Orc

Orc

Other names:
Orch and Yrch (Sindarin), Rukhs and Rakhās (Khuzdul), Uruk (Black Speech)

Origin and History:
The exact origin of the first orc is unknown. However, it is certain that it was Melkor who created them and that, unable to create life from non-life he must have corrupted already existing living creatures to suit his purpose. While speculations are many, similarities in appearance and behavior suggest that it were some of the first Elves, tortured and mutilated, who became the first Orc. Perhaps, so many would hope, it is that terrifying thought alone for the purpose of which Melkor gave his creatures a similar form, a mockery of elven grace and beauty. Perhaps they are merely meant to appear as if they had once been elven and indeed never were. Uncertainty remains the most horrible fear.

What is known about the origin and history of these creatures has never been documented through any means by them, but only by others who have encountered and observed them through the Ages.

Without a doubt created much earlier, deep in the caves and prisons of Angband, they first truly appeared when they invaded Beleriand, during the First and Second Battle, first against the Sindar, then against the Noldor under Fëanor’s command.

They fought in many more battles and skirmishes to come and did not disappear when Melkor and his forces were defeated. When Sauron returned in the Second Age and claimed Mordor as his realm they rallied to his banner and served him faithfully. Though, he chose more subtle approaches to rise to power at first and paid them little heed. But when Elves and Men united against him during the War of the Last Alliance, having multiplied and grown in strength orc formed the main host of Sauron’s armies.

Now, in the Third Age they serve the Witch-King of Angmar and Sauron in Mordor. Some dwell deep under the Misty Mountains and others amass around Dol Guldur, their number growing by the day.

Physical characteristics:
Orc are on average smaller in stature than Men and closer to that of a Hobbit or Dwarf, but differ in size. The tallest chieftains among them almost reach the same high as Men. Their general shape appears humanoid, if crooked and twisted, their arms long and legs and backs bowed. Yet, they are strong, fast and resilient. Their eyes are small and sharp, easily blinded by sunlight and useless in complete darkness, but highly effective during the twilight hours and places where there is little light. Their jaws are strong and their mouths wide and fanged. Their often broken and twisted fingers end in claws. Some posses high cheekbones and straight, if often flat noses, if they haven’t been broken or cut off yet, reminiscent of elven features. The ears of many among them show slightly pointed tips. Their skin varies between different shades of black, brown, grey or white, is rough, grimy, thick and covered in scars and blisters, many of which are caused by other Orc or even themselves. They tend to lack hair or rip it out before it can grow, leaving only wispy, bloody strands and scar tissue. Their blood is corrosive and so dark that it appears black. When they speak they often growl, hiss, spit or make rough croaking or wet gurgling sounds. The smell of burnt and decaying flesh clings to them and often gives them away long before anything else does.

To most other living beings they are utterly revolting.

Typical behavior:
Orc are often observed being cruel, hate-filled, violent and malicious. They fight with recklessness and ferocity, torture, slaughter and sometimes devour their enemies, but also lie, steal and quarrel among themselves regularly. Often they maim each other and themselves for no apparent reason, and destroy what life and beauty they can find it, almost as if the mere presence of a healthy flower or clear river offends them.

But what drives their actions can only be speculated on.

What is certain is, that they are lost, confused and even dismayed without their most powerful leaders, far less aggressive and more prone to hide than to attack. While they seem otherwise cowardly in nature, they do not fear death and seem to find some strange satisfaction in it, even in their own.

Mostly living underground, away from direct sunlight, they are surprisingly crafty, able to invent and build countless different devices, weapons, tools, machines and instruments of torture. Even if their weapons appear crude compared to those of Elves and Men, at times they truly delight in their inventions and accomplishments. Additionally they know how to tunnel, mine and smith as well as any other. Only the most talented of Dwarves and Elves surpass them.

Orc harbor a deep disdain for Elves, Humans, Dwarves and all things made and cherished by them.

Affiliation:
Mordor and Sauron, before that Melkor/Morgoth