Orc
Orcs are recent arrivals to Khalon, first appearing during the Orcish Migration in the 1230s. Most orcs live in tribal groups scattered throughout Sivatag. The exception of this are the Voros Kal, who for the past century have resided in Khalon.
Basic Information
Anatomy
Orcs vary in appearance, based on region and tribe, but all share certain physical qualities. Orcs of all kinds usually have green or grayish skin, coarse hair, low foreheads, large muscular bodies, and porcine faces that featured lower canines that resemble boar tusks. Some orcs are distinguished by their stooped posture, while others such as the Voros Kal stand upright. Compared to other orcs, the Voros Kal have smaller tusks and generally are smaller in size. Orcs also have ears that are pointed on the ends, similar to elves. Orcs are roughly the same size as humans and other similar humanoids, though usually more robust and muscular.
Growth Rate & Stages
Orcs are fully grown around 8 years of age, reaching the prime of their life around 20. By 30, an orc is considered old, with few orcs surviving past 40. The unforgiving nature of the desert prevents the elderly from living past the beginning of their physical decline. The exception to this are the Wise Ones, whose use of magic allows them to live into their 60s. Voros Kal also live longer, aging slightly slower and typically living into their 70s.
Civilization and Culture
Major Language Groups and Dialects
Orcish is the most common language spoken among orcs. Each major tribe in the Perpetual Desert has their own dialect of Orcish which is mutually intelligible. The Voros Kal primarily use Elvish as a means of communication, with Orcish being used to communicating privately. About half of the Voros Kal fluently speak Orcish.
History
In Khalon, little is known about the origins or the history of the orcs. Beginning in 1237, the orcs crossed into Khalon from Sivatag, raiding and pillaging across Morenthyr. For the next sixty years, attacks from orcs coming from Sivatag continued unabated, weakening the Empire significantly. By the early 1300s, the orcs were largely repelled, but tens of thousands had died in the fighting.
Voros Kal
During the Orcish Migration, a tribe of orcs known as the Voros Kal operated around Thal'Melan, looting gold and treasures from surrounding areas. In 1278, an Elven army under the command of Cirril Ancalan successfully eradicated the vast majority of the Voros Kal. 250 Orcs were kept alive and put in a secret prison camp deep in the jungles of Theyennor. Hidden from the rest of society, this secret facility experimented with biological agents, developing deadly plagues for potential use against orcs. Generations lived here until the Great Revolt, when the Voros Kal broke free and joined the fledgling rebellion. Since the 1350s, the Voros Kal have lived alongside other races in Ilyria in relative harmony.
Scientific Name
Orcus Vulgaris
Lifespan
50-80 years
Average Height
6'0''-6'10''
Average Weight
200-280 lb
Related Ethnicities
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