What do you think of the rumors that the orc get help from the holberks?

I’d have to say: nothing! The holberks may have excellent contacts with the orcs - really, the entire trade with the blackpelts goes via the holberks -, but for such a large-scale endeavor they just don’t seem intelligent enough!

Admittedly, the same thing goes for the orcs, but I don’t believe it’s them coming up with the war plans either. Still, if there is someone pulling the strings from the background, it isn’t the holberks!

What do you know about the holberks?

The Gulek clan has been living in Riva for generations, and all the holberks in town are part of it. Their society is structured along family units, so - despite all rumours to the contrary - they’re just like us. They’re only suffered in town, definitely not respected, as is evident by the fact they’re not allowed entrance everywhere.

The holberks live in the slums on the north side of Riva. Most of the other residents there have sold their houses and moved to different parts of town. By now, the holberks are cursed and beaten up in plain daylight. They make their living by trading with the surrounding orc tribes - on commission from the city tradesmen.

Do you know anything else about the holberks?

They are quiet, peaceful, and lead a very unassuming existence, which makes quite a contrast to the rest of Riva’s citizenry: these days, the holberks are jeered at in public.
The holberks earn a large part of their sustenance by trading with the surrounding orc tribes - on commission of the local merchants. They’re raking in the profits from it, while the holberks are cheated!

It seems a lot of citizens are afraid of an orc offensive against Riva and are convinced the holberks are somehow in league with the blackpelts.

A lot of citizens will believe the holberks eat small children if only some loudmouth says it loud enough! - It’s all just mindless blather, the holberks are much too … gentle for that!

But there must be a reason for this hatred of the holberks.

The holberks have been living in Riva for decades now, but nobody has ever tried to get to know or understand them. It isn’t even known how many of them there are. Ignorance is the best breeding ground for envy and hatred there is.