Ogrekin

Also known as the tall folke, the ogrekin claim ancestral ties to the Giants of Koth. Ogrekin are generally larger physically than other ancestries, though exceptions exist as their physical prowess can manifest in ways other than sheer size. The very presence of a tall folke is intimidating to many and some feel that this effect paints the ogrekin as a simple brute where nothing could be farther than the truth.   All ogrekin possess exposed bones on their skull which resemble horns, antlers, or tusks of various animals. These are known as Crownings. The shape, color and forming of one’s crowning is unique among the tall folke, though it may not necessarily be evident to other ancestries or even other ogrekin who do not take the time. Presenting one’s crowning is part of all formal introductions among the tall folke. As such, ogrekin groom their crownings and may even adorn them with inlays, carvings, or jewelry. In some circles, the size and style of one’s crowning is a symbol of status. Rarely do crownings develop to the level where they can be used as weapons among the ogrekin. It is possible, although rare, for tall folke to manifest exposed bone spurs in other places through their body. Some consider these to be marks of olde power, while others see them as reversions or aberrations. If removed, crownings will regrow quickly. Removing or defacing a crowning is a mark of shame for most ogrekin.   Although they were defeated by the Koths millennia ago, these mighty warriors find themselves with many opportunities within the Empire. The nation of Orrok is ruled by the Magnar of the united tribes, Kennan Rol. Orrok is an influential state in Koth, contributing many warriors to the legions and strong and skilled guildsmyn. The tall folke seek physical challenges, whether by toil, contest, or combat. Such activity is necessary for ogrekin as it is not in their nature to be idle. Too much time without exertion can cause ogrekin to grow angry and lash out. Scholars attribute this to a buildup of power within the ogrekin’s physical form as it seems that they access the ambient energies of Urth through their physical form. It is this nature that make ogrekin impossible to weaken. Though they do require rest, an ogrekin’s physical power never diminishes. Even age does not really diminish the strength, speed, or endurance of an ogrekin. The tall folke remain vital until the time of their passing, when they can no longer draw forth the strength of the Urth. Some say that when their time does come, an ogrekin may draw from the Urth one final time in an impressive display of physical prowess before they expire. This is known as the Great Surge and tales of ancestral Great Surges are passed down from parent to child as remembrances of the power of their people. The location of a Great Surge is a revered ground to the tall folke. It is said that one can feel the strength of the ogrekin that surged decades, centuries and even millennia later. Communities tend to grow around these locations.   Tales of strength circulate through the communities of the tall folke. These are not just tales of physical strength but also magical strength, strength of the mind, strength of the spirit and strength of character. A vow upon one’s strength is broken only in the dire of circumstances because it is believed that such a broken vow can rob an ogrekin of their power. Once a burden is accepted by the tall folke, they will only place it down when they are dead lest they be seen as weak. Lifting another’s burden without being asked is considered an insult to them, that they are not strong enough to shoulder it any longer. This belief often causes those weaker than the ogrekin to misjudge the ogrekin’s actions or lack thereof as uncaring, gruff, or unhelpful.   The favored and ancestral weapon of the ogrekin is known as the warstar. It is a flanged mace head. They use this style on many distinct types of weaponry including varying haft lengths and thrown warstars hurled attached to chains. Such weapons are often passed down from one generation to another.   The tall folke prize the physical crafts, for they see it as an extension of their giant heritage. These are the tools of their ancestors. While the dwarves are naturally gifted, there are ogrekin who rival their greatest smiths. The title of wright is given to those who shape the physical. This is an honor among the ogrekin. Wrights are valued in a community and can include urthwrights, those who shape the land such as farmers.