Orcs

Orcs
ST +3 (30), IQ -1 (-20), DR 3 (Tough Skin -40%, 9), Fit (5), Rapid Healing (5), Bully (-10), Hidebound (-5), Congenial (-1), Phobia-Magic (-1), Proud (-1), Staid (-1). Total 10 points.

Unique Traits
Orcs can possess up to 5 levels of DR (Tough Skin).

Orc Racial Background
Orcs are an extra-dimensional species summoned in order to slaughter the Elves. The orcs didn't mind; they like picking on anything weaker than themselves. In the beginning it worked our very well.

Unfortunately, the Orcs started multiplying. With more Orcs around, they were powerful enough to challenge their former masters. Eventually the combined strength of the Elves, Grey Order, and Megalos contained the Orc problem and pushed the surviving members back into what is now known as the Orc Wastes.

Orc Psychology
Orcs prefer company - especially other Orcs, but will try to join and defer to anyone that's obviously more powerful than themselves. Conversely, Orcs will prey upon anyone that's not more powerful. Internally packs have a social order established through intimidation and (if no one backs down) violence. Any perceived weakness (even temporary like an injury) will reduce a member's social standing. Leadership is always the priviledge of the most powerful member of the group.

Orcs do not have any ill-will toward other races. Orcs will bully and enslave any race equally - even other Orcs - and expect it from anyone more powerful. Compassion and respect has no place in Orc society. Anyone demonstrating those social graces are merely inviting unnecessary challenges by appearing weak.

Orcs fear magic (not quite a real phobia, though it is common). Any flashy demonstration of magic (perceived, doesn't have to be real) will usually impress (cow, frighten) Orcs. Orcs will usually defer to mages.

Orc Reproduction
Orc reproduction is poorly understood. Initially, none of the mages thought to worry about it while recruiting war parties to fight for them. As their numbers swelled, mages began to wonder how the Orcs were reproducing.

The current theory is that Orcs are hybrid life forms that mate through the interaction of spores released from Orc skin. Enough sloughed Orc skin can result a "growth" of Orcs. Usually, however, Orcs are grown when an Orc dies and another Orc's spores land on his corpse.

The mingled spores that land in dead or decaying organic matter implant themselves and begin to grow. At about 1 inch, they break off into miniature orclings (often called Goblins). From there, they eat whatever they can (carniverous little pests) finally maturing into full Orcs at about 10 years of age.

Goblins are highly intelligent and playable little creatures. They possess high cunning and strength for their size (see Shrinking rules).