Orogs

Orogs are the ancient crossbred offspring of orcs and ogres that delved underground to establish their empires. Like half-elves, orogs breed true and are a separate race from orcs. Though they are sometimes called greater orcs, orogs are a vastly superior breed, rising far above their lesser kin in terms of their mastery over weaponry and also their mastery of warfare. Where common orcs rely on superior numbers to overcome their enemies, orogs use clever tactics and teamwork, ranking up in orderly lines of heavily armored soldiers with powerful sorcerers that function as arcane artillery.

Physical Qualities: Orogs are hulking warriors with uncommon discipline and fighting expertise. They stand between 6–1/2 and 7 feet tall, with mottled gray or dark brown skin. Their coarse black hair is worn either long and loose, or in dreadlocks and battlebraids, while their eyes are black, dark brown, or deep green. Orogs prefer heavy blades, plate armor, and heavy metal shields of superior quality, often crafted by their own metalworkers.

Society: Orogs are a disciplined and militant people. After many centuries of surviving and adapting to the Underdark, they grew larger, stronger, and shrewder. They often use slave labor to expand their caverns and transform them into well defended cities. Above ground, they construct fortified military encampments hidden deep in rugged mountain ranges with a level of cleanliness any commander could respect. Orogs have a long tradition of training their young in the use of the forge, and use beyond their initial training is greatly encouraged.

Relations: Orogs are greatly feared and reviled by most races. They get along best with those of orcish descent, including half-orcs, but the relationship resembles that of master and slave more than that of allies. They are often tolerated by humans, especially renegade generals and marauding leaders. Dwarves and elves readily seek out and destroy orogs, for they are seen as an abomination worthy of destruction. Gnomes and halflings view them as ignoble creatures and give them a wide birth in their associations with them.