Half-Orcs
Half-Orcs are the newest race in Elsinya. They arrived in a massive fleet to the northern shores of Alnn and Keld near the beginning of the 4th Era. Naturally strong and towering over most other races, Half-Orcs strike an imposing figure wherever they travel. Despite being called Half-Orcs they bear no relation to the species of Orc that inhabit the mountainous regions of Alnn and Keld. They were named as such due to their faint resemblance to the creatures. They have a unique culture among the races of Elsinya along with a unique language. The mysteries of their origin are shrouded in their own myths and the nature of their arrival.
Basic Information
Anatomy
Half-Orcs follow the general humanoid anatomy. On average they stand over 6' and both genders usually have more muscle mass than other races.
Growth Rate & Stages
Half-Orcs reach maturity at around 16-18 years old. They tend to live just under a century.
Additional Information
Facial characteristics
Their eyes are nearly uniformly a bright yellow with vertical slit pupils. Their final unique feature is their tusks. Their lower canines continue to grow over their life, around the age of 10 they will begin to poke above their lips. Their hair is usually in darker shades of black or even dark greens. In rarer cases a dirty auburn color is possible.
Geographic Origin and Distribution
Half-Orcs can be found on all continents of Elsinya, however, they are found most prevalently in the far north of Alnn and Keld.
Perception and Sensory Capabilities
Half-Orcs have especially good vision in low-light. Their pupils can thin to slits and expand to nearly fill their eyes. Only goblins and the Drow can rival the low-light sensitivity of Half-Orcs.
Civilization and Culture
Naming Traditions
Half-Orc names usually have some sort of meaning in the Orcish language. Usually, any given half-orc will have two given names. The first given, usually, the longer of the two is a type of poetry in their culture. Often times it speaks of some quality the parents wished for their child or of something that happened on the day of their birth. Their 'second' name is usually a simplification of their 'first' name. Usually a combination of different elements of their 'first' name.
Last names in Half-Orc culture are vague and general things. There are a couple dozen 'clans' across the species and usually, a Half-Orc's last name is the clan name. Usually, in this case, there will be a small prefix added to the clan name to indicate a specific lineage. A Half-Orc can also choose when they come of age to disregard their clan name. It is usually seen as a Half-Orc seeking to provide their own name within the world.
Beauty Ideals
In most Half-Orc societies the most common traits associated with beauty are long tusks and defined muscle mass. The specific traits and reasons can vary widely.
Gender Ideals
Half-Orcs are perhaps one of the most egalitarian societies in Elsinya. Since there is very little physical difference between genders, not much importance is put on gender roles. There is the expectation for the continuation of the clan's lineage but aside from that very little attention is paid to gender.
Courtship Ideals
When a Half-Orc wants to start courting another they will usually present some sort of gift. This gift will contain some or of carved bone or stone. If the other Half-Orc begins to wear the small charm it is a sign of a mutual interest. If they return it, it is a symbol of the opposite.
Major Language Groups and Dialects
Because the race is so new to Elsinya, their language has not drifted or diversified as other languages have. In addition, their tendencies toward isolationism have assisted in this. The most common language is Orcish, it has many separate dialects, many of which are unique to a singular or group of clans. The largest dialects are mainly found in the separate Half-Orc homelands spread across Alnn and Keld.
Common Dress Code
Since most Half-Orc societies are found in the far north. Most Half-Orcs societies wear clothing that covers most of the skin. The clothing does not have to conceal the physice of the body, covering the skin is usually enough. This does not apply to the hands or anything above the neck. For all but the most conservative clans, some skin showing is fashionable. Usually, a singular spot in an outfit shows the skin beneath. Usually, showing some variation in the skin patterns.
Common Taboos
For many Half-Orcs, the direction of the North is seen as an unwise direction to travel. Many buildings do not have windows facing northward. A unique quirk of this comes with Half-Orc map making, many of their maps show east, facing upwards instead of north.
Common Myths and Legends
Ancient tales and texts hold that Half-Orcs used to inhabit a land that roughly translates to 'paradise.' The legends tell of a beautiful haven for Half-Orcs, where no other races could step. The texts speak repeatedly of the Half-Orcs connection to the land and vaguely mention blessings from it. All these tales tell of some sort of destruction that destroyed their 'paradise.' Many speak of something that translates as 'The Evil' that arrived and drove the Half-Orcs out of their ancient homes.
The tale goes that the Half-Orcs had to demolish forests to construct a massive fleet of ships to flee their home. These ships are reportedly the ones they arrived in. The final records mention that some sort of illness took many of the elders as they fled in their ships. Tales of huge portions of the population dying within months of fleeing 'paradise' pervade these stories. The last accounts before reaching Elsinya speak of the elders in their final moments passing on cryptic hints of stored knowledge protected in 'paradise.'
A single ancient text tells that the surviving elders recorded the methods of reaching these sums of knowledge. They entrusted a volume to a singular Half-Orc. This young Half-Orc was told to prevent the knowledge from being found, while waiting for a time when it might again be needed. When they finally landed in Elsinya, the text speaks of the young Half-Orc traveling far ahead of her people and hiding the tome
Interspecies Relations and Assumptions
Half-Orcs view most other races with a healthy dose of wariness. They are least fond of the Orredin, however, they do have a respect for the Ohanedin, due to the nature of their focus. Half-Orcs can form strong bonds with most individuals, it does however, take more time compared to humans or halflings.
Lifespan
80 years
Average Height
1.8 - 2.1 meters
Average Weight
65 - 90 kg.
Average Physique
On average they stand over 6' and both genders usually have more muscle mass than other races. While they and the Ohanedin may on the surface seem to share this trait. Their muscles and bone structures bear no resemblance to that of the Ohanedin.
Body Tint, Colouring and Marking
Their skin tones can range from shades of grey to light and dark greens. Most usually have two tones to their skin and most have at least some green to their completion.
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