Orcish society, at least true aboriginal orcish society like those found in the new lands of Kara'Kar, has always been characterized by hardy and rugged living. As a result they are staunch pragmatists, and never shy from killing if it will protect the future of the orc or his clan. All orcs, regardless of gender or station, are expected to pull their own weight and weakness is considered a grave liability. The weakness of one contaminates the strength of all, and it is punishable by the greatest humiliation an orc can receive: exile. Different orc clans however have different personalities.
Yet regardless of their clan affiliations, orcs prize honor over all other things in life — first to bring honor to their clan (and by extension, the Horde) and secondly bringing honor to the self and to their sense of self-worth as an individual. Likewise, hospitality is considered one of the greatest honors that can be bestowed. The orcs, trolls, gnolls, and tauros have become fast and unswerving allies because the tauros gladly offered the orcs shelter in a strange new land as well as their assistance regardless of the cost to themselves.
There is no discrimination between genders in orcish society. Women are able to pursue the same career choices as men, rise to positions of power and are even expected to answer to the call for battle just as men are. Strength (both physical and mental), courage, initiative and independence are prized traits in all orcs. Traditionally, children are seen as children of the parents, but are raised as children of the clan. However, because of the newly unified Horde and the current diaspora of individual orc families creating homes and settling down in various areas, and so life is beginning to become more centered around the nuclear family rather than the greater clan.
One tradition of the orcs on their homeworld was a ceremony for newborns of the clan. The infant's parents would stand in a body of water near the encampment with the entire clan observing from shore. The mother would hand the baby to the father, who would then proclaim the child as his, through himself and his father, and present the baby for the clan's blessings. The clan chieftain would then hold the baby and declare the infant under their protection, with the hope that they bring honor and glory to the clan. The chieftain's heir would then give a blessing. Finally the Elder Shaman would ask for the blessing of the elemental and wild spirits, and the hope that the ancestors would watch over the newborn.
In some clans, if the child appears sickly or frail, they will instead be drowned, likely by the father. A common expression of scorn is that an orc "should have been drowned at birth". This is likely the reason that the parents would stand in the water when presenting a newborn. The Blackrock clan and Bonechewer clan were noted for doing this without any qualms. The Snow Wolf clan however, were known to have rejected such cruel practices.
The aborginal orcs revere the rugged forces of the natural elements, and as such, Shamans are held in high regard. They generally have a close relationship with the nature elements and angering them is considered a grave offense.
Wolves are a major symbol of the orcs. They serve as guards, scouts, pets, partners and mounts. Many such wolves came from their own homeworld. Horde shamans can speak to them and summon spectral wolves and many serve a giant wolf Spirit.
Orc Culture. . .
- is concerned with survival over artistic achievement.
- reveres its elderly and honors its ancestors.
- does not apologize for past actions, nor does it demand apologies from its enemies.
- values valor over cunning—as long as valor doesn’t lead to disaster.
- resembles "Primitive" human societies, but is, like those societies, far more sophisticated when examined closely.
- distrusts arcane magic, especially the magic of warlocks—but does not (yet) shun arcanists.
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