Half-Orc

Half-orcs are a people constantly seeking their place in the world, whether that be in human cities or orcish tribes. They are an adaptable people wherever they settle, blending easily quickly into the culture and seeking to emphasize whichever of their traits mesh better with the society they choose to live in.

History

For as long as orcs and humans have come into conflict with one-another, there have been half orcs. Often treated harshly because of their violent origins and resentment against orcs, they nonetheless have become part of most human societies.

Before The Serpentfolk

Little is known of half-orcs before the reign of the serpentfolk, as they are seldomly written of in the few histories which reach back so far. There are a number of tales of wars and other interactions with orcs, so one can assume that half-orcs existed, but the chroniclers of the time didn't see fit to write of them.

The Reign or the Serpentfolk

Despite their physical prowess, the serpentfolk didn't like using orcs as slaves, regarding them as smelly, with foul tasting flesh. As such, there were no half-orc breeding programs or the like put in place by the serpentfolk, and it is likely that few half-orcs were born during this period.

After the cataclysm

Just as the human population exploded in the vacuum left by the disappearance of the serpentfolk, so did the orcs, and as both expanded, explored, and built their kingdoms, they came into conflict frequently. In these times of active conflict between humans and orcs, half-orcs tended to be treated harshly by a population angered by the depredations of orcish raiders.

Modern Times

Today, with the human kingdoms having established their borders and driven the orcs and other similar races from civilized lands, conflicts with orcs are rare, and most Half-Orcs are several generations seperated from their orcish ancestors and largely treated well. The exception to this rule is in lands closer to areas of untamed wilderness, where conflict between orcs and humans is frequent and first generation half-orcs are both more common and generally despised. Most first generation half-orcs are from these areas, having moved away in search of lands where they aren't discriminated against.

Half-Orc Society

Much like half-elves, half orcs are good at adapting to whichever culture they end up living in, blending in seamlessly if allowed to.

In human societies

For the most part, half-orcs are accepted and well integrated in human societies. Few are first generation, and so the violence and trauma which so often produces them is further from the minds of the people in the societies in which they live.

In orcish societies

In orcish societies, half orcs often hold precarious positions, smaller and weaker than their kin, but smarter and more adaptable. Wise clan leaders will recognise the advantages of having a half orc as advisors, scouts, or other positions which they may be more suitable for than their full-blooded kin.

Half-Orcs in the world

Half-Orcs aren't an uncommon sight in The Shattered Continent, although they are less common than half-elves, particularly in modern times. With the orcs and other similar races having been largely driven out of civilized lands, most half orcs are several generations seperated from their orcish ancestors, and broadly treated well. They can be found in nearly any occupation, although their large stature and natural talent for intimidation often lands them in positions as bouncers, guards, or enforcers.