Half-Orc 5e
Half-orcs' grayish pigmentation, sloping foreheads, jutting jaws, prominent teeth, and towering builds make their orcish heritage plain for all to see. They are between 6 and 7 feet tall and weigh between 180 and 250 pounds. Whether united under the leadership of a mighty warlock or fighting for survival, half-orcs are natural adventurers drawn to the adventuring life as a means of escaping prejudice.
At a Glance
Ability Scores
+2 Strength, +1 Constitution
Size
Medium
Speed
30 ft.
Languages
Common, Orc
Source
Player's Handbook
Racial Traits
| Trait | Description |
|---|---|
| Darkvision | 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. |
| Menacing | You gain proficiency in the Intimidation skill. |
| 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. |
| Savage Attacks | When you score a critical hit with a melee weapon attack, you can roll one of the weapon's damage dice one additional time and add it to the extra damage of the critical hit. |
Common Mistakes
Common Mistake
Forgetting Relentless Endurance only works once per long rest
Common Mistake
Not tracking when Relentless Endurance has been used
Common Mistake
Thinking Savage Attacks doubles all damage dice (it only adds one extra weapon die)
Common Mistake
Not utilizing Intimidation proficiency for social encounters
DM Tips
DM Tip
Half-orcs are exceptional barbarians, fighters, and paladins
DM Tip
Relentless Endurance is a powerful survival tool that can turn the tide of battle
DM Tip
Savage Attacks scales well with larger weapon damage dice (greatswords, greataxes)
DM Tip
Their orcish heritage often leads to prejudice - use this for character development
DM Tip
Consider themes of overcoming stereotypes and proving one's worth
Frequently Asked Questions
Sources & Further Reading
- Half-Orc — D&D 5e Wikidot — Full SRD race text
- Half-Orc — D&D Beyond — Official race reference
- Half-Orc Handbook — RPGBOT — Race optimization guide