Uruk Tribes
Collections of marginally organized uruk tribes, dominate the vast plains of the America, the steppes of Asia, and the savannahs of Africa. When not warring amongst themselves these fearsome warriors raid neighboring lands in search of wealth and glory. They live by a strict code which places family and tribe above all – “I and my family against my tribe, I and my tribe against my people, I and my people against the world.” This represents the chain of loyalty in an uruk tribe, beginning with the immediate family through the tribe and other uruk tribes and finally on to those of other not of uruk blood. All disputes are settled and order maintained according to this chain of loyalty.
The individual family unit (known as a tent) is typically three or four adults (a mated couple plus siblings or parents) and any number of children. Several tents travel together as a family, often linked by a matriarchal lineage but also including siblings of wives in a mated couple and friends who have proven loyalty to the family. The tribe is a combination of numerous families, often claiming descent from a common maternal ancestor. It is often at this level that interactions between other tribes and outsiders occur.
The tribes are built on family units being guided by their Ukhaan, the eldest matriarch of the tent, the family, the tribe, and in theory the people. The Ukhaans guide the strength of the uruks, focusing it to provide the greatest benefit. The strongest member of a Ukhaan's family unit is the physical representation of her will and guidance, her Batal. If a member under an Ukhaan's authority believes her Batal is unfit to represent her will, they are within their rights to challenge them for the position. Such challenges take place once a year during the Jadal Kabir, in which grand melee's occur, ensuring the prowess of a Batal is not called into question on the eve of a great battle. The conflict to determine the worthiness of a Batal is not only a question of strength, but also honor; the use of deception and trickery to achieve victory is a sign of neither.
The tribes are constantly moving and take pride in their ability to travel long distances quickly and without rest. In their culture it is a sign of weakness if an Uruk makes use of a mount to travel. They do travel with all manner of pack animals, but these creatures are used exclusively in carrying the belongings of the tribe that cannot be easily carried by the uruks themselves.
The wisdom of the Ukhaans guide within the tribes, but it is strength that influences relations with non-uruk. It is possible for an outsider to earn respect, often via several broken bones, if they are capable proving their strength. It is possible to exhibit this strength differently and it is commonly accepted among the uruk tribes that the fiery destruction unleashed by a wizard is just as strong as the rampages of a berserk warrior. While the strength of an individual may be acknowledged, the uruk tribes generally believe their strength and will to be unmatched. There have been some non-uruk barbarian warrior clans that have been able to influence that thinking somewhat and have earned considerable respect among the tribes with which they interact.
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