Red Orc

Forged by the blazing sun and the windswept sands of the Arakheem Desert, the Red Orcs distinguish themselves from other orcs with their lean frames and unmatched skill in navigating the harsh desert terrain. Some Red Orcs roam the dunes as nomadic marauders, scavenging ancient ruins and raiding unsuspecting caravans for treasures. Others have adapted to civilization, carving their own niche as Northern Malidor's most adept mercenaries. Famed Red Orc caravans offer safe passage and protection to those looking to ferry goods between the Sultanate of Jur'am and the Aloen Empire.
The smallest and most agile of their kind, Red Orcs have reddish skin that can range from vibrant scarlet to deep mahogany. It's often modified with white tribal tattoos and large piercings. Their thick hair is jet black and styled into mohawks, intricate braids, or shaved designs. Red Orc attire blends desert practicality with punk flair: loose, layered fabrics and keffiyeh are mixed with spiked leather bracers, studded belts, scrap metal armor, and protective goggles. Personal touches—chains, bone charms, and bandanas with clan symbols—are woven into every outfit.

Marauding Marksmen

Red Orcs are renowned across Northern Malidor for their mastery of firearms, which they "discovered" through raids on trade routes between Jan’aar and Hiranya. These seized guns, called jezails, are seen as personal weapons. They are well-crafted, intricately decorated with orcish runes, and modified with scavenged enhancements such as rusted axeheads, pillaged spyglasses, or scorpion stinger bayonets. All manner of ritual surrounding jezails exist, the most common being gunslinger duels to settle clan disputes.
Equally iconic are the sand skiffs of the Red Orcs—sleek, wind-powered craft that glide effortlessly across the dunes. Reinforced with scavenged metal and adorned with spikes and clan symbols, each skiff is both a practical vehicle and a clan’s pride. Red Orcs’ reputation as mercenaries is well-earned, offering safe passage to those who pay them fairly, ensuring their caravans remain untouched by rival clans. This pragmatic code has solidified their role as both raiders and indispensable allies in the harsh expanse of Arakheem.
Giant scorpions, the Arakheem Desert's most fearsome predators, are central to Red Orc culture as well. Clans have been hunting scorpions for generations and harvesting their parts for use. Claws and stingers are affixed to skiffs or jezails, while venom is either watered-down to make traditional liquor or coated on blades and bullets. As a result, many Red Orcs on the battlefield have had to make the tough call to amputate themselves, chopping off their own limbs to prevent toxins from spreading.

Naming Conventions

Feminine names

Zafrah, Aylka, Inakka, Lamak, Salrah, Tazrik, Sihar, Rihana, Yasrah, Marvok

Masculine names

Aghak, Tarrok, Khamash, Fahdrak, Nassok, Idrak, Raynor, Darrash, Zakhar, Qarmok

Family names

Dunestrider, Sandweaver, Sunshadow, Oasiskeeper, Stormwatcher, Dustwalker, Windcarver, Mirageborn, Stoneveil, Desertbloom

Red Orc Traits

Red Orcs have the following traits in common, in addition to the traits they share with other orcs.
Ability Score Increase. Your Dexterity score increases by 2, and your Wisdom score increases by 1. This replaces the Ability Score Increase trait granted by your orc race.
Desert Born. You are naturally adapted to extreme heat, as described in chapter 5 of the Dungeon Master's Guide. In addition, you can go twice as long without food and drink before risking exhaustion.
Dune Strider. Your base walking speed increases to 35 feet, and you can move across difficult terrain made of sand or earth without expending extra movement.
Orc Firearms Knowledge. You are proficient with muskets and pistols. Attacking at long range doesn't impose disadvantage on attack rolls made with firearms.

Genetic Ancestor(s)

• Orc

Lifespan

Up to 80 years

Average Height

6'0"-6'8"

Average Weight

180‒230 lbs

Related Organizations

• Aloen Empire
• City-State of Andalar