Orcs and Religion
Most orcs around the world serve either Ramian Fax and Letheria. If the orcs in question are primarily evil and marauding it is likely this brother-sister duo to which they give obedience. This is probably over 90% of all orcs. When this happens, both Ramian Fax and Letheria have orcish caricatures which they worship. The religion is largely built upon a brutal system of authority with shaman and chieftain of the tribe sitting at the top for as long as they are strong enough to retain the position. These orcs are often nomadic in nature and when they live in a town city, it is because they have captured the city in the last decade or so and have yet to totally destroy it.
However, if the orcs tend to be a little less evil – more just barbarian and savage in nature while retaining some respect for the land, customs, and honor - they tend toward Torya. This would be the other 10% of most orcs. These orcs tend to get along a little better with their neighbors and tend to be stationary having created actual towns and villages. Some actually farm.
Many accomplished orcs will end up serving Slinjetto. She seldom is the goddess for whole tribes. She tends to be a more of a personal goddess. Most orcs view other orcs serving Slinjetto with a little fear and awe because it means on some level the orc was powerful enough to rebel against tribal customs and possibly spurn the teaching of powerful shamans and chieftains yet survive.
Of special mention should be the esoteric following of Kristor among the orcs. Few actually worship or are devoted directly to Kristor. Her goals are unknown to most and as a general rule, most consider her worshipers to be strange. While many call on her to try and sway their fate to the better, she is often considered best avoided. However, for those orcs that do follow her, they are often taciturn, grim, and yet peaceful. This doesn't mean they don't fight - they are some of the best martial artists of both unarmed and armed combat in the lands. While Kristor's colors are generally thought to be gray, the orcs that follow the 'Way of the Void' will wear plain white robes and are often seen meditating. It is rumored that actual monasteries exist of these mysterious yet powerful warrior-monks.
Comments