Homebrew Black Orc Species Details

Created for my own evil NPC "Big Boss" purposes, so this may seem like an unorthodox entry.

Larger and tougher than a standard Orc, Black Orcs are the brutes of a brutish race.  They live the most violent life of any variety of orc and as a result have battle prowess that shows it.  They also tend to be the least athletic of any type of orc, choosing brute strength as a solution to as many situations as possible.  While often slower upstairs than your average orc, the Black Orcs that rise to the top of orc society are specimens to be feared, as they will have more cunning than the average of their race.  They qualify as Medium size folk, only just barely - they often weigh at least 250 pounds of muscle, and while usually not taller than humans are definitely wider.

Fortunately for most lesser orcs, Black Orcs are relatively rare with only a handful of tribes purely comprised of Black Orcs.  Most often, they are just another component of the motley lot that often makes up a tribe of orcs/goblins/hobgoblins/gnolls/bugbears/what-have-you.  Often, a Black Orc among lesser orcs may be the head of that tribe; Black Orcs that aren't killed outright in a power struggle will usually be banished from their original tribe.  Their natural strength gives them a very good chance to rise to the top of a race that tends to value strength first and foremost.  If they are not leading the tribe, they likely are the chieftain's bodyguard and/or executioner.

Black Orcs do not value magic, but as orcs in general do have shamans, it is possible for a Black Orc to learn magic; it's just an extremely unlikely occurrence.

Black Orc Traits

Strong, Tough, Uncommon

Brute Strength

Black Orcs are inherently stronger than most orcs, gaining a +2 to Strength.

Cunning

In order to survive, Black Orcs usually develop at least some cunning or they don't live very long, gaining a +1 to Wisdom.

Toughness

Due to the thickness of their skin and musculature, Black Orcs have resistance to bludgeoning and slashing damage.

Musclebound

Black Orcs, while not particularly clumsy, are so large and muscular that athletics and things requiring dexterity do not come easily to them.  They therefore have a -2 penalty to their Dexterity scores.

Battle Prowess

Due to their violent nature and upbringing, Black Orcs are always ready for combat at a moment's notice.  They may add their proficiency bonus to Dexterity checks for initiative.

Speed

Black Orcs are about as fast as dwarves, with a walking speed of 25 feet.

Size

Black Orcs are about as tall as humans, but much wider.  On average, they weigh between 260 and 300 pounds.  They still qualify as Medium - but not by much.

Lifespan

While Black Orcs mature at about 8 years old and theoretically could live to 100, they're usually lucky to live past 30 due to their violent nature.

Alignment

Most Black Orcs, like standard orcs, are chaotic evil by nature.