The result of an unfortunate union between an ogre and a humanoid, the ogrekin (or half-ogre) is cursed with horrific malformations due to its tragic ancestry. Shunned by both parents, ogrekin tend to form unstable clans of their own, often resorting to inbreeding to sustain the collective. While good-natured ogrekin are not entirely unheard of, they are far and few between.

Creating an Ogrekin

“Ogrekin” is an inherited template that can be added to any Medium humanoid (referred to hereafter as the base creature). An ogrekin retains all the base creature’s Statistics and Special Abilities except as noted here.

CR: Same as base creature +1 (minimum 2).

Alignment: Usually evil.

Type: The creature’s subtype changes to giant.

Armor Class: Natural armor improves by +3.

Ability Scores: Str +6, Con +4, Int –2, Cha –2.

Special Qualities and Defenses: An ogrekin gains low-light vision. In addition, ogrekin receive two random deformities—one beneficial and one disadvantageous.

Ogrekin Encounters

Source PCS:ISMC

Ogrekin are solitary creatures and rarely live in groups of more than six. While not particularly intelligent, ogrekin can plan simple ambushes and tactics but quickly fall back on the savagery of their monstrous parents, aggressively attacking the most physically imposing enemies first and using their deformities and great strength to terrible effect at close range. At their most merciful, ogrekin prefer to take living captives that they treat with widely varied levels of hospitality. Ogrekin are rarely encountered in settlements, though they often prowl close to a town's fence or city's gate, waiting for unsuspecting travelers. This lonely existence leads many ogrekin to tame and train wild animals, a practice ogrekin take to with ease by quickly establishing dominance over beasts with their prodigious physical strength. These pets form resilient bonds with their masters and remain fiercely protective even after their owners' death.

The few ogrekin who have found acceptance into more civilized groups are often used as dispensable tools, sent out as the first lines of defense to deal with potential troublemakers. Though rarely treated with any kindness, these ogrekin strive for approval from their fellows, and can demonstrate great bravery when opportunities present themselves. Among tribes of their own kind, some ogrekin readily take up divine spellcasting. Healers and seers are highly valued for their utility both in battle and when processing new slaves.