Orcs
A.K.A. "Orok"
"Oroks are peculiar creatures to be sure. They come into being from the corpses of the fallen, yet they are very much alive. They are not animals, yet they are sentient and warm to the touch. They become more powerful with age and seem to have an endless number, yet they have not overtaken the world of man or any other sentient species, seeming content to cause violence and recuperate for eternity. Yes, they are most peculiar." - Jane Wytner, Scholar of Living Creatures
"WAAAGH!" - Orcish Battle Cry
Basic Information
Anatomy
Orcs are, strangely enough, a fungal growth on the bodies of those who have died and been infected by Orc spores. The bodies of the Orcs appear as any sentient beings, varying only based on which species the body originally belonged to. The body is covered in a fungal flesh, which gives the Orc it's characteristic look. The appearance of the fungal flesh is dependent on the type of fungal spores which infected the body.
Genetics and Reproduction
Orcs are created, in part, through death. When a body dies and is left exposed to Orc fungal spores, then it will become host to a sentient fungus which will puppet the corpse around like some sort of crude marionette. The orc will live its life, growing continuously. When orcs reach a large enough size, large spines begin growing out of the back of the orc and they begin giving off spores which can infect corpses and cause them to grow into new orcs. Many orks take to impaling dead bodies on the spikes on the back to infect bodies more quickly. After reaching an incredibly large size (12ft or so), an orc may "plant" itself in the ground and a large fungal stalk will grow out of its back to become the size of a large tree. This will give off fungal spores for miles around, and many other orcs will come to inhabit and protect the area.
Image by: Katherine Underwood, 2018
Growth Rate & Stages
Orcs begin life in the form of the body they inhabit as it died. Over time the Orc will grow, never ceasing until it dies. It is unknown how large an Orc can become, but it is believed there may be no limit.
Dietary Needs and Habits
Orcs will consume almost anything with organic matter. They have a particular taste for meat, however. Specifically a taste for living meat...
Additional Information
Social Structure
Orcs always follow the largest Orc nearest to them. They always seem to know, somehow, of the existence of a more powerful Orc near them. The range of command is correlated with the size of the Orc in lead, as is the number of Orcs the commanding Orc may lead. Other Orcs may challenge the leader if they believe they can kill them, or otherwise prove the current leader is lacking, in a fight.
Average Intelligence
Much lower than a human's or any other sentient species. They are able to speak and learn languages, but reading, writing, and math is a concept beyond the grasp of all but the smartest of Orcs. Orcs do appear to grow in intelligence based upon their size and age.
Civilization and Culture
Major Language Groups and Dialects
Most Orcs speak a variation on the language of Zaugujab ('Black Tongue' or 'Black Speech' in Common)
Common Customs, Traditions and Rituals
Orcs are always cremated upon death, done as a way of releasing their 'inner Fire'.
History
Long ago the Orcs were slaves to mankind, often created intentionally by mankind with the corpses of criminals. They were treated as little more than beasts of burden or fodder for the armies. When mankind's empire fell, their enslavement ended. Since then they have scattered, living in raiding tribes and seeming content to raise massive armies only to fall a few short years later. Once or twice they have attempted to form an empire of their own, although with little success.
Historical Figures
Common Myths and Legends
Orcs believe the stars in the sky are the souls of their ancestors burning in the afterlife. This is why Orcs may refer to their 'inner fire' when boasting about their strength or willpower.
Interspecies Relations and Assumptions
Orcs often work closely with trolls and wargs in combat situations. They have a violent relationship with most sentient species, however.
Genetic Ancestor(s)
Lifespan
10 years (only due to fighting. Maximum lifespan unknown)
Average Height
6'0"
Average Weight
180 lbs
Average Physique
Orcs are powerfully built, comparable to the strongest of humans, or perhaps the average goliath.
Body Tint, Colouring and Marking
Varies based on fungal spore variety
Related Myths
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