Half Orcs

 

Half Orcs are not always the product of a coupling between human/elf and un-civilised Orc, many generations ago however this would have been true,  from a troubled and violent past half orcs grew greatly in number in what to them is classed as their first real generation. Over several hundred years half Orc bred with half Orc, and now more often than not they are classed as their own sub species entirely. Half orcs average life span is around 120 years but they can often die in their youth by various causes and infant mortality is fairly high.

 

How do they look?

 

By appearance they vary in height up to 7’ invariably they are bulky and muscular of a stocky build.  Half orcs may also have pointed ears small or large in size if from an elven lineage.  Some may look more orcish with snub pig-like noses, deep wrinkle lines and small thick claws and others more elf or human characteristics depending upon their decadence. Either way they always have a distinctive skin colour varying in all hues from pale green through to limes and dark forest greens verging on browns. Some may have a mottled or veiny appearance. Their hair varies in colour in a similar way from blond to black and every colour in between, they favour thick plaits and braiding as well as matted rolled styles with lots of texture, males often favour a cropped style for practicality. Each clan has its own mark which all of its number are branded with at birth then other brands are added for the half orcs achievements through their life (eg first blood, exemplary skill etc)

 

How do they dress?

 

They dress in a simple fashion,  favouring practical basic tunics and trousers and cloaks their own fabrics are coarse and uneven weaves usually wool or linen as well as hide and furs. The dyes they use mostly give natural and muted tones but where available bright braids and fabrics are used. They will embellish clothing with trophy’s from kills (from hunts or battles) like teeth body parts skins scales and items plucked from their enemies corpse. Roughly polished gemstones, clay and glass beads are also used though less often and usually by those higher on the social scale. Armour and clothing is made from tanned hides and leathers as well as crude metal armour and chain.

 

What do they do?

 

The half orcs have in the past and still today struggle to fit in to mainstream society and are often shunned or treaded badly especially by human, elf and the Orc.  They tend to live in remote communities in village settings or refined cave systems, though some also brave the cities where they almost always live with the lower end of society. Their communities are made up much the same as a human village farming and subsistence living, they favour crops of  root vegetables and long lived squashes as well as grain and hops for baking and brewing. Orcish bitters and  ales are very strong and not for the faint hearted or slight of constitution!  They also do farm animals for leather, wool and meat. Half orcs make fairly good trappers and hunters preferring a larger slower pray, giant lizards are a particular favourite. Half orcs are sometimes happy to trade with passing merchants though they tend not to need to preferring to be self sufficient. Where they do trade (outside their own race) they tend to have built up trust and familiarity trading with the same mercantile family over several years, partly as they are often distrusted themselves and in turn they have been burned by dealings with unscrupulous traders in the past, once bitten twice shy. Half orcs are fair miners theirs blacksmiths forge iron weapons in a rough and brutal fashion favoured by the race.

 

What weapons do they use?

 

The half orcs like to use broadswords, shields, spears, javelins and axes on the whole but are capable of using any weapon should the need arise. They make a sturdy bow and can become proficient archers though they tend to favour close quarters combat. A half Orc warriors weapon is like his best friend and he will often keep the same set of weapons for life honing and repairing, even if a prized sword is broken they’ll find a way to use the remains be it re using a pommel or making the tip into a dagger. Nothing goes to waste in half Orc culture. Orcs are often buried with their weapons along with other grave goods which reflect they individuals life and personality.

 

What Classes do they favour?

 

Due to their natural size and strength the half Orc tends to lend itself to certain occupations when adventuring. They are formidable fighters favouring classes of warrior, barbarian, shamanic cleric, druid and ranger. They make poor mage's and thieves as they lack the finesse and dexterity.

 

Half Orc religion is basic they pay respect to the aspect of nature, earth, the hunt and war. The Shamans and druids are respected for they serve the aspects directly and are granted power from their dedication.

 

What's important to a half Orc?

 

Family- they are loyal to their clans and believe in tradition building strong bonds through brotherhood and  friendships. Being able to provide for your family is very important to half orcs.

 

Competitiveness- they like to have competition between clans as they believe it makes you strive to be better and builds bonds between family members. Half orcs always like to do things to the best of their ability strength, fighting skill and hardiness are particularly prized qualities.

 

Hunting- again a chance for clans to become stronger and more respected the better hunters they are, hunting also holds some spiritual significance.

 

Spirituality- Half orcs respect the aspects greatly and always try to keep a balance with the land they live off.

 

What's the structure of Half Orc society?

 

They live in villages made up of  two or more clans. Clans vary in number from 3 to a hundred or more. Any less than 3 of the same family tend to live outside the community in city’s or  towns mingling more with other cultures. Each clan has a chieftain and their immediate family are considered the highest authority of that clan, The chieftain (who can be male or female) will work together as a council to run the village as a whole but the most senior chieftain, the most branded, has the final say on all decisions. Shamans and druids are on a par with the chieftain and their advice is sought after and respected.

 

Who do they get on with or dislike?

 

Half Orcs get on best with Humans who have accepted the half orcs into society more than any other species

 

Half orcs and dwarves can get on well they trade and do interact on occasions living in similar areas of the world

 

Half orcs have a grudging respect for cervini for their talent at hunting though they are aware of the stigma attached to half orcs in cervini society

 

Half orcs are neutral to wood elves

 

Half orcs are relatively neutral to bovini they dislike caprini

 

Half orcs and Elber (high elves) and sea elves do not get on

 

Orcs have no interest in Halflings they rarely interact