Half Orc

Kaelan crept through the underbrush, his gaze fixed on the flickering campfires ahead. The stench of blood and ash clung to the night air, a sickening reminder of the devastation these orcs had left behind. He had seen it before—his own life born from such raids, his past etched with the same scars that now marked the survivors left in their wake. Tonight, vengeance was not just a duty; it was personal.
The Yurvonian warband signaled, a low, guttural call for retribution, and Kaelan surged forward, his grip tightening around his axe. The fury burned within him, a raw and relentless rage fueled by hatred not only for the orcs who tore through Yurvonian villages but for the darkness woven into his own blood. The clash was brutal, savage, and Kaelan let the rage consume him, each strike a violent rejection of the orcish brutality that had shaped his very existence.
When the last orc fell, Kaelan stood alone in the silence, his body heaving, his hands slick with blood. Around him, the Yurvonian warriors collected themselves, but Kaelan lingered, staring at the bodies strewn across the ground. This was the path he had chosen—to wield his rage not as a curse but as a weapon, to turn his heritage into something that could protect rather than destroy. As dawn crept over the trees, Kaelan felt the familiar weight settle in his heart, a reminder that he would forever walk the line between vengeance and redemption.

— Kaelan’s First Raid

Children of Strength and Compassion

From the rugged land of Yurvonia come the Half-Orcs, a race shaped by tragedy, resilience, and a unique blend of heritage. Born from the violent incursions of orcish tribes into Yurvonian territories, Half-Orcs stand as living testaments to both the strength and compassion of the Yurvonian people who raised them. Though their origins are marred by war, Half-Orcs embody the virtues of their adopted Yurvonian kin, rising above their heritage to become symbols of loyalty, honor, and bravery.
Orcs, created by Morgesh, the Mad God, are beings of relentless savagery, driven solely by a primal urge to destroy, breed, and consume. True Orcs view Half-Orcs with disdain, considering them weak and irrelevant distractions from their sole purpose. Learning of their orcish origins, many Half-Orcs feel a deep resentment for the violence that Orcs represent. Determined to forge their own path, they embody resilience, compassion, and the will to protect others from the terror Orcs unleash.

Proud and Powerful

Half-Orcs are tall, imposing figures with powerful physiques, standing between 6 and 7 feet and weighing from 180 to 250 pounds. Their skin tones range from muted green to a dark gray, and they bear distinctive orcish features such as sloping foreheads, jutting jaws, prominent teeth, and deep-set eyes. Raised among the fair-skinned, tall warriors of Yurvonia, Half-Orcs adopt Yurvonian hairstyles, favoring practicality while often incorporating orcish symbols as reminders of their heritage. They carry themselves with a quiet dignity, embodying a balance of strength and grace that speaks to both sides of their lineage.
Their orcish blood instills a resilience that matches the rugged landscape of Yurvonia itself. Many bear scars from both training and battle, viewing these marks not as disfigurements but as symbols of resilience, bravery, and loyalty. For Half-Orcs, each scar tells a story, a visible testament to a life lived with honor.

Kindred of Iron and Stone

Half-Orc children experience a unique blend of tough love and camaraderie within Yurvonian clans. Raised alongside human siblings, they learn early the values of honor, loyalty, and resilience through Yurvonian traditions. Young Half-Orcs often participate in games like the “Stone Toss” and “Log Lift,” where they bond with their peers through friendly competition. These games, alongside rites of passage such as the “Midwinter Hunt,” foster courage and teamwork, preparing them for both the battlefield and the bonds of kinship.
Despite their formidable appearance, Half-Orc youths are known for their lively spirits and storytelling abilities, becoming cherished members of their communities. Their humor and energy bring warmth to Yurvonian village celebrations, reminding those around them that true strength lies not only in muscle but also in the ability to foster joy and unity.

Forged in Valor

From a young age, Half-Orcs are trained in Yurvonian martial traditions, learning to channel their orcish strength through discipline and precision. They become proficient in traditional Yurvonian weapons such as the axe and spear, mastering techniques that blend raw power with refined skill. This intense training fosters a unique fighting style, both powerful and calculated, marking them as formidable warriors respected across Tavomia.
The warrior poets and epic sagas of Yurvonia deeply influence Half-Orcs. These tales of heroism inspire in them a desire to prove their worth through great deeds. Many Half-Orcs dream of etching their names into the annals of Yurvonian history, not only as skilled warriors but as heroes worthy of song and story.

Honoring the Spirits

Half-Orcs raised among Yurvonians are taught compassion, loyalty, and discipline. While their orcish blood can incline them toward impulsiveness, Yurvonian values instill a balance that tempers their strength with wisdom. Many develop a deep loyalty to their clans and communities, embodying the virtues that Yurvonian society holds dear.
Growing up in Yurvonian culture, which reveres the natural world, Half-Orcs adopt a similar respect for the spirits and fey that dwell within the land. They participate in rituals and festivals, honoring these spirits and striving to maintain balance with the mystical forces of Tavomia. This spiritual connection grounds them, adding depth to their fierce nature and aligning them with the Yurvonian belief that strength must serve a greater purpose.

Trials of Trust

Half-Orcs are fully integrated into Yurvonian society through bonds of family and clan, learning the values of loyalty, bravery, and communal support. Though many Yurvonians embrace them as kin, some biases persist. Half-Orcs must navigate these complexities, often driven by a deep desire to prove their dedication to the Yurvonian way of life. Through their actions, they earn respect within their clans, overcoming prejudices and building bonds that transcend blood.
In other regions of Tavomia, Half-Orcs face harsher prejudice. Seen by some as reminders of past violence, they often find acceptance elusive, and many live on the fringes of society. For those who endure, this journey often brings them to Yurvonia, where they find a community willing to embrace them. Nonetheless, others remain in more tolerant regions, where diversity is accepted and they can build lives despite lingering challenges.

Language and Naming

Half-Orcs speak Yurvonian and Landrian (common), their voices marked by a deep, gravelly tone that comes from orcish jaw structure. Names reflect Yurvonian values, often connected to strength, bravery, and honor. Over time, Half-Orcs may earn nicknames based on deeds, serving as symbols of respect within their clans.
Male Names: Agnar, Bjorn, Grim, Ragnar, Ulfric
Female Names: Astrid, Brynhildr, Ingrid, Solveig
Titles and Nicknames: Skullcrusher, Stormborn, Ironclad

Half Orc Racial Traits

Ability Score Increase. Your Strength score increases by 2, and your Constitution score increases by 1.
Age. Half-Orcs mature a little faster than humans, reaching adulthood around age 14. They age noticeably faster and rarely live longer than 75 years.
Alignment. Half-Orcs are often shaped by their human upbringing, leaning towards neutral good as they value loyalty, bravery, and honor. However, their orcish heritage may make them more prone to impulsive actions, sometimes displaying chaotic tendencies.
Size. Half-Orcs are somewhat larger and bulkier than humans, and they range from 5 feet to well over 6 feet tall. Your size is Medium.
Speed. Your base walking speed is 30 feet.
Darkvision. Due to your orc heritage, you have superior vision in dark and dim conditions. You can see in dim light within 60 feet of you as if it were bright light, and in darkness as if it were dim light. You can't discern color in darkness, only shades of gray.
Relentless Endurance. When you are reduced to 0 hit points but not killed outright, you can drop to 1 hit point instead. You can't use this feature again until you finish a long rest.
Battle Frenzy. Your instinctive drive for combat propels you into the fray. You can use a bonus action to move up to your speed towards a hostile creature that you can see.
Savage Attacks. When you score a critical hit with a melee weapon attack, you can roll one of the weapon's damage dice an additional time and add it to the extra damage of the critical hit.
Menacing. You gain proficiency in the Intimidation skill.
Cultural Resilience. You have proficiency in the Survival skill, and your proficiency bonus is doubled for any ability check you make that involves navigating or understanding the wilderness, reflecting your ability to adapt and thrive in harsh environments.
Languages. You can speak, read, and write Landrian (Common), Yurvonian, and Orcish. Your speech is often marked by a distinct, harsher accent due to your orcish heritage.

Playing a Half-Orc

To play a Half-Orc is to embrace the strength, loyalty, and tenacity of a people forged by both conflict and compassion. You are a bridge between two worlds: the fierce orcish lineage that surges in your blood and the Yurvonian values that shape your soul. Every scar tells a story, every battle is fought with purpose, and every step you take is a testament to your resilience. Yet, beneath this strength lies the quiet determination to protect those you love, defy expectations, and prove that honor and compassion can rise from even the darkest origins.

Personality

Half-Orcs are spirited and fiercely loyal, often displaying a wry sense of humor alongside a practical, no-nonsense approach to life. They value strength and directness but are deeply protective of those they consider family, going to great lengths to safeguard their loved ones. Though they may struggle with the expectations of others, their drive to forge a unique path often pushes them to surpass these challenges, guided by Yurvonian values of loyalty and integrity. They are candid in their words and grounded in their beliefs, never shying from their orcish heritage but choosing to wield it for good.

Roleplaying a Half-Orc

As a Half-Orc, your outlook and demeanor are shaped by your unique blend of heritage and Yurvonian upbringing:
Scarred and Proud: Each scar is a mark of survival, an emblem of your strength and resilience. You may wear these with pride, treating each as a badge of honor in Yurvonian society.
Warrior’s Spirit: Raised in a culture that respects strength and loyalty, you channel your orcish vigor with Yurvonian discipline. Whether in combat or in camaraderie, you approach each challenge with fierce determination.
Bonded by Blood and Loyalty: Your loyalties run deep, and you protect your companions and clan with an unwavering dedication. Trust, once given, is sacred to you.

Why Venture Out?

Half-Orcs often set out from their Yurvonian homes with a powerful sense of purpose, driven by their dual heritage and the need to prove their worth:
Protect the Vulnerable: You may travel to defend those who cannot protect themselves, driven by the desire to counter the violence Orcs bring.
Seek Honor and Legacy: Some Half-Orcs quest for honor, hoping to carve their names into the annals of history, proving they are more than just their lineage.
Discover Belonging Beyond Borders: Others venture out to find a place where their dual nature is accepted, forging bonds and loyalty with those they meet.

Half-Orcs in a Party

In a party, you bring strength, loyalty, and a grounded perspective that can rally your companions through the darkest of challenges. Your unyielding spirit can act as an anchor, reminding those around you of the power of resilience. While your intense loyalty may seem fierce to some, it creates bonds that can outlast any hardship. Your physical prowess and tactical approach make you a powerful ally, while your inner strength serves as a beacon for those you defend.

Example Heroes

Kaelan, the Barbarian
Bedecked in furs and bearing a scarred visage, Kaelan’s humor is as sharp as his axe. With each battle cry, he channels his inner strength, wielding both the rage of his orcish blood and the discipline of his Yurvonian training. Kaelan fights not just for himself but for the Yurvonian clan that raised him, determined to protect their honor and legacy. His quest brings him to Tavomia’s wilds, where his ferocity is tempered by a fierce love for his comrades.
Runa, the Paladin
With a piercing gaze and a jaw set in determination, Runa’s presence commands respect. Adorned in armor inscribed with Yurvonian symbols, she upholds the tenets of justice, seeking to defend the innocent from corruption and brutality. Her journey stems from a desire to reclaim her heritage, transforming orcish strength into a shield for the helpless. Her path of protection and valor sets her as both guardian and champion, her actions a testament to her dedication.
Vorik, the Druid
With his staff carved from Yurvonian oak and a reverence for the natural world, Vorik communes deeply with the spirits of Tavomia. Raised with Yurvonian spiritualism and his orcish connection to the earth, he is a healer and protector of the wilds, drawn to landscapes where the fey and natural spirits thrive. Vorik travels to restore balance where it has been disturbed, his quiet strength and wisdom an echo of the land’s resilience.