Orcish Sayings

The orcs of the craglands have no written history, and as such much of their wisdom is passed through stories and proverbs. Many of these have to do with the tradition of hunting and consuming elemental and extraplanar spirits, others with war, and some with travel.

Common Phrases

If you can't beat 'em, eat 'em.

A saying in reference to the processing of the gods into seasonings, used to mean that when one fails at a task it is often wise to try adopting the enemy's tactics.

Burning incense.

Doing something that seems nice, but has no real purpose; wasting time.

It belongs with the goddess.

Said in reference to the one god the orcs couldn't catch, meant to mean a task is impossible.

Don't make home where your enemies can see you.

Don't do something foolish.

Travelling old roads

Spending too much time on the same topic.

Even a shaman sometimes fails to find spirits

Failure is normal, and all you can do is pick yourself up and try again.

Made chieftain in a day

To be put into a new situation without preparation(this is often used to express that someone needs patience, as in, 'don't expect to be made chieftain in a day.'

A dull blade

Something that could be made useful, with care.

A song of many nights

something sacred, worthy of reverence.

Blood on the rocks

It's in the past, nothing can be done about it now.

A scar on a mountain

Something small and unimportant.

Weak-spirited

Not worth pursuing.

Those who shiver in shade deserve no warmth

One who chooses to stay in a bad situation does not deserve sympathy.

Blind men are still burned by fire.

Not seeing a threat does not remove it.