| Racial Demographic | Orcs 70%, Halflings 22%, slaves from other races (mostly goblin) 8% |
| Ruler | Clan Chieftains, Warlords, Tribal Elders, Shaman Leaders |
| Relations | The general relations between the orcs of Ruch and the rest of Thardferr is poor. Differing clans have peaceful
involvement with some Realms, and are at odds with others. Along the
borders there are different orc clans that claim parts of Edilar, Alderd
and Tuth. The orcs do not believe in political boundaries, and so
many border conflicts arise.
The orcs that are working within, or are hired by other Realms, tend to get along fairly well. They see their involvement in the armies or cities of others as being a part of that Realm's clan. If accepted, treated well, and paid for their work, they can be good allies. Orcs of all clans hate the goblins. They do not accept their supposed rule of Ruch, and fight them at any chance. They also do not get along with the dwarves or Khardfee, and have an ancient hatred with the race. The reasons for this hatred are long ago lost in history, and the short racial memory of the orcs would allow it to soon fade, but the dwarves hold a deep racial hatred of the orcs that keeps the flames of racism burning brightly for both races. Other than the clans that are in contention for certain territories along the border, the orcs of Ruch see the elves of Edilar as allies, and generally get along with them. They remember the elven presence in the Mage Wars, and respect the elves for both martial and magical prowess. They seem able to sense the traces of Fey in the elves, and have a slight, innate fear of the fallen Sidhe. However, their overly egotistical nature often manifests as aggression toward that which they fear, especially among the younger orcs who've not fought alongside the elves against the Sythian Mages. They also have good relations with the gnomes of Alderd and are dependent on the gnome traders for much of their finished products and crafts goods. The halflings of Ruch live together with the orcs, each lending their strengths to the success of the village. Of all the relations the orcs maintain, the working relation with the halflings is the best. Many orcs consider the halflings as their young brood, and will fight fiercely to protect them. The orcs of Ruch are not at peace with each other, and so are not united under one leader. Each clan, tribe and village has its own leader, though all will give respect and homage to the strongest warlord who has attained clan chieftain status within their territory. |
| Government Structure | The orcs of Ruch do not have their own government.
They are not united, and so are not a signature Realm of the Confederation.
But because they do, as a whole, wield great power and control over large
territories, including most of Ruch, they are still considered by the Confederation
and have a representative in the Diametry Council.
Orcs live primarily in clans that control different territories, and extend beyond what most other races consider the borders of Ruch. The clans are each headed by the strongest and best warlord. This warlord is made the Chieftain. But there is no one great Chieftain over all the clans. There are Greater clans and many Lesser clans eking out and protecting their territories in Ruch. The Greater Orc Clans of Ruch, in order of influence and power, are: Drudge SkullsThe smaller tribe in order of influence are: BonegrindersThough the clans fight for territory, and some even have long lasting rivalries, the orcs will unite even with their most hated enemy clan, against non-orcs that attack Ruch. Clans will aid each other against outsiders, and even unite for brief times to take war outside Ruch against their foes. With proper motivation, such as the invasion of the Sythians, the orcs can fight alongside one another and put aside their differences to repel any force. Because of this, Ruch has yet to be successfully occupied by an enemy invader. Within the smaller units of the clan known as tribes, the elders make decisions concerning their survival. In most cases only the word of the strongest is listened to or heeded. If leadership cannot be enforced by the individual attempting to take it, then it is not considered worth respecting by the majority of the orcs. Some shamans have pull within certain clans, while in others they are not respected, or only considered necessary, rather than influential. Though there is no state religion, the churches of Sembral and Ballog are highly respected and followed amongst the orcs. |
This page last updated on 02/12/2001 .