5001-HârnWorld/3rd Edition/13

The gargun, or Hârnic orcs, are the most aggressive and barbaric of the intelligent, culture-forming Hârnic species. They are also the most alien, being dramatically distinct from all others in their origin, biology, and society. It is rare for a culture to have no redeeming features, but that of the gargun comes close. They are violent and malevolent, with an almost insane hatred for the Khuzdul. They are carnivorous, even cannibalistic.

The ancestral gargun originated beyond Kethira and first appeared on Hârn in Elkall-Anuz around 110. It has been speculated that Lothrim brought them to Hârn by means of great enchantment to serve as warriors for his burgeoning empire. In any event, they outlived their “creator” and by 250 had spread throughout the island.

The gargun have a reproductive system resembling that of some insects. In each tribe there will be, at most, one fertile female (the queen) and generally only one fertile male (the king). Gargun hatch from gelatinous eggs laid by the queen and kept in dark, humid chambers. Newborn gargun have an extensive racial memory that preserves the customs of the gargun from one generation to the next. A crucial element of their racial memory is an instinct to submit to a clearly superior authority. They will accept the authority of a king, provided he shows an ability to eliminate rivals; any sign of weakness brings immediate revolt, which is inevitably fatal to the tyrant.

Overcrowding in a gargun colony will lead to a bloody civil war or a swarm. Civil wars can kill up to 80% of the population in an uncontrollable orgy of bloodletting, perhaps lasting a mere hour. A swarm occurs when a significant number of males, perhaps 40%, seizes the queen or a princess and escapes to establish a new colony. A swarm can be extremely unpleasant for any settlements or wandering parties in its path.

They are divided onto five sub-species which are unable to interbreed. Each has a distinct language. Gargu-araki (Small or Streaked Orc) are the smallest of the gargun and the most comfortable in the outdoors; they are feared nocturnal predators. Gargu-hyeka (Common or Brown Orc) are the most numerous sub-species and are noted for their cave complexes. Gargu-khanu (Great or Black Orc) are the largest, strongest, and most murderous gargun. Gargu-kyani (White Orc) are the second smallest and the least prone to violence; they live mostly in cave complexes in alpine regions. Gargu-viasal (Red Orc) are similar to the Common Orc but are larger, live in smaller communities, and swarm less frequently.

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