Long ago, orcs were cursed by powerful wizards to stand as eternal guardians of the portals to Hell, transformed by magic into stronger, fiercer warriors. Their bodies grew tougher, their skin darkened into earthy hues, and tusks emerged from their jaws—a living mark of the curse’s power. Though the portals remain watched mostly by orcs, the race has since grown far beyond their original duty, spreading across the land.
Most orcs live as nomads, traveling from place to place in search of opportunity, challenge, or freedom. When they settle, they tend to favor rural regions or forge their own small, close-knit communities, valuing independence and self-sufficiency. Orcs live fast and hard, their lifespans are shorter than humans’, pushing them to achieve much in the time they have.
The curse that shaped them still lingers in their blood, making orcs natural warriors and survivors, with a fierce pride in their strength and heritage. Whether guarding the ancient gates or carving out a new life, every orc carries the weight and legacy of their transformation.
- Age. Orcs reach adulthood at age 12 and live up to 50 years.
- Size. Orcs are usually over 6 feet tall. Your size is Medium.
- Speed. Your base walking speed is 30 feet.
- Primal Fortitude. Your hit point maximum increases by your level.
- Powerful Build. You count as one size larger when determining your carrying capacity and the weight you can push, drag, or lift.
- Adrenaline Rush. You can take the Dash action as a bonus action. Whenever you use this trait, you gain a number of temporary hit points equal to your proficiency bonus. You can use this trait a number of times equal to your proficiency bonus, and you regain all expended uses when you finish a long rest.
3rd level
- Better Adrenaline Rush. You can use the Adrenaline Rush trait a number of times equal to your proficiency bonus, and regain all expended uses when you finish a long rest.
5th level
- Relentless Endurance. When you are reduced to 0 hit points but not killed outright, you can drop to 1 hit point instead. Once you use this trait, you can’t do so again until you finish a long rest.
