Imperial Orcs history - Revision history

Dre at 15:31, 23 January 2025

2025-01-23T15:31:20Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 15:31, 23 January 2025
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	For generations the nation saw its numbers stay roughly equal; as orcs died on the battlefield so they were occasionally recruited or came of age and became citizens. This changed first with the influx of the Liberated, orcs brought from the Principalities of Jarm, who joined what would be the [[Sunstorm]]. The numbers swelled with the arrival of roughly three thousand orcs of the [[Sannite]] sept after they were [[383YE_Spring_Equinox_winds_of_war#Mission\|rescued]] from the gladiatorial arenas of [[Mareave]], they returned with the Winter Sun to Skarsind and spent the next two years carving out a niche for themselves until they were [[Imperial_Orcs_hearth_magic#Insignia\|recognised]] and named during the Summer Solstice 385YE. The [[Tamazi]], orcs freed from the citadels of Axos, moved to Skarsind soon after but held off until formally joining the nation until much later.		For generations the nation saw its numbers stay roughly equal; as orcs died on the battlefield so they were occasionally recruited or came of age and became citizens. This changed first with the influx of the Liberated, orcs brought from the Principalities of Jarm, who joined what would be the [[Sunstorm]]. The numbers swelled with the arrival of roughly three thousand orcs of the [[Sannite]] sept after they were [[383YE_Spring_Equinox_winds_of_war#Mission\|rescued]] from the gladiatorial arenas of [[Mareave]], they returned with the Winter Sun to Skarsind and spent the next two years carving out a niche for themselves until they were [[Imperial_Orcs_hearth_magic#Insignia\|recognised]] and named during the Summer Solstice 385YE. The [[Tamazi]], orcs freed from the citadels of Axos, moved to Skarsind soon after but held off until formally joining the nation until much later.

	The coming of the three septs of [[Ossium]] presented a fundamental shift in the nature of the Imperial Orcs. The septs were open to becoming part of the nation, but loathe to give up their pride, their unique traditions, and their important history. Each sept asked the Imperial Orcs to construct a great [[~~folly~~]], partly to honour the newcomers, partly to allow them to join the nation as equals, and partly to ensure that there would be a place for their ways in the nation. As the requests of each of the [[Ethengraw]], the [[Illarawm]], and the [[Yerende]] were accepted and constructed the egregores spent the time to travel the nation and understand the cultures of the six septs. When the three Ossean septs were finally welcomed into the nation during the Autumn Equinox 385YE it represented a change bigger than has affected any of the other nations of the Empire. What was a nation of one people became a powerhouse of six, looking to improve not only themselves but the Empire as a whole.		The coming of the three septs of [[Ossium]] presented a fundamental shift in the nature of the Imperial Orcs. The septs were open to becoming part of the nation, but loathe to give up their pride, their unique traditions, and their important history. Each sept asked the Imperial Orcs to construct a great [[edifice]], partly to honour the newcomers, partly to allow them to join the nation as equals, and partly to ensure that there would be a place for their ways in the nation. As the requests of each of the [[Ethengraw]], the [[Illarawm]], and the [[Yerende]] were accepted and constructed the egregores spent the time to travel the nation and understand the cultures of the six septs. When the three Ossean septs were finally welcomed into the nation during the Autumn Equinox 385YE it represented a change bigger than has affected any of the other nations of the Empire. What was a nation of one people became a powerhouse of six, looking to improve not only themselves but the Empire as a whole.

	==A Future Unwritten==		==A Future Unwritten==

Dre at 15:01, 11 April 2024

2024-04-11T15:01:00Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 15:01, 11 April 2024
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	For generations the nation saw its numbers stay roughly equal; as orcs died on the battlefield so they were occasionally recruited or came of age and became citizens. This changed first with the influx of the Liberated, orcs brought from the Principalities of Jarm, who joined what would be the [[Sunstorm]]. The numbers swelled with the arrival of roughly three thousand orcs of the [[Sannite]] sept after they were [[383YE_Spring_Equinox_winds_of_war#Mission\|rescued]] from the gladiatorial arenas of [[Mareave]], they returned with the Winter Sun to Skarsind and spent the next two years carving out a niche for themselves until they were [[Imperial_Orcs_hearth_magic#Insignia\|recognised]] and named during the Summer Solstice 385YE. The [[Tamazi]], orcs freed from the citadels of Axos, moved to Skarsind soon after but held off until formally joining the nation until much later.		For generations the nation saw its numbers stay roughly equal; as orcs died on the battlefield so they were occasionally recruited or came of age and became citizens. This changed first with the influx of the Liberated, orcs brought from the Principalities of Jarm, who joined what would be the [[Sunstorm]]. The numbers swelled with the arrival of roughly three thousand orcs of the [[Sannite]] sept after they were [[383YE_Spring_Equinox_winds_of_war#Mission\|rescued]] from the gladiatorial arenas of [[Mareave]], they returned with the Winter Sun to Skarsind and spent the next two years carving out a niche for themselves until they were [[Imperial_Orcs_hearth_magic#Insignia\|recognised]] and named during the Summer Solstice 385YE. The [[Tamazi]], orcs freed from the citadels of Axos, moved to Skarsind soon after but held off until formally joining the nation until much later.

	The coming of the three septs of [[Ossium]] presented a fundamental shift in the nature of the Imperial Orcs. The septs were open to becoming part of the nation, but loathe to give their pride, their unique traditions and their important history. Each sept asked the Imperial Orcs to construct a great [[folly]], partly to honour the newcomers, partly to allow them to join the nation as equals, and partly to ensure that there would be a place for their ways in the nation. As the requests of each of the [[Ethengraw]], the [[Illarawm]], and the [[Yerende]] were accepted and constructed the egregores spent the time to travel the nation and understand the cultures of the six septs. When the three Ossean septs were finally welcomed into the nation during the Autumn Equinox 385YE it represented a change bigger than has affected any of the other nations of the Empire. What was a nation of one people became a powerhouse of six, looking to improve not only themselves but the Empire as a whole.		The coming of the three septs of [[Ossium]] presented a fundamental shift in the nature of the Imperial Orcs. The septs were open to becoming part of the nation, but loathe to give up their pride, their unique traditions, and their important history. Each sept asked the Imperial Orcs to construct a great [[folly]], partly to honour the newcomers, partly to allow them to join the nation as equals, and partly to ensure that there would be a place for their ways in the nation. As the requests of each of the [[Ethengraw]], the [[Illarawm]], and the [[Yerende]] were accepted and constructed the egregores spent the time to travel the nation and understand the cultures of the six septs. When the three Ossean septs were finally welcomed into the nation during the Autumn Equinox 385YE it represented a change bigger than has affected any of the other nations of the Empire. What was a nation of one people became a powerhouse of six, looking to improve not only themselves but the Empire as a whole.

	==A Future Unwritten==		==A Future Unwritten==

Rafferty at 12:41, 11 April 2024

2024-04-11T12:41:45Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 12:41, 11 April 2024
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	In 379YE the Imperial Orcs helped the Wintermarkers fight off a cruel assault by the forces of the [[Thule]] Dragons. During the battle, the Orcs recovered the [[Crown of Three Tears]], the ancient Wintermark symbol of unity. After the fighting was complete, members of the Irontide and Skywise legions returned the priceless crown to their allies. It is claimed that this great gift was instrumental in awakening the Wintermark people to the long suffering of the Imperial Orcs. In gratitude Wintermark proposed to give the Imperial Orcs a gift that would far surpass even the crown - a homeland - the territory of [[Skarsind]]. There were significant political and constitutional hurdles to overcome but eventually [[Relinquish_Skarsind\|the territory was relinquished]] and then [[Assignment_of_Skarsind_II\|assigned by the Senate]] to the Imperial Orcs.		In 379YE the Imperial Orcs helped the Wintermarkers fight off a cruel assault by the forces of the [[Thule]] Dragons. During the battle, the Orcs recovered the [[Crown of Three Tears]], the ancient Wintermark symbol of unity. After the fighting was complete, members of the Irontide and Skywise legions returned the priceless crown to their allies. It is claimed that this great gift was instrumental in awakening the Wintermark people to the long suffering of the Imperial Orcs. In gratitude Wintermark proposed to give the Imperial Orcs a gift that would far surpass even the crown - a homeland - the territory of [[Skarsind]]. There were significant political and constitutional hurdles to overcome but eventually [[Relinquish_Skarsind\|the territory was relinquished]] and then [[Assignment_of_Skarsind_II\|assigned by the Senate]] to the Imperial Orcs.

	Some of the history of that momentous decision and the events that followed is [[Land_fit_for_heroes\|recounted here]]. A few Imperial Orcs remain conflicted about the decision to this day; they say that the Plan had always been to claim a nation through their own military force, not to gain land from the beneficence of others. For the majority however, Skarsind represents the culmination of three generations of struggle; the Imperial Orcs proved themselves time and again on the battlefield until eventually the Empire - led by Wintermark - saw fit to give them what was long owed. As the news spread, tens of thousands of Imperial Orcs from across the Empire ~~have~~ moved to Skarsind, eager to finally put down roots and grasp the opportunity presented by this rich land. For many Orcs, Skarsind seems like everything they have ever wanted.		Some of the history of that momentous decision and the events that followed is [[Land_fit_for_heroes\|recounted here]]. A few Imperial Orcs remain conflicted about the decision to this day; they say that the Plan had always been to claim a nation through their own military force, not to gain land from the beneficence of others. For the majority however, Skarsind represents the culmination of three generations of struggle; the Imperial Orcs proved themselves time and again on the battlefield until eventually the Empire - led by Wintermark - saw fit to give them what was long owed. As the news spread, tens of thousands of Imperial Orcs from across the Empire moved to Skarsind, eager to finally put down roots and grasp the opportunity presented by this rich land. For many Orcs, Skarsind seems like everything they have ever wanted.

			==Coming of the Septs==
			For generations the nation saw its numbers stay roughly equal; as orcs died on the battlefield so they were occasionally recruited or came of age and became citizens. This changed first with the influx of the Liberated, orcs brought from the Principalities of Jarm, who joined what would be the [[Sunstorm]]. The numbers swelled with the arrival of roughly three thousand orcs of the [[Sannite]] sept after they were [[383YE_Spring_Equinox_winds_of_war#Mission\|rescued]] from the gladiatorial arenas of [[Mareave]], they returned with the Winter Sun to Skarsind and spent the next two years carving out a niche for themselves until they were [[Imperial_Orcs_hearth_magic#Insignia\|recognised]] and named during the Summer Solstice 385YE. The [[Tamazi]], orcs freed from the citadels of Axos, moved to Skarsind soon after but held off until formally joining the nation until much later.

			The coming of the three septs of [[Ossium]] presented a fundamental shift in the nature of the Imperial Orcs. The septs were open to becoming part of the nation, but loathe to give their pride, their unique traditions and their important history. Each sept asked the Imperial Orcs to construct a great [[folly]], partly to honour the newcomers, partly to allow them to join the nation as equals, and partly to ensure that there would be a place for their ways in the nation. As the requests of each of the [[Ethengraw]], the [[Illarawm]], and the [[Yerende]] were accepted and constructed the egregores spent the time to travel the nation and understand the cultures of the six septs. When the three Ossean septs were finally welcomed into the nation during the Autumn Equinox 385YE it represented a change bigger than has affected any of the other nations of the Empire. What was a nation of one people became a powerhouse of six, looking to improve not only themselves but the Empire as a whole.

	==A Future Unwritten==		==A Future Unwritten==
	{{CaptionedImage\|file=Orc On The Water.jpg\|align=right\|caption=What does the future hold for the Imperial Orcs?\|width=500}}		{{CaptionedImage\|file=Orc On The Water.jpg\|align=right\|caption=What does the future hold for the Imperial Orcs?\|width=500}}
	~~This land~~ is the vision that [[Emperor Ahraz]] promised their forebears, this gift from Wintermark is Britta's [[Signs_of_the_paragon_and_exemplar#Legacy\|legacy]]. It is in the nature of orcs to strive - the Plan may be over - but now there is a new challenge facing the Imperial Orcs. Can they build a nation worthy of Thrace and ~~every Imperial Orc who went before them~~? Now they have a seat at the great table, can they build a nation to become the equal of any other?		Skarsind is the vision that [[Emperor Ahraz]] promised their forebears, this gift from Wintermark is Britta's [[Signs_of_the_paragon_and_exemplar#Legacy\|legacy]]. It is in the nature of orcs to strive - the Plan may be over - but now there is a new challenge facing the Imperial Orcs. Can they unify the septs and build a nation worthy of Thrace and the other ancestors? Now they have a seat at the great table, can they build a nation to become the equal of any other?

	{{Imperial Orcs Links}}		{{Imperial Orcs Links}}

Dre at 12:23, 11 April 2024

2024-04-11T12:23:43Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 12:23, 11 April 2024
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	Thrace's legion began raiding nearby slave enclosures, freeing other orc slaves and appropriating weapons and food for their growing band. Wherever Thrace's legion went, they offered the slaves they liberated a simple choice. Join our legion and come with us, or stay by yourselves and try to make it alone. The majority chose to join the legion, and their numbers quickly grew. Throughout the Summer there were numerous battles with Varushkan troops sent to deal with the uprising, but the results were indecisive and with winter closing in, the Varushkans were forced to abandon the pursuit.		Thrace's legion began raiding nearby slave enclosures, freeing other orc slaves and appropriating weapons and food for their growing band. Wherever Thrace's legion went, they offered the slaves they liberated a simple choice. Join our legion and come with us, or stay by yourselves and try to make it alone. The majority chose to join the legion, and their numbers quickly grew. Throughout the Summer there were numerous battles with Varushkan troops sent to deal with the uprising, but the results were indecisive and with winter closing in, the Varushkans were forced to abandon the pursuit.

	By this time the legion had grown so large that Thrace was forced to split his forces in three to allow them to survive the winter. They spent the cold months practising with the armour and weaponry they had captured. Messengers were sent to the orc nations, to seek aid, but they were bloodily rebuffed. If anything, the barbarian orcs seemed to hate the liberated slaves even more than the humans. From surviving emissaries, the news trickled back that no escaped orc slave had ever been accepted among the barbarians; those few who had survived the arduous trek to the lands claimed by the barbarians, and those slaves in territories that had fallen to the barbarians, were simply killed. In recent years there's been some speculation that this perception may have been intentionally encouraged by Imperial humans, rather than based on fact. The truth will probably never be known.		By this time the legion had grown so large that Thrace was forced to split his forces in three to allow them to survive the winter. They spent the cold months practising with the armour and weaponry they had captured. Messengers were sent to the orc nations, to seek aid, but they were bloodily rebuffed. If anything, the barbarian orcs seemed to hate the liberated slaves even more than the humans. From surviving emissaries, the news trickled back that no escaped orc slave had ever been accepted among the barbarians; those few who had survived the arduous trek to the lands claimed by the barbarians, and those slaves in territories that had fallen to the barbarians, were simply killed. In recent years there has been some speculation that this perception may have been intentionally encouraged by Imperial humans, rather than based on fact. The truth will probably never be known.

	With the first thaws of spring, the Imperial army tried to catch the orcs in a decisive engagement, but Thrace and his warlords resisted. The Imperial generals called in reinforcements, and finally they managed to corner the orc force with no opportunity for escape. The orcs still had the advantage of numbers, but they had only a fraction of the weapons, armour and training of their enemies and it was clear that defeat was certain without a miracle of some kind. Determined not to allow the uprising to be crushed, the legion sent the best warriors out in small groups in the night with orders to slip past the Varushkan armies and carry the uprising to all the lands of the Empire. To give them cover to make their escape, Thrace led the legion in a surprise attack against the encamped Varushkan armies near [[Karov#Skoremujac\|Kolvy]] in [[Karov]].		With the first thaws of spring, the Imperial army tried to catch the orcs in a decisive engagement, but Thrace and his warlords resisted. The Imperial generals called in reinforcements, and finally they managed to corner the orc force with no opportunity for escape. The orcs still had the advantage of numbers, but they had only a fraction of the weapons, armour and training of their enemies and it was clear that defeat was certain without a miracle of some kind. Determined not to allow the uprising to be crushed, the legion sent the best warriors out in small groups in the night with orders to slip past the Varushkan armies and carry the uprising to all the lands of the Empire. To give them cover to make their escape, Thrace led the legion in a surprise attack against the encamped Varushkan armies near [[Karov#Skoremujac\|Kolvy]] in [[Karov]].

Rafferty at 12:21, 11 April 2024

2024-04-11T12:21:25Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 12:21, 11 April 2024
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	Thrace's legion began raiding nearby slave enclosures, freeing other orc slaves and appropriating weapons and food for their growing band. Wherever Thrace's legion went, they offered the slaves they liberated a simple choice. Join our legion and come with us, or stay by yourselves and try to make it alone. The majority chose to join the legion, and their numbers quickly grew. Throughout the Summer there were numerous battles with Varushkan troops sent to deal with the uprising, but the results were indecisive and with winter closing in, the Varushkans were forced to abandon the pursuit.		Thrace's legion began raiding nearby slave enclosures, freeing other orc slaves and appropriating weapons and food for their growing band. Wherever Thrace's legion went, they offered the slaves they liberated a simple choice. Join our legion and come with us, or stay by yourselves and try to make it alone. The majority chose to join the legion, and their numbers quickly grew. Throughout the Summer there were numerous battles with Varushkan troops sent to deal with the uprising, but the results were indecisive and with winter closing in, the Varushkans were forced to abandon the pursuit.

	By this time the legion had grown so large that Thrace was forced to split his forces in three to allow them to survive the winter. They spent the cold months practising with the armour and weaponry they had captured. Messengers were sent to the orc nations, to seek aid, but they were bloodily rebuffed. If anything, the barbarian orcs seemed to hate the liberated slaves even more than the humans. From surviving emissaries, the news trickled back that no escaped orc slave had ever been accepted among the barbarians; those few who had survived the arduous trek to the lands claimed by the barbarians, and those slaves in territories that had fallen to the barbarians, were simply killed.		By this time the legion had grown so large that Thrace was forced to split his forces in three to allow them to survive the winter. They spent the cold months practising with the armour and weaponry they had captured. Messengers were sent to the orc nations, to seek aid, but they were bloodily rebuffed. If anything, the barbarian orcs seemed to hate the liberated slaves even more than the humans. From surviving emissaries, the news trickled back that no escaped orc slave had ever been accepted among the barbarians; those few who had survived the arduous trek to the lands claimed by the barbarians, and those slaves in territories that had fallen to the barbarians, were simply killed. In recent years there's been some speculation that this perception may have been intentionally encouraged by Imperial humans, rather than based on fact. The truth will probably never be known.

	With the first thaws of spring, the Imperial army tried to catch the orcs in a decisive engagement, but Thrace and his warlords resisted. The Imperial generals called in reinforcements, and finally they managed to corner the orc force with no opportunity for escape. The orcs still had the advantage of numbers, but they had only a fraction of the weapons, armour and training of their enemies and it was clear that defeat was certain without a miracle of some kind. Determined not to allow the uprising to be crushed, the legion sent the best warriors out in small groups in the night with orders to slip past the Varushkan armies and carry the uprising to all the lands of the Empire. To give them cover to make their escape, Thrace led the legion in a surprise attack against the encamped Varushkan armies near [[Karov#Skoremujac\|Kolvy]] in [[Karov]].		With the first thaws of spring, the Imperial army tried to catch the orcs in a decisive engagement, but Thrace and his warlords resisted. The Imperial generals called in reinforcements, and finally they managed to corner the orc force with no opportunity for escape. The orcs still had the advantage of numbers, but they had only a fraction of the weapons, armour and training of their enemies and it was clear that defeat was certain without a miracle of some kind. Determined not to allow the uprising to be crushed, the legion sent the best warriors out in small groups in the night with orders to slip past the Varushkan armies and carry the uprising to all the lands of the Empire. To give them cover to make their escape, Thrace led the legion in a surprise attack against the encamped Varushkan armies near [[Karov#Skoremujac\|Kolvy]] in [[Karov]].

Rafferty at 13:53, 7 September 2021

2021-09-07T13:53:26Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 13:53, 7 September 2021
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			[[Category:History]]
	==Slavery==		==Slavery==
	The Imperial Orcs began as slaves. By the time the [[First Empress]] was putting her Empire together, generations of orcs had been born, lived and died as slaves to the human nations. Slaves were rare in Navarr and Urizen, because they had little use for them, and in the Brass Coast because slavery was an abomination to many. However it was commonplace ''everywhere'' else in the Empire; just as it was common for humans to labour as slaves in the lands the Orcs controlled. For the forerunners of the Imperial Orcs the founding of the Empire swelled their numbers as more Orc nations were conquered but it brought no respite from their toil.		The Imperial Orcs began as slaves. By the time the [[First Empress]] was putting her Empire together, generations of orcs had been born, lived and died as slaves to the human nations. Slaves were rare in Navarr and Urizen, because they had little use for them, and in the Brass Coast because slavery was an abomination to many. However it was commonplace ''everywhere'' else in the Empire; just as it was common for humans to labour as slaves in the lands the Orcs controlled. For the forerunners of the Imperial Orcs the founding of the Empire swelled their numbers as more Orc nations were conquered but it brought no respite from their toil.

Hastur at 08:00, 1 May 2021

2021-05-01T08:00:19Z

Matt at 10:43, 3 August 2020

2020-08-03T10:43:54Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 10:43, 3 August 2020
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	==Slavery==		==Slavery==
	The Imperial Orcs began as slaves. By the time the First Empress was putting her Empire together, generations of orcs had been born, lived and died as slaves to the human nations. Slaves were rare in Navarr and Urizen, because they had little use for them, and in the Brass Coast because slavery was an abomination to many. However it was commonplace ''everywhere'' else in the Empire; just as it was common for humans to labour as slaves in the lands the Orcs controlled. For the forerunners of the Imperial Orcs the founding of the Empire swelled their numbers as more Orc tribes were conquered but it brought no respite from their toil.		The Imperial Orcs began as slaves. By the time the [[First Empress]] was putting her Empire together, generations of orcs had been born, lived and died as slaves to the human nations. Slaves were rare in Navarr and Urizen, because they had little use for them, and in the Brass Coast because slavery was an abomination to many. However it was commonplace ''everywhere'' else in the Empire; just as it was common for humans to labour as slaves in the lands the Orcs controlled. For the forerunners of the Imperial Orcs the founding of the Empire swelled their numbers as more Orc tribes were conquered but it brought no respite from their toil.

	Orc children were traded like livestock. The old and the weak were left to starve. Thoughtless cruelty was commonplace. The most common attitude of slave owners was that orcs were lucky to be alive, the only alternative they saw was death for those who resisted the expansion of the Empire. Those orcs who escaped captivity were simply never seen again, unless they were hunted down and brought back to the camps to face execution as a warning to the others.		Orc children were traded like livestock. The old and the weak were left to starve. Thoughtless cruelty was commonplace. The most common attitude of slave owners was that orcs were lucky to be alive, the only alternative they saw was death for those who resisted the expansion of the Empire. Those orcs who escaped captivity were simply never seen again, unless they were hunted down and brought back to the camps to face execution as a warning to the others.

Rafferty at 16:03, 19 February 2020

2020-02-19T16:03:16Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 16:03, 19 February 2020
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	This land is the vision that [[Emperor Ahraz]] promised their forebears, this gift from Wintermark is Britta's [[Signs_of_the_paragon_and_exemplar#Legacy\|legacy]]. It is in the nature of orcs to strive - the Plan may be over - but now there is a new challenge facing the Imperial Orcs. Can they build a nation worthy of Thrace and every Imperial Orc who went before them? Now they have a seat at the great table, can they build a nation to become the equal of any other?		This land is the vision that [[Emperor Ahraz]] promised their forebears, this gift from Wintermark is Britta's [[Signs_of_the_paragon_and_exemplar#Legacy\|legacy]]. It is in the nature of orcs to strive - the Plan may be over - but now there is a new challenge facing the Imperial Orcs. Can they build a nation worthy of Thrace and every Imperial Orc who went before them? Now they have a seat at the great table, can they build a nation to become the equal of any other?

	{{Imperial ~~Orc~~ Links}}		{{Imperial Orcs Links}}

Rafferty at 11:32, 10 August 2019

2019-08-10T11:32:53Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 11:32, 10 August 2019
Line 56:		Line 56:

	==A Future Unwritten==		==A Future Unwritten==
	{{CaptionedImage\|file=Orc On The Water.jpg\|align=right\|caption=What does the future hold for the Imperial Orcs?\|width=~~400~~}}		{{CaptionedImage\|file=Orc On The Water.jpg\|align=right\|caption=What does the future hold for the Imperial Orcs?\|width=500}}
	This land is the vision that [[Emperor Ahraz]] promised their forebears, this gift from Wintermark is Britta's [[Signs_of_the_paragon_and_exemplar#Legacy\|legacy]]. It is in the nature of orcs to strive - the Plan may be over - but now there is a new challenge facing the Imperial Orcs. Can they build a nation worthy of Thrace and every Imperial Orc who went before them? Now they have a seat at the great table, can they build a nation to become the equal of any other?		This land is the vision that [[Emperor Ahraz]] promised their forebears, this gift from Wintermark is Britta's [[Signs_of_the_paragon_and_exemplar#Legacy\|legacy]]. It is in the nature of orcs to strive - the Plan may be over - but now there is a new challenge facing the Imperial Orcs. Can they build a nation worthy of Thrace and every Imperial Orc who went before them? Now they have a seat at the great table, can they build a nation to become the equal of any other?

	{{Imperial Orc Links}}		{{Imperial Orc Links}}

← Older revision		Revision as of 08:00, 1 May 2021
Line 1:		Line 1:
	==Slavery==		==Slavery==
	The Imperial Orcs began as slaves. By the time the [[First Empress]] was putting her Empire together, generations of orcs had been born, lived and died as slaves to the human nations. Slaves were rare in Navarr and Urizen, because they had little use for them, and in the Brass Coast because slavery was an abomination to many. However it was commonplace ''everywhere'' else in the Empire; just as it was common for humans to labour as slaves in the lands the Orcs controlled. For the forerunners of the Imperial Orcs the founding of the Empire swelled their numbers as more Orc ~~tribes~~ were conquered but it brought no respite from their toil.		The Imperial Orcs began as slaves. By the time the [[First Empress]] was putting her Empire together, generations of orcs had been born, lived and died as slaves to the human nations. Slaves were rare in Navarr and Urizen, because they had little use for them, and in the Brass Coast because slavery was an abomination to many. However it was commonplace ''everywhere'' else in the Empire; just as it was common for humans to labour as slaves in the lands the Orcs controlled. For the forerunners of the Imperial Orcs the founding of the Empire swelled their numbers as more Orc nations were conquered but it brought no respite from their toil.

	Orc children were traded like livestock. The old and the weak were left to starve. Thoughtless cruelty was commonplace. The most common attitude of slave owners was that orcs were lucky to be alive, the only alternative they saw was death for those who resisted the expansion of the Empire. Those orcs who escaped captivity were simply never seen again, unless they were hunted down and brought back to the camps to face execution as a warning to the others.		Orc children were traded like livestock. The old and the weak were left to starve. Thoughtless cruelty was commonplace. The most common attitude of slave owners was that orcs were lucky to be alive, the only alternative they saw was death for those who resisted the expansion of the Empire. Those orcs who escaped captivity were simply never seen again, unless they were hunted down and brought back to the camps to face execution as a warning to the others.

	Orcs taken as slaves were deliberately separated from their ~~tribes~~ to make them easier to handle. The result was that the orcs had lost all sense of identity, stripped of their tribal heritage by generations of slavery. As a result when an orc managed to escape, they made no effort to rescue anyone else.		Orcs taken as slaves were deliberately separated from their families to make them easier to handle. The result was that the orcs had lost all sense of identity, stripped of their tribal heritage by generations of slavery. As a result when an orc managed to escape, they made no effort to rescue anyone else.
	{{CaptionedImage\|file=IrontideRad.jpg\|align=right\|caption=The orcs fought with the weapons and armour they could salvage.\|title=Imperial orcs today still wield weapons and armour salvaged by their grandparents' generation\|width=400}}		{{CaptionedImage\|file=IrontideRad.jpg\|align=right\|caption=The orcs fought with the weapons and armour they could salvage.\|title=Imperial orcs today still wield weapons and armour salvaged by their grandparents' generation\|width=400}}
	==The Uprising==		==The Uprising==
	The uprising began in Varushka with the legendary orc warlord Thrace. Young, confident and strong-willed, he saw something that no previous orc slave had seen. The other orc slaves were not strangers, they were part of his legion - his ~~tribe~~. Through force of will and physical might, he bound his fellows together. He engineered a collapse in the mine allowing the entire legion to escape as one. A single escape was not enough for Thrace and his legion - they had decided that all the slaves kept by the Empire were their people, and they set out to free as many of their ~~tribe~~ as they could.		The uprising began in Varushka with the legendary orc warlord Thrace. Young, confident and strong-willed, he saw something that no previous orc slave had seen. The other orc slaves were not strangers, they were part of his legion - his nation. Through force of will and physical might, he bound his fellows together. He engineered a collapse in the mine allowing the entire legion to escape as one. A single escape was not enough for Thrace and his legion - they had decided that all the slaves kept by the Empire were their people, and they set out to free as many of their nation as they could.

	Thrace's legion began raiding nearby slave enclosures, freeing other orc slaves and appropriating weapons and food for their growing band. Wherever Thrace's legion went, they offered the slaves they liberated a simple choice. Join our legion and come with us, or stay by yourselves and try to make it alone. The majority chose to join the legion, and their numbers quickly grew. Throughout the Summer there were numerous battles with Varushkan troops sent to deal with the uprising, but the results were indecisive and with winter closing in, the Varushkans were forced to abandon the pursuit.		Thrace's legion began raiding nearby slave enclosures, freeing other orc slaves and appropriating weapons and food for their growing band. Wherever Thrace's legion went, they offered the slaves they liberated a simple choice. Join our legion and come with us, or stay by yourselves and try to make it alone. The majority chose to join the legion, and their numbers quickly grew. Throughout the Summer there were numerous battles with Varushkan troops sent to deal with the uprising, but the results were indecisive and with winter closing in, the Varushkans were forced to abandon the pursuit.

	By this time the legion had grown so large that Thrace was forced to split his forces in three to allow them to survive the winter. They spent the cold months practising with the armour and weaponry they had captured. Messengers were sent to the ~~barbarian tribes~~, to seek aid, but they were bloodily rebuffed. If anything, the barbarian ~~tribes~~ seemed to hate the liberated slaves even more than the humans. From surviving emissaries, the news trickled back that no escaped orc slave had ever been accepted among the barbarians; those few who had survived the arduous trek to the lands claimed by the barbarians, and those slaves in territories that had fallen to the barbarians, were simply killed.		By this time the legion had grown so large that Thrace was forced to split his forces in three to allow them to survive the winter. They spent the cold months practising with the armour and weaponry they had captured. Messengers were sent to the orc nations, to seek aid, but they were bloodily rebuffed. If anything, the barbarian orcs seemed to hate the liberated slaves even more than the humans. From surviving emissaries, the news trickled back that no escaped orc slave had ever been accepted among the barbarians; those few who had survived the arduous trek to the lands claimed by the barbarians, and those slaves in territories that had fallen to the barbarians, were simply killed.

	With the first thaws of spring, the Imperial army tried to catch the orcs in a decisive engagement, but Thrace and his warlords resisted. The Imperial generals called in reinforcements, and finally they managed to corner the orc force with no opportunity for escape. The orcs still had the advantage of numbers, but they had only a fraction of the weapons, armour and training of their enemies and it was clear that defeat was certain without a miracle of some kind. Determined not to allow the uprising to be crushed, the legion sent the best warriors out in small groups in the night with orders to slip past the Varushkan armies and carry the uprising to all the lands of the Empire. To give them cover to make their escape, Thrace led the legion in a surprise attack against the encamped Varushkan armies near [[Karov#Skoremujac\|Kolvy]] in [[Karov]].		With the first thaws of spring, the Imperial army tried to catch the orcs in a decisive engagement, but Thrace and his warlords resisted. The Imperial generals called in reinforcements, and finally they managed to corner the orc force with no opportunity for escape. The orcs still had the advantage of numbers, but they had only a fraction of the weapons, armour and training of their enemies and it was clear that defeat was certain without a miracle of some kind. Determined not to allow the uprising to be crushed, the legion sent the best warriors out in small groups in the night with orders to slip past the Varushkan armies and carry the uprising to all the lands of the Empire. To give them cover to make their escape, Thrace led the legion in a surprise attack against the encamped Varushkan armies near [[Karov#Skoremujac\|Kolvy]] in [[Karov]].
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	There were atrocities on both sides during this period - stories of entire camps put to the sword by terrified owners, or villages sacked and every human within slaughtered by rampaging orc slaves in search of supplies. Not all contact between orcs and humans was hostile however; a handful of notable Freeborn and League merchants realized the potential for profit and began to sell weapons and provisions to the orc legions in return for plundered ores.		There were atrocities on both sides during this period - stories of entire camps put to the sword by terrified owners, or villages sacked and every human within slaughtered by rampaging orc slaves in search of supplies. Not all contact between orcs and humans was hostile however; a handful of notable Freeborn and League merchants realized the potential for profit and began to sell weapons and provisions to the orc legions in return for plundered ores.

	While the orcs tried to avoid pitched battles, their groups became too large to move effectively especially in open lands. Several major engagements took place in Dawn and Wintermark and although the orcs suffered a number of defeats there were always more camps to raids so their numbers continued to grow. The message of the revolt spread through the orc population, no matter how hard the Empire tried to prevent it. "We are one ~~tribe~~," it ran. "We are one people, and we will not be slaves any longer." Several camps spontaneously revolted and while most such mini-uprisings were ruthlessly suppressed enough succeeded, forming new legions who set out to join up with their free fellows.		While the orcs tried to avoid pitched battles, their groups became too large to move effectively especially in open lands. Several major engagements took place in Dawn and Wintermark and although the orcs suffered a number of defeats there were always more camps to raids so their numbers continued to grow. The message of the revolt spread through the orc population, no matter how hard the Empire tried to prevent it. "We are one nation," it ran. "We are one people, and we will not be slaves any longer." Several camps spontaneously revolted and while most such mini-uprisings were ruthlessly suppressed enough succeeded, forming new legions who set out to join up with their free fellows.

	As the year drew on, the disparate orc forces created a massive encampment near the city on the League city of Temeschwar where thousands of slaves were held, The city was well defended however and it was clear that they lacked the numbers to take it so they pushed north into Varushka intent on surviving the winter there as they had done the year before.		As the year drew on, the disparate orc forces created a massive encampment near the city on the League city of Temeschwar where thousands of slaves were held, The city was well defended however and it was clear that they lacked the numbers to take it so they pushed north into Varushka intent on surviving the winter there as they had done the year before.
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	It was there, that [[Emperor Ahraz]] of the Brass Coast made contact with them, initially via contacts cultivated by Freeborn merchants, and later in person. While the Empire tends to take a dim view of Ahraz, the orcs mostly speak of him as a man of great sincerity and passion who convinced them that he could not only save their people, but give them a purpose and a home. All they had to do was swear to serve the Empire and the Imperial Throne.		It was there, that [[Emperor Ahraz]] of the Brass Coast made contact with them, initially via contacts cultivated by Freeborn merchants, and later in person. While the Empire tends to take a dim view of Ahraz, the orcs mostly speak of him as a man of great sincerity and passion who convinced them that he could not only save their people, but give them a purpose and a home. All they had to do was swear to serve the Empire and the Imperial Throne.

	Several legions refused to accept Ahraz' offer - to join the Empire that had enslaved them - and even the Emperor could not ensure their safety. They headed into the Varushkan wilderness, and out of the Imperial Orc histories. Some were exterminated by the Imperial Armies, others were prey to monsters, and a few exist today as beleaguered ~~bandit tribes~~.		Several legions refused to accept Ahraz' offer - to join the Empire that had enslaved them - and even the Emperor could not ensure their safety. They headed into the Varushkan wilderness, and out of the Imperial Orc histories. Some were exterminated by the Imperial Armies, others were prey to monsters, and a few exist today as beleaguered groups of outlaws.

	Those who accepted Ahraz' offer marched along with his forces to Anvil, in a calculated show of force, to where the Senate was sitting. The Emperor presented the agreement to the Senate, and hours of frantic politicking took place. The Emperor's faction won the vote. Several far-reaching changes took place as a consequence; it became it illegal to keep orcs as slaves and those who swore to serve the Empire were accepted as Imperial citizens.		Those who accepted Ahraz' offer marched along with his forces to Anvil, in a calculated show of force, to where the Senate was sitting. The Emperor presented the agreement to the Senate, and hours of frantic politicking took place. The Emperor's faction won the vote. Several far-reaching changes took place as a consequence; it became it illegal to keep orcs as slaves and those who swore to serve the Empire were accepted as Imperial citizens.