Orcs

Of the four civilized races, the Orcs are the least numerous and the least technologically advanced. This is not to suggest, however, that they are a simple, barbaric people; to the contrary, the city of Orcholm, located in the eastern reaches of Faelon's Crown, is the second largest in world, and is believed to be the oldest non-Elven settlement in Rhodenia. Above all, the Orcs value kinship and community, and prefer to congregate rather than disperse. The only major Orcish settlements beyond Orcholm are monasteries and trading posts, as they see no compelling reason to found new cities elsewhere. They are staunch allies with the Dwarves, with whom they share a common language, as it was the Dwarves who, long ago, shared with them the technology of the written word.

The Orcs are a highly competitive race, but they are not, as outsiders often believe, a senselessly violent one. To bring honor to one's family name is the greatest pursuit in life, and the Orcs constantly seek out opportunities to demonstrate feats of strength. They have a longstanding tradition of epic poetry, and often gather to boast of their accomplishments. Orcs view it imperative to establish themselves as a character in a larger narrative; they introduce themselves as the son or daughter of their parents, and are capable, on demand, of reciting the oral history of their bloodline.

Standing over six feet tall on average, the Orcs are renowned for their strength. Among the four civilized races, their physical prowess is unmatched. A single armed Orc can take down several Elves, Dwarves, or Humans in gladiator-style combat. Orcish blood possesses regenerative qualities. While they cannot regrow lost limbs, what would amount to minor to moderate wounds for other races is but a nuisance to an Orc; consequently, Orcs prefer to wear leather armors - or even none at all - rather than mail or plate, as the latter two impede movement. Orcs tend to shun stealth and subterfuge, and prefer straightforward duels; in combat, they often begin by first observing battle from a distance before seeking out whomever they believe to be the most worthy opponent.

Orc are, without question, the greatest fighters of the four civilized races. They excel as brute-strength warriors, but they are equally as adept in the martial arts as they are armed combat. Orcish monasteries can be found throughout Rhodenia, each promoting a different school and style of fighting. For the Orc, honor is everything. Although their respect can be difficult to gain, their word is their bond, and they make for the most trustworthy of allies one could have.