Ultuk Barna
Appearance
A colossus of an Orc, Ultuk stands almost a full half-hand taller than many of his counterparts. This, however, has not spared him his heritage's faults within the Orcish community, most notable are his undersized tusks and long ears. His upper chest and back are dappled with darker splotches or spots, the skin of which is tougher and more resembles the hide of many a great steppe beast. His eyes, laden with knowledge beyond his years, are a deep shade of brown, bordering on black. A trait many have taken offense at at initial greeting, his calm demeanor frequently placates said umbrage. Frequently, he is to be seen with his chest bare and legs covered in runed cloth.This, in addition to traditional Orcish standards, allows greater ease when applying runes to the flesh. Only when it is inadvisable for his health does this practice change. At his side, he bears a war spear of exquisite craftsmanship. Its shaft, made from a shaped hardwood sapling, bears dozens of intricate carvings of a runic nature; the head, forged from a core of darksteel and covered with the sharpest of Arragoth steel. Truly a weapon deserving of a great warchief, not this roving Orc.
Skills and Abilities
As ferocious a fighter as anyone has seen when facing Orcs, Ultuk was not initially taught the arts of Runes and healing. It wasn't until he was a blooded warrior that he was taught the Runic arts; but he took to them like a root to water. His skills at healing, while not initially apprenticed, were a necessity on the field of battle. So, as many often do, his world blended to incorporate all of these aspects, blending and drawing upon one another.
Healer- Above all else, Ultuk sees himself as a healer. For years he learned the craft by stitching fellow Orcs back together enough to fight again. He knows many of the herbs of the lands as far east as the Spine, and as far west as Elbion. His Runes are capable of healing as well, though he is loathe to call on magic to heal, as the price of healing magic is rarely outweighed by the benefits. He can cure many a sickness and injury; though he will not heal what he considers to be mortal wounds. Death must occur for life to occur, for neither exists without the other.
Runekeeper- A master of Runes, both simple and complex, Ultuk has a deep respect for the ancient tradition and is never one to use it lightly. In battle, he will use it to enhance his physical prowess and durability. He has been known to provide boons to those he desires to aid by presenting them with Rune-enhanced gifts. More recently, he has pulled on the magic of the runes to peer great distances. A taxing endeavor, but one he exploits with caution. Indeed it is with the greatest caution that he works with the Runes.
Warrior- A warrior long before he was a healer, Ultuk has nevertheless retained the martial prowess of his heritage. During his years with the clan, even as healer he was expected to fight when the need arose. Now on his own, he finds himself under near-constant threat from highwaymen, beasts, and all sorts of other dangerous beings.
Discipline- Ultuk has in incredible sense of dedication and self control for one of his lineage. He calls upon this in almost every aspect of his life, and as a result, he has become quite strong of will. Perhaps sometimes his bloodlust, rage, or simple pity get the better of him; but by and large, he is the very stone he walks upon, unyielding in form or ideal.
Bloodlust- Like most of his lineage, Ultuk has a hunger for meat, and beyond that, battle. There is little in life for an Orc to compare to the feeling of your blood boiling, to feel the howl of war burst from your core, and then to feel the fresh meat cut beneath the thrust of your spear, its blood-scent filling your nostrils. This is no less so for Ultuk, though he despises himself for it. Not for the slaughter, for death is a part of life, but for the fact that he loses control. It is for this that he works so hard to deny himself the pleasure, because he is at his least capable of control while in the fury of that blissful moment.
Healer- Above all else, Ultuk sees himself as a healer. For years he learned the craft by stitching fellow Orcs back together enough to fight again. He knows many of the herbs of the lands as far east as the Spine, and as far west as Elbion. His Runes are capable of healing as well, though he is loathe to call on magic to heal, as the price of healing magic is rarely outweighed by the benefits. He can cure many a sickness and injury; though he will not heal what he considers to be mortal wounds. Death must occur for life to occur, for neither exists without the other.
Runekeeper- A master of Runes, both simple and complex, Ultuk has a deep respect for the ancient tradition and is never one to use it lightly. In battle, he will use it to enhance his physical prowess and durability. He has been known to provide boons to those he desires to aid by presenting them with Rune-enhanced gifts. More recently, he has pulled on the magic of the runes to peer great distances. A taxing endeavor, but one he exploits with caution. Indeed it is with the greatest caution that he works with the Runes.
Warrior- A warrior long before he was a healer, Ultuk has nevertheless retained the martial prowess of his heritage. During his years with the clan, even as healer he was expected to fight when the need arose. Now on his own, he finds himself under near-constant threat from highwaymen, beasts, and all sorts of other dangerous beings.
Discipline- Ultuk has in incredible sense of dedication and self control for one of his lineage. He calls upon this in almost every aspect of his life, and as a result, he has become quite strong of will. Perhaps sometimes his bloodlust, rage, or simple pity get the better of him; but by and large, he is the very stone he walks upon, unyielding in form or ideal.
Bloodlust- Like most of his lineage, Ultuk has a hunger for meat, and beyond that, battle. There is little in life for an Orc to compare to the feeling of your blood boiling, to feel the howl of war burst from your core, and then to feel the fresh meat cut beneath the thrust of your spear, its blood-scent filling your nostrils. This is no less so for Ultuk, though he despises himself for it. Not for the slaughter, for death is a part of life, but for the fact that he loses control. It is for this that he works so hard to deny himself the pleasure, because he is at his least capable of control while in the fury of that blissful moment.
Personality
Ultuk is a determined mind, fixed on his singular task. While he is not deliberately unkind, he can frequently be interpreted as being blunt. He will be direct, and expect the same from those he speaks to, though he has an incredible amount of patience for those he might consider annoying. On the rare occasion he does manage to unwind some and relax, he can be found getting himself drunk on a variety of mushroom ales. In good and trusted company, he will sing songs from all of his travels, and regale you with tales of distant lands.