Half-Orcs

Description:

Half-orcs are the result of crossbreeding between humans and orcs. Such creatures tend to be outcasts within Human communities, but sometimes rise to positions of leadership within orcish communities. Half-orcs are a bit shorter than humans. Their features tend to favor the orcish parent. An average Half-orc male in good health stands around six feet three inches tall and weighs about 190 pounds. Most Half-orcs live around 70 years.  

Morals and Ethics:

Due to their orcish bloodline, half-orcs often have a natural inclination towards aggression and combat. While this doesn’t mean they are always violent or barbaric, their cultural upbringing and orcish instincts can manifest in a more assertive or forceful demeanor.   Half-orcs possess a level of adaptability that stems from their mixed heritage. This adaptability can manifest in various ways, such as learning to navigate different social environments, blending orcish tenacity with human cunning, or embracing versatility in their chosen professions or roles.

Views on Race:

  • Dwarves: Half-orcs respect dwarves for their renowned skill in craftsmanship and their prowess in battle. Dwarven weapons and armor are often highly valued, and half-orcs may appreciate the durability and effectiveness of these items. On the other hand, tension can arise between the two races. Dwarves might see half-orcs as uncivilized or brutish, while half-orcs might resent perceived arrogance or aloofness from the dwarves.
  • Halflings: Half-orcs, often priding themselves as physically robust and imposing, view halflings as small and potentially fragile. Still, some half-orcs who spend a extended period of time with the small race appreciate their adaptability, seeing halflings as individuals who can navigate situations with finesse where they can't.
  • Humans: Half-orcs can tend to feel a strong connection to humanity. They appreciate the shared characteristics and experiences with humans, such as ambition and adaptability. On the other hand, half-orcs tend to experience biases from humans. In such cases, their view of humans is tainted by negative experiences and being treated poorly.
  • Elves: Half-orcs tend to view elves as physically frail or lacking in the raw power they themselves possess and even too refined or aloof. Elves are frequently associated with magic, particularly arcane and nature magic. Half-orcs view this with suspicion, especially when their own magical traditions are more shamanistic in their approaches.
  • Half-Elves: Half-orcs might find common ground with half-elves due to their shared experience as mixed-race individuals navigating societies that may not fully accept them. Half-orcs might view half-elves as overly concerned with elven grace or human ambition, which can feel frivolous compared to the raw survival instincts half-orcs often rely on. Initial misunderstandings may arise due to differing cultural values—half-orcs’ directness can clash with half-elves’ diplomacy—but these differences can foster mutual respect when both groups recognize their shared struggles as outsiders.

Race Restrictions:

A half-orc must have a minimum Constitution of 9, and are limited to a maximum Intelligence of 17.  

Class Restrictions:

Half-orcs may become members of any class.

Special Abilities:

Half-orcs gain a bonus of 5% on all earned experience. When dealing with humanoids of human-size or smaller, a half-orc gains an additional +1 on any reaction die roll, in addition to their Charisma bonus.  

Saving Throws:

Half-orcs save at +1 vs. Death Ray or Poison.

HALF-ORC CHARTS

 
Ability Requirements CON 9 or higher, INT 17 or lower
Classes Any
Hit Die Any
Weapons Large weapons require two hands
Special
  • +5% to all earned experience
  • +1 on reaction die roll when dealing with humanoids of human-size or smaller
Save Bonus +1 vs. Death Ray or Poison
Languages
  • Common, Orcish
  • +1 / point of INT bonus
Description Typically about 6' tall, 185 lbs, and lives about 70 years.
Geographic Distribution
Related Organizations
Related Ethnicities