Orc Shamanism

Written by EltonJ

Orc Shaman by Samwise Didier

As far back as aboriginal orc history has been recorded, shaman have been mentioned, and learning to speak with the elemental spirits of Draenor was a pivotal achievement in destiny for the orc clans. The first orcs to learn the ways of shamanism hailed from the Dream Snake clan, but many clans claim the mythical "First Shaman" arose from their ranks, even though the truth is that no one is sure of his or her allegiance.
On the original world of Kara'Kar, young orcs were raised and taught from birth to be stalwart, steadfast allies of the elemental spirits. When they came of age, fledgling shaman from around Kara'Kar embarked on a pilgrimage to the Temple of the Elements to seek the blessings of the spirits. They also experienced trances to attune their minds to the elements. The entire journey was filled with risk, but the ceremony itself was the most dangerous time of an young orc's life. Those orcs who were welcomed by the elements returned to their clans as respected spiritual leaders whose counsel was highly valued, second only to the words of the clan chieftain. The bond between shaman crossed clan boundaries, allowing them peacefully mediate arguments and solve conflicts. However, not all orcs were found worthy during the ceremony.
A few poor souls who were not strong or worthy enough accidentally glimpsed the realm of the Void and succumbed to terrible visions and unearthly whispers during what should have been the triumph of their young life, driving them insane. The ones who survived fled or were exiled from their clans and were forced to live in seclusion, becoming pale orcs. White skulls were tattooed on their faces, marking them as "dead" to their people. Orcish shaman long used this tattoo practice to similarly mark certain failed apprentices as "dead".
Orcs instinctively revere the rugged forces of the natural elements, and as such, shaman are held in high regard. They generally have a close relationship with the nature elements and angering them is considered a grave offense. Over the ages, the shamans have communed with these spirits and, through patience and dedication, learned to soothe roaring infernos, bring rain to sun-scorched lands, and otherwise temper the elementals' ruinous influence on the world of Lemurias (Earth). In orcish culture, any shaman that has been spoken to by the spirits is given equal respect and honor regardless of age or experience.