My Orcs
After so much opposing information on orcs, I have brought it upon
myself to create my own orcs, something of a 'Generic Orc'. This is basically
for my own RPing purposes, and if there are any major disagreements, let me know (but expect
to get an arguement). Most of the info here is based on AD&D and GURPS versions of orcs, but I
added some stuff as well, because this is my page and I can.
Appearance
Male orcs are about 5'6"-6' tall, with a slightly stooped posture, making
them appear shorter. They are heavier then the average human of the same height, and are more
muscular as well. Females are about 6" shorter then the males, and they are smaller and less
muscular then the males.
The appearance of the orc varies depending on the region they live, but typically they
are a grey-green color, with dark hair. The bone-structure of their faces is more defined then
that of a human. Their lower jaw protrudes forward slightly, and they have large, yellowish teeth that often
stick up out of their mouths. They have short noses, upturned at the end. The eyes are dark, and sometimes
appear to glow red when the light hits them right, or there is little light.
They have short, pointed, wolflike ears, which are a bit pinkish in color.
Psychology/Society
As far as intelligence goes, Orcs are about average (that is, as intelligent as the average human). Generally, orcs live in tribes or clans, some small, and some
very large. These tribes and clans are at constant war within the clan itself, or fighting an outside enemy. Their main reason for
being constantly at war is territory. For orcs, this is their big goal; territory is power, the more land your clan has
the better off it is. This causes much war amoung other races, since orcs believe themselves to be superior
to others, as well.
Orc society is male-dominated; females are around to bear children, for the mostpart. Aside from territory, orcs value fighting experience, wealth, and
many children.
Ecology Stuff
Orcs prefer to live underground. (They don't like direct sunlight, and can see well in the dark.) However,
orcs' constant search for territory drives them to many different lands and climates. Orcs care little for nature and such, and
obviously wont take care of the land they take over.
For obvious reasons, orcs don't get along well with other races. They really dislike elves and dwarves in particular.
Orcs are carnivores, but they normally don't eat inteligent races unless they have to--they prefer game meats and livestock.
The average lifespan for orcs is 40 years old. This does not mean they reach old age by this time, but most orcs get killed by the
age of 40. The maximum age for an orc is not known. The orc gestation period is about 10 months, and they have from 1-3 children at a time, but infant
mortality is high.
Language
Orcs speak orcish, but there is no is no standard for orcish. Concequently, the differences in dialects are dramatic--so much, that
different tribes and clans are often reduced to speaking to eachother in common. Orcish is a rather gutteral langage, and like many goblin-type
langages, they have many words for ideas such as 'war' and 'kill', but probably the closest word to friend in their vocabulary is 'ally'.
Combat/Fighting
Orcs are aggressive; a very warlike race--they spend much of their time at war with other races,
and other orc clans and tribes, too. They don't "fight fair"--they don't care if the enemy is trying to surrender
(unless there is something good in it for them) and alliances are frequently broken. Orc fighting in numbers is common--the more on your side,
the better. Orcs make poor slaves for most races (except maybe those like drow and mind-flayers), because they are quick to revolt.
They use weapons like the usual swords, spears, axes, and maces, as well as polearms--some use bow & arrow as well. They wear armor, too. Like their weapons, the
armor tends to take a rusty, worn look rather quickly.
Although orc tribes and clans have shamans and witchdoctors, common orcs do not generally use magic. They will ally with other races, particularly
other goblinoid races, but again, they are not the most trusted of allies.
Religion and Other Stuff
Orcs have various gods, and their religions usually concern one main god--usually one-eyed. (For my own RPing purposes, I use
the AD&D Monster Mythology book, because I have the book, and it's easier that way. There are other minor gods as well..if you're interested,
go buy the book yourself or e-mail me.)
HalfOrcs
It is usually given that a half-orc is part human. Half-orcs have more humanish features then orcs, but they would never win a
beauty contest. They often consider themselves more inteligent then orcs--the ones who survive to adulthood frequently become shamen or leaders
for their clans or tribes. In human societies, they tend to be loners searching for acceptance.
There are other halforcs as well, such as creatures part ogre. (Some believe these to be orogs.) Unheard of are dwarf/orcs and elf/orcs. The reason for
this is probably because the races are such bitter enemies--sooner killed then anything. And even if such a creature as an orc/dwarf were born, it would probably
be killed. (AD&D says there can't be elf/orcs. Oddly enough, in Tolkien, orcs and elves were believed to have common ancestors (I think).
For most, this question is irrelivent, but for some (me) it is not. In Elfquest, there was an elf/troll, which in AD&D would be impossible. Gurps says nothing about this,
so I tend to take the Elfquest side of it--although rare to the point of virtually nonexistant, it is possible.)
I may add on more stuff to this. This is for the most part, a combination of different games/books/systems, plus I have added my own stuff. If there is something that
really should not be there e-mail me, and let me know. If I have missed some information that is necessary, e-mail me. If you have an opinion on the elf/orc thing, let me know. Just
dont rant at me, please.
Back to the Main Page
stormgirl@hotmail.com
