Medieval Fantasy Races

Orc

Better known as "Orc Kin," are a newly formed race that were a product of the Night God, Tenebria. When the Valley of Despair began to weaken its hold on Tenebria in 0004 of the New Era, numerous adventurers faced the Lord Tenebria. While they attempted to dispel the darkness seeping from the Valley, he cursed several challengers. This curse transformed the afflicted into the first ever

Orc

s. At first, it was considered a grotesque curse, with many turning to the comfort of the Moon Goddess, Lemuria, to seek a cure. There are a few Orcs still living in Isilendor and they have become accepted in most societies. They gain particular favour for their incredible strength and brutality.

Orc Kin is a protected Status and can only be earned through Skill Points or purchasing the Status.

There are many debates of the origin for

Orc

s in the real world. It is said that the word "orc" was manifested in the works of J.R.R. Tolkein. Tolkein is recorded for writing the Orc is a hobbit word to describe goblins and hobgoblins. Though it's possible it is a shortened version of the word "orcneas," which features in the Old English poem; Beowulf. In the poems, this word is believed to be a combination of elves and giants.

Orc could also have Germanic origins, from the word Orcus which typically was used to describe trolls, ogres or giants. Given the similarities between ogres and orcs, it's possible that the definitions became mixed when presented by Tolkein.

Lord of the Rings

The first truly known record of the word

Orc

features in the "Lord of the Rings", and "The Hobbit"; stories written by J.R.R. Tolkein. The books present Orcs as soldiers for the armies of Morgoth, and later, Sauron. The creatures were created by Morgoth to advance the armies for dominating Middle-earth. It is understood that Morgoth kidnapped some elves known as Avari, then proceeded to derform their appearance and twist their thoughts in order to create Orcs. Over time they became more intelligent and were capable of organising in vast armies that infested the lands of Middle-Earth.

Orcs most commonly appear with black, grey or green skin and grotesque features. Orcs possess their own language known as Orkish or Black Speech but have become versed in Westron, the common tongue. There are different factions and species of Orc that have developed over time. Majority of orcs served Isengard and Mordor. Sub species of Orcs were bred for intense battles such as the Uruk-hai. A weaker, smaller form of Orc are known as Snaga and primarily served in Isengard.

Dungeons & Dragons

Taking inspiration from the works of Tolkein, the tabletop game Dungeons & Dragons expanded on the idea of Orcs. They are humanoid creatures of various sub species such as mountain orcs, gray orcs and orogs. Orcs are depicted with grey or green skin, coarse hair and red eyes. They are often hulking figures with tusk-like teeth protruding from their lower jaw. Their ears are akin to elves.

Orcs have an uneven temperament, often susceptible to rage and violence. They traditionally possess their own war focused cultures. Many Orcs are aligned to the god Gruumsh who enforced the belief the orcs were the superior race and they had to eradicate anyone else.

Over time and due to upheaval within Toril, some communities of orcs became more civilised and even began to cohabit with society. Species of Half-Orc became more prominent as relations began to mingle.

The Elder Scrolls

Officially known as Orsimer, Orcs in the video game series "Elder Scrolls" are a distinct, playable race. They originate from a country called Orsinium, a mountainous realm on the border of Skyrim and Hammerfell. Orcs are descended from ancient elves that worshipped the Daedric Prince Malacath. They are a tribal race and considered barbaric in their approach. Orsimer kept strongholds led by a chieftain and upheld the teachings of Malacath. They are skilled blacksmiths, dealing in a unique mineral called Orichalcum.

What do you think of Orcs? Would you consider it as a status?