Orc
The Orcs are an oft-discriminated against people. The only culture they can truly claim for themselves is Clavan, but there is so much more to them than that single people group.
There are two groups of Orcs, Samê and Tûsc, but they are ostensibly the same. The only difference between them is that one has longer bottom canines that protrude from their mouths. This appears to be a latent trait that became preferred by the Orcs of Clava as a symbol of power, thus breeding it into commonality among their populous. However, any Orc has a chance of being born a Tûsc.
Basic Information
Anatomy
They have the same bipedal shape as other humanoids, but larger than nearly all but the Rus. They build muscle mass very easily, and don't have an apparent limit to the amount they can put on. They also have 38 sharp teeth.
Genetics and Reproduction
The Orc race reproduces sexually, but at a much higher rate than most. A single Orc mother is able to have two complete pregnancies in a year, and are able to reproduce by ages 10-14, meaning that a single female Orc is able to have upwards of 100 children in her lifetime. The unfortunate truth, however, is that Orcs have a thirty-three percent infant mortality rate. This is why many outside of Clava have intentionally begun to marry outside of the Orcish race in order to strengthen their genome and lower the death rate of their young.
Growth Rate & Stages
An Orc grows from an average 11in (27.94cm) to 30in (76.2cm) in their first year of life. By age seven, they will have reached early adolescence, and be adults by age ten.
Dietary Needs and Habits
Orcs require a steady intake of red meat. This was used against them long ago to paint them as savages, using their high infant mortality rate and diet as a sign that they ate their young. Many Orcs have discovered that they are able to eat green vegetables like Spinach and peas, as well as beans, and still maintain a healthy lifestyle, leading to many limiting their meat consumption.
Additional Information
Facial characteristics
All of an Orc's teeth are sharp, but a Tûsc will have additionally long lower canines. In rare cases, when two Tûsc have a child, the teeth on the inner side of the canines will also be elongated, though not to the same extent.
Orcs also have ears with a down-turned point, somewhat flattened noses, and black sclera. Their eyes are generally yellow, but that's less consistent.
Geographic Origin and Distribution
The "Orc Homeland" of Clava certainly has the highest density, but they are wide - though thinly - spread. Most of the non-Clavan Orcs live in Baliklav. A surprising number of Orcs live in Yugawa, intermarrying with the Onigo. Despite their no longer being in exile, the majority of Orcs still avoid Aberia.
Average Intelligence
Orcs are not known for their intelligence, but they have an instinct for combat. There are some exceptional cases, but those are often Halfbreeds. Still, they are certainly capable individuals.
Perception and Sensory Capabilities
They have extremely average senses. Their sight and taste are comparable to Human or Leath, and their hearing is nothing remarkable.
Civilization and Culture
History
Orcs used to coexist as part of the Abian culture, but, as with the Dwarves being banished to Baliklav and the Elves sent across the sea during the Age of Lords - and all their allies - the Orcs were sent to Clava. Though they had done nothing wrong, the Lords of Aberia spread rumors about Orcs eating their young and practicing occult rituals. Those Orcs that managed to remain among the Aberian people were despised, both for the rumors and their standing in defiance of the purely Human nation the Lords sought to create. This caused many of the remaining Orcs to flee to Baliklav, living among the Humans and Dwarves.
In Clava, the Orcs were walled in, a great Iron Gate closed behind them, literally locking them in the desert. They were then faced with a choice: lose the fight against the desert, or adapt and become strong. Out of necessity and anger with their mistreatment, the Orcs of Clava worked together, becoming the Clavan Warbands. This organization of clans, having grown out of a mutual desire to survive, has stood strong for nearly one-hundred generations. Alas, time caused them to begin fighting amongst themselves. With the entire Clavan culture predicated on exuding strength in all things, a stratification began to form. Otherwise peaceful clans were driven to wage war or become absorbed by the more militant of their peers.
With the world having changed significantly, Orcs are viewed with great variance. Many of the more isolated lands still carry the belief that Orcs are savages. All those affected by the recent attempts by the Warbands to begin subjugating nations have been given reason to believe in the savagery. While other places - considered more enlightened - treat them with respect. This is generally more of a front, as many will still mock them behind closed doors, but people are moving forward. Two of the only places they are treated with proper respect are Baliklav and, ironically, Aberia.
Interspecies Relations and Assumptions
There are two very different perspectives among Orcs on this issue. The first stance, belonging to the Clavan people, says that Orcs are the superior race; they are nature's chosen. As a result, Orcs are defiling themselves to be with non-Orcs. However, it is a blessing to lesser races that they be allowed to carry the seeds of future Orcish generations, so impregnating non-Orcs is common while on raids.
On the other hand, there is the belief that Orcs need to branch out in order to strengthen their race. This is directly due to the high infant mortality rate. There is also the simple fact that, as Orcs are not inherently Clavan, and thus not always savage as it is oft portrayed, many just fall in love with non-Orcs and are perfectly accepted by other Orcs.
Scientific Name
Barbos Giganae
Lifespan
83
Average Height
6ft 4in
Average Weight
230lbs
Average Physique
Even a fat Orc is a well-built Human. Their high metabolisms tend to keep blubbery weight off, but they are not immune to laziness, and thus some do have an excess of fat. However, that fat will simply be covering their muscles, not replacing it. Still, without utilizing their musculature, it will not be up to its fullest.
An average Orc will be very muscular, but the majority will be bulk, rather than cut. They will have a low body-fat percentage, and tend to have visible abdominal muscles.
Body Tint, Colouring and Marking
Their skin is usually green or gray, but some instances of orange, yellow, blue, and even white have occurred. Skepsologists believe this to be evidence that Orcs and Oni do, in fact, share common heritage, but no definitive link can be found.
While not natural, Orcs are also known for marking their bodies with tattoos or ritual scarification.
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