The Orcish Empire

The Orcish Empire has existed for over three millennia.  In that time, it has changed surprising little.  The institutions and beliefs that guided the Orcs three thousand years ago, still guide them today.  Their nation has always been governed by an Emperor and rooted in the faith of The Oldest Orc.  The empire has grown in power and then waned in power time and again, but even the centuries long occupation by their hated foe the Amatin gnomes, could not destroy them.  The empire at times has extended from one shore of the main continent to the other.  At other times it has been barely large enough to sustain a quarter of a million Orcs.

The empire proclaims the teachings of the deities of the Counsil, and although they revere the Oldest Orc prominently, they believe that most members of the Counsil have their place in the world.  The cities and towns of the Orcish Empire are microcosms of the Counsil at work.  Temples of Dedestroyt administer to the dead.  Clerics of Treetop look after the animals, and clerics of Habastly look over the crops.  Of all of the deities of the Counsil, only Lakius and Lavash’Ki are not venerated in any way.  The orcs hatred of water is simply too strong.

Much of the life of an average orc is very structured.  The empire and tradition dictate the method in which any particular orc is raised and trained, but exceptions due occur.  Females are given the tasks of farming, tending to the homes, and lighter crafts such as sewing.  The males are teachers, clerics, warriors, and heavy crafters such as builders.  Other races are welcome to live in the empire as long as they closely adhere to the laws and are willing to put up with being in the vast minority.  Life is hard, but it is generally good and safe in the Orcish Empire.

The nations of the other continents care little for the orcs, who have never crossed any water body larger than a lake to wage war.  The orcs have never even built a large port from which to trade with nations across the sea.  The nations that are on the main continent have a much different feel for the empire.  Every child that has any knowledge of history knows that the orcs once ruled the known world.  Most teach that if the orcs had the chance; they would conquer the main continent again.  Most nations are content to allow the slumbering giant to stay behind the great wall which protects the Orcish Empire.  The Kingdom of Yellowia is the only major nation that trades with the orcs, more out of a long tradition of trade than any real need for it.

The rock in the boot of every orcish warrior is the nation of Borkondof.  Many times have the two nations gone to war in the past five hundred years, but never has either side been able to claim true victory.  The orcs would like nothing better than to destroy Borkondof and claim the land for themselves.  It is the knowledge of the horrible wars that the two have already fought that stays their legions.

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