Orcs

Orcs are nomadic humanoids that live in the wilds. They tend to travel in clans that vary from 50 to 150 in size. Other races revile them for their brutish characteristics, their lack of culture, and their slow intellect. Because of this animosity, they very rarely are able to become a part of society-individually or in groups-though there have been rare exceptions, especially on the edges of civilization. Most people assume that orcs are naturally filthy and violent. Though rarely given opportunity, orc settlements have been known to live in relative peace with non-orc neighbors.

Orcs tend to have thick manes (and beards for the men) of dark hair, often braided or weaved into complex patterns. Their skin ranges from a light yellow-green to dark brownish-green. Though ridiculed for their low intelligence, it is said orcs have a rich oral history. Orcs have a strong code of honor, and value bravery in combat. They fiercely protect their families and value their wives and children above material possessions, viewing them as the key to the orc’s survival. Children of both genders are trained in combat from a young age. The lifespan of a nomadic orc rarely exceeds forty years. Many orcs hold fast to the belief that one day, a great orc chieftain will receive a divine mandate from Gruumsh, god of nomads and lost souls, to found a new orc homeland. This Dashtog, or “Home,” will be a promised inhabited space free from outside interference, where orcs are able to finally settle.

## The Oral Tradition

While spoken Orcish is a throaty language with several dialects that differ between tribes, the written word is practically non-existent. Despite what some scholars want you to think, the reason is *not*because they're any less intelligent than other species--instead, orc tribes have a rich oral tradition: stories, rituals, and laws pass between generations through folktales, songs, and chants.

This oral tradition is fundamentally tied to the orcish belief in self-sufficiency. Writing is seen as a crutch; an external aid so that the writer does not need to remember things themselves. Much like asking for help, relying on the written word can be construed as a personal failing or a sign of weakness. Thus, orc tribes place a great deal of effort on teaching young members the way of self-sufficiency; an orc may not know how to read a book, but they can recite entire speeches given by every chief of the last century.

### Basic Writing

With all that said, there is always *some* practical need for the written word. While there is no formal Orcish script, scholars have found a variety of ways to mark numbers and sounds. The extent of this practice varies by tribe--more traditional, orthodox tribes heavily discourage any form of writing, while heterodox societies are more accommodating.

Everything from knotted strings to prayer beads to the abacus can be used to represent basic concepts, numbers, and memories. Typically, these systems act more as reminders than fully representative language; an orcish warrior may wear a string of cloth-strips tied together with each strip representing a tribe they have visited over their lifetime.

When there is a need for formal writing, Orcish scholars have adapted the Dwarvish lettering system to represent their own sounds. If it's anything more important than a quick note, reminder, or secret message, these texts tend to be carved in wood or stone. Anything worth the trouble of writing is worth writing permanently.

### Non-Written Magic: Skalds and Priests

As a result of Orcish society discouraging the written word, very few formal wizards tend to come from traditional tribes. Instead, the vast majority of Orcish spellcasters are bards, druids, or clerics. These casters focus on magic that comes through song, nature, or devotion, rather than written spellcraft.

Skalds range from poets to generals to rousing orators (Lore, Valor, or Glamour bards, respectively), either telling tales of ages past or leading men in battle with their powerful voices. The path of the skald is seen as an acceptable profession for orcs with lesser physical strength or a desire to avoid direct combat--they defeat challenges on a societal or intellectual level, rather than a physical one. Priests tend to be clerics and druids, devoted either to particular gods or to the path of nature itself.

### The Marks of Warriors

(Credit to /u/DragonbornDoug for this one)

One quirk of modern orcish warrior society is the use of markings upon weapons to represent important moments. After significant moments or important coming-of-age ceremonies, an orcish warrior makes a notch upon their sword/axe/bow/club.

While outsiders may view these marks as simple tallies that represent bloodthirst, orcs recognize that each marking represents a story. It is common among newfound orcish acquaintances to ask about a particular marking and to brace oneself for a long, detailed recounting of an epic tale.

### Roles

* Elder. Typically the eldest person in the tribe who has lived through the greatest number of battles. This advisor recalls the entire totality of the tribe's battle history and can offer advice to the chief based on tactics that succeeded or failed in an identical situation, hundreds of years prior.
* Priest. A cleric or druid who has memorized all of the local rituals passed down from their forefathers.
* Battle Skald. Responsible for calling orders during battle, rousing the fighting spirits of warriors, and composing epic poems at the end of a battle.
* Messenger. Typically a young boy or girl who has not yet hit their growth spurt; the high-pitched voice indicates their role as messenger between tribes. No matter what animosity two tribes may hold, a messenger cannot be killed or hurt--to do so marks an act of war not just against the other tribe, but against all of orc-kind.