Beliefs of the Great Forest - Revision history

Matt: /* Make Your Pack Heavy */

2026-08-07T15:12:51Z

Make Your Pack Heavy

← Older revision		Revision as of 15:12, 7 August 2026
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	A belief in the self is essential for an orc to pass over the Abyss. The Great Forest sept teach their children to proactively solve problems by themselves. The young are encouraged to take on as much responsibility as they can manage. As they grow older, Great Forest Orcs practice "learning how to forget to doubt" which is a technique in which they try to view the world around them as something that is fundamentally under their control. The goal is to foster a sense of self-belief that any outcome is possible and thereby abandon fear of failure, helplessness and self-doubt.		A belief in the self is essential for an orc to pass over the Abyss. The Great Forest sept teach their children to proactively solve problems by themselves. The young are encouraged to take on as much responsibility as they can manage. As they grow older, Great Forest Orcs practice "learning how to forget to doubt" which is a technique in which they try to view the world around them as something that is fundamentally under their control. The goal is to foster a sense of self-belief that any outcome is possible and thereby abandon fear of failure, helplessness and self-doubt.
	====Make Your Pack Heavy====		====Make Your Pack Heavy====
	Hunters of the Great Forest will often be away from home for days or weeks at a time. When they prepare for a trip, they encourage each other to make their pack heavy. At the simplest level it means making sure you are ready for the trip ahead, that you have everything you need. But what it really expresses is the idea that you should embrace adversity now, while you are well-fed and rested, so that you ~~will~~ can endure adversity when it comes. "Make your pack heavy" is considered to be in opposition to the adage to "forget to doubt".		Hunters of the Great Forest will often be away from home for days or weeks at a time. When they prepare for a trip, they encourage each other to make their pack heavy. At the simplest level it means making sure you are ready for the trip ahead, that you have everything you need. But what it really expresses is the idea that you should embrace adversity now, while you are well-fed and rested, so that you can endure adversity when it comes. "Make your pack heavy" is considered to be in opposition to the adage to "forget to doubt".

	====Start With Your Death====		====Start With Your Death====
	All life is arguably a journey towards death, but the Great Forest Orcs don't fear death, because they know that when they die they can become part of the Great Forest. But they can only achieve this if they ''focus'' on that goal. Great Forest shamans teach their fellows to imagine how they want others to remember them. To think about the way they will be seen by others, the notable achievements they will accomplish, the virtues that they will demonstrate (with virtue here having a different meaning to that the pilgrims of the Way ascribe to it). Each day should be directed to becoming the person you want others to admire - to achieving the deeds you want others to remember.		All life is arguably a journey towards death, but the Great Forest Orcs don't fear death, because they know that when they die they can become part of the Great Forest. But they can only achieve this if they ''focus'' on that goal. Great Forest shamans teach their fellows to imagine how they want others to remember them. To think about the way they will be seen by others, the notable achievements they will accomplish, the virtues that they will demonstrate (with virtue here having a different meaning to that the pilgrims of the Way ascribe to it). Each day should be directed to becoming the person you want others to admire - to achieving the deeds you want others to remember.

Twiggy at 17:13, 20 July 2026

2026-07-20T17:13:20Z

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	Some suspect that the ancestors of a sept like the Druj are somewhere else in the world - linked to places or sites that are important to the Druj. They point out that the Illarawm build great ossuaries of bones that help them to hear their ancestors. Perhaps the Illarawm have found a way to tie their ancestors to the place where they house the bones? Maybe these places have [[worth]], someone suggests. It's an intriguing idea and one on which the Great Forest spiritual scholars are divided.		Some suspect that the ancestors of a sept like the Druj are somewhere else in the world - linked to places or sites that are important to the Druj. They point out that the Illarawm build great ossuaries of bones that help them to hear their ancestors. Perhaps the Illarawm have found a way to tie their ancestors to the place where they house the bones? Maybe these places have [[worth]], someone suggests. It's an intriguing idea and one on which the Great Forest spiritual scholars are divided.

	Ironically when the Illarawm demonstrate the techniques associated with the [[Illarawm#The_Living_Bridge\|Living Bridge]], allowing orcs to hear the ancestors of other septs, that only reinforces their beliefs that ''all'' ancestors probably reside in the Great Forest. In their view it demonstrates that all orc ancestors are in some fundamental way communal. There might be different septs, but ultimately all orcs are part of the same species and their ancestors are the collective ancestors of all orcs. So it is no great leap to ~~unserdtand~~ that they all dwell together in the Great Forest.		Ironically when the Illarawm demonstrate the techniques associated with the [[Illarawm#The_Living_Bridge\|Living Bridge]], allowing orcs to hear the ancestors of other septs, that only reinforces their beliefs that ''all'' ancestors probably reside in the Great Forest. In their view it demonstrates that all orc ancestors are in some fundamental way communal. There might be different septs, but ultimately all orcs are part of the same species and their ancestors are the collective ancestors of all orcs. So it is no great leap to understand that they all dwell together in the Great Forest.

	A few even suggest that maybe the human ancestors reside in the Great Forest as well. What if their idea of a big maze is really just a metaphor for the Great Forest? They brush aside the argument that humans can't hear their ancestors - they are pretty sure that humans must have ancestors, they just don't know how to listen to them. What if centuries of relying on [[liao]] for awareness has left humans so spiritually stunted that they can no longer hear their ancestors? It is clear they have views that are very similar to [[Illarawm#Beliefs\|those of the Illarawm]] - they regard humans as "broken" in some way; that there is something "wrong" with humans and that is why they can't hear their ancestors. That if the orcs could just find a way to "fix" them, then they might no longer be reliant on hallucinogenic drugs to commune with their ancestors.		A few even suggest that maybe the human ancestors reside in the Great Forest as well. What if their idea of a big maze is really just a metaphor for the Great Forest? They brush aside the argument that humans can't hear their ancestors - they are pretty sure that humans must have ancestors, they just don't know how to listen to them. What if centuries of relying on [[liao]] for awareness has left humans so spiritually stunted that they can no longer hear their ancestors? It is clear they have views that are very similar to [[Illarawm#Beliefs\|those of the Illarawm]] - they regard humans as "broken" in some way; that there is something "wrong" with humans and that is why they can't hear their ancestors. That if the orcs could just find a way to "fix" them, then they might no longer be reliant on hallucinogenic drugs to commune with their ancestors.

Rafferty: /* From the Ilarawm */

2026-07-20T16:17:05Z

From the Ilarawm

← Older revision		Revision as of 16:17, 20 July 2026
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	Obviously, these emissaries are not doctrinal scholars, and the decision is not theirs to make. Several have expressed the hope that recent developments in the Synod - the commitment of the Navarr to [[386YE_Spring_Equinox_Synod_judgements#Judgement_56\|stand by their allies]] in the Great Forest in particular - will mean there is further opportunity to increase Imperial understanding of these allied orcs.		Obviously, these emissaries are not doctrinal scholars, and the decision is not theirs to make. Several have expressed the hope that recent developments in the Synod - the commitment of the Navarr to [[386YE_Spring_Equinox_Synod_judgements#Judgement_56\|stand by their allies]] in the Great Forest in particular - will mean there is further opportunity to increase Imperial understanding of these allied orcs.

	==From the ~~Ilarawm~~==		==From the Illarawm==
	<div style="float: right; max-width: 300px; margin-left: 10px;">[[File:Illarawm.png]]</div>		<div style="float: right; max-width: 300px; margin-left: 10px;">[[File:Illarawm.png]]</div>
	===This Place===		===This Place===

Rafferty: /* From the Ilarawm */

2026-07-20T16:16:49Z

From the Ilarawm

← Older revision		Revision as of 16:16, 20 July 2026
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	==From the Ilarawm==		==From the Ilarawm==
			<div style="float: right; max-width: 300px; margin-left: 10px;">[[File:Illarawm.png]]</div>
	===This Place===		===This Place===
	* '''The Great Forest sept believe their spirits literally join with the Great Forest rather than passing over to an imagined afterlife		* '''The Great Forest sept believe their spirits literally join with the Great Forest rather than passing over to an imagined afterlife
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	The experience produces no great insight - the Great Forest and the ancestors the mystagogue hears have little to say that their hosts have not already shared. Still it is a numinous experience, and somewhat awe-inspiring for a member of the Illarawm who seek to "hear" as many ancestors as possible.		The experience produces no great insight - the Great Forest and the ancestors the mystagogue hears have little to say that their hosts have not already shared. Still it is a numinous experience, and somewhat awe-inspiring for a member of the Illarawm who seek to "hear" as many ancestors as possible.

	==Further Reading==		==Further Reading==
	* [[Great Forest Orcs]]		* [[Great Forest Orcs]]

	* [[All I ask of you]] - 388YE Summer wind of fortune detailing the Unshackled approach to the Great Forest Orcs		* [[All I ask of you]] - 388YE Summer wind of fortune detailing the Unshackled approach to the Great Forest Orcs

Rafferty at 16:16, 20 July 2026

2026-07-20T16:16:14Z

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	===The Way It Is===		===The Way It Is===
	* '''The Illarawm attempt to hear the voices of the Great Forest Orc ancestors is a mixed success		* '''The Illarawm attempt to hear the voices of the Great Forest Orc ancestors is a mixed success
	When the Illarawm explain they would like to form a bridge to the Great Forest Orc ancestor, it spurs much discussion among their hosts, but eventually agreement is forthcoming to let them try. The group travel together to the [[The_Barrens#Eaves_of_Peytaht\|Eaves of Peytaht]] the huge [[weirwood]] grove that is part of the much larger [[Forest of Peytaht]]. It is often said that the Heart of Peytaht is cursed in some manner - possessed by some dark spirit that watches from between the trees and pressed on the unwelcome traveller. The Illarawm inquire about this, but the Great Forest Orcs won't be drawn on the details. They say only that is is not only orcs who are entwined with the Great Forest as they are. They confirm that there is a will somewhere within Peytaht, something they refer to only as the Presence. It will not harm those who are the guests of the Great Forest Orcs, they say - as a result of ancient bargains and understanding between the Presence and the Great Forest orcs - but to come here as an invader would be exceedingly dangerous. Luckily, they are clear that they trust the Imperial Orcs, even if they don't fully trust the rest of the Empire.		When the Illarawm explain they would like to form a bridge to the Great Forest Orc ancestor, it spurs much discussion among their hosts, but eventually agreement is forthcoming to let them try. The group travel together to the [[The_Barrens#Eaves_of_Peytaht\|Eaves of Peytaht]] the huge [[weirwood]] grove that is part of the much larger [[Great Forest of Peytaht]]. It is often said that the Heart of Peytaht is cursed in some manner - possessed by some dark spirit that watches from between the trees and pressed on the unwelcome traveller. The Illarawm inquire about this, but the Great Forest Orcs won't be drawn on the details. They say only that is is not only orcs who are entwined with the Great Forest as they are. They confirm that there is a will somewhere within Peytaht, something they refer to only as the Presence. It will not harm those who are the guests of the Great Forest Orcs, they say - as a result of ancient bargains and understanding between the Presence and the Great Forest orcs - but to come here as an invader would be exceedingly dangerous. Luckily, they are clear that they trust the Imperial Orcs, even if they don't fully trust the rest of the Empire.

	The weirwood groves here are especially important to the Great Forest Orcs, and it is notable that the feeling of being intensely watched falls away here - this unseen Presence seems to be unable to penetrate these ancient boughs. Their own shamans can often hear their ancestors, even outside the Great Forest, but here, at the beating heart of Peytaht is where the voices of the ancestors are loudest. If the Illarawm have a hope to hear their ancestors then it should be here. At the request of the Illarawm mystagogues, ''Chief Vallack'', the leader of the Great Forest Orcs has given the mystagogue the name of one of his ancestors, his great grandfather, ''Chief Horbin''. According to Vallack, his forebear speaks to him often, offering advice and encouragement especially when things are at their most difficult.		The weirwood groves here are especially important to the Great Forest Orcs, and it is notable that the feeling of being intensely watched falls away here - this unseen Presence seems to be unable to penetrate these ancient boughs. Their own shamans can often hear their ancestors, even outside the Great Forest, but here, at the beating heart of Peytaht is where the voices of the ancestors are loudest. If the Illarawm have a hope to hear their ancestors then it should be here. At the request of the Illarawm mystagogues, ''Chief Vallack'', the leader of the Great Forest Orcs has given the mystagogue the name of one of his ancestors, his great grandfather, ''Chief Horbin''. According to Vallack, his forebear speaks to him often, offering advice and encouragement especially when things are at their most difficult.

Rafferty at 16:15, 20 July 2026

2026-07-20T16:15:22Z

Show changes

Hailmur at 13:09, 1 July 2026

2026-07-01T13:09:33Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 13:09, 1 July 2026
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	[[Category:Great Forest Orcs]][[Category:Religion]]		[[Category:Great Forest Orcs]][[Category:Religion]]
	<div ~~style="float:left; width: 500px; clear: left;"~~>{{CaptionedImage\|file=Biogradska suma.jpg\|align=left\|caption=The orcs of the Great Forest believe that it once stretched across the whole of what is now the Empire and the Mallum.\|width=500}}</div>		<div {{floatleft}}>{{CaptionedImage\|file=Biogradska suma.jpg\|align=left\|caption=The orcs of the Great Forest believe that it once stretched across the whole of what is now the Empire and the Mallum.\|width=500}}</div>
	==Introduction==		==Introduction==
	During the Autumn Equinox 385YE, the Assembly of Pride took advantage of [[Tooth_by_tooth#Pride_and_Prejudice\|an opportunity]] to send missionaries and [[wayfarer\|wayfarers]] to other nations that did not share their understanding of the Way - not to convert them, but to increase the Empire's understanding of their beliefs. Their [[mandate]] was [[385YE_Autumn_Equinox_Synod_judgements#Judgement_26\|enacted by]] Neala Blackhawk, who encouraged priests versed in Pride to visit the Great Forest Orcs. The timing seems propitious, given the Navarr and the orcs were working together to [[Ripples_and_shadows#Eaves_of_Peytaht\|recover their homes]] in the [[the Barrens#Eaves of Peytaht\|Eaves of Peytaht]]. Unfortunately, events quickly spiralled out of control when news of what had happened at [[Ripples_and_shadows#Hope's_Rest\|Hope's Rest]], and later [[Ripples_and_shadows#Black_Wind\|among the Black Wind]] reached them.		During the Autumn Equinox 385YE, the Assembly of Pride took advantage of [[Tooth_by_tooth#Pride_and_Prejudice\|an opportunity]] to send missionaries and [[wayfarer\|wayfarers]] to other nations that did not share their understanding of the Way - not to convert them, but to increase the Empire's understanding of their beliefs. Their [[mandate]] was [[385YE_Autumn_Equinox_Synod_judgements#Judgement_26\|enacted by]] '''Neala Blackhawk''', who encouraged priests versed in Pride to visit the Great Forest Orcs. The timing seems propitious, given the Navarr and the orcs were working together to [[Ripples_and_shadows#Eaves_of_Peytaht\|recover their homes]] in the [[the Barrens#Eaves of Peytaht\|Eaves of Peytaht]]. Unfortunately, events quickly spiralled out of control when news of what had happened at [[Ripples_and_shadows#Hope's_Rest\|Hope's Rest]], and later [[Ripples_and_shadows#Black_Wind\|among the Black Wind]] reached them.

	The priests visiting the Great Forest Orcs were able to increase their understanding of the Great Forest Orcs spiritual beliefs before events overtook them and what began in celebration ended in anger and fear. Apparently Chief Vallack has instructed his people to have no more discussion of spiritual matters for fear that the Empire use their beliefs and traditions as justification to declare them heretics.		The priests visiting the Great Forest Orcs were able to increase their understanding of the Great Forest Orcs spiritual beliefs before events overtook them and what began in celebration ended in anger and fear. Apparently Chief Vallack has instructed his people to have no more discussion of spiritual matters for fear that the Empire use their beliefs and traditions as justification to declare them heretics.

Wrenna: /* Spirits and Trees */

2026-05-18T14:15:26Z

Spirits and Trees

← Older revision		Revision as of 14:15, 18 May 2026
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	It's clear that the orcs of the Great Forest have been discussing the Way with our people – both their neighbours in Therunin and with people from many other nations while walking the [[trods]]. Their general consensus is that it has little to interest them, being primarily concerned with the souls of humans. Interestingly, however, they don't deny the value of the virtues although they don't enumerate and distinguish between them the way Imperial citizens do. Rather they have a small number of teachings that lay out a route by which they might seek to avoid the [[Imperial_Orcs_religious_beliefs#The_Howling_Abyss\|Howling Abyss]] - although their conception of it is different to that of the [[Imperial Orcs]]. These teachings are very close that what the Empire would consider [[Wisdom]], [[Vigilance]], and [[Loyalty]] in particular.		It's clear that the orcs of the Great Forest have been discussing the Way with our people – both their neighbours in Therunin and with people from many other nations while walking the [[trods]]. Their general consensus is that it has little to interest them, being primarily concerned with the souls of humans. Interestingly, however, they don't deny the value of the virtues although they don't enumerate and distinguish between them the way Imperial citizens do. Rather they have a small number of teachings that lay out a route by which they might seek to avoid the [[Imperial_Orcs_religious_beliefs#The_Howling_Abyss\|Howling Abyss]] - although their conception of it is different to that of the [[Imperial Orcs]]. These teachings are very close that what the Empire would consider [[Wisdom]], [[Vigilance]], and [[Loyalty]] in particular.
	==Spirits and Trees==		==Spirits and Trees==
	When the Great Forest Orcs ~~fist~~ came to the Empire as refugees, there was a belief that they believed in “invisible spirits” that live in the forest and protect them from the Howling Abyss. The main breakthrough in recent discussions was regarding the nature of these spirits.		When the Great Forest Orcs first came to the Empire as refugees, there was a belief that they believed in “invisible spirits” that live in the forest and protect them from the Howling Abyss. The main breakthrough in recent discussions was regarding the nature of these spirits.

	Unlike the Imperial Orcs, and many of the other septs the Empire is familiar with, the Great Forest Orcs do not believe that their ancestors “cross” the Howling Abyss. They do not believe in the concept of a world beyond this one; for the orcs of the Great Forest only the material world exists. They do believe that the world has spiritual aspects that cannot be understood by any living mortal, however. Speaking with some of their [[Shamans\|shaman]] can apparently be a challenging experience because they employ a great deal of metaphor and symbolism. One of the priests involved in discussion, a mystic from distant Wintermark, apparently had some success teasing out these symbols and did good work exploring their parables and proverbs.		Unlike the Imperial Orcs, and many of the other septs the Empire is familiar with, the Great Forest Orcs do not believe that their ancestors “cross” the Howling Abyss. They do not believe in the concept of a world beyond this one; for the orcs of the Great Forest only the material world exists. They do believe that the world has spiritual aspects that cannot be understood by any living mortal, however. Speaking with some of their [[Shamans\|shaman]] can apparently be a challenging experience because they employ a great deal of metaphor and symbolism. One of the priests involved in discussion, a mystic from distant Wintermark, apparently had some success teasing out these symbols and did good work exploring their parables and proverbs.

Dre at 10:41, 30 June 2024

2024-06-30T10:41:14Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 10:41, 30 June 2024
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	<div style="float:left; width: 500px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage\|file=Biogradska suma.jpg\|align=left\|caption=The orcs of the Great Forest believe that it once stretched across the whole of what is now the Empire and the Mallum.\|width=500}}</div>		<div style="float:left; width: 500px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage\|file=Biogradska suma.jpg\|align=left\|caption=The orcs of the Great Forest believe that it once stretched across the whole of what is now the Empire and the Mallum.\|width=500}}</div>
	==Introduction==		==Introduction==
	During the Autumn Equinox 385YE, the Assembly of Pride took advantage of [[Tooth_by_tooth#Pride_and_Prejudice\|an opportunity]] to send missionaries and [[wayfarer\|wayfarers]] to other nations that did not share their understanding of the Way - not to ~~covert~~ them, but to increase the Empire's understanding of their beliefs. Their [[mandate]] was [[385YE_Autumn_Equinox_Synod_judgements#Judgement_26\|enacted by]] Neala Blackhawk, who encouraged priests versed in Pride to visit the Great Forest Orcs. The timing seems propitious, given the Navarr and the orcs were working together to [[Ripples_and_shadows#Eaves_of_Peytaht\|recover their homes]] in the [[the Barrens#Eaves of Peytaht\|Eaves of Peytaht]]. Unfortunately, events quickly spiralled out of control when news of what had happened at [[Ripples_and_shadows#Hope's_Rest\|Hope's Rest]], and later [[Ripples_and_shadows#Black_Wind\|among the Black Wind]] reached them.		During the Autumn Equinox 385YE, the Assembly of Pride took advantage of [[Tooth_by_tooth#Pride_and_Prejudice\|an opportunity]] to send missionaries and [[wayfarer\|wayfarers]] to other nations that did not share their understanding of the Way - not to convert them, but to increase the Empire's understanding of their beliefs. Their [[mandate]] was [[385YE_Autumn_Equinox_Synod_judgements#Judgement_26\|enacted by]] Neala Blackhawk, who encouraged priests versed in Pride to visit the Great Forest Orcs. The timing seems propitious, given the Navarr and the orcs were working together to [[Ripples_and_shadows#Eaves_of_Peytaht\|recover their homes]] in the [[the Barrens#Eaves of Peytaht\|Eaves of Peytaht]]. Unfortunately, events quickly spiralled out of control when news of what had happened at [[Ripples_and_shadows#Hope's_Rest\|Hope's Rest]], and later [[Ripples_and_shadows#Black_Wind\|among the Black Wind]] reached them.

	The priests visiting the Great Forest Orcs were able to increase their understanding of the Great Forest Orcs spiritual beliefs before events overtook them and what began in celebration ended in anger and fear. Apparently Chief Vallack has instructed his people to have no more discussion of spiritual matters for fear that the Empire use their beliefs and traditions as justification to declare them heretics.		The priests visiting the Great Forest Orcs were able to increase their understanding of the Great Forest Orcs spiritual beliefs before events overtook them and what began in celebration ended in anger and fear. Apparently Chief Vallack has instructed his people to have no more discussion of spiritual matters for fear that the Empire use their beliefs and traditions as justification to declare them heretics.

Noserenda: /* Spirits and Trees */

2024-06-27T18:59:35Z

Spirits and Trees

← Older revision		Revision as of 18:59, 27 June 2024
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	Unlike the Imperial Orcs, and many of the other septs the Empire is familiar with, the Great Forest Orcs do not believe that their ancestors “cross” the Howling Abyss. They do not believe in the concept of a world beyond this one; for the orcs of the Great Forest only the material world exists. They do believe that the world has spiritual aspects that cannot be understood by any living mortal, however. Speaking with some of their [[Shamans\|shaman]] can apparently be a challenging experience because they employ a great deal of metaphor and symbolism. One of the priests involved in discussion, a mystic from distant Wintermark, apparently had some success teasing out these symbols and did good work exploring their parables and proverbs.		Unlike the Imperial Orcs, and many of the other septs the Empire is familiar with, the Great Forest Orcs do not believe that their ancestors “cross” the Howling Abyss. They do not believe in the concept of a world beyond this one; for the orcs of the Great Forest only the material world exists. They do believe that the world has spiritual aspects that cannot be understood by any living mortal, however. Speaking with some of their [[Shamans\|shaman]] can apparently be a challenging experience because they employ a great deal of metaphor and symbolism. One of the priests involved in discussion, a mystic from distant Wintermark, apparently had some success teasing out these symbols and did good work exploring their parables and proverbs.

	It is reasonably well know that the Great Forest Orcs conceive of the "Great Forest" as being an immense ~~primaeval~~ woodland that once stretched across all of what is today the Empire and the Mallum. They've spoken of this before, and part of their reason for travelling the trods was to "reconnect" with pockets of this ancient woodland they say still exists especially in the wild woods of [[Varushka]]. The "Great Forest" is also apparently manifest in any number of [[weirwood]] groves, and the orcs have several times demonstrated a particular facility for working with the towering trees.		It is reasonably well know that the Great Forest Orcs conceive of the "Great Forest" as being an immense primeval woodland that once stretched across all of what is today the Empire and the Mallum. They've spoken of this before, and part of their reason for travelling the trods was to "reconnect" with pockets of this ancient woodland they say still exists especially in the wild woods of [[Varushka]]. The "Great Forest" is also apparently manifest in any number of [[weirwood]] groves, and the orcs have several times demonstrated a particular facility for working with the towering trees.

	The belief in the Great Forest leads them to believe that the Howling Abyss is a consequence of the destruction of that forest; that it lies in the gaps between the remaining woodlands and as they widen the Abyss becomes more potent. After death, the Howling Abyss will seek to consume their spirits. Those who are strong enough to resist will remain in the world, and become part of the spirit of the Great Forest. They conceive of this state as being part of a grand gestalt of every Great Forest Orc ancestor. Unlike many other orcs, those of the Great Forest don't usually differentiate the voices they hear as belonging to one ancestor or another. Rather they think of them all as being the voice of the Great Forest. A chorus of voices, made up of all who have gone before who had the willpower and “silence of the soul” to resist the Howling Abyss.		The belief in the Great Forest leads them to believe that the Howling Abyss is a consequence of the destruction of that forest; that it lies in the gaps between the remaining woodlands and as they widen the Abyss becomes more potent. After death, the Howling Abyss will seek to consume their spirits. Those who are strong enough to resist will remain in the world, and become part of the spirit of the Great Forest. They conceive of this state as being part of a grand gestalt of every Great Forest Orc ancestor. Unlike many other orcs, those of the Great Forest don't usually differentiate the voices they hear as belonging to one ancestor or another. Rather they think of them all as being the voice of the Great Forest. A chorus of voices, made up of all who have gone before who had the willpower and “silence of the soul” to resist the Howling Abyss.