[Note] Other forms of orc exist on Erde, with different origins and traits.

A particularly numerous form of orc, which is not the same as a common one. These are the 'Green Plague' most often found in (Egypt), (Spain), (the Americas), the west Theros Imperium, extending as far as to the Teuton Reich and even Amarrica. What makes 'numerous' more accurate than 'common' is that they are often found in hordes.

The term 'spawned orc' is used by a limited subgroup of people; those with any interest in distinguishing this type of orc from another. This subgroup includes only a fraction of the orcs themselves.

The term refers to their origins. Rumour has it they were first spawned in pits, made from blood and bone and soil mixed together with magic into living creatures which emerge fully grown from their pits.

Whatever the rumours, there are rare places on Erde where this method is still used. Spawned orcs can reproduce naturally (and normally do) but these creation methods continue, creating what are known as "First-Generation orcs" to scholars. These are normally used as a slave race or living weapons.

Spawned orcs come in a variety of sizes; large, very large, and even bigger than that. Most of the truly immense ones are First Generation, as they were designed to be siege engines on legs. Compared with humans, most orcs are extremely physically powerful, ferocious in battle, and resistant to wounds.

History knows spawned orcs as either a slave race or ravaging armies, often both, as the slave race was often used in war.

Spawned Orc FAQ:

Are orcs stupid barbarians?

No. And yes.

Technically, an orc can be as intelligent as a human. What they do suffer from is a slave mentality which discourages them from originality, creativity, and general flexibility. This slows their development as a culture, which normally centres on the object of that group's devotion. An orc is still capable of understanding complex instructions and learning advanced skills.

Are they cruel, destructive and bloodthirsty?

Not directly. Outright malevolence is rare in orcs. Destructiveness is more often in the form of a fanatic than intentional cruelty.

For example, an orc tribe falls under the influence of a demon giving them spiritual 'guidance' (read: manipulation). If that demon desires 30 blood sacrifices with each new moon then that is what the demon will get, because the demon is their master and that is what it desires.

Attacks of conscience are still possible of course, but the point is that the sacrifices are not motivated by malice or even the hope of a reward, but simply the desire to serve.

Conversely, a spawned orc devoted to something which encourages good deeds can be among the most kind and valiant crusaders the world has ever known.

What do orcs look like?

Skin colour ranges from shades of green or grey, which can even approach black. Tusks are common. Basic face structure and build resembles that of a gorilla, save for walking more upright.

Mottled skin or stripes are occasionally found. Colouring can vary in markings across the body.

What are their cultural values?

Orcish slave mentality is centered around the master. When a master dies, the orcs who served him will often continue pursuing his goals past the point of all reason.

Arts or sciences are rare, as these things are seldom encouraged by their masters. Most orcish artwork that does exist focuses on glorifying their masters.

How does a spawned orc gain a master?

A spawned orc begins serving for much the same reasons as a human would. Gratitude, opportunity, a future, obligation. Whatever the reason, serving fulfills an in-built orcish need and once an orc has begun serving they will gladly continue out of loyalty alone.

First Generation orcs are naturally programmed to serve their creators. If a First Generation orc needs a new master then they will probably find one much like their creator.

With those born naturally, the most obvious figure to attach to are their parents. If detatched from an outside master, this will often lead to an incredibly close-knit family.

Is there any truth to the tales of human or elf heroes slaying dozens of orcs at a time?

For most of Erde, those tales are their version of Marvel comics (with heroes who wield swords which 'no other man can lift' when really a very large sword weighs all of around 6 - six - pounds).

In high-magic regions (the places where a massive horde of spawned orcs is most likely to be created), those human or elf heroes may be supported by extremely powerful magic. Under those circumstances, waves of orcs is not the wisest choice of attacks.

So how effective are orc warriors?

Imagine teaching a silverback gorilla to use an axe and dressing them in armour, then getting them to follow orders in combat.

Correct, a typical orc has similar strength and size to a silverback gorilla. Some are even larger, capable of battering down fortified gates.

So how were orc hordes or armies defeated?

With tactics. Often the creators who spawned hordes of orcs were skilled at magic but knew little of the ways of war. So they created larger armies of powerful brutes and expected that to gain victory while their opponents were using terrain, hit-and-run tactics, missile bombardment and so on to slowly wear down the hordes.

Can orcs use magic?

They have shamans and witch doctors, and orc priests are typically among the most pious and thus the most likely to be granted powers. Overall, they have no exceptional magic ability.

A sorcerer master may choose to educate a few favoured servants in spellcasting. These cases are normally the 'best and brightest' rather than a true standard to go by.

How do First Generation orcs compare to those who are born naturally?

However their creator wishes.

More seriously, a First Generation orc is 'designed' somewhat like the magical equivalent of genetic engineering. While not necessarily better or worse, a First Generation orc can be tailored (for lack of a better word) to the creator's wishes. For example, larger and stronger orcs may be produced (although in lesser numbers).

How expensive or difficult is the production method?

Less so in high-magic regions. More so in lower-magic areas. There have been times in history where tens-of-thousands have been produced, but those times are hardly the norm.

Building a true spawned orc army takes years, any faster will require huge amounts of magical power.