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Name - Orcs
-- The term "ogre" is an offensive title previously used to refer to orcs.
Physical description - Orcs are one of the largest species, along with bug people and the largest of all: giants. Female orcs are dominant in orc culture and are the largest of the three orc genders. Females range from 8 to 8.5 feet, males from 6 to 8 feet, and xerales from 6 to 7.5 feet. All orcs, regardless of gender, are large in build and often very muscular due to their easy ability to obtain and hold muscle. Orcs have tough, scaled skin which is most commonly found in shades of green and light blue, but can also be gray or (very rarely) pure white. An orc typically has five fingers on each of two hands and nails are commonly kept long and pointed. Orcs are bipedal and walk on two legs, but are known for their physical ability to be useful regardless of how many limbs they have available. Orcs are traditionally raised to be able to walk on their hands in the instance they cannot use their legs. Orcs are exceptionally physically capable and, despite their large size, find ways to get anywhere they need to.
Orcs have hair nowhere on their bodies except their heads. Colors of orc hair are pop colors: shades of red, blue, green, purple, yellow, and pink. Popular styles among orcs would be classified as punk: mohawks, spikes, half-shaves, etc. Keeping one's hair long is bound to get an odd look from other orcs. Those with long hair are often classified as impractical, frilly, sensitive, etc.
Each orc gender has a distinct trait. Female orcs have horns on their heads. Male orcs have spikes on their forearms. Xerale orcs have tails. All orcs have blue tongues, eyes that turn black when they get worked up (whether negatively or positively), large lower cuspids (which cannot fit within their lips), pointed ears, and a third eyelid over each eye. This eyelid, which moves from side to side rather than up and down, is transparent and can clean the eye or protect it from damage while still allowing an orc complete field of vision. This eyelid is extremely useful in combat, but is also utilized for everyday blinking. An orc tends to exclusively close their outer eyelids when they sleep or rest their eyes.
Lifespan - 100 to 110 years
-- Due to the serious nature of raising a child, a young orc's creation requires sacrifice from the creating part. Orcs commonly do not mate and walk through life alone, so the creation of an orc child is done by a single orc. An orc must sacrifice a toe or finger to create a child, chopping the digit off, washing it, and then placing it in a place where it can grow. Traditionally, the digit is left in a bowl of rice. Many orcs place the to-be-child in an ornate container and routinely check on it to note its growth. An orc child can grow anywhere, however, and does not need nutrients or care to survive. Over the course of five months, the child will develop into a unique living being. For the first week of a completely grown orc baby's life, the child does not need nourishment. (It is believed this is in case the orc baby cannot be found after being grown.) After that point, the orc baby will need (a lot of) food and water.
Orcs grow rapidly, and child orcs notoriously eat anything in sight, whether it screams for mercy or not. An orc is a baby from 0 to 3 years, a child from 4 to 14 years, an adolescent from 15 to 21 years, and enters adulthood at 22. Orcs live long and active lives filled with feasts, sports, and bonfires. Deteriorating health in old age is extremely rare among orcs.
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Reputation - Orcs are seen as gruff, brash, and lacking sensitivity. They are perceived as competitive, eager to enter conflict, and cutthroat. They also have reputations as incredible athletes, often recruited for competitions due to their strength, height, and general athleticism. There is almost no representation of orcs in romantic situations on television or media, as it is assumed they have no interest in finding romantic or sexual partners due to typical orc culture. Orcs are seen as loud, messy, impatient, and are known for their "problematic children." (Teachers tend to panic when orc children are in their classes.)
Naming conventions - Orcs traditionally like to name children according to traits that they would like them to possess. Common first names are Brave and Mighty. Last names take the prefix War- and attach the parent's name to it. An example name would be Quick Warsteady.
Stereotypes - Ruthless and brutal. Aggressive, bullies, love to fight or be on top. Have no emotional intelligence. All brawn, no brain. Highly athletic, undefeatable. Break things easily/super strong.
View of other races - Orcs and humans historically have clashed. Due to the prominence of humans across media and the marginalization of other races, orcs have been one of the most outspoken groups calling for shift away from the human-centric tendencies of society. Humans (and many other species) have tended to view orcs as dangerous, unintelligent, and brutal, and orcs only seem to get attention when their demonstrations are loud, violent, or controversial, further deepening the divide between groups.
Orcs and goblins are seen as allied races.
Abilities - Apart from their athleticism, orcs have no noticeable abilities.
Cultural values/traits - Orcs value victory and are highly competitive. They push themselves to win and in orc culture, cheating in games is okay (if you can justify it -- which mainly means if you win). Orcs are highly invested in sports and physical games. Indoorsy, bookish types are generally looked down upon or seen as odd. Orcs are skilled fighters. Combat sports are the most respected of all sports in orc culture.
Contrary to outside belief, the family is highly important in orc culture. One is expected to lay down their life for their children. Orc parents (and older siblings) are highly protective. Group activities (primarily group sports, families creating individual teams) are common activities. Orc families like to sleep in dog piles.
Typical magic practices - Orcs practice magic through full body movement, often sweeping movements that are misinterpreted as dance. Orcs have, however, turned dances into spells, and are generally great dancers due to their need to have control over their body and rhythm.
Nation of Origin / Commonly found in... - Newas
-- While Newas has greatly expanded, within this country is the origin of the Orc race.
Common Language(s) - Tomatow, the primary orc language. Other Tomatow variations.
