on each other for this.
Yub, Zub yoo do gud. Let im go after three days. Danks.
Meh also chase Lizard today for trespassin and disobeyin' orders to leave Bloodskull territory. He look like ((892...)). He escape when fall into ditch into big Grasses. ((The noob logged out!)). Kittens ((Panthers)) will get stoopid lizard I'm sure, no need for Bloodfeud.
Also want welcome new Orcess 'Urgara' to Clan. Meh meet her earlier by chance in Varshikar. Meh gib her tour ob cave and she join clan. Welkome!
Clan Growing and happening. Glory to da Clan! ~Warrior Queen Kurga Wolfbane
I like see clan grow 2 gave stumpplin Murri tour obf cave. He said sumpthin bout translatiouns obf boards an i says Chief deciede if he gets um. MayB send him raven.
Did dis Avaly hurt any Orc ob Bloodskull Clan wid out warning?
If she attacked yoo, or any odder Orc, tell clan name and description, and weh add her to Bloodfeud list.
Den, any Orc dat wounds her ((Clouds)), get 5 silbas minimum.
When severely wounded, tell us on dese skins immediate, so weh can stop Bloodfeud and yoo get reward.
Meh makin new rule to Bloodfeud.
Meh will add 'Bounties' to Bloodfeud list based on Harm. First Bloodskull to severely wound ((Cloud)) person on list, get reward listed. Check list regular for 'bounties'.
If dey drop dings, give to Clan so weh may all share.
Avally's blue flamy thingies made ouchie to me, he was tellin bout not dangerous. Me nub dink playin with blue flamys and hurtin others good dis way, if he wanns fight, he should fight and nub playin these gamys.
Meh understand now. Yoo played Gamble Game wid Avalyon el'Hatarr?
Hur Hur!!!
Meh tried dat too! It gud sport!
Meh lost 5 silbas. It was fun. He says it sting but it really for own gud so yoo know wad it feel like. Gamble Games up to yoo, but yoo get hurt for Gamblin, it on yoo. Gamblin is risky as any Orc knows in gud game ob Knuckle Bones.
Meh hab deklared war on Silberbrand. Dis includes da "Fluffy Sheep Tavern" dere embassy.
I did dis because dese fights must stop. Honor demands weh call it wad it is, War. Stumpies invaded Orc cave, stumpies disrespektful to Orcs, and today, One insulted Queen to face and ran to corner to Hide wid no Honor!
Meh tired ob dis. Meh wants to end it!
Any Orc(esses) who diagree wid dis hab chance to leave clan now. Meh gib yoo one week to gather Furs and leave cave, it won't beh safe place. Meh will fights Silberbrand wid all dere hautiness and disrespekt to Orcs by mehself ib have too.
Any who stay, weh hunt dem down, but no fightin in any Neutral town. Whereber dey alone, isolated, or weak, weh pounce and kill dem. We kill dem over and over until none left! Dis beh long war, but much Honor and Glory to dose who stay da course and hunt stumpies like da Liars and Beasts dey are! We gud hunters, lets do dat. Da Stumpies won't know how to protect all dere citizens!
Anybuddy hoo wishes challenge meh fur chief, do so now, or shuddup and kill stumpies and dere friends!
((Remember to give the opponent TWO emotes announcing that you are preparing to attack, as per rule #7, before attacking))
Welkome Zub'Agor as new Bloodskull. He was sworn in tonight under the Bloodoath. Congratulations!
I have a copy of the Bloodoath from my father, who was a Shaman of Wolf Clan. I can administer the Oath to any who apply until we recieve our Shaman from the Mainland.
First battle ob war was today in tavern. Meh attacked dwarf and he almost died, denn a mage from behind door named "Nalcayros" interfered and wounded meh wid magicks.
Dwarf took dings, and when meh tries get dings back, Mage interfered and said he sided wid Silberbrand. Meh throw molotov at mage, and attack him too. Finally, it was too much for meh in wounded shape, and meh left to recover.
Beware brudders! Not eberybody in Tavern is friendly.
Assume anyone in Tavern is enemy, as they support Silbernbrand for bein dere! Meh make dat mistake fur last time.
You are a fool, Kurga. I watched you as you limped into the Tavern with a crooked smile demanding the things they looted off you dieing body.
The fact that Cherga has resurrected you is nothing more than a mistake. You should be on your knees thanking as many gods as possible that you stand on this land to date.
*a swirl of fog is seen under the notes on the walls. It lifts itself up and begins to form the shape of a man. When the fog falls back down, Salhari is putting a note on the walls. The fog lifts once more then drops back to the ground and floats out of the caves, taking Salhari with it*
Kurga,
Seek me out right away, we must speak. I know much of the war already, and we must discuss things that have not been openly faced on the walls. You know i remain neutral in all wars and such, so i do not support either your nor the dwarves. Any wounded may be sent to me for healing. Send me your falcon as soon as you are able to read this note.
Blessings of Moshran upon you,
Salhari Whitewalker
Two orcs, cloaked in dark coats, stroll by the Orcen Mounts, dragging axes and blades behind them. They halt by the tribe's board, glaring at each others for a moment, before the short one snorts, pulling an already-written note out of his deer-skin bag, pinning it to the walls. They exchange a few grunts, before casting away towards Varshikar.
Salhari 'Whitewalker',
I dislike the way you mingle in other's affairs,
you cause me a good deal of hassle afflicts.
Discontinue your activities.
