At the head of the fire pit, Uhdrig stood, causing all in the hut to fall silent. She waited until everyone's focus was on her before speaking.

"Orcs of the Red Hand, we are gathered here today to decide the fate of the Human, Athgar. Kargen will argue that he be allowed to stay," she indicated the Orc with a hand, "while arguments for banishment will be presented by our Chieftain, Gorlag. Are there any here today that wish to dispute the method we will use to resolve this issue?"

Athgar glanced around at the assembled crowd. They all looked at him briefly, then turned their gaze back to their shamaness.

"Very well," she continued, "then let the proceedings begin. We will first call on Gorlag, Chieftain of the Red Hand, to argue for banishment." She waited for him to rise, then sat down, allowing Gorlag to make his case.

"My fellow hunters," the chieftain began, "we of the Red Hand have a noble and ancient ancestry. Our forefathers founded this tribe more than a thousand years ago. Many other tribes have sprung from ours as Orcs spread throughout the land. We join our brothers, the Black Arrows, the Crimson Spears, and the Blue Hawks as one of the oldest clans. It is only through the stringent observation of our ways that we have managed to survive, while others have died off or been destroyed by our enemies. If we were to allow this... Human to live among us, it would be a gross violation of our beliefs. We must remain pure, free of the taint of Humanity if we are to survive."

He paused, staring around the room, meeting the eyes of as many as he could. "Humans are a greater threat than ever before. Our ancestors were driven from their homes by the filthy Elves, and now we are in danger of being forced out, once again, this time by the Humans. To invite one into our lives is to court disaster. It is true that Athgar's village was destroyed by his own kind, but I say that if he remains here, we may well face the same outcome. They came for his people once, what is to stop them from continuing the search for survivors? Let us be rid of him and keep the tribe safe."

The crowd was enthusiastic, and Athgar saw many of them pounding the dirt floor with their fists. He looked to Kargen for an explanation.

"They are showing their support for Gorlag," the Orc explained. "Hitting the ground shows approval."

"Like we clap, I suppose," offered Athgar.

"So I am led to believe."

Gorlag, having finished his speech, waited for the pounding to subside, then took his seat.

Uhdrig stood again, waiting once more for all eyes to focus on her. "I call on Kargen to argue for inclusion," she stated, waiting for the hunter to rise.