Uruk

In terms of numbers and population, the Uruk (ER-uk or OO-ruk) race represents the largest percentage of the human beings in world. They occupy the widest range of lands throughout the world: from the hot deserts and jungles of the south, to the cold lands of the north. They also have the broadest variation in cultural and physical characteristics of any race, with bloodlines from many ancient sources. Several sub-groups correspond to these geographical divisions.
As a people, the various tribes of this race get their name from a revered ancestral law-giver named Urukaan, who passed on to them a strict monotheistic religion and code of law. Uruk morality is based on personal honor and integrity; it is very exacting and unyielding. Obedience to authority is paramount. Their strong utilitarian morality seeks the good of the tribe above the individual, and tends to limit personal freedom. Uruks are ruled by powerful warlords, and are quite aggressive in their attempt to gain religious and political power through conquest. Most Uruks have only a very limited Infravision, which allows them to detect the impression of heat at a range of 30 feet. Their canine teeth are capable of inflicting (1-4) points of damage, though this sort of attack is only used in close, weaponless, mortal combat.

The word "rakkian" and "uruk" comes from the root syllable ruk, meaning "red." In Rakkian and Shuduran dialects, the prefix "u-" is the definite article (the). Thus, the word u-ruk means "the red (ones)." Ironically, the word "raaka" in the Kainen languages means vicious, brutal, or harsh -- which is precisely the way they were described by the northern peoples the Uruks conquered.

RAKKIAN CULTURE: The desert-dwelling Rakkians (RAK-ee-ens) are nomads who dwell in the red-sand deserts south of Aishelon. They are known as "the Reds" (u-ruk), due to the (slight) reddish tint of their skin. Rakkians are the largest tribal group, and descendants cover the most extensive geographical area -- from the Rakkian deserts to the grassy velts of western Shudura. Rakkians respect the wisdom of elder mystics, and look to them for religious and political guidance. It is from this cultural group that Urukaan the Prophet rose to power, uniting his people under one religious law. Rakkians value order in their communities. Though the secular and religious authorities have a firm control of the populace, ironically, most of their major cities also have within them strong organized crime syndicates. Black market enterprises operate side-by-side with legitimate businesses, both serving to maintain the foundation of public society. Rakkians have a dark ruddy-brown skin, rough features, and slightly pointed ears. Their thick hair ranges from black to gray, and their eyes are grayish black. Men wear their hair in course mats; women weave and plait their hair. Men often wear beards that are cut short and thin.
SHUDURAN CULTURE: Also known as Black Uruks, the Shuduran (shu-DU-ran) subgroup is the most barbaric of the Uruk tribes, living in the manner of their ancient tribal ancestors. Originating from the grassy plains and veldts of Shudura to the coastal jungles of western Teurga that surround the Dar Vissan Sea, they have some traits similar to that of Teurgans. In addition to a bite attack, their claws are capable of inflicting (1-4) points of lethal damage per round. Shudurans tend to have a lanky build, and are at least 1-3 inched taller than the average Uruk (when generating a Shuduran character, add +1 to initial STR). Shudurans have dark black skin and pointed ears. Similar to Tuergans, they have a limited regenerative ability that allows them to heal one extra IP per night of rest. Unlike other Uruks, their infravision extends to a 90 foot range.
ESCHAREN CULTURE: The Escharen (es-CAR-en) sub-group are the descendants of Shuduran ancestors who first migrated to the southern continent early in the Age of Epiphany. Like the Gephtans, they lived under the rule of Estari masters, from whom they learned and adopted a much higher technology level, especially in the astral sciences. After the destruction of the Estari empire in the east, the Escharans rose up and won their independence.
ISMANI CULTURE: Strictly speaking, the word Isman refers to a religion, rather than a political entity or racial group (meaning someone can call themselves Ismani, even if they may come from a different culture). However, the word Ismani is also used more broadly to refer to the dominant Urukite culture in the Southern Continent. The orginal Ismani people were descendants of Rakkian Uruk colonists who established themselves in the southern continent, apart from the existing Meridian culture. While many dwell in large cosmopolitan cities, others prefer the life of desert nomads. They are ruled by a powerful Caliph, who holds both political and religious authority over a vast region (including both Isman and Meridia). In theory, all the territorial sheiks and emirs of the Ismani people owe their allegiance to the Caliph, though this is rarely the case in practice. Imperial politics are rife with intrigue and conflicting alliances.
Ismani society is characterized by a religious fundamentalism — one which they seek to enforce on believers and infidels alike. The Ismani hold to a strict legal code of ethical and religious conduct, with idolatry considered the most serious of sins. Representations of human and animal forms are strictly forbidden among them. The ancient iconoclastic order of Cha’alite warriors is classic example of this ideology in practice. In general, the Ismani have a sort of love-hate relationship with the ethereal sciences, seeming to admire ethereal power while at the same time being suspicious of it. The few rare Alchemists and Astrians command great respect, but often in common folklore such scholars are portrayed as villains. Though at times they can seem harsh and judgmental, the Ismani live by ideals of integrity and faithfulness, valuing mercy toward those weaker than one’s self. Ismani are an inch or two shorter than northern Uruks. Their skin-tone is more brown than red, and their black hair is often worn long. In dress and culture, they are otherwise similar to the desert-dwelling Rakkians.
KARSHAN/HADARITE CULTURE: This sub-group is found in Vensia as well as central Wessa, with a culture that combines aspects of the Uruk, Vensian, and Aisheloni people. While being quite aggressive and belligerent, they tend to seek power through strategic alliances, rather than through independent conquest. They practice a syncretistic religion that mixes elements from many religious traditions. It is not uncommon for Karshan caravans to travel from town to town in the lands of other cultures, working as traders, merchants, and performers. These "northern" Uruks have a mocha-brown skin tone, and brownish-black hair. They do not have the prominent claws or teeth other Uruks do, and some may even pass for Vensians or Lurvites.

Urukite Religion

The Lord God (Adünna)

The Lord (or "the Ruler") is the divine Creator of all things seen and unseen. The Lord is a real, personal being, who lives and acts according to his own self-determining will. It is the Lord from whom comes the Law of the Uruk nation, and as the creator and ruler of all things, the Lord maintains the sole power of life and death. The Lord is the final arbiter of the law, insuring that all people receive due recompense for their deeds, both good and evil.This being is referred to in the Urukite language by several terms:
• Adünna (a-DUNE-a): ruler, lord, master
• Adünne Tzäba (a-DUNE-eh SA-ba): ruler of armies
• Gänukku (GAHN-oo-koo): almighty God
• Küdeshadder (KOO-de-SHAD-er): righteous judge

The Two Plates (The Ten Ordinances)

Urukite law is summarized in what is known as the Two Plates of the Law, which in turn contain the Ten Ordinances. The First Plate is comprised of the first three ordinances, concerning a person's direct duty to the Lord. The Second Plate is comprised of the last seven ordinances, concerning a person's duty to the Lord in respect to others. The Ten Ordinances and a summary of their meanings and implications are listed below:
I: You Shall Not Steal Faith: The Lord is to be recognized and honored as the one Creator and Ruler of all things, to be feared, loved, and trusted above all else. Since all things are subordinate to the Lord, and have their being only through him, a person's life is to reflect this in respect and reverence. The worship of other gods or powers is strictly forbidden.
II: You Shall Not Steal Reverence: The Lord is an active presence in the world and his power is manifest in creation. Any use of divine power and authority must give respect to the Lord from whom it comes. Magic, by definition, is divine power objectively separated from its source. Therefore, the use and practice of magic is strictly forbidden.
III: You Shall Not Steal Labor: One day in seven is to be set aside as a day of rest in respect and honor to the Lord (through prayer, reflection and personal devotion). To protect the rights of slaves and laborers, no work, travel, or exercise can be required of an individual. On the day of rest, a person may engage only in responsive action, as required by limited and immediate circumstances.
IV: You Shall Not Steal Honor (of Family and Tribe): An individual is to live in submission and obedience to earthly authority. It is expected that loyalty and faithful obedience will be given to: parents and elder siblings, the tribe and its elders, as well as to the Urukite nation and its leaders.
V: You Shall Not Steal Life: Life is given by the Lord and is to be taken by the Lord alone. Murder and assassination are strictly forbidden.
VI: You Shall Not Steal Betrothel: Tribal lineage and bloodlines are protected by the law of marriage. Man and woman are mated for life, and may not take another mate until they are separated by death. To break this marital bond from within or without is strictly forbidden.
VII: You Shall Not Steal Property: All possessions come by the blessing of the Lord. The taking of another's land or personal property by force or by stealth is strictly forbidden.
VIII: You Shall Not Steal Honor: One's personal honor is their greatest attribute and highest virtue. It is not to be maligned or destroyed by another. Slander, insults, and false testimony against another are strictly forbidden.
IX: You Shall Not Steal Lineage: One's heritage and lineage are the gift of the Lord. An inordinate desire to change one's place and position in society leads to other transgression. Expressions of this desire are highly suspect.
X: You Shall Not Steal Contentment: All things are the gift of the Lord, and therefore a person is to be content with what they have. An inordinate desire to obtain wealth and property leads to other transgression. Expressions of this desire are highly suspect.

The Pan'ra

The Pän'ra is an elite order of warriors among the Uruk people. They are known for their unflagging devotion to the Lord and their obedience to the law. The Pän'ra is a tight-knit group whose prime objective is to put an end to idolatrous worship. In addition to strict obedience to the letter and spirit of the Ten Ordinances, the Pän'ra adhere to a strict Code which includes the following:
• Daily "Prayer of the Hours" (five times per day, including: dawn, noon, midday, dusk, and evening)
• Ownership only of possessions able to be carried or ridden (members of the Pan'ra may own no land, structures, or herds; any excess wealth is to be given in acts of mercy)
• Obedience to the Wise (elders of the Pän'ra and recognized prophets)
• Battle is engaged for defense only (the Pän'ra sanctions no assassinations or surprise attacks)
• Idols and symbols of false worship are to be utterly destroyed (no matter what they may be)