In the Second Era – The Expansion, the Orcs emerged, but their story stretches back to the First Era – The Dawn of Myths & Legends. During this ancient time, giants—immense, formidable beings—roamed the land. These giants were believed to be the offspring of divine beings and humans, connected to the legendary Nephilim from ancient religious texts. Known for their great strength and towering size, the giants played a crucial role in shaping the early empires, using their power to influence human civilizations and the landscape.
As the First Era progressed, a schism formed within the giants. Some embraced a life of peace and collaboration with humans, while others were driven by ambition and conquest. Over time, these giants diminished, either due to war, natural decline, or the ever-evolving nature of the world. However, not all of their lineage was lost.
Unlike their ancient ancestors, the Orcs were deeply connected to the earth, embracing the savage beauty of Grak’Thul. They shunned the magic of the early civilizations, preferring to rely on raw physical power, cunning, and tribal wisdom. Their culture was built on strength, honor, and survival, with each tribe tracing its lineage back to a giant forefather, many of whom were revered as gods.
The Orcs of Grak’Thul became more insular during this era, focusing on internal power struggles among their clans and chieftains, even as the world outside their island was torn apart. The tale of a giant’s sword, buried deep in the mountains of Vruk’Thar, became central to orcish culture—a prophecy stating that the one who could wield the sword would unite all orc clans and lead them to reclaim the mainland.
The Orcs also discovered remnants of ancient giant technology, primitive and arcane in nature, which they used to enhance their weapons and fortifications. These artifacts were seen as blessings from their ancestors and became integral to orcish warfare. It was during this era that the Orcs' connection to their giant ancestors deepened, as shamanic traditions arose, allowing them to commune with the spirits of their forebears.
With tensions rising between the kingdoms of the mainland and the growing power of Grak’Thul, the Orcs stand on the precipice of becoming more than just a savage threat. Their ancestors’ blood runs through their veins, and they are ready to reclaim what they believe is their rightful place in the world.

As the First Era progressed, a schism formed within the giants. Some embraced a life of peace and collaboration with humans, while others were driven by ambition and conquest. Over time, these giants diminished, either due to war, natural decline, or the ever-evolving nature of the world. However, not all of their lineage was lost.
The Transformation to Orcs
In the Second Era – The Expansion, a subset of these giants was drawn to the wild, uncharted lands of what would later become Grak’Thul. The land’s harsh conditions—its jagged mountains, dense forests, and hostile creatures—began to shape and change these once-human giants. Over generations, their bodies adapted to their new environment. They became shorter but more robust, developing rough skin like hide, fierce tusks, and an innate warrior’s instinct. These were the first Orcs.Unlike their ancient ancestors, the Orcs were deeply connected to the earth, embracing the savage beauty of Grak’Thul. They shunned the magic of the early civilizations, preferring to rely on raw physical power, cunning, and tribal wisdom. Their culture was built on strength, honor, and survival, with each tribe tracing its lineage back to a giant forefather, many of whom were revered as gods.
Second Era – The Expansion
As human civilizations began spreading to the islands and coastal regions, they encountered the Orcs of Grak’Thul. Conflict was inevitable. Orcish raids against the expanding maritime empires fueled hatred and fear. Yet, despite their brutish appearance, the Orcs had a complex society, with deep ties to their ancestors and the land. Their capital, Urkhal-Vor, was said to be built around an ancient giant’s tomb, with relics of their divine forebears scattered throughout the region.Third Era – The Great Cataclysm
The Third Era was marked by a great cataclysm that reshaped the world. During this time, the orcish lands of Grak’Thul were isolated from the mainland. While much of the world struggled to recover, the Orcs saw this as an opportunity to solidify their hold over the region, building massive fortresses like Bruz’Garath and Gorh Zaro to defend against any incursions from the sea.The Orcs of Grak’Thul became more insular during this era, focusing on internal power struggles among their clans and chieftains, even as the world outside their island was torn apart. The tale of a giant’s sword, buried deep in the mountains of Vruk’Thar, became central to orcish culture—a prophecy stating that the one who could wield the sword would unite all orc clans and lead them to reclaim the mainland.
Fourth Era – The Age of Kingdoms
The Fourth Era saw the rise of new kingdoms across the lands. The Orcs, though divided by clan feuds and territorial wars, began to reassert themselves as a formidable force. Their capital city, Zograth-Khul, became a place of dark council, where chieftains would meet to discuss war, trade, and politics. Though they had little interest in alliances with outsiders, the Orcs were respected and feared across the seas. Their raids, particularly from Vruk’Thar, targeted weaker coastal settlements, causing tensions with the human kingdoms.The Orcs also discovered remnants of ancient giant technology, primitive and arcane in nature, which they used to enhance their weapons and fortifications. These artifacts were seen as blessings from their ancestors and became integral to orcish warfare. It was during this era that the Orcs' connection to their giant ancestors deepened, as shamanic traditions arose, allowing them to commune with the spirits of their forebears.
Fifth Era – Modern Times
Now in the Fifth Era, the Orcs of Grak’Thul are once again looking outward. The recent rediscovery of giant relics and ancient secrets has sparked a new age of orcish ambition. Chieftains, like those of Urkhal-Vor and Gorh Zaro, speak of reunification—an effort to gather the scattered orcish tribes under one banner to invade the mainland once more. Rumors of strange magical forces stirring within Zograth-Khul hint at powerful discoveries from the ancient giants, possibly an artifact that could shift the balance of power.With tensions rising between the kingdoms of the mainland and the growing power of Grak’Thul, the Orcs stand on the precipice of becoming more than just a savage threat. Their ancestors’ blood runs through their veins, and they are ready to reclaim what they believe is their rightful place in the world.
