Orc
Orcs are an uncommon species in Vorago. The vast majority are Horde Orc, but some live outside The Horde Lands.
Orcs feel an especially close connection to their deity, Gruumsh One-Eye.
Basic Information
Anatomy
Orcs have little sexual dimorphism; both the males and females stand around 6'4" at around 220 well-muscled pounds. They are generally stronger and tougher than other races, pound for pound, at the expense of being less dextrous and intelligent.
They have grey skin, tusks, and strong frontal bossing (eyebrow ridge), but no facial or head hair.
Growth Rate & Stages
Orcs reproduce at a similar rate to humans, but mature quicker (reaching full maturity at age 15) and age quicker (average age of death is 60). They give birth to two to three children at a time, rather than one, and wean quite quickly.
Dietary Needs and Habits
Orcs use roughly the same number of calories as a similarly-sized human, but need slightly more protein to be healthy. This manifests as a slightly stronger preference for meat, but they are omnivorous like humans.
Behaviour
Orcs are indeed biologically more aggressive than other sapient species, though much of their aggression is cultural and learned. They have about the same libido as humans.
In general, orcs feel all their emotions more strongly: sadness, anger, joy, protectiveness, love, etc. The have a surprising capacity for self-control to match, though.
Additional Information
Facial characteristics
Two tusks just from orcs' lower jaws, and continue to grow as they age. Venerable orc elders may have tusks as large and thick as a halfling's forearm. They are less sensitive than regular teeth.
Average Intelligence
Orcs are on average as intelligent as a dull human, but just as capable of learning.
Perception and Sensory Capabilities
Orcs, even if not worshipping Gruumsh, can feel his influence as impulses. These are typically violent and unhelpful, but in battle may manifest as martial instinct. Civilized orcs may find this influenced diminished by devotion to other gods.
Gruumsh, when he reveals himself to mortals, is blunt and demanding, almost petulent. His will is imposed directly onto the bodily impulses of his followers; it is quite rewarding for those whose will aligns with his, but disconcerting when for orcs who didsagree with the commands. This tends to polarize his followers into either a bloodthirsty revelatory devotion or a secret resentment at a lack of autonomy.
Many shamans have been almost disappointed by his (seeming) lack of intelligence, and many warriors disconcerted by the enhanced cognitive dissonance between their deity's will and their own. Because of this, some orcs have techniques from temporarily "distracting" Gruumsh so they can talk and feel freely without invoking his ire.
Lifespan
60 years
Average Height
6'4"
Average Weight
220 lbs
Average Physique
Orcs are extremely muscular by default.
Geographic Distribution
Related Ethnicities
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