Ogres

A Battle Weary Uzak de Somnia, Personal Guard to Emperor Dae'avel Somnia, and Warden of the Grey Rose (circa 2019, War of Time)

### Distinctive Features

* Pointed ears
* Often covered in scars, from which Ogre gems grow.
* Muscular build
* Often found in warpaint of their House Colour

### Language(s)

* Trade Tongue
* Fae'len

## Politics

### Divisions

The 5 Noble Houses* House Somnia
* House Cirkaan
* House Harena
* House Finien
* House Serta

### Alliances

* The Fairfolk Empire
* Uragma (more so a mutual-respect than an alliance)

### Rivalries

* Gemna
* Sheana

## Geography

### Resources

Construction, Labour, Lumber, Wine, Fabrics, Embroideries, Dyes, Alchemy, Decorative Plants

As strong as the Sidhe are fair, Ogres represent one of the most paradoxical aspects of fairfolk society, being equally predisposed to creation as they are to destruction. When given a task, either by their Sidhe masters or their own self-interest, they will often pursue its completion with single-minded determination. Unfortunately for their reputation, this hyper-focused state often leads to other races viewing them as little more than brutes, capable only of receiving directions and carrying them out. Those lucky few who take the time to speak with, and understand ogre-kind will find, though, that they are so much more… well, most of them anyway.

To the Sidhe, the best use for an Ogre is as a bodyguard or soldier, with the title of labourer being a close second. Ogre’s natural tendency to form near familial relationships with their fellows allows them to work exceptionally well in groups large and small, as part of a household guard or an entire battlefield regiment. In truth, they see each other as brothers and sisters in arms, regardless of their profession. To hear an ogre refer to their comrades as “sisters” or their mentor as “father” is not uncommon. Even when Ogres move between Houses as part of reassignment or trade, they will often quickly adapt and bond with their new companions, telling them stories of their comrades back home.

Due to their natural hardiness and strength, as well as their aforementioned communal mindset, Ogres make up the backbone of the Empire’s military, headed largely by House Serta. In the past, they would have lived in a state of constant battle-readiness, with their ability to respond to oncoming threats being the difference between life and death for not only themselves but also their companions, whom they hold so dear. Even today, they stand guard over the empire, and even their combat duties have largely been relegated to fending off raids from Bandits and the occasional Uragma incursion in the South, rather than the field battles and offensives of old. This new task, however monotonous and dangerous it may be, they take with pride as valiant defenders of their families and Houses.

As the empire’s main fighting force, one could easily mistake ogres for savage and monstrous beings who revel in destruction. However, as mentioned before, ogres are also known for their nigh insatiable urge to create, a trait which is sadly often suppressed by their Sidhe masters. In their free time, however, many ogres adopt a hobby of their own, be it carving wooden figures of animals or making gruesome trinkets from bones and other such oddities. These hobbies are as diverse as Ogres are themselves, and though each ogre is likely to pick up new passions over the course of their life, their dedication to each craft will be obsessively driven, as per their nature.

### **Art**

Ogres are surprisingly creative and can create absolute masterpieces if left to their own devices. Unfortunately, the more softspoken or artistic talents often go unnoticed or are swept under the rug by the Sidhe in order to maintain their intimidating “ferocious beast” appearance.

### **Appearance**

All Fairfolk have pointy ears and gems upon their skin. The ogres are the brutish siege engines of the Fairfolk and are rather big and muscular, usually and covered in gem-filled scars from fighting, even from just training. Their gems are oddly shaped and jagged and range in the mid-tones of the colour spectrum. Much of their clothing is simple, as they do not have a need for more than simply working attire and their armour in their day-to-day activities; efficiency is key. Occasionally, Sidhe children will have them “dress up” in an attempt to embarrass them, but many Ogres are thoroughly amused or delighted instead or simply do not care (much to the chagrin of the young Sidhe).

### **Trade & Commerce**

Ogres are a resource in and of themselves. They are used and or hired as guards for caravans, personal protection, and builders of all sorts. Although they do not often have much to their names beside their family name and basic equipment, many Ogres have a “family heirloom” of sorts that is passed down through generations, whether that be a sword and shield or a favoured carving tool.

### **Geography**

Wherever the Sidhe are in need of muscle, Ogres can be found. They are a wide and populous race, and many unbound Ogres have taken up lives of their own, though there will always be Sidhe looking down on them and trying to talk them into swearing allegiance. Few Fairfolk towns can be found without Ogres standing vigilant guard.

### **Cuisine**

Ogres are normally fed only what will sustain them and help them grow to be bigger and more powerful, such as enriched porridge and meats, and their diet his heavy on carbohydrates. Most times, when an Ogre is given other varieties of food they are almost as excited as a child receiving a gift. Although the sheer volume of food they consume can be intimidating, many Ogres will abstain from indulging in meals fully until all of their comrades have gained a serving.

### **Traditions & Holidays**

* **Arrival Day** - Almost a birthday for Ogres, it is the day that they arrived in their permanent station amongst their new brothers and sisters in arms. These small celebrations are held in secret and are generally not spoken of, so as not to upset the Sidhe or embarrass themselves in front of others.
* **Funerals** - As death ever-present among Ogres, especially those on the front lines, special care is often taken to ensure those fallen comrades are remembered. Memory is a very powerful tool to Ogre kind, allowing tales of their deeds and bravery to live on in the minds of their companions, alongside those of ancient heroes. Whenever an Ogre is slain in the line of duty, their brothers and sisters in arms host a gathering to commemorate their service and celebrate the legacy they’ve left behind. Stories are told, drinks are had, and heirlooms are passed down to the next of kin as the life this once-mighty warrior led comes to an end.

### **Military**

The Ogres are the Fairfolk military. From siege engines to guards, warriors to supply carriers, the Ogres are the driving force of the Fairfolk empire and allow the empire to flourish without much fear of invasion.

### **Religious leanings**

Ogres generally lean towards Galaena, both because of the leanings of the sidhe, and that order and structure are the keys to an Ogre’s happiness, and many who have developed these talents see them as gifts from Galaena to introduce change into the world. Despite the controlling tendencies of the Empire as a whole, Ogres do not usually hold religious diversity against one another.

## **Social Structure & History**

This is a shared history with the rest of the Fairfolk Empire