Warlocks

“Degenerates and mad fools, that is what they are. Living in the darkness of their lodges, developing new secret phrases and speaking of ancient, useless lore in whispers. The only reason they continue to exist is because a single one of them can turn a battalion of dwarves into a red mass of flame and screaming.” -Orcish Warlord on Warlocks

“You mistake us, slave. We do not worship demons. Demons worship us.” -Orcish Daemon on Orcish Religion

Orcish religion and magic authorities are unique, being separate entities. Orcs have two faiths combined into one generalized religion, one which worships the seasons and nature, the other which delves into the mysteries of magic no matter how dark or debased it is. How these two forms of theology intertwine is considered difficult to fully understand, considering that shamans and warlocks despise one another deeply. However, much of the tolerance of warlocks comes from individual warlords and warchiefs, most of whom will give patronage to warlocks and their students in return for aid in wars and using their magic, similar to the system that the Beastfolk use with recluse liches.

Orcs did not bring Demonology to Kevica, but they certainly did bring a mastery of it which terrified the early elves, and fascinated their nobility. Demonology is often considered a weak and terrible school of magic for most, the spellcraft being far more draining for spells who have equal effect to any evocation. Due to the rise and fall of warlocks such as Gabool Tosh, demons can no longer even be summoned onto Faian. Orcish warlocks thus often hold up in dark and foreboding places to prevent others from disturbing their work, using rituals and divination schools of their magic to bring about doom and curses upon the foes of their patrons. These lodges are found across many Orcish societies, often considered deeply isolated from much of society.

In warlock lodges, individual strength and power is encouraged, creating a culture of brutal competition and murderous comradery. Cliques form in these authorities, often dangerously meant to overpower and overthrow their own masters to make sure the strongest mage always comes out on top. The most powerful warlocks become known as Daemons, rich and skilled demonologists who purposefully go out into the world alone without students or a lodge to call home to become magical warlords to found places for which new lodges will spring up after their life passes on. Daemons are known for their deep knowledge of darker forms of magic, and their creativity of turning even basic spellwork into becoming cruel torture.