Agashnu Orcs

Basic Information

Anatomy

The Agashnu are a particularly muscular breed of orcs with dense bones and thick skin. Their tusks protrude from the rear of their lower jaw and are much larger than the tusks of other orcs. One of the most distinctive features of the Agashnu is their short foreheads, which are a result of the bones in the front of their skulls fusing together in overlapping layers.

Biological Traits

There is very little variance between different genders of Agashnu orcs. The males are only marginally larger, about 2 centimeters taller than females on average. Similarly, males only weigh about 10 kilograms more than females on average. Female tusks are also slightly smaller on average. The greatest difference between males and females is their hair. Male orcs have a patch of bristly hair that begins growing on the back of their neck around the age of 10, while females lack this hair.
While there is not much variance between male and female Agashnu, there is major variance between most Agashnu and red-skinned Agashnu, known as Tsokim. Tsokim grow to be up to a foot taller than other Agashnu and can weigh up to 75 pounds more. In addition, female Tsokim don't grow any hair and male Tsokim only grow bristles.

Genetics and Reproduction

Agashnu, like all orcs, reproduce sexually and give live birth. Gestation typically takes around 7 months. If an Agashnu mother is pregnant with a Tsokim, the gestation period may take as few as 5 months, but that is extremely rare.

Growth Rate & Stages

Agashnu orcs mature very quickly, usually being considered an adult by the time they are 7 years old. Unlike many races, however, the Agashnu consider the accomplishments of young orcs rather than their age when determining adulthood. Despite being considered adults around 7 years old, the Agashnu do not reach sexual maturity until they turn 15. From then on, Agashnu orcs retain a near-perfect physical state until they near the age of sixty, after which point their muscles and bones will slowly begin to fail them after years of constant work.

Ecology and Habitats

Agashnu orcs are adapted to life in the hot, arid deserts of the world. Their skin is extremely thick, providing plenty of protection from the sand. Additionally, their dark skin tones provide protection from the sun. Finally, they are capable of living off of very little food and water and can eat nearly anything they encounter.

Dietary Needs and Habits

Agashnu orcs are extremely carnivorous, even when compared to other orcs. Despite their carnivorous tendencies and preference for meat, the Agashnu are capable of subsisting on nothing but plants for weeks. While this is undesirable for any Agashnu, in a dire situation or when on a long hunt, an Agashnu will eat whatever they can find in order to stay alive.

Additional Information

Facial characteristics

Agashnu orcs have flat, wide faces with short foreheads. Their eyes are short, wide, and usually set back into their skull. The noses of Agashnu orcs tend to curve forward slightly, reminiscent of a pig's snout. They have wide mouths with lots of teeth compared to other orcs. Protruding from the back of their lower jaw is a set of tusks that usually curl out in front of the rest of the orc's face.

Geographic Origin and Distribution

Agashnu orcs are one of the least common species of orc in existence, living exclusively in the Sanguine Barrens. Finding Agashnu orcs anywhere else is not unheard of, especially in the Demon Spires and the Shironia Dynasty, but it is extremely uncommon.

Average Intelligence

Like most orcs, the Agashnu are not very intelligent. Most Agashnu do not learn much more than how to fight and survive in the desert. Because of this, most Agashnu cannot read or write. Those who can typically have some connection with a deity or other powerful force. As a result, the most intelligent Agashnu are usually shamans or priests.
Despite their limited knowledge, Agashnu are very tactically intelligent. They are raised being taught almost exclusively how to fight, and as a result are nearly impossible to best in a fair fight. Because of their extensive combat training, if the leader of a clan is defeated, most of their followers will be capable of replacing them.

Perception and Sensory Capabilities

Agashnu orcs have very short, wide eyes with an extremely high quantity of rods. This grants them very good peripheral vision and exceptional sight in the dark. They have very few cones, however, and as a result have difficulty distinguishing colors.
In addition to their great vision, Agashnu orcs have very good senses of hearing and smell.

Scientific Name

Gorilla Sus Sapiens

Lifespan

68 years

Average Height

2.5 - 3.2 meters

Average Weight

110 - 170 kg

Average Physique

Agashnu orcs are extremely muscular, even from a young age. Most Agashnu spend most hours of the day working, fighting, or eating, and as a result they are all exceptionally strong and have well-defined musculature. It is extremely rare to encounter an Agashnu orc with any degree of fat on their body. If you do encounter a fat Agashnu, they have likely been shunned and exiled from their clan.

Body Tint, Colouring and Marking

Agashnu orcs have very dark skin that helps them withstand the desert sun. They tend towards shades of black, blue, and purple, but some have been known to possess red skin. When an Agashnu orc is born with red skin, it foretells that they will be a great warrior and leader. These red-skinned Agashnu are known as Tsokim.