The Mysterious Obikan
"Notes of a Well-Traveled Pilgrim"
by Wehling Garuf,
also known as the Wanderer
Chapter 44. Obikan Orcs and Other Difficulties
"I had little choice but land on the mysterious shores of Obikan. My steam boat was leaking, and demanded repair. I must admit that the consequences of this unexpected stop were entirely... unexpected...
Orcs suddenly appeared. I have no notion how such huge green creatures, clad in iron, were able to approach so close across a snow-white field while still escaping my notice. But suddenly, the air shook with their deafening shouts, which fell upon my ears like an avalanche. I have always heard that orcs are fierce and ruthless warriors, and immediately I prepared myself for the worst.
But the next few moments were not as frightful as I feared. Seeing that I was neither a warrior nor a trader, they smiled and took me before the elder of the tribe. He demanded that I speak to him about my travels, and tell him of other lands and foreign peoples. For his own private reasons, he paid special attention whenever I discussed the armed forces of his distant neighbors, and the magic they use in wartime.
Finding myself at my own leisure, I studied the everyday life of my hosts quite carefully. It happens that they excel in the art of breeding birds and other animals. Orcs raise their bloody god of war above all others, but they also worship the spirits of their ancestors, and bow before their council of elders or shamans. Incidentally, the circle of elders holds sway only in peacetime; during war, the wisest and most powerful leader of the orcs is obeyed without question. Naturally, the wisest leader is understood to be the one who has collected the most skulls of his enemies.
Orcs are rarely without some military operation or other. They battle opposing tribes, or raid the mainlands or the lands of the Nord. Orcs think of little else than war, and few live to full maturity, let alone old age. But those few who somehow survive despite their warlike culture become elders. They make sacrifices to the spirits, and enjoy great feast days which involve much eating, drinking, and of course, much fighting.
Orcs are entirely undeveloped in Industry and Science. All their needs, including weapons, they acquire from merchants or take as booty during their frequent raids. In fact, owing to their militaristic culture, orcs are scarcely more developed than animals, though some of show incredible cunning and wit... "
Head of the Department of Wandering and Discovery
The World Academy
Master Traveler, First Class
Garuf han'Kargard
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Battle Houle Orcs tame wild Houle and train them to fight. The strong armor and sharp horn of a well-trained Houle can cause much trouble, especially if a goblin is riding its back. |
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Gogh The Gogh are the healers of the orcish army, though, in my opinion, they may just as well be called saboteurs. The first day I met one, he spoiled all my equipment! Even my ordinary compass no longer pointed in the right direction! |
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Orc commander An orc commander has the right to beat up any offending subject, even to his death. However, if the latter manages to kill the commander, then he must give the chief twenty rams, and take command himself. Such is the career ladder of the orcish army. |
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Orc Shaman Orc Shamans call upon the aid of their gods and spirits. Of course, sometimes the gods fail to answer, and so shamans must also be able to fight. They are always accompanied by a squad of bodyguards. |
