Fury in the Wastelands: the of Tellene Credits

Author: Paul “Wiggy” Wade-Williams v.3.5 Revisions: George Fields Editors: Brian Jelke, , Noah Kolman, Don Morgan, Mark Plemmons Additional Contributors: Eric Engelhard and Richard Jensen Art Director: Bob Burke Art Liaison: Mark Plemmons Cover Illustration: William O’Connor Interior Illustrations: Caleb Cleveland, Thomas Denmark, Brendon Fraim, Brian Fraim, Ginger Kubic, Eric Olsen, Tony Parker Graphic Design: Jennifer “Jiffy” Burke Project Managers: Brian Jelke, Mark Plemmons Production Manager: Steve Johansson Playtesters: Mark Billanie, Jason Cain, Anne Canava, Joe Charles, Doug Click, Gigi Epps, Charles Finnell, Donovan Grimwood, Daniel Haslam, Mark Howe, Chelsey Maggard, Mark Maggard, Sarah Maggard, Steven Maggard, Theo Maggard, Glenn Martin, Alan Moore, Mike Patterson, Mark Prater, Daniel Scothorne, David Sink Jr., Mark Sizer, Brad Todd, Joe Wallace, Luke Wetterlind, John Williams, and John Wright.

Table of Contents Introduction ...... 2 Appendices Chapter 1:The Legend of the Orcs ...... 3 Appendix A: Glossary of Terms ...... 99 Chapter 2:The Five Orc Species ...... Sample. . . .5 Appendix file B: New Rules ...... 101 Chapter 3: Orc Social Structure ...... 11 Appendix C: Index ...... 117 Chapter 4: Orc Culture ...... 20 Chapter 5:Warfare ...... 43 Chapter 6: Religion ...... 51 Chapter 7: Misconceptions ...... 58 Chapter 8: Major Tribes of Tellene ...... 61 Chapter 9: Sample Orc Personalities ...... 77 Chapter 10: Making and Playing an Orc PC ...... 91 Chapter 11:Adventure Hooks ...... 95

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Introduction ORGANIZATION

THE LEGEND OF THE ORCS (CHAPTER 1): There are few places in Tellene where spitting in disgust does Chapter one contains the legendary history of the orcs from not follow an utterance of the word 'orc'. The mindset of the the Codex of Dooms and provides insight into the motivations major, civilized races is so ingrained with loathing and of the orc race. contempt for these barbaric raiders that they are universally THE FIVE ORC SPECIES (CHAPTER 2): hated. Tales of their wanton destruction, rapacious nature, and Chapter two details the five different species of orc found on complete disregard for any life, even that of their own kind, has Tellene from a physiological and psychological viewpoint. earned them a bad reputation. But is it totally deserved? For many centuries orc warbands have attacked settlements, raided ORC SOCIAL STRUCTURE (CHAPTER 3): , and looted temples, but what drives them to perform Chapter three explains the orc social structure, how the various castes work together, and the process of how a tribe is such acts and why haven’t they become civilized in a manner governed. similar to hobgoblins? Contained within this sourcebook for the KINGDOMS OF ORC CULTURE (CHAPTER 4): KALAMAR is the truth about orcs, presented in Chapter four goes into great depth on orc culture, covering an unbiased style. The orcs' history, culture, mindset, core everything from their cycle of life and habitats through to diet religious beliefs, and methods of warfare are examined in detail. and language. Even their guttural language is detailed for the first time. WARFARE (CHAPTER 5): Orcs have been present in Dungeons & Dragons® since the Chapter five is dedicated to warfare and covers weapons and game was invented back in the 70’s, but most DMs, the author armor, organizational structure and orc military tactics. included, have a tendency to treat them as simple savages bent on looting and raping without mercy. But there is more to any RELIGION (CHAPTER 6): race than the stereotype we first picture after reading the Chapter six expands on the orc religion, detailing their gods’ description. Orcs are no more ‘simple’ savages tenets and their most important ceremonies. It includes details than dwarves are ‘simple’ miners lusting after gold. on the orc views of many of the evil gods and new rules, This book will not match everyone’s image of orcs, but that is including a new prestige class. fine. Role-playing is not about being told by gameSample companies fileMISCONCEPTIONS (CHAPTER 7): what your campaign should contain and how its races should Chapter seven looks at misconceptions of orcs and the truth act. If you do not like something within these pages, then behind some of the more common beliefs. change it to suit your vision. MAJOR TRIBES OF TELLENE (CHAPTER 8): Notes: The terms 'civilized’ and 'major races' are used Chapter eight lists the major tribes on Tellene, their location, throughout this book and refer to members of the races of strength, and current events affecting them. humans, elves, dwarves, gnomes, , half-orcs who follow their human parentage, and hobgoblins. Throughout the book SAMPLE ORC PERSONALITIES (CHAPTER 9): many terms are given in the orc language and their English Chapter nine gives DMs ten orc personalities, from powerful translation is typically given only once, when the word is first tribal ruler down to lowly slave, for use in his campaign as allies encountered. The author feels that the use of orc language, or adversaries. where appropriate, creates a better atmosphere during reading MAKING AND PLAYING AN ORC PC (CHAPTER 10): and all translations can be found in the glossary. Chapter ten explains everything you wanted to know about playing an orc, including new prestige classes and feats, as well WHAT THIS BOOK CONTAINS as templates for the sub-breeds. As a sourcebook, this book is designed for both players and DMs alike. Players will find a wealth of information for playing ADVENTURE HOOKS (CHAPTER 11): Chapter eleven presents a dozen adventure hooks dealing full-blooded orc characters, with new feats, prestige classes, with Orcs. It includes ideas for a traditional party fighting orcs spells, and magic items for their characters to wield and enough as well as for a party of orc PCs. information to give them as much depth as any of the standard races. DMs can use the same information to move orcs up the APPENDICES: 2 ladder from 'experience point fodder' to major threat, giving The three appendices contain a glossary of orc words and players a chance to learn the truth about these long neglected their translations, a compiled reference of the rules presented creatures through role-playing. throughout the book, and an index. Chapter 1: The Legend of the Orcs

Chapter 1:

THE LEGEND OF THE ORCS

"They are a natural part of the world. As the benevolent gods 'The Gods, those lesser powers of Darkness and Light, set about to build created man, and then the other species, so the gods of darkness the world to their taste. created orcs. Fortunately light will always conquer darkness and 'The powers of Light created deep forests that knew no middle, the orcs pose little threat to mankind." – Roshnyr Karkyn, wizard- mountains that could touch the very sky itself, and seas so wide and scholar of Dijishy. deep that even gods quaked at their edge with fear. The powers of Darkness created twisted parodies of these: dark and fell woods where no THE CREATION light could shine, deep canyons that no light could penetrate, and The beginning of the orc race is shrouded in times so distant marshes so dark and vile that no life could exist there lest it perish before that even the elves and dwarves have no true memory of their a breath was drawn. creation. The orcs themselves care nothing for their past and do 'The Gods saw the world before them, and they saw that it was good. not dwell on the matter, for too much evil dwells in their hearts But the eldest child of Darkness, known to Men as The Creator of Strife, and their strongest desire is only to rule the future. Yet, there had created nothing of worth, and grew jealous. For every nightingale are some scholars from the major races who actively debate or deer of beauty that the forces of Light brought forth, He created a their history and the reasoning behind their creation. Samplecarrion file bird or fell eater of flesh as its equal and opposite. But the forces The following text is an excerpt from an ancient work often of Light had created three Races, and The Creator of Strife had no answer. It was this that riled The Creator of Strife to terrible anger. referred to by scholars as the Codex of Dooms, for it is said to tell 'First amongst the Races were the Elves; creatures of the verdant of foul things that have already happened and that are yet to forests that endured as did the trees, into ages unknown. They were of come. None have ever seen a complete copy of the tome, but great beauty and would oft be called Fair Folk or Fey by Men in later fragments have been discovered in many ruins across the world days when they walked the land together in harmony. The Creator of and in many tongues. Strife grew angry at their beauty, so, in forests deep and dark that no In several of these works the power known henceforth as light could ever reach did The Creator of Strife spend an age creating His 'Darkness' is often written as 'Evil' or 'Chaos' and the power of own children in the same manner as Elves. 'Light' as 'Good' or 'Law'. Few know which translation to accept 'From trees bent with age and blackened through ill thought He as the most accurate, and the following work uses the oldest form. crafted His children. From living wood they would be given life, carved 'In the beginning of days, in ages before the world had been formed, to fit His view of perfection, and they would rule the world in His name. there existed only Darkness. So deep was it and so impenetrable that none Yet it was not to be, for the children, though pleasing to His eye, were could know of it limits and the universe was a place of Darkness. Yet the flawed. Fixed to the earth by great roots were they and they could not Darkness was not completely in control, for another power, oft called Light travel fast across the surface of the world. An enemy with but one leg by the fair folk to follow its cause in later ages, came forth from none know could outrun them and The Creator of Strife destroyed his children in where and challenged Darkness for dominance of the universe. anger and His rage shook the world so hard that many of the Races 'Long and fierce was their battle and many damages were wrought thought it would break apart and end all life. upon the universe. Sparks from their clashes of arms still burn long in 'Second upon the world came the Race known as Dwarves. Short the sky, though Men now call them Stars and have long forgot their true in stature, large of muscle, and proud of heart, they lived deep within origin. Despite the ferocity of their fighting the battle could not be the earth. Skilled were they in the arts of extracting precious 3 finished and an uneasy truce fell across the universe. Darkness and minerals through the flesh of the world and in working metals to Light would rule equally, each having a half to do with as they wished. form items of exquisite beauty. And lo! did The Creator of Strife desire Chapter 1: The Legend of the Orcs

such creatures for Himself and in the darkest pits of the world, where light is afraid to go, did The Creator of Strife set about creating Dwarves in His own image. Mythology and Truth 'Yet it was not to be, for like the Elves before, the new Dwarves were flawed. Though strong of flesh and lacking of compassion, for crafted The Codex of Dooms may not be a work of provable from living stone were they, they were inflexible, and as warriors could veracity. Many learned scholars believe it was written at a very recent date as a means of giving the authors' foes a be out-guessed by an enemy of childlike brain. And so The Creator of history and meaning. The supposed great powers of Light Strife destroyed his work and His rage shook the sky so hard that many and Darkness exist in no known mythology or religion on of the sparks came to the world and caused great fires. Tellene and the text fails to mention the Creator even once. 'Third amongst the Races was Man. Versatile was he, capable of None, however, doubt that the orcs possess many of the great acts, both good and evil, and of inquisitive mind. He was destined abilities listed in the Codex and that they share certain features of the other races. The tale may also have been to rule the world and make amongst himself, for troubled by dark written to explain why the orcs detest the other races with thoughts was Man. Seeing the power that the new Race would wield, such vehemence, making it a work of propaganda. The Creator of Strife retreated to his fell swamps and, copying the The first elven records date back over ten millennia and powers of Light, did craft them from clay so black that demons would tell of how the ancient forest of Lendelwood was attacked look away with fright. In Man's image did he create his new race that and burned. The assailants were a previously unknown race that crawled from the earth like maggots or beetles and would conquer Tellene. showed no thought of peaceful contact. Few orcs survived 'And yet it was not to be. For The Creator of Strife desired creatures the counter-attacks, for they were low in numbers at that of the greatest evil that would show no mercy to any beast. And yet the early stage, but those that did spoke only an unknown dark clay was soft and it softened the hearts of His new creatures, and guttural tongue to their captors. All the elves could make any sense of was the word "uk", or "uc" in their own tongue, made them pity. The Creator of Strife howled with such torment and which to their ears sounded like "orc", a suitable term given hatred of all life that the Sun went black and took an age to reappear that in elven it meant "fell being". through the gloom. Whatever their method of creation, the orcs are now as 'And in the ages that followed The Creator of Strife, His mind twisted much a part of the world as any of the other races, and over by rage, hatred and jealousy, did cry out in frustration as each of His the millennia since they first appeared new types have arisen, resulting in a number of sub-breeds of differing ability. creations fell to ruin by flaws not possessed by the other Races. 'At last did The Creator of Strife learn what would make his Race great. For many ages, beyond the count of Men, He had tried to emulate each of the races in turn, but The Creator of Strife knew now that he must combine their strengths and remove their collectiveSample weakness. file Long did He toil in the fiery pits of Tellene and much destruction of the world was wrought in His name to make His children. 'From the Elves, firstborn of Light, did he take their general form, which all other races emulated, and like the Elves did he make His new creature strong with the bow and skilled with the sword. But unlike the Elf the new race had no love of trees and would burn them and rip them out wherever he found them, so vile was his heart. 'From the Dwarves, second born of Light, did he take their strength and constitution, for they were of the toughest stone at birth. But unlike the Dwarves the new race did not love the earth and tunnel beneath it. Deep were the gouges they carved into its flesh to reach precious things. Deep in the earth they would dwell, for the Light pained them. 'From Men, the last Race of Light, did The Creator of Strife take their speed, their versatility, and their ability to perform great works of evil. Men breed fast, but The Creator of Strife made his new race breed faster than any other did and limitless seemed their numbers. 'And set upon the world was the new race, known in the tongue of Darkness as Orc, which means 'The Dark Race' and feared would they be for eternity. And with His race complete and seeing that it was perfect in His vision The Creator of Strife laughed so terrible a laugh 4 that even today it can be heard in the howl of the North Wind.' Chapter 2: The Five Orc Species

Chapter 2:

THE FIVE ORC SPECIES

"Why must we try to shape orcs in our own image? There are many COMMON ORCS (UKÂK) races of man, but there is only one type of orc. Drunken travelers, bad light, and poor knowledge of other humanoids has created “Barbaric, evil, cunning, and always ready for a fight. What’s not many myths about orc breeds. Knowledge will shine through this to love?” – Rythok, Fhokki Brother in Blood curtain of falsehood to prove me right" – Roshnyr Karkyn, wizard- scholar of Dijishy. Physiology 'Common orcs' is a term that has little true meaning, for even ANATOMY OF THE BREEDS these monsters have a wide variety of coloring and no two look Contrary to popular belief orcs are not 'just orcs'. Millennia exactly the same. Orcs of this breed are the most common of the of natural evolution and magical tinkering by dark wizards and fell race and their numbers are uncountable, for they dwell in clerics have seen them evolve at an extremely fast rate to suit the places remote to other races. climates in which they dwell. Below are the five major breeds, The average orc stands shorter than an average human, or sub-breeds if you prefer, of orc, listed by their standard nameSampleperhaps file reaching five-and-a-half feet maximum. Their natural in Merchant’s Tongue, along with their more specific name and stooping and bow-legged posture reduces their height by as orcish equivalent in parenthesis. Many of the sub-breeds share much as a foot compared to an upright posture and gives them the physiological and psychological traits of the common orcs, an ape-like appearance at a distance. Their muscle structure is and only the differences are noted below. denser than most humans, granting them a strength that The orcish name for their own race is ukâk, which roughly exceeds that of any of the other major races. Their bones are also translates as 'dark being,' although it is often shortened to uk denser, to support the increased muscle growth, and orcs tend to (meaning 'dark'). The word 'orc' was originally an elven term for weigh more than humans of similar height and build. 'fell being’ and was taken from the orcs' own language, but has Their facial features have strong animal characteristics. Orc come into standard parlance in Merchant's Tongue. skin tones range from green-gray through yellow and yellow- green, to a ruddy complexion. They have low foreheads, protruding eyebrow ridges, jutting lower jaws, and small, sharp teeth that are well suited to their carnivorous dietary require- Non-Standard Breeds ments. Their ears are pointed like those of elven folk, but are not as keen, rating alongside humans and halflings for the most This sourcebook presents several non-standard orc sub- part. Their minimum hearing range is lower and better suited breeds for players to encounter in the course of adventures (or to play). These are sub-breeds in the same way that for hearing vibrations deep within Tellene where they are a sub-breed of elf. commonly dwell. Both the racial traits for player character orcs and the An orc's eyes are ill-suited to prolonged surface life and are Monster Manual style entries are presented here in sidebars extremely sensitive to sunlight, which causes them great like this. The usual text that accompanies such beasts is presented discomfort rather than any actual lasting damage. Deep within here and in the core sections on culture, warfare, and the bowels of Tellene, even without any form of illumination, 5 religion. orcs can see clearly, although only in black and white in a manner similar to dwarves. Much of this has to do with their Chapter 2: The Five Orc Species

pupils being red, giving them vision at the lower range of powerful allies such as giants are merely tools for tribal chief- normal human vision. tains to use and then relieve themselves of in the proven Vocal faculties are present, but their almost animalistic manner (i.e. murder). construction means that high notes are impossible for them to Violence is seen as the only way to achieve anything. The reach and many possess deep, guttural voices. Orcs do possess orcs have a saying that is ingrained into them from birth; gugha body hair but only on their heads and around the genital area. nagn urár nukug na urár (which translates literally as 'live long do For the most part it is thin and hangs in lank threads. Black is the the great (or strong), quick death to the not strong (i.e. weak)'). predominant color, but observers have noticed shades of brown. Violence is therefore a means to an end: survival. Women, Orc females share many characteristics with males, but tend children, and the elderly are as much targets for orc violence as to be at least six inches shorter and weigh only 80% as much. are armored warriors and mercy is given only when the victim Like other mammalian females they possess breasts and, as with is worth more alive than dead. Mercy and pity are not just other humanoids, only two of them. Orc males do not consider strange concepts; they are totally alien. No words for such terms breasts erotic. Neither do orc females as they are not erogenous exist in the orc's own tongue and orcs are incapable, for the zones; their use is solely for feeding orc runts. greater part, of showing such emotions. Although orcs do breed with humans to produce half-orcs However, cowardice also runs deep in orc veins. For all their (known as guruk-vra, which translates as 'weak-blooded orc') it is reputation as fearsome raiders they will only attack when never a matter of love. The act is violent and unwanted, for any numbers or the situation are in their favor, preferably at least human (or non-orc in general) willing to sleep with an orc has three-to-one. Orcs are also experts at ambushes and night raids, passed beyond the realm of sanity, for there is nothing even preferring to use every advantage they have. No low-ranking remotely approaching compassion in these creatures. To sire orc fears to run when faced with a superior opponent and there such a child is seen as an honor in many tribes, for it has caused is very little retribution from colleagues. At higher ranks pain and suffering. The vast majority of half-orc children take showing fear in front of lesser orcs could lead to a challenge for after their human parent and remain in civilization; few join the position and wise leaders kill any that witness their act of ranks of their fathers. This raises one interesting fact – half-orcs cowardice. Honor is not highly regarded amongst the orc race. are typically only born from the mating of a male orc and a Regardless of breed, female orcs may wail to alert guards but human female. never defend themselves from attackers, choosing instead to flee or cower together for safety. Psychology The orcs love of intimidation comes from their particular The psychology of an orc is only describable as evil personi- belief system. Over the ages they have become highly profi- fied. No act of terror, violence or debauchery isSample too low for an filecient at coercing others into revealing information. Although orc to perform. orcs rarely use technology to torment victims, cracked knuckles Orcs are inherently greedy and always desire more than they and flexed muscles due wonders for orc tormenters. Orc already possess. The Creator of Strife ingrained in them upon culture teaches its members that to torment a rival proves that their creation that the world was rightfully theirs, but that in the orc has power over him. His screams are praise for the orc's skill and his body twisting in agony is a dance in honor of the order to claim it they must conquer it, for the other races were tormenter's right to rule over him. greedy and would not hand them their birthright easily. Thus, Beauty in any form is despised by orcs, especially if it has territory is seen as a measure of status amongst the tribes as it been created by elves. There is no word in the orc language for shows that they are closer to fulfilling their deity's goal. 'beauty' and they do not understand the concept of finding an The same mentality covers material possessions, for all object appealing because of its visage rather than its material should belong to the orcs, since the other races took it from value. Orcs will deliberately go out of their way, assuming the them. Owning things is not a sign of wealth in the traditional risk is minimal to destroy works of art, landscaped gardens, and sense, but a sign of power and military strength, for to have even people or animals. taken them must have required combat (orcs do trade, but that is covered later in the book and rarely gains them much wealth). An orc wielding a magical weapon did not purchase it from a wizard; he generally fought its owner (or looted it from a fallen body that someone else killed) for the right of possession. To an orc, the act of wielding the weapon is a clear sign that he is Common Orc Racial Traits powerful and should be feared. Although orcs may ally themselves with rival goblinoids and For the standard orc racial traits and other game statistics, 6 evil humanoids, it is never for long. All other races are inferior see the v3.5 edition of the D&D Monster Manual. in orc eyes and any alliance is often at the expense of their ally, weakening him so that the orcs may finish the job later. Even