Orc

Orcs are fierce, muscular humanoids with grey-green skin and monstrous visages complete with tusk-like lower teeth. Orcs thrive on violence and bloodshed, and earn respect from one another by killing enemies and accumulating large amounts of wealth. Orcs have a particular love of precious metals such as gold and mithral, but are poor miners and generally lack metalworking skills. Consequently, orcs have a habit of taking what they want by raiding and plundering those who have such skill. This has caused a particularly strong enmity between orcs and Dwarves, who do have such mining and smithing talents. But it is not only the Dwarves who have had conflicts with the orcs. Many other peoples have had their towns raided and treasures looted in the orcs' endless quest for "shiny things." Both Elves and Humans have fought the orcs many times, and they are considered one of the enemies of the Roman Empire.

Basic Information

Anatomy

Orcs are larger than most other humanoid species, and known to be strong and hardy. Orcs have large lower canines that are reminiscent of tusks, which they use for ripping and tearing flesh when they eat.

Ecology and Habitats

Orcs are able to live just about anywhere, but they tend to prefer hills, dark forests, or mountain caves.

Additional Information

Social Structure

Orcs have a tribal social structure, with each tribe consisting of a small number of extended families. Orcs tend not to get along well with each other in large numbers, so that tribes usually fracture as they grow. Orc tribes can be as violent with one another in feuds over land or wealth, as they are with other races. Most tribes are mobile, although sometimes one will settle down and construct a hill fort or other semi-permanent stronghold from which to venture forth and plunder.

Geographic Origin and Distribution

The wild areas north, west, and east of the Roman Empire, including the Northern Marches, the Letalis Verge, and, in the last 5 or so years since Lugdunum and the other nearby towns fell out of Roman  control, the Ravaged Lands.

Average Intelligence

Orcs are not known, as a group, for their intelligence. They prefer to handle most situations with violence and brute force.

Perception and Sensory Capabilities

Orcs are capable of seeing in the darkness, much like a dwarf or gnome can.

Civilization and Culture

Common Myths and Legends

Orcs are worshipers of Dispater, the god of disease and decay, who created them, according to orcish legend. Dispater is an unforgiving god who demands frequent sacrifices, and favors humanoid to animal sacrifice. This demand often leads to orcs raiding nearby humanoids so they will have sacrifices to make to their god.

Interspecies Relations and Assumptions

Orcs do not get along with most other races. They sometimes keep Goblins as slaves, but goblins and orcs do not generally get along. Orcs have a strong enmity with most other humanoid races, particularly, Elves, Humans, and most especially Dwarves.

Lifespan

50 years

Average Height

6'-7'

Average Weight

230-280 lbs