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Orcolans
Designation. Sentient
Classification. Mammalian humanoid
Avg. height range. 6'4" - 7'7" (1.96m - 2.35m)
Avg. weight range. 200lbs - 400lbs (90.7kg - 181.4kg)
Avg. lifespan. ~100 years
Skin colors. Greens, grays, browns
Hair colors. Various
Eye colors. Various
Distinctions. Muscular build, tusks, height
Homeworld. Orsimer Prime
Habitat. Various
Language. T'Orcish
Irl naming convention. Turkish
— Biological classification
Classification. Mammalian humanoid
— Physical characteristics
Avg. weight range. 200lbs - 400lbs (90.7kg - 181.4kg)
Avg. lifespan. ~100 years
Skin colors. Greens, grays, browns
Hair colors. Various
Eye colors. Various
Distinctions. Muscular build, tusks, height
— Sociocultural characteristics
Habitat. Various
Language. T'Orcish
Irl naming convention. Turkish
“It’s never a good idea to challenge, or accept a challenge from, an Orc wantin’ to arm wrestle. I’ll be the one to tell ya’--your ego n’ your pride is not worth the degree to which yer arm is gonna be broken.”
—
The Orcolans, often referred to as “Orcs” by the rest of the galaxy, were a species of mammalian humanoids from the outer-rim planet of Orsimer Prime. They were known for their towering heights, their impressive strength and build, and their tusks.
— Table of Contents
● Biology and appearance
▪ Physiology
▪ Life Cycle
▪ Reproduction and offspring
▸Mixed offspring
● Behavior
● Society and culture
▪ Coming-of-age
▪ Marriage and relationships
▪ Diet and food
▪ Clothing and appearance
▪ Language
● The Force
▪ The Guçlu
● History
▪ Early history
▪ Introduction to the galaxy
▪ Modern day
● Intent
Biology & Appearance
“The women might not look as intimidating as the men, but trust me when I say there is nothing scarier than an Orcolan woman who is right pissed off at you.”
—
Tall, muscular, and armed with teeth resembling tusks, the Orcolan are (in)famous for their intimidating appearance, larger-than-life personalities, and unbelievable resilience.
Physiology
“Contrary to popular belief, we're not invincible. I wouldn't mind if people kept thinkin' that though, ha!”
—
The Orcolan were tall and muscular sentient beings known for their towering height and muscular build. They were humanoid and quite similar in overall anatomy to baseline humans. Their hands were usually significantly larger than other humanoids, and they had four fingers and an opposable thumb on each one. As a result of a harsh environment and a warlike culture, the Orcolan had a powerful, muscular build with a natural strength that could rival even the likes of Wookies and Trandoshans. Their faces were similar to many other humanoids, but differed enough to give them a distinct appearance. They had forward-facing eyes that came in a variety of colors, prominent and bony noses, and thick lips that stretched around two to four tusks that replaced their canines. These tusks could grow up to several inches in length.
They breathed oxygen from Orsimer Prime’s oxygen-rich atmosphere through large lungs which allowed the healthiest Orcolans to hold their breath for up to eight minutes. This oxygen-rich habitat gave birth to many other large species that challenged the Orcolan’s place in the food chain. Their planet was a dangerous place and led to the Orcolans developing an insane resilience that showed through their unmatched pain-tolerance and incredible stamina. Though a shot to the head would kill an Orcolan just as it would kill any other being, they were able to function under levels of pain and duress that many other humanoids simply could not tolerate.
Like many sentient races, the Orcolans had a male and a female sex. Both male and female Orcolans were very tall and much heavier than humans, with an average height range from 6'4" to 7'7" (1.96m - 2.35m) and an average weight range of 200lbs to 400lbs (90.7kg - 181.4kg)[/color]. Female Orcolans were taller than the males, though the males had wider figures. The Orcolans were also able to gain and retain muscle with much less effort than many other species. The females were functionally alike to human females, with near-exact reproductive cycles and gestation periods. Orcolan children grew quicker than human children and were usually able to run and walk unassisted before their first birthday. Otherwise, they matured at about the same rate as many other humanoids, though they didn't finish growing until their early twenties. Orcolans were usually considered elderly once they reached about 70 years, and many did not live past 100 years.
They breathed oxygen from Orsimer Prime’s oxygen-rich atmosphere through large lungs which allowed the healthiest Orcolans to hold their breath for up to eight minutes. This oxygen-rich habitat gave birth to many other large species that challenged the Orcolan’s place in the food chain. Their planet was a dangerous place and led to the Orcolans developing an insane resilience that showed through their unmatched pain-tolerance and incredible stamina. Though a shot to the head would kill an Orcolan just as it would kill any other being, they were able to function under levels of pain and duress that many other humanoids simply could not tolerate.
Like many sentient races, the Orcolans had a male and a female sex. Both male and female Orcolans were very tall and much heavier than humans, with an average height range from 6'4" to 7'7" (1.96m - 2.35m) and an average weight range of 200lbs to 400lbs (90.7kg - 181.4kg)[/color]. Female Orcolans were taller than the males, though the males had wider figures. The Orcolans were also able to gain and retain muscle with much less effort than many other species. The females were functionally alike to human females, with near-exact reproductive cycles and gestation periods. Orcolan children grew quicker than human children and were usually able to run and walk unassisted before their first birthday. Otherwise, they matured at about the same rate as many other humanoids, though they didn't finish growing until their early twenties. Orcolans were usually considered elderly once they reached about 70 years, and many did not live past 100 years.
Lifecycle
Orcolan did not typically live any longer than a century, and many died before they even reached 80 years of age. Children were considered adults once they reached eighteen years of age, or after they succeeded the coming-of-age trial of their respective tribe. This trial ranged from winning a brawl, to hunting and slaying a certain kind of beast, to traversing to a location and returning with a sacred item. Both female and male Orcolans underwent this trial, with exceptions being few and far in between.
After turning eighteen, no matter whether they had passed the trial or not, Orcolan were considered adults and expected to participate as such. Though the definition of this has changed drastically as technology advanced their civilization, young adults were expected to contribute to the health of their tribe and family. Elderly Orcolan, though rare, were cared for by their children. If they have none, they were looked after by the village.
After turning eighteen, no matter whether they had passed the trial or not, Orcolan were considered adults and expected to participate as such. Though the definition of this has changed drastically as technology advanced their civilization, young adults were expected to contribute to the health of their tribe and family. Elderly Orcolan, though rare, were cared for by their children. If they have none, they were looked after by the village.
Reproduction & Offspring
Orcolans reproduced in the same way as that of many humanoids, and conception required a member of the male and female sex. The gestation period for Orcolan pregnancies was about 44 to 45 galactic standard weeks long on average (about a month longer than that of a human). This was because their children were often born larger and more developed than other species, which was vital to their survival in the harsh world of Orismer Prime.
Children are considered especially precious to the Orcolans, even more so than what could be considered typical. Orphaned Orcolan children, whether full blood or not, are considered the responsibility of everyone in the village. As a species, Orcolans have very strong maternal and paternal instincts, regardless of whether the Orcolan has had or wants children of their own.
Mixed offspring.
While the Orcolans were able to reproduce with some other humanoid species, their large size and low populations off of Orsimer Prime made this a rare occurrence. Most successful interspecies pregnancies occurred between an Orcolan mother and a father of a different species. Small individuals from humanoid species often had trouble carrying Orcolan children, and if the pregnancy was successful, medical intervention was often required.
When unions between Orcolan and other species did occur, the Orcolan's genes were almost always the dominant phenotype. Children from these couplings almost always inherited both the tusks and physique of their Orcolan parent, though their height and strength was largely dependent on the non-Orcolan parent. For example, a coupling between a 6' human and a 7' Orcolan would likely result in a kid who would be quite tall and stronger than their human parent, but significantly weaker than their Orcolan parent.
Culturally, any child that inherited the Orcolan tusks would be considered an Orcolan to the others, no matter how short, scrawny, or otherwise un-Orcolan-like the offspring happened to be.
Children are considered especially precious to the Orcolans, even more so than what could be considered typical. Orphaned Orcolan children, whether full blood or not, are considered the responsibility of everyone in the village. As a species, Orcolans have very strong maternal and paternal instincts, regardless of whether the Orcolan has had or wants children of their own.
Mixed offspring.
While the Orcolans were able to reproduce with some other humanoid species, their large size and low populations off of Orsimer Prime made this a rare occurrence. Most successful interspecies pregnancies occurred between an Orcolan mother and a father of a different species. Small individuals from humanoid species often had trouble carrying Orcolan children, and if the pregnancy was successful, medical intervention was often required.
When unions between Orcolan and other species did occur, the Orcolan's genes were almost always the dominant phenotype. Children from these couplings almost always inherited both the tusks and physique of their Orcolan parent, though their height and strength was largely dependent on the non-Orcolan parent. For example, a coupling between a 6' human and a 7' Orcolan would likely result in a kid who would be quite tall and stronger than their human parent, but significantly weaker than their Orcolan parent.
Culturally, any child that inherited the Orcolan tusks would be considered an Orcolan to the others, no matter how short, scrawny, or otherwise un-Orcolan-like the offspring happened to be.
Behavior
“Orcs can be your best ally or your worst enemy; it just depends on what mood you catch 'em in.”
—
Orcolans were often described as having “larger than life” personalities. They experienced each emotion in the extreme, which has led to the impression that they, as a race, were hot-headed and rash. While this was true for some individuals, such a stereotype overlooked the degree to which they loved, laughed, and experienced life to its fullest.
That being said, the Orcolans were incredibly competitive by nature and did have a reputation for being sore losers.
That being said, the Orcolans were incredibly competitive by nature and did have a reputation for being sore losers.
Society & Culture
“I can't say every tribe operates the same. I can't even say some of us have more than one or two similarities. But if we've got one thing in common, its that we love food.”
—
The Orcolans were far from a monolithic culture, but they shared many similarities between tribes. They had coming-of-age and marriage rituals, traditional cuisine that varied from region to region, and a unique relationship with the galaxy at large. On Orsimer Prime, there were two distinct cultural groups separated by geography: the Batililar of the Western continent, and the Dogulular of the Eastern continent.
Coming-of-age
Orcolan children often participated in a coming-of-age ritual around the age of seventeen, which served as a rite of passage into adulthood. These coming-of-age rituals varied from tribe to tribe--some tribes had their young wrestle an older warrior to prove their resolve, while others sent theirs to hunt wild beasts and return with their severed heads.
Two such examples of these coming-of-age rituals can be seen in the Daghayati and Coldeyasa tribes. The Daghayati tribe, which hailed from the frigid northern regions in the East, sent those participating in the ritual out to hunt down, slay, and return with the head of a deadly beast. Those who participated could spend several weeks out in the wilderness, and some would never return. The Coldeyasa tribe on the other hand, who hailed from the southern regions in the West, held gladiator-esque events in which participants had to prove their worth against older members of the tribe. They would not necessarily have to win, but prove they were strong enough to preserve until they could stand no longer.
Overall, these rituals differed throughout the various tribes, but many were similar and even more had common themes. Some tribes did not even require their young to go through these rituals, and some even had exceptions or alternatives for those unable to complete the traditional ritual for whatever reason.
Two such examples of these coming-of-age rituals can be seen in the Daghayati and Coldeyasa tribes. The Daghayati tribe, which hailed from the frigid northern regions in the East, sent those participating in the ritual out to hunt down, slay, and return with the head of a deadly beast. Those who participated could spend several weeks out in the wilderness, and some would never return. The Coldeyasa tribe on the other hand, who hailed from the southern regions in the West, held gladiator-esque events in which participants had to prove their worth against older members of the tribe. They would not necessarily have to win, but prove they were strong enough to preserve until they could stand no longer.
Overall, these rituals differed throughout the various tribes, but many were similar and even more had common themes. Some tribes did not even require their young to go through these rituals, and some even had exceptions or alternatives for those unable to complete the traditional ritual for whatever reason.
Marriage & Relationships
Marriage between Orcolans were made official by the blessing of the local tribe leader after the two being married promised absolute loyalty to one another. Some tribes had more elaborate rituals, but there was one common theme throughout: the Orcolan valued absolute monogamy during marriage. They were aggressively loyal to their partners, and it was considered incredibly heinous to be disloyal to one’s partner.
Despite the emphasis on monogamy during marriage, single or even dating Orcolan were not nearly as strict. Before being married, it was not uncommon for an Orcolan to have several partners.
Despite the emphasis on monogamy during marriage, single or even dating Orcolan were not nearly as strict. Before being married, it was not uncommon for an Orcolan to have several partners.
Diet & Food
The Orcolans, while omnivorous, required protein-heavy diets that encouraged them to consume large amounts of red meat. Traditional Orcolan cuisine came in the form of roasted meats rubbed in raw spices, or hearty soups containing meats, vegetables, and some form of bone broth. Orcolan tribes from regions near Orsimer Prime’s equator tended to serve spicier dishes with a larger amount of vegetables, while those nearer to the poles tended to incorporate even more meats and hardy grains. The Orcolan lived to eat, and large family dinners were a common occurrence.
Like many other species, the Orcolan consumed alcohol and, due to their size, preferred it to be strong. There were two popular kinds of alcohol that existed on their planet before their introduction to the greater galaxy: sarap and likor. Sarap was a strong wine pressed from uzum grapes and aged for ten to twenty years. Likor was, as the name might suggest, a liquor which was also very strong. It rivalved some of the strongest drinks in the galaxy and was not typically found in bars as one shot was often enough to send a human male into blackout.
Like many other species, the Orcolan consumed alcohol and, due to their size, preferred it to be strong. There were two popular kinds of alcohol that existed on their planet before their introduction to the greater galaxy: sarap and likor. Sarap was a strong wine pressed from uzum grapes and aged for ten to twenty years. Likor was, as the name might suggest, a liquor which was also very strong. It rivalved some of the strongest drinks in the galaxy and was not typically found in bars as one shot was often enough to send a human male into blackout.
Clothing & Appearance
The Orcolans of the Dogulular culture placed a large cultural significance on one’s hair, which led to them being known for their long, healthy locs which were commonly braided and/or decorated with beads, cuffs, and charms. Some Orcolans believed that long and healthy hair was a direct reflection of their health and that the longer the hair, the stronger one could become. Therefore it was not uncommon for a tribe’s greatest warriors to have the longest hair. It was not just left to fall however; they kept it under wraps or braided back and out of the way. The Batililar, on the other hand, didn’t place as much stake on long hair, but shared the belief that healthy hair was an indicator of good health. Both cultural groups shied away from damaging their hair through bleach or heat, but temporary or natural dyes were common enough.
Not only was their hair of great importance, but their tusks were as well. More than anything, tusks were considered the thing that made an Orcolan an Orcolan. Children of mixed species were generally accepted as an Orcolan as long as they retained the tusks of their pureblood (grand-) parents. The larger, thicker, and/or longer the tusks, the more attractive the individual was often considered. Like long hair was considered an indicator of health for some, larger tusks were a marker of strength. Those with large tusks, especially warriors or important members of a tribe, would sometimes decorate their tusks with a molded cast of precious or semi-precious material. Gold was common, as was silver and other shiny metals. This was a trait of both the Batililar and Dogulular cultures, though the former usually preferred gold, and the latter, silver.
Clothing varied greatly between regions and tribal groups, but bright colors and patterns were common in traditional clothing. Orsimer Prime was home to thousands of species of flowering plants that produced rich, vibrant dyes which were traditionally used to create such colorful garments.
Not only was their hair of great importance, but their tusks were as well. More than anything, tusks were considered the thing that made an Orcolan an Orcolan. Children of mixed species were generally accepted as an Orcolan as long as they retained the tusks of their pureblood (grand-) parents. The larger, thicker, and/or longer the tusks, the more attractive the individual was often considered. Like long hair was considered an indicator of health for some, larger tusks were a marker of strength. Those with large tusks, especially warriors or important members of a tribe, would sometimes decorate their tusks with a molded cast of precious or semi-precious material. Gold was common, as was silver and other shiny metals. This was a trait of both the Batililar and Dogulular cultures, though the former usually preferred gold, and the latter, silver.
Clothing varied greatly between regions and tribal groups, but bright colors and patterns were common in traditional clothing. Orsimer Prime was home to thousands of species of flowering plants that produced rich, vibrant dyes which were traditionally used to create such colorful garments.
Language
The Orcish language, known as T’Orcish, was distinguished by its characteristic vowel harmony and ample agglutination. T’Orcish used subject-object-verb word order, and had no noun classes or grammatical gender. It did make use of honorifics and had a strong distinction between the T and V sounds which distinguished between varying levels of politeness, social distance, age, courtesy or familiarity toward the addressee. The plural second-person pronoun and verb forms were used when referring to a single person out of respect.
There were two variations of the T’Orcish language. The first one, New T’Orcish, was usually spoken in larger cities or Orcolan communities on foreign planets and had absorbed many Basic words and slang into its vernacular. The second variation, Old T’Orcish, was the unadulterated, traditional dialect of the Orcolan. Native speakers of Basic were able to recognize a word or two when eavesdropping on conversations in New T'Orcish, but many false friends existed between the two languages as well. Old T’Orcish was not recgonizable to Basic speakers. New and Old T'Orcish were simply different dialects under the T'Orcish umbrella, and thus native speakers of either can understand the other.
There were two variations of the T’Orcish language. The first one, New T’Orcish, was usually spoken in larger cities or Orcolan communities on foreign planets and had absorbed many Basic words and slang into its vernacular. The second variation, Old T’Orcish, was the unadulterated, traditional dialect of the Orcolan. Native speakers of Basic were able to recognize a word or two when eavesdropping on conversations in New T'Orcish, but many false friends existed between the two languages as well. Old T’Orcish was not recgonizable to Basic speakers. New and Old T'Orcish were simply different dialects under the T'Orcish umbrella, and thus native speakers of either can understand the other.
The Force
“The Guçlu were given a gift by the universe. It would be disrespectful to use it against other beings of its creation. True warriors need only willpower and strength; no tricks, no nothin'.”
—
While the Orcolan appeared to have a slightly higher rate of force-sensitivity than most species, this was actually not the case. Force-sensitivity was passed down the maternal line (though it would often skip generations), and this led to small populations of force-sensitive individuals being concentrated in various places. Because certain tribes would have more individuals than other tribes, this would make it appear as if force-sensitivity was more common.
The Force, which was known as Güç in T’Orcish, was a quasi-religious entity to the Orcolan who understood it as the lifeforce which encompassed all things; it was constantly changing and flowing throughout the world, but was absolute and final. It was not worshipped as a god, but it had a spiritual significance to the Orcolan.
Sedentary Orcolan tribes often built shrines to the Force which were intended to serve as peaceful, spiritual places where people could go to meditate in the presence of the Force. These shrines were known as barinaklar (sing. barinak) in T’Orcish. They were often used for Orcolan weddings, where the union between two lovers would be blessed by the tribe’s leader on the sacred ground. The barinaklar often had at least a slight presence of the light side of the Force due to the nature of events which occurred there, and dark side presences created by the Orcolan were unheard of.
The Force, which was known as Güç in T’Orcish, was a quasi-religious entity to the Orcolan who understood it as the lifeforce which encompassed all things; it was constantly changing and flowing throughout the world, but was absolute and final. It was not worshipped as a god, but it had a spiritual significance to the Orcolan.
Sedentary Orcolan tribes often built shrines to the Force which were intended to serve as peaceful, spiritual places where people could go to meditate in the presence of the Force. These shrines were known as barinaklar (sing. barinak) in T’Orcish. They were often used for Orcolan weddings, where the union between two lovers would be blessed by the tribe’s leader on the sacred ground. The barinaklar often had at least a slight presence of the light side of the Force due to the nature of events which occurred there, and dark side presences created by the Orcolan were unheard of.
The Guçlu
Orcolan who were able to use the Force were referred to as the Guçlu. Despite their culture which raised up warriors and hunters, the Orcolan did not, as a whole, like to use the Force offensively. In fact, many thought it was cowardly to use the Force against those who could not and it was disallowed from organized fights. Many Orcolan who traveled off Orsimer Prime were surprised to see that there were entire organizations (i.e. the Sith, the Jedi) who trained to fight with it, and they were often sketched out by them.
Traditionally, the Force was used to heal or as a utility. Only a few of the Northern tribes located in the frigid and hostile mountains were known to be alright with the offensive use of the Force.
Traditionally, the Force was used to heal or as a utility. Only a few of the Northern tribes located in the frigid and hostile mountains were known to be alright with the offensive use of the Force.
History
Early History
Skeletons similar enough to modern day Orcolan were found as far back as 37,000 BBY, so historians placed the beginnings of the species around that era within a margin of 1,000 years or so. Whether they evolved independently or from stranded, early space-faring humans, historians can only speculate. Regardless, they remained isolated from the rest of the galaxy for many, many millennia.
Introduction to the Galaxy
Because the Orcolan were a relatively young species, their society was much less advanced than the rest of the galaxy when Orisimer Prime and the Orcolan were discovered around 4,000 BBY. Technology was slow to integrate into the tribes as well, and it wasn’t until 3,000 BBY that cities began to pop up in some of Orsimer Prime’s most dense populations.
While most Orcolan had little interest in traversing the galaxy, some joined the crews of the curious ships that arrived on their planet and served various roles. Because of their imposing height and strength, they made popular bodyguards, and their larger than life personalities made them interesting to talk to. It was around this time that New T’Orcish began to form, and T’Orcish words began to appear as slang in some crews.
While most Orcolan had little interest in traversing the galaxy, some joined the crews of the curious ships that arrived on their planet and served various roles. Because of their imposing height and strength, they made popular bodyguards, and their larger than life personalities made them interesting to talk to. It was around this time that New T’Orcish began to form, and T’Orcish words began to appear as slang in some crews.
Modern Day
In the modern day, Orcolan were still a rare sight in the galaxy, but not unheard of. They were most common on trade ships, selling exotic wares from Orsimer Prime, or serving as bodyguards for various agencies. The few cities on Orisimer Prime had caught up with the rest of the galaxy in terms of technology, and only isolated settlements lacked significant modern equipment.
Intent
The Orcolan were created for two reasons: one, to put orcs into Star Wars because they’re cool and two, to allow site members to create and play as this species with ample lore to go alongside their characters
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