Orkn

The Orkn races are a brutish race made up of multiple species. They follow the strict rules of Orcus, their Lord. They aren't an intelligent race. Though some species have shown advanced through. They are extremely theocratic, following the word of their god, which they hear though their 'mouths of Orcus' Their counsel is made up of Orcs and Trolls who command them and give them organization.

## History

They once were the rightful owners of Aetheros, but when the humans arrived they battled the foreign horde. Though the Orkn were numerus, the humans were resilient, with powerful weapons and skilled tactics. They pushed the Orkn out of their homes and strong holds. Slowly devastating their lands as they moved. The humans eventually pushed them deep underground.

As the Orkn mined deeper and deeper for rare materials, they eventually dug themselves into the Underdark where they scattered all over and coming face to face with the Upír. They pushed out and settled areas. As the Orkn grew accustom to their new home, their bodies began to change, their skin grew pale and their eyes grew larger. They mutated into horrific underground beasts.

As war with the humans pressed on above, war with the Upír begun in the Underdark. Though the Orkn were able to breed quickly, they couldn't defeat either side, due to the lack of unity between their species. During a large battle with the Upír, an orc began commanding other species. Telling them what to do and were to go. This changed the tide of the battles and the Orkn were able to push the Upír back down, deep into the abyss. Later on the Orkn would name him Orcus, and he would ascend as a Lord to them.

## Divisions

Due to the living in extreme conditions for over a millennium, the Orkn have evolved into regional divisions to help them better adapt to different environments, some are just different skin coloration and temperature preferences, while others can be entire structural reworks.

**Frost Orkn -** A snow white and hairy race that is set for subzero temperatures.

**Ash Orkn -** A gray and pale skinned race with a high heat resistance and need little water.

**Drowned Orkn -** A dark blue race with web like hands and feet, their bodies can store excess air and don't need as much oxygen.

**Deep Orkn -** A dark skinned race whose bodies can with stand extreme heat and lack of sun.

## **Core Species**

Gremlins

2-3ft

75-100lbs

These tiny little creatures are just runts. They don't fight, but do the dirty work of the race. They clean up after meals, they carry food and polish weapons. If it’s a simple task, its Gremlin work.

Imps

2-3ft

50-75lbs

'Flying Goblins' These creatures are smaller than Goblins, but have large bat like wings that allow them to fly through the air. They are more a messenger species. They carry items and messages around. They are also used as a 'loader' race to load cannonballs and shells into large cannons and guns, however multiple Imps are required to lift most ammo.

Goblins

4-5ft

90-120lbs

A worker race. Not as low as Gremlin, but any task that doesn't take any brains or strategy to pull off is done by these. Mining, hunting, gather, harvesting, any task. Due to their lack of intellect or structure many die, even with simple tasks. If a higher caste is placed in charge, they will act more accordingly.

**Subspecies**

·      Rock Goblins: The closest thing to a mechanics or builders the Orkn have. These short stocky goblins aren't the smartest, but they can slap mud on things and can tie sticks together. They do their best to build things and figure out as much as they can. While some are even successful, most are not. They have rock like armor plates on their skin that they grow from eating minerals.

·      War Goblins: While they aren't on the front line, they are used as a way of manning machines, pushing towers, carrying items and just assisting the Orcs however they can. They know how to fight and will battle as a last resort, though they aren't the main fighting force.

·      Bombardier Goblins: These Goblins are like Rock goblins with their hard shells, yet they have no building skills, so they are loaded into cannons and fired as Artillery at the enemy. Most and loaded with explosives with a timer to explode several minutes after impact.

Hobgoblins

4-5ft

120-160lbs

Not as big as an orc, yet not as small as a goblin. Hobgoblins are a warrior race, though not as powerful as the Orcs though they make up the main regiments on the battle field. While they may not be as smart or as strong as a normal human, they do have ability to swarm over units, to simply outnumber their opponents with as many units as possible.

Orcs

6-7ft

200lbs

A species of powerful warriors. These are the main forces of the Orkn. This is where the brains and the brawns are. They are a species breed entirely for war. They are used as the main fighting force as well as guardsmen.

**Subspecies**

·      Forge Orcs: These Orcs are made to work in the hot fires of the forge. They are the smiths for the Orkn. They have strong upper bodies and are extremely resistant to heat. They have something called a hammer-fist: a calloused right hands they used to forge metal with their bare hands.

·      Berserker: A brutal Orc, who is known for going into battle with powerful weapons and commanding an Ogre. They are the tactical leaders, known for leading Orkn hoards into battle.

·      Mouths of Orcus: These Orcs are powerful diviners, able to commune with their lord. They are born with no eyes but four large 'wing' like ears for hearing and large mouths with many rows of sharp teeth. They can project their voice to be heard by many.

Ogres

8-12ft

400lbs

These are the brutes of battle. Used by Berserkers to break down walls, destroy fortifications and lay ruin to buildings. With powerful arms able to wield heavy weapons. They can go toe to toe with Gehraaks with brute strength.

Trolls

15-20

700+lbs

The work horse species, these creatures are used to move heavy objects around inside mines and help with construction. In battle they are used to push towers and carry defensives on their backs. They are living breathing mechs.

Orkhun

20-30ft

900+lbs

Giant six legged gorillas, that walk upright using their arms to move faster, but when in combat balance themselves on their rear four hind legs and use their front arms to wield powerful weapons.