Orcs

Orcs of Lorgaire

Orcs are perhaps the most populous of the elfkin, and believed to be second of the elves attempts to transform themselves and regain immortality. Celebrated at first as at least a partial success, the orc band was allowed to grow until it became clear that their ravenous appetites would wreak destruction on the land and were incompatible with the elven way of life. Their original clan name is all but lost to elven scholars, but "Orc" is a derogatory slur derived from the name of a creature considered vermin in Fae'erie that spreads disease. By the time the elves realized the destructively ravenous nature of their creation it was too late, and attempts to hunt and kill all the orcs were untenable, as there weren't enough elves to wage that campaign.   Over time the elves have done everything possible to either contain the orcs, or trigger their self destruction, often through famines. The orcs have proven too resilient, and deeply resent the elves constant interference and slaying of their kind caught near elven territory. Elves see the orcs as little more than oversized vermin whose appearance is a disfigured mocking reflection of the elven people.  

Orc Physical and Mental Traits

With the goal of physical strength and resilience the elves design was successful. Orcs stand slightly taller than humans, and at least a foot taller than their former kin, with thick muscled limbs. A side effect of the method for attaining this physical prowess has subjected the orcs to a racial curse or congenital defect, known as the darthacht or "oakness," that causes their muscle tissues to become fibrous and harden locking their bodies in a form of rigor. Few orcs reach old age without loss of a limb or general mobility due to the curse.   Both physically and cognitively the orcs have become less agile than their progenitors, with the gain of muscle and heavier bones the bodily blundering can be explained, but the mental loss is considered a side effect of the crude lives the orcs have lived since their creation. In a culture dominated by physical might and violence, the low cunning and evasiveness of insight has been retained, but higher reasoning has been lost to many generations of survivors.   Considered a byproduct of their resilience the orcs complexion is much darker and revealing of their green-blooded nature. Skin tones of rich green are most common, with some hints of blue or yellow among some tribes, and browns among those with prolonged exposure to harsh sunlight.   The orcs retain the pointed ears of the elves, but by adulthood will become less delicate with a shorter more folded structure resembling a bat or hog. Their canine teeth also remain pronounced although more robust, with the lower pairs growing to great size sufficient to protrude like tusks.  

Orc Senses

With a constant hunt for sustenance the orcs have retained the low light vision of the elves, and in some cases developed darkvision ability approaching that of he dwarves.   While their hearing is diminished to no greater than that of the humans, orcs have developed a keen sense of smell to help them locate hidden morsels.  

Orcish Diet

True omnivores out of necessity to sustain their never ending hunger, the orcs can and will eat anything remotely suitable. While they favor fresh raw foods as their elven kin do, they will not turn away from the cooked and preserved foods of humans or dwarves. The accelerated metabolism of the orcs that gives them rapid healing and surges of athleticism under stress comes at a high dietary cost.   While rumors of the elves consuming their enemies under certain circumstances exist, a warband of orcs will devour the fallen dead as a matter of course.   Deviating from most elfkin the orcs also engage in much more settlement and agriculture to support their populations where the land is able to support them, contributing to the elves disdain.  

Orcish Longevity

One of the greatest failings of the elves design for the orcs is their lifespan. Meant as another attempt by the elves to reacquire immortality and dominate their new home of Lorgaire, the orcs explosive metabolism and reproduction instead drastically shortened their lives to half that of the ogres. With most adults succumbing to the congenital curse of darthacht rigor, they fall in battle or to starvation even younger.