Half-Ogre

The half-ogre 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. Those half-ogres 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 half-ogre much prefers the country to the city, where urban architecture rarely accommodates their bulk. Half-ogres have miserable tempers and are quick to anger, but those that show one kindness will never have a more loyal friend.

Physical Description: While technically medium creatures, most half-ogres straddle the line at around 8 feet tall. Like dwarves, half-ogres are stocky creatures for their size. From a distance, a half-ogre can pass as a large human, and many ancient legends about extraordinarily large human warriors probably referred to half-ogres. Up close, the wild stare and unkempt appearance, in addition to his larger height, unmistakably mark one as a half-ogre.

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

Relations: Half-ogres get along well with half-orcs, especially since they share similar life experiences. Half-ogres also get along with humans who find their strength useful for labor and military purposes. The smaller races tend to be intimidated by half-ogres and the feeling is mutual; half-ogres fear that gnomes or halflings can play tricks on them or steal their stuff without getting caught. Half-ogres don’t enjoy the company of elves or half-elves, as they often have the beauty, grace, and acceptance that was denied to the half-ogre.

Alignment and Religion: A half-ogre tends to follow the same religions as does the human or ogre community in which she grew up, usually choosing a deity that favors 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.

Adventurers: For the obvious reasons, half-ogres gravitate toward the non-lawful martial classes, such as barbarian, fighter, and warlord. Half-ogres usually lack the temperament to be monks, paladins, or rangers. While generally not spellcasters, half-ogre shamans, sorcerers, and warlocks are not unknown.

Racial Traits

• +4 Strength, +2 Constitution, -2 Intelligence, -2 Wisdom: Half-ogres are immensely strong and hardy, but somewhat slow-witted and brash.
• Medium: Half-Ogres are Medium creatures and have no bonuses or penalties due to their size.
• Normal Speed: Half-ogres have a base speed of 30 feet.
• Darkvision: Half-ogres can see in the dark up to 60 feet.
• Imposing Figure: Half-ogres are intimidating without trying. They get a +2 racial bonus to Intimidate checks.
• Ogre Blood: Half-ogres count as both humans and ogres for any effect related to race.
• Languages: Common, Giant. Half-ogres with high Intelligence scores can choose any of the following: dwarven, goblin, orc, or giant.
• Random Starting Age: (15 years) Barbarian, Rogue, Sorcerer +1d4 Bard, Fighter, Paladin, Ranger +1d6 Cleric, Druid, Monk, Wizard +2d6
• Aging Effects: Middle Age 32 Old 49 Venerable 65 Max 65+1d20
• Height and Weight: Male Height 7’6 Weight 250 Modifier 2d6 Weight Multiplier x7, Female Height 6’10 Weight 180 Modifier 2d6 Weight Multiplier x7