Bigger, stronger, wider, and looking like a hulking mass of musculature, an obsidian orc is a wildly intimidating variant of orc that is easily recognizable by their deep–nigh pitch black–dark green skin, as well as their immense size. However, this greater physical power is not without a greater penalty.
Physical Description: Obsidian Orcs, despite their name, actually still have skin of a green hue, but of such a dark tone it is oft mistaken for pure onyx. They easily dwarf the size of other orcs and can even sometimes compare to the smallest of giants in terms of height, but even then, easily demolish and surpass their physical power and bulk, their intense and thick physical body results in an orc who visibly blots out the competition in terms of presence. Less likely to possess hair, head, facial, or otherwise, these less hairy individuals usually have a more defined jaw and tusks and have piercing and threatening pure pearlescent eyes that glow in darkness, often resulting in an appearance that is either more unfettered or empty-headed.
| Adulthood |
Intuitive |
Self-Taught |
Trained |
| 12 years |
+1d4 years
(13 – 16 years) |
+1d6 years
(13 – 18 years) |
+2d6 years
(14 – 24 years) |
| Gender |
Base Height |
Height Modifier |
Base Weight |
Weight Modifier |
| Male |
7 ft. 9 in. |
+2d12 in.
(7 ft. 11 in. – 9 ft. 9 in.) |
560 lbs. |
+(2d12×7 lbs.)
(574 – 728 lbs.) |
| Female |
7 ft. 5 in. |
+2d12 in.
(7 ft. 7 in. – 9 ft. 5 in.) |
520 lbs. |
+(2d12x7 lbs.)
(534 – 688 lbs.) |
Society: Obsidian Orcs oft end up as muscle or beasts of burden within orc tribes, and while respected by their peers, orcs who know how to manipulate them often due so without so much as a thought. Primarily only fit for these task of labour and strength means that they are not seen in grand or respectable positions in comparison to others, but even so an orc chieftain ill seeks to anger their obsidian brethren to the point of conflict.
Relations: Obsidian Orcs are seen as an intense threat when spotted by many races when spotted outside of populous cities, their unyielding statue and rock crushing strength often makes them an orc commonly left alone by smaller races like goblins, while humans, hobgoblins, and chao wei see them as a great source of enforcement and unquestioned loyalty. In return, an obsidian orcs lessened intellect means they do not often question the stature or physical difference of other races, barring knowing their own physical might is to their benefit regardless of the encounter. However the odd orc who fancies enough the ability to have aspirations normally lacks the capacity to maintain their position of power beyond as a figurehead.
Alignment and Religion: Obsidian Orcs, due to their greater limitations of mental skill, more often end up in neutral alignments then their green brethren due to their sole care for themselves and those they see as friends or useful, commonly just taking instructions from them and not caring for the implication of it. They will most often just follow along with what those around them worship or hold in high regard, primarily out of understanding to them that that is simply how things are.
Adventurers: Obsidian Orcs who, for one odd reason or another, end up separated or split from their clan often do not end up alone or without safe housing for long. Their intense and immediate capabilities oft netting them positions within groups of vagabonds, drifters, adventurers, or alike. Making for great brawn in any group needing it means that while rare, it is never blinked at twice for any group of significant size or have an obsidian orc or two.
Standard Racial Traits
- Ability Score Racial Traits: Obsidian Orcs are massive juggernauts of physical might, but lack more thought power then their cousins. They gain +6 Strength, +2 Constitution, -2 Dexterity, -4 Intelligence, -2 Wisdom, and -2 Charisma.
- Type: Obsidian Orcs are humanoids with the orc subtype.
- Size: Obsidian Orcs are Large creatures. They suffer a -1 size penalty to AC and attack rolls. They gain a +1 size bonus to CMB and CMD but suffer a -4 size penalty to Stealth checks. It has a space of 10 feet by 10 feet and has a reach of 10 feet.
- Base Speed: Obsidian Orcs have a base speed of 20 feet, but their speed is never modified by armor or encumbrance.
- Languages: Obsidian Orcs begin play speaking Common and Orcish. Obsidian Orcs with high Intelligence scores can chose from the following: Dwarven, Giant, Gnoll, Goblin, Undercommon. See the Linguistics skill page for more information about these languages.
Feat and Skill Racial Traits
- Durable Mass: Obsidian Orcs receive Toughness at level 1 as a bonus feat.
Offense Racial Traits
- Ferocity: Obsidian Orcs possess the ferocity ability which allows them to remain conscious and continue fighting even if their hit point totals fall below 0. Obsidian Orcs are still staggered at 0 hit points or lower and lose 1 hit point each round as normal.
- Weapon Familiarity: Obsidian Orcs are always proficient with greataxes and falchions, and treat any weapon with the word “orc” in its name as a martial weapon.
- Darkvision: Obsidian Orcs can see perfectly in the dark up to 60 feet.
Weakness Racial Traits
- Light Sensitivity: Obsidian Orcs are dazzled in areas of bright sunlight or within the radius of a daylight spell.
