The Campaign Builder's Guild

It's the assumption that irks me.

Consider the other common half-breed you see in D&D; the half-elves. It's almost taken for granted that any given half-elf is either the child of one human and one elf who loved each other very much, or the kid of two half-elves.

On the other hand, it's almost taken for granted that any given half-orc was obviously the product of some kind of violence.

Quote from: Luminous CrayonConsider the other common half-breed you see in D&D; the half-elves. It's almost taken for granted that any given half-elf is either the child of one human and one elf who loved each other very much, or the kid of two half-elves.

I think it is totally plausible that a half-elf could be the offspring of rape. There's an interesting character to explore.

Quote from: Elemental_ElfDISCLAIMER: Before this thread begins, I just wanted to say that I do not condone Rape in any way and think of it as a horrible, horrible act that should not be forced on any one for any reason.


I was wondering why so many people despise the concept of Half-Orcs being born from the forced union of an Orc and a Human. Granted it is a 'heavy' topic but given the context of what fantasy games encourage PCs to do (kill sentient beings and get a reward) is it really that 'heavy' of a concept? We're talking about worlds (and game systems) which reward players for murder, often murder on a grand scale. It upsets me that people put up their blinders to the basics tenets of the game but object to something that is far more common (historically) and reasonable (in context of course).

I'm not one to say Half-Orcs must always be the children of rape, there are other less 'heavy' means of conceiving the baby but, why must so many rail against this one concept to the point where even WotC is changing, nay discounting this method?  

I actually agree with you.  Considering the history of the real world, and how much rape played a part in it, and considering how much more violant and horrible this fantasy world is, the idea of a whole species of rape producted creatures is actually very likely (coupled with a low birth rate and lack of birth control) it makes sense.  I don't think many people dispise it actually, most of the complaints i've heard about Half orcs was that they are mechanically hampered.  A lot of people aren't happy with how every single half orc seems to be the product of rape, and how it gets clihe (ergo the popularity of the half orc Thanca in Order of hte stick, who is the product of a loving marriage) not so much with the idea, becuase lets be honest, rape happens a lot today, let along back in the psudo middle ages with a race of fantastical barbarion orcs who worship an uber evil deity.  

The reason why Wizards ditched it?  because frankly, wizards are kinda spindless when it comes to controversial options,  (one of the areas where White Wolf can say they are better at) and don't want to actually take the step and address any issue that seems at all conterversal.  that or they just wanted to get rid of half orcs anyways.  Is very silly
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