Homebrew Elf-Orc Species Details
Born to strength and agility, the elf-orc has the best of both worlds. Unfortunately, they are cursed with the negative elements too. It is well-known that orcs and elves do not typically get along - they would sooner murder any member of the opposing race than allow them to set foot within their villages. Thus, the elf-orc is typically shunned by both communities. It is a peculiar thing to study, noting that the hatred of these races extends even to the young. Needless to say, if they ignored their differences, they can create something wonderful - the elf-orc's well-built beauty cannot be denied.
With brawn and brains, speed and strength, the elf-orc can hold up well in a fight. However, they do not get an easy start in life. Many elf-orcs that survive to birth do not make it any further - orc communities usually kill them. An elven-born elf-orc may be raised in secret, or sent elsewhere to be raised, such as the more accepting human towns. This life of an outcast can toughen up any individual.
Dexterous and Durable
Elf-orcs have a different type of beauty to the elves, bearing rugged handsomeness. They carry the jutting jaws of the orc, as well as tusk-like teeth and a slight hunch. They are more slim-built than their bulky orc parents, but still tower about the average human at 6 to 7 feet and weigh between 175 and 250 pounds.
Their movements hold purpose but seem elegant too, comparable to big cats. The chaos that embodies them makes them unpredictable in a battle, making them a daunting foe to come up against. They lack the pure agility of the elf or the unbridled strength of the orc, but it leaves they in a more rounded position of might and speed.
Exiled
Elf-orcs do not fit well into the traditional communities of either of their parent races. Intimidation built into their bloodline, they stand out in human communities too. This results in avoidance from many, leading to elf-orcs finding it difficult to assimilate into large groups. Despite this, they are dependable - though few, the people that they have been able to rely on often set good examples for loyal companions.
The orc god Gruumsh does not directly impact the actions of an elf-orc as his commands are blocked by their fey ancestry. Nevertheless, they are not free of his touch - his influence often amplifies the chaotic tendencies that flow through the elf blood. This only enhances their unpredictability, making them act on a whim whenever it suits them. Fortunately, the there is some control that has been built into them from the elven heritage.
Elf-Orc Names
Elf-orcs usually have names appropriate to the community or culture in which they were raised. An elf-orc raised in secret by elves typically adopts elven names, whereas an individual from a human community may have a more human name.
Elf-orcs without any parental figures often choose their own name, basing it on a word that embodies their own upbringing or goals. On the off-chance that an orc-born elf-orc survives, their name is an orc name, sounding more guttural and raw.
Elf-orcs may not have had the easiest start in life, and certainly are not known as a people's person. Regardless, if they are treated with kindness and without bias by a companion, the elf-orc will be willing to lay their life on the line for them.
Elf-Orc Traits
Your elf-orc character has certain traits deriving from both the elven and the orc heritage.Ability Score Increase
Your Dexterity and Constitution scores both increases by 1, and your Charisma score decreases by 1.
Age
Elf-orcs mature quickly, reaching adulthood by the age of 16. However, they often have long lives, reaching ages of 125, provided they do not die before then.
Alignment
Elf-orcs are typically chaotic due to the nature of their parentage. The hot-headedness of orcs combined with the mischievous aspects of elves results in an individual that often cannot control their actions. Elf-orcs tend to polarise, either adopting an evil stance typically associated with orcs or the good nature of the elven heritage.
Size
Elf-orcs are larger than humans, but much more slim-built. They are often between 6 and 7 foot 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.
Fey Ancestry
You have advantage on saving throws against being charmed, and magic can’t put you to sleep.
Aggression
As a bonus action, you can move up to (1d4 + DEX modifier) x 5 feet towards an enemy of choice that you can see or hear (provided you have a route to them). For example, if you had a DEX modifier of +2, and rolled a 3 on the d4, then this is an extra movement of up to 25 feet. You must end this movement closer to the target than you started.
Erratic Dodge
With chaos in your blood, no enemy can predict you. A combination of the fleet-footed nature of the elves and the brazen elements of the orcs, you can evade the grasps of your enemies. You may use your reaction to give yourself advantage on a Dexterity or Constitution saving throw. You can use this trait once per short or long rest.
Languages
You can speak, read, and write Common, Elvish, and Orc. Elvish is fluid, with subtle intonations and intricate grammar. Orc is a harsh, grating language with hard consonants. It has no script of its own but is written in the Dwarvish script. Some elf-orcs may be more fluent in either elvish or orc, depending on their upbringing.
Comments