How to RP in WoW: Orcs!

Summary

This video script offers a detailed guide on roleplaying as an Orc in World of Warcraft, focusing on the cultural, historical, and social aspects that shape Orc characters. It explains key aspects such as Orc lifespan, the impact of the wars, the influence of Gan and Fel magic, and the importance of clans and surnames. The script also touches on the Orcs' intelligence, their struggle with trust, and their preference for being around their own kind. Viewers are encouraged to create rich, believable stories based on the Orcs' complex past and identity, enhancing their roleplaying experience.

Takeaways

• 😀 Orcs have human-like lifespans (85-100 years), but they do not grow frail as they age.
• 😀 The Warcraft timeline is crucial to understanding your Orc’s age and history, with key events like the First and Second Wars shaping your character’s background.
• 😀 Orcs lived peacefully with Draenei for thousands of years until Kil'jaeden influenced them to attack, based on false fears.
• 😀 Key moments when Orcs crossed to Azeroth were during the First and Second Wars, and after the opening of the Dark Portal during the Burning Crusade.
• 😀 Mag'har Orcs and alternate-timeline Orcs are not part of their original clans after coming to Azeroth and may be considered outcasts.
• 😀 Fel magic is deeply mistrusted by Orcs due to the bloodlust it caused during the First and Second Wars, making it important for roleplaying Orcs to avoid it unless justified.
• 😀 Orcs are intelligent, strategic, and capable warriors; they are not dumb except for peons, who are often portrayed as comic relief.
• 😀 Orc surnames are earned through deeds, not inherited, and may change throughout their lives depending on their actions and accomplishments.
• 😀 Orcs have a cultural tendency to mistrust other races, especially due to the actions of the Forsaken and Blood Elves, which impacts their interactions with outsiders.
• 😀 The desire for Orcs to be around their own people is a core aspect of their identity, seen in figures like Garrosh Hellscream and his desire to see Orgrimmar dominated by Orcs.

Q & A

What is the significance of the orc lifespan in World of Warcraft roleplay?

Orcs in World of Warcraft have lifespans between 85 and 100 years, which is similar to humans. However, they do not become frail with age, which is important for understanding the character's development and history within the game's timeline.

Why is the Warcraft timeline critical for Orc players?

The Warcraft timeline is important for Orc players because it defines their age, experiences, and involvement in historical events. Orcs' participation in key events like the First and Second Wars influences their age and backstory.

How does the First and Second War timeline affect Orc characters?

Orcs who participated in the First and Second Wars are at least 55 years old if they survived the First War. Those born in the years following these wars may have undergone magical aging, particularly those involved in the Horde's war efforts.

What is the relationship between Orcs and Draenei before the corruption of Grom Hellscream?

For 25,000 years, Orcs lived peacefully alongside the Draenei. However, Grom Hellscream, influenced by Kil'jaeden, led the Orcs to believe the Draenei were a threat, which disrupted their peaceful coexistence and contributed to the Orcs' eventual fall to corruption.

What is the role of the Dark Portal in Orc history?

The Dark Portal is pivotal in Orc history as it facilitated their journey to Azeroth. Orcs from alternate Draenor also cross through the portal at different times, with notable openings during the First and Second Wars, and the Burning Crusade.

Are Orc characters in World of Warcraft part of a specific Clan, and what does that mean for roleplaying?

Most Orcs in World of Warcraft come from specific Clans. If an Orc character was stranded on Azeroth after the wars, they are often associated with the New Horde, though they may identify with a specific Clan to aid roleplay. Orcs from alternate Draenor, however, have abandoned their Clans.

What is the significance of Fel Magic in Orc roleplay?

Fel Magic is generally frowned upon by most Orcs, especially those who experienced the destructive effects of the blood curse during the wars. Many Orcs view Fel Magic as a corrupting influence, making it a point of contention in their backstories.

What should players consider when roleplaying an Orc warlock in World of Warcraft?

Players roleplaying an Orc warlock should consider that while warlocks exist, they are often disliked by other Orcs due to the association with Fel Magic. Orcs who fought in past wars, especially those who have green skin, may view warlocks with disdain due to the trauma of the blood curse.

Can Orc characters have surnames, and how do they earn them?

Orc surnames are typically earned through actions, not inherited like human surnames. A character might gain a surname based on their achievements or experiences, and it can change throughout their life based on their deeds and growth.

Why is the trust between Orcs and other races so low in World of Warcraft?

Orcs, due to their history of betrayal and conflict, particularly with races like the Forsaken and Blood Elves, have a natural mistrust of other races. This is reinforced by the Orcs' desire for unity and survival, especially after years of conflict and manipulation by external forces.