Orcs

The Secondborn of Aea's Sympatic Lineages are the Windborn orcs. Tall and robust, with broad shoulders and heavy bones, they were fashioned in deliberate contrast to the elves. They have tough skin, dark eyes with large pupils, and coarse hair. Many orcs have heavy sideburns, but few have facial hair unless they have some human or dwarf heritage. Their heavy jaws sport protruding lower tusks which are a point of some pride, diligently cared for, and in wealthy orcs decorated with metal caps.   The only other orcish ornaments of significance are their totem locks, ornamental chains or bands on which they hang small mementos of the people who have influenced their lives. These include small gifts from friends and loved ones - totem gifting is a proud orc tradition - as well as trophies from those who have wronged them and answered for it (not merely foes vanquished in battle; orc merchants wear strings of coins representing business rivals bested in particularly spectacular style.) Larger trophies may be worn separately, but it is considered gauche to display ostentacious items which represent minor victories.   Orcs are loosely divided into six groups called 'daks', each one a loose collection of interrelated clans and communities, the latter including non-orcs who prove themselves valued neighbours.  

• The Tundra Orcs of Dak Malarak, who live in the frozen land of Arathist.
• The Mountain Orcs of Northern and Southern Dak Rathak, and Dak Ranak, who originated in the central mountains.
• The Plains Orcs of Dak Pothak and Dak Unak, who rule the southern grasslands.
• In addition, the Boriyan Orcs, descended from those members of the Western Horde left in Boriya after the failure of the campaign, have their own culture.