Half-orc Subrace: Orc

[satantrik]

Orc (Monster Manual)

Orcs are aggressive humanoids that raid, pillage, and battle other creatures. They have a hatred of elves and dwarves that began generations ago, and often kill them on sight. Orcs vary in appearance, but in general look like primitive humans with gray skin, coarse hair, stooped postures, low foreheads, and porcine faces with prominent lower canines that resemble a boar's tusks. They have lupine ears, their eyes are reddish, and they wear vivid colors that most humans would consider unpleasant, such as blood red, mustard yellow, yellow-green, and deep purple. Their equipment is dirty and unkempt. When not actually fighting other creatures, orcs are usually planning raids or practicing their fighting skills.

Base Race: Half-orc
Ability Score Adjustments: +4 Str, -2 Int, -2 Wis, -2 Cha
Special Qualities: Darkvision, Light Sensitivity (-2 to AB, saves, and skill checks in brightly lit areas. Bright light, natural or magical, blinds the Orc for 1 round.)
Alignment: Any
ECL: +0

The extra -2 to Wisdom and Light Sensitivity are more than enough to balance out the extra +2 Strength. This all balances out to make a +0 ECL race, in my opinion. That said, an alignment restriction here will only help the flavor of the race, not balance/limit class selection/builds with this race. Any alignment selection seems fair enough with how this is now.

[kgb]

Nope!

I like 1/2 orcs just as they are. My Orc Shaman is doing fine thanks with his high Wisdom. Leave us boyz alone . No ECL negs like the Half-Ogre which is a rort for what you really get.

[satantrik]

I wasn't suggesting that the half-orc's base stats be changed, my suggestion was for a new subrace be added to the half-orc's list. A half-orc can then opt to become a Half-orc, Orc, or Half-ogre on character creation. Is that what you thought I meant? Sorry for the confusion.

[HealingBreeze]

I like the idea, and I agree that with the modifications to stats you have made, you don't need an ECL.