UNORP Lore: Introduction to the People

From time to time I'll post articles of Lore for UNORP - the background for my 15mm Dragon Rampant army.


The United Nations of Orcs and Related Peoples (UNORP) is an alliance of various races, but ever since its conception it has been led by the Orcs. This has suited the other races, who have enjoyed the peace offered by being part of UNORP and used it to focus on their own cultures within the Union.

Orcs

The Orcs are the leading group within UNORP and with good reason. They provide the bulk of the armies that protect the citizens and provide most of the ruling class across the realms that UNORP claims as its own. Orcish culture is the dominant force within the Union, with the Orcish Cult of Zunthor-Gul being the de facto official religion, although other gods are also acknowledged. Orcish art and literature forms the basis of UNORP culture, however all peoples are valued for what they bring to the Union.

The capital of the Orcs, and by extension the whole of UNORP, is Ilgard, on the shores of a large lake. It is the largest city most travellers ever encounter and is a centre of commerce and culture. The main Temple to Zunthor-Gul at the heart of the city is a site of pilgrimage for all the peoples of the Union.

Other notable Orcish settlements include the garrsion-city of Rolbu, heavily fortified and with the largest standing army in UNORP due to its vicinty to the lands of humans and the constant threat of attacks by the Barbarians that seek to bring down Orcish civilisation. Rolbu is also the home of the various Knightly Orders of Warg Riders; the most famous being The Furies, an all-female order of warriors famed for their heroic and fearless deeds in battle.

Goblins

The Goblins are a numerous race, but are not warlike or violent by nature. They are a gentle people, close to their many gods and to the world they inhabit. They live simply, happy to accept their place in UNORP society and to contribute to the greater good in whatever ways they can. With their close connection to nature the Goblins both revere and make use of the various giant insects and arachnids that inhabit the woods of their lands.

The chief Goblin god is Kheertai the Great Mother, a benevolent diety who the Goblins believe helps to protect the Union.

Goblins may not be warlike, but they understand the need to support the UNORP armies and they often provide units to bolster the Orcish ranks, most commonly archers. In the most dire of times they will bring their giant beetles, scopions and spiders to war, but they do not do this lightly.

Trolls

The giant Trolls are famed for their knowledge of farming; Trollish farms provide over 80% of the food needed by the people of UNORP. They are a simple folk; hospitable to strangers, mindful of tradition and always ready to help a traveller in need. The Trolls know that even they must sometimes take up arms to help protect their farmlands against the savage raiders from the North-East.

Ogres

The architects, scientists and artisans of UNORP, the Ogres can boast of providing some of the brightest minds in the Union. They designed the immense lake-docks of Ilgard and created the near-impenetrable defences at Rolbu. Ogre-crafted weapons are amongst the most prized in the Union and all the Knightly Orders use Ogre-made swords, axes and maces. Ogres can often be found serving in the UNORP military, between battles they direct the building of siege engines and fortifications, during battle they bring their famous strength to bear on the enemies of the Union.