Orc
Aye, I've heard of the Orcs. It was a long time ago when my people drove them from these mountains. And that was the best damn thing we ever did for them! Look at them now. They built two, not one, two empires for themselves! There's the Skuvtun Khanate over in the northwest. They still try to raid us from time to time but we can usually hold our own. Now out east, that's another matter. Virush, they call that empire. First time I've seen Orcs accept non-Orcs into their ranks. Heck, even let little Half-Orcs run around! They don't raid us, more trading with us. And thank the stones for that. They ever turn to conquer us, I don't know how our holds will do against them.
Basic Information
Anatomy
Orcs have a bipedal stature, the usual for Avestran races. They have tusks that come out from their lower and even upper jaw, giving them overbites in most instances. Despite being smaller than Goliaths or Minotaurs, they have the ability to carry and lift more than their frame suggests, even able to life things that a Giant would usually be able to do.l
Growth Rate & Stages
Orcs reach adulthood anywhere from ages 12 - 15. Depending on the region and lifestyle they have, an Orc can live anywhere from 50 years to 80 years.
Additional Information
Perception and Sensory Capabilities
Orcs have the natural ability to see in the dark in shades of grey.
Civilization and Culture
Major Organizations
- The Skuvtun Khanate: The most recent Khanate to rise in Lumin lands. They are a major power, raiding Mitsu lands and fighting any expansion of the Yggradun empire westward. At the same time, the current Khan fights against the feuding tribal leaders that hope to take the title of Khan for themselves one day.
- The Empire of Virush: An empire that the Grumin have spent generations trying to create. A major power in the central-eastern region of Alus with the Grand Duchy of Racid to their south and the Giants to their north. Allowing Half-Orcs and non-Orcs to rise in station in their empire, their emperor has ambition to spread and bring the Orcs under one banner again. Until then, Virush gathers strength by defending and expanding its territory and currently, it has its eyes sent north and east to Yggradun and Nubia respectively.
History
The Orcs hailed from the mountains of central Alus, being rivals against the Dwarves and Goliaths who also lived in the region. However, they were eventually forced out and went to northwestern Alus. They drove the local Giants out of the region and the tribes made it their new home. For generations, it became their homeland where they were travel in large roving bands to not overextend themselves. They also pushed out any non-Orc in the region and even raided their lands on the edges of their "territory". However, there soon came a divisive split in the Orcs.
The traditional culture of the Orcs was Lumin but eventually, a subset known as the Grumin began to form. Instead of following the tribalist ways of the Lumin, the Grumin Orcs believed that they could stay in one place and build an empire for themselves. At first that just caused tensions to flair but it was the idea that they could eventually allow Outsiders to live in their territory that pushed the Lumin over. They cast out these Grumin Orcs who traveled across the Alusian mountains to the eastern shores of Alus.
The two groups developed separate from each other, the Lumin still in their tribal warbands while the Grumin constantly tried to raise a kingdom that could hold to their ideals of an Orcish empire. Both sides were changed when the Elders arrive. For the Lumin, the ferocity of the Elders forced their warbands to unite, creating one of the first Khanates in the region. For the Grumin, they worked with other species and beat back the Elders and their forces. And it was in that crucible of warfare that they both achieved a new view on themselves.
Now, they have both forged empires for themselves, determined to show the other Orc group how they failed to see the truth. However, the Jovun Giants, old enemies of theirs, have risen in northeastern Alus and now, they must battle the rising Jovun Empire if they ever hope to have their empires survive and to prove their brethren wrong.
Interspecies Relations and Assumptions
The Lumin Orcs view all non-Orcs as outsiders to be swept aside at worst and raided and robbed at best. They do not allow them to live in their lands. Some may allow them to pass through with heavy taxes but that is if they are lucky. Half-Orcs are viewed as curses before a fall in their lands as a Khanate's fall is heralded by Half-Orc spawn. Any that live in the region are quickly exiled from Skuvtun as they will not allow unpure Orc lives to fester in their lands.
Grumin Orcs are willing to be accepting of anyone that proves their worth to the empire. Even Half-Orcs are accepted as they have proven themselves time and again in the face of overwhelming odds. Most people prefer the Grumin Orcs as a result when it comes to rulers on the east coast, even leaving Arachni and Giant lands in an attempt to avoid any strife. However, there are worries about the increasing ambition and war fervor from these Orcs that could spell chaos for the region.
Genetic Descendants
Lifespan
50 to 80 years
Average Height
Over 6 feet to even 8 feet
Average Weight
230 - 280 pounds
Geographic Distribution
Related Organizations
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