Orcs

Orc warrior © unknown

Appearance

Orcs are powerfully built humanoids of slightly greater height than the average Merebian. They have a range of "earthy" skin colours ranging from 'tanned leather' to a 'dark peat'. Some Orcs have a green tint to their skin but this is not as common as most Humans believe. Their lower jaw protrudes in order to show their 'tusks'. Orc hair colour is nearly always black although a few have very dark brown hair. Orc's hair tends to go grey after the age of about 30. As grey hair is considered a sign of weakness, most Orcs shave their heads the instant that any grey hairs appear.

Lifespan

Orcs mature slightly earlier than humans and are regarded as "adults" by the time they are 12 years of age, although some large Orcs can pass as adult by their 10th year. Orcs lead a violence-filled life and few ever die purely of old age but those that do are usually able to reach at least 70 years of age.

Origins

Orcs are native denizens of Nallurok and not, as many people believe, Orkarus. The word "Nallurok" in Orcish literally means "the place from which Orcs come from" so it is surprising that this confusion is still widespread.

Religion

All Orcs worship the warrior-god, Gruumsh One-Eye. Many Orcs show their devotion to their god buy cutting out one of their own eyes and hence it is not uncommon to encounter half-blind Orcs.

Culture

Orc society is based on progression either through raw physical strength or through piety to their patron god, Gruumsh. Most Orcs gravitate towards to the Fighter, Ranger or Barbarian classes.

Orcs can be found throughout much of the Empire, usually as part of a "raiding group" whose aim it is to collect as much wealth and to destroy as much of Imperial culture as they can before either being found or they can return to Nallurok. The Orcish word "Murnaht" translates to both "fun" and "pillage". During the last war, Thorast, with its mineral wealth, was a favourite target of Orc raiding parties and, following the signing of the Treaty of the Eight Thrones some Orcs elected to stay in the region. The town of Hammer Hold, due to its particular history, allows them to enter. Otherwise Orcs are not permitted to enter any Imperial settlement unless they are legally purchased slaves of an Imperial citizen.

The language of Orcs is called "Orcish" by most humans although it is actually called "Uroka" by the Orcs. It is a simple but structured language. Most Orcs also know the language of Goblins and some High Merebian. A very cultured Orc may also be able to curse in Dwarven.

Outlook

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Perceptions of Orcs

Most humans alive in the Empire today have never met an Orc, but most have heard tales of the Orcs' ferocity in battle, their savage religion and their obscene treatment of captives. In fact, most humans' views of Orcs is the same "rape and pillage" image that was proscribed to Vikings until the middle of the last century. Those humans (and other races) that have actually met an Orc can, at least truthfully, say that Orcs live up to their reputation very well.

Following the last war, some Orcs were allowed to settle in Imperial lands on the condition that they do not enter any Imperial settlement. Most Orcs obey this condition and keep out of sight but a few still roam Imperial lands as raiding parties, taking what they need to survive through force. These "uncivilised" Orcs are not welcome throughout the Empire and many places quite openly advertise a bounty for any slain.

Acknowledgements

Oberon Orcs are not to be confused with "Warcraft" Orcs - they are not "misunderstood noble savages" they are a violent, warlike people who take great pleasure from the subjugation of "lesser" races. Culturally and physically they have far more in common with the Orcs in the "Lord of the Rings" than with modern depictions in video games.