The orc is a savage, enemy to all civilized races. This is not a lie, but neither is it truth.
To the outsider, the orcish ways are barbarous and brutal, but unseen is a rich and sophisticated culture that celebrates strength, be it physical might, force of will or blade-sharp cunning. To orcs, life and death are two sides of the same coin, paid generously to the gods. The orc is, above all else, a creature of passion, every day is lived within the Songs of Gruumsh, a neverending story of honor, conquest, glory, and loss. In these sagas, the orcish race is immortal, though they measure the span of their lives in years, there shall never be an age untouched by an orcish horde. The orcs know a simple truth; that barbarism is the natural state of all mortals, civilization is an anomaly, destined to fall to ruin. In the world to come they will be as kings and teach mortals the true ways.
He is Skorg, son of Vadrian, born of Skorja, champion of the Spine of the World. His quest for glory has taken him far from the crags of his homeland, the orcish kingdom of Many-Arrows. His mother, Skorja Mankiller, was firstborn and bodyguard of King Obould Many-Arrows. His father was Vadrian el-Azrad of Calimshan; known abroad as the Sellsword Prince. Exiled from the southern kingdom of Calimshan, his adventures found him taken into the retinue of King Obould, serving with renown alongside Skorja. Among his time with the orcs, Vadrian earned the respect of the clans and helped Skorja earn her honorific “Mankiller”, naming her as marriageable orcess. It came with little surprise when Skorja announced she would claim Vadrian as her husband.
Raised amid the orcs of Many-Arrows, all he has known was their ways; battle and brutality were his nursemaids. To him, the lands and ways of his father have always held an strange allure; customs built on finesse and guile that he came to respect, if not understand. His mother taught him how to wield a greataxe and sing the Songs of Gruumsh. His father taught him his letters and the traditional swordplay of his homeland. By Right of Blood, Skorg is a potential challenger of King Obould, his closest rivals being his orcish cousins, the twins Gog and Magog. Though orc leadership is always male, they are advised by a council of elder females. In order to succeed Obould, undergo three trials chosen by the Clan Mothers; earning an honorific, claiming a great treasure, and defeating his rivals in combat.
To this end, he travels far and wide, with only a riddle given to him by the seeress Grimgul Ghosteater, to guide his way:
“Travel to your father’s lands, of burning sands and steaming veld.
Conquer the smokeless flame and hold it to oath.
Enter the room with no doors and grasp the blade that cannot be held.
Father’s shame undone, claim one crown or lose both.”
- Gender
- Male
- Eyes
- Volcanic Blue
- Hair
- Crimson mohawk
Appearance
Physical Description
A mountain of a half-orc, easily taller than most full-blooded orcs. His excellent posture ensures he stands above habitually slouching orcs.
Body Features
Slate gray skin, cris-crossed with battle-scars.
Facial Features
Regally handsome, with a striking jawline (+1 unarmed attack)
Identifying Characteristics
Royal birthmark of an eagle.
Physical quirks
Skorg carries himself regally, as a prince should. His bearing could spark envy in the most well-bred of nobility.
Mentality
Education
Tutored in history and enlightened warfare by his father.
Intellectual Characteristics
Although he is quite erudite, Skorg is prone to rash actions, leaping into the fray.
Morality & Philosophy
Skorg has a strong sense of honor, though this is quite different from what civilized society would consider honorable. He respects his enemies at much as he does friends, and gives both his all in a fight.
He is fond of martial philosophy, particularly those of Calimshan.
Taboos
Shuns most magic, save those of most utility.
Known Languages
Common, Orcish
Personality
Social
Birthplace
Kingdom of Many-Arrows
Current Residence
Weatherbee's Public House
Contacts & Relations
Fiego DeGryphon (blood brother)
Honorary & Occupational Titles
Prince Errant of Many-Arrows
Wealth & Financial state
Adventuring allows him to live comfortably in the fashion of high society, he is quite frugal, seldom spending coin outlandishly. He currently resides at Weatherbee's Public House, but is looking for more permanent lodgings, he finds himself walking by Stagdown Manse frequently these days.
Though living and moving within high society, Skorg still prefers to purchase his armaments from Whistling Blades, a hole in the wall weapons shop in the Dock Ward, where he has a friendly rivalry with the half-orc blacksmith Rawhead. For his armor, Skorg prefers Halls of Hilmer, Master Armorer, putting his trust in Hilmer's hard steel and soft speech. For more usual clothing, Skorg frequents Ragathan Furriers, as their wolf pelts are second-to-none.
Skorg enjoys fine wines and always patronizes Bhephel's Bottles: Wines and Cordials for new imports and domestic varieties.
Skorg's nightlife begins at The Great Drunkard Tavern to socialize with new friends. Further along, he eats a hearty meal at The Red-eyed Owl, before he returns home, he stops in at The Pickled Fisherman to check up on old friends.
Family Ties
Skorja Man-Killer (mother)
Vadrian el-Azrad (father)
Obould Many-Arrows (maternal grandfather)
Gog (maternal cousin)
Magog (maternal cousin)
Lorgru Many-Arrows (maternal uncle)
Religious Views
Skorg worships Gruumsh with trepidation, he fears the orc god, as all orcs do, but while he wishes to live a glorious life worthy of the Songs of Gruumsh, he does not wish to do it the orcish way. He keeps a talisman made of bear bone and garnet, the symbol of Gruumsh, in his pack, he has not worn it around his neck since he was a child.
Since coming to Waterdeep, he has come to admire the Church of Tempus.
Social Aptitude
Well-mannered and courteous, but brash and headstrong.
Hobbies & Pets
Calligraphy, drinking, fine literature and bar fights.
Speech
Well-spoken and has a deep, gravelly timbre.
Social
Birthplace
Kingdom of Many-Arrows
Current Residence
Weatherbee's Public House
Contacts & Relations
Fiego DeGryphon (blood brother)
Honorary & Occupational Titles
Prince Errant of Many-Arrows
Wealth & Financial state
Adventuring allows him to live comfortably in the fashion of high society, he is quite frugal, seldom spending coin outlandishly. He currently resides at Weatherbee's Public House, but is looking for more permanent lodgings, he finds himself walking by Stagdown Manse frequently these days.
Though living and moving within high society, Skorg still prefers to purchase his armaments from Whistling Blades, a hole in the wall weapons shop in the Dock Ward, where he has a friendly rivalry with the half-orc blacksmith Rawhead. For his armor, Skorg prefers Halls of Hilmer, Master Armorer, putting his trust in Hilmer's hard steel and soft speech. For more usual clothing, Skorg frequents Ragathan Furriers, as their wolf pelts are second-to-none.
Skorg enjoys fine wines and always patronizes Bhephel's Bottles: Wines and Cordials for new imports and domestic varieties.
Skorg's nightlife begins at The Great Drunkard Tavern to socialize with new friends. Further along, he eats a hearty meal at The Red-eyed Owl, before he returns home, he stops in at The Pickled Fisherman to check up on old friends.
Family Ties
Skorja Man-Killer (mother)
Vadrian el-Azrad (father)
Obould Many-Arrows (maternal grandfather)
Gog (maternal cousin)
Magog (maternal cousin)
Lorgru Many-Arrows (maternal uncle)
Religious Views
Skorg worships Gruumsh with trepidation, he fears the orc god, as all orcs do, but while he wishes to live a glorious life worthy of the Songs of Gruumsh, he does not wish to do it the orcish way. He keeps a talisman made of bear bone and garnet, the symbol of Gruumsh, in his pack, he has not worn it around his neck since he was a child.
Since coming to Waterdeep, he has come to admire the Church of Tempus.
Social Aptitude
Well-mannered and courteous, but brash and headstrong.
Hobbies & Pets
Calligraphy, drinking, fine literature and bar fights.
Speech
Well-spoken and has a deep, gravelly timbre.