I considered just going Elf 0, Fighting 2, HD 2, for a more purely fighter-y orc, but I ended up liking Elf 0, Fighting 2, HD 1, Thievery 1 to allow a couple custom powers (Move Silently, Hide in Shadows, Divine Health (renamed)). I like that the Elf 0 gives it a core set of abilities that with some simple renaming actually feel pretty appropriate for an orc, and it also really drives home that these things are elves corrupted by sorcery. I intententionally stayed away from too many trade-offs in custom powers, and one of my goals was to keep the xp progression pretty fast. I waffled on whether to use my third Thievery custom power for backstab, but I decided to make it "Divine Health" instead (renamed "Corpse Eater"). I put Ambushing in the proficiency list.
Not sure if I mixed up any of the numbers or rules here, but this is what I ended up with:
Prime Requisite: STR
Requirements: CON 9
Hit Dice: 1d6
Maximum Level: 13
Build Points: Elf 0 (125), Fighting 2 (1000), HD 1 (500), Thievery 1 (200)
Orcs are twisted things, created in evil times from elves warped by foul magics. Common folk often know the smaller orcs simply as goblins or kobolds, the larger as orcs, hobgoblins or bugbears. Some scholars refer to the members of this race as the dark elves.
All know them as hateful cowards and murderers, foot soldiers of evil, and killers in the night.
Physically, orcs tend to be squat and wiry, sallow or ashen in complexion, with wide toothy mouths and small mean eyes. The smallest common goblin is no larger than a halfling. The greatest and largest orc can reach nearly the size and build of men.
Orcs are accustomed to strife and battle. At first level, orcs hit an unarmored foe (AC 0) with an attack throw of 10+. Thereafter they advance in attack throws by two points every three levels of experience up until 9th level (i.e. they fight as fighters). They advance in saving throws as normal fighters, by two points every three levels of experience. Like fighters, orcs increase their base damage roll from successful missile and melee attacks by +1 at 1st level and by an additional +1 at 3rd, 6th, 9th and 12th level. They may perform one cleave attack per level.
Orc Level Progression
|
Experience
|
Title
|
Level
|
Hit Dice
|
Damage Bonus
|
|
0
|
Goblin
|
1
|
1d6
|
+1
|
|
1,825
|
Hobgoblin
|
2
|
2d6
|
+1
|
|
3,650
|
Bugbear
|
3
|
3d6
|
+2
|
|
7,300
|
Uruk
|
4
|
4d6
|
+2
|
|
14,600
|
Uruk Veteran
|
5
|
5d6
|
+2
|
|
29,200
|
Uruk Leader
|
6
|
6d6
|
+3
|
|
60,000
|
Uruk Commander
|
7
|
7d6
|
+3
|
|
120,000
|
Uruk Lord
|
8
|
8d6
|
+3
|
|
240,000
|
Dark Elf
|
9
|
9d6
|
+4
|
|
360,000
|
Dark Elf Lord, 10th lvl
|
10
|
9d6+2*
|
+4
|
|
480,000
|
Dark Elf Warlord, 11th lvl
|
11
|
9d6+4*
|
+4
|
|
600,000
|
Dark Elf Warlord, 12th lvl
|
12
|
9d6+6*
|
+5
|
|
720,000
|
Dark Elf Warlord, 13th lvl
|
13
|
9d6+8
|
+5
|
|
*Hit point modifiers from constitution are ignored
|
|
Orcs are killers, trained in the use of all weapons and armor. They may fight wielding a weapon and shield, wielding a two-handed weapon, or wielding a weapon in each hand, as desired. Equipped with light armor and a bow, any orc is an archer or skirmisher. Equipped with heavy armor, shield, and blade, that same orc is a heavy foot soldier. Cloaked as a man, carrying a wicked curved knife, the orc is an assassin in the night. In addition to the common speech, orcs know a twisted but intelligible form of the elven language, as well as the goblin tongues -- goblin, hobgoblin, and orc.
At heart, all orcs are cowards and ambushers, preferring to set traps and fall upon enemies unawares. They gain a +1 bonus to surprise rolls when in the wilderness. When wearing leather armor or lighter garb, an orc can move silently and hide in shadows as a thief of the same level. Orcs have the searching eyes of the looter and robber and detect hidden and secret doors with a proficiency throw of 8+ on 1d20 when actively searching, or 14+ on casual inspection.
Orcs are corpse eaters and are immune to all forms of disease, including magical diseases caused by mummies, spells, or lycanthropes. Their corrupted bodies are unaffected by the paralysis ghouls can inflict, and they gain a +1 bonus on saving throws versus Petrification/Paralysis and Spells.
Orcs are fearsome, and the predators and prey alike in the wilderlands recognize them as masters. Whenever orcs build forts, all ordinary animals within 5 miles of the stronghold become servile and helpful to their goblin masters.
Orcs are feared for their inhumanity. Orcs suffer a -2 penalty to the reactions, loyalty, and morale of humans and demi-humans. Conversely, they get a +2 bonus to the reactions, loyalty, and morale of other goblins.
When an orc reaches 5th level, his battlefield prowess begins to inspire others to follow him. Any henchmen and mercenaries hired by the orc gain a +1 bonus to their morale score whenever he personally leads them. This bonus stacks with the modifiers from the goblin’s Charisma, proficiencies, and race.
At 9th level, the orc can build a fortress. When he does so, up to 1d4+1x10 0th level mercenaries and 1d6 orcs of 1st-3rd level will come to apply for jobs and training. If hired, they must be paid standard rates for mercenaries. Through force of arms, the dark elf may ultimately control several castles or even entire realms, though he can expect to face ongoing challenges from humans and demi-humans. Additional rules for castles are detailed in the Campaign chapter of ACKS.
Orc Proficiency List: Alertness, Ambushing, Animal Training, Berserkergang, Blind Fighting, Caving, Climbing, Combat Reflexes, Combat Trickery, Craft, Disguise, Dungeon Bashing, Endurance, Fighting Style, Healing, Intimidation, *Kin-Slaying, Precise Shooting, Riding, Running, Siege Engineering, Skirmishing, Skulking, Sniping, Survival, Swashbuckling, Trapping, Weapon Finesse, Weapon Focus
*New proficiencies described in Chapter 6 of the ACKS Player’s Companion.
Template:
|
Orc Foot Soldier
|
Proficiencies:
|
Endurance, Kin-Slaying
|
Starting Equipment:
|
Crossbow, case with 20 quarrels, curved sword, battered steel shield, chain mail armor, armiger’s tunic and pants, low boots, backpack, 2 weeks’ iron rations
|
Orc Foot Soldier Template: This pre-generated template represents a common goblin foot soldier in the armies of evil. The template is ready for adventure. However, if your foot soldier’s INT is 13 or greater, you may pick one or more additional general proficiencies before play if you’d like (see Starting Proficiencies in Chapter 4).
*New proficiencies described in Chapter 6 of the ACKS Player’s Companion.
Template:
|
Orc Murderer
|
Proficiencies:
|
Ambushing, Disguise
|
Starting Equipment:
|
Short bow, case with 20 arrows, long knife, curved sword, small shield, leather armor, dark cloak, tunic and pants, low boots, backpack, 2 weeks’ iron rations
|
Orc MurdererTemplate: This pre-generated template represents an orc spy or assassin, perhaps a half-orc plying their trade in the cities of men. The template is ready for adventure. However, if your assassin’s INT is 13 or greater, you may pick one or more additional general proficiencies before play if you’d like (see
Starting Proficiencies in Chapter 4).
Orc Saving Throws
|
Level
|
Petrification
<div><strong>& Paralysis</strong></div>
</td>
<td style="vertical-align:top">
<div><strong>Poison</strong></div>
<div><strong>& Death</strong></div>
</td>
<td style="vertical-align:top">
<div><strong>Blast </strong></div>
<div><strong>& Breath</strong></div>
</td>
<td style="vertical-align:top">
<div><strong>Staffs </strong></div>
<div><strong>& Wands</strong></div>
</td>
<td style="vertical-align:top">
<div><strong>Spells </strong></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="vertical-align:top">
<div><strong>1</strong></div>
</td>
<td style="vertical-align:top">
<div><span style="color:black">15</span><span style="color:black">+</span></div>
</td>
<td style="vertical-align:top">
<div><span style="color:black">14</span><span style="color:black">+</span></div>
</td>
<td style="vertical-align:top">
<div><span style="color:black">16</span><span style="color:black">+</span></div>
</td>
<td style="vertical-align:top">
<div><span style="color:black">16</span><span style="color:black">+</span></div>
</td>
<td style="vertical-align:top">
<div><span style="color:black">17</span><span style="color:black">+</span></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="background-color:silver; vertical-align:top">
<div><strong>2-3</strong></div>
</td>
<td style="background-color:silver; vertical-align:top">
<div><span style="background-color:transparent; color:black">14+</span></div>
</td>
<td style="background-color:silver; vertical-align:top">
<div><span style="background-color:transparent; color:black">13+</span></div>
</td>
<td style="background-color:silver; vertical-align:top">
<div><span style="background-color:transparent; color:black">15+</span></div>
</td>
<td style="background-color:silver; vertical-align:top">
<div><span style="background-color:transparent; color:black">15+</span></div>
</td>
<td style="background-color:silver; vertical-align:top">
<div><span style="background-color:transparent; color:black">16+</span></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="vertical-align:top">
<div><strong>4</strong></div>
</td>
<td style="vertical-align:top">
<div><span style="color:black">13+</span></div>
</td>
<td style="vertical-align:top">
<div><span style="color:black">12+</span></div>
</td>
<td style="vertical-align:top">
<div><span style="color:black">14+</span></div>
</td>
<td style="vertical-align:top">
<div><span style="color:black">14+</span></div>
</td>
<td style="vertical-align:top">
<div><span style="color:black">15+</span></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="background-color:silver; vertical-align:top">
<div><strong>5-6</strong></div>
</td>
<td style="background-color:silver; vertical-align:top">
<div><span style="background-color:transparent; color:black">12+</span></div>
</td>
<td style="background-color:silver; vertical-align:top">
<div><span style="background-color:transparent; color:black">11+</span></div>
</td>
<td style="background-color:silver; vertical-align:top">
<div><span style="background-color:transparent; color:black">13+</span></div>
</td>
<td style="background-color:silver; vertical-align:top">
<div><span style="background-color:transparent; color:black">13+</span></div>
</td>
<td style="background-color:silver; vertical-align:top">
<div><span style="background-color:transparent; color:black">14+</span></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="vertical-align:top">
<div><strong>7</strong></div>
</td>
<td style="vertical-align:top">
<div><span style="color:black">11+</span></div>
</td>
<td style="vertical-align:top">
<div><span style="color:black">10+</span></div>
</td>
<td style="vertical-align:top">
<div><span style="color:black">12+</span></div>
</td>
<td style="vertical-align:top">
<div><span style="color:black">12+</span></div>
</td>
<td style="vertical-align:top">
<div><span style="color:black">13+</span></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="background-color:silver; vertical-align:top">
<div><strong>8-9</strong></div>
</td>
<td style="background-color:silver; vertical-align:top">
<div><span style="background-color:transparent; color:black">10+</span></div>
</td>
<td style="background-color:silver; vertical-align:top">
<div><span style="background-color:transparent; color:black">9+</span></div>
</td>
<td style="background-color:silver; vertical-align:top">
<div><span style="background-color:transparent; color:black">11+</span></div>
</td>
<td style="background-color:silver; vertical-align:top">
<div><span style="background-color:transparent; color:black">11+</span></div>
</td>
<td style="background-color:silver; vertical-align:top">
<div><span style="background-color:transparent; color:black">12+</span></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="vertical-align:top">
<div><strong>10</strong></div>
</td>
<td style="vertical-align:top">
<div><span style="color:black">9+</span></div>
</td>
<td style="vertical-align:top">
<div><span style="color:black">8+</span></div>
</td>
<td style="vertical-align:top">
<div><span style="color:black">10+</span></div>
</td>
<td style="vertical-align:top">
<div><span style="color:black">10+</span></div>
</td>
<td style="vertical-align:top">
<div><span style="color:black">11+</span></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="background-color:silver; vertical-align:top">
<div><strong>11-12</strong></div>
</td>
<td style="background-color:silver; vertical-align:top">
<div><span style="background-color:transparent; color:black">8+</span></div>
</td>
<td style="background-color:silver; vertical-align:top">
<div><span style="background-color:transparent; color:black">7+</span></div>
</td>
<td style="background-color:silver; vertical-align:top">
<div><span style="background-color:transparent; color:black">9+</span></div>
</td>
<td style="background-color:silver; vertical-align:top">
<div><span style="background-color:transparent; color:black">9+</span></div>
</td>
<td style="background-color:silver; vertical-align:top">
<div><span style="background-color:transparent; color:black">10+</span></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="vertical-align:top">
<div><strong>13</strong></div>
</td>
<td style="vertical-align:top">
<div><span style="color:black">7+</span></div>
</td>
<td style="vertical-align:top">
<div><span style="color:black">6+</span></div>
</td>
<td style="vertical-align:top">
<div><span style="color:black">8+</span></div>
</td>
<td style="vertical-align:top">
<div><span style="color:black">8+</span></div>
</td>
<td style="vertical-align:top">
<div><span style="color:black">9+</span></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td colspan="2" style="vertical-align:top">
<div><strong>Orc Attack Throws</strong></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="vertical-align:top">
<div><strong>Level</strong></div>
</td>
<td style="vertical-align:top">
<div><strong>Attack Throw</strong></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="vertical-align:top">
<div><strong>1</strong></div>
</td>
<td style="vertical-align:top">
<div><span style="color:black">10+</span></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="background-color:silver; vertical-align:top">
<div><strong>2-3</strong></div>
</td>
<td style="background-color:silver; vertical-align:top">
<div><span style="background-color:transparent; color:black">9+</span></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="vertical-align:top">
<div><strong>4</strong></div>
</td>
<td style="vertical-align:top">
<div><span style="color:black">8+</span></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="background-color:silver; vertical-align:top">
<div><strong>5-6</strong></div>
</td>
<td style="background-color:silver; vertical-align:top">
<div><span style="background-color:transparent; color:black">7+</span></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="vertical-align:top">
<div><strong>7</strong></div>
</td>
<td style="vertical-align:top">
<div><span style="color:black">6+</span></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="background-color:silver; vertical-align:top">
<div><strong>8-9</strong></div>
</td>
<td style="background-color:silver; vertical-align:top">
<div><span style="background-color:transparent; color:black">5+</span></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="vertical-align:top">
<div><strong>10</strong></div>
</td>
<td style="vertical-align:top">
<div><span style="color:black">4+</span></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="background-color:silver; vertical-align:top">
<div><strong>11-12</strong></div>
</td>
<td style="background-color:silver; vertical-align:top">
<div><span style="background-color:transparent; color:black">3+</span></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="vertical-align:top">
<div><strong>13</strong></div>
</td>
<td style="vertical-align:top">
<div><span style="color:black">2+</span>
<div> </div>
</div>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
|