Half-Orcs

'My daughter is trapped between two worlds - she would never be accepted in the 'civilised cities', because they think we're only equal to animals. And here, in the tribe of her ancestors, she is judged as weaker than her kin. But I know that she is strong, and brave, and intelligent, and, with time, the rest of my people shall come to know it too.' - Warchief Rogzub

When an orc and a member of another species (typically a human) have a child, that child is known as a half-orc. They exhibit features from both of their parents, possessing a certain degree of human adaptability and aptitude, enhanced by orcish strength and ferocity. Depending on the circumstances of their conception, a half-orc may be accepted and treated as a member of their community, our outcast. Many half-orcs fare better in orcish communities, whose pragmatic nature makes the combined strength and cunning of a half-orc a significant force within the tribe. In other communities, they're often misjudged and relegated to simple labour roles, where their enhanced strength serves them well. Despite these stereotypes, they are not savages, possessing all the emotion and intelligence of their human parent.

Basic Information

Ecology and Habitats

Half-orcs are just as adaptable as humans, though even more tolerant of harsh temperatures and weather.

Dietary Needs and Habits

Half-orcs are similarly omnivorous to their human parents, though they often tend to prefer meat, especially rare.

Biological Cycle

Half-orcs age more rapidly than humans, often reading adulthood around 15, but this also means that they reach old age much sooner. Much like half-elves, their fertility is low, and most half-orcs die childless.

Additional Information

Facial characteristics

Half-orc facial proportions are similar to their human parents', though they often have smaller noses. They also possess tusks, similar to those of their orcish parents, though significantly smaller.

Civilization and Culture

Naming Traditions

Half-orcs will be named similarly to others in whichever community they are raised in.

Major Language Groups and Dialects

Half-orcs have a natural affinity for both Common and Orcish, and are typically fluent in both.

Culture and Cultural Heritage

Half-orcs typically express a culture similar to that they were raised in.

Interspecies Relations and Assumptions

Depending on the circumstances of their birth and the area in which they live, half-orcs may be wholly accepted, mistrusted, or outright spurned.

Genetic Ancestor(s)

• Humans
• Orcs

Lifespan

60 years

Average Height

Taller than their human parents, usually 6-7ft

Average Weight

Heavier than humans of similar height due to their increased bulk

Body Tint, Colouring and Marking

Half-orcs display a similar range of skin tones to their human parents, though they typically have a grey/green tinge inherited from their orcish parent.