Crushbone - Overview

Crushbone, the orcish capital city on Faydwer, stands as a formidable and menacing stronghold within the Butcherblock Mountains, bordering the sea. This sprawling city, teeming with hundreds of thousands of orcs, is a hub of military might and naval power. Governed by the fearsome Emperor Crush, it serves as the central command for his war leaders and the various tribal chieftains.
The City
Geography and Layout:

• Mountain Valleys: Crushbone is nestled in a vast valley, flanked by two towering mountains. These mountains serve as both natural fortifications and strategic vantage points.
• Crushbone Keep: Perched on one of the mountains is Crushbone Keep, the heavily fortified palace of Emperor Crush, serving as the nerve center of the orcish war machine.
• Lesser Keeps: Surrounding the main keep are the fortresses of seven prominent warlords, each commanding their own factions within the orcish hierarchy.
• Tribal Strongholds: Scattered throughout the valley are the homes of 20 large orc tribes, each contributing to the city's population and military strength.
• Goblins and Half-Orcs: The lower sections of the valley house goblins and half-orcs in squalid conditions, forming the underbelly of Crushbone's society.

Society and Culture
Deplorable Conditions:

• Slavery: Crushbone is infamous for its extensive slave trade. Slaves of all races, including orcs who have fallen out of favor, are subjected to brutal conditions. They labor in the mines, fields, and forges, and their suffering is a constant reminder of the city's ruthless nature.
• Brutality: Life in Crushbone is marked by harsh discipline and violent competition. Strength and cruelty are highly valued, and even the slightest sign of weakness can lead to severe punishment or enslavement.

Religion:

• Temple of Rallos Zek: The heart of Crushbone's spiritual life is the grand temple dedicated to Rallos Zek, the God of War. This imposing structure dominates the cityscape, symbolizing the orcs' devotion to conquest and battle. It is a place where orcish priests conduct rituals to invoke the favor of their war god, seeking strength and victory in their endless campaigns.
• Military Power

Army:

• Massive Forces: Crushbone boasts the largest and most formidable armies on Faydwer. Tens of thousands of orc soldiers, including heavily armored warriors, berserkers, archers, and shamans, are constantly prepared for battle.
• War Machines: The city's forges produce a vast array of war machines, from siege engines to crude but effective weapons. The forger orcs, led by master forgers like those at the Smoldering Deep, ensure a steady supply of arms and armor.

Navy:

• Coastal Fleet: With its strategic location by the sea, Crushbone has developed a significant navy. Orcish warships patrol the coastline, safeguarding the city and launching raids on neighboring territories.
• Shipyards: The shipyards of Crushbone are bustling with activity, constantly constructing and repairing vessels for the orcish fleet. These ships are designed for both transportation and combat, extending the orcs' reach across the waters.

Economy
Resources:

• Mining: The mountains surrounding Crushbone are rich in minerals and ores. Slave labor is extensively used in the mines, extracting valuable resources to fuel the city's economy and war efforts.
• Trade: While much of Crushbone's economy is based on conquest and plunder, there is also some degree of trade with other orcish settlements and even unscrupulous merchants from other races who are willing to deal with the orcs.

Industries:

• Forges: The forges of Crushbone operate day and night, producing weapons, armor, and other war materials. These forges are crucial to maintaining the orcs' military readiness.
• Slave Markets: The slave trade is a grim but integral part of Crushbone's economy. Slaves are bought, sold, and traded, with some even being transported to other orcish territories.

Governance
Leadership:

• Emperor Crush: The undisputed ruler of Crushbone, Emperor Crush, is a brutal and cunning leader. His word is law, and he commands absolute loyalty from his war leaders and tribal chieftains.
• War Leaders: Under Emperor Crush, a council of war leaders and tribal chieftains administer the city and its military operations. These leaders are constantly vying for favor and power, leading to a volatile political landscape.

Law and Order:

• Orcish Justice: Law in Crushbone is harsh and unforgiving. Punishments are severe, and public executions and displays of power serve to maintain order through fear.

Crushbone is a testament to the orcish ethos of strength through brutality, where might makes right and the weak are subjugated or exterminated. This city of savagery and war stands as a dark and imposing symbol of the orcish presence on Faydwer.

Type

Metropolis