Homebrew Demi-Eiger (Half-Ogre) Species Details

The half-ogre, or demi-eiger as the Flan refer to these brutes, is a rare creature, generally born from a forced union. In very rare instances, half-ogres are bred to serve in a particularly vicious army. In either case, a half-ogre’s upbringing is rarely a happy one, as they are tolerated for their usefulness and shown little love. Human mothers rarely survives the birth of a demi-eiger offspring. An adult half- ogre stands on average 71/2 to 8 feet tall and weighs 300+ pounds. Skin colour and hair colour is variable but tends to be brown, grayish, black, dull yellow (skin only) or one of the above with a slight grey-green hue. Most demi-eiger have human-like eyes, though about 20% have the white pupils common to eigerkind.

There are a number of advantages and disadvantages to being a demi-eiger. On the positive side, their large size allows half-ogres to use two-handed or versatile weapons one-handed without penalty. Luckily, protective rings, bracers, and amulets may be used by the race, despite their size.

On the negative side, demi-eiger characters are usually viewed with fear and suspicion by most civilized folk they come upon. Furthermore, the cost and weight of specially-sized armor and clothing required by normal-sized creatures is twice normal. They are also too big to ride anything but a warhorse, elephant, or other extra-large mount, none of which are of low cost or easily accessible.

Those demi-eiger that do manage to survive to adulthood with their sanity intact are solitary creatures, putting their muscles to use while understanding that most civilized folk will give them a wide berth. The demi-eiger much prefers the country to the city, where urban architecture rarely accommodates their bulk. Half-ogres usually have miserable tempers and are quick to anger, but those that show them kindness will never have a more loyal friend.

Demi-eiger are usually solitary creatures since, unless they were bred, there are no known half-ogre communities. Most demi-eiger are born into roving ogre bands and are too frail in such instances to live very long. Other demi-eiger are raised in human communities but rarely treated as an equal. Perhaps due to their shame, demi-eiger prefer the company of humans or eiger rather than with other demi- eiger.

Demi-eiger get along well with demi- euroz, especially since they share similar life experiences. Demi-eiger also get along with humans who find their strength useful for labour and military purposes. The smaller races tend to be intimidated by half-ogres and the feeling is mutual; demi-eiger fear that noniz or hobniz can play tricks on them or steal their stuff without getting caught. Demi-eiger don’t enjoy the company of olves or demi-olves, as they often have the beauty, grace, and acceptance that was denied to the demi- eiger.

A demi-eiger tends to follow the same religion as does the human or eiger community in which she grew up, usually choosing a deity that favours strength or war. Half-ogres tend to be neutral creatures, remaining aloof from society while relying on others for needed supplies, offering their strength in return.

For the obvious reasons, demi-eiger gravitate toward the martial classes, such as barbarian and fighter. Demi- eiger usually lack the temperament to be monks, paladins, or rangers. While generally not spell-casters, half-ogre sorcerers, and warlocks are not unknown.

Half-ogres are far rarer than other “half breeds” like half elves and half orcs. They are not frequently found in civilized realms in groups but are known to live in cities like Rauxes, Greyhawk, Dyvers and others as individual mercenaries, pugilists or adventurers.

It should be noted that unlike the rest of the Flanaess, half-ogres are only uncommon rather than rare in the nation of Ull where they are accepted by society and not simply tolerated. The current ruler of Ull is half-ogre himself.

Demi-Eiger (Half-Ogre) Traits

Demi-eiger character has an assortment of inborn abilities, some received from your human side with others obviously ogrish in their origin.

Powerful Build

You count as one size larger when determining your carrying capacity and the weight you can push, drag, or lift.

Ability Score Increase

Your Strength and Constitution score increases by 2, and your. Your Charisma and Dexterity scores are reduced by -1.

Age

Demi-eiger mature a little faster than humans, reaching adulthood around age 14. They age noticeably faster and rarely live longer than 75 years.

Big Hands

You can wield two-handed weapons in only one hand. You ignore the two-handed weapon property. In addition, when wielding weapons with the versatile property in one hand, you may roll the two- handed damage die instead. If you have the dual wielder feat, you gain this benefit with both hands.

Darkvision 60 Feet

Demi-eiger can see in the dark up to 60 feet.

Imposing Figure

You gain proficiency in the Intimidation skill. Strength is your associated ability score instead of Charisma.

Size

Demi-eiger are between 7ft and 8ft in height and weigh between 315 and 425 pounds. Your size is Medium.

Speed

Your base walking speed is 30 feet.

Iron Stomach

A demi-eiger can consume just about anything without ill effects: Rotting food, carrion, infested food, stagnant water, etc. They are immune to all poison and disease effects from ingesting such fare.

Bend Bars/Lift Gates

Due to their great size, prestigious weight, and strength, half-ogres are “the best darn door-openers in the whole universe. Those wimpy little kobolds clutch their ridiculous little spears and whine in unison when 7’6” of solid muscle smashes their door to splinters and walks in, and even other larger monsters have serious reservations about attacking unless they belong to the kamikaze school of combat philosophy.” You have advantage on all Strength (Athletics) rolls to break open doors or similar objects or to bend or break metal bars, shackles, etc.

Languages

You can speak, read, and write Common and Giant. (but not read or write)