When the need arises for a new chief to be selected the shaman gathers the battle leaders from each tribe of the Gristleshank orcs and brings them to the Maw.

For generations the battle leaders have dueled to prove their strength, with the victor becoming the new chief. It need not be a battle to the death, for the death of a battle leader weakens all of the tribes, but the loser must make the appropriate sacrifices, casting their wealth and trophies into the pit to regain their honour.

That doesn't mean that some don't die... it's great sport, and an opportunity to ensure that rivals know where they stand -- or where they fall if the rivalry is too strong.

As for the Maw? The Gristleshank orcs have been coming here for generations, making their offerings, but all they know of the pit is that a great creature lives within it, entombed since ancient times. Slumbering beneath the great stone promontory, it consumes the life force of those who fall into its chambers, slowly gaining strenght and biding time until it will arise and stalk the surface again.