Zakdar Orcs

When explorers from the ancient Iobarian Empire crossed the Icerime Peaks, they encountered orc tribes living in the vales and hills around there already. As their empire spread into what is now Brevoy, they found a confederacy of tribes occupying much of the eastern part of Issia and Rostland, centered on the - much larger at the time - Gronzi Forest. As is so often the case with expanding empires, contacts were initially peaceful, with the Zakdar Confederation trading with the empire, and some tribes working as mercenaries as the empire washed around them. But, inevitably, the industrial needs of Iobaria led to heavy deforestation of the Gronzi, which led to conflict with the Zakdar. Fierce as they were, the orcs were outnumbered, surrounded by Iobarian settlements, and technologically outmatched. One by one the tribes were subjugated.

As the Iobarian empire collapsed, the Zakdar Tribes enjoyed a brief resurgence in the area. However, they were soon once again pressed by the explorers of the rising Taldan Empire as well as Ulfen settlers coming across the Lake of Mists and Veils. This time, the tribes did not react in a united front. Some sought a peaceful resolution while others chose to fight. As Rostland and Issia developed, some tribes managed to assimilate into what would become Brevan society, with others being pushed to the fringes. Even today there are tribes that hold themselves aloof from he kingdom, dwelling in deep corners of the forest or secluded mountain valleys. Others migrated into the River Kingdoms and have maintained their independence among its ever-shifting political landscape.
The primary tribes of the Zakdar Confederacy are the Redeye, Grimskin, Blacktongue, and Bonesplitter tribes. These of course are Taldan translations of their orcish originals. Orcs and halforcs living in the cities and towns of Brevoy often use these as surnames, leading to the somewhat foolish assumption on the part of some that all members of a single tribe are blood relatives.

A Zakdar Hunter