The race known as the Arrukae (singular Arrukus) are found primarily in the central and northern parts of the continent. They exhibit great variation in their physical attributes. Although most Arrukae are similar in size to a tall human – from slightly less than six feet to six and a half feet in height – an individual Arrukus may be anywhere between 4 and 10 feet, with many accounts (unverified due to the nature of Arrukus behaviour) reporting individuals as tall as 12 feet.
They are roughly humanlike in appearance – possessing two legs, a trunk, two arms, and a head, in approximately similar proportions to those of humans. The head is where the greatest variation is seen, both in dissimilarity to human features and in variation with the species, as Arrukae facial features range from coarse and bestial to almost serene. Their skin may be a range of colours - including all shades of skin found in humans, but more commonly grey or a greyish-green. Approximately four in every five Arrukus possesses a set of tusks, either upper or lower, with rare individuals possessing both. Asymmetric horns and other growths are sometimes reported, though it is unknown whether this is a natural, inherited feature, or developed otherwise. They possess far greater strength than humans of a similar size.
While primarily reproducing among themselves, Arrukus are capable of interbreeding with humans. Offspring born in this manner typically appear as the species of the mother. Children born of Arrukae seed carried by human women thus often appear as entirely human; however it is apparent that Arrukae seed may infect human bloodlines for at least three generations – atavistic Arrukae have been birthed in regions where no full blooded Arrukus has been seen for over fifty years.
For these reasons, it is commonly believed that Arrukae and humans share a common primordial ancestor, less ancient than that we share with the apes. What caused the divergence is unknown. Some scholars speculate that Arrukae may be able to breed with the higher species of ape, as they can with humans. Arrukae reproduce prolifically. Their gestational period is six months, and an Arrukus typically reaches maturity in a mere ten years. It is unknown how long the natural lifespan, excluding deaths from violence or illness, of an Arrukus is.
The Arrukae possess speech, reason, and craft. Little is known of their languages, though it is certain that they do not all share a single common tongue. Arrukae are capable of learning human language, though their physiology may render their speech difficult to understand. They have knowledge of crafts including pottery and metalwork. They do not build, mostly preferring a nomadic lifestyle or to inhabit human cities seized by force.
Humans on the edge of their realms are constantly raided – for resources and slaves. It is known that in many areas, particularly deep within Arrukae lands, human tribes live in subjugation – relatively safe from violence and rapine, in return for farming their lands in tribute to the Arrukae, who do not themselves work the land or raise animals in great numbers. It is widely thought that subjugated humans perform much of the mining that provides Arrukae with the raw materials for their weapons.
