Uruk-Ungingûrz

The Uruk-Ungingurz, "Ores Sowing Steely Death," number no more than four hundred and count no more than three hundred warriors. Nonetheless, the so-called "Urukunai" (B.S. "Death-orcs") are the strongest Yrch in Moria—save those that directly serve the Balrog. They dominate the Black Chasm's upper Levels and frequently exact tribute from both the Durbaghash and the Snagahai below. Being Uruk-hai, or "Greater Orcs," the Uruk-Ungingurz average four and a half feet in height. Their skin is jet black, and their bodies are stout and strong. They favor heavy arms and armor. A typical Urukun warrior wears scale mail or half-plate armor, hobnailed boots, and an elaborate open-faced helm. He carries a pair of melee weapons, one of which is usually of the two-hand variety, and either a short bow or a throwing-axe. (Two-hand scimitars and battle-axes dominate the Death-ore arsenal, along side short swords, common scimitars, and longknives.) About a third of the Uruk-Ungingurz wield pole arms and carry full round-shields. Dark grey escutcheons, the shields are punctuated by red spike-bosses and adorned with circlets of black steel. The circlet is usually fashioned in accord with the Urukun symbol: a thin, self-consuming, serpent-like drake. A rounded cut in the edges of each shield accommodates spears, halberds, and the like, enabling the Death-ores to form shield-walls. Organized in remarkably well-disciplined units, these formations testify to the tribe's refined warcraft and stable political structure. Ufgamog, the Torog (S. "Troll") Warlord of the Uruk-Ungingurz, demands complete allegiance and keeps the entire tribe under his stable yoke. His presence accounts in part for the virtual absence of dissent among his minions. Uruk intelligence and repeated success on the battlefield have both helped underscore Ufgamog's quest for unity and dominance. An Olog Troll-lord, Ufgamog stands nine and a half feet tall. He can break a steel door with a single kick and crush an Ore with one bare fist. Supported by his trusted trio of Torog bodyguards, he is the absolute master of die upper reaches of Moria.