Orcs
A warrior race, Orcs have refined their methods of war to a deadly elegance. Each member of a tribe must undergo Drol’gotha, the coming of age ceremony. A mix of showmanship and demonstrated skill, this rite of passage shows the tribe the individual can fight to defend their brothers and sisters.
Additional Information
Social Structure
Tribal groups form the orcish nation found on the south-eastern portion of The Darklands . There are 3 major tribes that all work together harmoniously due to agreements made between them.
The concepts of honor and respect are held very highly.
The concepts of honor and respect are held very highly.
Facial characteristics
Similar to humans but with strong facial bone structure and typically 2 tusks that just out from their lower jaw. Pointed ears
Geographic Origin and Distribution
Only known on the southeastern side of the Darklands
Average Intelligence
Human level intelligence
Civilization and Culture
Major Organizations
There are three major tribes:
- Troth’mutig
- Groog’mutig
- Has’mutig
Gender Ideals
Male Orcs make up the majority of the Warforce, but it is not unheard of to encounter a female orc clad in heavy armor. Both genders must know how to fight, but they orcish race puts a high value on protecting tribe mothers. Tribe mothers organize and run the tribal resources and families along side the Old Father (tribe leader).
Courtship Ideals
Courtship is not complicated, although it isn’t easy either. While physical attraction plays a part, in order for one orc to court another, an agreement of value exchange must be reached. For some this is as simple as a handshake agreement, but it isn’t uncommon for the one seeking the courtship to prove their value through feats of strength or leadership (both genders). Regardless of how the courtship starts, it is highly public and orc relationships are looked at very seriously by the rest of the tribe.
Relationship Ideals
Orc relationships are incredibly important. Courtships, childbirth, death: all aspects of relationship are looked at as great reasons to celebrate, even if it is a celebration in mourning. For an orc to betray another is one of the greatest offenses that can be committed. It is common for such transgressions as an adt to be answered with banishment. For juveniles it is punished harshly to teach the abhorrence towards treachery.
Common Etiquette Rules
Full embrace upon greeting is common, showing trust. For strangers, a stoic salute with one arm over the chest is a show of respect. If brandishing a weapon, it’s a war greeting.
Common Dress Code
Simple robes woven of red wool from some of the beast of burden are the usual attire. Different embroidered symbology adorns the robes.
Armor is heavy plate with Small variances between clans. Each clan armor is an iconic color (see Dragon Ore ).
Culture and Cultural Heritage
The culture of the Orcs is one of communal trust and reliance. Even the separate tribes will gladly help each other, even if their has been conflict in the past.
War has become part of their culture due to constant conflict. They have developed their own dragon steel armor and weapons. The forging of dragon steel is handed down between master and apprentice smith. Somehow this has always produced the same color of dragon steel, unique the tribe.
War has become part of their culture due to constant conflict. They have developed their own dragon steel armor and weapons. The forging of dragon steel is handed down between master and apprentice smith. Somehow this has always produced the same color of dragon steel, unique the tribe.
Common Customs, Traditions and Rituals
Drol’gotha: the coming of age ceremony that requires the juvenile orc to demonstrate his/her skill in combat but also to show their own dedication. It is as much ritual dance as it is arena combat and takes many months of preparation to be considered ready. Those that fail are given a second chance to succeed, but a second failure results in a quest to redeem honor. This quest is left open to interpretation as how the juvenile approaches it shows their values and dedication. Should the quest result in some act of glory that reflects well upon the orc, then they are welcomed with open arms for their dedication. If they never finish the quest, return after giving up, or return with a result that reflects poorly upon them then they are doomed to exile.
Common Taboos
Betrayal of one another is an incredible transgression.
Respect of parents is to be observed. Should one mistreat a tribe mother, they can expect a public backhand and scolding.
Respect of parents is to be observed. Should one mistreat a tribe mother, they can expect a public backhand and scolding.
History
Orcs first encountered humans when a scouting expedition was sent along the southern coast to bypass the volcanic mountains. This ended up being disastrous for the humans when they accidentally camped on sacred ground. The resulting slaughter left a single survivor who barely made it back. From here humans have held Orcs with a certain element of fear.
Interspecies Relations and Assumptions
Orcs wage constant war upon the Aelves. Orcs revere Berg'Fels, God of the Stone for his stability and the quality craftsmanship he has provided their people. This craftsmanship is the target of raids by the Aelvish people causing the Orcs to be wary of outsiders.
Lifespan
80yrs
Average Height
6-6.5’
Average Weight
200-250lbs
Average Physique
Broad and Muscular by nature
Body Tint, Colouring and Marking
Skin tends to be varrying shades of tan to muddy brown.
Geographic Distribution
