Orc
"Your verdict, I accept as Matunas decrees.
I warn you though, do not think of me as a servant of Dona. The Covenant, 'tis our heaviest oath. In your mountain halls, it was my blade that silenced the Prophet Stroud, an orc protectin' your young. Should you say I broke the Dragon's Peace, know this, I'll honor our pact, despite your judgment of my kind."
~ Osveta Kaznovati
Chosen of Matunas
Trial before the Thundering Flight
1 UE
Chosen of Matunas
Trial before the Thundering Flight
1 UE
Description
Powerful, intelligent, and proud, orcs are ferocious combatants and clever inventors, mixing physical prowess with advanced technology to protect their homes and neighbors. Their tech-savviness is sought after across Dromaria. Guided by their deity of invention, Dona, many orcs heed the divine Calling, dedicating their lives to constructing tools for societal betterment. Orcs are muscular and green-skinned humanoids, known for their prominent tusks of varying sizes. Usually weighing between 250 to 280 pounds and standing up to 7 feet tall, their hair and eyes predominately display darker shades. An average orc's lifespan is similar to that of a human, reaching maturity around 16 years old. In the last 200 years, orcs have been pioneering technological advancements for cybernetic enhancements, and it is commonplace to see mechanical body parts when in Bohdan.
Societies
Diverse orc societies exist all over, from nomadic gangs to technologically advanced cities. However, these groups rarely intermingle, as their interactions often result in tension and violence. Because of this, viewpoints on orcs vary wildly, with some seeing them as threats, while others view them as community pillars. The draconic Covenant has banned the teachings of Dona, limiting technological advancement within the borders of Erimata. Due to this, orcs who have accepted the Dragon's Peace do not follow their Callings of invention. The majority of orcs are found in the country of Bohdan, in the Westlands of Pathriam, a place where the complexities of their society come to the fore. The orcs, alongside their dwarven allies, defend their homeland with tenacity, using their advanced technology for survival. Years of political unrest has created an uneasy relationship with surrounding territories. The unique dynamics of Bohdan, including the cooperation of orcish and dwarven nations, contribute to the survival and prosperity of their people. However, this alliance has led to internal strife within the dwarven community, some of whom struggle to accept the orcs' presence in their ancient homeland. Despite these challenges, Bohdan, an emblem of perseverance, continues to be a complex blend of tradition, resistance, technological progression, and unity amid conflict.
Bohdan Orc Traits
Ability Score Increase
Your Strength score increases by 2. Your Constitution score increases by 1. Creature Type
You are a Humanoid. Size
You are Medium. Speed
Your walking speed is 30 feet. Darkvision
You can see in dim light within 60 feet of you as if it were bright light and in darkness as if it were dim light. You discern colors in that darkness only as shades of gray. Cybernetic Enhancements
Your body has some small cybernetic enhancements. At the start of each day, you can use your technology to alter a part of your body, granting a bonus of your choice. Choose one of the following: +1 AC, +1 to weapon hit and damage, or +1 to spell hit and save DC. This lasts until you change enhancements. These are not considered magical effects. Powerful Build
You count as one size larger when determining your carrying capacity and the weight you can push, drag, or lift. Techie
You gain one vehicle (air, land, water) proficiency and one tool proficiency of your choice. Languages
You can speak, read, and write Common, Orcish, and one language of your choice.
The Gearhead Rallies
History
The teachings of Dona recount leaving the homeworld of Ithidus alongside the god Temilian. The Path of the Ancestors venerates the orcs Dona Aldini and his son Galvani, credited for developing the essential technology allowing settlers to journey across the solar system. Throughout the voyage to Dromaria and during the initial settlement, orcs remained within their new homeland, named after their vessel, Kalatearman. They battled alongside other races for their territory, however, when the Covenant was signed, Dona rejected it, mourning the loss of his son to the dragon's assaults. Consequently, his followers agreed and sought areas to settle outside Erimata. The Rakankrak dwarves initially inhabited the Westlands of Pathriam, founding the city of Ugarth and expanding across the northern half of the continent. Their prosperous community attracted settlers, leading to the formation of the country of Bohdan. The Age of Horror severely afflicted the land, prompting the Rakankrak to seek the Dragon's Peace, migrating across the sea. During this tumult, the orcs of Dona's Calling, choose to head out into the world and aid those struggling. Upon leaving Kalatearman, they ended up occupying the now deserted Bohdan. There they fought against Ishkul's forces, with their resistance leading to the expulsion of the monsters in Ugarth and taking a portion of the land for themselves. Years later, upon the dwarves' return, orcs lived within their homes. Instead of conflict, an invitation was extended. Upon agreement the orcs assisted in the construction of a new settlement, Rakankrak's Den. This unexpected alliance sparked an internal conflict within the Rakankrak community. Some dwarves found it unacceptable to cohabit with the orcs, labeling those willing to stay as traitors. A fair segment of the Rakankrak population left for the north, establishing themselves in what is now known as the Thorn Territory. As a result, Bohdan lost a portion of its land to neighboring areas, with the nation of Thorn claiming the most. In this new society, the orcs, alongside their allies, have achieved major technological advancements in body and vehicle science. These developments have paved the way for manually controlled vehicles, including cars and airships, a rarity in a world dominated by automated control. Furthermore, cybernetic enhancements, initially designed for medical purposes, have become common, providing practical solutions for physical limitations and contributing to the technological identity of their society.
Orc Backgrounds
Here is a Dromaria specific background associated with orcs:
While this represents orcs who follow Dona, people from anywhere could find themselves with a similar backstory.
Orc Outcasts
Orcs not raised in Bohdan or Ugarth sometimes view themselves as outcasts, whether perceived or real. Blending into larger cities or retreating to remote locations, these individuals struggle to find a like-minded community. Despite adherence to the Covenant, their counterpart's reputation precedes them, occasionally leading to unfavorable encounters with dragons.
These orcs frequently become proficient warriors, mercenaries, or even wilderness-dwelling barbarians. A significant orc population remains in Kalatearman, though little is known about current events in the ancient homeland.
Orc Traits
Orcs of Dromaria who do not hail from Bohdan have the same in-game statistics as those found in the Player's Handbook.
Half-orcs are regarded as indistinguishable from full orcs by the general population. They adhere to the standard statistics provided in the Player's Handbook.Body Cybernetics
If you hail from Bohdan you have had some upgrades to your body at some point. Below is a list of potential parts you could have, although you are welcome to create your own.
Cultural Tidbits
Orcs of Bohdan have a folktale that speaks of the Chrome Maniac, a man who became obsessed with cybernetics, replacing every bit of living flesh with machine. The results caused the orc to lose its sense of self and turn into a monster.
The capital city of Ugarth was built by the Rakankrak Clan of dwarves and has been occupied by orcs for almost 2,000 years.