Alter Aeon The Great Library

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Note - as with any topic, researchers should question the reliability
and veracity of these texts.  The library's aim is to preserve
documents, not verify accuracy.

AABN:  13778
Title: a book titled "Orcs"

The word "Orc" is of ancient but unclear origin. It is generally understood
to mean "monster". In modern times, it has come to be associated with a
race of humanoid creatures known for their strength, ferocity and savage
nature.

It is believed that orcs descend from human bloodlines that were
intermingled with those of lesser demons. It is unclear whether these were
natural couplings or the result of some hideous breeding program from the
Great Wars.

Orc society is tribal and patriarchal. Generally the strongest orc rules as
chief, with a small circle of champions and advisors. These advisors almost
always include a spellcaster, whether a shaman, warlock or priest of a dark
god. Some orcs emulate human customs, such as operating with military ranks
or having a hereditary king. Orcs have their own language, with endless
dialects between tribes.

A sizeable minority of orcs tribes are nomadic hunter-gatherers or raiders.
Most have permanent settlements, often built within abandoned ruins or
buildings  captured from other species. Orc-made structures, tools and
armor tend to be crude, unless the craftsmen learned their trade from more
capable races.  

Orc religion varies from tribe to tribe. Some worship gods of the High
Pantheon associated with war and death, such as Reorx and Schlyne. A few
orc tribes pay homage to the archdemon Ornias, viewing him as father figure
or progenitor. A very few orc tribes practice druidic rites and worship
nature. Most orc spellcasters are shamans or hoodoos, using a mixture of
divine, necromantic, druidic and arcane spellcasting.

As with men, there are several breeds of orc. They vary greatly in habitat
and physical characteristics.

Cave orcs: these subterranean orcs are most numerous on the continent of
Ramanek. They have grey skin, pig-like snouts and tiny eyes. The males
often have tusks. Status in their society is judged by girth, with the most
successful of members of their tribes being the most fat.

Common orcs: mostly found on the mainland of Atmir, these are archetypical
orcs of story and song. They are stockier than humans. Their hair is coarse
and dark. They have skin tones ranging fom green to grey. Males often have
prominent tusks.

Frost orcs: these rarely seen orcs have pale blue skin, bright blue eyes
and white hair. They are tall, standing around seven feet in height.

Hill orcs: native to the Green River Valley, this rare breed of orc is an
intermediate between common orcs and mountain orcs. The ShadowStrike clan
that once dwelt by Mount Zendular is believed to been comprised of hill
orcs.

Mountain orcs: these orcs strongly resemble common orcs, only on a larger
scale. They stand well over six feet tall, with adult males often towering
over seven feet. Their skin tends to be brighter green than other orcs.

Orogs: these are hybrids between orcs and ogres. They look like huge orcs,
often eight to nine feet tall, with brown skin and exceptionally broad
bodies. Physically powerful, they often rise to positions of power in orc
tribes, or become mercenaries of renown.

Pugjugs: these wretched creatures are descended from orc and goblin stock.
They look like small, skinny orcs with oversized heads and  exagerrated
features. They are often kept as slaves by other orcs.

Scrub orcs: hailing fom the eastern mainland deserts, they strongly
resemble common orcs. They have gray skin and sandy hair. Males sometimes
have tusks. They are known to be more cunning and less aggressive than
other orcs.

Westering orcs: the main population center for these orcs is the island of
Kordan, though they are found scattered across Sloe and Archais. They are
smaller than common orcs, and they tend to have a stronger green complexion
and more goblin-like features.