Half Orc

From the rugged land of Yurvonia come the Half-Orcs, a race shaped by tragedy, resilience, and a unique blend of heritage. Born from the violent incursions of orcish tribes into Yurvonian territories, Half-Orcs are a living testament to the strength and compassion of the Yurvonian people who raised them. Despite their orcish appearance, Half-Orcs are fiercely independent and embody the virtues of their adopted human kin.

Battle-Scarred and Strong

Half-Orcs bear the unmistakable marks of their orcish lineage: greyish skin, sloping foreheads, jutting jaws, prominent teeth, and towering builds. Standing between 6 and 7 feet tall and weighing between 180 and 250 pounds, they are an imposing sight. Yet, beneath their fearsome exterior lies a heart that beats with the fierce loyalty and honesty of the Yurvonian people. Raised among the tall, fair-skinned warriors of Yurvonia, Half-Orcs are taught to channel their innate strength and rage into a force for good.

A Warrior’s Upbringing

Training in Yurvonian Martial Arts: From a young age, Half-Orcs are trained in the martial traditions of Yurvonia, learning to wield weapons and fight with the disciplined ferocity of their human kin. They master the use of Yurvonian weapons, such as the axe and spear, blending their orcish strength with the refined combat techniques of their human peers. This rigorous training fosters a unique fighting style that is both powerful and precise, making Half-Orcs formidable warriors.
Inspired by Warrior Poets and Sagas: The warrior poets and epic sagas of Yurvonia deeply inspire Half-Orcs. These tales of heroism and valor instill in them a desire to achieve great deeds worthy of song and story. This drive pushes Half-Orcs to prove themselves in battle and earn a place in the annals of Yurvonian history, not just as warriors but as heroes of legend.

Strength and Compassion

Raised with Compassion: Despite their origins, Half-Orcs are raised with love and care by the Yurvonian people, who do not blame them for the circumstances of their birth. They are taught human values, trained in war, and instilled with a strong sense of discipline and control over their more aggressive tendencies. This nurturing environment helps Half-Orcs develop a deep sense of loyalty and a protective nature towards their adopted families and communities.

Scars of Battle, Marks of Honor

Life in Yurvonia is fraught with conflict, and Half-Orcs often bear the scars of battle as marks of honor. These scars are not just physical reminders of past fights but are also symbols of their resilience and bravery. Many Half-Orcs take pride in recounting the stories behind each scar, viewing them as tokens of their strength and proof of their dedication to protecting their people.

Spiritualism and Connection to Nature

Embracing Yurvonian Spiritualism: Growing up in a culture that values spiritual connections with nature and the fey, Half-Orcs often adopt a similar reverence for the natural world. They participate in Yurvonian rituals and festivals, honoring the spirits of the land and seeking guidance from the fey. This spiritual aspect of their upbringing adds depth to Half-Orc characters, making them not just fierce warriors but also individuals with a strong connection to the natural and spiritual realms.
Given the Yurvonian respect for the fey, Half-Orcs often share this reverence. They learn the lore and traditions associated with the fey and understand the importance of maintaining balance and harmony with these mystical beings. This respect influences their actions, particularly when they find themselves in regions known for strong fey presence.

Bonded by Blood and Honor

Half-Orcs are integrated into Yurvonian society through adoption into families and clans. They grow up learning the values of their human kin, including loyalty, bravery, and communal support. This integration helps shape them into fierce defenders of their adopted families and lands, often striving to exceed expectations to earn respect and honor within the clan.
While many Yurvonians welcome Half-Orcs into their communities, some prejudices remain. Half-Orcs must navigate complex social dynamics, earning respect and proving themselves as true members of society. This journey often involves overcoming biases and demonstrating their dedication to the Yurvonian way of life, fostering a deep-seated desire to protect and honor their new families.

Language and Naming

Half-Orcs typically speak both Yurvonian and Landrian (common), but their speech is often characterized by a deep, harsh tone. This distinctive accent results from their orcish jaw structure, giving their voices a gruffer, more guttural sound compared to their human counterparts.
Half-Orcs are given Yurvonian names, reflecting their integration into their human communities. These names often carry meanings related to strength, battle, and honor, celebrating the virtues admired by their adoptive society. Over time, Half-Orcs may earn additional titles or nicknames that reflect their deeds and achievements, serving as symbols of their personal journeys and the respect they have garnered within their clans.
Male Names: Agnar, Bjorn, Einar, Frodi, Grim, Hagen, Jorn, Kol, Leif, Ragnar, Sigurd, Thorgard, Ulfric.
Female Names: Astrid, Brynhildr, Eira, Freydis, Gudrun, Hilda, Ingrid, Kari, Signy, Skadi, Solveig, Thora, Vigdis.
Titles and Nicknames: Ironclad, Skullcrusher, Bloodletter, Thunderfist, Wolfslayer, Stormborn, Steelhide, Iceblade, Firebrand.

Half Orc Racial Traits

Ability Score Increase. Your Strength score increases by 2, and your Constitution score increases by 1.
Age. Half-Orcs mature a little faster than humans, reaching adulthood around age 14. They age noticeably faster and rarely live longer than 75 years.
Alignment. Half-Orcs are often shaped by their human upbringing, leaning towards neutral good as they value loyalty, bravery, and honor. However, their orcish heritage may make them more prone to impulsive actions, sometimes displaying chaotic tendencies.
Size. Half-Orcs are somewhat larger and bulkier than humans, and they range from 5 feet to well over 6 feet tall. Your size is Medium.
Speed. Your base walking speed is 30 feet.
Darkvision. Due to your orc heritage, you have superior vision in dark and dim conditions. You can see in dim light within 60 feet of you as if it were bright light, and in darkness as if it were dim light. You can't discern color in darkness, only shades of gray.
Relentless Endurance. When you are reduced to 0 hit points but not killed outright, you can drop to 1 hit point instead. You can't use this feature again until you finish a long rest.
Battle Frenzy. Your instinctive drive for combat propels you into the fray. You can use a bonus action to move up to your speed towards a hostile creature that you can see.
Savage Attacks. When you score a critical hit with a melee weapon attack, you can roll one of the weapon's damage dice an additional time and add it to the extra damage of the critical hit.
Menacing. You gain proficiency in the Intimidation skill.
Cultural Resilience. You have proficiency in the Survival skill, and your proficiency bonus is doubled for any ability check you make that involves navigating or understanding the wilderness, reflecting your ability to adapt and thrive in harsh environments.
Languages. You can speak, read, and write Landrian (Common), Yurvonian, and Orcish. Your speech is often marked by a distinct, harsher accent due to your orcish heritage.

Growing Up Yurvonian

Half-Orc children in Yurvonian clans experience a unique blend of tough love and camaraderie. Raised alongside human siblings, they learn the values of honor, loyalty, and resilience through the robust traditions of Yurvonian life.
Young Half-Orcs often participate in games that test their strength and endurance, like "Stone Toss" and "Log Lift," where they bond with their peers through friendly competition and laughter. As they grow older, they take part in rites of passage that mark their journey into adulthood, such as the "Midwinter Hunt," which fosters teamwork and courage.
Despite their formidable appearance, Half-Orc youth are often the life of village celebrations, known for their storytelling and lively spirits. Their energy and humor make them cherished members of their clans, proving that their strength lies not just in their muscles, but in their ability to bring joy and unity to their community.

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Half-Orcs in Other Cultures

While most Half-Orcs are born in Yurvonia due to its proximity to The Jukkhag, Orcs appear in other parts of Tavomia as well. Unfortunately, not all cultures are as accepting as the Yurvonians. In many regions, Half-Orcs face harsh prejudice and are often seen as reminders of violence and tragedy. This leads some Half-Orcs to hide their heritage or live on the fringes of society.
For those who manage to survive in these less tolerant lands, the journey often leads them to Yurvonia, where they hope to find acceptance and community. However, not all Half-Orcs leave their homes; some do find pockets of acceptance, usually among the outcasts or in more cosmopolitan areas where diversity is more tolerated. Despite the challenges, these Half-Orcs often embody resilience and strength, striving to prove themselves in societies that may not always see past their orcish heritage.

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Rejecting Savagery, Embracing Strength

Orcs are beings of relentless destruction, twisted from their original human form into brutal savages by Morgesh, the Mad God, during the Divine War. They are driven by a primal urge to kill, breed, and consume, leaving little room for any other thought or emotion. This single-minded existence means they view Half-Orcs as weak and irrelevant—a distraction from their sole purpose of bringing chaos and destruction. For Half-Orcs, learning of their orcish origins and witnessing the mindless brutality of true Orcs often sparks a deep resentment. Determined to distance themselves from this violent lineage, Half-Orcs strive to protect others from the terror that Orcs bring, proving their strength lies not in savagery but in their resilience and honor.