Imperial Orcs hearth magic

Symbols

Symbols as marks of identity and loyalty are culturally important to Imperial Orcs, but they are also a form of hearth magic. Symbols are used to bind people together, and can be used to strengthen magic that affects groups of people. Imperial Orcs dislike uniformity, so the symbols they use are rarely identical in size and shape; what is important is the thematic image and implied unity. The power of the hearth magic lies in the repetition of the symbolic meaning, rather than in the shape and colour.

The hearth magic of symbols can also be used to create or enforce identity. For orcs, the decision to adopt a symbol is never taken lightly because they know that wearing the symbols of others creates bonds that work to encourage loyalty and unity.

Worth

Imperial Orcs believe that items have worth based on their history and deeds, how they have passed from one owner to the next and how they have been used. Worth is important in to the ancestors, but it is also an effective hearth magic because the item can influence the owner as much as the owner influences the item. As items gain worth, they pass the essence of that power on to their wielder. A sword used to perform courageous deeds helps the bearer be courageous; a sword used to perform cowardly backstabbing encourage the wielder to be a cowardly backstabber.

This means that the orcs believe that some items with worth are better off being destroyed. An example might be the crown of Alderei the Fair - nobody can deny it has worth but that worth is tainted and corrupt because of the terrible deeds it was part of. Anyone who takes that item runs the risk of becoming cruel and tyrannical.