Homebrew Fenrisian Orc Species Details

Mighty hunters who are ferocious and downright frightening. But they have come a long way over the past few decades. Earn their respect and you'll have a loyal friend for life. 

— Grytlock Bearguard, Commander of Ebony Company

 

Once savage tribal warriors; Fenrisian Orcs have come to evolve and learn that constant war will bring their species to an end. Learning how to trade and co-exist with other sentient species in Fenris, these large Orcs are the finest hunters in the north. 

Large Northern Cousins

Fenrisian Orcs are of grayish pigmentation, sloping foreheads, jutting jaws, prominent teeth, and towering bulky builds make the rest of their Orc cousins look small. Fenrisian Orcs stand between 6 and 8 feet tall (180-250cm) and usually weigh between 260 and 500 pounds (120-230kg).

Orcs regard battle scars as tokens of pride and ornamental scars as things of beauty. Fenrisian Orcs are no different and most will be seen with tribal tattoos that distern their rank and social standing within their tribe.

 

Fenrisian Orc Names

Fenrisian Orc names usually have names appropriate to the northern Nordic culture in which they were raised. Though, a Fenrisian Orc who wants to fit in among humans might adopt a human name alongside their Orc name. 

 

GRUDGING ACCEPTANCE

Travelled Fenrisian Orcs are aware of their size and intimidating aura. They can usually find a way to gain acceptance from those who hate orcs. Some are reserved, trying not to draw attention to themselves. A few demonstrate piety and good-heartedness as publicly as they can (whether or not such demonstrations are genuine). And some simply try to be so tough that others just avoid them.

Fenrisian Orc Traits

Your Fenrisian Orc character has certain traits deriving from the harsh homeland of Fenris

Ability Score Changes

Your Strength score increases by 2, and your Constitution score increases by 2. Your Dexterity score decreases by 2, you Intelligence score decreases by 1 and your Charisma score decreases by 1.

Age

Like their Orc cousins, Fenrisian Orcs mature a little faster than humans, reaching adulthood around age 14. They age noticeably faster and rarely live longer than 75 years.

Alignment

Fenrisian Orcs inherit a tendency toward chaos from their Orc heritage. Though the travelled Fenrisian Orcs have come to learn the benefits of a lawful society. They can lean towards either good or evil. 

Size

Fenrisian Orcs are decently larger and bulkier than their southern Orc cousins, and they range from 6 to well over 7 feet tall. Your size is Medium.

Speed

Your base walking speed is 30 feet.

Darkvision

Thanks to your orc blood, you have superior vision in dark and dim conditions. 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 can’t discern color in darkness, only shades of gray.

Menacing

You gain proficiency in the Intimidation skill.

Relentless Endurance

When you are reduced to 0 hit points but not killed outright, you can drop to 1 hit point instead. You can’t use this feature again until you finish a long rest.

Savage Attacks

When you score a critical hit with a melee weapon attack, you can roll one of the weapon’s damage dice one additional time and add it to the extra damage of the critical hit.

Languages

You can speak, read, and write Common and Orc. Orc is a harsh, grating language with hard consonants. It has no script of its own but is written in the Dwarvish script.

Cold Resistance

Coming from Fenris, you gain resistance to Cold Damage and have advantage against negative Cold Weather status effects.

Large Build

Due to your large build, you count as one size larger when determining your carrying capacity and the weight you can push, drag, or lift.