The Kindred of Bahgmod
Ogrum, or ogres, stand around 75 to 80 inches tall and weigh as much as 300 to 400 pounds. Their skin tones vary from light plum to dark gray-blue, and is sometimes mottled, and they have a great deal of shaggy hair growing from their heads, necks, backs, and arms. One of their most prominent features is the two tusk-like teeth that grow out from either side of their lower jaw, often being much more pronounced in males than in females. Humans have long considered Ogrum (more commonly called ogres) to be nothing more than monsters, grouping with together with goblins, giants, and trolls. However, Ogrum are arguably as just intelligent as humans, and unlike goblins and giants, they have their own rich culture, history, language, and religion.
Ogres are far less common in Celaphania than they are in Tarrona, and were nearly driven to extinction there during the Age of Elinica and Age of Maradian. In Tarrona, the ogres flourished and developed into a sophisticated culture alongside the Scaithi and human tribes of the north.
It was there, in northern Tarrona, that Ogrum and Scaithi banded together against the human and Eldren tribes of southern Tarrona. Wars between the two groups were frequent through much of Tarrona’s history, but the Ogrum and Scaithi armies were eventually driven back into the Carsovian Mountains during the Second Age of Darkness, at the end of the Second Battle of Moytura. They found their new home in the Frozen North alongside giants, trolls, and goblins, whom they managed to subjugate and enslave. With the help of their Scaithi allies, Ogrum became proficient in metallurgy, magic, astrology, and even alchemy. During the War of Golla and Marada, many ogres joined the forces of Golla. Humans and ogres warred with one another once more in the centuries that followed, but humans gained the upper hand thanks to their vast numbers and superior technology.
Ogrum have always had a strong warrior culture, with deep traditions focused on honor, oaths, and courage. The Ogrum concept of oged–uthuk (“way of honor”) is embraced by their uth-kuradai (“honored warriors”), who are distinguished by their ceremonial (but still very effective) armor, elaborate topknots, and their infamous katagha swords
In modern times, however, Ogrum have become increasingly more sophisticated. There are now ogre merchants and traders who have their own ships and sail the Sea of Isles. Ogre magic is primarily shamanic, and their alchemy is chiefly concerned with metallurgical sciences. As a result, ogre-smiths can forge steel that rival even the best Dworgh-made metals. Despite this, Ogrum are still poorly received in southern Tarrona and most of Celaphania.
Half-Ogrum
Half-Ogrum (or half-ogres) are born of a mating between a human and an Ogrum. Sadly, this usually occurs between an Ogrum male and a female human slave or human females the Ogrum assault and rape. Half-ogres born into Ogrum society are considered “weak,” but are not wholly rejected due to several advantages they possess. Half-ogres are typically faster than full-blooded Ogrum and nearly as strong. Half-ogres, when gifted with magical powers, are also more capable than ogre-shamans. Half-ogres may have psychic abilities, as well. In human society, half-ogres are almost always killed after birth, though a rare few are simply exiled. Those that are merely exiled from society often travel to the Dark Kingdoms, become lone brigands, or join a mercenary company. Like most hybrids, half-ogres are sterile.