Orc Help Files

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+IHELP: ORCS
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The Orcs in Middle Earth come in two different varieties: plain Uruk and the enhanced and greatly superior Uruk-Hai. Uruk consist of lesser stock and are also known as goblins. Uruk shun the light of day as the sun burns their skin and blinds them. In Isengard, Saruman has bred enhancements into the common stock of Uruk, and created the Uruk-Hai. Uruk-Hai are smarter Orcs with a man's gait that can withstand the light of day. The Uruk-Hai comprise the bulk of Isengard's community, serving as warriors in Saruman's service while the Uruk provide an inexhaustible source of labor. Additionally. To further his cause, Saruman has also bred Orcs and men together to create the Arauruk. In Isengard, the Uruk and Uruk-Hai races are available to all players joining the culture, but the Arauruk race is restricted (See NEWS RESTRICTED SPECIES).

Most players begin as a member of the Fighting Uruk-Hai, the most elite of all Orcs in Middle Earth. If you wish to begin play as a Uruk or a Snaga, please contact an LA or the +Ruler to reset your species.

To learn more about the Orc races you can type:
+ihelp Snaga
+ihelp Uruk
+ihelp Uruk-Hai

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+IHELP: SNAGA
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Snaga are the lowest form of Orc, and are the slave caste of Isengard. The word 'snaga' means slave in Black Speech. These pitiful creatures are the smallest, weakest, and most unintelligent within the Orc society. They often live short, miserable lives scampering about for food and attention. They provide services such as cooking, cleaning, and labor that is considered unfit for the Uruk. It is uncommon for a Snaga to be held by a played character (PC), but they can be used to enhance a plot or create a diversion.

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+IHELP: URUK
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Common Orcs, simply known as 'Uruk', form the bulk of the non-player characters (NPC) in Isengard. Only in rare cases will a player play a simple Uruk of Isengard. These Orcs provide cheap labor and experimental fodder for Saruman. Though they make up a good percentage of the fighting legions of Orcs throughout Middle-Earth, in Isengard combat is primarily left to the fighting Uruk-Hai. The Uruk stand well under five feet tall with long and gangly arms. They hate the sun and cannot stands its rays for more than the shortest periods of time.

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+IHELP: URUK-HAI
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Players in Isengard are usually started out as Uruk-Hai. Unlike other cultures, the Uruk-Hai is not a restricted species in Isengard.

Isengard Uruk-Hai History
Sauron created the original Uruk-Hai around 2475 of the Third Age, and he used them to overrun Ithilien, and take Osgiliath. But Boromir I, the Eleventh Ruling Steward of Gondor, defeated the forces of Mordor, and drove the Uruk and Uruk-Hai out of Ithilian and Osgiliath. While he began the Uruk-Hai race of Uruk, his army is mainly the lesser Warrior Uruks.

Many of these Orcs feared to return to Mordor to face the wrath of Sauron, so they fled west, into the White Mountains. Eventually, they reached the Misty Mountains. Therefore, hundred of years ago, when the White Hand, Saruman, became in need of an army, an army of fearless warriors that would obey his every command, he turned to the Orcs that were living in the mountains around Isengard. The Dunlendings were a valuable asset, yet he needed a group somewhat more disposable.

Thus, he began to experiment with the Uruk and Uruk-Hai. Nobody is sure what he did in the deep breeding pits of Isengard, and even fewer have the desire to know, but it seems clear that after one hundred years of experimenting, and breeding the Uruk and Uruk-Hai with humans (Saruman is known for his patience), he came out with a superior breed of Orc.

They have been bred for strength, intelligence, and their ability to withstand the sun's rays. While more human-like in appearance, some argue that they are even crueler then their lesser Uruk counterparts. And all the while that Saruman was breeding this race of Orcs, he had them training vigorously in various types of combat, so that they truly would be his Fighting Uruk-Hai, the best Orc warriors in the world.

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+IHELP: URUK-HAI DESCS
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Uruk-Hai descriptions:
Saruman's Uruk-Hai forces were bred for 100 years before he got the type he wanted. The Uruk-Hai are much larger than the common Uruk, reaching between five and a half feet to 6 feet tall. Their bodies are better proportioned, their arms not hanging down like an ape, but coming off their shoulders like the arms of man. The Uruk-Hai are much stronger than the other Uruk, appear more human-like and are able to endure the sun. Their legs are proper, and stronger looking. Unless properly disguised, however, the Uruk-Hai cannot be mistaken as anything other than Uruk. They have cat-like eyes that seem to glow like the pits of Mount Doom itself. Their teeth are pointed and they may have fangs, sometimes protruding from the mouth; as well, they are often yellow or orange in color, stained from blood. They have large hands, that end in brutal claws, which most Uruk-Hai take the time to sharpen. They have thick black or gray hides, often covered with a layer of scraggily hair.

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+IHELP: URUK-WARDRESS
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Isendrim Battle Descriptions:
Saruman spares no expense in equipping his army of Uruk and Uruk-Hai, so the Orcs of Isengard wear the best armor that is available to their rank. This could be studded leather armor, ring mail armor, or chain mail armor, depending on an Orc's rank. Isendrim also employ a shield when possible, and helms are very common.

Being creatures of the night, most of their armor is colored black, and will not have a shine to it (so as not to reflect lighting). The present-day armor of the Isengard Uruk-Hai is not adorned with any special markings for Saruman or Isengard, as Saruman does not want it known that he keeps Orcs within his gates. Company symbols that do not directly relate to Saruman or Isengard are acceptable.

The Isendrim also carry mannish weapons of war. They have the skill, and stature to be able to use swords: Most notably, the short broadsword. They also have a mastery of bows that their lesser kin from other lands have trouble mastering. The Isendrim display and take care of their weapons with pride, and use them skillfully, unlike their scimitar-wielding cousins.

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+IHELP: URUK CLAN HISTORY
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All clans were removed in Isengard when Saruman decided that their existence threatened the structure of his army and slowed the progress of breeding his army. By removing the 'family bonds', his Uruk and Uruk-Hai could be placed in a company based on their skills and physical capabilities. All loyalty was restructured towards him, and him alone. As a direct cause of removing the clans, the 'politicians' and family chieftains were totally removed from the army structure. This enabled the Uruk-Hai to focus on the matters Saruman wanted, rather than fighting among each other for political and personal goals.

The Warmaster at the time (Grob'lurtz) was given the direct order from Saruman to kill anyone who oppose his will in this matter. Few, if any, survived the posse sent out on this task by the Warmaster. The disbanding order remains in place. Should any within Saruman's army dare to attempt a resurrection of family or clan allegiances, the Warmaster or Captains under his direction will carry out the order of execution.

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+IHELP: ORGANIZATION
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The Uruk-Hai of Isengard are more advanced and more human-like than other Orcs. Saruman has organized them into a sophisticated army. The Uruk-Hai of Isengard are a proud and fierce warrior race. They are proud of themselves, their abilities, and the divisions they belong to.

Isengard is divided into three main military companies which new players are able to join. These three companies are the bulk of Isengard's army. These are:

The Bear Company - The Warriors
The Raven Company - The Scouts
The Hammer Company - The Engineers

In addition to the above three companies, there are smaller factions which are a restricted portion of Saruman's army.  These factions are restricted, and players need to show excellence in RP as well as OOC behavior to gain a position in any of these faction. Your LAs can provide you with more information on this. These restricted companies are:

The Wolf Company - The Uruk Wolf Riders, mounted wolf calvary (+ruler approval required)
The Arauruk Axemen - The feared half-Orcs of Isengard. (Restricted Species, see NEWS RESTRICTED SPECIES)

The ranking hierarchy of Isengard's Orcs is as follows:

Saruman > Warmaster > Captain > Lieutenant > Sergeant > Warrior > Grunt

Each Uruk's Title is comprised of the following elements:

(Military Rank), (Military Job), (Company), (Additional Job Titles); (Special Notes)

Saruman (also known as Sharku) is hardly ever in direct contact with the Orcs. Instead, he uses the Warmaster as his representative.

The Warmaster commands the Army of Isengard, which is made up of all the factions and may take an interest in any company. He is also specially responsible for the uruk wolf riders of Isengard.

Each Company has a Captain. The Captains answer to the Warmaster, and make sure that the Companies are following orders. They usually issue commands and orders to Lieutenants, who in turn pass these orders and commands along to the Sergeants, Warriors and Grunts under them.

All Orcs should obey their superiors, even high ranking superiors of other Companies, or be ready to face the consequences. This is because Captains and Lieutenants have the authority to issue commands to any warrior in the ranks under them, regardless of Company, while a Sergeants may only command those in his/her own Company. Unless obeying an order would go against or harm the warrior's Company that he/she belongs to all orders should be obeyed.

Each Company will have its own internal hierarchy. Contact your Company leaders for details. You should also understand that this is a general understanding of the chain of command. RP may change matters and it is not unknown for some unspecified veteran to actually possess greater influence than someone who is officially their senior. Isengard is in thrall to the fluidities and subtleties of RP.

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+IHELP: HAMMER COMPANY
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Hammer Company - The Engineers of Isengard
The Hammer company best embody the crafty ways of the Wizard Saruman. Their technological proficiency and experimentation often tip the tide of battle when the Uruk-hai enter combat. Resourcefulness is the watchword of the Hammer.

From day-to-day, they manage the mines and smithies of Isengard, ever churning out better weapons and armor. While common uruk toil furiously, the Hammer ensure that everything runs smoothly and personally put the finishing touches on most if not all armaments.

The Hammer have taken a special interest in both siegecraft and medical practices. They have managed to produce unrivalled pieces of artillery and have fermented potent healing brews. It is rumored that their love of technology extends to the actual engineering of the Orc population, but this is but rumor.

Their focus is on both brains and brawn. Like the anvil upon which the hammer is eventually broken, they know that a steady devotion to the long struggle will result in victory. But of course, the Hammer revel in creating both the hammer and anvil, between which the mortal races will be broken. If interested in joining the faction, remember that intelligence, strength, and endurance are the most important traits.

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+IHELP: RAVEN COMPANY
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Raven Company - The Scouts of Isengard
The Ravens represent a unique fighting force in the formidable body of the Army of Isengard. Cunning; this word epitomizes the favorable qualities of these stealthy Orcs. Their main benefit is their archery skill. The Ravens are renowned in Isengard for their archery, which is a special boon, for it supplements their tendency to skirmish rather than confront head-on.

The primary duty of the faction is, logically, in scouting. Often, they probe the way ahead of a roving band of Isendrim soldiers, or reconnoiter the flanks in order to warn of possible danger. The information gathered by these resourceful Uruk-Hai is often used to determine the exact nature of an attack, and may well decide the outcome of a campaign.

The faction has a history of certain 'covert' duties. Most would simply come to the point and call it by the mundane name of spying. If someone in Isengard wants a task done with skill and secrecy, he turns to the Ravens.

A Raven's training focuses on speed and agility. They are fighters who win by dealing careful blows in rapid succession rather than a few powerful ones. Striking from the shadows and from a distance is a practiced profession, and it is never a bad idea to lead the enemy into a trap or ambush. If interested in joining the faction, remember that stealth, dexterity and intelligence are the most important traits.

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+IHELP: BEAR COMPANY
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 Bear Company - The Warriors of Isengard
The Bears are more than simply brute warriors. When the White Hand wishes to strike, they are the unexpected fist. The Bears toil continually to refine their tactics and techniques, so that the Army of Isengard is a professional and cohesive unit, rather than a disorganized rabble of Orcs.

The Bears are responsible for security within Isengard. This primarily consists of policing the slave population of uruk, ensuring that they focus on whatever tasks they have been assigned. Where there's a whip, there's a way.

On top of this duty, the Bears constantly study battle tactics and strategy, attempting always to refine Isengard's methods of destruction. Bears not only train in the various weapons, but they also can be found plotting over models and maps. The goal, always, is to create the perfect army.

Bears prize strength, endurance, and dexterity but do not neglect intelligence. The perfect army demands perfect warriors, and both weakness and cowardice are ruthlessly crushed. If interested in joining the faction, remember that strength, dexterity, and constitution are valued.

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+IHELP: WOLFRIDERS
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Saruman has been busy breeding wolves, for the purpose of unleashing them upon unsuspecting neighbours. Many of these wolves are ridden by wolfriders. However, these wolves are not large enough to support the bulk of an Uruk-hai and require uruk riders. Consequently, the Fighting Uruk-hai do not ride wolves. The Wolfriders are outside the Uruk-hai hierarchy and are the personal domain of the Warmaster.

The Wolfrider organization is not presently open to players but rather populated by NPC uruk. However, if you are interested in potentially RPing a Wolfrider in limited cirumstances, +mail Isenadmin. There may be opportunities for players to puppet both wolf and rider as a part of certain RPed engagements.

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+IHELP: AXEMEN
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Arauruk Axemen - The Elite force of Isengard

Feared not only by their enemies, but also the other Orcs, these half-Orcs mercilessly eliminate any and all who stand in the way of Saruman's great plans, even those found among the ranks of Isengard.

Trained in techniques and practices known only by their own members, as well as Saruman himself, the arauruk axemen are undoubtedly the most elite force at the White Hand's disposal. Their ability to appear as men and their ruthless tendencies in battle make them one of the most dangerous entities hidden in Isengard, as they are the only force able to utilize both the powers of deception and brute force.

While few details are truly known about the company, there is at least one fact which few would argue, and that is that even the bravest of men and Orcs think twice before crossing a member of Saruman's enigmatic axemen.

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+IHELP: POSITIONS
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The positions available here in Isengard are plentiful. Many of them are vital to the health of the culture. Many others are specialized and rare, but still a unique pleasure to Role-Play. The list of available positions is in no way all-inclusive. We cannot possibly think of everything that there is to do, so use them as a guideline and feel free to ask an IsenAdmin about a position of your own making.

The following is a list of positions available to Orcs.

Alchemist (Engineer): Dabbles in chemicals.
Archer (Scout): Bow specialists.
Brewer (Engineer): Focuses on both healing and less useful beverages.
Fletcher (Engineer): Oversees arrow-making.
Healer (Engineer): The herbalists and healers of Isengard.
Jailer (Warrior): Keep snaga under conrol.
Guard (Warrior): Performs guard duties
Miner (Engineer): Denizen of the mines.
Scout (Scout): Reconaissance and tracking.
Smith (Engineer): Armoursmiths & Weaponsmiths of the Engineers.
Warrior (Guard): Focuses on perfecting battle skills.
Woodcutter (Engineer): Plunders Fangorn.

This is not an exhaustive list. If you've got a character concept that interests you, contact an LA to discuss it.

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+IHELP: RP
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This section has been added to help you with ideas that you can use while RPing in Isengard. Note that these are merely suggestions, and you don't have to take them seriously if you don't want to.

RP GENERAL
Think and act like your character. It is okay to make mistakes, and have flaws. It makes RP interesting, and gives depth to your character.

Try to leave 'hooks' in your poses. Hooks are something that others can build their poses off of. This is especially important at the beginning of RP. A question to be answered, or doing something that would bring forth a question or attention are example of hooks.

If you have an idea or an OOC question about something IC, try to RP to find the answer. Whole sessions can revolve around something that could be spoiled by one OOC question. Finding out someone's rank, job, or name are examples of things that could be RPed.

Have fun! That does not mean make sure everything goes your way, because often, things will not go your way. However, a situation you may not OOCly like might very well still be captivating and exciting role-play. If you put forth your best, it will inspire others to do the same.

When you pose, and can't think of anything to write, ask yourself some questions. What kind of light is present and how is it going to affect the scene? Are there any odors present? What's the weather like and how does it change the situation? Is my character feeling anything at the moment, either emotionally or physically? What is my facial expression and what are my hands doing? Answering these questions, and thinking up others, can allow the players you are role-playing with to really see the scene.

RP URUK-HAI
Desc:
Out of all of the types of Orcs in Middle-Earth, the proud and fierce race known as the Uruk-Hai were the strongest and most feared. 'Uruk-Hai' was Black Speech for 'Uruk-people', which could be interpreted as 'The power of the Many', since that described the way Orcs fought and raided. It also implies that Uruk-Hai were more like a "people," more human-like, than other Orcs. Orcs would hardly ever walk around outside, unless they traveled in a pack, so to speak. When you walk around outside, make sure that you are garbed in cloaks or some other outfit that would disguise your hands and face, even though Uruk-Hai aren't affected by the sun. The disguise enables you to better pass as human, and lessens the chance that humans would attack you. Of course, if you are looking for a fight, then there is no reason to disguise yourself. An Uruk-Hai's figure could pass for a human, as Uruk-Hai stand at about six feet tall and have human-like arms and facial features.

RP GOALS
The Uruk-Hai of Isengard have many goals, both long term and short term, for the advancement of Sharku's (the wizard Saruman) plans. Sharku's ambitions include the complete conquest and mastery of Middle-earth, but his first and foremost target is the land of the Horse Lords, Rohan. His primary tool against this land will be the Fighting Uruk-Hai, a breed of great Orc that he himself improved upon through cunning sorcery.

Beyond conquering Rohan and filling it with Sharku's minions, the Uruk-Hai also turn their gaze to Fangorn forest, the land of the tree-demons to the east. From this wood the Uruk-Hai harvest most of their lumber, as well as other resources. Even farther north than this lies the Balrog's realm of Moria, and to the east of that Lorien, the golden forest of the wood elves. For the moment, Moria is a loose ally against the free peoples. Much trade for raw materials comes from Moria. Also the occasional battle between the northerners and the southerners occurs, usually because of some argument between the often disagreeing Orcs. Contact with the elves of Lorien is less common, but when it does occur the Uruk-Hai are quite willing to show their mettle against the woodland elves. Dunland lies beyond the Gap of Rohan to the west of Isengard, and with these humans the Uruk-Hai sometimes interact. Such interaction is discouraged, as Sharku tries to trick them into becoming Isengard's ally against Rohan when the time comes. Certainly, they are not to be fought and killed.

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