Orcs

Orcs, also known as Anghenfil by the Elves are strong, aggressive fighters known for their value as warriors. Other races consider them savages, and it is true that orc culture has very different views about violence and morality. Most orcs adhere to a philosophy of survival of the fittest, where the physically strong should dominate the weak. Helping the weak does them no favor, as the world inevitably inflicts its worst horrors on the weakest. Far better to offer them a quick, painless death.
Orcs prize physical strength and prowess above all else. Intelligence and technology are often viewed with suspicion, as cunning is the tool of the weak used to dominate their moral superiors, the strong. According to orc mythology, it was the decadent cunning of The N'Djinn of the golden age that brought the demon moon to Aeryth, and their magics that destroyed the world. Acts of violence against physically weaker “lesser” species is viewed as a moral act, since it reinforces the divine, natural hierarchy. Protecting the weak inverts the natural law, and is considered evil. After all, if the gods had wanted the weak to rule, they would have made them stronger.
Orcs call themselves “ghmertebs sdzuls” - “forsaken by the gods” or just “sdzuls”, “the forsaken” for short.

Basic Information

Anatomy

Orcs are large, strong humanoids. They tend to be at least two meters tall, and are as strong as a gorilla. Their skin is usually a mottled green or grey, which helps provide them with a sort of natural camouflage.

Genetics and Reproduction

Orcs can fully breed with humans, and produce sterile offspring with elves, dwarves, and halflings.

Growth Rate & Stages

The average gestation period of an orc is three months. They reach full maturity by the age of eight.

Dietary Needs and Habits

Orcs are almost exclusively carnivorous. They eat very little besides animal flesh, and they're usually not too picky about which animal.

Additional Information

Social Structure

Orc society is extremely hierarchical in structure, with each member knowing their exact position in the social order. This order is routinely reinforced through violence, bullying, and conflict. Nevertheless, their societies are anything but static, since rule passes to those who can seize it. As a result, orcs often challenge each other in an effort to climb the social ladder by defeating or killing their superiors.

Facial characteristics

Orc facial features are robust to say the least, with thick skulls attached to powerful nick muscles. They have extremely large jaw bones with two tusk-like teeth that jut out over their upper lips. Orcs have thick, pronounced brow ridges, a sagittal crest, and occipital bun. They also tend to have large, flat noses.

Geographic Origin and Distribution

Orcs are a naturally nomadic species who tend to travel in tribal social groups. They are found throughout Amerak from the Spindle Mountains to the The Tranquil Coast.

Civilization and Culture

Courtship Ideals

Like everything else in orc culture, courtship adheres to the ideal of survival of the fittest. Orcs look for physical strength in mates, although orc males are known to enjoy mating with almost every other species on Aeryth, sapient or not.

Average Technological Level

Orcs do not use written language among themselves, although some do learn the writing systems used by other species. Orc culture is instead based around oral traditions.
As nomads, they have little technology of their own beyond the primitive forges they use to make their iron weapons. They have almost no use for architecture or engineering, as they live in huts and encampments. Animal husbandry is almost unheard of, as the orcs view hunting and gathering as central to their cultural identity.

Common Etiquette Rules

Orcs view politeness as condescending.

Culture and Cultural Heritage

Despite their savagery, orcs still exhibit their own culture. This is exemplified by the centrality of song in their society. Strong voices are seen as almost as commendable as a strong body, and singing competitions are common. Most orc music is highly structured, with call-and-response refrains and extensive lists of historical battles or famous lineages. They also perform intricate, ritualized dances, which typically consist of violent, frenetic movements and mock combat.
Orcs often view themselves in opposition to other cultures. This is particularly true when it comes to practices such as animal husbandry, which they view as a crutch for those too weak to hunt and kill for themselves. They also view the idea of living indoors as weakening the constitution.

Common Myths and Legends

The orcs believe they were created by the god of war to fight for the old gods against demons and dragons. But their noble service was spurned by the world and the gods and the people they had fought for. While the elves hid in fairy land, and the dwarves huddled in their caverns, and the humans wept and begged for mercy, only the Orcs were strong enough to save the world. But their very strength and martial prowess frightened the other peoples of Aeryth, who turned on the Orcs and stole their lands. Now, they are a dispossessed people, the suffering servants of the gods, viewed as usurping monsters in their own world.
Show Spoiler

Orcs believe they were the last race to be created by the gods. After the elves, dwarves, and humans had failed to drive back the evil of N’Mosis, they turned at last to the orcs, strongest and bravest of all the races of Aeryth. It was only through Orc strength that the monster of N’Mosis were finally defeated and Aeryth saved. But after the Orcs had delivered them from their destruction, the other races refused to acknowledge the Orcs as their saviors. The great strength of the Orcs frightened the other races, who conspired to destroy them. They tried to steal with cunning what the Orcs had conquered by strength. The other races laid a trap for the Orcs, and succeeded in driving them from their conquests. Since then, the Orcs have too often lived as nomads and sojourners, or in squalid kingdoms far from other mortals.
As the strongest and most martial of the races of Aeryth, as the saviors who delivered the world from the demon hordes, the Orcs are Aeryth’s natural rulers. It was only through the perfidy of the ungrateful elves, humans, and dwarves that they have been driven from their kingdoms. One day, however, the strength of the Orcs will prove too great for even the combined cunning of the other races, and the Orcs will claim Aeryth as its rightful masters once again.

Interspecies Relations and Assumptions

Orcs are widely feared and hated by other sentient species, viewing them as little better than savages. The Orcs and Elves have a particularly deep hatred for each other.
Orcs, meanwhile, view the other species as weak, and worthy of subjugation.

Average Height

At least two meters

Average Weight

200 lbs.

Average Physique

Thick-boned and heavily muscled.

Body Tint, Colouring and Marking

Orcs tend to have grey or greenish mottled skin coloring, which acts as a natural camouflage.