Half-orcs place in society

[Zanniej]

I've been trying to look into this, but couldn't really find what I was looking for. I know more than enough about gray orcs, since there's more than enough on the forum and in the Nexus about those. But not about half-orcs.

So, a couple of questions:
1) How do you RP a half-orc?
2) How should you react to a half-orc?
3) How should a half-orc behave when in a city like Baldurs Gate?
4) Is a half-orc even allowed within a city?

I wonder, because half-orcs are still half human, and could be of good use as muscle to wizards and such.

[Ghost]

I won't reply to number 1 and 2, as those are up to the independent players you interact with.

On both 3 and 4, on the other hand, consider that there are half-orcs serving in the Flaming Fist. Half orcs can behave just like anyone else who are in the city and they can definitely be there.

[Zanniej]

I won't reply to number 1 and 2, as those are up to the independent players you interact with.

On both 3 and 4, on the other hand, consider that there are half-orcs serving in the Flaming Fist. Half orcs can behave just like anyone else who are in the city and they can definitely be there.

Thanks Ghost, that's really useful
As for questions 1 and 2, I'm not asking for specifics on how to roleplay something, but just for how they mostly act towards others in lore. How do most half-orcs act and how do most people act towards half-orcs.

Ofcourse we always have exceptions to the rule, but I don't know what the rule is in this case

[Taintedglory]

Well Half-orcs can be just as diverse as any of the other sentient "Goodly" Races of Abeir-Toril. Depending on what the other half is, (And they survived throughout life without being hunted down and killed for being what they are) it can change their demeanor and lifestyle.

For example: There are times in the splat books and some of the Novels where Elf/Orcs are born. Elves view these things as abominations and absolute sin against their very spirit... So they kinda destroy them on sight. That can leave these rare orcs bitter, defensive people.

How do I RP them? Usually moderately intelligent people trying to do the good and the right by the world. Typically I play Half-Orc Wizards or Clerics in my PnP games, and the occasional Half-Orc Paladin. Currently I got a Half-Orc Undead Hunting Sun Soul Monk in my PnP game Im running with, who uses grappling mechanics with body of the sun, Righteously turning Vampires into ash under his mighty grip.

Then you got the typical Human/Orc mixtures. Depending on how they were born, and where they where born, their life and their personalities can be 100% different. A city got raided a few generations ago by Orcs, and unfortunately a few women gave birth to orc children? Well, after a few generations the H-Orcs are just kinda there, breed into the population normally. Depending on the people this could be accepted, or be paralleled by the Real life counter-parts of racism in our society With Multi-Raced children. It all depends on where they grew up. Societies in Forgotten Realms tend to be a bit tight, with a general way of thinking across the entire society. (Due to lazy writing most of the time)

So, how should you react to a Half-Orc? Well.. are you Racist or do you have no preconceived notions of someone before you get to know them? Thats up to the individual PC or NPC. I would assume a farmer with frequent raids from Orc tribes would hate Half-Orcs. ("Y'all green skin dumb buck toothy leather licking boot stompers GIT OFF MY LAWN")
But yknow, there is also Half-Orcs out there, covered in fine felts and women.. so...

[Xanfyrst]

1) How do you RP a half-orc?

However you want. Just remember they are offspring of both humans and orcs, and has traits from both of their heritages, both physically and mentally. What exactly those traits are, is up to the player. I'd recommend to add an orcish trait for every human trait you give your character. Gives you an all-round fleshed-out character in the end. And keep it realistic and according to the setting. And don't copy too much from other known and established half-orc characters. Try keep it original without going too snowflakey. Just some advise, which you can take under consideration or simply ignore.

2) How should you react to a half-orc?

Unless your character has had plenty of interaction with half-orcs in the past, your character might react with both caution and curiousity on meeting a half-orc. If you'd very bad history with orcs, your character might feel hatred, distrust or any other hostile feelings towards the half-orc.

Lots of racial minorities are facing prejudice from the majority (and even other minorities) on a daily basis, either directly or veiled/subconsciously. Some humans aren't all nice to elves and half-elves either, remember that.

3) How should a half-orc behave when in a city like Baldurs Gate?

If not used to be in human settlements, a half-orc might behave extremely cautious and on-guard all the time, expecting bad things to happen on a second's notice. If used or even grown up in a big city, they'll behave like any other minority... save from some racial traits inherited by their orc parent, roleplayed at your own discreation. Some areas in BG are less guarded than others and might give you more room to operate in regarding to roleplaying a "wilder behaviour".

4) Is a half-orc even allowed within a city?

Yes. Half-orcs are relatively common on the Sword Coast and often serve as mercenaries or soldiers due to their superior physique and often more ferocious nature. (not all are like that, though)

[DM Golem]

Tips and tricks!

[DM Golem]

Seems some good advice has been given here. I'd say Xanfyrst's suggestions are well founded about playing a half-orc, its good to mix in elements of both ancestry.

A general statement might be that it can vary from person to person, from half orc to half orc (based on their behaviour) and region to region.

The Sword Coast has had a lot of orc troubles in server history, so as a baseline there is going to be prejudice against orc bloods even if such was not indicated in PNP lore: even in the more tolerant than normal Baldurian population.

But the fact that half orcs serve in the Flaming Fist shows that its a social prejudice that varies in strength, rather than a legal prejudice. Half orcs can and do make good. It might just take some effort and proving on their part, depending on who they are interacting with.