Orc (Warcraft)
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The Orcs are one of the races in the Warcraft Universe — a fictional universe where a set of games and books are set. They are designed after the well-known fictional race of Orcs.
Overview
Orcs have been in all the Warcraft computer games released by Blizzard: They are a playable race in each of the above noted titles.Warcraft Orcs are nearly identical in appearance to the Orcs used in Warhammer. However, Orcs in Warcraft usually have more hair on their heads than Warhammer Orcs, and are generally possessed of a greater intellect, with general intelligence ratios comparable to that of any human. Warcraft is one of the few settings in which Orcs are not inherently evil, and can even be heroic. Orcs are often ready for battle though for there are those who seek their destruction.
In World of Warcraft, orcs have access to the following classes:
Physical Description
Orcs are humanoid beings, but much larger and more savage in appearance than humans. The average orc male stands at approximately six and a half feet tall and weighs 250 to 300 pounds. Orcs have broad shoulders and muscular builds that indicate great physical strength. Skin color is usually various shades of green, although the skin grays with age (fel-orcs usually have red skin), while hair and beard color is usually black or brown, turning to gray with age. Notable orc facial features are their pointed ears, broad noses, and jutting lower canines that somewhat resemble tusks. Orcs generally have the same range of eye colours as humans although some have red eyes as a result of demonic corruption brought about by the Burning Legion.Orc females are much smaller than the males, typically around six feet tall and appearing to be approximately 200 pounds. Although female orcs do not have as much muscle mass as males, they are still quite muscular by human standards. Females also have much less pronounced "tusks" than male orcs.
Orcs wear a variety of clothing depending on clan and occupation. Some clothe themselves in furs and hides while others wear metal armor such as chain mail or plate armor. Orcs wear their hair and beards in several different styles, including pony tails, top knots, or clean-shaven. Many orcs also place rings in their ears or nose.
Orcs reach physical maturity at around 20 years of age, and have been known to live as long as 120 years (although most pass away at around 70 to 80 years of age, if not killed in battle before then).
Societal Information
Although they are perceived by many humans as savages, orcs have a proud and noble society that revolves around the concept of honor. Personal and clan honor are valued above material wealth and even an orc's own life, and the quickest way to provoke an orc's wrath is to insult his or her honor. An orc does not earn their second name until they perform a deed that brings honor to clan and self (first names are given shortly after birth, and are often derived from the name of a family member or great hero), and upon completion of this rite of passage the clan elders give the orc a second name that is descriptive of themself or their deeds (example orc surnames include Elfkiller, Doomhammer, Hellscream, Deadeye, etc).Skill in battle is one way for orcs to bring honor to themselves and their clan. Although brutal in combat, orcs fight with a surprising style and grace that is every bit as deadly and efficient as the fencing of an elven noble. And despite their warrior culture and admiration of courage, orcs do not recklessly throw away their own lives. They trust that their honor and skill will help them to survive most conflicts, but know that sometimes retreat is necessary in the face of overwhelming odds.
Social standing in orc society is based upon deeds rather than heritage or gender. Physical strength, martial skill, tenacity, wisdom, character, and spirit are all considered admirable traits and those who display them are capable of attaining positions of great prestige and honor. Weakness is considered a liability to the Horde, and those who are inept and unmotivated are called "peons" and saddled with menial labor. Failure to prove oneself even as a peon often results in exile from the Horde.
Despite the belief of those in the Alliance races that the orcs are uncivilized brutes, the orcs under the leadership of Thrall have clearly managed to establish a complex society with its own distinctive culture.
It is worthy to note that years before Thrall ascended to the position of Warchief and led the orcs in a new direction, they did often behave like bloodthirsty savages during the First and Second wars against the human, elven and dwarven nations of Azeroth due to reasons explained below. Individuals who survived those wars often have difficulty believing that the orcs have turned over a new leaf, resulting in the stereotype of the orc as a merciless, evil killer. That being said, there are many people in the Alliance who fought alongside the orcs against the Burning Legion and the Undead Scourge, and who know this stereotype to be false based on personal experience. Some members of the Alliance are even willing to engage in trade with orcs in the goblin cities of Gadgetzan, Booty Bay and Everlook.
Religion
The orcs do not worship a pantheon of gods, but rather practice a shamanistic religion which venerates the spirits of the elements (Storm, Earth, Fire and Wild, however this was changed later by Blizzard to Water, Earth, Wind, and Fire) as well as the spirits of deceased ancestors. Orc shamans serve as the spiritual leaders of their clans and draw their power from the elemental spirits, which also helps the shamans to develop an intimate connection with the natural world. The wisdom and knowledge gained by the shamans have helped the orcs to better live in harmony with the world around them.Evolution of the Orcs and their History
In the Warcraft universe, the Orcs, contrary to popular custom, were not savages. Rather, they are a noble race from the world of Draenor who have been adopting a Shamanistic lifestyle until they were corrupted by a demonic force known as the Burning Legion. Under the Legion's influence, the Orcish Horde became bloodthirsty and slaughtered the Draenei, the dominant race of Draenor.
The warlock Gul'dan was instructed by the Last Guardian Medivh (who has been corrupted by the spirit of the Burning Legion's Sargeras) to open a portal to the human world of Azeroth; the orcs were then led to Azeroth. There, they waged two major wars against the humans. These wars are depicted in the first three Warcraft games - Warcraft: Orcs and Humans, Warcraft II: Tides of Darkness and its expansion set Warcraft II: Beyond the Dark Portal - where the Orcs were unabashedly, and unashamedly, evil. They summoned demons, raised the dead, and celebrated their victories by impaling their enemies heads on spikes. No trace of their supposed nobility was to be found in any of the in-game actions or text, nor was the player lead to believe such granted any of the material in the publisher's manual. After two devastating wars, the Orcs were finally defeated by the Azerothians, and rounded up into internment camps.
This apparent oversight was explained in Warcraft III, their evil actions from the previous games having been caused by their former pact with demons of the Burning Legion. This pact was broken by the time of Warcraft III due in great part to their leader Thrall, who rallied the orcs together, broke them free from their demonic influence, and lead them towards a return to their shamanistic roots by banning necromancy once and for all.
The Modern Horde
In , set some years after , Thrall, under instruction by The Prophet gathered up many of his fellow Orcs and fled Lordaeron, eventually landing in the barrens of the continent Kalimdor. During the campaign, Thrall made strong alliances with the native Tauren and the Human faction lead by Jaina Proudmoore. This new Horde also made a temporary alliance with the Night Elf Sentinels in order to destroy the Burning Legion. Having been forsaken by their Forest Troll and Ogre allies from the Second War, the Orcs instead enlisted the aide of the Tauren and a group of Jungle Trolls to form the new Horde.
By , the Horde had settled down in the barrens, where Thrall created the new nation of Durotar (named after his father, Durotan) and built its capital city Orgrimmar (named after the previous leader of the Horde, Orgrim Doomhammer). Despite brief tensions with the humans (quelled by the half-orc/half-ogre Rexxar), the orcs finally knew peace for the first time in their history.
Chaos Orcs (Fel Orcs)
Chaos Orcs or Fel Orcs are a faction of orcs that have been corrupted by demon blood in Warcraft 3. They possess the innate abilities warlocks gain, but despise shamanistic magicks of traditional Orcs like those led by Thrall. They are to normal orcs what satyrs are to night elves: an offshoot of the original race that has been altered both physically and mentally by contact with demons.The first time the player uses Chaos Orcs is in Mission 5 of the Warcraft III: Reign of Chaos Orc Campaign. On that level, the player's forces are led by Grom Hellscream and must locate the Chaos Well that allows them to destroy the demigod Cenarius and thus complete the mission objectives.
Chaos Orcs are all that remains of the Burning Legion race that was to be implemented as the fifth race in Warcraft 3. Their models are crimson-glowing equivalents of the traditional Orcs. Chaos Orcs are unique in that they deal a special type of damage known as chaos damage. Chaos damage allowed the Chaos Orcs to bypass all damage reduction forced by armor type (but not armour value).
The Orcs on Draenor, left behind, eventually became corrupted by Pit Lord Magtheridon and were transformed into Fel Orcs as well. They are, due to the corruption, responsible for the near-extinction of the Draenei.
After Illidan's victory over Magtheridon the Fel Orcs most likely became his servants, although no details are known at this time (their fate will likely be revealed upon the release of the World of Warcraft expansion pack, The Burning Crusade).
Clans
In Warcraft: Orcs and Humans, players were only exposed to the Blackrock clan. However, in Warcraft II: Tides of Darkness and Warcraft II: Beyond the Dark Portal, the Horde comprised many clans (in response to the forging of an Alliance among Humans, Elves, Dwarves and Gnomes) and were clearly defined in the manual and in the game, as names for the orc teams and different colors. In Warcraft III: Reign of Chaos and The Frozen Throne, most of the clans were destroyed, and the rest were assimilated into the New Horde.
- Black Tooth Grin Clan (black) - The Black Tooth Grin clan was originally part of the Blackrock clan but after Blackhand was deposed as Warchief, his sons Rend and Maim sought to establish their own power base within the Horde. Rend and Maim, leaders of the clan, assassinated the parents of the New Horde's Warchief Thrall. The clan is so named because every recruit must knock out one of their own teeth to show their loyalty to the clan. Leaders: Rend Blackhand, Maim Blackhand
- Blackrock Clan (red) - The Blackrock Clan remained one of the strongest within the Horde and was responsible for numerous victories throughout the second war. Blackhand was defeated in Warcraft I by Orgrim Doomhammer due to his incompetence in leadership. Blackrock Orcs refused to follow Thrall and instead kept worshipping demons. In World of Warcraft, the Blackrock clan is located outside of Blackrock Mountain, and their leaders can be found within the Spire. Past Leaders: Blackhand the Destroyer, Orgrim Doomhammer, Jubei`Thos. Current Leaders: Rend Blackhand, Nefarian, Lord of Blackrock
- Bleeding Hollow Clan (green, later orange) - The Bleeding Hollow Clan was one of the most legendary of the clans in the second war and were able to evade capture by Alliance forces. With Ner'zhul's help they were able to make it back to the relative safety of Draenor and offered its loyalty to the shaman. The clan is so named because its leader, Killrogg Deadeye, has lost one of his eyes. Leader: Killrogg Deadeye.
- Bonechewer Clan (green) - The Bonechewer Clan, one of the most depraved and treacherous of the orcish factions, was one of the clans that remained on Draenor. Bonechewers are known for ornamenting themselves with bones and other organs in battle as well as for their cannabilistic nature. Leader: Tagar Spinebreaker.
- Burning Blade (orange) - The Burning Blade was one of the most savage and untrustworthy of the orc clans and never had a leader or a territory, instead the clan ruled themselves and remained nomadic. The Burning Blade continued to heed the call of the Burning Legion, even after their destruction. In Warcraft III, a few survivors of the clan serve the horde as skilled blademasters. In World of Warcraft, the Burning Blade is a traitorous faction of orcs that still worship the Burning Legion. Leader: None.
- Dragonmaw Clan (white) - The Dragonmaw Clan was very loyal to Blackhand when he was warchief and pledged loyalty to Rend and Maim after his death. The Dragonmaw Clan was also responsible for enslaving Alexstrasza, Queen of the Red Dragonflight and raising her young to fight the humans. Leader: Zuluhed the Whacked and later Nekos Skullcrusher Current Leader: Nek'rosh Skullcrusher.
- Frostwolf Clan (Blue) - The Frostwolf clan was exiled long ago from Draenor because of its former leader Durotan's repeated outvoiced opinions on the ban on shamanism and the threat of the demonic influence among orcs. Drek'thar succeeded Durotan after his assassination by Rend and Maim (which was blamed upon Doomhammer). Along with Drek'thar, the Frostwolf clan lived along the Alterac Mountains practicing shamanism, and having Frost Wolves as their companions. The Far Seer heroes in Warcraft III were based on the Frostwolf Clan's members. In World of Warcraft, the Frostwolf Clan still resides in Alterac Valley, which they struggle to defend against the dwarven Stormpike Expedition who seek to harvest the area's natural resources. Past Leaders: Durotan (deceased), Drek`thar. Current Leader: Thrall.
- Laughing Skull Clan (yellow) - The Laughing Skull clan is a very deceptive and treacherous clan that is distrusted by most of the other clans. The Laughing Skull feared destruction at the hands of Ner'zhul's Shadowmoon clan so they allyed themselves with the Human expedition in Draenor against the rest of the Horde. Leader: Mogor the Ogre Mage.
- Stormreaver Clan (blue) - The Stormreaver Clan was organized by Gul'dan who sought protection from Orgrim Doomhammer after learning that the Doomhammer had no fondness for him. It served as his elite bodyguard in Azeroth and when he attempted to open the Tomb of Sargeras, and this clan comprised mainly of Orcish warlocks, Death Knights and necrolytes. Those that survived live in secrecy forming warlock covens. Leader: Gul'dan.
- Thunderlord Clan (violet) - Not much is known of the Thunderlord clan except that Durotan is said to have risen in the ranks before being exiled. The Thunderlords were originally loyal to Ner'zhul but refused to invade Azeroth when the Second Portal was created, and for this they were destroyed by the Shadowmoon Clan. Leader: Fenris the Hunter.
- Twilight's Hammer Clan (violet) - The Twilight's Hammer Clan has strong ties to the Stormreaver Clan and its leader, Gul'dan. The clan's members belief that they are the bringers of doom and absolute destruction. Its numbers are composed mostly by Ogres and Ogre-Magi. In the present, survivors of the clan have recently become a religious Cult dedicated to worshipping and serving the Elementals and the Old Gods. Leader: Cho'gall.
- ShadowMoon Clan (black) - The Shadow Moon clan ruled over the scattered clans of Draenor and was the clan which made the decisions for the Horde. Clan members were mostly spellcasters, such as necromancers, death knights and warlocks. The leader, Ner'zhul, originally had the objective of turning Orcs into blood-thirsty creatures to satisfy the Burning Legion which was bent on destroying worlds. Many of the Shadowmoon greatest warlocks, death knights and necromancers were later turned into Liches. Leader: Ner'zhul the Shaman.
- Shattered Hand Clan (white) - The Shattered Hand Clan was named for the practice of self- mutilaion that every grunt in the clan performs. They usually chop off one of their own hands and replace it with a weapon. This clan was depicted as savage and murderous Grunts in Warcraft II: Beyond the Dark Portal. In World of Warcraft, the Shattered Hand Clan functions as a sort of intelligence agency for the Horde. Leader: Korgath Bladefist.
- Warsong Clan (Red, later purple) - One of the strongest and most violent clans, the Warsong Clan was among the most distinguished clans on Draenor and was able to evade Alliance expedition forces at every turn. Depicted as Grunts in Warcraft II (the Second War). The clan is so named based on the terrifying high-pitched battle cries of its leader Grom Hellscream during the Second War. The Warsong was one of the few clans never captured by the Alliance, and helped free the rest of the orcs with Thrall and Doomhammer. In Warcraft III, the Warsong clan briefly fell under the control of the Burning Legion until their leader, Grom Hellscream, slew the pit lord Mannoroth (although Hellscream himself died shortly after from wounds suffered during the battle). In World of Warcraft, the remnants of the Warsong Clan are now known as the Warsong Outriders and have established several lumber harvesting camps in Ashenvale Forest, which places them in conflict with the night elves who reside there. Leader: Grom Hellscream (deceased).
- Searing Blade Clan - The Searing Blade Clan is unique in that it formed after the founding of Durotar. The Searing Blade is merely a surviving branch of the Shadow Council attempting to usurp Thrall's new Horde. The Searing Blade has taken up residence in Ragefire Chasm, a network of caverns beneath the Horde's capital city, Orgrimmar.
- Lightning Blade Clan - Not much is known about this clan, but it was one of the original clans on Draenor. It is mentioned in the Warcraft II: Beyond the Dark Portal manual under the Thunderlord Clan. It was thought to be destroyed when Draenor was torn apart. It is also possible that it was a mistake from the writers, who were actually referring to the Burning Blade Clan.
Orcs in World of Warcraft
Orcs are a playable race in World of Warcraft, and they are included in the Horde faction. As with humans, the Orcs are the de facto leaders of their faction.The Orc starting area is The Valley of Trials, in Durotar, along with the Darkspear Tribe of Trolls. Nearby settlements for the Orcs include Razor Hill and the city Orgrimmar.
Gallery
| Warcraft Universe |
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| Humans | Dwarves | Gnomes | Night Elves | Orcs | Tauren | Trolls | The Forsaken | Draenei Undead | Goblins | Pandaren | High Elves | Blood Elves | Ogres | Murlocs | Naga |
| | | Races | Locations | Characters | Organizations | Items |
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