Deep Orcs
| Spoken Language: Orc, Undercommon |
| Naming Conventions: Deep Orc names utilize “biting” sounds. This mimics the sounds of the Darklands, such as the scuttle of insects, the drip of water, and the hiss of volcanic vents. Because Deep Orcs are incredibly paranoid, many tribes practice a dual-naming system. They will have a secret name given at birth that only their family will know. They believe knowing one’s real name will give Drow and demons power over them. i.e. Krezk, Skith, Vax, Zekk, Traksh, Grizit, Vira, Szaya, Krix, Nish, Zylka, Thraka |
Overview
Deep Orcs (also called Darklands Orcs) represent the most cruel and xenophobic branch of the orcish family tree.They reside in Sekamina, the middle layer of the Darklands. They are also the descendants of orcs who were driven underground during the “Quest for Sky” or who chose the depths to find new things to kill. While surface orcs are known for their hot-blooded rage, Deep Orcs have been tempered by the cold, oppressive silence of the Darklands. They are significantly more paranoid and cruel than surface orcs. In the Darklands, they compete with Drow and Duergar, leading them to be more “tactical” and reliant on ambush and poisons. They often worship the more monstrous demon lords of the abyss.
Physical Description
Their skin is typically chalky white, pale grey, or even translucent, lacking the green or brownish pigments of their surface cousins. They have large, bulbous eyes, often blood-red or milky white, designed to catch the faintest glimmer of bioluminescent fungi. While still muscular, they are often described as “wiry” or “gaunt” compared to the bulky surface orcs, reflecting the scarce resources of the underground.