When the Republic of Nelmachh invaded the Scéäduwë, it did not run into as many difficulties containing the orcs that it had anticipated. Initially, a few tribes fought fiercely, with the expected slaughter of the tribes by the Nelmachhian forces, but the remaining orcish tribes were eventually won over to the side of the Republic through the efforts and leadership of Sir Tristan Scarknuckles IX.
Sir Tristan was the scion of a long line of near-hereditary constables of the small Nelmacchian town of N'Alyns. In the advance through the Scéäduwë, Sir Tristan drew a body of orcs to him and eventually subdued the rest by defeating their chieftains in single combat. His heroics turned the tide of the invasion irrevocably in favor of the Republican forces.
Orcs are now full citizens of the Republic, a fact which rankles many of the devoted Scéäduwëans who remain outside the Republican circles of power. While the orcish tribes are still fairly chaotic, they have adjusted well to the regimented military life within the Republican army. The orcs now serve as a single, massive cadre of fiercely loyal fighters in the Grand Army of the Republic, calling themselves "Tristan's Terrors". It remains a point of pride with the orcish tribes that Tristan's Terrors always do well in the various war games/maneuvers with the Republic and the Scéäduwëan armies.
Despite the fact that they form a single cadre within the army, some comflicts between various tribes (companies, really) remain, but these are sorted out internally within the cadre.
With the recent passing of his father, young Sir Tristan Scarknuckles X serves as the regimental commander of Tristan's Terrors, as well as taking his father's place in the War Council. Rumors abound that he is being groomed by the Republic for generalship. His de facto chieftainship of the orcs remains a formality which should soon be made official.
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