Khümdii Orcs

The Khümdii is the most ancient of any orcish society. Historically considered the first orc culture and the origin of their spirituality, the Khümdii settled the Turla Val and built many settlements within the valley. After over millennia of conflict between their clans, followed by a war with the Chaeva'Ellle, the Khümdii culture began to decline, and at some point in the late forgotten age, their clans broke apart and began to travel across other regions of Turla Major. The only remaining settlement of the Khümdii orcs is Jerdok Ger, whose spiritual residents still maintain their constant vigil over their holy mountain.

Spiritual Origins and History

Tracing the origins of early Orcdom proves challenging, yet the ancient Khümdii shamans unanimously concurred that their lineage could be traced back to Kruvarog Grarru, known as Catalyst Mountain. The spirits residing there seem tranquil and undisturbed. Deep within its caverns, known as Kruvarog Bor, lies the birthplace of these spirits. It is to Kruvarog Bor that all eventually return, and thus is deserving of utmost reverence. Determining the appropriate manner of honoring this sacred entity has fueled extensive debates among the villages, leading to the establishment of five distinct settlements.
The Tarr Cayax paid homage to Kruvarog Bor by offering animal tributes in regular cycles, a practice that signified their profound respect for its divine presence.
The Tarr Mendok, on the other hand, perceived everything as a totem and catalyst for spirits, believing that these ethereal beings inhabit all things, extending beyond the essence of living creatures. They held that mere existence offends the spirits, necessitating a nomadic lifestyle, which is still common among modern orc cultures.
Meanwhile, the Tarr Bexx paid homage to the ocean, regarding it as the origin of all things and the eventual destination to which all must return.
Numerous smaller clans shared similar beliefs, all united by their reverence for the spirits that permeated life's essence and their conviction that all souls ultimately reunite with Kruvarog Bor.
For millennia, the orcs remained relatively stagnant in their ways, devoutly guarding the sacred Kruvarog Grarru and following their ancient spiritual traditions. However, everything changed with the arrival of the elves in Turla Val.
The reckless exploitation of Turla Val's resources by the elves, including the desecration of streams and invasion of sacred hot waters, was viewed as deeply insulting and disrespectful to the Khümdii culture. Tensions escalated when an orc skirmished with an elven hunting party, leading to the death of an esteemed orc huntsmaster. The tragic event ignited a spark of conflict between the two factions.
For the first time in many millennia, the orc tribes put aside their differences and united against the elves, launching retaliatory raids in response to the perceived aggression. Initially, they made significant progress, but the spirits grew restless and agitated with the orcs' unity. Strange occurrences, such as weapons shattering mid-combat and the faltering of shamanic magic, were interpreted as signs of disapproval from the spirits for the orc's alliance.
Feeling rebuked by the spirits, the orc factions chose to separate once again and form distinct groups, subsequently making peace treaties with the elves. However, this fragile peace was short-lived. The elves accused the orcs of assassinating their leader, and despite presenting the heads of the alleged culprits, the elves disregarded the evidence and launched a ferocious assault on the orcs, violating the treaty.
The orcs, having learned from their previous experience, engaged in calculated, small-scale offensives, using guerrilla tactics to undermine the elven infrastructure. The elves caught on to their strategy and responded with targeted assaults against orc fighters. The conflict resulted in significant bloodshed and loss on both sides.
Eventually, a reluctant ceasefire was called, dividing Turla Val into two parts. The elves claimed the southern half, while the northern half remained under the dominion of the orcs. Despite the ceasefire, relations between the two factions remain strained, characterized by a delicate balance between uneasy coexistence and lingering animosity.
The centuries-old conflict has left a deep impact on the Khümdii culture, shaping their view of outsiders and reinforcing their determination to protect their sacred domain and ancestral traditions. The animosity towards the elves remains a complex aspect of their identity, serving as a reminder of the importance of unity, spiritual harmony, and the consequences of conflict.

Customs

Lineage The Khümdii people trace their family lineage and ancestry through their fathers. Their paternal line primarily determines each individual's family identity, and family connections are predominantly established through male ancestors. The Khümdii recognize progressively more extensive and more inclusive sets of patrilineal lineages. These lineages comprise all male descendants who can trace their direct ancestry back to a common grandfather, great-grandfather, and so on. Each lineage forms an essential unit of social organization, as individuals within the same lineage are considered close relatives.
At a broader level, the patrilineal lineages are grouped into clans. Each clan represents a larger social unit comprising multiple related lineages with a shared historical male ancestor. Clans serve as extended family structures and hold significant social, cultural, and ritual significance. The patrilineal descent system allows the Khümdii to preserve and pass down their ancestral legacy through generations. Maintaining a clear lineage and understanding of their male ancestors ensures the continuity of their cultural traditions, spiritual beliefs, and historical knowledge.
While the Khümdii culture follows patrilineal descent, it's essential to recognize that this system does not diminish women's significance in society. Women play crucial roles in family life, child-rearing, and maintaining cultural traditions. Additionally, patrilineal descent does not negate the interconnectedness of individuals with their maternal relatives, forming a complex web of social connections that enriches the fabric of the Khümdii culture.

Marriage

Khümdii marriages are typically arranged with the bride and groom's consent. While parents and elders may play a significant role in matchmaking, the final decision to marry rests with the individuals involved.
Before the wedding, there are ceremonial preparations that involve various rituals, purification practices, and offerings to the spirits. The couple and their families seek blessings and guidance from the spirits to ensure a harmonious and prosperous union.
The wedding ceremony is a significant event, often held at a sacred site or a place of spiritual significance to the clan. If two members of different clans are to be wed, they will decide which site is most significant to their union. The ceremony is presided over by a shaman or spiritual leader, who conducts sacred rites and blessings to invoke the spirits' presence and seek their protection.
During the wedding ceremony, the bride and groom exchange vows, expressing their commitment and love for each other. They may also exchange symbolic tokens, such as unique ornaments or gifts, to signify their mutual affection and the beginning of their life together. The wedding ceremony includes various rituals and offerings to the spirits, seeking their blessings for a prosperous and happy married life. Food and symbolic totems are offered to the spirits as a gesture of gratitude and reverence.
Khümdii weddings are often community affairs, with extended family, friends, and other community members participating in the festivities. The entire community comes together to celebrate the couple's union and offer their support and well wishes. Following the wedding ceremony, a feast is held to celebrate the newlyweds and their families. Food, music, dance, and traditional games are part of the joyous celebrations.
The patrilineal system plays a crucial role in matters of inheritance. When sons get married, they typically receive their share of the family wealth, including livestock, based on their position within the patrilineal lineage. The chosen heir of the paternal lineage inherits the headship of the parental herd and tent.

Naming Traditions

Feminine names

Crarbon
Maru
Hekari
Tobi

Masculine names

Cadrick
Chünd
Wugara
Zaire

Family names

Most orcs self-identify via their clan name. The Khümdii are broken into four major clans:
Fangtak of Tarr Cayax,
Gorn of Tarr Mendok,
Hekari of Tarr Naru,
Karadrak of Tarr Bexx,
and Wedak of Tarr Fargi


While many will fall under these great names, some Khümdii orcs elect to honor specific branches of their clan. Some exampes of the lesser clans include:
  Scrombol
Farme

Ideals

Beauty Ideals

Khümdii orcs appreciate natural beauty and tend to embrace their unique physical features. Weathered faces, rugged skin, and battle scars are considered badges of honor, reflecting the individual's experiences and resilience in the face of challenges.
The Khümdii orcs greatly value individuals who exhibit a strong spiritual aura. Those who display reverence for the spirits, engage in sacred rituals with sincerity, and are spiritually attuned are considered particularly beautiful. The inner glow of one's soul and the sense of harmony with the spirits are highly admired traits.
Orcs who demonstrate a strong affinity for the natural world, displaying an understanding of animals, plants, and the cycles of life, are highly esteemed. Such individuals are believed to be in harmony with the spirits and the land they protect.