"Everyone told me orcs were brutes. Then a Squallcaller orc pulled me out of the surf during a storm and spent the night making sure I didn't catch a chill. People are what their home makes them. So are orcs." — a Tidegate fisher
Orcs were among the species The Twelve created after the first species fell. They're strong, hardy and fiercely loyal to whatever they call home. That loyalty is what defines them, because orcs become what their surroundings and upbringing make them. An orc raised in an Imperial factory-city grows into a disciplined soldier, one raised among the Jötnar Clans becomes a proud mercenary, and one raised on Tidegate's docks becomes a sailor who'll brave any storm for their crew. Orcs aren't good or evil by nature, though many outsiders judge the whole species by the ones they've met.
Names
Orcs take the naming customs of the culture that raised them. Examples:
- Gorvek Duskbane, of the Ravus Empire
- Ragna Ulfsdottir, of the Jötnar Clans of Glacithar
- Brakka Saltmere, of Tidegate
Orcs by Homeland
Ravus Empire
Orcs of the Ravus Empire live in Vaelor, Dusktower and Ashend alongside humans, tieflings and goblins, honouring Voryn and Eclipsa. Raised by the Empire, they make hard, disciplined soldiers.
Glacithar
Orcs of Glacithar are fierce warriors among the Jötnar Clans, serving as mercenaries or living as outcasts.
Tidegate
Orcs of Tidegate are sailors and storm-fighters, and many join the Squallcallers, who welcome any species.