Homebrew Orc (Pathfinder) Species Details

Orcs are aggressive, callous, and domineering. Bullies by nature, they respect strength and power as the highest virtues. On an almost instinctive level, orcs believe they are entitled to anything they want unless someone stronger can stop them from seizing it. They rarely exert themselves off the battlefield except when forced to do so; this attitude stems not just from laziness but also from an ingrained belief that work should trickle down through the pecking order until it falls upon the shoulders of the weak. They take slaves from other races, orc men brutalize orc women, and both abuse children and elders, on the grounds that anyone too feeble to fight back deserves little more than a life of suffering. Surrounded at all times by bitter enemies, orcs cultivate an attitude of indifference to pain, vicious tempers, and a fierce willingness to commit unspeakable acts of vengeance against anyone who dares to defy them.

Scarred and Strong

Powerfully built, orcs typically stand just a few inches taller than most humans but have much greater muscle mass, their broad shoulders and thick, brawny hips often giving them a slightly lurching gait. They typically have dull green skin, coarse dark hair, beady red eyes, and protruding, tusk-like teeth. Orcs consider scars a mark of distinction and frequently use them as a form of body art.

The Mark of Gruumsh

The one-eyed god Gruumsh created the orcs, and even those orcs who turn away from his worship can’t fully escape his influence.

Beyond the rage of Gruumsh, orcs feel emotion powerfully. Rage doesn’t just quicken their pulse, it makes their bodies burn. An insult stings like acid, and sadness saps their strength. But they laugh loudly and heartily, and simple bodily pleasures—feasting, drinking, wrestling, drumming, and wild dancing—fill their hearts with joy. They tend to be violent and oftentimes impulsive. Orcs admire strength above all other things. Even members of enemy races can sometimes win an orc’s grudging respect, or at least tolerance, if they break his nose enough times.

Tribes

Orcs usually live amid squalor and constant mayhem, and intimidation and brutal violence are the glue that holds orc culture together. They settle disputes by making increasingly grisly threats until, when a rival fails to back down, the conflict escalates into actual bloodshed. Orcs who win these ferocious brawls not only feel free to take whatever they want from the loser, but also frequently indulge in humiliating physical violation, casual mutilation, and even outright murder. Orcs rarely spend much time improving their homes or belongings since doing so merely encourages a stronger orc to seize them. In fact, whenever possible, they prefer to occupy buildings and communities originally built by other races.

Orc Names

Male Orc Names: Dench, Feng, Gell, Henk, Holg, Imsh, Keth, Krusk, Mhurren, Ront, Shump, Thokk

Female Orc Names: Baggi, Emen, Engong, Kansif, Myev, Neega, Ovak, Ownka, Shautha, Sutha, Vola, Volen, Yevelda

Orc (Pathfinder) Traits

Your orc character's heritage runs deep in their blood.

Ability Score Increase

Your Strength score increases by 4, but your Intelligence and Wisdom scores both decrease by 2.

Age

Orcs mature faster than humans, reaching adulthood around age 12. They age noticeably faster and rarely live longer than 50 years.

Alignment

Orcs have few redeeming qualities. They are violent and cruel, and see concepts such as honor and loyalty as flaws that afflict weaker races. Orcs are typically chaotic evil, but more disciplined orcs may be lawful evil, and those that grew up outside of an orcish tribe may be chaotic neutral.

Size

Orcs are powerfully built, and though they are only typically a few inches taller than humans, they have a much more bulky build. They range from 5ft 3in to 7ft 1in, and their 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.

Sunlight Sensitivity

While in sunlight, the orc has disadvantage on attack rolls, as well as on Wisdom (Perception) checks that rely on sight.

Undying Ferocity

When you are reduced to 0 hit points but not killed outright, you remain conscious, but are limited to only one move or standard action per turn, and continue making death saving throws as normal.

Orc Savagery

Orcs are savage creatures, and may take on a trait to reflect their nature.

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.