Orc and Goblin Shamans are identified at an early age. Whenever his mates brawl or argue his head starts to hurt, lights flash in front of his eyes, and nearby objects explode and fly about. Sure enough, the young Shaman is easily spotted. He's the one with the sparks flying about his head, glowing red eyes, and noxious green smoke pouring from his mouth.
Shamans are dangerous to be around and other greenskins tend to steer clear of them. Sometimes they are obliged to wear distinctive costumes so they can be easily recognised (and avoided), whilst some are sent out beyond the confines of the camp to commune alone with the gods. All greenskins believe that Shamans are possessed by Gork or Mork, the most powerful Orc gods, and should therefore be respected and honoured... but preferably from a distance.
On the outskirts of every greenskin settlement, no matter how rough or temporary, can be found a collection of huts inhabited by the tribe's Shamans. In some places the Shamans live in nearby caves surrounded by skulls on stakes, fetish poles and similar paraphernalia. Amongst the forest-living tribes of Goblins and Orcs Shamans often live in sturdy tree houses perched high above the village huts.
The other greenskins bring the Shaman tributes of food, traditionally mushrooms as these fungi are supposed to help him communicate with the gods. In fact, a constant diet of hallucinogenic mushrooms tends to give the Shaman colourful visions in which Gork and Mork instruct him how to call upon them in battle and how to cast spells of destruction.
While the Shamans are lying in their huts communing with Gork and Mork they are safely out of harm's way and can cause little damage to other Orcs. Occasionally a foolish or inquisitive Goblin might wander into a Shaman's house in search of sagely advice concerning the whereabouts of a lost shoe or some such trivial matter, only to find himself hurled out of the hut by an unconscious burst of Waaagh power from the Shaman. On the whole it is dangerous to disturb a Shaman, even a sleeping one, and most Orcs know better than to stray too near.
Shamans spend a lot of their time watching the colourful hallucinations dance around their minds and talking to Gork and Mork. It is hardly surprising that they tend to be a little vague when it comes to discussing the real world and everyday things. They are convinced that Gork and Mork are real as, after all, they have not only seen the Orc gods but are on speaking terms. They believe they can call upon Gork and Mork and use the Waaagh to perform great deeds of magic.
Many Waaagh spells are in fact incantations to Gork and Mork, requesting one or other of the gods' assistance. For example, Da Krunch is a spell which calls upon Gork to stamp his great big orcy foot down on the enemy. The spell Mork save Uz! calls upon Mork to protect his people from hostile magic, and so forth.