Varzul Orcs
Varzul Orcs are one of three Orcs subspecies. The others being Urthrak Orcs and Thraalk Orcs. The chief of the Varzul Orcs that reside within the Eastern Steppe is Chief Skarath Bloodfang
Basic Information
Anatomy
Varzul orcs are tall and lean, with a height ranging from 6.5 to 7.5 feet for both males and females. They are physically powerful, though not as bulky as their Thraalk cousins. Their skin tones range from dark bronze to sandy brown, providing natural camouflage in the grassy plains they inhabit. Their eyes are often a striking amber or gold, adapted for sharp vision in the bright, open environment of the steppes.
Varzul orcs have less prominent tusks compared to the Thraalk, with most males and females having tusks that extend just a few inches beyond their lower lips. Their hair is typically black or dark brown, worn long and often braided to signify clan affiliation or personal achievements.
Genetics and Reproduction
The Varzul orcs exhibit genetic traits that favor speed, agility, and endurance. Their lean muscle mass and strong cardiovascular systems make them excellent runners and riders. Like other orcish species, the Varzul reproduce sexually, with a gestation period of 10 months. They typically have one offspring per pregnancy, though twins are not uncommon.
Varzul orc offspring are known as "foals," reflecting their deep connection to their horses. They mature rapidly, reaching full physical adulthood by the age of 14. Genetic diversity within the Varzul is maintained through inter-clan marriages, often arranged to strengthen alliances and ensure the vitality of the bloodline.
Growth Rate & Stages
Varzul orcs experience a rapid growth phase during their early years, with young orcs mastering riding and basic combat skills by the age of 8. Adolescence is marked by the Turag, a rite of passage where young Varzul prove their skills in a series of challenging trials, including long-distance races and mounted combat. By 14, they are considered full adults and can join warbands or start families of their own.
The Varzul orc lifespan averages around 60 to 70 years, with the most respected elders often living beyond 80, especially if they have avoided the numerous dangers of their lifestyle.
Ecology and Habitats
The Varzul orcs are indigenous to the Eastern Steppes, a region that demands both mobility and adaptability. Their nomadic lifestyle is perfectly suited to the ever-changing conditions of the steppes, where resources such as water and game can be scarce. Varzul orcs live in large, portable tents known as yurts, which can be quickly assembled and disassembled as they follow the herds of wild horses and other game.
Their clans are known for their symbiotic relationship with their horses, which are not only vital for transportation but also central to their cultural identity. The Varzul orcs maintain large herds of horses, carefully breeding them for speed, endurance, and temperament.
Dietary Needs and Habits
The Varzul orcs are omnivores with a diet primarily based on meat, supplemented by foraged plants, roots, and herbs. Their primary source of protein is horse meat, which is considered a delicacy and is often consumed during important rituals and feasts. They also hunt large game such as antelope, wild boar, and bison, using both mounted and on-foot tactics.
In addition to meat, the Varzul make use of every part of the animal, producing dairy products, leather, and bone tools. They are skilled at preserving food for long journeys, using techniques such as drying and smoking to ensure they have sustenance during the harsh winters.
Biological Cycle
The biological cycle of the Varzul orcs is closely linked to the migratory patterns of the herds they depend on. During the spring and summer months, they are highly active, traveling great distances across the steppes in search of fertile grazing grounds and water sources. In the autumn, they begin to slow down, gathering in larger camps to prepare for the winter, when they will remain relatively stationary, focusing on training, crafting, and storytelling.
Behaviour
The Varzul orcs are a proud and fiercely independent people, valuing personal honor, strength, and loyalty to their clan above all else. Their warrior culture is centered around the concept of Khanthar, a code of conduct that emphasizes bravery, tactical skill, and respect for the natural world. Duels and competitions are common, serving as both entertainment and a means of settling disputes.
Varzul orcs are deeply connected to their horses, viewing them as partners rather than mere animals. This bond is so strong that many Varzul refuse to eat horse meat unless it is from an old or injured horse that can no longer live comfortably.
Psychologically, the Varzul are highly disciplined, with a strong sense of duty to their clan and the larger Varzul nation. They are known for their strategic thinking, both on and off the battlefield, and their ability to remain calm under pressure. The Varzul believe in an afterlife where the bravest warriors are rewarded with endless battles and feasts, a belief that drives them to seek glory in life.
Additional Information
Perception and Sensory Capabilities
Varzul orcs possess exceptional eyesight, honed for spotting distant prey or potential threats on the horizon. Their hearing is also acute, capable of detecting the faintest sounds of movement across the plains. While they lack the shamanistic extrasensory abilities common among the Thraalk, the Varzul have developed a form of battlefield intuition, often described as a "sixth sense" for danger, likely an evolved response to their warrior lifestyle.
Genetic Ancestor(s)
Scientific Name
Orcinus varzuli
Origin/Ancestry
ancient Wyrgar species
Conservation Status
The Varzul orcs are a thriving population, known for their adaptability and strong warrior culture. However, their numbers have fluctuated due to internal conflicts and wars with neighboring civilizations. Efforts to preserve their nomadic lifestyle are complicated by the pressures of modernization and territorial encroachment.
Geographic Distribution
Discovered by
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