Urthnaki
The Urthnaki Confederation, a powerful alliance of orc clans, governs the expansive and resource-rich lands of Dûn. This confederation is formed by the Clan of Clay from Urthnak, the Clan of Salt from Daradîn, and the enigmatic Clan of Shadows from Molghir. Together, these clans operate as part of the Horde of Urthnaki, a decentralized but highly organized force known for their mobility and independence in warfare. Despite their historical reputation as brutal and savage beings, the Urthnaki have demonstrated remarkable prowess in statecraft and military strategy. Their economic and political influence is bolstered by their slave-breeding facilities in Molghir, which supply the Duxa Empire with labour in exchange for access to valuable minerals under the Laws of Balance.
The origins of the Urthnaki orcs are shrouded in myth and tied to the geological upheaval of the Time of Schism, a cataclysmic event marked by violent tectonic shifts and the creation of the Blind Gorge. According to elven magister Tilium, the first orc emerged during this era, a “wild fury” rising from the depths to dominate the surface world with an indomitable spirit. While early descriptions emphasized their untamed and destructive nature, the Urthnaki have evolved into a complex society, balancing their martial traditions with a keen understanding of diplomacy and economics. Their use of gen-altering minerals like Mira remains a subject of intrigue, as the genetic resistance of orcs to modification raises questions about the transformative potential of this powerful substance.
Central to the Urthnaki identity is the Faith of Orphans, a religion deeply rooted in their history and mythology. The faith venerates Golar, the sky god who descended to the mortal world bearing three orphan sons to be raised by the Urthnaki clans, symbolizing unity and order. The catastrophic Rain, which devastated the region of Dûn, provided fertile ground for the rise of this faith. The Gor Ghulum clergy capitalized on the chaos, preaching unity through the leadership of T’ebor and binding the fractured clans under a shared religious and political framework. Today, the Faith of Orphans serves as a spiritual guide and a cornerstone of Urthnaki cohesion, influencing their culture, governance, and interactions with the wider world.
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