Ma'gara Orcs
"Strength of will far surpases the strength of your axe" - Ma'gara proverb
Clans of Hunters and Druids
The Ma'gara are unusual by orcish standards, these clans are dedicated to controlling their rage and seeking spirituality with their ancestors and land. Although highly spiritual, this does not make them a peaceful orc in the slightest - to survive in Naz'gora, fighting is a way of life. The Ma'gara are incredibly territorial and will defend their land to their last bloodied breath. Most Ma'gara call home to the southern reaches of Naz'gora, the Dar'mok Swamps - these wet lowlands are covered in swampy isles, large swamp trees and mossy mesas jutting out from the mist. Most Ma'gara live in houses lifted up on stilts to prevent flooding or atop the mesas, seeing far beyond the mist of their swamps. Here they crave out a relatively quiet existence, caring for one another and only venturing out for trade caravans, pilgrimages to Nazra or the occasional wayward journey.
The Ma'gara's intimacy with nature has also given them close bonds with many of the beasts they share their home with. Most Ma'gara have wolf companions they bond with at a young age as part of their coming of age rite known as "The Rite of Wol-Nalak" or the "The Rite of Spirit-Bond". In this coming-of-age ritual, young adult orcs who wish to become warriors must steal a dire wolf pup from a den, and bring it back unharmed to their home to be raised as their "beast-brother". Others may choose a druidic path and wish to study under their elder shamans, in this ritual, known as "The Rite of Wol-Oshu" or the "the Rite of Spirits", young orcs must go through a perilous pilgrimage throughout Naz'gora, seeking hidden shrines and altars to the elements and spirits of nature. Many do not return, but those who do are highly respected spiritual guides for their clan.
The Ma'gara's intimacy with nature has also given them close bonds with many of the beasts they share their home with. Most Ma'gara have wolf companions they bond with at a young age as part of their coming of age rite known as "The Rite of Wol-Nalak" or the "The Rite of Spirit-Bond". In this coming-of-age ritual, young adult orcs who wish to become warriors must steal a dire wolf pup from a den, and bring it back unharmed to their home to be raised as their "beast-brother". Others may choose a druidic path and wish to study under their elder shamans, in this ritual, known as "The Rite of Wol-Oshu" or the "the Rite of Spirits", young orcs must go through a perilous pilgrimage throughout Naz'gora, seeking hidden shrines and altars to the elements and spirits of nature. Many do not return, but those who do are highly respected spiritual guides for their clan.
Ancestors and Honor
The Ma'gara have two main pillars to their society: ancestor worship and honorable deeds to serve them and their community. Ma'gara see the collective as more important than the individual and respect self-sacrifice and humble acts greatly. Elders are highly respected and seen as great advisors on most matters. Their expansive knowledge and stories should always be taken with immense consideration and respect. Ma'gara do not have warlords or singular leaders but are instead lead by a council of elders who decide the path the clan-village should take. Their decisions are often weighed by ancestral communion - a ritual they often practice of seeking communication from the honored dead. Their responses are often cryptic and take time to consider their full meaning. Often times, smaller more quick decisions are left to the village Huntmaster, a title given to the strongest hunter/warrior in the community. Ma'gara above all else seek honor in their actions and will often push themselves to do great deeds for the sake of many over the few.
Physical Traits
- Age - Most Ma'gara orcs mature around the age of 14 and can live to be around 70 to 75 years old, those who reach their autumn years often become elder shamans or druids.
- Speed - Orc base walking speed is 30 feet.
- Size - Ma'gara orcs males stand at around 6 foot 1 inches to 6 foot 3 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 - Ma'gara orcs have a greenish skin color that can range from a bright green all the way to a grayish-green or even ashen black color. Ma'gara females often have smaller tusks compared to males. Ma'gara orcs typically adorn themselves with facial tattoos or beads imbedded in their skin. Common hair colors include black, red, copper, silver, burgundy, dark purple, and dark green.
- Eye Colors - Most Ma'gara orcs typically have green, brown, black, gray, or blue eyes. But other colors are possible.
D&D Race Stats - Ma'gara Orc
- +2 Strength, +1 Wisdom
- 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.
- Beastial Spirit - Living with wolves at your side, you have a natural affinity for beasts. Gain proficiency in the Animal Handling skill.
- Hunter's Training - Gain proficiency in handaxes, battleaxes, nets, spears and shortbows.
- 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 Attacks - 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.