Mournwold Orcs

*By Erasmo di Tassato*

The Mournwold Orcs have been learning about the Way for the past three years. Through that time, their main objection to the Way has been their belief that they reincarnate. We have preached to them using Liao and issued repeated statements telling them that they are wrong, and they have stuck by their beliefs.

Talking with Hap the Soft, he indicates that their belief in their reincarnation is something that they "know in their heart". It is a fundamental belief they hold, and they do not sway from it. When asked what they would do in case of dispute, there were hints of defiance and looking to the Marchers to protect them. They believe strongly enough that they have never been tempted to lie about their beliefs to gain protection and acceptance. They believe this wholeheartedly and passionately.

Hap also did try and push that the Mournwold Thralls have been living alongside the Marches for a comparable time to the Imperial Orcs, and we have accepted the views of the Imperial Orcs with as much evidence as the Mournwold Orcs have offered. Hap also says that a number of Mournwold Orcs have encountered strong feelings of having been in a place before, which they see as supporting evidence to having lived a previous life. This is evidence that has been accepted as supporting evidence for human reincarnation, supported by evidence provided by liao unavailable by orcs.

The Pride assembly have the opportunity to investigate the Mournwold Orc beliefs, but the civil service has cautioned that there is little more for us to learn – and I am not convinced that there would be much in the way of new opportunities to change their minds where three years effort has already failed. The opportunities to use this power are limited, and there are numerous groups where we know less, and the potential benefits are much more significant.

I would also note that Imperial Orcs are a martial focused culture. By the Mournwold Orc and Jotun beliefs, there is nothing in the Imperial Orc experience that counters the belief in reincarnation of those who remain peaceful.

The Mournwold Orcs want to integrate with the Empire. Some of their young ones want to take up arms and take that path, but there are implications that the Imperial Orcs do not always work for them, and some do go to the Jotun instead.

They have no legal protection in practice. They could easily be condemned for their wilful rejection of the Doctrines of the Faith. The Imperial Orcs have indicated that they are concerned that the Thralls risk condemning themselves to the Abyss. Calls to listen to their Jotun ancestors will not change their minds, because their Jotun ancestors believed the same themselves.

If we are successful in changing the Doctrine of Human Destiny, the Doctrine of the Howling Abyss will remain in opposition to the beliefs of the Mournwold Orcs.

We do want to encourage virtuous activity, and not have the Mournwold Orc belief result in passivity and inactivity. But the Imperial Orcs believe a legend can be formed without requiring martial talent, and many humans unable or unwilling to fight have lived positive virtuous lives for centuries.

To Reiterate: I cannot truthfully say that what the Imperial Orcs belief is better evidenced than the beliefs of the Mournwold Orcs.
But I also cannot ask my Imperial Orc colleagues to set aside their lifelong beliefs if they are not persuaded. So now, I turn to those who are unpersuaded of the evidence of the Mournwold Orc beliefs.

I am also unsure what the Imperial Orcs are trying to achieve in telling the Mournwold Orcs that there is only one life, and for proof to listen to their ancestors. Their Jotun ancestors. Who share their beliefs. Nor do I expect that one more strong statement from the Imperial Orcs after three years of preaching will have much of a positive effect. It seems like a fundamental belief and I cannot see it shifting from repetition.

Also, on a practical level, I wish to ask the Imperial Orc assembly and those who do not believe the Mournwold Orcs what they intend if the Mournwold Orcs are resolute? Imperial Law says that if the Mournwold Orcs remain inconsistent with Doctrine, then they are heretics and to be condemned. Does not condemning the Mournwold Orcs to persecution and possible execution also condemn them to the abyss?

I would suggest, if we are being pragmatic regarding the Mournwold Orcs, and future Jotun assimilation, we look to a wording of doctrine that says that orcs have but one chance to cross the abyss, and avoid the phrase "one life". I will not at this stage suggest wording, but rather to open the debate on this point.