Physical Description:
Khorks are imposing, powerful humanoids, akin to their Orcish relatives but with distinct features. They possess a more muscular build, their skin tones ranging from shades of dark green to deep brown, a testament to their time under the harsh desert sun. What sets them apart are their fluctuating sizes: when engaged in continuous combat, they grow in stature, becoming larger and more robust. During prolonged periods of peace or inactivity, they gradually shrink, a sign of their nomadic lifestyle. Their attire often consists of rugged, functional clothing adorned with tribal symbols or war paint, reflecting their connection to their clan and history.
Divine Mutation
The divine mutation bestowed upon the Khorks by the God King of the Khein Dynasty is a fascinating aspect of their physiology. When a Khork engages in combat and emerges victorious, their bodies undergo a gradual increase in size, expanding and becoming more imposing.
Initially standing at an average height of 6 feet, Khorks resemble many humanoid races. However, with each triumphant battle, their divine mutation triggers a gradual growth in size. Over time, victorious Khorks can reach impressive heights of 9 to 10 feet, transforming them into formidable giants on the battlefield. This growth occurs gradually, taking place over an extended period as the Khork continues achieving success in combat. As they grow, their physical strength and power increase proportionately, enhancing their prowess as warriors and reinforcing their reputation as fearsome adversaries.
Conversely, if a Khork experiences prolonged idleness or suffers defeat in combat, their divine mutation responds with a passive shrinking process. The decline in size is viewed with great shame among the Khorks, representing a loss of strength and a deviation from their warrior nature. The smallest Khorks can be as short as 4 feet, just slightly taller than common goblins. This link between combat success and physical size deeply influences Khork society. Tribes are typically led by the largest and strongest individuals, as their imposing stature symbolizes combat prowess and serves as a mark of leadership. The largest Khorks naturally command respect and admiration from their peers, embodying the ideals of strength, dominance, and martial superiority.
The divine mutation is both a blessing and a burden. While it grants immense power and physical prowess in battle, it also places immense pressure on the Khorks to seek conflict and maintain their fighting spirit. The desire to retain their larger size and avoid the shame of shrinking drives them to remain engaged in combat, always striving to prove themselves as worthy warriors of their divine heritage.
History:
The Khorks' history is intertwined with the rise and decline of their influence under the God King Horus Khein. Once transformed by divine power to serve as the God King's elite fighters, the Khorks rose to prominence on the battlefield, securing victories and dominance in Agera. After the God King's conquest, they adapted to their diminished size and nomadic lifestyle, embracing their primal instincts while holding on to the memories of their past glory. Their history is marked by resilience, adaptation, and a commitment to their heritage as fierce warriors.
Society:
Khork society revolves around nomadic clans that traverse the vast deserts, living in temporary camps. Each clan has its own distinct customs, traditions, and leadership, often led by the most battle-hardened warriors or the wisest shamans. They prioritize survival and combat skills, passing down martial knowledge and storytelling traditions from generation to generation. While primarily nomadic, some Khorks have left their clans, seeking adventure or a different way of life in other societies.
Racial Names:
Khork names are often guttural and resonate with strength and history. Examples might include Graknor, Thorgar, Gorzul, or Throkka. Clan names are as diverse as their members' personalities, derived from significant events, landmarks, or legendary figures within their tribal lore.
Racial Feat:
- Ability Score Increase: Khorks possess exceptional strength and adaptability. Your Strength score increases by 2, and your Constitution score increases by 1.
- Age: Khorks reach adulthood around 14 and can live up to 70 years, though many succumb to battle before reaching such old age.
- Alignment: The nomadic nature of the Khorks often leads them to chaotic alignments, valuing personal freedom and survival instincts.
- Size: Khorks vary in size based on their combat history and activity levels. They start as Medium-sized creatures, but through continuous combat, they can grow to become Large-sized.
- Speed: Khorks base walking speed is 30 feet.
- Languages: Khorks can speak, read, and write Common and Orc. Your tribal dialect may have unique nuances and expressions.
- Vision: Khorks have darkvision, enabling you to see in dim light within 60 feet as if it were bright light, and in darkness as if it were dim light.
- Resistance: Khorks have advantage on saving throws against being charmed and magically put to sleep.
- Immunity: After prolonged exposure to harsh desert environments, Khorks have developed a resistance to extreme heat and sandy winds.