RaceDescriptions-backstory

This is an attempt by Eleazar to flesh out the history, beliefs and culture of the various races of Wesnoth as an aid to storytelling. --please don't overwrite until i flesh this out

Orcs & Goblins

The Orcs are an brutal, fierce, and argumentative-- eager to fight the other races of Wesnoth, and hardly hesitating to fight their own kind. However there is one fact that all Orcs agree on, that they were made for War. They do not agree on who made them, or from what, nor do they care much. Their ancestors are described as 'lesser' and 'unworthy', and scorned. Orcs embrace this purpose, War, whole-heartedly, their entire society is designed to prepare for war. Most Orcs wait for someone known as the 'War-Master' to lead them in the ultimate battle. From time to time figures have risen and claimed to be the War-Master, and brought many of the Orc clans under their power for a time.

The Goblins are a distinct branch or the Orc race. Though smaller and weaker they possess greater agility and speed, and enough empathy to lead their fellows in battle and train the great wolves that they ride. Goblins and Orcs have distinct roles in their society. Though they dislike each other, their dislike for all other races, (except Trolls) is much greater. Neither can imagine their society without the other. The Orcs always rule the clans, but Goblins often wield great power as advisors.

Orcs have little interest in technology-- the crossbow being a notable exception. In general they prefer to rely on brute strength or slaves. Magic is little developed among them. The crafting of arms and armor is their primary art-- they excel at making inelegant, but effective weapons. Money is seen primarily as a tool to prepare for war. Orcs who hold a looser version of their warrior's code will fight as mercenaries, while stricter Orcs will take only plunder and glory.

Trolls

Trolls are an enigma to the other races, even their allies the orcs know little about them. When the orcs invaded the Northlands from accross the sea, the Trolls occupied the same scattered territories that they do today. The orcs could not dislodge the Trolls from their hills and caves, and somehow their enmity turned to respect and then an alliance.

Trolls tell little about themselves, but are nearly as silent, stubborn, and strong as the rocks of their homelands. Trolls seem content to go for days without speaking or moving. Most accidental encounters with Troll end without the Troll having moved more than it's eyes. However an angered Troll is truely terrible. No other race can equal the raw power a Troll, barehanded they are a match for a well armed soldier. They also ignore ignore and can heal on the battle-field all but the most grevious wounds. The source of this ability, weather natural or magical, is unknown.

Trolls are clumsy, and are generally considered stupid, however it is difficult to judge the intelligence of a creature so inscrutable.

Trolls possess fewer arts than even the Orcs. Sometimes the mightiest trolls will accept armor from the orcs, but they trade little with other races nor do they keep slaves. They prefer living simply in caves near the surface. Trolls do not count years, but it is believed they live a very long time.