Basic Info:
Height: 7' - 8'
Life expectancy: Unknown
Location: Brenthian Underground Tunnels
Description:
Tuskers are a race of humanoids that live in the network of Brenthian Underground Tunnels. They are large and sturdy in appearance and have a pair of prominent tusks like that of a Walrus for which they are named. They are also adept at seeing in their dark environment. Some Tuskers are marked with tattoo patterns that denote rank within an outfit. These tattoos allow the leader of a group to be easily identifiable, although they're also easily recognized because followers are subservient to their leader and let him do the majority of the talking.
Though they appear more primitive than the technologically advanced Brenthians who live on the surface, the Tuskers show many signs of civilization. They have language, government, shared visiting spaces, and culture. There are various Tusker communities, some aligned to different pillars. Sometimes they come into conflict over hunting area rights. In note, there is a well organized city and particularly advanced looking city hidden in the tunnels and accessible by a giant, spiraling staircase that is at odds with another group of Tuskers located further north.
This other group of Tuskers is notable for keeping the tusks and skulls of its slain enemies as trophies of war. While there's no evidence that this brutal clan is cannibalistic, there are at least those among them able to identify the taste of Tusker blood. This group is also notable for following the pillar of the elusive green dragon Jurlim.
Tuskers may demand tribute from rivals or anyone considered weaker than themselves, whether they be Tusker or not. In general, the tribute desired is stone, gem, or hard to come by material valued for rarity and especially hardness. Common gems like ruby, sapphire, etc. are easily mined in the tunnels so materials like diamond, meteor rock, or obsidian are preferred. It's common for Tuskers to test the worth of a tribute by scratching it with his tusks.