Orc

### Distinctions

Most orcs have flat forheads; large, square jaws; protruding teeth and tusks; and a tendency for aggression

**Orcs** are a race of foulspawn humanoids distinguished by their inherent aggression and brutish appearances. They are considered to be a barbarian people by most of the other races of Cato Vilo.

## Physicality

### Anatomy and Physiology

Orcs share some similarities with other goblinoids, sharing their greyish, green or brownish skin tones and low, flat foreheads. Where they differ is in their sheer size: orcs generally stand well over 6ft. tall, though often have stooped postures, with large muscular bodies weighing between 230 and 280 lbs. on average. They roughly resemble humans, though are far more robust, and possess porcine features, large squared jaws, and protruding lower canines that resemble boar tusks. Many also have pointed ears. Orcs also have the ability to see normally in low light conditions, albeit lacking colour discernment. Where orcs really stand out, however, is in their internal biology. Orcs possess a number of biological adaptations to survive both the harsh environments they live in, and competition amongst other orcs. One such adaptation is the presence of redundant organ systems, which serve as backups in the event of damage to the primary biological structures, and to support the strain placed on them by orcish behaviours. For example, orcs have two closed-circuit circulatory systems, complete with a redundant heart used as a supporting pump under intensive stress, preventing instances of otherwise fatal cardiogenic shock, and an extra set of blood vessels that can more effectively carry oxygenated blood and endocrines such as cortisol through the body. Another interesting example of redundant systems is the secondary nervous system, which utilises neuroconductive fluid to temporarily suppress pain signals, enabling the orc to push beyond the limits of other humanoids in terms of sheer physical hardiness. An extension of this hardiness is the presence of a physicochemically optimised neuroconductive nerve guidance conduit, tubular structures reinforced with collagen and hyaluronic acid that are used to bridge the gap of a severed nerve, thereby acting as a guide and protective microenvironment for the regenerating axons, and as a barrier against the in-growth of scar tissue. This aids in the repair of peripheral nerves. In addition to this, orcs have enlarged adrenal glands situated above their pair of kidneys, supporting mass-production and quick-release of catecholamines from the adrenal medulla, which function to produce a rapid response throughout the body in stress situations. As a side effect, the zona reticularis of the adrenal gland produces larger amounts of androgens, resulting in the distinctive masculine appearance that both male and female orcs present. Orcs do exhibit sexual dimorphism in a manner reminiscent of humans: the average body mass difference between the sexes being roughly equal to 15%; the average basal metabolic rate is about 10% higher in males than females; and females convert more food into fat while males convert more into muscle and expendable circulating energy reserves. Males tend to be taller and broader than females (an evolutionary advantage as larger size correlates with sexual selection), though this difference is not as stark as with humans. Another evolutionary advantage is that females have an increased immune system, producing more antibodies at a faster rate than males, which acts as a selective advantage as females interact with other females and multiple offspring in social groups. Orcs breed fast and mature around the age of 12 years, and seldom live longer than 60 years, though they often die violent deaths before this point.

### Attributes and Abilities

Orcs are defined by their strength and constitution, and their powerful builds, their sheer size and might allowing them to bear, lift, and move greater weights. They exhibit a primal intuition, and an inherent aggression that draws them towards conflict.

## Culture

### Language

Orcs natively speak Orcish, a gutteral, harsh language not widely known outwith their race. In an ancestral attempt to integrate, orcs have, over time, adopted the Common language into their culture, though most are not fluent speakers, and many cannot read or write in this language.

### Society and Customs

Traditional orcish culture is extremely warlike and hostile, and many more civilised races would consider their culture to be barbaric and outlandish. Most orcs approach life with the belief that, to survive, one had to be the strongest force, subjugating potential threats and control as many resources as possible. Naturally, this puts them at odds with other races as well as each other. Orcs are noted for their unshakable courage and unflinching endurance of hardships, bolstering them against their otherwise alien way of life.

Most orcs exist as part of a confederation of tribes, loosely held together by an alpha-like chieftain or 'war chief', with women serving as wives to the chief and bearers of children.

Orcs generally do not build cities of their own, instead fortifying ruins left behind by other civilisations or operating out of small camps and dens. The largest orcish settlement is Stronghold, a large fortified encampment situated on the Western Mountain Ridge in Negrathi, though several other settlements can be found throughout Illandor.