Meloran Orc

*You can also access this homebrew race through D&D Beyond - Meloran Orc D&D Beyond*

> The waves lapping on the wooden posts below his feet drew Vidal's attention away from his tacklebox and towards the ocean. The gentle coloured glow from the coral gardens suspended below the docks were beautiful as always and he could see the forms of several other Meloran orcs tending to the harvest. The seas around the floating city of Drifthaven had remained warm thanks to the blessings of Melora, despite the fact the currents had brought them far closer north than previous cycles. Off in the distance storm clouds were gathering over the icebergs, signs that soon he could head back out to try once more to capture a Squallfish. His last three attempts had been so close, if only he hadn't lost the mast to the strong winds he would have done it! Vidal looked down at his stomach and imagined the shape of the tattoo this catch would earn him, the storm above crackling with lightning as he hauled the catch aboard his boat. He had purposefully left this patch of skin bare in anticipation of such an achievement, all around the shapes of other creatures he had caught were marked on his blue-green skin in shades of red and black. As long as he didn't stray too far from Drifthaven he should be able to swim back to it's safe waters - the blessing of Melora kept the waters around the city calm regardless of how bad the weather was outside its bounds. Yes - he could do it this time!
>
> — Facing the Storm, The Tales of Vidal

Meloran orcs share a common ancestry with traditional orcs. On Nostea the orcs were created by Gruumsh during the Ruin in an attempt to produce an army able to crush the Elder Races. However, unexpectedly a number of orcs fought Gruumsh's influence and many were able to turn against him and help seal him and the other Betrayer Gods away. Seeing the power and potential of the orcs, Melora, the goddess of the wild and sea, offered to become their patron deity. Melora's connection to these orcs has changed them, both physically and psychologically, creating a new subrace of orc.

### Tattooed History

Meloran orcs are almost always adorned with intricate tattoos, which tell tales of their ancestors, their myths, individual deeds of valour and even pictographic prayers to Melora. When a Meloran orc comes of age they receive their first tattoos - one on the left arm, which curls in intricate wave and wind patterns around the wrist, and one on the chest above the heart, depicting the Floating City they or their ancestors came from. Over their lifetime these tattoos are expanded to record their deeds and experiences through life - clearly marked for all orcs or any other race versed in the meanings of the patterns. Meloran orcs have the height of their orc cousins, but a much slighter build and more delicate features.

### Meloran Orc Personality

Meloran orcs are like the sea; carefree and calm on the surface but hidden depths lie below, and just like the sea once roused their fury can be spectacular. Most of the Meloran orcs grow up living on the waves, either in ships or on the floating cities, and as such have a great sense of spirituality and connection to the sea. Often when away from the ocean for too long they can become depressed and melancholy, only returning to their usual selves when back in eyeshot of the waves. This lifestyle also generally breeds a strong resilience, respect for authority and good survival skills.

### Meloran Orc Names

As children Meloran orcs have no names and are instead referred to as "child". Upon reaching the age of 16 and receiving their first tattoo a Meloran orc will share their chosen name with the clan. This is a first name only and can be in orcish or common depending on the preference of the individual. Second names are earned through action and are often a reflection of the tattoos they have earned as well.

## Meloran Orc Traits

### Ability Score Increase

Your Strength score increases by 2, and your Dexterity or Constitution score, your choice, increases by 1.

### Age

Meloran orcs mature similarly to humans and are considered adults at around age 16. They age slowly and can live up to around 120 years.

### Alignment

Most Meloran orcs reflect the alignment of Melora and tend towards chaotic and neutral to good alignments.

### Size

Meloran orcs are somewhat larger and bulkier than humans, and they range from 5 to well over 6 feet tall. Your size is Medium.

### Speed

Meloran orcs are all proficient swimmers, growing up on or around the sea. Your walking speed is 30 feet, and you have a swimming speed equal to your walking speed.

### Darkvision

Thanks to your orcish ancestry, you have superior vision in dark and dim conditions. You can see in dim light within 60 feet of you as if it were bright light, and in darkness as if it were dim light. You can’t discern color in darkness, only shades of gray.

### Ocean's Endurance

When you are reduced to 0 hit points but not killed outright, you can drop to 1 hit point instead. You can’t use this feature again until you finish a long rest.

### Child of the Sea

Growing up on the ocean you have learned the necessary survival skills. You have proficiency in the Survival and Perception skills.

### Languages

You can speak, read and write Common and Orcish. Orcish is consonant heavy speech and the written form is pictographic in nature.