Kartur-Hhakral

Besnurk was founded four hundred years ago, after the battle that crushed the Strendur Rebellion. Built on the battle site, the stronghold proudly displayed the skull of the rebel leader in the main square, and the stronghold came to be the site where the Kartur's greatest battle trophies are displayed. These are still on view to visitors, though the orcs are embarrassed that there are have been few recent additions.

Many expect that if Virten were ever invaded, attack would come from the Orken Coast, not from The Long White, and so young warriors are keen to be stationed here, in the hopes that a war will come and that they will then be in the vanguard of the fighting. But an invasion has never materialised, and early eagerness can turn to frustration.

Neighboured by human and elven strongholds, Famak Baracks is the most cosmopolitan of the Kartur bases. The orcs have even taken to playing up to their varied visitors, and have opened up their drills as public displays where outsiders can watch their formation exercises and demonstrations of individual weapon skills.

Fytorj Barracks is the official residence of the High Commander of the Kartur-Hhakral, but there is nothing here to show that the stronghold has any particular significance. Beautifying the site or glorifying the High Commander, would have no military value, and so visitors will find the barracks to be just as sturdy, ugly, dour and uncultured as any other Kartur stronghold.

The Kartur's wisest warriors recommend Gruntak Barracks as a posting. The rugged scenery inspires the orcish heart, and the quiet location makes it perfect for focused training. But within marching distance there are cultists to hunt in the north and undead to slay in Silbeaur, and so Kartur warbands fan out daily across the lands, looking for a taste of blood.

The commanders of Nderurk boast of the exploits of their warriors on Arctic Warfare Training. Orcs see through the euphemism, understanding that Training missions are just excuses to travel to The Long White and kill things - to hunt animals, to skirmish with the Free Orcs... but to satisfy the human rulers of Virten they persist with the pretence that such forays are purely educational.

Syguj Barracks is the most hated posting for Virten's orcish defenders. There is nothing for miles but quiet farmlands and pretty woodlands. Nothing to fight, no threats, no glory. But it was the first Barracks to be established, five hundred years ago, and its defences are impregnable, so the commanders have no intention of abandoning it.

Trimek Barracks is the main training centre for the Kartur, and all new recruits come here for three years before their first real posting. The streets throng with eager students of violence, and their youthful bloodlust gives the town an energy that can be inspiring, or terrifying, or sickening, depending on the visitor's perspective.

Many of the Kartur's finest weapon-masters have made their home in this mountain retreat, and young warriors often seek permission to travel here, to seek out these masters, to hone their skills under their elders' tutelage. Focused on study and training, Zgudun is unusually quiet for an orc stronghold.