Half-Orc
Half-orcs are a sentient species native to the Galisean and Feloran continents of Getninia. Uniquely, half-orcs can be divided into two distinct origins, those with human parentage, and those with elven parentage, although in modern times, this distinction has fallen out of favor in some groups. Half-orcs can be found in various societies and communities throughout Getninia, often, but not always, adapting to the cultural norms and customs of the regions they inhabit.
Half-orcs in Getninia are reknowned for their adaptability and versatility, which often leads them to integrate into a wide range of professions and trades. Many half-orcs excel in skilled trades, such as blacksmithing, carpentry, masonry, and other practical disciplines; indeed, some of the world's oldest guilds were founded by half-orcs at the apex of their profession. Their strength and resilience make them valuable contributors to these fields, and they can be found honing their crafts in both human-dominated and elven-dominated societies.
Basic Information
Anatomy
Like most mortal races native to the prime material plane of the Known World, Half-Orcs possess an upright body posture, two legs, two arms, and one head. Half-Orcs have hands with tactile fingers and opposable thumbs, lacking opposable toes. They have two ears, which may be rounded or pointed depending on their elven or human ancestry, a nose, and two eyes on their face. They tend to have less thick body and head hair, than their fully-Orc cousins, with Feloran Half-Orcs in particular growing little facial hair.
Biological Traits
Half-orcs life longer on average than their Orcish cousins, with most reaching well into their sixth decade, though those living with Orc-dominant social groups can expect to die as young as 50. Half-orcs lose their hair color quickly, reflecting their orcish metabolic rate. Rare examples of half-orcs living longer can be attributed to intensive use of magic.
The overall appearance of a Half-Orc can vary significantly, influenced by their individual lineage and ancestry. Half-Orcs possess a unique blend of physical attributes inherited from their orc and human/elven ancestors. They might have pointed or rounded ears, depending on their parentage, or exhibit fey magical abilities, being able to learn cantrips like their Elven cousins. They tend to have a more muscular and robust build compared to humans or elves, reflecting their orcish heritage, although they lack the distinctive tusks of Feloran orcs.
Half-Orc skin tone varies widely, ranging from a greenish or greyish hue akin to Feloran and Galisean orcs, respectively, to more human or elven complexions such as shining bronze, rich brown, deep black, or pale white depending on their specific heritage. Eye colors commonly observed in Half-Orcs include shades of brown, green, and occasionally blue or gray; the 1st generation descendants of certain elves might exhibit lilac or golden irises. Half-orcs most often have black hair, but other dark colors such as russet, grey, and even navy.
Additional Information
Social Structure
Most half-orcs live in some form of tribal or clan-based structure, organised along some semblance of a feudal system. Some clans and tribes are also human and/or orcish in makeup, while others yet are fierce rivals to their full-blooded parents & ancestors. Between outgroups, half-orc society is quite competitive, even bloody at times. Most long-running and established half-orc societies are hegemonic, with leadership resting with the strongest, smartest, or most cunning individual; however this has also resulted in a tendency for half-orc societies to "burn twice as bright" and collapse in a similarly dynamic fashion. Additionally, many half-orcs have adopted the social structure of the dominant elven or human society in their region.
Geographic Origin and Distribution
The Aarumites hail from the central plains of Galisea, but have mostly been driven to the Nabari Plateau by the Terruk Mal. In Felora, the largest community of half-orcs resides in the Dotharic Orc Polity, which has established legal protections and rights for all Orcish-peoples, regardless of origin.
Otherwise, small communities and individual half-orcs can be found across the Known World where humans and elves are more likely to encounter orcs or live alongside them. These include urban environments like ports and cities, as well as rural places, where it is especially common for nomadic groups to intermingle.
Average Intelligence
Half-orcs, like any other mortal race in the Known World, encompass a spectrum of intellectual abilities, interests, and talents. While some may lean towards physical prowess and practical skills, and indeed the Aarumites in particular are known for their skill on horseback fighting, there are numerous examples of half-orcs who have excelled in so-called "higher" pursuits. Scholars, strategists, diplomats, artists, and wizards among the half-orc population have made notable contributions in their respective fields, showcasing intelligence and creativity that rival their human, elven, and dwarven counterparts.
Perception and Sensory Capabilities
Half-orcs possess the five basic mortal senses of sight, hearing, taste, touch, and smell. Like Orcs, they have a heightened sense of smell compared to the other mortal races, and rely on it to perceive the world almost as much as their sight. Half-orcs have decent darkvision, those with both Elven and Orcish ancestry especially so, and are able to see in the night and other low levels of light.
Civilization and Culture
Major Organizations
In Galisea, the largest Half-Orc organisation is the Auri, with multi-generational half-orcs believed to date back hundreds of years. Half-orcs are the single largest demographic of the Dotharic Orc Polity, according to Alliance census records, although they are far from the majority. Furthermore, ancient Feloran half-orcs founded the Feloran Empire's most prominent stonemason's guild, which still functions to this day.
Average Technological Level
Half-orcs of the present era, being predominantly nomadic, have developed a moderate level of technology that caters to their mobile lifestyle and survival needs. While technological advancements may vary among different subgroups or regions within the half-orc population, overall, they possess a practical understanding of tools, equipment, methodologies, and resources that enable them to thrive in diverse environments. Half-orcs of the Dotharic Orc Polity enjoy the highest standard of living, on par with Cyrenica and the rest of the Dotharan Alliance.
Major Language Groups and Dialects
Half-orcs speak a myriad of local tongues and dialects, each with varying degrees of mutual intelligibility, and could never be completely catalogued or listed, however the Aarumites share a common language, making them the largest single group of half-orcs that can communicate with each other. Half-orcs are generally fluent in the mother tongue of each parent, and thus can be heard speaking Aeillan, Feloran, Gallega, and common.
