Homebrew Grey Orc Species Details

[This race is a reinterpretation of the Grey Orc race that originally appeared in Races of Faerun, published by Wizards of the Coast in 2003 (pg. 65). I liked Grey Orcs when they first came out and I was always a little disappointed that they never got another mention as the editions went on. Then last year the errata for Orc player races came out and it inspired me to pen down this reinterpreted version of Grey Orcs, which I'm now posting up here for others to use.]

 

Lean and Cunning.

Grey Orcs are slightly smaller and less bulky than their more common Orc kin; while they still have pointed ears, broad brows and strong jaws, it is not to the same extent. Their noses are noticeably less porcine, and their tusks are small, in some cases barely protruding at all. Grey Orc skin ranges in colour from pale grey to black with mottling in lighter or darker shades on their faces, chests and flanks. This distinctive patterning is often a source of pride and an orc may wear clothing specifically designed to reveal their patterns. Eyes range in colour from brown, to yellow, to red and hair is usually black or grey, but always thick and strong.

 

Survivalist Tribes.

Grey Orc tribes are nomadic, and range from the Moonsea to the Endless Wastes (Hordelands). While they might lack the warmongering and raiding habits of other Orcs, they are no less battle ready. Being strong is good, but strength is useless if you can not also hunt, track, craft, and survive. A typical tribe can have anywhere from 30 to 50 members. They are led by a Chief, or a Tarkhan, who is judged as being worthy to rule by their strength and ability to provide for the tribe. However, the true power in a Grey Orc tribe is held by the Priest, Cleric, or Shaman, who guides the actions and decisions of the Chief and thereby whole tribe.

 

Old One-Eye.

Religion in a Grey Orc tribe is complex. Like other Orcs, they can never truly escape the influence of Gruumsh, constantly calling them to war and battle, but most Grey Orc tribes abandoned the warlike ways of Gruumsh long ago, and instead developed a rather eclectic mixture of shamanism, totemism, and ancestor worship instead. The exception to this is Luthic, the Cave Mother, who has become an ancestral figure in the Grey Orc dogma, and who is commonly invoked for births, deaths, and healing.

Grey Orc Traits

As a Grey Orc you have the following traits.

Ability Score Increase

Your Wisdom score increases by 2, and your Constitution score increases by 1.

Age

Grey Orcs mature slightly slower and live slightly longer than common Orcs, reaching adulthood around 15 and living for around 75 years.

Alignment

Grey Orcs favour survivalism over raiding. They tend towards neutral alignments.

Size

Grey Orcs are smaller and leaner than common Orcs. Your size is medium.

Speed

Grey Orcs cultivate a long gait that allows them to move swiftly. Your base walking speed is 35ft.

Darkvision

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 colour in darkness, only shades of grey.

Survival Skills

You have proficiency in two of the following skills of your choice: Animal Handling, Insight, Intimidation, Medicine, Nature, Perception and Survival.

Keen Scent

You have a keen sense of smell and can even detect foes or track creatures by sniffing them out. You have advantage on Wisdom (Perception, Survival) checks that rely on smell.

Swift Hunter

As a bonus action you may move up to your speed towards an enemy of your choice that you can see or hear. You must end this move closer to the enemy than you started.