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Tribes |
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Four uruk tribes and one troll clan rose to prominence over the years in Mordor before the Vorazg's Decree forced the uruk tribes to disband and offer their loyalty solely to the Eye. The orcs of the various tribes were often separated and ordered into new garrisons. The intent was to break up the tribes' communication and authority, and in many cases this succeeded. But some orcs carried their tribal traditions into their new posts and carried on their rituals and tribal oaths in secrecy. Now the four great tribes might be found in any of garrisons of the orcs of Mordor. These tribes each seek to advance their own into the upper ranks of the orcs and to gain control of the economy of Mordor, and thus rival each other and face the challenge of orcs who held true to the Decree and still wish to stamp out the tribes altogether.
ASHJAKI
Origins: Gorgoroth, Dol Guldur
For centuries the Ashjaki were a meager clan of Gorgoroth, struggling to survive and growing only in wisdom. But eventually, some years ago, they came to Dol Guldur. There they came to command the mines, and under the leadership of several mighty chieftans the tribe grew in strength and dominated rival clans. The Ashjaki became a widespread and diverse clan, boasting skilled workers, deadly warriors, and clever hunters and scouts. The Ashjaki are known for ritual scarification and for wearing a tribal symbol, the flaming Eye over a deadly scimitar. The tribe leaders carried Gimb-hosh, a sacred sword said to be ensorceled with fell enchantments.
BURZUM-PRAKH
Origins: Barad-dur
The most recent of the clans to arise was also the most secretive and feared of them. The Burzum-Prakh (BS: "to bring darkness") took over the forges of Barad-dur after slaughtering the Ghashdruin, a tribe which had operated the forges for years. Brought to prominence by their control of the forges, the Burzum-Prakh sent its orcs out among the lands of Mordor. They became known for their stealth and cunning, and they became both diplomats and assassins. Their secretiveness led to conflicts with other uruk captains; sometimes these rivals suffered unfortunate fates, and sometimes the Burzum-Prakh were brought to heel. The Burzum-Prakh were singled out for destruction by Grishnakh when the great orc-captain of Barad-dur ordered the various orc clans to dissolve. The Burzum-Prakh wore a variety of symbols, most notably tattoos featuring variations of the Great Eye and rune-inscribed bracers, collars, and skullcaps.
Origins: Mirkwood Mountains
The Ujakalsaki (Uruk: "wolf fangs") are a traditionally small but fierce tribe that originated in the Mirkwood Mountains and were known for their close ties to the wargs of the Mountains. Long under the influence of Sauron, the Ujakalsaki became the chief occupants of the mountain fortress of Sarn Goriwing when it was erected by the Nazgul Dwar as a base for the wolf-riding raiders. Tribal rituals center on tests of strength and bravery against the vicious wargs, including a final test in which a prospective member places his head into the jaws of the greatest warg. If the warg does not bite down, the orc may join the tribe. The Ujakalsaki wear fangs and pelts of wargs which have fallen in battle with their enemies.
ZAGHBUURZ
Origns: Morgul Pass
Originally one of innumerable clans and tribes of orcs in Gorgoroth and Morgul Pass, the Zaghbuurz rose to preeminence under the leadership of the first powerful uruk-hai to march from the Orc Pits of Barad-dur. The Zaghbuurz (BS: "dark valley") clan has been characterized by strict military discipline and obsessive devotion to the tribe's Ritual Flame. All Zaghbuurz orcs bear fire-scars from the Ritual Flame and carry some remnant of it, either in a candle or torch or in hot coals preserved in tiny iron braziers. Legend has it that these are remnants of the original flame of Orodruin.
GUNDSHAKH-HAI
Origins: Mirkwood
Many years ago the lumbering stone trolls and wood trolls of Mirkwood came under the dominion of some of the Olog-hai, the Black Trolls of Mordor which were so powerful that they could withstand the deadly light of day. These trolls became the Gundshakh-hai (BS: "stone lords"), and from their secret caves near the Mirkwood Mountains they are the terror of the good peoples of the region. Formed as it was by the olog-hai, the clan also extends into Mordor and includes trolls of Gorgoroth and Morgul Pass. The overall leader of the Gundshakh-hai is called the TALA-GOTH (overlord). Olog-hai leaders of smaller distinct groups are called LATA-GOTH (underlord). The least of the olog-hai are called SRINKH-SRAKH (gathering-lord), and are charged with communicating with other tribes of the clan. The 'normal' trolls are called DURUB (ruler) and GUND (stone). Even the least Gund-troll is a force to be feared by every orc.
