On the origin of the half-orc; a treatise
Despite numerous distasteful rumors, half-orcs are, in fact, not the product of a union between an orc and human. Instead, they are the product of a very delicate yet extraordinary botanical happenstance.
There exists, in darker and cooler lands, a rare breed of large carnivorous plants. These plans blindly and instinctively lash out to consume the flesh of any passerby. They ostensibly grow near caravan roads and common trails, frequented by all sorts. The sharp leaves and mobile vines are so swift and powerful, most victims survive the assault however missing limbs and chunks. Normally, the flesh is then consumed within, as it rots naturally in the large trunk of the vicious plant.
On the occasion the meat of a human and orc are mingling in the miasmic pool of rot, a strange alchemical process takes place. The reaction kicks off quite abruptly, killing the carnivorous marauder, leaving only a tall hardened cocoon-like husk of the trunk. 12 hours later a fully grown albeit teenaged half-orc emerges. The gender being random and unpredictable.
All research of the greatest council of wizards has proven these creatures are fully flesh, and fully combined of the two species.
Unfortunately, slavers and ruffians watch for instances of these cocoons and often enslave the physically strong specimens for gladiatorial combat, hard labor or other less scrupulous matters. This lends to the common assertion that half-orcs tend to be evil or unscrupulous themselves. The truth however is more complicated.
As to the cause of this strange creation is anyone's guess. The wisest of our college are still studying the nature of both orcs and humans for clues.
Thandoren Fellumeen
Grand Master Wizard of the College of Magics