Orc Species in Orchestra of Four | World Anvil
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Orc

Large and green, normally known to pride themselves on strength of body rather than intellect. It is unknown how long they have existed upon Archevon, however, it is believed that they are one of the oldest species to exist upon its many continents. Many Orcs are named after an Elder of their village, normally they are a den mother, but veteran warriors who have lived until their mid-lives are able to name a child after themselves and begin to raise it as their own.

Basic Information

Anatomy

The anatomy of the common Ork arguably defines the epitome of a brute. Finding themselves preferring their physical prowess over any other form of self-endowment. However, exceptions aren't rare.

Genetics and Reproduction

In a brief sense, the common Orc finds themselves nearly routinely engaging in reproductive behavior. Their gestation period tends to be around the same as that of a human, despite any interbreeding with any other species.

Growth Rate & Stages

The common Orc is unique to the fact they are capable of growing at a slightly accelerated rate than that some other races. Pure-blooded orcs mature around the age of fourteen, but aren't necessarily considered adults until their "Four Springs of Trials", so they're effectively just capable of warring until then. It has also been noted that half-orcs age at the rate of their non-orc parent as well. In example, if an elf happened to have procreated with a common Orc, the consequential child will live much longer than the average orc, but shorter than most elves.

Ecology and Habitats

While most Orcs have been pushed beyond the Wall of Jade, finding themselves in a festering yet vibrant jungle; The common Orc is capable of extreme adaptations. It is rumored that beyond the wall that many "Ork Clans" have bred themselves into unique ecological niches that fit their corresponding role in the ecosystem.

Dietary Needs and Habits

It has been said by the more superstitious and ignorant common rabble that the common Orc eats newborns and feasts upon the entrails of their enemies. However, most if not all Orcs are entirely omnivorous. Some even prefer a more vegetarian lifestyle due to sustainability of a bigger "horde". Although, Orcs are more than capable hunters and there isn't a lack of survivalists within their societies.

Biological Cycle

Most Orcs don't differ biologically from the many other humanoid species, but the few differences make them entirely unique. Orcs are capable of regenerating their teeth, scarring is common yet their scar tissue is harder than their non-scar tissue yet elastic enough to offer little disadvantage.

Additional Information

Social Structure

For the most part, it is the powerful rules. Their societies are structured around survival, and without the most powerful leading the more meek, then what use would it be to them? They also tend to not distinguish male and female roles, or even hold ill-will against their half-orc offspring.

Facial characteristics

The common Orc can find themselves with jagged teeth, tusks, enlarged eyes, and pointed ears. Some assume that their pointed ears is an inherited trait from some ancient line of elves. However, the elves themselves refute this deeply, while others may ponder it.

Geographic Origin and Distribution

The "Orcish Homeland" is an archaic theory yet a potentially interesting one. It is assumed that the Orcs existed before the descending of Damyioh onto Archevon. Many ruins of Orcish design are still found within Archevon to this day, and while most of them are either desolate or occupied by some form of bandit organization (or a heretical cult), they are entirely unique in their architectural design. Most of which were made of metal, wood, and stone. So, it is hinted that Orcs may have originated from some sort of mountain range where they could've acquired the necessary materials and know-how to work such material. Albeit, most Orcs are now found beyond upon Oghan.

Average Intelligence

While not entirely dimwitted, they definitely don't have a society of scholars. Most of them, without proper education or training, find themselves incapable of most intellectual pursuits.

Perception and Sensory Capabilities

The common Ork, Orkus Primodius, or just Orc to the common tongue, are virtually capable of multiple things that humans cannot do. An Orc is capable of having exceptional hearing, smelling, and all of them are able to see within the dark. It is also rumored that some orcs are capable of enhancing one another by proximity.

Symbiotic and Parasitic organisms

The common Orc, just like humans, are capable of husbanding a variety of species. However, while humans have an affinity for pasture animals, most Orcs share that same nearly supernatural bond with beasts of equal war and burden. Which comes as no surprise due to ancient retellings of battles with Orcs that detail their ability to tame wargs and ride upon their backs.

Civilization and Culture

Naming Traditions

Orcish naming convention is very simple. The stronger and more powerful a name sounds, the better. So, many of their names tend to be gutteral and length varies on how loud on can scream it in one breath. So, for sake of example, the most common documented names (and titles) are Ghol, Dhag, Brog, Groll, and Domak. In consequence, Orcs carry titles with their names, while the meaning can vary, most who were deemed worthy by their Clan are given a title such as "the Fearless", "Teeth Chopper", or "Hate Axe".

Major Organizations

It is theorized that there are Orcish Clans beyond the Wall, but to what extent that they're organized is currently beyond our knowledge. However, it is not doubted that they are capable of forming into larger Clans or "Federations".

Beauty Ideals

The men prefer strong women, and the women prefer strong men. It isn't necessarily about "beauty", but their attractiveness to each other (and other species) is warranted through physical or inheritable power. Therefore, many women and men who seek to find a partner exaggerate and display their power through many unique feats of strength.

Gender Ideals

It hasn't been documented that either male or female Orcs are treated differently or separately from their counterparts. Which may be due to their fascinating psychology where strength is preferred over any other supposed trait, which both male and female have plenty of.

Courtship Ideals

Men tend to display be the ones to initiate the majority of the courting. However, women courting men is fairly common too. Many cover themselves in ceremonial paint and don appropriate regalia to show that they are searching for a partner.

Average Technological Level

While within records, Orkus Primodius or Orks, held themselves on par with ancient humans, it is theorized that Orcs were actually far ahead of humans in terms of metalworking and even architectural understanding.

Major Language Groups and Dialects

Lengua Orkus (or Orcish) is the grand encompassing language of the Orcs. Dialects can vary, but we simply do not know enough about their distinct dialects beyond differences within a few geographically separate scriptures.

Common Customs, Traditions and Rituals

Many Orcs can be considered highly spiritual. Which of course manifests itself within their traditions.

Common Taboos

Most Orcs despise displays of cowardliness and outward hesitance. It is also generally seen as taboo to kill another orc in cold blood, despite their assumed barbaric dispositions.

History

While most if not all Orcs descend from a common "Orkus Prime" species, they don't share the same history. In fact, it is debated whether or not Orcs were conquerors or settlers, albeit much of the less-than-orthodox talk is promptly silenced by the Hierarchs of the Book of Law. What isn't debated is that they were definitely within Archevon upon the arrival of Damyioh, and that after the Years of Learning, the faithful of the Lawbringer and the Sun itself, the humans and orcs engaged in a bloody conflict. Most scholars call it the "Century of Bleeding", as Orcs were effectively pushed out of Archevon and many fled into the southern continent now known as Oghan or Orkus.
Genetic Ancestor(s)
Scientific Name
Orkus Primodius
Origin/Ancestry
Oghani
Lifespan
70 Years.
Average Height
6' (2.0m) to 7' (2.5m) on average
Average Weight
185.4 - 264.5 lbs
Average Physique
The common Orc is a robust and virtually impeccable specimen of physical prowess. It may be due to a powerful metabolism, earned physical gene from countless conflicts, or simply some ancient blessing from an assumed creator God.
Body Tint, Colouring and Marking
While body tint, colouring, and markings may be very particularly green in the most current accounts of Orkus Primodius, some reports say that they can range from blue, orange, or even white in recent expeditions to Oghan.

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