Druukweyr Orcs

The oldest and most-storied Orc clan that remains on mainland Sheanora , the Druukweyr are also the most feared mercenaries in the region, straddling the line between government and corporation.
The Druukweyr are one of many Orcish clans that descended from the ancient Bas'kat Aran Empire, which stretched from modern Aracia, through Torcest and Tionmenel. However, after a series of cataclysms caused mass migration to the northern continent (i.e. the Dwarves being forced out of the Underdark by the Anoch'Toval, as well as Humans and Elves crossing the Merchant Sea to escape the Starving of the South), the Empire was forced into a series of conflicts that would erode its power over several hundred years.
Oddly enough, the Druukweyr's reputation as elite mercenaries came from a stance of non-violence. As a series of wars with the newly established nations of Arcenveld and Torcest began to takes their toll on the orcish armies of Bas'kat Aran, the great general Than'druuk laid down his arms - and thousands of his troops followed suit. He issued a note of protest to Bas'kat leadership, decrying the unnecessary wars of politicians, extolling his belief that there was enough room on Sheanora for all of their nations to co-exist. Than was also concerned about the low wages his forces were asked to accept as the wars chipped away at the economy.
"For my blood, your gold," he signed.
His troops withdrew from combat, a major blow to Bas'kat Aran, which eventually led the remnants of the Empire to flee to The Baskan Isles. Those troops and their families, twenty-thousand strong, formed the Druukweyr clan, meaning "Bound By Gold" in the Orcish tongue.
This tradition, more than 7,000 years old, has remained central to Druukweyr culture. They are skeptical of politics, religion and ideology and believe that the only reason they should pick up arms is for gold that can secure their own lives and the lives of their families. Otherwise, they are strictly non-violent, preferring to pursue philosophical, strategic and artistic interests. Inter-clan violence is treated especially harshly, outside of practice skirmishes and training, with even a punch resulting in exile. Many Druukweyr have even taken up a vegetarian lifestyle, since hunting would require them to kill without payment.
However, in battle, they are notorious. The Druukweyr have turned the tide of many wars and their name is enough to strike fear in any opposing force. Every member of the clan treats their training as a sacred right and those selected for leadership are required to become expert strategists, often worshipping Weros, The Forethought, so they can avoid as many casualties as possible during combat.
For much of their history, the Druukweyr operated out of a headquarters near the Estrevalla Mountains in Torcest. Though the leadership made this citadel their home, the rest of the Druukweyr were scattered about the continent on assignments, working for the highest bidders. This nomadic life, travelling and living with clients, became the norm. As such, many Druukweyr experienced a feeling called Wuk Andu Haar, or "a longing for a home that does not exist".
It was not until the leadership of current Mercenary King Shogur'druuk that the Druukweyr were finally given a true home. After the devastating Infernal Wars, Arcenveld grew increasingly worried that if another war were to break out, it could seep into their borders and their conventional military force would be overwhelmed. The Ascendant hired the Druukweyr mercenaries, giving them land to settle, generous wages, and even offering to include their children in the Veldian education system. This was considered the greatest payment in their thousands of years of history.
More than 250,000 Druukweyr orcs now call Arcenveld home. Over the forty years since this relationship began, they have integrated into every aspect of Veldian culture and have become as common a site as the humans and elves who are their neighbors. Most would consider themselves Veldian. But Shogur'druuk and his officers go out of their way to ensure that Druukweyr traditions are maintained, to honor those who never had a home themselves.

Naming Traditions

Feminine names

Duraz, Iga, Rol, Bakat, Gogra, Mogal, Shakaz, Ertim, Yuld, Khad

Masculine names

Durant, Igum, Ralan, Bokod, Gugresk, Murug, Ashogur, Urtin, Yafank, Khudrul

Family names

'druuk, 'shatan, 'gashala, 'bragaan, 'kuth, 'udur, 'dathrak, 'thesh, 'javink