By Steven Creech, Exec. Chairman d20 Magazine Rack
Sizing Up the Target
The Slayer’s Guide to Orcs is a 32-page supplement written by Matt Forbeck and published by Mongoose Publishing. This book retails for $9.95 and is part of an ongoing series examining specific monsters and races and focusing on their strengths and weaknesses.
First Blood
The book is broken into sections detailing orc physiology, habitat, society, methodology of warfare, roleplaying tips, scenario ideas, a pregenerated orc camp, and orc NPC listings. We learn that orcs are essentially creatures driven by their id; they demand instant gratification, especially in regards to sex. Because of this, orcs tend to sleep around and avoid lasting relationships between mates. However, maternal bonds run strong and beware the individual that insults an orc’s mother. Orc society reflects the chaotic nature of orcs. Not only do orcs wage war but their tribal celebrations are equally brutal. Orcs love a good party and things tend to get rough during them. Basically, they fight hard and play even harder.
Because of orc fertility and quick rate of maturation, they are a numerous race that often overwhelms their opponents due to density on the battlefield. Their weapons and armor often consist of what they have taken from the bodies of their opponents. Far from their stereotype of stupidity, orcs often ambush their foes and employ guerilla tactics when in warbands. It’s only when their armies achieve horde status do they overrun the enemy with ease, kill the males and rape the females.
Critical Hits
There is not a lot of information in this book that you could call new or fresh, but the roleplaying tips on portraying orcs help cement the mindset of an orc. To quote from the book, “An orc’s decision process breaks down into just three questions.
1. Is it dangerous? If so, kill it – or avoid it if it is too tough.
2. Can I eat it? If so, kill it and then eat it.
3. Can I have sex with it? If so, proceed to try.
The Battle Shaman prestige class is the perfect thing to throw at players who think they know everything about orcs. Not only does this class love the thrill of battle, but they cast spells will doing it. It’s a very balanced class and fits the mindset of an orc very well.
Critical Misses
Again, most of the book reinforces the orc stereotype and doesn’t really stretch itself beyond that. It has a narrow subject focus (by the very nature of the book) and doesn’t provide a lot of meat to chew on.
Coup de Grace
Overall, the book isn’t necessarily bad. Given the recent release of books devoted to half-orc characters, The Slayer’s Guide to Orcs actually serves as a good complement to them. If you are looking for a little more flavor to orcs, this book is worth taking a look at. But if you want a lot of “crunchy” classes and stuff, you will be disappointed. Still, for the money, it’s not a bad investment for the orc lover.
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