Half-Orcs
Half-orcs are humanoids born of both human and orc ancestry by a multitude of means. Having the combined physical power of their orcish ancestors with the agility of their human ones, half-orcs are formidable individuals. Though they are often shunned in both human and orcish society for different reasons, half-orcs have proven themselves from time to time as worthy heroes and dangerous villains. Their existence implies an interesting back story that most would not like to dwell on.
Scarred and Strong
Half-orcs have existed in the world since before the dawn of recorded history, when orcs and humans first came into contact. Yet, in all that time, they have found few places for themselves in Faerûnian civilization - or, perhaps more accurately, civilization has never made room for them.
Most of the common folk have an aversion to half-orcs based largely on their appearance; anyone who looks that much like an orc, they reason, must be like an orc and should be kept at a distance. Because half-orcs are typically stronger and hardier than their human peers, they can find employment in towns and cities, but their appearance marks them as outsiders. In response to being ostracized, half-orcs either embrace their otherness and take pride in their physical superiority, pull back and try not to draw too much attention to themselves, or give up trying to fit in anywhere and adopt a nomadic lifestyle.
Half-orcs are (on the Sword Coast and north-west) tolerated but unwelcome. Likely to be treated like dirt and suffer casual racism from some individuals, half-orcs commonly have to form their own communities to be accepted or join up with less picky individuals who appreciate their strength.
Most of the common folk have an aversion to half-orcs based largely on their appearance; anyone who looks that much like an orc, they reason, must be like an orc and should be kept at a distance. Because half-orcs are typically stronger and hardier than their human peers, they can find employment in towns and cities, but their appearance marks them as outsiders. In response to being ostracized, half-orcs either embrace their otherness and take pride in their physical superiority, pull back and try not to draw too much attention to themselves, or give up trying to fit in anywhere and adopt a nomadic lifestyle.
Half-orcs are (on the Sword Coast and north-west) tolerated but unwelcome. Likely to be treated like dirt and suffer casual racism from some individuals, half-orcs commonly have to form their own communities to be accepted or join up with less picky individuals who appreciate their strength.
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