Orcs
Cruel, violent, and driven by survival, conquest, fear, and hatred
Overview
Orcs are a cruel and violent race found across the darker regions of Athera. They dwell in ruined fortresses, deep caves, mountain tunnels, and the shadowed lands near Umbramor. Most live in tribes or warbands ruled by the strongest among them, though larger clans sometimes gather beneath a powerful chieftain, dark lord, or warleader.
Orcs are driven by survival, conquest, fear, and hatred. They are quick to violence, distrustful of outsiders, and prone to fighting amongst themselves when not held together by a stronger will. Though brutal and savage, they are not mindless. Orcs are capable of cunning, ambush, crude strategy, and a harsh sort of discipline when necessary.
Orcs grow rapidly and reach adulthood within only a few years. Their short, harsh lives are often cut even shorter by violence, disease, warfare, or the constant struggles within their own kind.
Age
- Maturity: ~2 years
- Average Lifespan: ~20 years
Height
- Range: 48 to 60 inches
- Females: Generally the same height as males
Though shorter than most humans, orcs are heavily built and often broader through the shoulders and chest. Many appear larger than they truly are because of their hunched posture, thick muscles, and intimidating presence.
Attributes
- Strength Bonus
- Dexterity Penalty
- Agility Penalty
- Intelligence Penalty
- Aura Penalty
Appearance
- Skin: Grey, brown, green-grey, dark olive, or almost black
- Hair: Black, dark brown, coarse, greasy, or patchy
- Eyes: Red, yellow, orange, pale grey, or black
Orcs are squat, broad, and ugly creatures with heavy jaws, flattened noses, crooked teeth, pointed ears, and thick brows. Their skin is often scarred, dirty, or rough from a life of hardship and violence. Many have broken noses, missing teeth, old burns, or ritual scars.
Inherent Abilities
Infravision
Roleplaying
Orcs are aggressive, suspicious, and quick to anger, but they are not mindless beasts. Most orcs respect strength above all else. They obey those stronger than themselves and bully those weaker. An orc character may be driven by greed, hunger, fear, loyalty to tribe, hatred of enemies, ambition, or simple survival. Orcs rarely speak politely and often use blunt, harsh language. They tend to solve problems through threats, intimidation, or violence. Despite this, orcs can still have distinct personalities. One may be a brutal warrior, another a sneaking scout, another a bitter survivor who has learned caution. Some may be fiercely loyal to their tribe or master, while others dream of becoming powerful enough to rule others.
Most people in Athera fear and hate orcs. In civilised lands, an openly known orc is likely to be attacked, driven away, or hunted. Orc characters are therefore best suited to wilderness, enemy factions, hidden communities, or unusual roleplay circumstances.