The Vanguard

The Morgash'ar Vanguard is an orcish expeditionary force dispatched from their homeworld of Orcala, to scout out Nivarra as a potential colony. It was primarily made up of members from the Grimsong and Ironcrusher clans, with support from the Stormlord and Sorroweye clans. The Vanguard's arrival on Nivarra was facilitated by Elygelos, who was fooled into opening a Leygate for the orcs. The orcs then proceeded to storm across Ras Navar, erecting settlements and fortifications.

## Organization

The Morgash'ar Vanguard is a highly centralized organization, led by a military council that oversees all operations on Nivarra. The leading body is known as the Mournival, a council of four chieftains made up of representatives from each of the four clans in the Vanguard. Each of the four clans has their own elective body, which convenes to select a Mournival to represent their interests on the council. The Mournival then rules until either death or infirmity takes them. Theoretically, a Mournival can be removed from their position for dereliction of duty, dishonorable acts, cowardly conduct, or outright resentment from their elected body. Though, this is largely rare and has only ever happened once in the Vanguard's history.

### Honorable Elite

The Honorable Elite are members of the Blood Claws who have exhibited exceptional leadership skill and martial prowess. They are elevated above the rest of their peers to serve as both bodyguard for the council, and as lieutenants for the Vanguard. Their job is primarily to enforce the will of the Mournival, and ensure that orders are delivered to the rest of the Morgash'ar. They work together with the Oathbound to ensure smooth operations across entire theatres of war.

### The Oathbound

The Oathbound of the Vanguard are an elite cadre of warriors who answer only to the Maz'gri, a titular leadership position who acts as a fifth Mournival in the event of ties. The Oathbound are specialized warriors in service to the Vanguard who have sworn a blood-oath to fight, and if necessary, die for the orcish people. They are equipped in the heaviest armor, given the best weapons, and are usually deployed in small units to act in special operations. When deployed on the battlefield Oathbound are organized into units of roughly 40-60 individuals.

### Blood Claw

Beneath the Sage and Oathbound, are the rank-and-file of the Vanguard. The Blood Claw are the primary warriors of the Vanguard, denoted by the eponymous red tattoo of a claw that every member is expected to get. Next to the Blood Claw are the Stormcaste; members of the Vanguard who specialize in magical prowess over martial strength.

### Newbloods

Beneath the Blood Claw, are the Newbloods; members who have yet to undergo the Blood Trials and become fully fledged members of the Vanguard.

### Non-Combatants

#### Sage

Equal to the Oathbound, is the Sage. Ant any given time there is only one Sage active within the Vanguard. The Sage acts as second-in-command of the Stormcaste clan, and as heir to the Stormcaste position on the council, should anything happen to the Mournival. The Sage also deals with all spiritual concerns of the Vanguard, and looks after the mental and emotional well-being of the Morgash'ar.

#### Auxiliary

Beside the New Bloods, are the Auxiliary. Morgash'ar Auxiliary are largely made up of non-combatants; armorers, architects, crafters, and so on. Non-orcs and unique individuals who have achieved membership within the Vanguard are also relegated to the role of Auxiliary.

## Races

Orcs occupy every leadership position within the Vanguard. Non-orc membership is allowed after vigorous testing, but once one member of a race has been accepted, all members are allowed. To date, only trolls, ogres, and goblins have joined the Vanguard in one capacity or another.