The Ashdurbúk (Or. "Sole Ruler") was the High Chieftain or King of the Orcs of the North, as well as the Lord of Gundabad, the holy northern capital of their fell kind. The occupants of this seat were traditionally of the lineage of Skorg, a General of Sauron and a scion of one of the less reputed captains of Morgoth: Mukarg. Effectively governing all the assembled northern tribes, the Ashdurbúks demanded a constant flow of tribute from their subjects through displays of brute force rather than commitment, sanctioned the conflicts waged against the Free Peoples to fuel the Orcs's ravenous appetite for bloodshed and plunder and managed the relationships with the outside world. Though cruelty, political toying and strength were all traits that ensured the Ashdurbúks held the reins, the blessing of the Dark Lord was also needed, for in truth these despots were but ambitious regents of his singular irresistible will and still paid him homage, whether honest or not and in secret or in open; they were usually a component of the Black Council. They were the usual keepers of the profane evil gem known as the Ûlukai and also supervised the religious rituals that took place within the confines of Mount Gundabad.
Following the first overthrowing of Sauron, the Ashdurbúks became regental leaders in the North in his name and eventually fell back under the covert command of the Dark Lord while he was regaining his spent strength later in Dol Guldur. Though the position briefly outlived the Downfall of Sauron, the death of Gorgar at the hands of the Cold-drake Hrimil signified the end of the Ashdurbúks.
The Ashdurbúk was also referred to as: Regent in the North, Lord of the North or King of the Tribes of the North. Zalg's full self-styled title was "Ashdurbúk of the Thirty Tribes, Overlord of Gundabad, Lord of the North, Tyrant of the Mountains and thrice Dark Lord Blessed".
Known Ashdurbúks[]
- Azog the Defiler
- Balcog
- Azog the Slayer
- Bralg
- Gordúf
- Gorkil
- Skorg
- Zalg
- Brok
- Urzog