Tanndalen (Tan-dahl-en)

Similar to their Elaric fellows, the Tanndalen orcs are most comfortable in woods and scrublands, especially old-growth forests which they often share with Luirlan elves, with villages coordinating hunting and festivals to share bounties. The Tanndalen are more likely to practice horticulture than their elven fellows, and often supply a variety of foods to the latter which they would otherwise need to trade with towns for. They are staunch defenders of the forest against outsiders, particularly those who threaten to log or over-hunt a region.

Physical Description

It is said that millenia of skirmishing have shaped their race into fast paced guerilla fighters. Among the taller races in the Tanndalen are usually strong built with heavy muscle, though usually slightly taller and leaner than their Malmagen cousins. Commonly seen with gray or olive green skin they can also have any other human skin tones. The Tandalen have slightly pointed ears, small tusks and usually have black or red hair, with a wide variety of eye shade. They stand between 180cm - 189cm in height
Very similar to humans and elves biologically, the Tanndalen subsist primarily on meat, dairy, fruits and vegetables. On a typical day one of this kind will eat five to six hearty, high energy meals. Physical prime is the standard state of being for them, living up to five hundred years, and spending centuries of that fighting, working and reproducing. Despite this their numbers remain low due to particularly dangerous lifestyles at young ages and a noticeably higher number of male offspring born after lengthy gestation periods.
The tusks of the Tanndalen, while typically small, have noticeably shaped their language. Even when speaking Common (or more often Armagh amongst themselves), their voice and accents may be described as deep, guttural or breathy.

Location, Religion and Culture

Though built for war and often seen hired as skirmishers, the Tanndalen tribes are almost always peaceful, showing no hostility to outsiders unless provoked. It is said to be a fearsome sight when they mobilize rapidly against poachers, loggers and anyone trying to claim the natural lands in the name of king or gold. These protected lands would Include the Bayan Forest and portions of the northern Azar Steppes currently though Tanndalen are not shy when asked of their homeland before Vaelrin. If asked they would tell tales from their grandparents of mystical forests and massive trees that stretch endlessly In all directions. They may tell you of the abundance of food and nature and a connectedness to the spirit mother to be found in every leaf, animal or handful of fertile soil.
Known for trade and relations with those around them especially the Luirlan elves with which many share the bountiful forest. Due to their skill in hunting and horticulture they supply much of the food to Dorrel dwarves and the Luirlan through trade. Festivals of plentiful hunt and harvest inviting their Lurian neighbors and the Dorrel dwarves they often trade with are commonplace. Some culture sharing is very common place especially in art, story and culinary tradition.
Despite their skill in battle and hunting they live a dangerous life and many die young in hunts and fights, especially common before their age of maturity. Most orcs never see old age. Around the age of maturity, many Tanndalen leave their tribe to seek a new one. This is somewhat of a right of passage but not all Tanndalen chose this path. Those who do would have two or more tribes in their heart, a “Birth Tribe” that they’re born into, and a “Blood Tribe” that they bond to. When with their birth tribe they are called True-kin, when with their blood tribe they are called Blood-kin. The Tanndalen who do not join existing tribes, often form a tribe of wanderers. These typically take the form of a single orc with multiple mates (gender is irrelevant). These mates are collectively known as the Bound and the type of tribe is referred to as a Rank Tribe. This name comes from their tendency to fill the ranks of surrounding tribes with their offspring. This right of passage and the act of forming rank tribes are common amongst male and female Tanndalen. There are almost no distinctions between male and female Tanndalen culturally. In times of conflict all will fight equally, in times of peace all will work and hunt equally.
While all Tanndalen are semi-nomadic, those who dwell in the northern Azar Steppes are considerably more so due to following the wandering groups of large herd animals they hunt and tame throughout the seasons. Grassland Tanndalen are much more likely to practice animal herding as a primary source of food and animal husbandry by trade. It is for this reason that many tribes make their coin in horse taming. Rarely staying still long enough to grow crops, They are known to plant small gardens along their nomadic routes.
Tanndalen typically live in communal villages with artfully crafted yurts and defensive palisade walls.While the walls are purely practical, the homes of these orcs tell a story. The home of a hunter, an artist, a warrior or a story teller may look similar to an outside eye but Tanndalen can spend their entire lives truly making these homes their own. Despite this, they are not particularly sentimental and have been known to leave behind even what would be seen as their most prized possession.
Tanndalen are known for distinct styles of art and written language, and an appreciation for that of other cultures. Stone carving is the most common type of art created by Tanndalen, however they also make “Rutha” art, a distinct style of any number of painted reeds weaved into a geometric pattern. Their written language is a highly stylized runic in which characters can alternate between representing sounds, words, or entire phrases.
Looking through the pages of history you will find that Tanndalen remain almost uniformly neutral in all large conflicts apart from taking work as mercenaries. Lately they are sought after to fill the ranks as fighters, riders and stable masters, excelling in the fast paced fighting commonly seen in skirmishes over disputed lands along the western borderlands.
Spirituality is present with most Tanndalen, and a connection to nature has shaped their culture greatly. Tanndalen typically believe in a spiritual connectedness to nature with a tribe specific varying degree of formality in worship ranging from a general respect of nature, to large temples revering the mother spirit.

4. Tanndalen CRNC: 5 Agility, 5 Expertise
5. RPR Stats: 1 Wisdom, 2 Dexterity

Lifespan: Up to 500 years, Tanndalen reach maturity at 75. Skin may come in any human-typical colour, and additional shades of grey and green. Height Requirements: (1.0-1.05)