Orc

The **Orcs** of Vari thrive wherever there is an abundance of Fish, a such Zhorora has the highest concentration of Orcs than anywhere else in The Mainland. Many Orcs follow the wisdom and guidance of The Arbiter, some out of fear, others respect.

Orcs are said to have been born from elves seared by the blood of Mazrek the Boundless Ruin when The Marked Warrior pierced the first demon's flesh on the field of battle. For long years, orcs were feared as mindless abominations, drawn to slaughter like moths to flame.

Stories tell of how the blood of the **Boundless Ruin** flows in the veins of all orcs, driving them to commit acts of terrible violence and anger. Orcs call this fury the **curse of ruin**, and use it to refer to everything from battle rage to a bad temper. Half-orcs are said to have inherited the blood of the Boundless Ruin, and to carry the same bloodlust and fury that orcs do.

Orcs and half-orcs do feel a certain pull toward violence and anger. But the likely truth is that there is **no curse of ruin**. No supernatural power drives orcs to kill. Rather, they are simply victims of the same selfish, violent impulses that corrupt all mortal beings. If the curse of ruin exists, then it exists for all mortal beings.

Orcs fear the curse of ruin that is said to plague their race, and tend strongly toward either chaos alignments (accepting their fate), or toward law (rejecting it).

## Appearance

Orcs vary in appearance, but all share certain physical qualities. Orcs of all kinds usually have green, grey or brown skin, coarse hair, large muscular bodies, and feature lower canines that resemble boar tusks. Many also have wolf-like ears that are pointed on the ends, similar to elves. Orcs are roughly the same size as humans and other similar humanoids, though usually robust and muscular.

Some Orcs have poor temperaments and are given to anger more easily than some species, however this is not common throughout all Orcs. Though easily offended and impatient, orcs are not all quick to anger. Some generally prefer violent solutions to problems, but there is often wisdom in an Orcs approach. Many orcs cultivate a noble, shamanistic society.

To their enemies, they appear brutal and fearsome opponents, without parallel in their ferocity and cunning. To their allies, they are noble and honourable, hoping to seek out and follow the traditions of their ancestors. Though brutal in combat, orcs fight with a feral grace that equals even the finest fencing of an elven noble. For many orcs, skill in battle brings great honour.

The concept of personal honour is something that is now engrained deep within most Orcs, whatever their vocation, they seek to outshine those around them through grit and determination. This is most likely due to the fear of the Curse of Ruin.

### Half-Orc

Elf Half-Orc - The most common type of half orc is usually birthed from an Elf and an Orc parent, or more commonly a Elf and Elven half-Orc parent. These can create a wide variety of appearances from almost entirely an orc or an elf and anywhere in-between. With a vast array of elf sub-species already existing in the world, these 'Elf' Half-Orcs tend to have unique looks and stand out in crowds. (Use half-elf or Half-Orc) Few even acknowledge a human Half-Orcs.

**Taurling**: Sometimes Tauren interbreed with elves or Orcs, creating horned half-elves or half-orcs which are both commonly mistaken as Tiefling (known by some as a '**Taurlings**')