Orcs

Orcs are large humanoids with dark skin ranging from greys, browns and greens. Their skin is thicker than other humanoids, with a rough leathery feel to it. They are stereo-typically portrayed as savage, uncultured beasts by humans, despite being skilled craftsmen and warriors.

The orcish language is Aperian.

Culture
Traditionally, Orcs live in a matriarchal society. Women are held in high honor, almost revered, and are believed to hold power over life and death itself. Even the lowest standing woman is higher in social rank than the highest standing man. The only exception to this rule is within the priesthood, where orcs leave all personal identity behind, including gender.

Orcs work a caste system, with two castes: nobility (cualcui) and commonfolk (xilonen). These castes are broken down even further by occupations, but are all treated the same within the caste. Slavery is also extremely common, using criminals who are generally well-treated. Slaves would pay off their sentence through work, but it is possible to pay their way out with actual currency as well.

Education is extremely important to orcs. It is mandatory for children, but once an orc grows into an adult higher education was optional and usually only nobility continue. Aside from reading, writing, mathematics and sciences, orcs of all sexes are taught valuable skills like how to cook, care for their family, fight, and craft. Nobility is also taught extra skills such as medicines, leadership and priesthood.

Once an orc becomes an adult, they are pressured to either marry and start their own family, begin a trade or join the military. Traditionally marriages used to be arranged and strictly polyandrous, with one woman often marrying a set of brothers, but in more recent times arranged marriages became less common and polyamory grew.

Hygiene is important to orcs of either caste. Every home is expected to have a designated bathing room, and perfumes are common for any sex. Different perfumes were used for various occasions; rich, spicy scents are used for religious ceremonies while floral, sweet scents are used for marriages and other family gatherings.