Lorb's Clan

Overview

Lorb's Clan is a highly mobile orc faction led by the warmonger Lorb, now serving as shock troops for The Entropy Shepherd. Distinguished by their extreme mobility and minimal infrastructure, they represent a stark contrast to more settled orc groups like Kovat and operate as professional military forces rather than traditional nomadic traders.

Characteristics

Highly Mobile: Lorb's Clan is described as "much more agile" than other orc groups, prioritizing speed and flexibility over comfort or permanence.

Minimal Housing: Unlike Kovat's large yurts and semi-permanent structures, Lorb's Clan travels with minimal equipment and temporary shelters.

Constantly on the Move: The clan never stays in one place long, making them difficult to track or predict.

Always Where the Drama Is: Lorb's Clan has a reputation for appearing wherever conflict arises, suggesting both excellent intelligence gathering and opportunistic positioning.

Military Focus

Warmonger Tradition: Under Lorb's leadership, the clan has always been more focused on warfare than trade, unlike typical orc economic opportunism.

Profiteering from Conflict: While engaging in war, Lorb's Clan also profits from it, maintaining some elements of traditional orc economic practices.

Professional Soldiers: The clan functions more like a mercenary company or professional army than a traditional nomadic tribe.

Hit-and-Run Tactics: Their mobility suggests specialization in raids, ambushes, reconnaissance, and rapid deployment operations.

Relationship to Kovat

Cultural Contrast: Where Kovat represents semi-nomadic stability with textile production and established camps, Lorb's Clan represents pure mobility and military focus.

Different Priorities: Kovat orcs value community and production; Lorb's Clan values speed and combat effectiveness.

Shared Heritage: Despite differences, both are orc clans with connections to broader orc culture and traditions.

Potential Rivalry: The different approaches to orc lifestyle may create tension or rivalry between the groups.

Service to The Entropy Shepherd

General's Forces: Lorb's Clan now serves as military forces under Lorb's command as one of The Entropy Shepherd's generals.

Shock Troops: The clan functions as mobile strike forces, capable of rapid deployment to wherever the Shepherd needs military pressure.

"Turned to the Dark Side": The entire clan followed Lorb into service with the Shepherd, indicating either strong loyalty to their leader or widespread corruption.

Intact Organization: Unlike The Mob's psychotic disorganization, Lorb's Clan maintains its coherent military structure while serving the Shepherd.

Tactical Role

Mobile Response Force: Can quickly deploy to emerging threats or opportunities, providing the Shepherd with flexible military options.

Reconnaissance: Their mobility makes them ideal for scouting, intelligence gathering, and monitoring enemy movements.

Raids and Ambushes: Specialize in hit-and-run attacks rather than prolonged sieges or direct confrontation.

Pursuit Forces: Can chase down fleeing enemies or intercept targets trying to escape the Shepherd's influence.

Connection to Kurg

Personal Bond: Kurg's female cousin married into Lorb's Clan and was someone Kurg was very close to growing up.

Emotional Leverage: The Entropy Shepherd used this connection to forge a bond with Kurg, creating emotional manipulation through family ties.

Potential Confrontation: Kurg may eventually face his cousin and her clan-mates in combat, creating dramatic personal stakes.

Family Under Control: Kurg's cousin is now part of the forces serving the Shepherd, whether willingly or through corruption/coercion.

Comparison to Other Orc Groups

Versus Kovat: More mobile and military-focused vs. more settled and production-focused.

Versus Traditional Orcs: Abandons some trading aspects in favor of pure warfare focus.

Versus Memory Circle: Unknown if Lorb's Clan has adopted Memory Circle theology or operates under different beliefs.

Current Status

Alignment: Fully aligned with The Entropy Shepherd as general's forces
Location: Mobile, wherever Lorb deploys them
Status: Active military force conducting operations for the Shepherd
Organization: Intact clan structure functioning as organized army

Strategic Threat

Unpredictable Positioning: Their mobility makes them hard to anticipate or avoid.

Professional Soldiers: Unlike corrupted mobs or entropy creatures, Lorb's Clan brings actual military competence.

Leadership: Lorb's experience as warmonger provides tactical expertise to the Shepherd's forces.

Speed of Response: Can arrive at critical locations before the Fellowship expects opposition.

Unknown Details

• How large is Lorb's Clan in terms of numbers?
• What specific equipment or tactics do they favor?
• Are they corrupted by entropy or simply allied with the Shepherd?
• How did Lorb convince or force the entire clan to follow him into the Shepherd's service?
• What role did Kurg's cousin play in this transition?
• Do they maintain traditional orc reincarnation beliefs or have they adopted new ideology?

Campaign Significance

Lorb's Clan represents The Entropy Shepherd's ability to corrupt or recruit organized military forces, not just individuals or mobs. Their contrast with Kovat shows different orc responses to the crisis - some seeking stability and theological answers, others embracing warfare and mobility. The personal connection to Kurg ensures Lorb's Clan will eventually create dramatic confrontation for the Fellowship.