The orcs of Ortuk have lived in the swamplands since they first woke in Archon. These lands have greatly influenced their social behaviours. ### Territory Claiming Most of Ortuk consists of a tapestry of tribes, each vying for power and land. These territories are denoted by specific clan symbols called a mark or 'Gash'(<span class='giant'>Gash</span>), which are etched or smeared onto specific locations of importance within the territory, as well as on the borderland. The older and historic a place is, the more complex and composite the mark usually is. ###### Erasure Erasure is a great crime under the Ortuk orcs. It is the act of removing, destroying, or covering a clan symbol. Even if a piece of land is claimed by a new tribe, they are to incorporate or encapsulate any remaining clan symbols into their own. Orcs live by the creed that ownership of the marshes is a temporary matter, and each clans claim must be honoured. Thus its clan mark should be protected and respected. ### Burial Customs Through their history with psionic prowess, orcs believe the body to be nothing more than the shell that houses the true being for a temporary time. In their eyes the body is destined to be destroyed so the true being can move onwards. This outs itself in orcs being cremated during their burial. Leaving a body behind in the marshes can stop the decaying process and is seen as a grave crime and insult to the deceased. It is the act of denying them passage to the afterlife in the orcs eyes. A typical burial consists of the orcs gathering around a pyre on which the body of the deceased lays. The gathered group remains to watch the pyre and body fully burn out before leaving. In addition to the body, a selection of herbs is added to the pyre, which are known to guide the spirit of the deceased to their ancestors. During the pyre, a descendant may pick a splinter or piece of wood that sticks out to them and collect it to make a symbol by which to remember their loved one. This totem is known as a guide splinter or 'Omatar'(<span class='giant'>omatar</span>). They are meant to help channel the wisdom of the deceased to the descendant. Highly respected warriors, priests, or chieftains can have a more prolonged funeral where, before the cremation, a group of orcs act out specific deeds or important events from the deceased orc's life. After the cremation is finished, the location of the ceremony is marked as a place of importance with a symbol representing the deceased. The ash of the cremation is never kept in any way and always thrown back into the wilds. ###### The Trek After a battle is completed, the victorious side collects the bodies of their fallen enemies and burns them in a large communal bonfire. The collecting of these bodies is known as the Trek. If possible the location of the bonfire is placed close to a mark, but if none are in the surroundings the location is marked with a special warriors grave symbol. To facilitate in this process, each warrior must always carry a small pouch of pyre herbs with them into battle. Not burning the bodies of the fallen enemies and leaving them behind in the marsh is seen as a grievous war crime and can easily spark a generational spanning conflict between tribes. The burning of the fallen enemies is seen as a rite of respect and is often accompanied by various laments mourning the fallen on both sides. The bodies of the fallen allies of the victorious side are collected and taken home to be cremated with their families. ### Tusk Collecting Though all orcs are expected to help with battle whatever way they can, those who wish to be known as orcish warriors will have to earn that title. First, a fledgling fighter must impress a warrior and be accepted by them as worthy. Similar to a shieldbearer or knave, the fledgeling fighter is put under care of the warrior. In each battle, the fledgeling must collect a single tusk from their enemies that they felled alone. Each tusk then represents a battle fought and survived. It is seen as high treason to your own tribes honour to collect the tusk of an enemy you haven't yourself killed. The first tusk collected is seen as a rite of passage. If the fledgeling survives collecting their first tusk, they are known as an honorary fighter. If the honorary fighter manages to collect at least 10 tusks, they have finished their training and have become a full on orcish warrior. Warriors are known to decorate their equipment, weapons, and garments with their collected tusks as a show of combat prowess and status.