Orcs

Basic Information

Anatomy

Most creatures within the Orc race are usually humanoid in shape, but are usually far stronger than humans in one capacity or a few. This can vary greatly when talking about the Orlog Orc Sub-race. The Orcs also seem to have the same organs as humans but at the same time they seem to mimic other species' organs. So as general rule of thumb, it is safe to believe that all Orcs are essentially one gigantic hive mind, working together, mimicking other races organs

Biological Traits

Orcs are humanoid in shape, and mimic many human organs, but actuality they are conglomerate of small nature elementals. Orcs come in a variety of different sizes and shapes based on where they are "born".

Genetics and Reproduction

Conglomerate of small nature elementals (or an orc's dead body) + biomass of any kind + magic = an orc x the variability of the orc's environment.

This equation is something all Ratfolk who study biology know, and is, in short, the basis for most biological understanding for the Rafolk. Though any records of this process happening have either been destroyed in The Great Collapse or have been lost to time, many Ratfolk believe this theory to be a scientific law for Orc biology. These rules are slightly different for Goblins.

Growth Rate & Stages

It is believed that orcs are created fully formed, and as such, have the intelligence level of a young child. This tends to be true, but on some occasions Orcs have shown to be quite intelligent and be able to learn complex ideas and disciplines. Orcs physically never stop growing, as small elementals slowly assimilate in the Orc's body. A normal Orc has been recorded to be 12 ft tall at one point. Orcs also grow pretty fast on a molecular level, so much so that they can actually regenerate injured body parts in a short amount of time. It is suspected that, when an Orc is injured, the nature elementals inside of the Orc kick into overdrive and start pumping out large amounts of magical energy in order to heal the wound and make it stronger than the last edition. These rules are slightly different for Goblins.

Ecology and Habitats

Orcs can live anywhere and survive as they don't require food most of the time. Usually they just need sunlight, or some other element from nature to "feed" them. An Orc's interaction with its environment is about as varied as a human's interactions with its environment, though it does seem follow a loose pattern. Find a place, stay in that place, and stop anyone else from claiming that place. Whether that space be a small cave, an entire continent, or a group of other Orcs is up to the individual Orc. These rules are slightly different for Goblins and Orlogs.

Dietary Needs and Habits

Orcs get their "food" from magical energies of their environment, and absorb that magic through a type of osmosis. Though Orcs can eat fruits, meats, and vegetables, hence why they have an anus in the first place, it isn't needed for their survival. This is different for Goblins.

Biological Cycle

Though it has never been seen, it is believed that Orcs can live forever if their very basic needs are met. It is also theorized that Orlogs are just ancient Orcs who have grown very powerful. For Goblins this is different as they have definable lifespans.

Additional Information

Social Structure

Orcs are usually found in very tribal societies or in isolation. A common theme among most Orc societies is the "Might makes Right" philosophy.

Facial characteristics

Orcs tend to have gruff and angular faces, with the jaw muscles being very pronounced.

Geographic Origin and Distribution

Orcs can be found all over the world

Average Intelligence

Most people think Orcs are nothing more than savages, but the Teuntenkan will tell of stories about Orcs using great amounts of shrewdness, wit, and cunning. So it is up in the air for how smart an Orc can be.

Perception and Sensory Capabilities

Pure-blooded Orcs are surprisingly perceptive in nature. Depending on how they are born, orcs can have the eyesight of an eagle, the hearing of a bat, or the nose of wolf. This changes slightly when talking about Goblins and Orlogs.

Civilization and Culture

Naming Traditions

Orcs adopt the naming conventions of nearby cultures.

Beauty Ideals

None

Gender Ideals

All Orcs reproduce asexually, except for Goblins, and don't care for if someone is male or female

Courtship Ideals

Intimate relationships are foreign concepts to all Orcs, except Goblins, and not many Orcs care for romance or courtship

Relationship Ideals

Orcs tend to appreciate those that are strong and helpful to their causes. They also tend to uphold deals to the fullest.

Average Technological Level

Most Orcs have not obtained the knowledge of metallurgy or even stone masonry.

Major Language Groups and Dialects

Orcs adopt the language of nearby cultures.

Common Etiquette Rules

Usually none, depending which Orc tribe you talk to, however, certain things could be more expected than at other tribes

Common Dress Code

Usually none

Culture and Cultural Heritage

Orcs have a general cultural appreciation for strength of any kind. Though most people will think that Orcs only appreciate physical strength, this is far from the truth as many travelers, merchants, and adventurers have stated that Orcs have complimented them on other kinds of strengths, such as, but not limited to, puzzle solving, puzzle making, carpentry, mathematics, metallurgy, exploring, and strategy. Those that display great strength in Orc culture usually become leaders, meaning that a lot of their society is built on a merit based system and even non-Orcs can become leaders in their communities.

Common Customs, Traditions and Rituals

While Orcs appreciate all forms of strength, they all have a common likeness towards martial strength, as is it what they are best at doing. So Orcs will usually hold many fighting contests to who is the strongest. Orcs also seem to enjoy hunting, but they usually don't actually kill anything, as they don't need to eat matter and they seem to revere animals. So after they wound an animal, they will usually try to heal the animal and those that succeed in this are highly revered.

Common Taboos

Anything that Orcs find weak or are too complex they will usually ban it from their tribe

History

Orcs don't record their history, so the only thing known about them comes from the Ratfolk, as they state that the Orcs have existed as long as they have.

Common Myths and Legends

It is impossible to decipher a discernible mythos between each Orc tribe, though they do share similar stories of powerful Orcs sharing certain archetypes. They are: The Crafter, an Orc adept in woodcrafting and the arts, The Druid, an Orc adept in healing and able to commune with animals easily, The Fighter, an Orc who is usually the strongest out the four archetypes and enjoys all things martial, and, finally, The Outcast, an Orc who is usually the black sheep of these four archetypes and usually related with the unknown, exploration, stealth, and pragmatism.

Scientific Name

Tyrannus Sapiens

Origin/Ancestry

Nature Elementals

Lifespan

Unknown

Average Height

7-9 feet tall on average

Average Physique

Broad shoulders, bulging muscles, and tusks coming out of the bottom set of teeth are the usual sign of a Orc.

Body Tint, Colouring and Marking

Orcs come in a variety of different colors and markings, but the most famous and well known orcs are the Green Orcs of the Teuntenkan Plains.