S - Ork Vales

==The Ork Vales==
The Ork Vales, a geographically isolated region in Sethrophos, are the homeland of the fierce Orks. The Ork Vales, with their fierce inhabitants, unique physiology, and deeply ingrained culture of honor and combat, remain a region both feared and respected by all who know of them. Their isolation and resilience ensure that they continue to thrive in their dark, damp homeland, ever ready for the next battle.Surrounded by Meridian, seas, or ice, these natural barriers require more brains than brawn to cross, effectively containing the Orks within their Vales. Despite their isolation, the occasional raid outside the Vales strikes fear into neighboring lands due to the ferocity and tenacity of the Orks. The fierce Warleader Nond the Remoseless is currently leading a guerilla campaign against Meridian, who he views as an oppressor.
===Ork Physiology and Culture===
Orks are massive, heavily-muscled, green-skinned humanoids, a result of their symbiotic relationship with fungi. Their robust physique can withstand tremendous punishment, and they experience surprisingly little pain, even from grievous wounds. This resilience, coupled with a powerful regenerative process, means that Orks can be stitched back together and continue fighting even after sustaining severe injuries. Burning their bodies to ash is reputedly the only way to ensure they are permanently destroyed. A typical Ork stands as tall as an average Human male, with males and females being the same size and strength, differences between them are cosmetic and reproductive only. Their frame is extremely muscular and solid, with long, heavily thewed arms and powerful fingers capable of tearing an enemy's throat out with ease. Their green skin is leather-tough, and often dotted with scars. Orks grow throughout their lives, with successful warriors becoming larger and more aggressive over time.
Ork society is built on a foundation of violence and honor. Combat is a central aspect of their culture, and they are naturally inclined towards fighting. Their regenerative abilities and symbiotic relationship with fungi contribute to their combat prowess, allowing them to heal rapidly and continue battling. Orks use their teeth, or "teef," as currency, which ensures a constant flow of money due to the regular replacement of teeth. The Bad Moonz clan is particularly wealthy because their teeth grow faster, making them richer than other clans.
====The Deep Vales====
The Deep Vales, characterized by foul, dark, and damp environments, are ideal for Ork habitation due to their unique relationship with fungi. These regions are filled with huge trees, chilly rainforests, and a slimy, moldy, mushroomy morass where Orks thrive. The presence of fungi facilitates the Ork life cycle, as they release spores throughout their lives, with a mass release occurring at death. This makes it difficult to eradicate Orks, as the spores can start new Ork populations even after an initial invasion is defeated.
Ork Port
Ork Port, the northernmost settlement on the western shores, is a dirty, lawless town where the only reason merchant ships brave the icy, whale-filled waters is the lucrative trade in whale oil and the prized tusks of Dire Narwhals. Ork Waylurz are among the few beings tough enough to hunt these massive beasts, whose tusks can reach 25 feet in length.
===Honor and Sexuality===
Ork society places a high value on honor and combat. Honor in battle involves announcing one's family name and lineage before fighting, attempting to limit fights among warrior nobles to duels without subterfuge, and conducting oneself like a legendary hero. Despite these ideals, Orks often disregard these norms, and announcing one's lineage can be more about bragging rights than adherence to any code. Sexuality in Ork culture involves dominant and combative attitudes. Mating rituals are fierce and aggressive, often involving physical combat. A broken bone during the wedding night is considered a good omen, and biting is a common indication of a desire to mate. Other races find the Orks' ferocity and aggression in combat and mating rituals both terrifying and strangely attractive.
===Religion and Afterlife===
Ork religious beliefs are ALSO centered on honor and combat, with a strong tradition of valuing warriors who die in battle. Those who die with honor are said to join the Black Fleet in Grim'rohk, a paradise where battle and feasting are eternal. The honored dead are celebrated rather than mourned, with rituals such as opening the eyes of a dead warrior and roaring to announce their arrival in Grim'rohk. Dishonor in death leads to Gre'Thor, the Ork equivalent of hell, guarded by a fearsome demon. The Barge of the Dead ferries dishonored souls over the River of Blood to Gre'Thor's gates, where they are tormented for eternity. However, legends allow for the redemption of souls through heroic sacrifices made by friends and family. Ork beliefs are recorded in a series of scrolls known as the Book of Honor. Prophecies and legends from these scrolls, such as the return of legendary warriors, influence Ork culture and religious practices. Ritual suicide is often preferred over living as a dishonored warrior, and captured warriors are considered tainted, with their descendants facing social stigma.