Half-Orcs have both Human and Orcish Ancestry.
Whether united under political leadership or embraces in secret, Orcs and Humans sometimes form intimate alliances that result in Half-Orcs. Some of these rise to become proud chiefs of Orcish tribes or captains of Bloodsport teams, their Human blood giving them an edge over their full-blooded rivals. Some venture into the world, many becoming adventurers who achieve greatness for their mighty deeds and notoriety for their barbaric customs and savage fury.
Half-Orcs feel emotion powerfully. Rage doesn’t just quicken their pulse, it makes their bodies burn. An insult stings like acid, and sadness saps their strength. But they laugh loudly and heartily, and simple bodily pleasures—feasting, drinking, wrestling, drumming, and wild dancing—fill their hearts with joy. They tend to be short-tempered and sometimes sullen, more inclined to action than contemplation and to fighting than arguing. Mastering self-control can greatly increase the odds of a Half-Orc’s success among Integrated Society, where they are a usual sight instead of ogled at as an oddity, and have even formed tight-knit, rough-and-tumble communities of their own.
Half-Orcs are present in most Giftworlds, including:
SWADE Mechanics:
- TENACIOUS: Half-Orcs start with a d6 in Strength instead of a d4. This increases maximum Strength to d12+1.
- GNARLY: Half-Orcs have a reputation of being more bite than bark, lending their bark extra credence. Your Half-Orc starts with a +1 bonus to Intimidation Skill checks.
- MINOR OUTSIDER: When not among their own, Half-Orcs may encounter closed-mindedness in the form of shop prices raised, their cries for help ignored, or otherwise lower-class treatment.