Lack of half-orcs was one of the biggest disadvantages of newest DnD edition for me. I am a real orc-barbarian-lover, absence of my favourite race really hurts. However, I am not going to write about my sadness (cause in fact it was just a little irritation). Instead, let’s concentrate on what such change means, what are WotC trying to tell us.

The simplest characteristic of orcs (and half-orcs) is that they were stupid, ugly and strong. Believe me or not, it was great, being stupid allows you to do funny things. There were (many?) people who enjoyed playing a half-orc barbarian.

And, of course, barbarians are also out.

If we search the rulebook for a race that should be fulfill such players’ needs probably the best one are Dragonborns. However, they are still described as honourable, proud and ancient race. What if a player wants to play a simple, brutal and violent race?

You may think evil Tieflings are the answer. Well, again not so. With +2 Cha and +2 Int bonuses they suck as dumb killing machines. Even though the inside evil was what I liked about Orcs.

Some may say that a fighter, with proper powers, can work like a barbarian. This may be true, but still, they are not the same wild, unstoppable warriors I remember.

So, Wizards don’t like brutal and stupid heroes. I guess they wouldn’t suit to their paragon - epic system, where the epic heroes are wise, strong and noble.

What are we getting in return for the pure barbarian strength? Eladrins, which are graceful, intelligent and sooo elvish and cute that I skip their page when reading the corebook. Argh…

For the Horde!