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Orc Clans of the Swamp
The Red Ghost
Gorgo Ironbone is chief of the Red Ghost clan. They are one of the most violent and bloodthirsty of the orc clans. The Red Ghost are nomads and raiders, they have no set territory, they move through the swamp taking what they can and making camp wherever they get tired. Gorgo Ironbone is reviled in the swamp, particularly among the goblins there, he frequently attacks their villages, taking what he wants and then moving on, anyone who puts up a fight is put to the sword. Under Gorgo the Red Ghost have become the more violent than ever before, he keeps his grip on the clan because of how successful he is, his raids are always the most successful and he always knows which caravan to hit and when it is time to disappear back into the swamp. He stays one step ahead of the Rangers and has already killed one Ranger who got to close. The way Gorgo’s luck goes the way the prosperity of Red Ghost goes, if his luck ever fails him he will be lucky to survive. (see NPC thread for Gorgo's stats)
The Grand Fist
The Grand Fist is an old clan that has a village hidden deep within the swamp. They are led by the venerable Thal Brokentusk. Thal was once a mighty warrior but age has caught up to him, he knows that soon he will not be able to hold his control over the Clan. His son D’rak is the strongest warrior in the clan and will soon succeed his failing father. The Grand Fist is the original orc clan in the swamp, all other clans sprang up from them, and they are also the largest clan in the swamp. The Grand Fist has no need to raid the town to survive; they have a thriving secret village that fulfills all their needs. When the Grand Fist marches it is for the thrill of battle not the necessity of continued existence. There are several priest and clerics in the Grand Fist village and all other clans come once a year to pay homage to their gods. If this village were found out it would be a strong blow to all the clans for this is the only ground in all the swamp that is considered holy to them, in this place open battle is forbidden and all disputes are settled in ritualistic combat. Clans who are blood enemies can meet without fear in the temples here.
The Dark Claw
Borak Goblinsbane is chief of the Dark Claw; his tribe controls the area of the swamp that borders on the southern shore of the lake. The clan took this area from the goblins and fight to keep control. The Dark Claw are caravan raiders and even on occasion they have been known to build rafts and raid the lake barges as they pass. Borak’s claim to clan leadership is based on his plan to charge a ransom fee to passing caravans instead of attacking them. Even powerful caravans that are well beyond the clan’s power will pay a small sum to keep out of trouble. The Dark Claw still raid where they will but now they can survive without taxing the strength of the clan. The Dark Claw is not a large clan but they fight well and they use cunning and strategy to make up for their numbers.
The Panther Clan
The Panther Clan controls an area downriver from the city. Their leader is Ashen Aragol “the one hand”. Aragol was set on fire during a raid on the city and his face is a scarred ruin, and his left hand is a melted twisted stub. It is said that even with one hand and one eye Aragol is still twice as powerful. Aragol has killed so many men that he has lost count. The Panther Clan frequently raids the outskirts of Mor’s End and have been known to cross the river and raid the farmers to the North of the city. It is Aragol’s greatest wish to see Mor’s End aflame, to return the favor for the pain he lives in every day. Where Aragol leads the Panther Clan follows and their battle cry is “BURN” which they yell in orcish during every attack. Where they go flames follow.
The Stonegrinders
The Stonegrinders are a poor clan that lives deep in the swamp, their leader De’velic Scarsgar dreams of the day when he can lead his clan out of the swamp and into the rich lands of the North. Twice now the Stonegrinders have been turned back trying to cross the river and enter the northlands. The Panthers are very concerned about the Stonegrinders encroaching on their territory and Ashen Aragol has more than once threatened to make De’velic “feel the flames”. Unlike most clans the Stonegrinders get along well with the goblinoids of the swamp and even enter into joint raids with them on occasion. Deep down De’velic is a coward and often hides behind the strength of his clan during combat. He has blustered and intimidated his way into keeping control of the clan and always fears the day one of the others will gather the will to challenge him. De’velic knows that if he doesn’t soon get his clan to the northlands as he promised them his head will end up on a pike at a new clan chief’s celebration.
The Black Dawn
Reviled, feared and avoided at all cost are the Black Dawn. Their leader Garsiel the prophet is a priest of (place orc god of choice here) and a cannibal. His clan practices black rituals designed to bring dark power and feast on the bodies of their enemies. It is not uncommon to see the Black Dawn marching to battle accompanied by zombies created from their slain enemies, but most disturbing are the bite marks that can plainly be seen in the undead bodies. No creature of the swamp will cross the path of the Black Dawn and even the Outland Rangers give them a wide berth.
The Carrion Crows
The Carrion Crows are one of the larger clans in the swamp; they control the lands directly south of Mor’s End. Their leader Grank the Clubfoot was born lame but still managed to become chief. The Carrion Crows are survivors, they have learned to live with their harsh environment and feel closeness to the swamp. Although they occasionally raid caravans they no longer hold any interest in destroying the city, instead they are content to hold what they have and protect it. They bear no love for the city or it’s inhabitants but they are the clan that looses the most members to city life and have accepted that the city is too established to be done away with. It is hoped that one day the Carrion Crows can be talked into a trade agreement as they are very adept at harvesting and preparing the swamp pickles that are considered such a delicacy in the city. So far no trader has been able to establish any sort of negotiations with the Carrion Crows but the last trader came back alive and with all his limbs still attached. That is considered major progress.
The Boar Clan
The Boar clan lives to the South of lake Enoria; they are led by Velrak Blacksun. The Boar clan moved west out of the swamp many years ago settling in the forest south of the lake, they raid the caravan routes heading west and sometimes attack the ferry landing. Velrak often leads raiding parties into the swamp and envisions a day when he can unite all the clans and take the vacant title of chief of the tribe. He will work with other clans to attack Mor’s End but lacks the resources to raid that far away from his forest on his own. Velrak often goes to the swamp village to seek guidance from the temples there but this is only a sham designed to gain him the support of the Orc priest and adepts there. The Boar clan protects their forest even against the other orc clans who try to move west and have gained a reputation among the orcs for arrogance and aloofness.
The Water Demon
The Water Demon clan lives far to the south on the southern edge of the swamp; the old clan chief recently was killed in a raid and they have yet to choose a successor. The Water Demons are in a state of chaos and turmoil at this time as there is no standout to become the new clan chief and they have lost many warriors to this infighting. The Water Demons rarely raid Mor’s End as it is a long and dangerous trip to come north through the swamp, they often send their young warriors north to raid with one of the other clans to gain experience and goods but have not mounted a large raiding party in many years. Water Demon clan members are known for their vicious nature and many have a fondness for torture.
The Bloody Axe
The Bloody Axe clan controls the area south of the Panther clan to the east of the swamp; they are lead by Hopfor the Half-Orc. They control a large forest to the east of the swamp and are fond of cutting down trees and forging weapons. Many of the weapons the other Orc clans use were created by the Bloody Axe clan. Hopfor is not well respected outside his own clan and is very touchy about his heritage; he has fought off many challengers and is feared for his ruthlessness in battle. The Bloody Axe clan is not fond of the swamp and prefer their forest; they do raid Mor’s End and the caravan route going east but they do not spend much time in the deep swamp. They share territory with the Panther clan and are close allies with them.
Orc Population Breakdown
The Red Ghost Clan: 70 males, 60 females, 25 young.
The Grand Fist Clan: 200 males, 200 females, 100 young.
The Dark Claw Clan: 50 males, 50 females, 25 young.
The Panther Clan: 100 males, 100 females, 50 young.
The Stonegrinders Clan: 70 males, 80 females, 40 young.
The Black Dawn Clan: 50 males, 30 females, 15 young.
The Carrion Crow Clan: 100 males, 100 females, 50 young.
The Boar Clan: 150 males, 150 females, 75 young.
The Water Demon Clan: 90 males, 110 females, 60 young.
The Bloody Axe Clan: 120 males, 120 females, 60 young.
Total tribe population: 1000 males, 1000 females, and 500 young.
2500 Orcs in the lands south of Mor’s End and Lake Enoria (most of these clans are several days to more than a week’s travel away from the town). Their population rarely increases due to the high mortality rate for orcs.
The Red Ghost
Gorgo Ironbone is chief of the Red Ghost clan. They are one of the most violent and bloodthirsty of the orc clans. The Red Ghost are nomads and raiders, they have no set territory, they move through the swamp taking what they can and making camp wherever they get tired. Gorgo Ironbone is reviled in the swamp, particularly among the goblins there, he frequently attacks their villages, taking what he wants and then moving on, anyone who puts up a fight is put to the sword. Under Gorgo the Red Ghost have become the more violent than ever before, he keeps his grip on the clan because of how successful he is, his raids are always the most successful and he always knows which caravan to hit and when it is time to disappear back into the swamp. He stays one step ahead of the Rangers and has already killed one Ranger who got to close. The way Gorgo’s luck goes the way the prosperity of Red Ghost goes, if his luck ever fails him he will be lucky to survive. (see NPC thread for Gorgo's stats)
The Grand Fist
The Grand Fist is an old clan that has a village hidden deep within the swamp. They are led by the venerable Thal Brokentusk. Thal was once a mighty warrior but age has caught up to him, he knows that soon he will not be able to hold his control over the Clan. His son D’rak is the strongest warrior in the clan and will soon succeed his failing father. The Grand Fist is the original orc clan in the swamp, all other clans sprang up from them, and they are also the largest clan in the swamp. The Grand Fist has no need to raid the town to survive; they have a thriving secret village that fulfills all their needs. When the Grand Fist marches it is for the thrill of battle not the necessity of continued existence. There are several priest and clerics in the Grand Fist village and all other clans come once a year to pay homage to their gods. If this village were found out it would be a strong blow to all the clans for this is the only ground in all the swamp that is considered holy to them, in this place open battle is forbidden and all disputes are settled in ritualistic combat. Clans who are blood enemies can meet without fear in the temples here.
The Dark Claw
Borak Goblinsbane is chief of the Dark Claw; his tribe controls the area of the swamp that borders on the southern shore of the lake. The clan took this area from the goblins and fight to keep control. The Dark Claw are caravan raiders and even on occasion they have been known to build rafts and raid the lake barges as they pass. Borak’s claim to clan leadership is based on his plan to charge a ransom fee to passing caravans instead of attacking them. Even powerful caravans that are well beyond the clan’s power will pay a small sum to keep out of trouble. The Dark Claw still raid where they will but now they can survive without taxing the strength of the clan. The Dark Claw is not a large clan but they fight well and they use cunning and strategy to make up for their numbers.
The Panther Clan
The Panther Clan controls an area downriver from the city. Their leader is Ashen Aragol “the one hand”. Aragol was set on fire during a raid on the city and his face is a scarred ruin, and his left hand is a melted twisted stub. It is said that even with one hand and one eye Aragol is still twice as powerful. Aragol has killed so many men that he has lost count. The Panther Clan frequently raids the outskirts of Mor’s End and have been known to cross the river and raid the farmers to the North of the city. It is Aragol’s greatest wish to see Mor’s End aflame, to return the favor for the pain he lives in every day. Where Aragol leads the Panther Clan follows and their battle cry is “BURN” which they yell in orcish during every attack. Where they go flames follow.
The Stonegrinders
The Stonegrinders are a poor clan that lives deep in the swamp, their leader De’velic Scarsgar dreams of the day when he can lead his clan out of the swamp and into the rich lands of the North. Twice now the Stonegrinders have been turned back trying to cross the river and enter the northlands. The Panthers are very concerned about the Stonegrinders encroaching on their territory and Ashen Aragol has more than once threatened to make De’velic “feel the flames”. Unlike most clans the Stonegrinders get along well with the goblinoids of the swamp and even enter into joint raids with them on occasion. Deep down De’velic is a coward and often hides behind the strength of his clan during combat. He has blustered and intimidated his way into keeping control of the clan and always fears the day one of the others will gather the will to challenge him. De’velic knows that if he doesn’t soon get his clan to the northlands as he promised them his head will end up on a pike at a new clan chief’s celebration.
The Black Dawn
Reviled, feared and avoided at all cost are the Black Dawn. Their leader Garsiel the prophet is a priest of (place orc god of choice here) and a cannibal. His clan practices black rituals designed to bring dark power and feast on the bodies of their enemies. It is not uncommon to see the Black Dawn marching to battle accompanied by zombies created from their slain enemies, but most disturbing are the bite marks that can plainly be seen in the undead bodies. No creature of the swamp will cross the path of the Black Dawn and even the Outland Rangers give them a wide berth.
The Carrion Crows
The Carrion Crows are one of the larger clans in the swamp; they control the lands directly south of Mor’s End. Their leader Grank the Clubfoot was born lame but still managed to become chief. The Carrion Crows are survivors, they have learned to live with their harsh environment and feel closeness to the swamp. Although they occasionally raid caravans they no longer hold any interest in destroying the city, instead they are content to hold what they have and protect it. They bear no love for the city or it’s inhabitants but they are the clan that looses the most members to city life and have accepted that the city is too established to be done away with. It is hoped that one day the Carrion Crows can be talked into a trade agreement as they are very adept at harvesting and preparing the swamp pickles that are considered such a delicacy in the city. So far no trader has been able to establish any sort of negotiations with the Carrion Crows but the last trader came back alive and with all his limbs still attached. That is considered major progress.
The Boar Clan
The Boar clan lives to the South of lake Enoria; they are led by Velrak Blacksun. The Boar clan moved west out of the swamp many years ago settling in the forest south of the lake, they raid the caravan routes heading west and sometimes attack the ferry landing. Velrak often leads raiding parties into the swamp and envisions a day when he can unite all the clans and take the vacant title of chief of the tribe. He will work with other clans to attack Mor’s End but lacks the resources to raid that far away from his forest on his own. Velrak often goes to the swamp village to seek guidance from the temples there but this is only a sham designed to gain him the support of the Orc priest and adepts there. The Boar clan protects their forest even against the other orc clans who try to move west and have gained a reputation among the orcs for arrogance and aloofness.
The Water Demon
The Water Demon clan lives far to the south on the southern edge of the swamp; the old clan chief recently was killed in a raid and they have yet to choose a successor. The Water Demons are in a state of chaos and turmoil at this time as there is no standout to become the new clan chief and they have lost many warriors to this infighting. The Water Demons rarely raid Mor’s End as it is a long and dangerous trip to come north through the swamp, they often send their young warriors north to raid with one of the other clans to gain experience and goods but have not mounted a large raiding party in many years. Water Demon clan members are known for their vicious nature and many have a fondness for torture.
The Bloody Axe
The Bloody Axe clan controls the area south of the Panther clan to the east of the swamp; they are lead by Hopfor the Half-Orc. They control a large forest to the east of the swamp and are fond of cutting down trees and forging weapons. Many of the weapons the other Orc clans use were created by the Bloody Axe clan. Hopfor is not well respected outside his own clan and is very touchy about his heritage; he has fought off many challengers and is feared for his ruthlessness in battle. The Bloody Axe clan is not fond of the swamp and prefer their forest; they do raid Mor’s End and the caravan route going east but they do not spend much time in the deep swamp. They share territory with the Panther clan and are close allies with them.
Orc Population Breakdown
The Red Ghost Clan: 70 males, 60 females, 25 young.
The Grand Fist Clan: 200 males, 200 females, 100 young.
The Dark Claw Clan: 50 males, 50 females, 25 young.
The Panther Clan: 100 males, 100 females, 50 young.
The Stonegrinders Clan: 70 males, 80 females, 40 young.
The Black Dawn Clan: 50 males, 30 females, 15 young.
The Carrion Crow Clan: 100 males, 100 females, 50 young.
The Boar Clan: 150 males, 150 females, 75 young.
The Water Demon Clan: 90 males, 110 females, 60 young.
The Bloody Axe Clan: 120 males, 120 females, 60 young.
Total tribe population: 1000 males, 1000 females, and 500 young.
2500 Orcs in the lands south of Mor’s End and Lake Enoria (most of these clans are several days to more than a week’s travel away from the town). Their population rarely increases due to the high mortality rate for orcs.
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