The Orcus are an imposing race, known for their striking red skin that symbolizes their fiery and unyielding spirit. Towering over many other races, they possess powerful, muscular builds that make them formidable opponents in battle. Their physical prowess is matched only by their indomitable will, which commands respect and often intimidates others. Whether in combat or social interactions, the Orcus’ presence is impossible to ignore, as they exude a raw energy that radiates authority and confidence. In their culture, this commanding presence is considered essential for leadership, and those who display strength and resilience are revered.

Honour is the cornerstone of Orcus society, deeply ingrained in every aspect of their lives. Strength, loyalty, and bravery in battle are the virtues that guide them, shaping their decisions and relationships. Orcus warriors are expected to uphold these values, even at great personal cost. Their code is strict, but it provides them with a sense of unity and purpose. The bond between kin is sacred, and these warriors are often found fighting side by side with their clanmates, knowing that their success or failure reflects on their entire lineage.

However, the Orcus are not a race known for prolonged academic pursuits. Their relatively short lifespans, which often cover only a few decades, drive them to prioritize the practical and the immediate. While other races might delve into the depths of knowledge or explore complex philosophies, the Orcus focus on mastering their martial skills, forging strong alliances, and leaving a legacy in the world through deeds of strength and courage. This urgency to prove themselves and secure their place in history is what drives many Orcus to seek adventure and conquest, seeking to carve their names into the annals of legend before their time runs out.

This desire for a lasting legacy, combined with their natural resilience and martial expertise, makes the Orcus a race that is both feared and respected. They live life with a sense of urgency and passion, pushing their bodies and spirits to their limits in their pursuit of glory. To the Orcus, the greatest victory is not just in battle, but in how they are remembered: warriors who lived fiercely, fought honourably, and left behind a legacy that would echo through the ages.

When you select Orc as your ancestry, increase your Strength score by three, your Agility score by two, and your Wisdom score by one.

Size: The average Orc stands over two meters tall and weighs in excess of two hundred kilograms. They are Scale +1 creatures. This impacts them in a number of ways:

• Orcus gain a +1 bonus to their Athletics checks, due to their remarkable physical power.
• Their size makes them easier to hit and harder to hide. They suffer a -1 penalty to their Reflex defence, and a -2 penalty to Stealth skill checks.
• Their long arms and powerful muscles allow them to inflict greater damage. An Orc inflicts +1 damage for every damage die rolled with any weapon or unarmed strike.
• Orcs require thicker, heavier armour, and more of it. Double the cost of any armour that they would wear.

Walking Speed: 6 meters. An Orc's size and power grant them an advantage in speed.

Stamina: Orcus begin play with 15 Stamina, plus an amount equal to their Strength bonus.

Recovery Dice: Orcus begin play with two ten-sided (2d10) Recovery dice.

Bestial Senses: Orcus have the ability to see in dim light, combined with sharp hearing and an excellent sense of smell. Their eyesight, by comparison, is red/green colourblind. They may disregard any penalties to targeting, attack rolls or defence rolls resulting from darkness or blindness. If they are both blind and deafened, they can still attack as though their target was in poor light. However, they suffer slight to any skill check where the ability to see full colour would help.

Skill Training: Orcus are expected to be able to fight. Choose any Combat skill. You gain one training rank in the chosen skill.

An Orc can always select the following traits as Apprentice-tier traits.

Demontouched
Expert Weapon Training
Too Angry To Die
Tough
Unarmed Training