Orc

Orcs in Eldaivyr are a formidable and resilient race, often misunderstood by other ancestries due to their fierce appearance and turbulent history. Traditionally seen as warlike and savage, Orcs have a complex society that values strength, honor, and loyalty. They live in tight-knit tribes scattered across harsh and rugged terrains, where survival dictates a strong sense of unity and familial bonds. While their past is marked by conquest and conflict, many Orcs seek to rise above their brutal reputation, striving to find their place in a world that views them with suspicion and fear.
Personality: Orcs are often perceived as aggressive and quick to anger, but this belies a deeper cultural emphasis on strength as a virtue and a means of survival. They possess a robust emotional spectrum and value courage, loyalty, and integrity. Typically, Orcs are straightforward, valuing actions over words, which can make them seem blunt or brusque. Their intelligence is practical, excelling in strategy and tactics related to survival and combat. Orcish communities encourage expressions of strength and prowess, often mistaking quiet or scholarly pursuits as weaknesses, though this is slowly changing as they interact more with other cultures.
Physical Description: Orcs are muscular and robust, with an average height ranging from 6 to over 7 feet tall. They typically have greenish or grayish skin, coarse hair, and prominent tusks that protrude from their lower jaws, adding to their intimidating demeanor. Their eyes are usually bright red or yellow, providing them with keen night vision, which is an evolutionary adaptation to their nocturnal hunting practices. Orcs are built for endurance and strength, with broad shoulders and strong limbs adapted to their rugged environment. Orcs are generally considered to be an adult at the age of 15, but may not be finished physically, physiologically, and psychologically developing until around the age of 25. The average expected life span of a Orc is about 75 years.
Relations: Orcs have a complicated relationship with other races, often based on historical conflicts. They are respected and feared by many for their martial prowess but are also often mistrusted due to past wars. Relations among Orc tribes can vary from fiercely competitive to deeply cooperative, depending on the local resources and historical grievances. They have been known to ally with Human, Dwarf, and even Elves in the face of greater threats, showing a capacity to put aside differences for common good.
Alignment: Orcs tend toward chaotic alignments, with a strong inclination towards chaotic neutral or chaotic good. They value freedom and flexibility in their governance, which often leads to a chaotic but functional social structure within tribes.
Lands: Orcs typically inhabit mountainous regions, dense forests, or other harsh, remote areas. These lands are chosen for their natural defenses and abundant resources, which are crucial for the survival-oriented lifestyle of the Orc tribes. They are skilled in adapting to difficult terrains, which also serves as a natural deterrent against invasion.
Religion: Orcish religion is predominantly animistic, with a focus within the Old Ways pantheon on the Malur and gods that represent natural forces and ancestral spirits. They particularly revere deities associated with strength, war, and nature, embodying their values and the challenges of their daily lives. Shamans and spiritual leaders hold significant power within tribes, guiding members in both spiritual matters and everyday decisions.
Language: Orcs primarily speak a guttural language known as Orcish, which has many dialects varying from tribe to tribe. They often learn Common or other regional languages to trade or parley with neighboring races.
Names:

• Masculine Names: Durotan, Grommash, Kargath, Orgrim, Rend, Broxigar, Zuluhed, Thrall, Garrosh, Fenris.
• Feminine Names: Draka, Aggra, Golka, Geyah, Luhkka, Soka, Uka, Zuka, Yura, Hana.
• Unisex Names: Vrok, Mok, Nok, Lok, Grok, Droth, Kruk, Thok, Gruk, Ruk.
• Family Names: Doomhammer, Hellscream, Bladefist, Deadeye, Mok'Nathal, Frostwolf, Bloodhoof, Earthfury, Stormreaver, Ironjaw.

Adventurers: Orcs become adventurers often out of a desire to prove their strength, seek honor, or sometimes to escape the rigid structures of their societies. They excel in roles such as warriors, Barbarians, or shamans. Adventuring allows them to gain prestige and wealth, which they often send back to their tribes, or to find new lands suitable for their people to settle. They are driven by a deep sense of honor and a desire to make a name for themselves, either as fearsome combatants or honorable allies.

Genetic Descendants

• Bugbear
• Half-Orc

Lifespan

75 years

Average Height

6-7 ft.

Average Weight

180-300 lbs.

Related Organizations

• Kor'Garoth

Personal Characteristics

Personality Traits

• “I laugh loudly and heartily, whether in joy or battle; my emotions are always on full display.”
• “Impatience is my trademark; I prefer action over lengthy discussion and deliberate quickly in all matters.”
• “My scars are my story. I proudly recount the tale behind each one to anyone who shows interest.”

Ideals

• Freedom: “The freedom to forge one’s path is sacred, and I fight against any form of enslavement or tyranny.”
• Strength: “Strength and power are the ultimate currencies. I respect those who wield them wisely.”
• Loyalty: “My loyalty to my tribe and family is unbreakable. I will do anything to protect and support them.”

Bonds

• “I am bound by a blood oath to avenge a fallen comrade against a rival tribe.”
• “My tribe’s totem is the spiritual anchor of our people, and its safety is my highest duty.”
• “I was exiled once and must prove my worth to return to my clan’s graces.”

Flaws

• “My fury in battle can blind me to the well-being of my allies, sometimes causing strife.”
• “I have a hard time trusting outsiders, often to the point of hostility.”
• “My disdain for weakness sometimes makes me cruel, even to those who need compassion.”