Post by talis on Jun 6, 2017 23:23:29 GMT
The Greater Tribe of Orcland
The Greater Tribe of Orcland is a hegemonic alliance of Orcish Clans, uniting most of the Orcs into a great confederacy. The Tribe was founded nearly 100 years ago by the short-lived Firetooth Chief Hortak, along with his allies. It provides a level of economic power and mutual defense to the Orcish Clans that allows them to operate, when united, on the level of a Great Power.
History
The ideal of a Great Tribe uniting the Orcs is quite old - as old as the first Orcish nations. Throughout the Esharan Era of the north's history, would-be Great Chieftains would arise, forcing other Clans into their service and going on conquering sprees across the wastes, often ending up smashing against the bulwark of the Firetooth. But despite their ambitions, none of these "Tribes" lasted beyond the second generation - they inevitably collapsed into infighting and disunity as their original founders died off.
Ironically, it would be the Firetooth that became the catalyst of the new Tribe. In the Independent Era of the north, the Orcs of the wasteland were in retreat - Elonese and Survaekom settlers had taken lands to the south, and the Sacrye threatened the northern Clans. At the same time, the Firetooth's technological development and industry had turned them into a significant power in the North. These threats to traditional orcish lands, and the Survaekom's disregard for the Orcs as a whole, motivated the Firetooth to take advantage of other Clan's weakness and champion the cause of the Orcs. Alliances were made, settlers were driven out of the south and the Ironspear Clan reestablished. In the North, the Firetooth led a great coalition that, together with the Stonefoot and Jaggedfist, would stop the Sacrye and Baemir armies' push south.
In the wake of the War in the North, Hortak proposed an alliance with the other Clans for mutual trade and protection. The Firetooth's position of power guarenteed them a leading position in the new alliance, but it had its appeal to the other Clans. Together they were far less of a target to settlers and other invaders. The alliance also gave them a say in foreign affairs that the Firetooth might act on without them, and opened up new opportunities for trade and growth. After months of negotiation, the Tribal Charter was signed.
Leadership
The Greater Tribe of Orcland is ruled by a Council of 24 Elders, similar to each of the Clans. Each Clan has a number of seats, with those numbers specified by treaty. It is the Elder's role to act as a legislature, and to debate and vote on any Tribal provisions. While technically any vote is majority rule, Tradition dictates a consensus for significant decisions such as declarations of war. The Division of Seats on the council is as follows:
9 Seats for the Firetooth
7 Seats for the Jaggedfist
5 Seats for the Stonefoot
2 Seats for the Ironspear
1 Seat for the Ironskull
The Elder Council also elects a High Chief, who serves as the representative and overall ruler of the Clans. Each High Chief is the Chieftain of one of the Member Clans, although not necessarily one of the "Elector" Clans. In reality, the High Chief has so far always been either from either the Firetooth or Jaggedfist Clans.
Minor Clans and Independent Houses
The five Elector Clans are not the only Clans that exist within the Greater Tribe. Multiple "Minor" Clans also exist within the Tribe, often living under the protection of one of the greater clans, or still occupying their own small territories within the waste. Most such clans are more than happy to be members of the Tribe, as it grants them a great deal of protection and economic opportunity. Independent Houses are Orcish families that are not affiliated with any particular Clan, but still live within the waste and are under the protection of the Tribe.
Provisions
Mutual Defense - All member Clans of the Tribe are obligated to defend one another against foreign invaders. This clause is non-negotiable and a founding tenant of the agreement. It requires no vote of the Council.
Free Trade and Travel - Members of the Tribe are allowed to travel and engage in commerce anywhere within the Tribe. They are guaranteed legal protections and rights as any Clan Member would be.
Arbitration of Disputes - Member Clans of the Tribe are obligated to bring any disputes between them to the Tribal Council, rather than to seek redress through violence.
Officially Aedakom - The Tribe's charter states that the Orclands are officially "Aedak" and that they recognize the Vaekir as "an authority," while stopping short of declaring themselves orthodox.
Religious Tolerance - The Charter also recognizes the authority of each Clan to worth Aed in the way they see fit and prohibits violence as a means of conversion, explicitly endorsing limited religious tolerance.
