Warlord of the Fangs
The Warlord of the Fangs is the highest and most feared title within the Iron Fangs, an orc warband known for its ruthless strength and brutal efficiency. Unlike a hereditary title or a position appointed by council, this rank is won through sheer dominance, combat prowess, and the ability to command absolute loyalty.
To bear the title of Warlord of the Fangs is to live as a legend—and to die as a stepping stone for the next great warrior.
Appointment
There is no fixed ruler of the Iron Fangs—only the strongest can claim the mantle of Warlord, and only for as long as they can hold it. The path to this title is as bloody as the battles the Iron Fangs are known for:
- Challenge by Combat – Any warband leader within the Iron Fangs may issue a challenge to the reigning Warlord, invoking the Rite of the Fang—a sacred trial of strength, endurance, and cunning.
- No Retreat, No Mercy – The duel is to the death or submission, and no warrior is allowed to interfere.
- Victory Grants Dominion – The victor claims the fangs of the fallen as a trophy and takes command of the Iron Fangs.
If the reigning Warlord falls in battle outside of a challenge, the warbands descend into chaos and infighting, with the strongest warband leaders battling for dominance until a new Warlord emerges.
Responsibilities
The Warlord is more than just the strongest warrior—they are the one who can bind the warbands together under their will. Their rule is not absolute, but their strength, victories, and cunning are what maintain their grip on power.
- Leading the Iron Fangs – The Warlord commands raids, sieges, and wars, deciding where the warbands will strike next.
- Enforcing Order Through Strength – If a warband leader grows too bold or rebellious, the Warlord may crush them in combat or reassert dominance through sheer intimidation.
- Symbol of the Iron Fangs – The Warlord is the face of the warband, feared by enemies and revered by orcs across the Wildlands.
Grounds for Removal/Dismissal
Because leadership is tied to physical and strategic supremacy, few Warlords rule for long periods. Some hold power for years through unparalleled victories, while others are challenged and overthrown within months. The Iron Fangs do not mourn fallen Warlords—only the strongest deserve to lead, and the cycle of dominance continues unbroken.
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