D&D Race Guide: How to Play a Half-Orc
Despite being classic D&D, the Half-Orc player character is often overlooked. But if you’re looking for power, there are few better.
Half-Orcs are an easily overlooked player race, and that shouldn’t be the case because they are quintessential D&D and can make for some very fun characters. If you’re aiming to play a very physical and intimidating character with a lot of heart, Half-Orc may just be the perfect choice for you.
“When alliances between humans and orcs are sealed by marriages, half-orcs are born. Some half-orcs rise to become proud chiefs of orc tribes, their human blood giving them an edge over their full-blooded orc rivals. Some venture into the world to prove their worth among humans and other more civilized races. Many of these become adventurers, achieving greatness for their mighty deeds and notoriety for their barbaric customs and savage fury.”
Half-Orc Traits
With an Orc-like physicality, playing a Half-Orc will give you an additional 2 to your Strength and 1 to your Constitution. Not only will your character be able to dole out a nasty hit, but they’ll also be able to take one, too. Half-Orcs have a Medium build like humans but can grow to well over 6 feet tall. Unsurprisingly, they are considered ‘menacing’, and have a natural proficiency in the Intimidation skill.
Half-Orcs are also a little extra difficult to take down in a fight. ‘Relentless Endurance’ lets them stay up with 1 hit point when they should have been reduced to 0. And then ‘Savage Attacks’ lets them do one additional damage die in damage on a critical hit.
Of course, you can also go the Tasha’s route, adding 2 to any ability score and 1 to another. That gives you a lot more freedom when building your character. Everyone has seen the Half-Orc Barbarian or Paladin, but who would expect the weedy, super-intelligent Half-Orc Artificer?
Best Classes
Anything physical would be a great pick for a Half-Orc. Barbarian and Fighter would both be obvious choices, and both would make for some terrifyingly imposing additions to the battlefield. But with both a high Strength and Constitution, Cleric could also be a perfect choice for your Half-Orc. You could also go Paladin if you want to play a more noble character. However, as stated before, thanks to the character creation updates in Tasha’s, your Half-Orc can be anyone you want. Imagine being a tough Wizard that charges into battle, knowing full well they can take hits and weather any Concentration check.
Variants
So far we’ve talked about the classic Half-Orc that appears in the Players Handbook. They are one of the core race options and as classic D&D as elves. But they also make an appearance with a variant option in Eberron: Rising From The Last War.
This time around Wisdom takes the +2 while Constitution keeps the +1. They also have ‘Hunter’s Intuition’ giving them an additional d4 roll on Wisdom (perception or survival) checks as well as a natural ability to cast Hunters Mark. Basically, this variant is almost made to be an ideal Ranger. It’s a huge departure from the classic picture of a Half-Orc, but it’s one that gives the race a little more depth and a lot more options depending on what you want to play.
Tips & Tricks
Before the updates in the last few sourcebooks, Half-Orcs were really pigeonholed. However, all the new changes allow you to play just about anything you want without feeling like you’re working too hard. Work with your DM to find a story that fits your tusked hero.
In addition, ask your DM how their world feels about Half-Orcs. Is there a stigma? Are they seen as intimidating? Are there many famous Half-Orc heroes that will cause villages in need to flock to your character for help? And from there, how does your character respond to the world around them?
Have you played a Half-Orc? What class did you pick? Which Half-Orc variant do you prefer? Let us know in the comments!
Happy adventuring!
