Godhunters

In the distant past all orcs were ruled by capricious magical creatures and unique entities within the Sharku. Preying on the orc sense of belonging these beings claimed godhood and ownership of the orcs. Orcs escaped their grasp only in small number typically when they observed such a god die at the hands of outside forces. The greater mass of orcdom was not freed until a nameless First Godhunter found the anti-magical properties of the yellow metal orichalcum. With it he fashioned a crude knife and slew the blubbery mass of tentacles his tribe worshiped. From their he and others of his kin began a campaign of liberation slaying all such false gods they could find, freeing their subjects. Once those freed orcs found their way to the sparser woodlands that would become their new home, the First Godhunter was nowhere to be found.
Since that time the orcs of this region have taken the name Godhunters and formed into a true sovereign state, and with the collapse of the Elven Empire they remain the only state whose borders extend beyond a city-state's sphere of influence. But that position has always been tenuous. Both aggression from the Elven Empire and monsters from the Sharku pose a threat that is only checked by the Godhunter Confederation's constant vigilance.

Culture

Shared customary codes and values

Aggression is Weakness- The Confederation military remains within their borders at all but the most desperate of times. Their territory far exceeds their population's ability defend itself. As a result the centralized military must always be available to respond to incursions. This state of national politics extends to individual philosophy as well. Godhunters are very rarely to make the first move, preferring instead of react to others, in combat, conversation, and business.
If You Meet the Buddha on the Road- Even the most pacifist and spiritual godhunter responds with immediate aggression to anyone claiming godhood or spiritual authority. After all any god worthy of worship cannot be harmed, and any god of morals will forgive you.
Consistency Is Key- Godhunters value a consistent repeatable solutions over a dramatic miracle, and the replaceable tool over the one of a kind masterpiece. More than any other society on Hyarmenor, they have mastered mass production and interchangeable parts.

Art & Architecture

Among the greatest architectural and magitechological innovations of the godhunters are their walking fortresses. The Confederation's vast size makes border fortress garrisons impractical. So as a replacement the border armies travel in talking castles made to resemble enormous tortoises. Though only matching the speed of a trotting horse these structures never tire and can carry whole battalions.
Also near unique to the Godhunters is the widespread use of orichalcum, a metal similar in luster to brass but as as strong as steel. It repels magic of all kinds and is commonly used in door adornments, officers weapons, and anti-magic tools.

Common Customs, traditions and rituals

The Nature of Orc- Among Godhunters there is a varying belief on whether or not the essential toughness of orcs is something that requires wilderness living. Proponents of the orc domestication theory believe that it is physical labor which separates orcs from other types of kith. They say that physical labor and rough living are required to keep orcs from degenerating to be like elves and other races.
Meanwhile the proponents of Strength in Purpose philosophy believe is it the orcs' greater dedication to singular causes be they good or ill what keeps their kind strong. Many point toward heroic humans as an extinct race that shared this essential toughness and many believe that the mountain elves in their disciplined enclaves are well on their way to reclaiming orciness.
Redemption of the Old Gods- There is discuss on the issue of whether or not the old gods can be integrated into society after proclaiming their mortality. Some believe it is possible on good faith, others only if the old god submits to a magical binding, and still others that all such creatures must be killed. Generally the government has gone with the middle path so far.
Naturalism vs Dystheism- Since its foundation the Godhunter Confederation has debated the nature of the universe. On one end of the spectrum there are orcs who proclaim full naturalism, they believe the universe has no guiding power only natural forces. Opposed to them are the Dystheists who claim there are higher powers or true gods but that they are all inherently or by choice evil.

Encompassed species

• Orcs

Related Locations

• Zungum

Real Life Inspiration
Post secularization Teutonic Order
Early modern Prussia
Media Inspiration
Legend of the Galactic Heroes (anime) - I know it's 100 episodes but guys it's really hard to find media about Prussians that isn't literally nazi propoganda or long ass historical novels.