Orcs in Dungeons and Dragons - Old School Role Playing

The lowly Orc was one of the first monsters included in Dungeons and Dragons. And for good reason. They had appeared prominently in the Lord of the Rings and the Hobbit. And they were a well known nemesis for mankind in a fantasy role playing setting. Orcs were first included in the Dungeons and Dragons “White Box” set in 1974. They have been included in every other edition since that time.

Orcs in Dungeons and Dragons are tribal creatures

Orcs in the game belong to tribes. When adventurers encounter a group of orcs it is likely that they will have the trappings and symbols of their clan present. They will be led by a chief and will often have a shaman with a large group. Typically they live in caves. A place in Orc society is often determined by strength (or appearance thereof). Bullying is the norm and not the exception in their culture. The chief is unlikely to be the smartest orc in the band. It is far more likely to be the strongest.

Orc tribes do not all work well and play well with each other. Wars between tribes is not uncommon. But they do have favored racial enemies and are likely to band together when presented the opportunity to destroy these enemies.

Orcs in Dungeons and Dragons as player characters

As early as 1st edition the Half-orc was introduced as a player character race. These half-orcs could be powerful fighters or assassins. They were built upon strength. While they might barely be accepted in human societies they would likely be shunned or discriminated against in either human or orc settlements. The Half-Orc is a product of the mating between a human and an orc. This sort of creature would likely be unpopular in either world.

In Dungeons and Dragons Third Edition the Gray Orc was introduced as a player race. In 5th Edition the Orc is mentioned as a player race in Volo’s Guide to Monsters.

Orc Variations over the years

First there was the orc. Later there were a few additions. The Orog appeared with Advanced Dungeons and Dragons. This was a slightly more powerful creature which was a cross breed between an orc and an ogre. Second edition provided two new variations. These were the SCRO (a space faring orc) and an Ondonti. Later the black and red neo-orog were added. Third edition added the Mountain Orc.

Dungeons and Dragons 3.5 added a whole bunch of new types of orcs:

Aquatic
Arctic
Desert
Berserker
Jungle
Paragon
Water
Snow Shaman Orc
Battle Priest
War Howler
Frostblood
Sharakim

Appearance of the Orcs in Dungeons and Dragons

Orcs are carnivorous humanoids. They are typically about 5’11” to 6’2″” in height and 180-280 lbs. This puts them a little taller than the average human and slightly heavier. This additional weight is typically muscle rather than fat. These creatures are often quite physically strong.

The orc usually has gray to green skin. They have muscular frames. And they often have large canine teeth. Their posture is usually more like that of an ape than a human as they are often a bit hunched. They are often covered in coarse hair. They usually have a snout rather than a human like nose. Their eyes often have a reddish tint to them. This is actually part of their optic system which allows them to see in the dark so well.

Individual orcs can widely diverge in appearance. These creatures crossbreed with many other species and this can account for such variations.

Orcs have their own language but most speak common tongue and many speak the languages of other humanoid races.

Gods of the Orcs

Like most humanoids the orcs worship many gods. But the granddaddy of the orc Deities is Gruumsh. Gruumsh is also known as “One Eye” as he has only one eye in most depictions. It is said (by the elves at least) that he lost this eye in battle to Corellon Larethian, an Elvish Deity. Orc Shamans deny this tale.

There is an important myth related to Gruumsh which explains much of the nature of orcs. It is said that in the beginning the various gods met to divide up the world for where their subjects would live. They chose to draw lots. The Dwarves drew the high mountains, the Gnomes drew the rocky hills, the Elves drew the green forests and the halflings drew the fields and meadows. This appeared to have left the orcs nothing. The other deities began to taunt Gruumsh saying “well One Eye where shall your people live?”

And he went silent for a moment and then said “No. You try to cheat us. But there is a place to live.” And he used has massive iron spear and pierced the mountains creating chasms. And then he split the hills and pierced the meadows with his spear and said “we shall live here and here and here! And my people shall multiply and grow strong. And they shall slay all of your peoples!”

And this explains the war like nature of the Orc. They are a race that is hostile to just about all other humanoids that they encounter. And they tend to live in places shunned by others.

Some orcs have an almost greenish appearance

Orcs are a popular low level villain in many a Dungeons and Dragons Campaign

The orc is a beloved enemy. Most Dungeon Masters will use the orc at some point during the low level adventures of their player characters. The orc is often a raider or invader. Sometimes they lay siege to castles or plunder villages. It is likely that low level characters will encounter them at some point during their early careers. The orc is a frequent henchman or minion for more powerful evil creatures or villains.

But just because these creatures are more brawn than brain….this does not mean that they are unable to show some cleverness from time to time. These creatures often live in places such as caves. They are quite capable of setting traps and creating alarm systems of a type in order to protect their own interests.

Orcs are strong physically and often use this strength to bully others

Orcs in Dungeons and Dragons are likely to be among the most recognizable monsters for new players

Just about everyone has seen Lord of the Rings or the Hobbit by now. So even people who have never played this game before will immediately recognize the Orc as a villain. This is not a bad thing. Some villains should be easily recognized as such.

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