Half-orcs

Product of a human and an orc, the half-orc has an uphill battle to fight on both fronts if he or she wants to be accepted by society. Half-orcs are about the height of humans, but heavier and burlier. They’re often ugly, hairy and flat-nosed, which makes their lineage apparent.

In human communities, half-orcs are often met with suspicion due to their savage heritage. On the other hand, they’re often bullied in orc tribes because they’re not strong enough. It is true that some half-orcs become the kind of beasts their orcish family is, but many can grow up to be quite decent and civilized citizens. In fact, the peaceful city of Palischuk in the barren lands of Vaasa is inhabited mostly by half-orcs who rebuilt it from ruins. Apart from a few settlements like this, there is no half-orc nation or society.

Despite exceptions, the majority of half-orcs are loners and wanderers by nature. The half-orc mercenary or adventurer is hardly an uncommon sight on the roads of Faerûn. Depending on the society in which they grew up, half-orcs can either worship orcish gods or human deities of their home region. Half-orc professions and combat styles vary greatly, but most take advantage of their natural strength and toughness, becoming fierce, barbaric warriors.