No, a true Orc warrior doesn’t use a mirror. A true Orc warrior shaves himself with his trusty dagger using his reflection in the blade of his battleaxe. Of course, some true Orc warriors also try to shave themselves with their trusty battleaxe using their reflection in the blade of their dagger, but these don’t tend to live as long as the other ones. Actually, it’s a wonder that they shave at all, in view of the sort of barbarians they’re supposed to be…perhaps it’s just because they hate dwarves that much.

They do seem to have a somewhat warped idea of leadership, though, if they feel that being bossier makes a boss somehow better…but then, that does fit in with their barbarian stylings.

But the main point of today’s strip is the grand entry of the other Big Chieftain. He’s similarly no stranger, and has had vastly more screen-time than the other one, in fact. He doesn’t come with a Portable Throne of Evil ™, but instead opts for another traditional method of transport: being borne on a shield, ancient-gaulish-chieftain-style. It’s much less comfortable, since he has to stand the whole time, but it’s much more suited to warrior-king. Which makes one wonder why DM chose it, since he’s definitely not going to lead his man from the front rank…so it’s probably got something to do with his short stature – it’s kind of the only way he’ll rise about the heads of his devoted followers.

Is it just me, or does there seem to be just the slightest amount of tension between the two Big chieftains and their respective retinues? It must be me, I guess…after all, who has ever heard of the forces of evil suffering from internal tensions? Could there be a greater unifying force than shared hatred of everything that is good, love and light? Perish the thought.

More on Monday.