Orcs

Orcs of the material plane are much less aggressively inclined than their predecessors. However, the call of their patron god, Narlock, calls them to battle and to display honour and valour in all they do. While the anger of the orcs is slow to rise, once enraged, the orcs are an implacable force. Enemies of the race seldom last long in face of the bloody onslaught they elicit. Creatures powerful enough to subdue the orcs are few and those that do strike fear into the deepest hearts of all but the clan's bravest.
Whilst not overtly aggressive, the size of orcs can be intimidating to say the least. Incredibly strong and resilient, orcs are more likely to respond to a challenge with displays of strength than to enter a battle of wits. Orc women are as strong as orc men and lead just as often.
Magic is rare in orcs. They are not natural spellcasters, instead relying on force of arms or blessings from Narlock to defeat an enemy. The chosen few which have access to magic are often incredibly powerful, using power bequeathed by Narlock to weave spells unseen in other races. The nature of orcs results in magic which may be frowned upon by others, such as the ability to draw rejuvenation from other creatures. The most famous, and a generally kept secret, is the Orcish Siphon. Narlock grants her chosen to take energy from the dishonourable to feed his warriors as they do his work. This religious brief can be lost on other races however, who may see the act as barbarous and as upsetting the natural balace of life. Who has the right to siphon the life Gods have bequeathed?
The Grand War Chief is the strongest of all orcs and leads the clans, whom swear their allegiance, from the orcish seat of power at Kragmere. The Orcs of Kragmere were led by Exhalted Grand Warchief, Urzul Bonehammer. The fate Bonehammer is unknown, although it is believed he was either slain or taken alive by the Illithid when they descended on Kragmere.

Civilization and Culture

Beauty Ideals

Orcs respect strength and honour.

Common Etiquette Rules

Orcs respect strength and honour. War Chiefs display their might and exert power fairly, and are held in high-regard within their clan. Challenges to power are rare: only when a War Chief is corrupt or a candidate is exceptional do duels proceed to determine a new leader. Upon the death of a War Chief, the replacement process is highly ceremonial. Candidates step forward or are nominated. Displays of strength are paramount, and unembellished tales sing of the glory and prestige of the candidate. One orc rises to the top, and their authority after the trials is unquestioned.

Culture and Cultural Heritage

Orcs are neither good nor evil. They rest between, understanding that the world is not black and white and that actions in one context that may be considered benevolent can cause harmful effects in another. The orcs also consider the survival of the race as more important than the needs of the individual. Orcs understand that life is balanced and that without other races the orcs would suffer greatly. That is not to say that orcs always get along with other races, or even each other. The strength of the individual feeds the tribe, and displays of strength and authority are well respected, and expected. Races which disparage orcish values or show hostility to orcs are quickly reminded of why the orcs tolerate their presence.

Common Customs, Traditions and Rituals

Orcs follow the values of Narlock and practise her teachings. The vast majority of orcs keep the faith, and thank Narlock for the good fortune they reap. Some orcs are not religious, and do not actively follow Narlock. These orcs are not rejected by society, but a lack of faith can sometimes reflect badly on such orcs, causing critics to question their strength or honour.

Historical Figures

Kill'Da of Clan Stonetooth. Ashes now travelling with Rokk'Ta.
Grand Exalted Warchief Sledgehammer, who retrieved The Primordial Stone.

Common Myths and Legends

The Primordial Stone

Grand Exalted Warchief Sledgehammer of Kragmere won the Stone back to the Material Plane six centuries ago. He travelled to The Nine Hells and made a deal with an ancient primeval being there who promised the hammer in return for a favour. The Grand Exalted Warchief returned to Kragmere with the artefact and was named after the gargantuan weapon. Since then, no one has been able to wield the hammer without rotting and decaying at an extremely accelerated rate.

Genetic Descendants

• Half-orc