Orc
The orcs, a strong and powerful race of greenskinned humanoids, once lived as shamanic clans in the lush savannas of the Dragon Marches' Southeast region. Corrupted by demonic influence they grew empires forged in the fires of violence and conflict under their master's brutal will. Eventually the orcs were able to free themselves from demonic influences and aid in the last stand of Drakkenfall. In the aftermath however, they often struggle to gain acceptance among other communities, who frequently see them as brutes still chained to their warlike past. An orc's fidelity and honesty are unparalleled and their willpower and strength shaped by the challenges they survive, and within the aftermath of the gods they fight to find their place in the world they once came to conquer.
If you want a character who is hardy, fearsome, and excels at feats of physical prowess while you pride yourself on your venerable sense of honor and deep wisdom, you should play an orc.
History
Physical Description
Orcs are tall and powerfully built, with long arms and stocky legs. Many orcs top 7 feet in height, though they tend to adopt broad, almost bow-legged stances and slouch forward at the shoulders. Orcs have rough skin, thick bones, and rock-hard muscles, making them suited to war and other physically demanding tasks. Most orcs are green-skinned, usually ranging from a light chartreuse yellow or olive to a dark forest or emerald green. Orcs tend to have coarse and bristly hair and beards, often black or brown in color, graying with age. Orc males sometimes choose to grow beards that are wild and untamed, while others prefer them to be braided and tasseled. These beards always hang from the chin, as orcs do not grow heavy facial hair above their upper-lip. Orc females on the contrary tend to have eclectic hair styles and unusual piercings. Orcs consider powerful builds, heavily scarred skin, large tusks, and tattoos attractive, regardless of gender. Orcs reach physical adulthood around the age of 17, with many orcs living to be up to 75 years old.Personality
To their enemies and those who fear them, they are brutal and fearsome opponents, without parallel in their ferocity and cunning. To their allies, the orcs are noble and honorable, following the traditions of a rediscovered past. While the orcs might seem quick to anger, they are tempered by the wisdom of their leaders and their shamanic ideals. Within the aftermath of the Cataclysm orcs have forged a complex society that embraces many occupations and outlooks on life. Of all of these cultural ideals, the concept of personal honor that pervades all echelons of orcish society has made the race more cohesive as a whole. For an orc, personal reputation is as important as his or her clan, and most will fight to the death in defense of either. Even the naming of an orc is temporary until he has performed a rite of passage. Once an orc has brought honor to his name and the name of his clan, the elders give him a second name based upon his deed.Culture
Orcish society has always been characterized by hardy and rugged living. As a result, they are staunch pragmatists, and never shy from killing if it will protect the future of the orc or his or her clan. Yet regardless of their clan affiliations, orcs prize honor over all other things in life—first to bring honor to their clan and secondly bringing honor to the self and to their sense of self-worth as an individual. Likewise, hospitality is considered one of the greatest honors that can be bestowed and has lead to the orcs and minotaur have become fast and unswerving allies because of their assistance in ridding them of their demonic curse regardless of the cost to themselves. All orcs, regardless of gender or station, are expected to pull their own weight and walk with honor, in contrast weakness and ill repute are considered grave liabilities. The weakness of one contaminates the strength of all, and it is punishable by the greatest humiliation an orc can receive: exile.Orc Traits
Orc
ability score increase:
Increase two scores (+2 / +1) between Strength, Constitution, Wisdom or Charisma
age:
Orcs reach physical adulthood around the age of 17, with many orcs living to be up to 75 years old.
Size:
Medium
speed:
30ft
Languages:
Common, Orcish
race features:
Powerful Build
You count as one size larger when determining your carrying capacity and the weight you can push, drag, or lift.Adrenaline Rush
You can take the Dash action as a Bonus Action. When you do so, you gain a number of Temporary Hit Points equal to your Proficiency Bonus. You can use this trait a number of times equal to your Proficiency Bonus, and you regain all expended uses when you finish a Short or Long Rest or enter combat.Relentless Endurance
When you are reduced to 0 hit points but not killed outright, you can drop to 1 hit point instead. Once you use this trait, you can’t do so again until you finish a long rest or enter combat.
Basic Information
Type
Humanoid
Lifespan
75 years
Average Height
6-8 ft.
Average Weight
230-300 lbs.
Related Organizations
Shades of green
Hair Colors
Black and brown
Eye Colors
Gray, green and red
Distinctions
Large build, low forehead, tusks
Being an Orc...
You Likely...
- Strive to adapt perfectly to your environment while also keeping your culture and traditions intact.
- Are concerned with survival over artistic achievement.
- Value valor over cunning—as long as valor doesn’t lead to disaster.
Other Races Probably...
- Admire your forthrightness and blunt honesty.
- Respect your impressive strength and your knowledge of natural areas.
- See you as violent or lacking in discipline.
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