Orc clan
An Orc clan is a kinship group among the Orcish people. Clans give a sense of shared identity and descent to members, and in modern times have an official structure recognised by the Council of Clans.
Many Orcs belong to clans, such as Clan Berserk. Every one of these Orc clans has its own distinct character and identity. What defines a clan, and how one is started, is largely up to interpretation. The term clan is sometimes used interchangeably with the term tribe.
Most clans have spread around the Galaxy, and each of them have distinct cultural preferences, traits and strengths.
Clan origins
There are several Orcish clans, some older than others. Some are ancestral and well-established, evolved over time out of a family or tribal network. Others were organized relatively recently, for a specific purpose, such as the operation of a clanship.
Membership in a clan
In conservative circles, an Orc's Clan lineage is considered to be of great importance. Wars have been fought between Clans in Orcish history, and governments based on Clan hierarchies. A large portion of Orcs are "outclanners", however, not claiming the heritage of any particular Clan.
It is a common misconception that every person who bears a clan's name is a lineal descendant of the Elders. Many clanners although not related to the Elders joined the clan through a rite of passage. Typically, the aspiring member has to face the Clan's champion in combat or other similar challenge.
Clan structure
Many clans have their own Clan Chief and a group of Clan Elders; those that do not are known as armigerous clans.
Most clans have spread around the Galaxy, and maintain strongholds, hideouts, and various facilities on a number of planets.
