Hargúls

The hargúls are one of the two orcish ethnic groups inhabiting Úrra, one of the Azókan Islands, along with the Bólrans to the north. Unlike the latter, the hargúls actively trade with the other people of the Sikíron Empire and many travel to the mainland to prove their loyalty to the empire, whether in the army, as bodyguards or craftsmen.

History

Hargúls originate in southern Úrún across the Central Sea to the northeast, where they took part in the invasion of Góalanis during an after the fall of the Paþarían Empire. Initially settling in the city of Hakra on the western coast, they were driven out of there after Kraltar, chief of the rival Úlrog tribe, invaded the city with the aid of Ankrela, daughter of the ruling chief.
The remaining hargúls fled west to the Azókan Islands and settled on the southern part of Úrra, where they have lived ever since, around the town of Kalra.

Culture

Apparel

Although some wealthy hargúls dress the same way as Sikíronians on the mainland, the majority of the population wears very similar clothing to that of the first settlers. Hargúl men and women wear virtually the same kind of clothing, consisting of a cloak which is wrapped around the body in different ways and fastened with a belt or sash.
As in most orcish societies, hair is worn long by both men and women, though the men often sport full beards instead of the more common mustaches.

Religion

Hargúls practice a form of polytheism, with a pantheon of deities originating both from Úrún (such as the fertility god Kúrtí and Terr, goddess of prophesy) and mainstream sikíronian religion. While a few modest shrines in sikíronian style are found in Kalra, most hargúls make offerings at a sacred grove above the town and, less frequently, at one of three trees marking the boundaries between hargúl and bólran territory.
Veneration of past emperors and empresses is particularly strong in Kalra as well.

Warfare

Traditionally, hargúls wear little to no armour in battle aside from a small leather- or iron shield and a single greave on the left leg. Metal shields are usually embossed with stylized floral designs. Warriors usually wear loose-fitting tunics with long sleeves peculiar to their people.