Orcs

Overview

The Orcs are creatures of Kraz, forever relegated to the outskirts of society due to their warlike nature. They sided with Mazaroth during the Heavensblight and later again with the forces of darkness in the Collapse but were beaten back each time by the champions of the light. They were forced out of Korozok and hunted by the Dwarves for decades until they found refuge in the wilderness of Mt. Mavak, where they learned to survive on the barren lands.  In the Age of New Kingdoms, the Orcs aided the Humans of Mt. Mavak, fighting back against the Elves of Faymalia. In doing so they earned a newfound respect to the Mavians and for the first time in millennia, the Orcs are no longer entirely shunned and reviled in Vathria. 

Culture

Fractured as the tribes may be, the Orcs are fiercely loyal to their clan. Despite the politics of the Chiefs, the tribe is considered family, and a slight made by an Orc from one tribe to an Orc from another clan can spill over into tribe-wide hostilities. A tribal succession of power can become heated, as unlike with other Vathrian forms of leadership, hereditary power is unheard of to the Orcs. Orcs take power and must be ready to prove they can hold onto it. Those who leave the unity of the clans to venture out often take up mercenary work, are paid to use their might and strength, and are usually sent to kill. While the tribes are shut off from most of the populace of Mt. Mavak and other parts of the world, they use Orc mercenaries to collect information from the outside.

Government

While the recognized Orc Chieftain leads the tribes, it is the more minor tribal chiefs that handle the day-to-day affairs of the clans. The Chieftain is often at risk of their authority being challenged, and duels of succession are not unheard of. The nature of the tribes means that a centralized leader of all is all but impossible. In past ages, certain strong Orcs have attempted to unify all tribes under one chieftain though these endeavors have always ended in death.

Physical

Much like the Minotaurs of Mt. Mavak, the Orcs are brawny and tall, towering above the humans. They are notable for their red-tinted skin and protruding tusks from their jaws. They tend to wear little clothing, being resilient to the cold, often only wearing loin cloths of animal skins and fur crudely sewn together along with warm winter boots and armor such as iron bracers.  They often wear ornamentation, such as nipple rings or thick metal bands, and will be heavily tattooed, usually to denote their clan and standing with the tribe.

Personality

Orcs have typically been warlike and savage, reveling in war and conquest.

Talents

The orcs have the mighty brute strength of Kraz, and their forces have a strength to be reckoned with.