The Wargkesh

Clans have complex hierarchies because of the relationship with orcs and enslavement. One may be able to ‘earn’ their way out of enslavement from the orcs or their own tribe by proving themselves worthy in some manner, usually through some great feat in battle, hunting, or other other valorous actions. Intelligence, talent, or affinity for magic alone do not help one gain freedom unless they prove themselves worthy.

Tattoos, almost always the same color as the wargkesh's eyes, are often applied after great feats. Winning battles, bringing down monstrous prey, rising through the ranks of their society.

They are usually simple, tribal-esque markings made of slashes, dots, and circles, and claw or paw prints. Rarer markings include skulls, suns and crescent moons. See the various roles in 'HIERARCHY' to learn what tattoos are common for what ranks.

Snagaz (slaves) usually have no markings unless they have won great victories in battle.

Sex and gender are considered separate in wargkesh society. The three sexes are male, female, and intersex. However, trans/non-binary genders are recognized as normal. See The Gender Wiki for more terms.

The umbrella term for non-binary genders is Ashul - "One Them," because they are a singular person but also multiple or zero genders.

Intersex (Ashush - "Between Them") Wargkesh often identify as male, female, gender-fluid/bigender (Ashiz - "Both Them"), demi-male (Bur-gism - "Half Man") or demi-female (Gru-gism - "Half Woman"), androgyne/agender (Narbungo - "No Bulge"), or pangender (Ashuk - "All Them"), but there are many, many others recognized by wargkesh society as valid.

Gender roles for specifically male or female wargkesh are unheard of. Intersex individuals that are fertile, however, are a different story.

Intersex Wargkesh Standing in Society:
Intersex wargkesh have varying genitalia that are usually not visibly discernible. Unlike intersex humans and furres, however, intersex wargkesh are almost always fertile with one or both sets of gonads (internal testicles or ovaries). Culturally, they are considered extremely valuable by both other wargkesh and orcs for their reproductive versatility.

The greatest Gratu have all been fertile intersex, thanks to their ability to breed with all other fertile genders, in addition to their greater muscle and fat mass than males. Thusly, intersex wargkesh in general are considered more valuable to the clan.

In general, female and intersex wargkesh are usually slightly taller and much heavier thanks to more muscle and fat mass. This is because it is the wargkesh doing the carrying of cubs that fights for their mate, whether it be a female or intersex wargkesh.

The gender they identify as can be the same as their assigned sex, or they can be transgender, or any number of genders.

Wargkesh both fear and worship the sky beyond their underground home. To them, each star is the spirit of a wargkesh or Dâgalûr-kesh that has been influential enough to be immortalized in the never-ending heavens. By the same token, wargkesh as a culture are terrified of the angry spirits of their ancestors, and other, non-spiritual debris, falling from the sky to strike them down for misdeeds.

With that in mind, Dushûrz paint or tattoo their fur/flesh with dots (stars) and crescents (moons), while Slaium-Thrakulu paint or tattoo half-circles (rising/setting sun) to appease their ancestors' spirits.

Another aspect of wargkesh religion is the veneration of demons, because of the demonic origins of the Dâgalûr-kesh. Wargkesh consider demons to be natural masters and overlords.

Related to this, the sound of 'tch' made by any master is used to call wargkesh or begin hunts. Whistles and clicks are then used to guide the hunt in progress.

Culturally, the larger and sharper the horns and brow spikes are, the more likely the individual is to attract a mate.

Unlike their relatively open outlook on gender, anything besides heterosexuality of the breeding members of wargkesh society is frowned upon. It is not cause for death or banishment to be gay/asexual/have other sexualities, but unfortunately it is expected to at least temporarily find a mate to produce offspring. High-ranking wargkesh and especially exceptional specimens are expected to produce at least two cubs in order to maintain and expand the species.

1. The Dushûrz cuts the palms of each partner with a ceremonial dagger, then presses a thumb of blood between the eyes, bridge of the nose, ear tips, and on the lips of both prospective mates, so that "all you sense is each other."
2. As the partners clasp their bloodied hands, they use their other hand to feed their partner a food item prepared from an ingredient from Uzg-lata, such as soup made from the pods of the stranglair fig (a tree with spindly roots that begins to float in the air after around 5 years of growth attached to another tree), or an omelet made from the eggs of the two-legged mole lizard. This infuses a piece of Uzg-lata into themselves and their partnership inextricably.
3. Then, a prayer or wargkesh/orc wisdom is spoken by the Dushûrz. An example would be "Alone, you are one warrior. Together, you are an army. Never desert your army, and you will always find victory - at least in life." Feel free to make up your own.

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