Orcs
Last updated
Last updated
“Orc” is an old Logrean word for “guilt”. The progenitor orcs were an accidental creation made by The Krankstadt, which doubles as the foremost medical authority in all of Pixelos. The Infirmari sought to develop potions and elixirs for all sorts of ailments, but chief among these was the aim of creating elixirs to heal criminal minds and “cure” evil. Because their mixtures were so enigmatic, finding willing test subjects was difficult, and the Infirmari resorted to using their potions on prisoners as test subjects. Most of the prisoners died, but some mutated. Over time, the order would use the potions to transform prisoners they didn't have the proof to sentence, and instead mutate them, blaming their appearance on the evil in their hearts. Afraid of the political backlash of using human test subjects, the orcs were then banished to the outlands and legends were created to make the common folk fear the orcs. They were turned into a class of outcasts, forever abandoned by their human kin due the Infirmari’s propaganda. Over time, the orcs reproduced and grew in numbers and strength. The roots of their ire run deep and the seeds of hatred sprout sturdy in drought. Despite being forgotten by their Logrean brethren and sistren, they do not wish ill upon the citizens for their ignorance, They do seek revenge on the Infirmari for their humanitarian crimes. Though they are not only defined by hatred and vengeance, the truth of their origins is passed down to every generation, and their quest for vengeance is important to their culture. Names ending in "-rath" represent that the orc has earned the suffix through battle and have earned their position of power and leadership for the wrath they may one day help bring down on the head of the Infirmari. The common misconception is that the stench in Dom-Vergesse is due to the orcs who live there. Because of their massive stature and preponderance to anger, they are presumed to be stupid, brash, unrefined brutes, and most assume they live in filth and squalor. Despite their intimidating appearance, orcs are however of the same intelligence as humans, both cognitively and emotionally; for they are of human descent. Aware of the importance of sanitation, they are ironically very clean. The true cause for the stench in their homeland is the sulfur mines and the underwater rivers of molten rock. When the orcs were mutated, their senses were changed. Their sense of sight was all that was enhanced. Their sense of smell and taste were dulled. This enables them to live in the dank caverns unbothered, and also allows them to eat all of their food raw, without seasoning. It is well known that orcs will snatch p prey, snap their neck and begin eating right away. Because of their predatory practices, they are thought to be barbaric, but one could argue that the way “civilized” peoples’ raise their food in captivity and slaughter wasteful byproducts like bacon is the true crime against the natural order. Because they can’t enjoy the luxury of culinary delicacies, their diet is focused on what provides the most nutrition, and they don’t waste time on cooking. Most notably, their sense of touch was also dulled. This makes them formidable in battle, as their tolerance for pain is incredibly high.
Dom-Vergesse is an underground network of caves, first inhabited by the orcs who were exiled from Logrand after their mutation. The conditions are bleak, and the stench of ash and sulfur are unbearable to most who come close. The nauseating odor keeps most foreigners far away, as even the outermost caves which lead to Dom-Vergesse signal to knowledgable trackers and guides that the cave likely leads to the exiled lands.
Leader: Skaargrath, Demolisher of Dissent
Skaargrath acts as the current leader of Dom-Vergesse and is the protector of the realm. Skaargrath rules with an iron fist, and ensures the remembrance of the atrocities against the orcs since their unfortunate genesis.
After generations of exile and rebuke, many orcs turned to religion. As they wandered the plane, they uncovered many powerful relics of the past, and learned much about the gods, their exploits, and many historical figures whose legends had fallen out of modern circulation. Through their devotion to the gods, some felt drawn to protect the temples and keep their secrets hidden. Many temples have underground caves which provide access to the upper layers of the Under
Leader: Sturmrath, Guardian of Secrets Sturmrath commanded a legion of 1,000 during the Great War of the Fourth Age. When confronted with a swathe of invading troops near the mouth of Dom-Vergesse, Sturmrath summoned a devastating cyclone which threatened the invaders with death. Surrounded and helpless,most of the terrified troops dropped their weapons in their chaotic attempts to flee. The defenseless enemy was in disarray, and annihilation was within reach, freeing Dom-Vergesse from the woes of generational aggression and countless invasions. Vengeance was long overdue. The meteorological feat was truly impressive, but what really made Sturmrath legendary was what followed. Witnessing the panic in the troops below, thoughts of orphaning an entire nation’s children shook the wise and weathered orc. Rather than destroying the invading force, Sturmrath allowed the cyclone to dissipate and when the chaos had cleared, decreed that a truce must be reached to avoid any more unnecessary bloodshed. The invaders retreated with their lives, and Dom-Vergesse was never invaded again. The orcish forces were astonished, and many were angry, but the orcish queen was so moved by Sturmrath’s clarity and decision valuation of life over vengeance that she honored Sturmrath with the designation as the guardian of the Tomb of Ulricus. The orcs revere the tomb for the Lifestone buried beneath its center, and as guardian of the tomb, Sturmrath remains immortal so long as its sanctity is protected. Though Sturmrath has chosen a path of peace, protecting the temple from desecration will always be prioritized with brutal lethality if necessary.
