Shubugal

The Shubugal (pronounced shoo-boo-GALL) are an orcish ethnic group that lives primarily in Ishtar. In the great orcish migrations out of eastern Thadria, when most went north to the lands now known as Druzda, the Shubugal instead traveled south into Ishtar. Fusing their traditions and cultural practices with those of the Ishtarans, the orcs quickly earned a reputation as elite mercenaries, lending their experience as formation fighting experts to the disparate cities of the region.

History

The ancestors of the Shubugal originally lived in eastern Thadria, in a region once primarily inhabited by orcs. As Viridia expanded eastward and human settlements in the area consolidated and grew, however, these orcs began to be pushed out of territory in which they had lived for generations. By the late eighth millennium, after decades of fighting against the states that grew in their lands, the orcs of eastern Thadria had come to the conclusion that their position was untenable. Large migrations began out of the region; over the next four centuries, the majority of orcish clans departed, leaving their homelands behind. Most traveled north past the edge of the Zakros Range, into what would later become Druzda, but some chose other destinations. Those that would eventually become the Shubugal wandered south, crossing the Urra Highlands into Ishtar.

Left aimless and in crisis, many of the orcs began to depart their clans in search of opportunities elsewhere. Quite a few found work as mercenaries, using their years of experience in service to the cities of Ishtar, which were at this point still frequently at war with each other. Impressed by their prowess, the Ishtarans gave the orcs the name "shubugal", or worthy soldiers. Gradually the orcs began to adopt this name as their own, turning it from an exonym into their own term for themselves.

Over the centuries the cultural practices of the Shubugal changed into a form more resembling their modern ways. Carving out a niche for themselves as experts in martial prowess, groups of Shubugal mercenaries leveraged their experience in phalanx, testudo, and other formations to become crucial parts of the armies of Ishtaran cities, feared and respected enough that even the most power-hungry dragons of Ishtar knew better than to fight them. Shubugal traditions shifted and morphed, taking on significant influence from others in Ishtar. At the same time, they consciously maintained many of their oldest practices, continuing to live semi-nomadic lifestyles and worship the gods of their old pantheon.

The Shubugal played an influential role in defending Ishtar against the Viridian conquests under the Sun King, Avus IV. Though too few in number to defend the disorganized cities from the advancing legions of the Dominion, the Shubugal were a significant factor in Viridia's abandonment of its conquests in Y9410^*. Well-trained Shubugal troops harassed the legions during the occupation, striking at Viridian encampments before retreating back into the arid regions between the rivers.

Geographical location

Nearly all Shubugal reside in Ishtar. Clans typically set up seasonal camps in the central regions between River Qaro and River Qes, maintaining a distance from major cities. Individual Shubugal and mercenary warbands are frequently found in the cities, however, finding work or trading before returning to their clan's camps. Outside of Ishtar the Shubugal orcs are quite uncommon, though some have left over the centuries for Druzda, the Arrajan Wilds, the Western Coast, or other nearby parts of the world.

Culture

Religion

Worship of the Orcish pantheon remains strong amongst the Shubugal. Mortuga is elevated above all other gods in Shubugal religious life, with her martial side given particularly great importance. At the same time, Ishtaran religious influence on the Shubugal can be clearly seen. Many Shubugal have been elevated as saints, a phenomenon not typically seen amongst followers of the Orcish pantheon elsewhere.

Architecture and migration

Though many aspects of Shubugal culture have become greatly influenced by broader Ishtaran practices, including their clothing, cuisine, and holidays, they still maintain their traditional semi-sedentary lifestyles. Shubugal clans relocate seasonally, typically between two or more campsites, moving whenever resources in their local area begin to deplete. Most of these campsites are located away from the major cities of Ishtar, within the arid hills and plains between the two rivers. Their relative isolation reinforces their independence, helping to ensure the Shubugal never fall under the direct control of the cities or dragon-lords.

The Shubugal's distinctive bleached white yurt-like tents, constructed of tanned animal hides stretched over semi-circular frames, are large enough to comfortably house extended families. Their decorated exteriors cover spacious and equally elaborate interiors, usually with only thin paper or cloth barriers between different sections of the living area. Despite their size, these tents can be packed up for relocation with relative ease, carried to a new campsite where it will remain for at least the next few months.

Society

Shubugal clans tend to highly value order and loyalty. Younger orcs are expected to attentively follow the instructions of their elders, and a superior's orders in a moment of crisis are to be obeyed without questioning. At the same time, they heavily emphasize the importance of self-reflection and criticism. Those in positions of authority who make poor decisions or give unwise advice are expected to take full responsibility for their actions, making amends or atonement when necessary. To the Shubugal, experience means everything, but all are expected to learn from their mistakes; those who stubbornly refuse to account for their failures quickly find themselves ostracized.

Their emphases on cohesion, responsibility, and duty have been major factors in earning the Shubugal their reputation as renowned soldiers. A significant proportion of most clans end up working as mercenaries at some point in their lives, though even those that do not are still trained in martial ways from a young age. Even if one does not join a phalanx company, the ability to work as part of a tightly honed team is crucial to forming effective hunting parties, defending the campsites, and keeping order within the clan.

Equipment

Shubugal soldiers tend to prefer weapons that extend their reach, particularly spears, sarissas, and polearms. Most have adopted the typical lamellar armor common in Ishtar, though they tend to prefer their armor heavier than is the norm. Dragon hide armor is a particular status symbol amongst the Shubugal, though found less rarely than many outside the clans would expect.