Well, generally most fantasy settings already have some form of tribal folk or uncivilized barbarians to give some uncultured human opposition for PCs, although I'm pretty certain that the line between a barbarian human and an orc is fine indeed. Unfortunately, the chaps I've known wouldn't have any qualms over bashing hordes of natives compared to orcs due to them being humans.
However, I like drawing up a culture differing from the norm, it gives the barbarian horde character and alters the traditional image if of a bare-chested axe-wielding loonie. The reverence for a shield in the Orcens' case is already a significant change as small as it is. The PCs might expect the raging loinclothed giants of men to charge with their cudgels with no care for their own safety, but are surprised when the opposition utilizes their shields to maximum effect... and to bash some miscreants over their heads with it. Go to Comment
Dhole, huh? I see someone likes the Cthulhu Mythos, aye? I know that the Dholes in the Mythos were tough mofos, but this fellow's rather overkill. If the thing's so insanely powerful, then he really won't be an active part of any game... just like the Tarrasque (poor, poor Tarrasque). Go to Comment