Plains orc

Unlike the more aggressive, sedentary mountain orcs, plains (or "gray") orcs are nomadic. They diverged from other orcs over two thousand years ago during the Dominion Wars, when their people refused Gruumsh's orders to ally with the dragon lords. This sparked a bitter, centuries-long conflict that drove these more level-headed orcs out of the mountain strongholds. These orcs spent that period of war and persecution wandering the lowlands, and in the course of their tribulations, a few shamans were contacted by Kord when they prayed for guidance. The god of storms took an interest in them for their strength in the face of hardship. He offered to take them under his shield if they would forsake Gruumsh entirely and follow his commandments. The transition was difficult for some, but the majority of these orcs accepted it. Kord was a war god like Gruumsh, but he stood for courage and glory instead of slaughter. They found that his philosophy resonated with them. Once the old idols of the Ruiner were destroyed, they gladly rallied around the Storm-Lord.
This and other factors caused the plains orcs to develop a culture all their own. Compared to mountain orcs, these folk turn their blazing passion inwards, towards faith and community. They are downright fanatical followers of Kord, and while they don't seek violence without cause, news of any followers of Gruumsh in their territory will invariably provoke them to swift and brutal action. But otherwise, the plains orcs prefer to mind their own business. Their tribes wander seasonally between regular campsites, carrying their few belongings in carts or on the backs of their domesticated giant boars, and hunting or foraging for anything else they need. Many plains orc tribes maintain good relationships with other races, and some have even fully integrated with civilization at large. A large proportion of half-orcs are descended from gray orcs.

Plains Orc Traits

Note: The base orc statistics used are those from the revised edition of Volo's Guide to Monsters, also described by the VGtM Errata.

• Ability Score Increase. Your Wisdom score increases by 1 point.
• Kord's Faithful. You gain proficiency in the Religion skill.

Parent ethnicities

• Mountain orc

Encompassed species

• Orc

Related Locations

• Roaring Plains
• The Pale Wastes