Greenskin Society - The Varied Structures of the Tribes
The Orcish Tribelands is a vast wilderness home to all manor of beasts, monsters and cultures. Untamed and at the mercy of the natural world, many have tried to establish empires and kingdoms within the Tribelands, but all have failed. There are those that call these lands home, and the species that make up the societies that live there are as tough and rugged as the land itself.
Many of these societies are small, independent settlements, made up of the individual species collectively known as "Greenskin". Orcs, Goblins, Hobgoblins and Bugbears are all interwoven to make up a varied and complex society. Each of these groupings is known as a "Tribe", with each claiming ownership of its own territory. Ranging from the frozen Northern Wastes down to the vast emptiness of the Akriteru Desert, it is impossible to ever know how many Greenskin Tribes exist. The Greenskin themselves have little interest of uniting as one or ever counting the number of Tribes that do exist. Instead, each Tribe is independent, and only interacts with other Tribes that have territories nearby.
Not all Greenskin Tribes will be made up of all the different species of Greenskin. There are many that will only contain a single species, such as a purely Orcish Tribe. Effectively, these Tribes work the same as any other, but with a focus more on what the sole Species is interested in. Sometimes this can diversify greatly, such as when Goblins group together to form their own Caravans or Tribe.
With each Tribe and Species so diverse, it is impossible to count them all under one heading when describing how a Tribe functions. However, there are certain similarities and normalities that can be found in most Tribes. Below is the common Ranks or "Castes" that Greenskin can be divided in to. Typically this will be decided by what an individual Greenskin can achieve, or by blood-ties to their family and what the family does. Regardless, each individual is seen as valuable to the Tribe, as long as they play their part. It is indeed possible for these roles to change as new skills are learnt or initiation rites are completed. Infighting as leadership changes may also lead to progression in social status within Greenskin society.
The Chieftain
Each Tribe will be led by an individual. The strongest, the smartest, the wisest - these are all factors that could influence who is fit to lead the Tribe. Typically, it is the biggest and strongest member, one that cannot be questioned due to their martial superiority. Despite this, the Greenskin' will gladly remove a poor leader, even if they are more powerful. Strength is not all that is needed to govern a Tribe.
The Chieftain holds great responsibility, and will be the one who sets laws and makes decisions that will effect all that follow them. Disagreements are settled by the Chieftain, along with where to build, where to expand territory, and even matters of crop-rotations and when animals should be hunted or bred. The Chieftains sole purpose is to ensure the continuation of the Tribe.
The priorities and how the Tribe is led often comes down to the individual. Dependant on the ruling Species in the Tribe, different tactics may be employed. A Goblin Chief will be much more cunning and aware that the Goblins they lead are small, and so remaining unseen or employing traps may be needed. An Hobgoblin in charge will value military might and defence, constructing great walls, keeps and gates. Each has their individual quirks, but none so more than if a Bugbear is in charge. In such cases, the Bugbear' of the Tribe often have a disagreement with the previous Chief, and so will take the Tribe by force. These Tribes often find themselves in a viscous dictatorship, with the Bugbears bullying and intimidating all the other Greenskin.
Shaman and Followers of the Gods
Going under many different names, but typically "Shaman", there are those within the Tribe that will look after the members spiritual needs. Often high up in the lose, hierarchical structure, these religious Greenskin will ensure that the The Great Tribe - The Greenskin Religion, is followed. There is no strict structure to the religion, and often the Shaman will act more as advisors and storytellers, helping individuals of the Tribe spiritually and morally when needed.
Sometimes the Shaman will be accompanied by other religious followers, all aiding in the services the Shaman provides.
As for those called "Crafters", these will be the Greenskin' that know how to make specialised tools, architecture or any other skill not common-place. Metalwork, pottery, ropes and nets all fall under this category, as well as any tools needed for farming or the myriad of animals the Tribe keeps. A lot of Goblins can find themselves as Crafters, knowing their smaller size will never assist them in getting the renown of a warrior. Hobgoblin and Orcs may also specialise in such crafts. The development of these skills is often passed down from one generation to the next, and entire bloodlines may be known for the skills they possess.
Across the centuries, many Greenskin Tribes have employed the use of different animals. Be this for simple work or as hunting animals depends on the variety. Oxen, Wolves, and even Giant Spiders, can all be found fitting nicely alongside Greenskin society. Pens and lairs are kept for these creatures, and there will be Greenskin that are naturally good with dealing with such beasts that will look after them. This typically falls to Goblins, but Orcs and Hobgoblins are known to grow attached to a pack of wolves or other beasts at times.
Many of these societies are small, independent settlements, made up of the individual species collectively known as "Greenskin". Orcs, Goblins, Hobgoblins and Bugbears are all interwoven to make up a varied and complex society. Each of these groupings is known as a "Tribe", with each claiming ownership of its own territory. Ranging from the frozen Northern Wastes down to the vast emptiness of the Akriteru Desert, it is impossible to ever know how many Greenskin Tribes exist. The Greenskin themselves have little interest of uniting as one or ever counting the number of Tribes that do exist. Instead, each Tribe is independent, and only interacts with other Tribes that have territories nearby.
Not all Greenskin Tribes will be made up of all the different species of Greenskin. There are many that will only contain a single species, such as a purely Orcish Tribe. Effectively, these Tribes work the same as any other, but with a focus more on what the sole Species is interested in. Sometimes this can diversify greatly, such as when Goblins group together to form their own Caravans or Tribe.
With each Tribe and Species so diverse, it is impossible to count them all under one heading when describing how a Tribe functions. However, there are certain similarities and normalities that can be found in most Tribes. Below is the common Ranks or "Castes" that Greenskin can be divided in to. Typically this will be decided by what an individual Greenskin can achieve, or by blood-ties to their family and what the family does. Regardless, each individual is seen as valuable to the Tribe, as long as they play their part. It is indeed possible for these roles to change as new skills are learnt or initiation rites are completed. Infighting as leadership changes may also lead to progression in social status within Greenskin society.
The Chieftain
Each Tribe will be led by an individual. The strongest, the smartest, the wisest - these are all factors that could influence who is fit to lead the Tribe. Typically, it is the biggest and strongest member, one that cannot be questioned due to their martial superiority. Despite this, the Greenskin' will gladly remove a poor leader, even if they are more powerful. Strength is not all that is needed to govern a Tribe.
The Chieftain holds great responsibility, and will be the one who sets laws and makes decisions that will effect all that follow them. Disagreements are settled by the Chieftain, along with where to build, where to expand territory, and even matters of crop-rotations and when animals should be hunted or bred. The Chieftains sole purpose is to ensure the continuation of the Tribe.
The priorities and how the Tribe is led often comes down to the individual. Dependant on the ruling Species in the Tribe, different tactics may be employed. A Goblin Chief will be much more cunning and aware that the Goblins they lead are small, and so remaining unseen or employing traps may be needed. An Hobgoblin in charge will value military might and defence, constructing great walls, keeps and gates. Each has their individual quirks, but none so more than if a Bugbear is in charge. In such cases, the Bugbear' of the Tribe often have a disagreement with the previous Chief, and so will take the Tribe by force. These Tribes often find themselves in a viscous dictatorship, with the Bugbears bullying and intimidating all the other Greenskin.
Shaman and Followers of the Gods
Going under many different names, but typically "Shaman", there are those within the Tribe that will look after the members spiritual needs. Often high up in the lose, hierarchical structure, these religious Greenskin will ensure that the The Great Tribe - The Greenskin Religion, is followed. There is no strict structure to the religion, and often the Shaman will act more as advisors and storytellers, helping individuals of the Tribe spiritually and morally when needed.
Sometimes the Shaman will be accompanied by other religious followers, all aiding in the services the Shaman provides.
The Warriors, Hunters and Crafters
Acting as an "upper caste" in the Tribe, those that are deemed good fighters or know a specialised trade have a degree of influence and power. Soldiers, guards and scouts are all seen as vital members for surviving the Orcish Tribelands, and are called Warriors. Usually these are made up of Orcs and Hobgoblins, although Bugbears are often employed as units of pure muscle, and Goblins as stealth-based scouts. The Greenskin that make up these ranks also double as Hunters for the Tribe, and will venture out to find suitable game and animals to kill for food or other resources.As for those called "Crafters", these will be the Greenskin' that know how to make specialised tools, architecture or any other skill not common-place. Metalwork, pottery, ropes and nets all fall under this category, as well as any tools needed for farming or the myriad of animals the Tribe keeps. A lot of Goblins can find themselves as Crafters, knowing their smaller size will never assist them in getting the renown of a warrior. Hobgoblin and Orcs may also specialise in such crafts. The development of these skills is often passed down from one generation to the next, and entire bloodlines may be known for the skills they possess.
Animal Handlers and Builders
A more specialised class amongst the Greenskin will include Animal Handlers and Builders. Only a step up from the lower ranks of the society, the Greenskin that find themselves assigned to these jobs are still a necessity. Manual Labour in the form of building structures, walls and traps is often left to the stronger of the Tribe's members, who will work in teams of Builders. They may also be employed to gather resources in the forms of quarries or mines.Across the centuries, many Greenskin Tribes have employed the use of different animals. Be this for simple work or as hunting animals depends on the variety. Oxen, Wolves, and even Giant Spiders, can all be found fitting nicely alongside Greenskin society. Pens and lairs are kept for these creatures, and there will be Greenskin that are naturally good with dealing with such beasts that will look after them. This typically falls to Goblins, but Orcs and Hobgoblins are known to grow attached to a pack of wolves or other beasts at times.
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