Durbaghash

Of all of Moria's Orcs, the Durbaghash, or "Firerulers," are the most skilled in the arts of mining and smithcraft. Their symbol, a simple blood-red circlet, betrays their passion for "burning fury." They bear the citclet on their shields and wear it on their foreheads (as a brand), proclaiming themselves as the most obvious host among an unsubtle race. The Fire-rulers reside in the First and Second Deeps, but they seek control over all of Moria's mines and smithhalls. They hope to seize those sites held by their weaker but more numerous Snaga brethren. The Snagahai control the westernmost reaches of the upper and central Deeps; however, they face considerable pressure from the Durbaghash. Moving slowly and steadily westward into Snaga territory, Fire-ruler war-bands systematically slaughter any Snagahai they encounter, collecting food, territory, weaponry, and trinkets. The Durbaghash average about four feet in height and have a grey-black complexion. They carry oval shields and heavy scimitars. War-band chiefs and champions often bear stout spears and falchions and dress in chain armor, but the majority of Fire-rulers travel relatively light. The Durbaghash rely on quick, pitiless strikes to achieve their goals. Led by an unstable, and often deranged Uruk, Maugrath the Pale, they are given to making peculiar and capricious demands and then launching devastating and unpredictable assaults. Their ever-angry, five foot tall Chieftain prefers war as a means of settling disputes and honing the skills of his two hundred and forty Orc fighters. Thirty-six mail-armored, Wolf-riding bodyguards comprise the core of Maugrath's host. Accompanied by a like number of Wargs, they act as the Fire-rulers' elite shock troops. They also keep their fiery brethren in line. Maugrath's ruthless persona and fondness for elaborate sacrificial ceremonies endear him to many of his subjects, but others only respond to the threat of the lash or the prospect of ritual execution. The Durbaghash take prisoners only when they need slaves. Otherwise, they slaughter all of their captives. Some prisoners find their way to the open fire-pits or the dinner table, while others end up a Fire-ruler tribute and suffer their end in the awful care of the heinous Balrog.