I plan to make this a series of questions to avoid being overly broad. Each question will address a particular fantasy species ("race" in RPG terms).
The traits will be based on the content included in this question, though the traits can also be found in this question, which lists all of the races: Medieval politics with fantasy races
World Concept: Similar to the Percy Jackson or Harry Potter series I am envisioning a world within a world.
- Modern day setting
- Fantasy races live in secret
- An as yet undefined force/magic impairs humans when they interact with magical races/activity
Other questions in the Series:
- Finding real world historic examples of cultures/organizations/tribes to represent Elves
- Phonecians will be playing the role of elves in this world
My request: I am looking for peoples/cultures/tribes from the real world that no longer exist. The idea here is that x, y, z tribes that based on real world history ceased to functionally exist were actually comprised of a fantasy race passing as human. For example: The Phonecians of this world were actually elves of the magical world.
- In the past, fantasy races openly existed alongside humans
- Many conflicts we study from the past were actually conflicts between fantasy races/humans
- At some point magic was used to divide the human/fantasy worlds
- For this question I am specifically interested in Orcs. Your answer should provide a historic group or groups that best fit the constraints of the question and provide supporting evidence as to why it is a good answer.
Constraints:
- The real world tribe/culture (RWTC) needs to be from Europe/Asia/Africa
- The RWTC should have ceased to exist between 1500 BCE and 1500 CE. They can have been destroyed in battle or absorbed into a larger culture or option 3 (whatever explanation is relevant.)
- Should meet, as well as possible, the traits defined below (obviously some are magical and aren't possible in humans; I'm looking for compatibility, not exact matches):
Orcs:
- Orcs are big and value strength, they share a lifespan in common to humans
- Their society is tribal, with a war chief being chosen based on combat and feats of strength.
- Most tribes are nomadic but some are not
- This practice leads the orcs into conflict with other races as young orcs (both male and female) must prove themselves in battle to gain honor, find a mate and for a chance at power.
- Orcs as a race virtually never band together and regularly fight with neighboring tribes be they orc or not.
- Orcs tend to distrust gnomes and dwarves whose small stature leads to a belief that they are sneaky and underhanded.
- Orcs respect humans and elves mainly due to the wars they have fought with the two races
- Few orcs are capable of using magic, those that do become shaman and are revered...until they are sacrificed to the gods at age 30.-
Additional new trait for the Orcs:
Orcs live by a strict code of honor. The code addresses battle; how to deal with enemies, treatment of the dead, respect for honorable opponents etc and ritual combat which mainly deals with identifying a chieftain.
Gender roles among orcs were never traditionally defined. Male and female orcs alike are expected to gain honor in combat and may gain power/leadership.
Needs to have lived in an area within or bordering the Mediterranean since conflict with the elves will have been a part of the history. The RWTC in question does NOT need to have existed side by side with the Phoenicians.