Half-Orc

A Half-Orc is the result of a Human being crossed with Orc blood. Though genetically and mentally they are more like humans, culturally they are considered brutes like their orc ancestors.

Basic Information

Anatomy

Half-Orc by BoissB

A female Half-Orc, dressed in the colors of House Carannog.

Half-Orcs, physically, resemble humans in physique than they do orcs. The main difference is that half-orcs tend to exhibit bulkier human traits. The Half-Orc no doubt has wider shoulders, slightly thicker bones, and their heart is half a size larger than the standard human heart. They tend to be naturally stronger than humans as well, with their muscle mass being developed faster due to their accelerated aging. This also means that Half-Orcs have a higher metabolism than humans.
Half-Orcs physically have different teeth structure, too. They will often have a massive underbite, because of their lower canines growing into larger tusks, resembling their orc ancestry.

Genetics and Reproduction

The Half-Orc can have a myriad of ways they got their genetics:

• Their parents were a human and an orc.

• Their parents were both half-orcs.

• Their parents were a half-orc and a human.

• One parent was an orc and the other was a half-orc.

• Magically they are changed into a Half-Orc.

Whatever the case, the Half-Orc is the result of human genetics being blended in with an orc's. It is not too different from your standard humanoid how they are born. Often the mother is pregnant for a period of around nine months, and then undergoes live birth.

Growth Rate & Stages

Half-Orcs grow fast, often reaching full maturity at the age of 14. Their growth years are violent, with the children undergoing massive pain. However, to the Half-Orc parent, how they handle this pain is a sign of either weakness or strength. If they are agonized, then they are considered weak. If they can handle the pain, they are considered strong. Eventually, an adult Half-Orc becomes numb to the pain they endured to the point where simple cuts or bruises no longer hurt to them. The only thing truly pain comes from weapon gashes, magic, or the experience of childbirth to them. However, the Half-Orc's rapid growth also leads to shorter lifespans. It is surprising when a Half-Orc gets to an age beyond 75.

Additional Information

Perception and Sensory Capabilities

Unlike humans, Half-Orcs gain the dark vision of their ancestors, the orcs. This allows them to see in the dark, though it is all colored black and white.
Half-Orcs are also numb to simpler pains, like small cuts, gashes, and growth pains. This boost in their constitution allows the Half-Orc to be able to get back up after being knocked down in a battle. They are known for this ability, making the Half-Orc a valued fighter.

Civilization and Culture

Gender Ideals

Jefra's Exotic Smells by Marius Bota

There is an odd phenomenon of female Half-Orcs tending to become alchemists or witches. This is because many of them are seen to be brutish in a social sense. They do not like the company of other people often and would rather tend to themselves. Yet they still need a role in society, meaning some of them decide to tap into magic instead of the sword. Other females do what the males do: decide to pick up a sword and find respect through fighting.
Male Half-Orcs often like to embrace the "masculine" idea of fighting and helping their local cities and tribes. Being a knight or skilled fighter comes naturally and it's an easy way to earn respect within a town despite their looks.

Culture and Cultural Heritage

Lucien by Arthur Asa

It is very hard for a Half-Orc to fit into a culture without the "brute" assumption being thrown at them. The only comfortable cultures the Half-Orc fits in are in the region of Keller, in Eiren. Besides that, it is not uncommon to see the Half-Orc take a life of travelling or being an outsider. Some resort to learning witchcraft or becoming a druid to tap into the world's greatest secrets. Half-Orcs will sometimes view themselves as cursed and try to join Paladin orders in hopes of redemption, or at least finding purpose. Some even resort to living with true orcs.
However, some others turn to a life of crime because of difficulties with integrating. Becoming hired mercenaries or thugs is a viable option, considering how their natural strength makes it easy. Some try to become covert spies or thieves as well. It is an unfortunate circumstance that Half-Orcs fall into the side of chaos and evil, but it is well known to them that true Orcs are often purveyors of said crimes. Why not embrace that heritage?

History

The first instance of Half-Orcs appearing in history was found in the legend Kings of the Kells. According to the writer of the legend:

"The Kells return to being dis-unified and were attacked by Orc tribes. The Tribe of Carannog was captured by the orcs and intermingled. Hence why many Half-Orcs are found within the tribe of Carannog."

Many bards of lore consider this the first "interaction" between humans and orcs. Whatever the case, the Half-Orc remained a part of Kellerite society for millennia to come. At first, many where considered outcasts. Then, King Beorhtric Lulach of Keller's Coast fell in love with the Half-Orc maiden Matilda Carannog. From this, two tribes of Half-Orcs rose to prominence within the region of Lysandus: the Carannogs and the Lulachs. The conjoined Lulach-Carannog dynasty ruled over Keller for a few centuries until the kingdom collapsed.
Half-Orcs, of course, were not always welcome within human society. For the case of the Kells, they were brethren by blood. But for other tribes and nations of the world, where the Half-Orcs began to visit, they were seen as barbarians or outcasts. So many Half-Orcs wandered the world, trying to find their purpose.

Endimion the Half Orc by Iain Anderson

A Half-Orc that has taken the oath of a Paladin. Many Half-Orcs try to find purpose to their short lives, and a path of righteousness is one of the popular choices.

Genetic Ancestor(s)

• Humans

Scientific Name

Homo Sapiens Orcus

Lifespan

75 years

Average Height

5-6 feet tall.

Body Tint, Colouring and Marking

Half-Orcs have a distinct green, grey, or tan pignment to their skin, depending how much human they have in their ancestry.