Orc

>    *“All Orcs, even the cleverest, resemble nothing so much as squabbling toddlers that have been magically granted enormous size, horrendous strength, and a variety of barbaric weapons. In a way, we should be thankful for all their in-fighting - keeps them from attacking us.” -* quote from Wyatt Brook, priest of Monoza.
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The constant sound of fighting and yelling is indicative of an Orc-controlled settlement. Their whole way of life revolves around combat and strength. They will raid other lands and fight the occupants, fight invaders and threats to their own lands and, when no clear opponent is present, fight amongst themselves for status. Naturally, Orcs are a tough and hardy race that enjoy the thrill of danger and the adrenaline that comes with a good battle.

## **Physical Description - Big and Bad**

An Orc’s enthusiasm for battle ripples through every inch of their brawny bodies. An Orc’s height varies greatly. Most Orcs are about the size of a tall Human, around 6 feet tall, however the greatest of their kind can easily reach 8 feet or even taller. However, their spines are usually unable to properly support the weight that comes with this height, resulting in their bodies stooping over - making them appear more 6-7 feet. They also weigh about 200 pounds on average but can easily weigh a lot more. The skin of an Orc is typically the characteristic green that one would expect from their race, however they can also be a stone-like tan colour in some cases or even a dark grey.

Some, but not necessarily all, Orcs are capable of growing body hair. Those that do will typically style it, adorning it with small trophies and trinkets that symbolise their strength and success. Being a warrior-race, many Orcs do not own regular clothing as some other races define it - instead choosing to wear their armour at all times. Some of the greatest warriors, dubbed Iron-Skins, literally graft their armour into their skin and flesh.

## **Mentality - Strength Above All**

As far as the Orcs are concerned, life is defined by strength and power in battle. They have no religion as other races, like Humans, define it - instead ‘worshipping’ the strongest among them as a sort-of avatar of strength. That does not stop some ambitious Orcs from attempting to take this position for themselves though, for infighting within a Horde is not just common - but encouraged. Orcs are trained to fight at a young age and they will squeeze every ounce of battle they can in the 4 to 5 decades they are alive for. Even those that decide to leave their birth horde will often travel to distant lands in search of greater battles. This is not to say that Orcs are naturally suicidal, but that their race has been conditioned over the centuries to value combat and the chance to prove one’s strength over all things, even survival.

As a warrior-race, Orcs are taught and trained to be tough. They are physically imposing and hardy, being able to take strike after strike without wavering. They are taught that defeat is just a hurdle to be overcome and so Orcs will train continuously and seemingly to the point of self-destruction to strengthen themselves and improve their fighting capabilities. They are dedicated, hardy, and dangerous.

That said, their hyper-fixation on toughening the physical has seemingly come at the cost of the emotional and mental. Many Orcs are susceptible to insults and wordplay. To call an Orc weak or cowardly is to invite trouble, for no decent Orc will take such a grievous insult without retaliating. They are not biologically stupider than other races, as stereotypes might portray, however Orcs are known to be more susceptible to mind control, telepathy and other such magics than most races are - for whatever reason.

## **Society - Heavy Warriors and Big Bullies**

Orcs are easily the most prosperous and most influential race in a majority of hordes - to the point that horde-controlled territory is named after them. In a horde, they are a majority of the warrior-base; both the rank-and-file and the elite troops of a horde’s army will be mostly comprised of Orcs. They are also leaders and warlords, controlling most of the badlands with savage force. This force applies to both external threats and internal strife, as Orcs can also be cruel bullies to those that they see as beneath them. Goblins, in particular, are extremely downtrodden and abused by the Orcs.

Orcs in other lands are quite a rare sight, as some races simply do not want them there. Those that do travel to other lands typically end up becoming wandering mercenaries, adventurers or even bandits. For obvious reasons, mercenary companies and bandit organisations are very quick to hire Orcs to their cause.

## **Orc Adventurers - Glorious Battle**

Given their battle-obsessed culture, an Orc might become an adventurer in order to find new and better fights for themselves. They might wish to improve their own strength or defeat a foe that will grant them a better position within the horde. Perhaps they were disgraced and are looking for a way to regain their lost status. Regardless of what spurs them, an Orc adventurer is not one to back away from a challenge or a good fight, to the point that it might put their party-member in danger.

## **Orc Names**

Many Orc names, like most names, are derived from terms and colloquialisms taken from the Greenskin language. In tune with their minimalist, brutish lifestyle, Orc names tend to be short and guttural. Orcs have typical male names and female names, though there is very little difference between the two and are mostly interchangeable. While some races place great importance on their names Orcs are more neutral, instead placing more emphasis on one’s strength and deeds.

**Example Male Names -** Nargulg, Tozhug, Dugorim, Muzgonk, Sugarod.

**Example Female Names -** Shel, Ugak, Grat, Ghorza, Ragash.

## **Orc Traits**

Your Orc character has certain characteristics in common with all other Orcs.

* ***Ability Score Increase -*** your Strength score increases by 2, and your Constitution or Charisma score increases by 1 (you decide).
* ***Age -*** Orcs are trained to fight from the age of 10 and by 12 they are considered adults. They can live to be 80, but most die at around 40-50 due to their violent lifestyle.
* ***Alignment -*** the Orcs are, for the most part, neutral. Though they raid other peoples and countries for resources, they are not inherently evil. In addition, their violent lifestyle almost always has them on the chaotic side, bloodshed and violence being normal and natural to them.
* ***Size -*** most Orcs stand at about 6 feet, but some can reach 8 feet or even taller. Those that reach 8 feet or more will typically be slouched over, so they measure about 7 feet rather than their actual height. Your size is Medium.
* ***Speed -*** your base walking speed is 30 feet.
* ***Born to Fight -*** you have proficiency with the greatclub, handaxe, battleaxe, and maul.
* ***Blood Fury -*** blood and pain fuel an Orc in battle. When you are reduced to 0 hit points, you can make one attack against a creature within 5 feet of you. If you reduce that creature to 0 hit points, you regain 1 hit point. After you use this trait, you can’t use it again until you finish a long rest.
* ***Hardiness -*** Orcs are skilled and sure-footed fighters. You have advantage on saving throws that would knock you prone.
* ***Intimidating -*** you have proficiency with the Intimidation skill.
* ***Commanding Strike -*** Orcs are inspiring leaders to their allies. As an action, you can assume command on the attack against a specific creature until the start of your next turn. The first attack roll another entity makes against that creature has advantage. After you use this trait, you can’t use it again until you finish a long rest.
* ***Languages -*** you can speak, read, and write Common and Greenskin. Orc voices are guttural and deep. Their voices can be naturally seen as intimidating or aggressive, without that necessarily being the intention of the speaker.