Orcs

Orcs are a larger version of Greenskin, similar to but larger and more intelligent than their Goblins cousins.

Basic Information

Genetics and Reproduction

Orcs reproduce rapidly, though not as rapidly as Goblins. Orc females are usually only pregnant for approximately 3 months, and often have twins or triplets. Orc women show little outward signs of pregnancy, and can easily still fight and work while pregnant.

Growth Rate & Stages

Orcs can reach adulthood by the age of 11-12 years old, and are at that point larger than most humans and elves. After this early growth, they usually retain all of their physical and mental abilities until they reach 35 years old, at which point they begin to shrink and weaken.

Ecology and Habitats

Orcs are often found in harsh conditions, that are difficult for other species to thrive in. Orcs are commonly found on the Far-Eastern plains, beyond Lake Savengard, as well as to the far South in The Boneyard. Some orcs have even ventured into the Northern region in the vicinity of The Razor's Edge Mountains, where they have come into conflict with the local Tsardom of the Vaegirs.

Dietary Needs and Habits

Orcs prefer meat over all other sustenance, but are overall extremely hardy, as they have been known to sustain themselves on pretty much anything they can get their hands on. Orcs have been known to eat wood and even rocks to sustain themselves, and it is believed that they possess unrivaled stomachs, able to break down even the toughest material into energy.

Behaviour

Orcs warlike in nature, and generally value strength over all other virtues. As such, their societies revolve around a "war-boss", who gains their position by killing or usurping the power from some other orc of the tribe. They often look to prove themselves worthy of mating by defeating large and dangerous creatures (this is a suspected reason why the prefer living in places that are rife with dangerous wildlife). Some orc tribes, though, have been known to be able to peacefully interact with civilized nations, but only when they view these other peoples as being equal to or greater than them in strength or military might. some scholars believe that orcs could be "enlightened", if sufficient efforts were made to teach them civilized ways. However, no successful attempts have been made at this as of yet (the last scholar who attempted to do so had his body returned to Syronea with his legs literally ripped out of their sockets).

Additional Information

Social Structure

Strength is power. a War-Boss holds supreme power over their tribe until they are killed by another. War-Bosses must constantly look to provide their tribe distractions to fight against, else their tribe begins to grow restless and look to usurp them.

Geographic Origin and Distribution

Remote and dangerous areas, such as the Eastern Steppes, The Razor's Edge Mountains, and The Boneyard.

Average Intelligence

Low intelligence, though possessing a knack for warfare and tactics. Some rare orcs have been known to be able to organize trade with civilized cities, though this level of intelligence is uncommon at best.

Symbiotic and Parasitic organisms

Reports have arisen of Orcs taming large creatures, such as mammoths. Though these reports are as of yet unverified.

Civilization and Culture

History

Throughout most of Calradian history, Orcish warbands have entered into and raided many parts of the continent, even temporarily enslaving people of the civilized races. Often these attacks were to prove the strength of a War-boss of the time, and the orcs would eventually leave even if undefeated, as they would get bored and move on.
During the Golden Age of the Calradian Empire, orcs were largely pushed out of the main continent, and relations were established between imperial settlements on the East side of Lake Savengard and some specific orcish tribes. These orcish tribes provided safety and raw goods for trade, in exchange for weapons and military aid in their inter-tribal warfare. 
Since the separation of the empire, and the eventual abandonment of the Eastern colonies, Orcs have once again become a concern on the fringes of the continent. However, many civilized people have become unaware of them over the many generations since they were a present problem, and what many people do know of them are mostly horror stories from very old war veterans. As such, Orcs are more of an urban legend than a genuine concern for many people on the continent. However, encroaching warbands have meant that the concern over orcs have been growing, especially in the Tsardom of the Vaegirs, where orcs have begun trespassing on lands in The Razor's Edge Mountains.

Lifespan

30-35 Years

Average Height

2.1 - 3 Meters

Average Weight

220-400 lbs

Average Physique

Tall, strong, and muscular. Orcs who do not meet these criteria by age 15 are often killed off by their own kin, or die in attempting to prove themselves worthy of their kin's affection.

Body Tint, Colouring and Marking

Almost unanimously green in complexion