Creative D&D Characters: Neutral Good Half-Orc Warlock

Kansif, the neutral good half-orc warlock

In the fourth installment of our Creative D&D Characters series—based almost exclusively upon 5E rules—we turn to the cosmopolitan area of Waterdeep where half-orcs can walk around (almost) as freely as gnomes and halflings. As stated in previous articles, these characters are complex and challenging to incorporate into a campaign without some forethought and careful planning.  Our approach isn’t necessarily to seek out contrary characters like our halfling monk or gnome barbarian may seem.  But it is to show that seemingly unlikely characters can be fun and engaging.  We see no reason why you wouldn’t encounter a neutral good half-orc warlock in your everyday travels in Faerûn.

Since beginning this series we have been showing how versatile characters can be when your primary resource is the Player’s Handbook. Roleplayers, in general, want unique characters and it’s easy to go down a rabbit-hole to seek out some esoteric tome to create a compelling character. If that’s your thing, have at it. We don’t judge. We happen to enjoy going down the rabbit hole too. But to some—especially to younger players, newcomers, or casual gamers—it can be overwhelming. We encourage you to use these characters as you’d like whether they be as NPCs or PCs.

Today we give you Kansif, the neutral good half-orc warlock.

“Half-orcs have a much-maligned reputation as brutal savages incapable of empathizing with any other denizens of Faerûn.  This is due, in large part, to the atrocities committed by not only my own race but also our closest cousins.  Orcs’ sadism goes without saying.  Everyone knows of Drizzt Do’Urden’s exploits involving The Thousand Orcs coming out of the North.  Orcs, by and large, are a blight on all races of Faerûn but particularly so on the half-orcs.

I’ve Got a Temper

To be fair, half-orcs haven’t done much to buck the trend of the evil stereotype. Evil half-orcs are more a product of nurture than nature. Our distinctive looks already put us at a disadvantage when it comes to garnering trust. Couple that with the unspeakable evils performed by notorious orcs and half-orcs and it isn’t hard to see why half-orcs struggle to break the mold. We often cannot find acceptance amongst the pure races. When half-orcs commit atrocities they are dismissed as an evil race but when humans or elves commit atrocities we remember their names rather than blame their race. Nothing sets my temper aflame quite like these inane rules of thumb regarding half-orcs. I have had many a brawl to defending my honor and others like me. You may argue this does little to change people’s perceptions. You’re also likely not a half-orc.

Some half-orcs, such as my family and myself, have devoted themselves to bucking the trend.  My father did his best to encourage me to become a cleric or, at the least, a paladin.  But as it turns out I’m not particularly religious.  Nor am I inclined to let my father’s influence pave a path to success for me.  I need to create my own identity.  My parents are highly respected (by half-orc standards) and I would be all but a shoo-in for just about any position or apprenticeship in Waterdeep.  I am grateful for them.  But I’m just as proud as they are and I want my deeds to become my reputation.

Do You Find My Lack of Faith Disturbing?

My lack of devotion to divinities did not hinder my interest in arcane arts though and I was able to charm my father into allowing me to seek out esoteric and arcane knowledge through Waterdeep’s many open-minded sages.  Many of the sages turned me on to ancient texts and the art of seeking enlightenment through meditation.  During one of my deepest meditative trances, some kind of…entity contacted me.  I have made contact several times since then but I cannot get a visual representation or even describe a voice.  It speaks so deeply into me that I’m not even sure it has a voice.  All I know is that the more meaningful contacts I have with this benevolent entity the more powerful I grow.

There are no texts too obscure or ruins too unworthy or remote to attract my attention. I commonly venture outside of Waterdeep with my texts, my beloved mace, and usually my close friend, Borivik.  He is an able fighter and handy with a sword. But he is a human and I dare not let him know that adore him. I struggle to keep things platonic. For one thing, I couldn’t bear the rejection that I would inevitably face and it’s not worth losing such a skilled warrior. Furthermore, my father thinks very little of Borivik’s family and would never condone even a courtship let alone a union. So I pour all of my passion into discovering more and more of the occult. There is so much left to discover so a relationship with anyone would only get in the way of my ultimate goal.

 

Where can you find me?

Stats & Background Information
Kansif, Neutral Good Half-Orc Warlock

So hopefully you like the fourth PC/NPC in the Creative D&D Characters series. Kansifthe neutral good half-orc warlock sounds like an interesting and helpful NPC to encounter or use in your campaigns. If you are still playing an older edition of D&D and are curious about if 5E is right for you and your party you can download the Basic Rules for Dungeons & Dragons 5E for no charge from Wizards of the Coast. Happy gaming!

Other Creative D&D Characters

• Lawful Evil Halfling Monk:  Lindal Goodbarrell
• Chaotic Neutral Dwarf Rogue:  Tordek Frostbeard
• Neutral Evil Gnome Barbarian:  Gnimsh “Shinbarker” Scheppen