Half-Orcs are monstrosities, their tragic births the result of perversion and violence—or at least, that's how other races see them, though there is less stigma surrounding a Half-Gray Orc they tend to be as ill recieved as other half-breeds. It's true that Half-Orcs are rarely the result of loving unions, and as such are usually forced to grow up hard and fast, constantly fighting for protection or to make names for themselves. Feared, distrusted, and spat upon, Half-Orcs still consistently manage to surprise their detractors with great deeds and unexpected wisdom—though sometimes it's easier just to crack a few skulls.
Physical Description:
Both genders of half-orc stand between 6 and 7 feet tall, with powerful builds and greenish or grayish skin. Their canines often grow long enough to protrude from their mouths, and these “tusks,” combined with heavy brows and slightly pointed ears, give them their notoriously bestial appearance. While half-orcs may be impressive, few ever describe them as beautiful.
About Half-Orcs:
Unlike Half-Elves, where at least part of society's discrimination is born out of jealousy or attraction, Half-Orcs get the worst of both worlds: physically weaker than their Orc kin, they also tend to be feared or attacked outright by the legions of Humans who don't bother making the distinction between full Orcs and halfbloods. Still, while not exactly accepted, Half-Orcs in civilized societies tend to be valued for their martial prowess, and Orc leaders have actually been known to spawn them intentionally, as the halfbreeds regularly make up for their lack of physical strength with increased cunning and aggression, making them natural chieftains and strategic advisors.
Staunchly independent, many Half-Orcs take to lives of adventure out of necessity, seeking to escape their painful pasts or improve their lot through force of arms. Others, more optimistic or desperate for acceptance, take up the mantle of crusaders in order to prove their worth to the world.
Half-Orc:
- +2 to One Physical Ability Score: Half-Orc characters get a +2 bonus to one physical ability score at creation to represent their varied nature (Str, Dex, Con).
- Medium: Half-orcs are Medium creatures and have no bonuses or penalties due to their size.
- Normal Speed: Half-Orcs have a base speed of 30 feet.
- Darkvision: Half-Orcs can see in the dark up to 60 feet.
- Disliked: More than other half-breeds and Gray Orcs, the strong social stigma on Half-Orcs causes a -2 on all Bluff / Diplomacy checks even among other Orcs.
- Intimidating: Half-Orcs receive a +2 racial bonus on Intimidate skill checks due to their fearsome reputation.
- Orc Blood: Half-Orcs count as both Humans and Orcs for any effect related to race.
- Weapon Familiarity: Half-Orcs are proficient with Greataxes and Falchions and treat any weapon with the word “orc” in its name as a martial weapon.
- Languages: Half-Orcs begin play speaking Common and Wildlander. Half-orcs with high Intelligence scores can choose from the following: Abyssal, Carnivon, Draconic, Giant, and Goblin.
