Orsimer

Orcs in N'tania are homebrewed, retaining similarities to traditional DnD orcs, but distinctly separate from the antiquated tropes.   Originally from Jedrune, the orsimer were widespread at the time of the Dawn, and have remained populous in the system in the millennia since.

Basic Information

Anatomy

Orcs are bipedal humanoids. Their skin varies from green to grey and mixtures between, typically with cool undertones. Warm-undertones are typically a sign of mixed heritage, something orc's adaptable reproductive systems make easy and common. Orcs are prone to sun damage (freckles or pigmentation changes on the face and shoulders) but typically aren't born with freckles. Blue skin is rare but possible among pure lineages. Like many races the orsimer have pointed ears, blunt with a small taper at the tip, stationary, and usually boxy in shape.

Biological Traits

Orcs typically have curly, thick hair that is dark brown or black. They may also have straight hair, and sometimes hair of a lighter brown is possible. Rarely orcs will have blonde, red, or dyed hair.   Their iris are typically shaped like a goat's or frog's, with narrow or almond shaped eyes. Their eyes are commonly red, dark or light brown, grey or green. More fantastic eye shapes occur less commonly, such as thin stars irises, or being blue, orange, gold, or purple in color. Rarely will an orc have circular pupils, or have eyes that are mauve, white, magenta, or aqua in color.

Genetics and Reproduction

Orcs are among the most reproductively flexible races in N'tania, and often cross with humans, elves, genasi, and others, but typically only human-orsimer crosses produce offspring close to full-blooded orc whelps. Orc bearers typically birth multiples after six to seven month long pregnancies.

Growth Rate & Stages

Full-blooded orcs live eighty to ninety years, and reach maturity at sixteen or so.

Additional Information

Geographic Origin and Distribution

Orcs appear on all inhabited planets in N'tania.

Perception and Sensory Capabilities

Orcs usually possess the ability to roar, similar to a lion, with more impressive specimens able to produce a burst close to that of a tiger.

Civilization and Culture

Beauty Ideals

Many orsimer

Gender Ideals

Orsimer are less set in binary than humans, leaning toward generally butch in presentation. Young orc whelps are encouraged to explore gender, and most settle on pronouns and presentation as they reach maturity.

Courtship Ideals

Orc courtship is subtle and often mistaken for aggression, teasing and light bullying seen as indication of interest and flirtatious intent. If the interest is reciprocated, the second step is engaging in a form of non-lethal combat to establish dominance in the relationship. It's not considered shameful to lose such a match, in fact often envied in a way, for a strong mate means stronger whelps in your line. Typically the duel is related to the couple (or more)'s respective specialties, and are broadly unique in their exact events, ranging from fisticuffs to wizard duels. Once dominance is established it's typical for the winner to go about wooing their defeated sweetheart as thoroughly as possible, both to soothe any potentially wounded pride and prove an ability to provide. Formal marriage is uncommon in orcish culture, partnerships more of a personal matter than a government one. Some communities have arranged marriages, but it is not typical as a whole.

Major Language Groups and Dialects

Ilian Orcish Jedrunan Orcish Aedasian Orcish Opelish Orcish

Culture and Cultural Heritage

Orsimer are big on cosmetic appearance and alteration, particularly tooth decoration, such as grills and gems, and filing of the incisors. Tattoos and piercings are also prevalent, and all are seen as signs of status, wealth, and loyalty. It is more unusual to seen an orc with absolutely no modification (outside of young whelps) than it is to see one with a handful.
Lifespan
70 years
Average Height
7'