Difference between revisions of "Half-orc Race & Physiology"

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'''Half-orc race & physiology''' describes a character born from the union of an [[Orc|orc]] father and either a [[Human Race & Physiology|human]] or [[Dwarf Race & Physiology|dwarvish]] mother.  This distinct heritage sets them apart as outsiders, as orc women cannot conceive offspring in the same manner, and no other race can reproduce with orcs.  Notably, a dominant half-orc strain results from this union, ensuring that if a half-orc mates with a human, dwarf, or orc, the half-orc lineage prevails in their descendants.
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The single significant conglomerations of half orcs exists in a land called [[Cumana]], the sanjak of which is located near the [[Sea of Azov]], east of the [[Dneiper (river)|Dneiper]] bend.  Known collectively as "Cumani" (human-orc) or "dworkin" (dwarvish-orc), these peoples live side by side in peace.
  
Born of an orc father and either a [[Human Race & Physiology|human]] or a [[Dwarf Race & Physiology|dwarvish]] mother, the appellation “half-orc” is that of an outsider. Orc women cannot be impregnated in like fashion, and no other race is sexually compatible with orcs. The resultant offspring retain a mutation that causes the half-orc variant to become dominant, so that if a half-orc that breeds with either a human, dwarf or orc, the half-orc strain will remain dominant and emerge in the progeny.
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== Cumani ==
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Sharing a connection with the human Pechenegs, who vanished as a distinct people in the 12th century. Originating from lands north of Lake Balkhash in Turkestan, the Cumani began migrating westward after the 800s CE, displacing the Khazars, Pechenegs and Oghuz Turks in the valleys of the Volga and Don rivers. They conducted raids on the Kiyevans, Hungary and the Byzantine Empire during the 11th century.  
  
Among themselves, they are known more commonly as ''Cumans'' or ''Cumani'' (human-orc) or ''Dworkin'' (dwarvish-orc). These peoples live side by side in a region called [[Cumana (sanjak)|the Sanjak of Cumana]], located north of the Black Sea.
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While they once held a vast territory extending from the lower Dnieper to the Urals, the Mongols' arrival led to the Cumani's dispersal.  They endured two subsequent centuries under Mongol rule, ultimately regaining control of their present-day lands between 1420 and 1441. Since, the Cumani have frequently defended their homeland against [[Moskva|Russians]], [[The Ottoman Empire|Ottomans]] and [[Kiyev (grand principality)|Kiyevans]], often emerging victorious after hard-fought battles.
  
The Cumani are related to the human Pechenegs, who were annihilated and ceased to exist as a people in the 12th century. The Cumans originated somewhere in the lands north of Lake Balkhash in Turkestan. They began to move westward after the 800s CE, displacing the Khazars, Pechenegs and Oghuz Turks along the valleys of the Volga and the Don rivers. They raided the [[Kiyev (grand principality)|Kiyevans]], [[Hungary (kingdom)|Hungary]] and the Byzantine Empire in the 11th century. For a time, the Cumans occupied a vast realm stretching from the lower Dnieper to the Urals, but with the arrival of the Mongols this power was obliterated and the Cumans were scattered. They gathered as a conquered people under the Mongols for two centuries, when they successfully gained control of their present-day lands between 1420 and 1441. Thereafter the Cumani have often fought with [[Moskva (duchy)|Russians]], Ottomans and Kiyevans to retain their homeland, with hard-won success.
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Cumani half-orcs are characterized by their robust and muscular physique, often accompanied by loose skin that forms folds on their necks, upper arms and bellies. This distinctive physical trait is something many Cumani half-orcs prefer to conceal, especially when in the presence of humans, as it's commonly regarded as disconcerting and even unattractive by human observers. Their features include elevated nostrils reminiscent of gorillas and prominent lower jaws, typically featuring lower incisors that may be visible even when their mouths are closed.
  
The Dworkin originated in the south lands of modern [[Mugodstan]], where they still exist as a minority. In physique they resemble other half-orcs, but they have many dwarvish habits. Physical characteristics show the shape of their hands and the lack of a typical orcish nose, common among Cumani. The Dworkin were driven westward by the Mongols, in a series of short-lived migrations between the 1190s until 1230. They joined with the Cumani at that time, and were likewise conquered and forced to submit under the Mongol Batu Khan in 1238-39. Most Dworkin today dwell in the [[Donbass (het)|Het of Donbass]], in eastern Cumana.
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== Dworkin ==
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The Dworkin originally hailed from the southern lands of modern [[Mugodstan]], where they persist as a minority group. While sharing physical traits with other half-orcs, they exhibit numerous dwarvish customs. Their physical characteristics, such as the shape of their hands and the absence of a typical orcish nose found among the Cumani, set them apart. The Dworkin embarked on westward migrations, driven by the Mongols, occurring intermittently between the 1190s and 1230. They eventually united with the Cumani during this period and, like their Cumani counterparts, submitted to Mongol rule under Batu Khan in 1238-39. Today, most Dworkin inhabit the Het of [[Donbass]] in eastern Cumana.
  
== Appearance ==
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Dworkin half-orcs are easily identifiable by their distinctive characteristics, including deep-set eyes and flat, broad noses. They are also known for their stiff, spine-like beards. While they don't have loose skin around their necks, this feature is still present on their upper arms, bellies and upper thighs.
Cumani half-orcs have a strong muscular appearance with loose skin that creates a series of folds on their necks, upper arms and bellies, a feature that many will keep hidden when not among their own people, as human observers often find the feature disconcerting, even ugly. Cumani have raised gorilla-like nostrils and jutting lower jaws, usually with lower incisors that can be seen when the half-orc’s mouth is closed.
 
  
Dworkin half-orcs are deep-set eyes and flat, wide noses, and stiff-haired beards that grow like spines. They lack the loose skin around their necks but it still features upon their upper arms, bellies and upper thighs.
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== Joint Characteristics ==
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All half-orc males typically have an average [[Height & Weight|height]] ranging from 5 feet 3 inches to 5 feet 8 inches, which is notably shorter than their orc ancestors. On the other hand, females tend to be 3 to 4 inches shorter than their male counterparts.  Despite their relatively shorter stature, half-orcs possess significant musculature, often exceeding that of humans, and enjoy robust health. Their weight typically falls in the range of 140 to 180 pounds.
  
All half-orcs males average between 5 ft. 3 in. and 8 in. in [[Height & Weight|height]], much shorter than their orc forebears. Females tend to be 3 to 4 inches shorter than the males. They possess considerable musculature, however, and are usually stronger and healthier than humans. They weigh between 140 and 180 lbs.
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Most have straight and somewhat oily hair that spans a spectrum from sooty and jet black to bluish black. Common eye colors among them include turquoise and hazel. However, within their community, individuals with pink eyes are often considered the most attractive. These may be accompanied by green or grey flecks; occasionally the pinkness borders on nearly white.
  
Most have straight, oily hair that ranges from sooty and jet black to bluish black. Common eye colors are turquoise and hazel; considered most attractive among their people are pink eyes, with either green or grey flecks, or pale pink, sometimes verging on nearly white.
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== Advantages ==
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Player characters choosing this race adjust their ability stats by +1 to [[Strength (ability stat)|strength]] and +1 to [[Constitution (ability stat)|constitution]], while giving a -2 penalty to [[Charisma (ability stat)|charisma]]. They have a limited range of [[Character Class|character classes]] available to them, being able to train as [[Assassin (class)|assassins]], [[Cleric (class)|clerics]], [[Fighter (class)|fighters]] and [[Thief (class)|thieves]].
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'''Infravision.'''  Half-orcs possess [[Infravision|infravision]] equal to that of any other creature.
  
== Advantages ==
 
Player characters choosing this race gain a +1 [[Strength (ability stat)|strength]] and a +1 [[Constitution (ability stat)|constitution]], with a -2 [[Charisma (ability stat)|charisma]]. They also possess [[infravision]], being able to see in the dark with relative clarity.
 
  
Half-orcs have a limited range of classes available to them, with training as [[Assassin (class)|assassins]], [[Cleric (class)|clerics]], [[Fighter (class)|fighters]], and [[Thief (class)|thieves]].
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See also,<br>
<br>
 
<br>
 
See Also,<br>
 
 
[[Aging]]<br>
 
[[Aging]]<br>
 
[[Bestiary]]<br>
 
[[Bestiary]]<br>
 +
[[Character Background Generator]]<br>
 
[[Character Race Options]]<br>
 
[[Character Race Options]]<br>
 +
[[Character Race Relations]]<br>
 
[[Player Characters]]<br>
 
[[Player Characters]]<br>
 
[[Tribes of Cumana]]
 
[[Tribes of Cumana]]
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 +
[[Category: Reviewed]]

Latest revision as of 23:03, 24 March 2024

Halforc-01-race.jpg

Half-orc race & physiology describes a character born from the union of an orc father and either a human or dwarvish mother. This distinct heritage sets them apart as outsiders, as orc women cannot conceive offspring in the same manner, and no other race can reproduce with orcs. Notably, a dominant half-orc strain results from this union, ensuring that if a half-orc mates with a human, dwarf, or orc, the half-orc lineage prevails in their descendants.

The single significant conglomerations of half orcs exists in a land called Cumana, the sanjak of which is located near the Sea of Azov, east of the Dneiper bend. Known collectively as "Cumani" (human-orc) or "dworkin" (dwarvish-orc), these peoples live side by side in peace.

Cumani

Sharing a connection with the human Pechenegs, who vanished as a distinct people in the 12th century. Originating from lands north of Lake Balkhash in Turkestan, the Cumani began migrating westward after the 800s CE, displacing the Khazars, Pechenegs and Oghuz Turks in the valleys of the Volga and Don rivers. They conducted raids on the Kiyevans, Hungary and the Byzantine Empire during the 11th century.

While they once held a vast territory extending from the lower Dnieper to the Urals, the Mongols' arrival led to the Cumani's dispersal. They endured two subsequent centuries under Mongol rule, ultimately regaining control of their present-day lands between 1420 and 1441. Since, the Cumani have frequently defended their homeland against Russians, Ottomans and Kiyevans, often emerging victorious after hard-fought battles.

Cumani half-orcs are characterized by their robust and muscular physique, often accompanied by loose skin that forms folds on their necks, upper arms and bellies. This distinctive physical trait is something many Cumani half-orcs prefer to conceal, especially when in the presence of humans, as it's commonly regarded as disconcerting and even unattractive by human observers. Their features include elevated nostrils reminiscent of gorillas and prominent lower jaws, typically featuring lower incisors that may be visible even when their mouths are closed.

Dworkin

The Dworkin originally hailed from the southern lands of modern Mugodstan, where they persist as a minority group. While sharing physical traits with other half-orcs, they exhibit numerous dwarvish customs. Their physical characteristics, such as the shape of their hands and the absence of a typical orcish nose found among the Cumani, set them apart. The Dworkin embarked on westward migrations, driven by the Mongols, occurring intermittently between the 1190s and 1230. They eventually united with the Cumani during this period and, like their Cumani counterparts, submitted to Mongol rule under Batu Khan in 1238-39. Today, most Dworkin inhabit the Het of Donbass in eastern Cumana.

Dworkin half-orcs are easily identifiable by their distinctive characteristics, including deep-set eyes and flat, broad noses. They are also known for their stiff, spine-like beards. While they don't have loose skin around their necks, this feature is still present on their upper arms, bellies and upper thighs.

Joint Characteristics

All half-orc males typically have an average height ranging from 5 feet 3 inches to 5 feet 8 inches, which is notably shorter than their orc ancestors. On the other hand, females tend to be 3 to 4 inches shorter than their male counterparts. Despite their relatively shorter stature, half-orcs possess significant musculature, often exceeding that of humans, and enjoy robust health. Their weight typically falls in the range of 140 to 180 pounds.

Most have straight and somewhat oily hair that spans a spectrum from sooty and jet black to bluish black. Common eye colors among them include turquoise and hazel. However, within their community, individuals with pink eyes are often considered the most attractive. These may be accompanied by green or grey flecks; occasionally the pinkness borders on nearly white.

Advantages

Player characters choosing this race adjust their ability stats by +1 to strength and +1 to constitution, while giving a -2 penalty to charisma. They have a limited range of character classes available to them, being able to train as assassins, clerics, fighters and thieves.

Infravision. Half-orcs possess infravision equal to that of any other creature.


See also,
Aging
Bestiary
Character Background Generator
Character Race Options
Character Race Relations
Player Characters
Tribes of Cumana