Orcs

Orcs
Pronunciation	Ork
Classification	Faulskin
Nicknames	Foulskins, Orukk
Languages	Common, Orkish.
Average Height	1.72m - 2.18m (5'8" - 7'2")
Average Weight	89kg - 104kg (196lbs - 230lbs)
Maximum Age	~150 Years Old
Stat Bonuses	+3 Strength +1 Defense +0 Agility +0 Intelligence

Introduction

Emerging from the shadowy depths of Eden's most foreboding landscapes, the Orcs burst forth, their presence heralded by thunderous roars and a display of raw, unbridled aggression. The very ground trembles at the advance of the Green Tide, a formidable force of Foulskins that sends ripples of fear across all nations of Eden. Known amongst themselves as Orkz, these ancient beings are shrouded in mystery, their barbaric customs obscuring much of their history. Possessing a fierce and primitive nature, these muscular, beast-like humanoids from tribal communities, uniting under the banner of conquest at Zadh-Nadrozz, their stronghold in the Derlowaki Savannah. They rally together in warbands, intent on unleashing their wrath upon Eden. However, their relentless aggression has fragmented their society, as the combined forces of Eden's nations have historically repelled their invasions. Only recently have the Foulskins begun to regroup in their ancestral lands, signaling a new era for their kind.

The mighty green folk of Eden, known as the Orcs, stand as the pinnacle of strength and ferocity in a land where appearances can be deceiving. This formidable race, often underestimated for their intellect, leaves devastation in their wake, overpowering any foe before a sword can even be drawn. Despite the civilized races' efforts to eradicate this scourge, the Orcs' savage nature, combined with their loyalty to tribe and kin, renders them as persistent as the most tenacious of pests. United in their ferocity, the Orcs are recognized across Eden for their unparalleled prowess in battle, a testament to their barbaric zeal and lethal efficiency.

Yet, a shift has occurred within their ranks; no longer content to be seen as mere monsters, the Orcs strive to showcase their multifaceted capabilities. From construction to blacksmithing and hunting, they aim to demonstrate their worth beyond the battlefield, seeking respect and understanding from the other races of Eden. However, this quest for recognition does not dull their edge; honor and loyalty remain paramount, for nothing stands higher in an Orc's values than the bonds that tie their society together.

“The orcs, you say? Impossible to get a hang of I’ll say. They’re rude brutes who care little for any existing norm. But the bonds they have for each other is admirable at least.” - A Khadan caravan man on the roads back from Zadh Nadrozz

Character Creation

Appearance

Physical Traits

Orcs, with their imposing stature and distinct physicality, are rumored to be descendants of the ancient ogres or trolls, a lineage that speaks to their formidable presence. Their skin tones vary significantly, a reflection of their diverse habitats and lifestyles within the Delorwaki. Standing between 1.72m and 2.18m (5'8" - 7'2") tall, both male and female Orcs share this range in height, showcasing a remarkable uniformity in stature across genders, further emphasizing their race's robust and intimidating nature. Orcish hair is typically characterized by its dark shades, predominantly black, and is known for its strength and resilience. It is common for orcs to grow their hair long and style it in braids, a practice that not only serves a practical purpose in battle by keeping their hair out of their faces but also holds cultural significance, with the intricacy of the braids often denoting status or achievements within their society or family.

The most recognizable are those with vibrant green skin, a color believed to have evolved from their dwelling in dense, magical forests where the ambient energy influenced their pigmentation. Orcs from the savannah regions boast a brownish hue, a natural adaptation to the arid, sun-scorched environments where blending with the earthy tones offers a tactical advantage. Meanwhile, those who have made the caverns of the Delorwaki Savannah their home exhibit a grayish skin tone, a result of living in the dimly lit, subterranean realms. This variety in skin color among the Orcs is not just a testament to their adaptability but also to the rich diversity within their race.

A distinctive feature setting orcs apart from all other races is their prominent tusks protruding from their lower jaws. While most orcs possess relatively short tusks that are visible even when their mouths are closed, it is widely believed that larger tusks signify a more formidable warrior. Orcs hold their tusks in high esteem, as they are unique to their race. It's common to see these tusks adorned with decorative rings or other forms of jewelry.

A guide to typical Orc Skin Colors.

Languages

Orcs have had a long history of speech which was nearly impossible to understand to anyone but other orcs since it was mainly random screaming. This was referred to as Ancient Orcish, still practiced by few and only found in ancient recordings. Nowadays, the orcs have mixed their ancient language with the common tongue of the humans who often tried to communicate with the orcs. An orcish variant of common was born which is now referred to simply as “orcish”.

This variant is a lot more guttural and lispy than the average common. Many words in a sentence are not pronounced fully or can become a single word by dragging out the words while already starting to pronounce the next one. It’s hard to pinpoint exactly how orcish operates since each speaker seems to have their own dialect. But there are some common occurrences in the language; the h is nearly never pronounced. The s is usually replaced with a z and any word ending on ing would end shorter with just an in’. Any th is replaced with the d. The possessive in orcish is portrayed with an ‘v.

“Da intereztin’ zword’v ‘im!” would translate into “The interesting sword of him”.

The Orc Language: Quick Guide
Greetings		Races		Titles
Orcish	Common	Orcish	Common	Orcish	Common
Ay!	Greetings	Panzie(z) / Long Earz	Elf(ves)	Ladz	Friends
‘Owz yerr?	How are you?	Whoite panzie	High Elf	Gitz	Allies
Be zeein’ ya.	See you later.	Tree panzie	Wood Elf	Filth/Filf	Enemies, slaves
		Zand panzie	Dark Elf	Big ‘Unz	Tribal Leaders
		Dwarf	Denur	Da Bozz	Ruler
		‘Umie(z)	Human(s)	Zhaman	Shaman
		Gobbo	Goblin	Arch Zhaman	Arch-Shaman
		‘Orn’d one(z)	Tiefling	Common Words
				Orcish	Common
				Uruk’tal(i)	Ancestor(s)
				Urneldash	The Green Flame
				Grauhm	Voidal entities/mages
				Zorzerah’v’[element]	Elemental mage

Naming Schemes

An orc’s name usually consists of two parts, namely their first name which is often decided by their parents and their last name which is often an aptronym chosen by the orcs themselves. Usually, something that reflects who they are or what they’ve accomplished.

An orcish first name is rarely longer than two syllables long, usually intercepted by an apostrophe in the middle of those two syllables. Orcs might decide on a name themselves for a child which they find fitting or wait for the first sound the child makes and derive a name from that sound.

The addition to the first name is more interesting, as this is no set-in-stone title. The last name of an orc represents who they are in either character, profession, deeds they have done, or feats they have achieved. If an orc considers themself to be quite strong they might call themselves “Da Ztronk” or if their profession is a healer they might call themselves “Da Medik”. Therefore, familial last names are uncommon but not unseen, as some orcs prefer their family ties and decide to create a family name.

Cultures

Nations and cultures in which the Orc race is present.

	The Faul Tide of Zadh-Nadrozz	Zadh Nadrozz, a once-majestic Denur hold nestled in the mountains, now serves as the formidable stronghold of the Foulskins, Orcs and Goblins who have made it their own. This mountain fortress is the heart of Foulskin power on Eden, a place where they rally, grow in strength, and honor their ancestors. It's here that the Foulskins practice The Green Flame religion, a belief system that venerates the pathway to the land of the ancestors, emphasizing their values of rigidity, strength, and honor. Zadh Nadrozz symbolizes the Foulskins' resilience and their deep connection to their past, making it a pivotal location in their dominion over Eden.

World View

	On Attians...	Very negative“Ztewpid ‘umiez ‘n dey emprahz! Dey be zkemin’ ‘n nevah ztop foightin’ fer shoite reazonz. Iv it werr up tew me, all’o’dem wud be drake food! Bral’ba Horzemastah, stable keep.
	On Hinterlanders…	Slightly Negative “These treacherous bastards have done nothing to our people but reward our hospitality with daggers in our back every chance they get. Aye, sure they make fine warriors and allies if there is something in it for them, but I trust them as far as I can throw them otherwise!”*Klaudius Jungling, Merchant from Adelsburg.
	On the Khadan…	Neutral “They have been our southern neighbors for as long as I can remember. They are weird folk, playing God too much with their magic tricks and limb carving for my liking. But besides their quirks, they seem mostly harmless if not provoked.” Herman Voss, Imperial Innkeeper in Brandenhafen.
	On High Elves…	Slightly Negative “Yes we deal with them in times of need, and no they don’t change you into a statue if you look them in the eyes. They are a civilized people for certain, respectable folks. But I cannot help but grit my teeth if they go on an hour-long monologue about their grand destiny or something like that when I ask them what brings them here in the Reich. They are just… odd.” Helena Bahl, Imperial border guard.
	On Wood Elves…	Negative “I don’t like these pompous forest sprites. Good thing we don’t have Elves in our forests. I heard the East is crawling with them. For all I care they stay far away in their own place and not put a step closer west if they don’t want a repeat of Avalheim.” Friederich von Löwenmark, Imperial diplomat.
	On Dark Elves…	Negative “I must admit that they are scary folk, enslaving an entire civilization like that. I have heard they use mind control or something like that to keep their subjects in line… I try to avoid them at all costs unless I really have to.” Karl Ochsenbauer, Veronian Fisherman.
	On Denur…	Neutral “Oh yes I have seen them… Or well, I have seen their homes from afar. Sometimes I wonder if there is someone still living in those holds. We think it is Denur… but more often than not it turns out the thing is filled to the brim with Demons or Faulskins! But when I do encounter one they are respectable enough. Stubborn as Dolus’ hells of course but it is to be expected by now.” Sylvia König, Imperial Huntress.
	On Halflings…	Friendly “I don’t see them around as much. Most of them live in the east of the Hinterlands I’ve heard… Usually, they are fine but my wife insists things go missing every time they come by to trade. I cannot imagine such small kind-hearted creatures actually doing such.” Helmut Ganz, Farmer from Brandenhafen.
	On Goblins…	Very Negative “They are a lot easier to kill I will give them that. Pure vermin these spiteful mean bastards are. Not as dangerous as their hulking kin, but most certainly far more cunning. They will stab you in the back without thinking twice if they get the chance…” Ingelbert Mehr, Imperial Soldier from Holstein.
	On Tieflings…	Neutral “Usually not harmful, but most certainly a product of the purest of heresies. They bring nothing but magical arts into the Empire and I want nothing of it. I heard they can read your mind if they look you in the eyes. Mysterious folk, worthy of keeping my distance but not too dangerous from what I’ve seen.” Gottfried Schwartzenkraus, Imperial Witch Hunter.