DnD Half-Orc

Looking for a Half-Orc 5e guide? this is it. This guide explains dnd Half-Orc in details. Lets start with the level table because that is the most important (and probs what you're lookin' for eh?).

Unleash the Strength of Two Worlds

In this quick build guide, we'll show you how to create a Half-Orc character and provide valuable insights into playing this stout and steadfast race.

TABLE OF CONTENT
1. Traits
2. Names
3. Story
4. Expectations
5. Quickbuild
6. Example
7. Resources

Half-Orc Traits

Your half-orc character has certain traits deriving from your orc ancestry.

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.

Size

Half-orcs are somewhat larger and bulkier than humans, and they range from 5 to well over 6 feet tall. Your size is Medium.

Speed

Your base walking speed is 30 feet.

Darkvision

Thanks to your orc blood, 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.

Menacing

You gain proficiency in the Intimidation skill.

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.

Savage Attacks

When you score a critical hit with a melee weapon attack, you can roll one of the weapon’s damage dice one additional time and add it to the extra damage of the critical hit.

Languages

You can speak, read, and write Common and Orc. Orc is a harsh, grating language with hard consonants. It has no script of its own but is written in the Dwarvish script.

Half-Orc Names

Half-orcs usually have names appropriate to the culture in which they were raised. A half-orc who wants to fit in among humans might trade an orc name for a human name. Some half-orcs with human names decide to adopt a guttural orc name because they think it makes them more intimidating.

Male Orc Names: Dench, Feng, Gell, Henk, Holg, Imsh, Keth, Krusk, Mhurren, Ront, Shump, Thokk

Female Orc Names: Baggi, Emen, Engong, Kansif, Myev, Neega, Ovak, Ownka, Shautha, Sutha, Vola, Volen, Yevelda

Back story and about

The warchief Mhurren roused himself from his sleeping-furs and his women and pulled a short hauberk of heavy steel rings over his thick, well-muscled torso. He usually rose before most of his warriors, since he had a strong streak of human blood in him, and he found the daylight less bothersome than most of his tribe did. Among the Bloody Skulls, a warrior was judged by his strength, his fierceness, and his wits. Human ancestry was no blemish against a warrior—provided he was every bit as strong, enduring, and bloodthirsty as his full-blooded kin. Half-orcs who were weaker than their orc comrades didn’t last long among the Bloody Skulls or any other orc tribe for that matter. But it was often true that a bit of human blood gave a warrior just the right mix of cunning, ambition, and self-discipline to go far indeed, as Mhurren had. He was master of a tribe that could muster two thousand spears, and the strongest chief in Thar.

— Richard Baker, Swordmage

Whether united under the leadership of a mighty warlock or having fought to a standstill after years of conflict, orc and human communities, sometimes form alliances. When these alliances are sealed by marriages, half-orcs are born. Some half-orcs rise to become proud leaders of orc communities. Some venture into the world to prove their worth. Many of these become adventurers, achieving greatness for their mighty deeds.

Scarred and Strong

Half-orcs exhibit a blend of orcish and human characteristics, and their appearance varies widely. Grayish skin tones and prominent teeth are the most common shared elements among these folk.

Orcs regard battle scars as tokens of pride and ornamental scars as things of beauty. Other scars, though, mark an orc or half-orc as a former prisoner or a disgraced exile. Any half-orc who has lived among or near orcs has scars, whether they are marks of humiliation or of pride, recounting their past exploits and injuries.

The Mark of Gruumsh

The one-eyed god Gruumsh—lord of war and fury—created the first orcs, and even those orcs who turn away from his worship carry his blessings of might and endurance. The same is true of half-orcs. Some half-orcs hear the whispers of Gruumsh in their dreams, calling them to unleash the rage that simmers within them. Others feel Gruumsh’s exultation when they join in melee combat — and either exult along with him or shiver with fear and loathing.

Beyond the rage of Gruumsh, 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 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. And when their hearts swell with love, they leap to perform acts of great kindness and compassion.

What to Expect as a Half-Orc

Half-Orcs are the offspring of humans and orcs, combining the physical might of orcs with the adaptability of humans. They possess natural strength, endurance, and an indomitable will. As a Half-Orc, you can expect:

Powerful Racial Traits
Half-Orcs enjoy a set of racial traits, including an ability score increase to Strength, bonus hit points from their "Relentless Endurance" feature, and the ability to deliver powerful critical hits with their "Savage Attacks."

Resilience and Determination
Their orcish heritage grants them an unyielding spirit, making them ideal warriors, barbarians, or any class that values strength and tenacity.

Adaptability
Half-Orcs can excel in a variety of roles thanks to their balanced ability score bonuses and flexible traits.

Quick Build Steps for a Half-Orc

Creating a Half-Orc character involves selecting a character class, distributing your ability scores to match your desired role, and choosing equipment. Follow these steps:

Choose a Character Class: Decide on a character class that aligns with your preferred playstyle, whether it's a fierce barbarian like Barbarian, a relentless fighter like Fighter, or a cunning rogue like Rogue.

Distribute Ability Scores: Half-Orcs receive a bonus to Strength, making them naturally strong and physically capable. Prioritize other ability scores based on your class, such as Constitution for Barbarians or Dexterity for Rogues.

Select Skills and Background: Consider skills that complement your character's personality, backstory, and class. Half-Orcs' natural tenacity often makes them skilled in skills like Intimidation or Athletics.

Choose Equipment: Select starting equipment based on your character class. Consider weapons and armor that match your character's role and concept.

Plan Your Backstory: Develop a backstory that explores your Half-Orc's experiences growing up in a world that might not fully accept them, and how they've used their strength and determination to overcome challenges.

Organize D&D Campaigns via a Calendar

To ensure your Half-Orc character can attend sessions and coordinate with your party, use a shared calendar. This can help schedule game nights and ensure everyone's availability. Here's a guide on creating events in Discord.

Example

Meet Grom, the Half-Orc Barbarian

Character Class: Barbarian - Grom is a fearsome warrior, known for his berserker rage and unyielding strength in battle.

Ability Scores: Grom's high Strength makes him a devastating melee combatant, while his Constitution ensures he can withstand tremendous punishment.

Skills and Background: Grom excels in Athletics, Intimidation, and Survival, reflecting his physical prowess and imposing presence. His background as an Outlander provides him with proficiency in the Nature skill.

Equipment: Grom wields a massive greataxe, wears rugged hide armor, and carries a necklace adorned with trophies from his defeated foes.

Backstory: Grom grew up in a tribal orcish community, always feeling like an outsider due to his human heritage. He left his tribe to seek adventure and prove his worth as a warrior. Now, he roams the wilds, using his incredible strength to protect those who can't protect themselves.

External Resources

For more in-depth information on playing a Half-Orc in D&D, check out these external resources:

D&D Beyond - Half-Orc Race Guide: A comprehensive guide to the Half-Orc race, including subrace options and role-playing tips. Read the Guide

Roleplaying Tips - How to Play Half-Orcs: An article offering insights into the mindset and role-playing possibilities of Half-Orc characters. Read the Article

Barbarian Class Guide: If you've chosen the Barbarian class, this guide provides insights into Barbarian abilities and gameplay. Read the Guide

Now, unleash the strength of two worlds and embrace your inner warrior as you embark on your epic adventures in Dungeons & Dragons!