Orcs

Orcs or Orizaldrun as they call themselves, are a race of large humanoids native to Verrin's northern wastes. Known above all else for violence and cruelty due to the Orcish invasion in the Third Age of the Giants' calendar, Orcs are overwhelmingly shunned and discriminated against across the continent. Despite this, they are skilled smiths and craftsmen, and even poets.
Almost all Orcs reside past Thengalir's Gap, a natural pass that separates Verrin's harsh North from its more habitable South. During the Orcish invasion, they swarmed through the Gap under the leadership of the Alkabad Orcs and burned everything in their path. For 10 years, Orcs pushed deeper into Verrin's interior, until under the cunning leadership of Tysabian, the other races defeated them and forced them back. A system of watchtowers, beacons and a huge gate were constructed to prevent any such invasion ever happening again. Despite this, a tiny population of Orcs remains in the South, where they lead isolated lives amongst the mountains and forests. If they were to be discovered, they would surely be killed.
In the inhospitable North, the Orcs live in a mostly tribal society where constant warfare is simply a way of life. The natural resources in the North are scarce. This, coupled with the Orcs' prodigious reproduction rates, means war between factions for control of resources is inevitable. The average Orc's life is brutal and short. The strongest rise to the top, becoming chieftains and warlords, where the weak are crushed underfoot. Many Orcs are unhappy with this state of affairs and try to change it, but they are usually thwarted by warlike rivals.

Basic Information

Anatomy

Orcs stand taller on average than Men of Verrin, but shorter than Giants. Their size is highly variable, however, ranging from that of a tall human to that of a smaller Giant. They are heavily muscled and broad, with skin tones ranging from dark green to grey.

Genetics and Reproduction

Orcs, like Verrin's other intelligent races, reproduce sexually. The female carries the child for 4 months before giving birth, making Orcs the fastest breeding of all Verrin's races.

Dietary Needs and Habits

Due to centuries of harship, Orcs have adapted to survive on minimal food and water. It is thought that one meal of bread and water perk week is enough to sustain an Orc, albeit in a very uncomfortable and unhealthy state.