Orc

Lore To feel the thunder of orcish war drums outside the gate and hear a chorus of voices growling, “Gruumsh!” is the nightmare of every civilized place in the world. For no matter how thick its walls, skilled its archers, or brave its knights, few settlements have ever withstood a full-scale onslaught of orcs.
Every soldier who lives through a fight with orcs tells of confronting a hulking foe capable of cleaving through a warrior with a single blow. The orcs, with their relentless force, cut down enemies as though they were trembling stalks of wheat before the scythe. Only the most skilled and determined heroes can hope to survive single combat with an orc.
Savage and fearless, orc tribes are ever in search of Elves, Dwarves, and Humans communities to destroy. Driven by a deep-seated hatred for the civilized races and a need to satisfy their deities, orcs believe that if they fight well and bring glory to their tribe, Gruumsh will call them to the plane of Acheron in the afterlife. There, they will join his armies in an endless battle for supremacy.

Physical Characteristics

• Height: Typically stand between 6 and 7 feet tall
• Build: Muscular and broad, with a hulking and intimidating presence
• Skin: Ranges from shades of green to gray, often with a rough, weathered texture
• Hair: Dark and coarse, usually black or brown, often worn long and unkempt
• Eyes: Small and fierce, usually red or dark brown

Society and Culture

Orc society revolves around strength, war, and the favor of their deities, particularly Gruumsh. They live in tribal structures led by the strongest or most cunning among them. Honor in battle and glory for the tribe are of utmost importance, with their lives geared toward conquest and raiding. Orcs view battle scars as symbols of pride and achievement, while cowardice is met with disdain. Tribes constantly seek new targets, whether isolated settlements or large cities, driven by their desire to destroy the civilizations of other races.

Key Aspects

• Savage Warriors: Orcs are known for their raw strength and brutal combat skills, thriving in battle and reveling in their victories.
• Tribal Hierarchy: Leadership is based on strength and cunning, with chieftains rising through displays of might and tactical prowess.
• Gruumsh’s Influence: Orcs believe that bringing glory to their tribe will earn them a place in Gruumsh's armies in the afterlife.
• Hatred of Civilization: Orcs harbor a deep hatred for Elves, Dwarves, and Humans and seek to destroy and conquer wherever they can.

Relations with Other Races

Orcs are universally feared and distrusted by most other races. Their savage nature, warlike tendencies, and devotion to destruction make them the bane of many communities. Elves, Dwarves, and Humans are frequent targets of their raids, and few settlements feel truly safe with an orc tribe nearby. While orcs do not form alliances easily, they respect strength, sometimes forging temporary pacts with those who prove themselves as equals.

Race Traits and Abilities

• Age: Orcs mature quickly, reaching adulthood at around 12 years, and typically live up to 50 years.
• Size: Medium (Stand between 6 and 7 feet tall, with a muscular and broad build)
• Speed: 30 feet
• Darkvision: 60 feet
• Aggressive: As a bonus action, an orc can move up to its speed toward a hostile creature it can see.
• Powerful Build: Count as one size larger when determining carrying capacity and the weight they can push, drag, or lift.
• Menacing: Proficiency in the Intimidation skill.
• Languages: Common, Orc