Kil'dari Orcs
"We are born screaming and bloodied, it is only right we die the same way" - Warlord Za'grul Many-Scars, of Clan Kil'dari
Conquerors of Naz'gora
Once in very ancient history, all orcs flew the torn war-banners of the Kil'dari as they conquered all of Naz'gora relentlessly. None could oppose their savage might, not even the stubborn and mighty dwarves. With their combined strength they built the ancient stronghold of Nazra (meaning "Pillar of Might" in orcish) and continued their endless cycles of war over and over again without mercy. Eventually their cycle would be broken when the first dwarven king, Morden Mountainhide, gathered the dwarven clans together to attack the Kil'dari in their fortress-city. After years of brutal siege and countless dead, the city was finally sacked by the dwarves and nearly decimated in their violent retribution. The surviving orcs scattered and eventually most formed their own clans, forever shattering the unity of the orcish people in a single bloody day.
Kil'dari orcs have since reclaimed their shattered fortress of Nazra and have made patchwork repairs to it over the years, but never has it been returned to its full glory and might. Although significantly smaller now the Kil'dari are still the largest of the orcish clans; often absorbing the survivors of smaller clans they raid and lesser races coerced to join them. The Kil'dari operate in "war seasons", raiding in the blistering summers and recuperating and preparing for the next war in the off seasons. In war season, most of the Kil'dari migrate to temporary "war-villages" farther away from Nazra and closer to their prey. After a successful war season a handful of veteran warriors stay to defend the village while the rest migrate back to Nazra to trade their spoils and fight with each other in gladiatorial battles to prove their worth to their warlords for rank and for certain rites.
Kil'dari orcs have since reclaimed their shattered fortress of Nazra and have made patchwork repairs to it over the years, but never has it been returned to its full glory and might. Although significantly smaller now the Kil'dari are still the largest of the orcish clans; often absorbing the survivors of smaller clans they raid and lesser races coerced to join them. The Kil'dari operate in "war seasons", raiding in the blistering summers and recuperating and preparing for the next war in the off seasons. In war season, most of the Kil'dari migrate to temporary "war-villages" farther away from Nazra and closer to their prey. After a successful war season a handful of veteran warriors stay to defend the village while the rest migrate back to Nazra to trade their spoils and fight with each other in gladiatorial battles to prove their worth to their warlords for rank and for certain rites.
Strength Above All
To the Kil'dari only one trait matters above all else - strength. A weak or crippled orc has no place within their clan and are casted out or killed outright. At a young age every orc is put through a brutal rite of passage known as "The Rite of Drak" or translated as "The Rite of Names" to earn their name and place in the clan. Many survive the ordeal, but only 3/4 usually earn the name of Kil'dari, the rest are given the choice: be clanless and serve as menial labor, or fight in the Pits of Slaughter until they die or earn glory. The Kil'dari need only the strongest so this "Rite of Names" is critical for their society to work; if most of their warriors were weak or spineless, the Kil'dari's cycles of war would come to a halt as they were wiped out by their numerous enemies. Kil'dari are warriors at heart and any characteristics that glorify violence are positive qualities to them.
Physical Traits
- Age - Most Kil'dari orcs mature around the age of 14 and can live to be around 60 to 65 years old, but it is somewhat uncommon for them due to their warlike nature.
- Speed - Orc base walking speed is 30 feet.
- Size - Kil'dari orcs males stand at around 6 foot 2 inches to 6 foot 4 inches tall, females are only a couple inches below males. Both male and females have large bulky frames with a naturally strong physique. Their size is medium.
- Complexion - Kil'dari orcs have a brownish skin color that can range from a light rusty brown all the way to a charcoal brown color. Their tusks are larger and some males have larger upper canines as well. Many Kil'dari adorn their bodies in full body tattoos or partial ones. Common hair colors include black, brown, gray, red, burgundy, dark purple, or blond.
- Eye Colors - Most Kil'dari orcs have red, yellow, brown, black or white eye colors, but other colors are possible as well.
D&D Race Stats - Kil'dari Orc
- +2 Strength, +1 Constitution
- Darkvision - You have eyes like a predator, they reflect light slightly when shined upon. You can see in dim light within 60 feet of you as if it were bright light, and in darkness as if it were dim light. You can’t discern color in darkness, only shades of gray.
- Menacing - Gain proficiency in the Intimidation skill.
- Raider's Training - Gain proficiency in handaxes, battleaxes, greataxes, greatswords and halberds.
- Undying Rage - When you are reduced to 0 hit points but not killed outright, you can enrage yourself and drop to 1 hit point instead. You can’t use this feature again until you finish a long rest.
- Vicious Strikes - You strike hard and savagely, when you score a critical hit with a melee weapon attack, you can roll one of the weapon’s damage dice one additional time and add it to the extra damage of the critical hit.
- Languages - Orcs can speak, read and write in Common and orcish.