Half-Orc
An obscure legend claims that when Corellon put out
Gruumsh’s eye in a primeval battle, part of the savage
god’s essence fell to earth, where it transformed a
race of humans into fierce half-orcs. Another story
suggests that an ancient hobgoblin empire created
half-orcs to lead orc tribes on the empire’s behalf. Yet
another legend claims that a tribe of brutal human
barbarians chose to breed with orcs to strengthen
their bloodline. Some say that Kord created half-orcs,
copying the best elements from the human and orc
races to make a strong and fierce people after his own
heart. If you ask a half-orc about his origin, you might
hear one of these stories. You might also get a punch
in the face for asking such a rude question.
Additional Information
Social Structure
Half-orcs generally live among either Human
or Orc cultures—some in bustling Human towns or
cities, others among remote Human or Orc tribes.
Most half-orcs have two half-orc parents, but sometimes
half-orcs marry and have half-orc children
with Human or Orcs. Orcs show grudging respect to
half-orcs for their considerable strength and for their
cunning intelligence, which sometimes allows halforcs
to rise to leadership positions in orc tribes.
Civilization and Culture
Naming Traditions
Male Names: Brug, Dorn, Druuk, Gnarsh, Grumbar,
Hogar, Karash, Korgul, Krusk, Lubash, Mord, Ohr,
Rendar, Sark, Scrag, Tanglar, Tarak, Thar, Ugarth,
Yurk
Female Names: Augh, Bree, Ekk, Gaaki, Grai,
Grigri, Gynk, Huru, Lagazi, Murook, Nogu, Ootah,
Puyet, Tawar, Tomph, Ubada, Vanchu
Common Dress Code
Most half-orcs
who live among humans favor human styles of clothing
and hairstyle, but a few adopt orc traditions, tying
small bones or beads into long braids or bunches
of hair.
Culture and Cultural Heritage
Half-orcs combine the best qualities of Humans and
Orcs, though some would argue that the good qualities
of orcs are few and hard to find. From their Orc
blood, half-orcs inherit great physical strength and
toughness. They are fierce warriors, fleet of foot as
they charge into battle.
Their Human blood makes half-orcs decisive and
bold, resourceful and self-reliant. They are adaptable
and able to make their way in almost any circumstance.
Although half-orcs often live on the fringes of
society in human towns and cities, they still find ways
to prosper in a world to which they don’t fully belong.
For all their good qualities, many half-orcs exhibit
characteristics that polite society finds uncouth or
undesirable. Half-orcs have little patience for complicated
rules of etiquette or procedure and find
little value in hiding their true opinions in order
to spare someone’s feelings. They enjoy the simple
pleasures of food and drink, boasting, singing, wrestling,
drumming, and dancing, and they don’t find
much satisfaction in more refined or sophisticated
arts. They’re prone to act without much deliberation,
preferring to overcome obstacles as they arise rather
than consider every possible outcome and make contingency
plans. These qualities lead some members of
other races to consider them rude or crass, but others
find their brashness refreshing.
Interspecies Relations and Assumptions
Although possessed of many strengths, half-orcs
frequently encounter prejudice in Human communities.
Thus, most half-orcs gravitate to careers
involving physical labor or violence. For some, the life
of an adventurer is either a natural extension of that
trend or a way to throw off the weight of prejudice.
The adventuring life also means finding a place in a
group of allies and equals—a simple pleasure that is
all too hard for many half-orcs to find in the world.
Lifespan
60-75 years
Average Height
175 - 195 cm
Average Weight
70 - 105 kg
Average Physique
Half-orcs favor their human lineage in appearance,
but are distinguished by skin that tends to various
shades of gray, broad jaws, and prominent lower
canine teeth—though these are still a far cry from the
jutting tusks of orcs. On average, they are taller and
stronger than humans as well. Their hair is usually
black, though it grays quickly with age.
Half-orcs don’t live quite as long as humans do.
They mature quickly, reaching adulthood at about 16
years, and rarely live past the age of 75.
Remove these ads. Join the Worldbuilders Guild
Comments