Homebrew Elf-Orc Species Details

Personality

Combining the best and worst of the qualities of both parents elf-orcs are often short-tempered and easily offended. They also tend to remain aloof, believing no one would understand the hardships they've experienced. They tend to be cynical in their dealings and tend to try and get what they want from deception or intimidation.

Despite that, to those willing to put forth the effort and cultivate a relationship with them, an elf-orc can prove to be a stalwart ally and loyal friend. An elf-orc that makes a friend will follow that friend into hell. Betrayal of their trust can result in a lifetime vendetta fueled by an unholy rage.

Physical Description

An elf-orc can be savagely graceful or gracefully savage. Elf-orcs tend to be smaller than half-orcs with a height ranging between 6' and 6'5", although a few taller exceptions have been known. Their weight usually varies from 150 to 220 pounds. Their mixed lineage is plain to see from their pointed ears and grayish undertones and, in some cases, their tusks which tend to be on the smaller side. Unlike half-orcs their body hair is no more prominent than that of a human, and for this reason elf-orcs have been described as exotically good looking by other races.

Elf-orcs reach maturity at age 16 and can live to about 200.

Relations

Elf-orcs find that they have the disadvantages of both of their ancestors. An elf-orc will be killed on sight by any orc who chances upon him unless he is a member of that orc's tribe. Even then, the elf-orc will find himself tortured and ridiculed on a regular basis for his relation to hated elves. Even half-orcs find themselves treated better than these poor creatures.

Elf-orcs are pitied at best by elves and at worst regarded with fear or suspicion. It's not unheard of for elves to jump to conclusions about these relatives of orcs and that fear will sometimes lead to the elf-orc's capture and torture, though it is rare for elves to be brazen enough to kill an elf-orc without proof of ill-intent. Dwarves seem to be fairly accepting of the mixed breed that incorporates everything they respect in their two enemies with none of the pomp or savagery. Elf-orcs have also found some favor among the tieflings as they also know the cruelties that come with being born different.

A human will not treat an elf-orc any worse than a half-orc and in many cases they are regarded more highly due to their attractive features. The elf-orc can be regarded as just another race unlike half-elves and half-orcs, who are typically seen as tainted humans. Half-orcs and half-elves tend to get along with elf-orcs, understanding much of what they went through due to being a half-breed. Gnomes tend to be somewhat suspicious of elf-orcs but no more so than with any of the tall races. Halflings tend to regard elf-orcs on a case-by-case basis. A helpful elf-orc can sometimes find acceptance among a halfling community who may use them to help defend their homes or as a helpful laborer.

Alignment

The Elf-orc tends to lean more towards the chaotic nature of its ancestors. If raised by orcs or savage humanoids they sway towards evil whereas one raised by elves tends towards good. If raised in human lands the elf-orc tends to remain neutral, although many of these become chaotic neutral. In some special cases, elf-orcs raised by humanoids of high moral standing can become lawful.

 

Languages

Regardless of who raises them, elf-orcs typically learn to speak Elvish, Orcish, and Common. While Orcish as has no written language they do learn to write in Elvish and Common.

Names

An elf-orc's name tends to be words for “weakness” or other undesirable traits if raised by orcs or words for garbage or refuse among the elves. Because of this an elf-orc almost always chooses their own name unless trying to find favor with their respective god, in which case they will keep their birth name. Many choose a name from another race to show that they have turned their backs on both sides of their heritage.

Elf-Orc Traits

Elf-orcs have hybrid physiology traits that come from a perfect split of their ancestry

Ancestral Traits

You have advantage on saving throws against being charmed, and magic can’t put you to sleep. You have the ability to use items that exclusively elves or orcs can use due to your lineage.

Relentless Endurance

When you are reduced to 0 hit points but not killed outright, you can drop to 1 hit point instead. You can’t use this feature again until you finish a long rest

Trance

Elves don't need to sleep. Instead, they meditate deeply, remaining semiconscious, for 4 hours a day. (The Common word for such meditation is “trance.”) While meditating, you can dream after a fashion; such dreams are actually mental exercises that have become reflexive through years of practice. After resting in this way, you gain the same benefit that a human does from 8 hours of sleep.

Ability Score Increase

+2 to Strength and Dexterity, +1 to Constitution

Aggressive

As a bonus action, you can move up to your speed toward a hostile creature that you can see.

Darkvision

Both your Elven and Orcish heritage have given you 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

Menacing

You have proficiency in the Intimidation skill. Add your proficiency bonus to Intimidation skill checks.