Half-Orc

CROSSROADS    Races    Common      Half-Orc

Race Information

"Through the clash of steel and the roar of battle, we find our purpose; through the bonds of kinship and the strength of our hearts, we find our home. Never underestimate the power of a half-orc's resolve, for we are the living testament to the unity of two worlds." - Gorthak Ironfist, Half-Orc Warchief of the Broken Tusk Tribe

Half-Orcs, the offspring of orcs and humans, are a race that possesses a unique blend of characteristics inherited from both their parent races. Often misunderstood and marginalized, half-orcs have a rich history and culture of their own.

Society

Half-orc society is not centralized, as half-orcs are often born into other racial communities, most often human or orc. Many find themselves as outsiders, not entirely belonging to either of their parent races. This sense of displacement can create a strong resilience and independence in many half-orcs.

Half-orcs don't typically have their own settlements. They live among humans or orcs, or in cosmopolitan areas where many races coexist. In human cities, they often live in the poorer, rougher districts, where they can find work as laborers or mercenaries. Some half-orcs rise above these circumstances, using their strength and determination to carve out a better life for themselves.

Half-orcs are often stereotyped as brutes or thugs, and many find work as soldiers, guards, or manual laborers. However, they can be found in a variety of professions, especially in more diverse or accepting communities. Some half-orcs become adventurers, where their strength and toughness can be great assets.

Regions

In Faerun, half-orcs do not have specific homelands of their own, as they are the offspring of humans and orcs. However, there are regions and settlements where they are more likely to be found due to the proximity of orc and human populations or the increased acceptance of half-orcs within the community. Some of these areas include:

The Spine of the World:

This mountain range in the northern part of Faerun is home to several orc tribes, and it is not uncommon for half-orcs to be found living among them or in nearby human settlements.

The Sword Coast:

This western region of Faerun is known for its diverse population, which includes half-orcs. Cities like Baldur's Gate, Neverwinter, and Waterdeep have a more accepting attitude towards half-orcs, offering them opportunities to find work and integrate into society.

The Silver Marches:

This confederation of cities and towns in the North is situated near the orc-inhabited Spine of the World and has seen its share of conflicts with orc tribes. As a result, half-orcs are relatively common in this region and often serve as valuable allies against orc threats.

The Border Kingdoms:

This region in the south of Faerun is known for its shifting alliances and ever-changing political landscape. The diverse population and constant flux make it a place where half-orcs can find acceptance and opportunities more easily than in other regions.

Thesk:

Located in eastern Faerun, Thesk is known for its trade relations with the lands to the east. The region has a diverse population, and half-orcs can be found among the various communities that inhabit the area.

The Stonelands:

Situated between Cormyr and the Anauroch desert, this rugged region is home to numerous humanoid races, including orcs and half-orcs. Some half-orcs have managed to carve out a life for themselves in this harsh environment.

It is important to note that half-orcs can be found throughout Faerun, often as a result of their nomadic lifestyle or their roles as adventurers. These regions and settlements mentioned above are just a few examples of places where half-orcs are more likely to be encountered.

Relations

Half-orcs often face prejudice from other races, especially elves and dwarves, who have a long history of conflict with orcs. However, their strength and courage can earn them grudging respect. Half-orcs often get along well with other half-breeds or marginalized people, and they have a particular kinship with half-elves, who also live between two worlds.

Physical Qualities

Half-orcs are typically larger and more muscular than humans, standing between 5.5 and 7 feet tall, with an imposing physique. Their skin tones range from gray to green, with some individuals exhibiting a more human-like skin color. Half-orcs possess distinct orcish features such as a sloping forehead, prominent lower canine teeth that resemble tusks, and a broad, flat nose. Their hair is usually coarse and black, and their eyes can be various shades of brown, gray, or green.

RP Guide

Half-orcs in Faerûn are often marked by their mixed heritage, living in a world that might not fully accept them. Here are some tips to help you roleplay a half-orc character:

Struggle for Acceptance:

Half-orcs often find themselves living on the fringes of society, not fully accepted by either humans or orcs. Your character might face prejudice or mistrust, which could make them tough, resilient, and fiercely independent. Alternatively, they might strive to prove themselves and earn respect.

Strength and Courage:

Half-orcs are known for their physical strength and bravery. Whether your character is a warrior, a laborer, or another profession that benefits from their physical prowess, these traits likely play a big role in their life.

Outsider Perspective:

As someone who lives between two worlds, your half-orc character might have a unique perspective on the world. They might question social norms, challenge prejudices, or seek to build bridges between different groups.

Religion and Spirituality:

Your character's beliefs might be influenced by both human and orcish religions. They might worship Gruumsh, the god of the orcs, or they might follow one of the human deities. They might also have a strong sense of fate or destiny.

Relations with Other Races:

Half-orcs often face prejudice from other races, but they can also form strong bonds with those who treat them with respect. Your character might have a particular kinship with other half-breeds or marginalized individuals. They might also have complex feelings toward humans and orcs, given their mixed heritage.

Physical Characteristics:

Half-orcs are larger and stronger than most humans, with distinctive orcish features. Your character might be proud of their orcish heritage, or they might try to downplay it to fit in with humans. Their appearance might also affect how others perceive them.

Versatility:

While many half-orcs become warriors or laborers, your character could be anything you imagine. They could be a rogue using their strength for stealthy intimidation, a cleric with a strong connection to their god, or even a wizard who surprises others with their intelligence and arcane power.

Remember, these are just guidelines. Every half-orc is an individual with their own experiences and personality. Feel free to create a character who breaks the mold and defies stereotypes!

RELIGION

Half-orcs who live among orcs often worship the orcish pantheon, especially Gruumsh, the one-eyed god of storms and war. Those who live among humans might worship any of the human gods. Many half-orcs have a strong sense of fate or destiny, and may be drawn to gods who offer strength, protection, or vengeance.

HISTORY

The history of half-orcs in Faerun is intrinsically linked to the histories of both orcs and humans. Their origins can be traced back to the early interactions between these two races, which often involved conflict and violence. As a result, half-orcs have long been stigmatized and viewed with suspicion by many societies.

Despite the challenges they have faced, half-orcs have persevered and forged their own place in the world. They have formed small, tight-knit communities or joined existing settlements, where they have used their strength and resilience to contribute to the well-being of their people.

Half-orcs have had to navigate the often tumultuous relationships between orcs and humans throughout history. While they have been mistrusted by both sides at times, their unique position has also allowed them to act as mediators, bridging the divide between the two races.

In more recent times, the role of half-orcs in Faerun has evolved, with many half-orcs finding acceptance and even respect within various societies. They have become skilled warriors, scouts, and adventurers, using their natural talents and hard-earned experience to make a name for themselves and challenge the stereotypes that have long plagued their race.

Characteristics

Kit Items

Darkvision
smolears1
Elven Ears (Small) [A]
Elven Ears II (Small) [A]
(T) Small Elf Ear (Left)
(T) Small Elf Ear (Right)
(T) Medium Elf Ear (Left)
(T) Medium Elf Ear (Right)
(JCACC) Pointed Ears 1 Left
(JCACC) Pointed Ears 1 Right
(JCACC) Pointed Ears 2 Left
(JCACC) Pointed Ears 2 Right
(JCACC) Stretched Ears 1 Left
(JCACC) Stretched ears 1 Right
Elvish Ear A [R]
Elvish Ear A [L]
Elvish Ear B [R]
Elvish Ear B [L]
Elvish Ear A [R][ToT]
Elvish Ear A [L][ToT]
Elvish Ear B [R][ToT]
Elvish Ear B [L][ToT]
Orc Ear A [R][ToT]
Orc Ear A [L][ToT]
Orc Ear B [R][ToT]
Orc Ear B [L][ToT]
Orc Ear C [R][ToT]
Orc Ear C [L][ToT]
Orc Ear A [R]
Orc Ear A [L]
Orc Ear B [R]
Orc Ear B [L]
Elf Right
Elf Left
[C] Tooth 1
[C] Tooth 2
(JCACC) Pointed Fang Left
(JCACC) Pointed Fang Right
Tusks (Attached)
Tusks II [A]

Height:
160 - 195cm
Lifespan:
75
Starting Language(s):
Common, Orc
Suggested Alignment:
Any
Racial Tension(s):
Nothing Specific

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Stats

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Ability Scores:
+1 Strength

Saving Throws:
None

Damage Resistance:
None

Skills:
+2 Intimidation (Strength), +2 Resilience

Perks

Darkvision

This creature can see in the dark.

Relentless

As a bonus action, heal yourself for 1d10 + constitution modifier. Ability can be used once per long rest.