![[Kald/_images/races/orc.png]] > Male great Orc # Description Most commonly brown in color, orcs of Kald originated beyond the realms and it has been speculated that they were initially transported by as slaves to become warriors for a burgeoning empire against the Eil. Ultimately, they outlived their masters and eventually spread to all corners of the realms. Orcs tend to live 80-100 years and their mating practice is similar to that of bees — in each tribe there will be, at most, one fertile female who chooses the strongest few among her people eligible to procreate with her. As a result, most male orcs live their lives having no sexual contact with females, which can lead to extremely undesirable consequences for any womenfolk, human or otherwise, who find themselves the subjects of an orc raiding party. ## Culture ### Circle Fighting This brutal form of conflict resolution involves two combatants entering a small circle with a single blunt weapon at the center. The fight continues until one yields or is incapacitated. This method is used to settle disputes, determine leadership, and even as a coming-of-age ritual. # Variants ## Common Orc The common orc, or brown orc, represents more than half of Kald's population of orcs. Their skin ranges from dark to sandy brown, with hints of green at the fringes of lighter colors. They typically average just over 6 feet in height. When the population pressures of orc civilization begin to mount, there will commonly be a civil war, or swarming, which can kill up to 80% of the male population in a bloody frenzy that may last only a mere hour. Orcs commonly socialize with various forms of [[Giantkin]], the most notable interaction being interspecies _circle fighting_ — one small circle, one blunt weapon, one victor. ## Great Orc Great orcs, can reach heights up to 8 feet tall, though uncommon, with most averaging around 7 feet in height. Though their numbers are rare, they justifiably regard themselves as the warrior elite of orcs. Fortunately for the denizens of Kald, they breed much more slowly and kill each other more readily than any other orc species. ## White Orc At an average height of 6 feet, white orcs are the smallest of the sub-species. Their skin ranges from pale white to blue in hue. Typically building cave complexes in the alapine regions of Gathakanathi, they are a rare sight on the mainlands of Kald beyond the Highlands. They often keep wolves or dogs as pets, which they often revere and rarely maltreat. They are the least aggressive sub-species of orc, commonly trading with more peacable tribes of the northern tundras.