Imperial Orcs groups
Overview
There are many important groups in the Imperial Orcs. Despite the number, only a comparative handful are involved in the affairs of the Empire (that is, attend the seasonal summits at Anvil). Their influence can wax and wane, and involvement in Imperial affairs is not always a reflection of their prominence within the nation itself. This page presents in-character information about the groups that attend, or have attended, Anvil — the kind of thing that someone who asked about them might uncover from talking to their peers. In each case, the information is provided by the players and edited before being put on the wiki.
The majority of groups listed here are made up of player-characters. You should not create a character who is part of a group, or has personal history with one, without first clearing it with the appropriate players. You should also check before including other players' groups in your background. The background team are unlikely to approve a background that significantly impacts or involves another player character group without their permission. There are also a handful of prominent NPC groups included for completeness, but they are not intended for use by player characters.
Skarsind
Ashborn
- Location: Skogei Glens
- Symbol: An ash tree ablaze with the Hirmok rune shaped into the flames at the centre and a hammer on the trunk.
- Colours: Green accented with grey, brown and orange
- Warlord: Ashborn Vana
The Ashborn are fueled by the fires of Ambition. They believe that great deeds are the surest way to become an ancestor. Magical ability, military prowess, or devotion to the Way are all worthy ways to blaze a trail across the abyss and build a great pyre on the other side.
Flames birthed the Ashborn during the rebellion in the forests of Varushka. Once word of Thrace had reached the ears of the orcs enslaved in the logging camps, the fire was lit. That night, the sky turned a deep red, and the dark of the forest echoed with the sound of chains breaking under axes and screams of slavers. In the smoke that filled the air of the morning, the survivors made their escape into the woods. Smearing the ashes across their eyes, a symbol of remembrance for orcs that did not escape.
Once the Imperial orcs were accepted into the Empire, the Ashborn focused on Autumn magic. They fought for the Winter Sun and used the rituals taught to them by Urizen to bring victory. In more recent years, they’ve made a name for themselves for other things. Wielding strong magics in the coven, as well as having several of their members embroiled in various political houses of Anvil. The banner was integral in the formation of the Autumn Hammers. The Banner accepts orcs from any sept, provided their heart burns with the desire to get to work and make their legend.
Bloodcrows
- Insignia: Crow Skull, and in recent times a red Rhyv Rune etched on the skull head.
- Colours: Dark reds and Browns/white highlights
The Bloodcrows are one of the oldest legions. Their members are descendants of Varushkan slaves, many with distant Druj and Thule ancestry. Like most Imperial Orcs, the Bloodcrows have almost no connection to the barbarian tries but detractors point to an echo of the Druj bloodline in the battlefield cunning they display. During the Orc Rebellion it is said that the rivers of Varushka ran red with the blood with their kin and many, many humans. The Bloodcrows vowed to never forget. After the rebellion the Bloodcrows were led by a living legend, shaman named Fenrak who worked with Imperial magicians to help develop the modern orc approach to ritual magic. Ever since the Bloodcrows have been led by a so-called Shaman Lord, and have made a particular practice of winter magic.
The Bloodcrows strongly believe in the "old ways" (of Ancestors and the Howling abyss). For this reason the Bloodcrows look to build their legend in the eyes of their Ancestors and their people, rather than to the teachings of the Imperial Synod.
The Bloodcrow motto can vary and has traditionally been “Our souls. Our minds. Our flesh. Our Empire”, though variations exist such as “Our souls, Our Way, Our Empire”.
Bonewall
- Insignia: Bones in the form of the rune Tykonus
Founded by a visionary shaman of the Winter Sun, the Bonewall are dedicated to the soul of the orcish nation. They seek to bring the Way of Virtue and the Imperial Orc nation together, both by preaching the Virtues - the soul and centre of the Empire - to their fellows and by furthering understanding of the Orcish soul within the Synod and beyond.
Between summits, they are busy giving their extensive ossuary a more permanent home than the carts and tents it occupied before the Orcs were given Skarsind. The ossuary is a collection of bones of dead Imperial Orcs and records of their deeds, intended to aid future generations in communing with the ancestors.
The Bonewall are theologians first and foremost; many of them study the magic of Winter, but as a tool to further knowledge of death and the dead, rather than an end in itself.
Irontide
Formed immediately following the rebellion, by one of Thrace’s closest comrades - Irontide Sutin - the legion swore allegiance to the Empire, proudly displaying their banners in the Empire’s name. Irontide history tells that the famed Iron Banner of the legion was stained with a drop of Ahraz’ blood, a symbol of their bond to the Empire. Largely hailing from Jotun stock during the rebellion, the Irontide still maintain a strong tradition of a warrior culture, the majority of the legion being made up from professional soldiers in heavy armour and carrying shields. The Irontide harbour a seething hatred for the Jotun, seeing them as the worst of the barbarian nations, and will stop at nothing to see them crushed whenever they can.
Following the death of Empress Britta they have proudly led the Summer Storm army from the front, providing generals to lead the army to this day. Fiercely loyal to the Empire, they live by simple rules of battle, preferring to sell their lives rather than those of their allies: “First in, last out”
Redhands
- Colours: Orc browns with a red wrap on right hand and pennant of Red armoured hand in black and red
Redhands are the battle healers of the second army. Ready to pick up the fallen and return them to battle or patch them up to return home. They have spent significant time in the Mournwold supporting the army on the front lines. The Redhands have a broad objective of delivering medical assistance on the battlefield; the exact manner in achieving this is often down to the individual orc. Some are healers, magicians or bonesaws, who render aid to the injured. Some fight to push back the enemy so the fallen can be recovered, perhaps then standing over the healers as they revive their patients. A few are scouts, searching out the dying and alerting other Redhands to where their assistance is needed. Some simply fight with the Redhands knowing help is at hand should they themselves fall.
Skywise
- Insignia: Single White Wing
A young banner of Imperial Orcs founded in Spring 379YE. The banner felt it was time for the Imperial Orcs to further explore their own history and discover missing pieces of the past for themselves rather than have their history told to them by others. It is their belief that by discovering their past, the Imperial Orcs could better understand the path to their nation’s future.
The Skywise are all magicians specializing in Day magic, mastering information gathering spells such as Clear Lens of the Eternal River, Skein of Years, and other forms of divination. It is believed that the founder was the first Imperial Orc to master the spell Skein of Years and the banner are said to record the stories of the objects they have cast the spell upon and hold them in vast collections.
In recent times the Skywise have split their duties between their birth army of the Winter Sun and establishing a home in Skarsind, in places known as the Iron Hearth and the former lands of the Sigehold Thane. Their shaman have also taken great pride in acting as conscience and good council to any who might seek their wisdom as well as offering guidance for those who hear the voices of their ancestors.
Stormcrows
The Stormcrows are a reaving band of orcs, They are not soldiers; they chafe at the heavy hands of the army generals. Their ancestors spent their days being told what to do and it leaves a bitter taste in their mouths so for now they do as they please, They were given one life and they intend to use every aspect of it.
Some of their number hail from the legions and have turned away, others have heard the voice of an unknown ancestor urging them towards each other. They don't know the name of their shared ancestor but he has bought them together as a family, Their home has always been amongst each other aboard their fleet of ships, where they roam living the life of privateers or hunting supernatural beasts be it to fill a contract or because it feeds a desire.
The Stormcrows lean more towards the future and are willing to adapt and learn from their human brethren in the Empire, They also seek an active relationship with the Eternals through the Hall of the Worlds. Orc traditions are important to them but they know when change is for the better.
Amongst the banners fighters, the Stormcrow are filled with ritualists and healers often members are adept to filling in two or three of these roles. Almost everyone among their number can cast magic in some way. They support their family in their endeavours, are open-minded and will listen; they may not agree but everyone has the right to be heard. They also have preachers in their banner providing advice and insight into the Way.
They do not bind themselves with straight lines, rules and orders. They feel there is no wrong way to live a life as long as it is lived with pride, courage and to be ever vigilant, for subtle is the voice of corruption never will they fall to the heresy of freedom and luck. They have fought hard for all they are now and long may their wisdom prevail.
Mareave
MemoryKeepers
- Group: Coterie
- Location: Icarion
- Colours: Black and white
- Leader: Ikahn
The MemoryKeepers are a group that aims to be the font of ancestral knowledge, its archivists and seekers of a greater understanding. To them the knowledge about shamans, mystagogues, ancestors and their influence on us should be universally understood, explored and shared. Its ideals came from its founder MemoryKeeper Ikahn, who spent most of his life supporting his shamanic brother; documenting his behaviour and how his struggles could be lessened. Wishing that others not have to face the same struggles he’s had with their own loved ones and pass down his knowledge.
The coterie strives to increase Imperial knowledge on the ancestors and to benefit future generations. A home for those living with the ancestors, those wishing to study and learn more about them, to care for those who are overwhelmed by them and to educate others on the ancestors. The group is divided into two halves: ‘shamans’ and ‘guardians’. Members wear white stoles with designs intended to help outsiders identify their role.
"'‘What we learn now, will help who comes next."
Contributing
Any player character group in the Imperial Orcs can submit an entry for this page. The entry should come from the out-of-character group leader and be emailed to plot@profounddecisions.co.uk.
It should contain the following information:
- Group archetype (coterie, legion, reavers). If your group doesn't have one of these archetypes, it will be listed in the "other" section.
- Territory and region where the groups lands are physically located.
- A description of your groups insignia, with an image if desired. Almost all legions have insignia, as do most coterie and reaving bands.
- If your group has specific colours, you can mention them here.
- The name of your warlord if you are a legion. If there is someone in your coterie or reaving band that serves as the in-character leader of the group, you can mention them and their title here
You should also include up to 250 words of description, detailing the kind of things that other characters might know about your group. Have a look at the description for a legion, reavers, and the leadership page for an overview on coteries for ideas on the kind of information that is useful. You should also include a few sentences of history, especially around the circumstances of the group's formation or origin.
Some other questions to consider include:
- If you are a legion, do you all serve with a particular army, and has that influenced your aims on the field?
- Are there one or more particular archetypes the group is particularly associated with? Are they focused around a particular sept? There is no requirement for, or expectation of, single sept groups, but does your group's ethos see a greater ratio of Tamazi?
Things to avoid include:
- Too much worldbuilding detail — this represents information other characters may know about your house. It's not a place to define elements of the game world
- Lists of character names — this isn't a place for getting your name on the wiki
- Too much emphasis on the past — while it's useful to have a few lines of history, what matters in Empire is what your group does on the field at events
It's possible to update the information on this page over time (for example if your leader changes) with an e-mail to plot@profounddecisions.co.uk.