Orog

# Orogs

*"They came with their armor a'gleaming, with their axes a'shining. I'd killed plenty of orcs in my time but these...these ones my brothers and I weren't prepared for."-Khurheg Minetank, magma dwarf explorer, in his after action report regarding the* "Disappearance of the 7th."

*"Orcs are great smiths, orogs are exceptional ones."-Plume of Smoke, tabaxi merchant, one his preferred manufacturer.*

*"Orcs can be scattered with a good charge. They are undisciplined berserkers. That is their weakness. Orogs are the exception and that is what makes them dangerous. Kill them first if possible."-Tranelis Riaphanninn, high elf ranger, in a lecture to potential rangers.*

## Physical Description:

At first glance an orog resembles a standard hill orc but only at the first glance. An orog is taller, heavier and wider, just plain larger in every way. Head and shoulders taller than regular orcs, orogs' tusks are long and sharp and they have larger, pointier ears. Their eyes are almost always red, peering out from beneath thick brows. They maintain the standard gray skin tone, though paler, usually sun-deprived. Aside from the physical, orogs are set apart by their plate armor and gleaming weapons. No orog is seen in public without plate which easily separates them from the standard orc. Generally, they keep their features free of tattoos, piercings or tribal scarring. They exercise intense discipline in their dress with most males cutting their hair into a singular topknot and females braiding their long dark hair into a solitary braid. Even their basic clothing is spartan and proper with hard lines and fine sewing. They go everywhere armed and even keep hand axes by their night stands and outhouses.

## History:

The history of the orogs is complicated. Some historians believe orogs were magically altered and bred by either powerful wizards, drow matriarchs, mind flayers or potentially beholders, to serve the creator as soldiers and guards. While the identity of the original breeder changes based on the historian, the reasoning does not. Orcs are powerful and strong but they tend to be undisciplined and less than genius'. The breeding of the orog was a response to that, creating a stronger orc that was smarter, more disciplined. This backfired in the predictable manner, with the orogs rebelling, killing fellow slaves, guards and their masters and setting out into Apia to set up small colonies of their own.

The other story, told by the orogs themselves, claims they are directly created by Luthic, orc goddess of childbirth and fertility, the wife of Gruumsh. She saw her mortal children needing champions to protect them and organize them. So she rewarded some of her most faithful followers with children who were larger, stronger and smarter than all the rest, true champions of orcish kind.

What is disputed is where the orogs came from; what isn't is their impact. Many orogs formed tribes of their own, dangerous and brutal, disciplined fighters with an orcish rage at their core. Others joined orc tribes or warbands, quickly rising to the top of those tribes, forming elite vanguards, or leading from the front. These orog-led bands proved way more dangerous than normal and led bloody campaigns across Apia. Still other orogs migrated to the caves of the Hollow, determined to carve a mighty empire in the depths of the world. Orog leaders dream of finding the hollow center of Apia Prime and learning what secrets it holds but if any have made it none returned. Today, orog tribes and orogs within orc bands remain dangerous and implacable foes. Only fools underestimate the orog.

## Geography:

Orogs are found all over, either integrated into orc clans or running tribes of their own. Major centers of orogs include, Umgar, the Hill-Lands and the Hollow but small enclaves can be found in frozen northern regions and Druz.

## Personality:

Orogs are orcs, that cannot be understated. They are loud, boisterous and aggressive creatures. They desire power, wealth, sex, food and glory. They value face and honor but not at the cost of their own lives However, what sets orogs apart from the lesser orcs is their cunning and disciplines. Orogs utilize tactics, they are patient and cunning willing to wait for the appropriate opportunity. They use advanced battle strategy in both war and life. Orog miners approach caves with disciplined formations, smiths work their craft with the utmost care, measuring twice before striking the steel. They are masters at channeling their rage into action, letting anger fuel their attacks but not dictate them. They also hold Luthic in far higher regard than most orc breeds, seeing her as their spiritual mother. Orogs value efficiency and reliability. Sure they enjoy food, drink and gold, but they value sturdy armor and well-maintained axes more. They are dangerous beings who refuse to underestimate opponents and fight to win, no matter the cost.

## Society:

Orogs usually form tribes of their own living in either forts or underground caverns. An orog tribe will seek a defensive position first and foremost, they value security and quickly fortify whatever region they occupy, posting guards and setting traps. Orog warchiefs lead through strength and cunning, as all orc chiefs do, though orogs will step down willingly if they are too old and frail to lead in battle. An orog who lives to infirmity is actually honored among orogs, unusual among orcs, as he is seen as strong enough to have bested any challenge set before him. Orog tribes will trade in supplies or slaves, offering the services of orog warriors to those willing to pay. Orogs within orc tribes either form an elite vanguard of warriors that take great pride in being in the thickest of fighting or ascend to leadership on the basis of their superior strength and intellect. Orcs in general are intimidated by orogs and warlords often refuse them entrance into their bands, knowing that the orog could easily supplant their position. When orogs breed with regular orcs the child is almost always an orog and, since male orogs are highly desirable to female orcs, and vice-versa, they can quickly replace a tribe. An orog-led tribe is incredibly dangerous because they have advanced tactics and drive combined with the limitless fanaticism of orcs.

## Religion:

Orogs praise Gruumsh as god-king, the superior orc who makes them stronger than average orcs. They also revere Luthic, the Cave Mother, as their own mother and creator. They decorate caves in her honor and enshrine her within their homes and lairs.

## Alignment:

Many orogs are neutral evil. They are more disciplined than orcs but still far from lawful beings. Others are neutral, chaotic neutral or even neutral good.

## Relations:

Orogs get along best with other orogs. They also do well enough with other orcish races, alongside ogres, trolls and porcine. They are known to be friendly with goliaths from time to time due to a sense of mutual respect. Orogs will work alongside drow and duergar while good aligned orogs will trade with svirfneblin. Like all orcs they loath goblinoids and attack them whenever possible.

## Names:

Orog names are similar enough to orc ones that those names should be used.

## Adventurers:

Orog mercenaries are a common sight across Apia, as are orog adventurers. As sole survivors, wandering warlords, exiles, hunters, fanatics or simple mercenaries, there are few chartered adventuring parties who will turn down the muscles of an orog. As stable, stoic beings with boiling rage below the surface, they make exceptional warriors and even decent rogues or clerics. They may be sullen but they are valuable adventurers.

## Traits:

Orog traits are described below...

Ability Scores: +4 Strength, -2 Dexterity, -2 Intelligence, +2 Wisdom, -2 Charisma

Medium size

Base land speed 30 feet

Darkvision 120 feet

Weapon Proficiency: Greataxe, Throwing Axe

+4 racial bonus on Craft (Armorsmithing) and (Weaponsmithing)

Light Blindness (Ex): Abrupt exposure to bright light (such as sunlight or a daylight spell) blinds an orog for 1 round. In addition, orogs suffer a –1 circumstance penalty on all attack rolls, saves, and checks while operating in bright light.

Orc Blood: Treat an Orog as an Orc for all special abilities, magic items and other effects that key off of race.

Cold Resistance 5