Orcs

Orcs, or "Greenskins" are large, hulking tribal humanoids found all across the world. Much like humans, orcs are spread across the world regardless of temperature, elevation, or other factors. Orc culture, like human culture, varies greatly from group to group

Basic Information

Anatomy

Orcs are large humanoids, usually between 8 to 9 and a half feet tall on average, weighing anywhere between 500 to 700 pounds. Though they are called "greenskins" by a variety of cultures, orc skin color can vary from any shade of green, yellow, or brown, even rarer colors such as black or red have been reported. Most orcs are naturally muscular, an average orc has the strength of 6-10 men, the largest orcs have been as strong as 12-15 men. The anatomy of an orc is similar to that of a human, save for a few key differences. For example, an orc has two hearts instead of one, as well as two stomachs and pointed ears. The orc also possesses what is referred to as a "toxin gland", which makes them completely immune to any poison. The thick skin of an orc is also resistant to both fire and cold winds. Orcs also have large tusk-like fangs that protrude from their lower jaw, these fangs grow with age and are typically a symbol of high status the larger they are.

Genetics and Reproduction

Orcs reproduce in a similar fashion to humans, though the gestation period is significantly shorter. The average orc woman is pregnant for 4 months.

Growth Rate & Stages

Orc children grow rapidly, usually reaching adulthood around age 15. Orc men and women undergo rapid muscle growth as early as age eleven, as well as achieving a higher cognitive function that comes with them finding their place in the tribe.

Ecology and Habitats

Orcs usually find success living in places where humans could not. Using their natural physical prowess, orcs are able to sustain a large population through hunting and gathering in their territory, though farming is not foreign to them. Orc tribes are known to undertake great "hunts", when a large group of orcs, led by the chieftain or a prominent orc, hunt down and kill a large beast, typically a basilisk or hydra. These hunts are typically once or twice a year, and produce enough food to supplement the orcs for a long time.
Orcs respect their environment, choosing to maintain healthy plant and animal life by hunting and gathering in a sustainable manner. They are typically very in tune with the ecology of their environment and can sense when there is an imbalance. These imbalances usually spur the calling of a great hunt. If a solution cannot be solved by a hunt, orc shamans and ritualists consult with the environment itself to discover its problems.

Dietary Needs and Habits

Orcs are omnivores, feeding on hunted animals and gathered or grown fruits and vegetables. The orc's diet can change rapidly, depending on its distance from home. When orcs are at home among their tribe, with an ample source of food, they eat a great deal, usually twice as much as a human of the equivalent age. However, when orcs are far away from home on a long march or raid, or when food is scarce, they use their secondary stomach. Their secondary stomach, usually referred to by the orcs as their "reserve" is an incredibly unique organ, bordering on magical. The reserve digests food the orc ingests much more slowly than their primary stomach, while still providing an ample amount of nutrients and energy to the orc. The orcs fill their secondary stomach at great feasts, typically held the night before a great march, raid, or hunt. The food consumed at these feasts can sustain the orcs for months at a time without the need for replenishment. This affords the travelling party a great deal of mobility and freedom almost unheard of. However, if an orc's reserve is to empty, they are filled with an almost insatiable hunger, usually for meat. This hunger is also complimented with an insane, extremely violent berserker rage. Orc raiding parties that have been on the march for too long have been known to consume whole flocks of livestock, or in times of true desperation, human and other sapient beings' flesh.

Additional Information

Perception and Sensory Capabilities

Orcs have an enhanced sense of smell, similar to that of a dog, that allows them to track individuals entirely without vision if need be. Another trait that is present in orcs, albeit rarely, is a type of tonal magic, usually expressed through ritualistic chanting, though one solitary orc cannot express the magic himself. In great numbers however, orc war tribes are able to conjure great feats of magic, including but not limited to; inflicting mass fear, weather manipulation, and undead reanimation.

Lifespan

40

Average Height

6' to 7'5''

Average Weight

300 - 500 lbs

Average Physique

Large/Muscular