If ever there was a case of “only the strong survive”, the Orcs would be it. Through war, apocalypse, and defying the odds, Orcs have reached the pinnacle of their race: strong, smart, wise, and cunning. Though their numbers are few, they are perhaps one of the most respected races on Xadune. What once was seen as a backwater race that was nothing but vermin has moved up to a frontline race that everyone hopes will be their ally.
Those of Orcish background have a dark green complexion and a pair of tusks protruding from their mouths. They are stronger and more stout than an average human. Their heights range between 5’4″ – 6’3″ on average, with males being taller than females.
Average Life Span: ~40
Average Number of Offspring: 1-2
Maximum Number of Offspring: 3
Orcish History
Before the fallen star, when the Great War occurred, the orcs were tribal and constantly at odds with each other. However, shortly afterwards an orc chief restructured the orcs into vigilant groups. This was done not only to unite the orcs into one cohesive race, but also to be able to tap all the strengths of all the tribes more efficiently. Over time these evolved into subcultures, and though they kept their tribal names, they are up to date with the times and cultures of the world. Since then many orcs have folded themselves into modern society, but some still hold onto these more traditional ways. To follow is what mostly defines the “orc” cultures of Xadune. These orcs were raised off the old ways, with influences of the modern world.
Orcish Cultures
Bigtooth– The majority of the orcs of this subculture are warriors. They are natural leaders; strong, well-spoken, and have a knack for tactics. They are a very active people and dislike to be sedentary or idle, and in turn they often do not have the patience for more tedious arts such as production or stealth.
Ironfist– This subculture has never been great in number, but it proved to be one of the most difficult to overwhelm. The Ironfist subculture has always been gifted in tinkering. They came into the Great War with war machines that could be manned with one orc. Finally, the big chief figured out how to dismantle the machines and the tides turned, but that never stopped the Ironfists from their ingenuity. However, they tend to scoff at all other ways of doing things, they have rejected Arcane Magic completely, and only recognize Utilī as a power. These orcs would much rather be inventing than fighting, although they are more than happy to work with the other Orcish subcultures to achieve an overall goal.
Rottentooth– This subculture got their atypical diet. The Rottentooth orcs were close to the brink of extinction before the Great War, but were saved by a group of their own that had devoted themselves to the study of medicinal herbs and skills of healing. This subculture has the most skilled “witchdoctors” and “shamans” of any of the orcish people. They tend to be ostracized by their race; respected, but not necessarily included. These tend to be technophobic and foretell that the use of science for any other purpose than healing and medicine will bring the destruction of the planet.