Half Orc

Andraous (Discontinued)    Sentient Folk    Kin Folk    Hybrids      Half Orc

The hybrid offspring of Humans and Orcs, Half Orcs have either the best or worse traits of their parents, depending on who you ask. Despite being capable of great deeds and wisdom, Half Orcs must constantly prove themselves to the world around them. They are forced to grow up fast and hard, which can lead them to have short tempers and be bitter and wary. As a result Half Orcs tend to be loners. However those that do befriend a Half Orc will find themselves with an extremely loyal companion.
Half Orcs tend to have a hard time finding their place in the world, and will often leave their home to go on adventures to prove their worth and improve their skills. Many will find work as caravan guards or mercenaries. Others may be forced to turn to crime to survive.
Natural leaders and strategic advisors, Half Orcs can hold their own on the battlefield. Some of their preferred weapons include falchions, great axes, flails, and spike chains.

Basic Information

Anatomy

While a Half Orc's appearance can vary, they typically have a good blend of their parent's characteristics. Half Orcs have a powerful build, however while they are usually stronger than the average human, they are often weaker than full blooded Orcs.

Biological Traits

Half Orcs have relatively decent low light vision. Their strength allows them to be decent climbers. Some individuals are capable of using magic.

Additional Information

Social Structure

Half Orcs are most common in Human or Orc societies. Orc societies are more accepting of Half Orcs and tend to raise them as if they were just another Orc. Human societies are less accepting of Half Orcs, and it's not uncommon for a baby to be killed or abandoned in the wilds.

Uses, Products & Exploitation

Due to their strength it is not uncommon for Half Orcs to end up in the slave trade. It can be very difficult to break their spirit, but when it does they make very efficient workers or entertaining fighters. Some slavers will even intentionally encourage Human and Orc slaves to have children. Those that escape slavery often have their chains reforged into weapons.

Facial characteristics

From their Orcish heritage Half Orcs usually have a heavy brow and slightly pointed ears. Their lower canine teeth form small 'tusks' that just barely protrude from their mouth.

Civilization and Culture

Naming Traditions

• Female Names: Canan, Drogheda, Goruza, Mazon, Shirish, Tevaga, Zeljka.
• Male Names: Ausk, Davor, Hakak, Kizziar, Makoa, Nesteruk, Tsadok.

Major Language Groups and Dialects

Depending on which society they are born into, Half Orcs primary language is either one of the orc languages or human languages. Those that leave their society to travel or frequently interact with outsiders often learn the Merchant's Tongue.

Culture and Cultural Heritage

Many Half Orcs end up getting at least a few piercings and/or tattoos throughout their lives, usually as a symbol of an important event in their lives.
Most aren't religious, but those that are usually go full out.

Interspecies Relations and Assumptions

General Always trying to prove themselves, especially to Orcs or Humans. They resent being judged, and often lashes out.
Humans Humans and Orcs have strained relationships due to miscommunication and smear campaigns. Unfortunately this extends to Half Orcs. Many humans believe that the birth of a Half Orc is the result of violence, and because of this believe that the Half Orcs themselves are devoid of civility. They also tend to be stronger than the average human which further fuels the fears about them. Some human societies will tolerate a Half Orcs in their midst, but even then they are only valued for their physical strength. It's hard for Half Orcs to find work that isn't mercenary work, body guards, or even flat out slavery.
Orcs Orcs tend to be a bit more accepting of Half Orcs and Half Orcs born into their tribes are constantly striving to prove themselves via feats of strength. They are also more likely to sharpen their tusks, and get tribal tattoos. Often they are apprenticed to the tribe's shaman.
Dwarves Dwarves tend to treat Half Orcs like they do with Orcs.
Half Elves Half Orcs are envious of Half Elves social acceptance and physical beauty.
Halflings While Halflings find them intimidating, Half Orcs are more sympathetic with them and admire their positive outlook, and ability to blend in.

Genetic Ancestor(s)

• Humans
• Orc

Average Height

6ft

Body Tint, Colouring and Marking

Half Orcs get their skin color from their Orc parent, so their skin is usually some shade of green or grey.