Half-orcs

In game mechanics

Half-orcs will follow Pathfinder's rules as defined here.
Social difficulty: ★★★☆☆ - Half-Orcs will find it difficult to fit in with both human and orc societies, not to mention the other races. Although they are allowed in civil societies, many cities, particularly elven, may require they be vouched for before being allowed to step foot into the city. Half-Orcs will likely experience racism to varying degrees in Ayn.

Not all unions are forged in the flames of passion and love. Some are wrought from barbarism and savagery, and a half-orc is the result from mixing Humans and Orcs. Because of the latter's primitive and evil ways, half-orcs are considered to be monsters or filthy beasts by all but the most tolerant of societies, a misunderstanding that usually results in poor treatment and then the resulting backlash, serving to reinforce the stereotype when a victim of ostracizing fights back.

by Caio Santos

Although they appear quite similar to orcs, there are key differences to set them apart. Perhaps the most obvious is their propensity towards wearing appropriate clothing and acting as civil as possible. Any half-orc with intentions of interacting with society is quick to dress and act in accordance to urban environments, as even though they might gain ire and sneers, it's better than being outright misplaced and hunted on sight.
Otherwise their brow ridge is less pronounced, and by proxy their gaze softened. Many take care of their hair and style it as a human would. Like an orc, however, their skin hue varies between greens, browns, and even grays, and with their larger, more bulkier appearance it makes sense why they would be confused for their barbaric cousins.
Although they would rarely be sited as attractive, like humans they can vary in appearance and some do strike a lovely image.

More than most other races, half-orcs understand solitude at the hands of alienation. A victim of misunderstanding, they are attributed as orcs most of the time, and in the best cases are demoted to being appreciated for what they can offer rather than who they are. For example, a half-orc may be known in town as 'that dirt, green guy who can fix a broken shovel' and that's as close to a compliment and recognition as they might receive. Many other villagers are more likely to see them as a nuisance and a timebomb just waiting to detonate. Orc societies are not much better, as while half-orcs are strong and bulkier than humans, they seem physically weaker than orcs...an attribute that leads to plenty of bullying and abuse. A half-orc that tries to stick around an orc camp may overcompensate with hulking armor or ritual scarring to try and prove their worth.
It is this suspicion and foul treatment that often forces half-orcs to strike out into the world to prove themselves, either as strong enough (or stronger) than an orc, or civil and righteous enough to be considered a human.

by Julia Zhuravleva

Half-orc adventurers are usually forged out of necessity rather than want. An outburst after being verbally pushed around by a shopkeep may find themselves exiled from their home, forced to find their way. Alternatively, an orc tribe may find the half-orc pathetic and weak and outright attack them until they flee and are set out onto the world to fend for themselves. Even in the best and most tolerant societies, half-orcs may still feel that innate insecurity that they do not belong, and will adventure out to prove themselves not just to the world, but to themselves.

Civilization and Culture

Naming Traditions

While its rare that humans parents will keep their child, those that do will try and acknowledge their orc heritage in the name, either out of spite or relevance. If born in an orc society, they will give it an orc name as they can't be bothered with making the distinction.
They will inherit the surname of their parent.
Male: Davor, Broto, Krovush, Jarin
Female: Canan, Nikra, Sarvana

Interspecies Relations and Assumptions

A half-orc does not have it easy in the world. There are plenty of civil societies that will not tolerate one within their borders, and those that do often undermine and marginalize them to the extreme. Elves and dwarves stand particularly against them, viewing them as representations of their longest rival. Humans are a mixed bag, as some will venerate and even fetishize half-orcs while others will act out their racism in vile and hostile means. On average, humans begrudgingly tolerate them and are quick to ridicule.
Half-elves, aasimars, and tieflings understand the strife of being misunderstood and so they share a bond with half-orcs. That said, aasimar and half-elves can raise ire as, despite being the result of interbreeding, they are often accepted and welcomed into society while half-orcs are not. Many half-orcs envy their beauty and social grace.

Alignment And Religion

Although victimized by constant misunderstandings, many decide to indulge the chaos that lurks inside of them naturally. Evil is easily justified to a half-orc, yet most fall along the chaotic neutral axis, reasoning that no one in the world is out to help them so they are better off helping themselves. This can manifest anywhere from striking out on adventure to better themselves, or to stealing from and exploiting the weak for their own gains.
Their religion depends on where they are raised - In human civilization they will have far more options than being raised in an orc tribe where they will likely be forced to worship whatever the tribe follows (More often than not, Azox - God of Destruction ). Half-orcs value strength and freedom, as many are survivors of social evils. This falls in line with Dominet - Goddess of the Fight. That said, they usually lack the patience and tolerance to become clerics or devote worshipers, so it's entirely reasonable for them to hold no value in divinity.

Genetic Ancestor(s)

• Humans
• Orcs

Scientific Name

Homo Efferasapien

Lifespan

70 years

Body Tint, Colouring and Marking

Half-orc skin varies in green, brown, and grey hues. Although they are resistant to tanning, they have more color variations than orcs.

Dietary Needs

Half-orcs, like humans, are omnivores and will eat most anything. They do favor meat as their orcish heritage would shape, but are more prone to cooking and ensuring it has flavor.

Growth Rate & Stages

Taking from their orc heritage, half-orcs live shorter lives in comparison to humans. They are an adult at 15, and old at 60. They can live as long as 80, but life expectancy is 70 years.

Languages

They speak Common and Orc.

by Joanna Wolska