Ruku

“Brother, when you fall in battle I will pick you up, for if you fall, so do we all. None will be left behind. They will hear our battle cry and they will know it is their doom.”

- Oros, Clanleader

At the height of the Ancients power, their need for entertainment and fodder for their armies grew. It is unknown exactly what it was that the Ruku came from, created in some magical experiment, though assuredly half of it was that of the Ancients themselves. Little more than slaves, these people lived by the will of their masters, experiments that grew to be bigger than any man or woman, their strength making them to be excellent entertainment for their arenas and also deadly on the battlefield against the few enemies the ancients had left that were soon ground to dust. With the downfall of the ancients, the Ruku, as they came to call themselves, were aimless, without guidance, but were soon brought together under the leadership of Tyrus, the first Clan leader of the Ruku. Settling in the east, the Ruku took their own lands, and in the land of Ophon, Ardia became their home and the capital of that land for future generations for the free Ruku people.

From this time of the forming of their land, the Ruku have separated into numerous clans, spreading out across the land and forming towns and villages of their own. As they grew as a nation of people, the Ruku flourished in their home, and while easily able to fend off any that dared to attempt to invade them with skill learned in what they referred to as the Dark Times, never forgetting where they came from and why they were created. However the Ruku learned new things and many came to enjoy these new skills, such as agriculture, smithing, architecture, weaving, and so many more, treating them with as much discipline as they apply to their martial skills and honing them with dedication and pride. To this day, every Ruku is taught how to fight, both male and female learning from a young age, usually becoming proficient with a weapon they have chosen for themselves, as well as being encouraged to find a skill in some non-martial practice. Many brigands have thought farming Ruku to be easy prey, only to find themselves fighting formidable opponents, as no Ruku is to be underestimated.

Appearance

Standing far above many of the people of the land, the Ruku cut for formidable figures, and there is no denying what the Ruku were made for. Reddish-bronzed skin and rippling muscles are hallmarks of the Ruku if their height is not obvious. Their hair is dark, ranging from various shades of brown to black, and their eyes are a grey tone. Their clothing often consists of well woven cloth, officials often wearing a robe made from a wrapped cloth pinned at the shoulder with the mark of their station, while commonfolk wear loose tunics. Soldiers wear a range of armour styles, though commonly with a breastplate and pteruges covering the thighs for extra mobility in battle. Sandals are the most common form of footwear worn by Ruku, from simply made to armoured.

210-230cm in height.

Lifespan

Ruku can live up to 100 years in age, of course lifestyle has a direct impact on this and many warriors often do not make it into their elder years.

Religion & Beliefs

While Ruku do believe in the existence of gods, as it is something undeniable, they do not put their faith in such beings, as none came to aid their people when they were at the mercy of the Ancients. Instead the Ruku revere those of their own that have performed great acts in service for their people. Tyrus, the first Clanleader is seen as the most revered, as it was he who brought the Ruku together in their time of need and put them on the path to becoming the people they are today.

Geography

Cypress forests give way to plains dotted with rocky outcrops into the foothills of the mountains separating Ophon from Kiyuli. Ardia, the capital of Ophon, rests on a rocky peninsula that juts into the Argai Sea, making it a popular trade stop for many merchant vessels travelling the shores.

Society

To be Ruku, is to be part of something greater than one’s own family or self, having survived by working together, even despite their differences they will put them aside for the greater good of their people. They fight honourably in battle, even if their opponent does not, even if it costs their very lives, not seeing it as a weakness, but a strength that they do not rely on tricks or sorcery to gain the upper hand. With this honourable way of life, it is not common for Ruku to take to dishonourable lifestyles, and those that attempt to take advantage of them through dishonourable acts soon discover there are better ways of living. The largest three clans have formed powerful city states, these being Oros, a military state of the lands best and strongest fighters; Althui sees the rarest kind of Ruku, those with magical ability and scholars; Sultothi, the merchants and traders who have a strong grasp on the tradeways of the land.

Architecture

Ruku buildings are large to accommodate these large people, made of sturdy materials such as stone, which is often rendered and painted white, and capped with terracotta roofs. Some may even think the architecture has some similarities to that of the Thalachni people, though on a larger scale, though the Thalachni would say it’s not quite as grand. Their doors are often heavily carved, depicting historical events, things important to the clan the building belongs to, or even merely stating the function of the interior of the building.

Wealth & Trade

Ruku are largely self sufficient people, having many fine craftsmen of their own. However Malmr weaponry is prized for its quality and durability and have a deep respect for the Malmr art. Many Ruku make a living as Mercenaries or Gladiators, though employers are careful not to use these forces dishonourably, as any that do will find themselves forever without the aid of Ruku, no matter the amount of money offered.

Slavery

Because of their beginnings as slaves, the Ruku do not take slaves, though they may take prisoners of war that are treated fairly and with the respect they give all of their enemies.

Other Notes/Trivia

In early stages, the Ruku were based on an Orc trope, this is still referenced via their name even if they no longer bear a resemblance. This was taken from Tolkien stating that the root Elvish word for orc was derived from ruku, meaning fear/horror.
The name of the Ruku homeland Ophon, is a reference to Xenophon, an ancient Greek military leader, mercenary, philosopher, and historian.
Ardia, the capital of Ophon, is somewhat of a nod to the Illyrian people known as the Ardiaei, whom the Greeks viewed as fierce warriors.

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