RP Dictionary: Orc

RP Orcish Dictionary 

For newcomers to orc roleplay and "alliance scum" like me

This is considered a living document, which I intend to update overtime, in part because I’m tired of being corrected all the damn time (lol jk), but mainly because the roleplaying community is full of really cool, creative people, and ideas deserve to be preserved even though they don't originally come from Blizzard... or in case Blizzard decides to recton their own lore rather than enrich what has already been built. Also, because one blog page tab is easier on the bandwidth than a million and one Wowpedia ones, haha! Either way, enjoy.

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Terms found in game, or in the novels, novellas, or short stories:

• Kosh'harg - a traditional orcish festival in which the various orc clans come together to put aside their rivalries, share news, foster ties, and feast in friendship twice each year on the equinox, usually in the spring and autumn. Pursuing any inter-clan violence or vendettas during the event is strictly forbidden; however, the occasional drunken brawl or mak'rogahn is permitted. The length of the festival depends on how many pressing concerns need to be addressed, but such matters are more a thing of the past. In modern times, even the outcast half-breeds and Mok'nathal are now welcome to participate. The Om'gora is often performed during this time.

• Lok'amon - A song that details the history of an orcish family.

• Lok'osh - A "song of the heart" or "song of the spirit". Used to describe the power of orcish priests, as well as being an honorific for them.

• Lok'tra - Traditional orcish song sung about a battle.

• Lok'vadnod - A prestigious shout-song composed for a specific individual. It is commonly seen as the greatest honor the orcs can grant to an individual.

• Mak'gora - "Duel of Honor". A ritualistic duel used to obtain a position of leadership or to defend against very grave insults. Rules for the duel can vary based on what is agreed upon ahead of time by the participants, but traditionally, one weapon is allowed, which may be blessed by a shaman if desired, body armor and clothing were forbidden (only a loincloth), and each participant must have at least one witness. Magic is not strictly forbidden in a traditional duel, but a perceived imbalance in ability may be looked down upon by some. Refusing a publicly heard/acknowledged Mak'gora can mean dishonor, but it can be rescinded without shame to either party.

• Mak'Rogahn (or mak'rogahn) - "Duel of Will". Originally a Warsong custom but available to all, whereby someone may challenge another to prove their worth. The contenders fight in the pit until one of them is unable to continue. It is a pure display of will to survive any hardship and endure all pain. If one of the contenders surrenders, he is excommunicated from the clan. If neither surrenders, both are honored—the victor for winning and the loser for the will to fight to the end. It is not supposed to be a fight to the death, but accidents happen.

• Om'gora - Replaced the Om'riggor in modern times. To complete the rite, the participant must earn three distinct blessings: those of the Clan, the Land, and the Ancestors. 

• The Blessing of the Clan consists of a standard Om'riggor. 

• The Blessing of the Land requires participants to learn respect for the spirits of nature and the elements, typically by being guided to and completing a task given to them by the spirits. 

• The Blessing of the Ancestors is meant to honor them, seek their wisdom, and live up to their expectations, typically by personally cooking a feast for the ancestors. Food that is/was meaningful to the participant or a specific ancestor is encouraged, but not required.

• Om'riggor - Ancient rite of passage marking the transition to adulthood, taking place at the age of twelve. Phased out in favor of the Om'gora in modern times. The initiate tracks and slays a target by themselves, with only a single weapon, with no armor or provisions. If successful, they would paint the blood of the prey upon their face as proof.

Terms that are headcanon or collected from rpers:

• Khal’kha - “[The] Fire Dance”. A Warsong tradition performed to pay homage to the elements during the spiritual transition from spring to summer and from summer to fall. Sometimes performed at Kosh'harg, but not always. It is part celebration, part ritual, performed to strengthen the tribe and the shamans' connection to the elements.