Orc
Orcs or euroz are a species of aggressive mammalian carnivore that band together in tribes and survive by hunting and raiding. Orcs believe that in order to survive they must expand their territory, and so they are constantly involved in wars against many enemies: humans, elves, dwarves, goblins, and other orc tribes. Typically nocturnal, orcs are sensitive to light.
Basic Information
Biological Traits
Orcs vary widely in appearance, as they frequently cross-breed with other species. In general, they resemble primitive humans with grey-green skin covered with coarse hair. Orcs have a slightly stooped posture, a low jutting forehead, and a snout instead of a nose, though comparisons between this facial feature and those of pigs are exaggerated and perhaps unfair. Orcs have well-developed canine teeth for eating meat and short pointed ears that resemble those of a wolf. Orcish snouts and ears have a slightly pink tinge.
Genetics and Reproduction
Orcs tend to crossbreed with the species they pillage from, producing a number of hybrid species. Half-orcs (the children of orcs and humans) are usually born under unhappy circumstances in border areas between orc and human cultures. Dark of mood and nature, many half-orcs achieve renown despite their rejection by their parents’ folk and many others. In this regard, they are similar to the much rarer half-ogres. Orc-ogre crossbreeds are particularly dangerous and are known in several areas.
Dietary Needs and Habits
Ores are carnivores, but prefer game meats or livestock to demihumans and humanoids.
Additional Information
Social Structure
Undisciplined, bestial, and savage, orcs have severe tribal rivalries and do not cooperate unless controlled by a very strong leader.
Geographic Origin and Distribution
Evil orcs are all too common across the Flanaess, frequently encountered as mercenaries in the Empire of Iuz, Pomarj, Bone March, and across North Kingdom.
Average Intelligence
It is often believed that orcs are so bloodthirsty and cruel that they are ineffective tacticians and that they would rather be vicious than victorious. Like most stereotypes, this is highly misleading; it is true for some orc tribes but not for all. Many orc tribes have waged wars for decades and have developed a frightening efficiency with battle tactics.
Perception and Sensory Capabilities
Orcish eyes appear human, with a reddish tint that sometimes makes them appear to glow red when they reflect dim light sources in near darkness. This is actually part of their optical system, a pigment which gives them darkvision.
Civilization and Culture
Major Organizations
It is said that orcs have no natural enemies, but they work hard to make up for this lack. Orc tribes have fearsome names such as Vile Rune, Bloody Head, Broken Bone, Evil Eye, and Dripping Blade.
Gender Ideals
Orcs are patriarchal; women are fit only to bear children and nurse them. Orcs have a reputation for cruelty that is deserved, but humans are just as capable of evil as orcs. Orcs have marriage customs, but orc males are not noted for their faithfulness.
Common Etiquette Rules
Orcs employ sniping and ambush tactics in the wild. They do not obey the “rules of war” unless such is in their best interests; for example, they will shoot at those who attempt to parlay with them under a white flag unless the orc leader feels it is advantageous to hear what the enemy has to say, They abuse human rules of engagement and chivalry to their best advantage.
Common Dress Code
Orcs prefer to wear colors that most humans think unpleasant: blood red, rust red, mustard yellow, yellow green, moss green, greenish purple, and blackish brown. Their armor is unattractive as well, dirty and often a bit rusty.
Culture and Cultural Heritage
Ores worship many deities (some who have different names among different tribes the chief deity is usually a giant one-eyed orc. Orcish religion is extremely hateful toward other species and urges violence and warfare. Orc shamans have been noted for their ambition, and many tribes have suffered because of political infighting between warriors and priests.
Common Customs, Traditions and Rituals
Orcs value territory above all else; battle experience, wealth, and number of offspring are other major sources of pride.
Interspecies Relations and Assumptions
Orcs are aggressive. They believe other species are inferior to them and that bullying and slavery is part of the natural order. They will cooperate with other species but are not dependable: as slaves, they will rebel against all but the most powerful masters; as allies they are quick to take offense and break agreements. Ores believe that battle is the ideal challenge, but some leaders are pragmatic enough to recognize the value of peace, which they exact at a high price. If great patience and care is used, orc tribes can be effective trading partners and military allies.
All of that said, however, most orcs have a historic enmity against elves and dwarves; many tribes will kill these demihumans on sight.
An orc barbarian.
Genetic Descendants
Lifespan
40 Years
Average Height
6' to 7'
Average Weight
230 to 280 lbs.