Jason Andresen (order #1578489) - Jump page for Jubei

descendants pay the consequences. To an ogrun the greatest
possible dishonor is breaking a sworn allegiance to his korune.
However, ogrun are individually highly independent, and it is rare
for more than a few dozen to unite under a single lord.
Once ogrun have sworn oaths to a korune, they serve with
absolute devotion, and their unwavering loyalty is the most striking
aspect of their culture. Furthermore, so long as a lord lives,
their progeny are expected to follow the same leader. The system
is complex, as a lesser korune may be sworn to an even more
powerful one, yet his subordinates are only loyal to their immediate
lord. In the event of their korune’s death they are
freed of all obligations. They may indeed seek revenge
on their lord’s lord if they believe him responsible.
The dwarves of Rhul have benefited from this
ancestral loyalty. Many centuries ago many tribes
of ogrun swore oaths—not to specific dwarven
lords—but to entire clans. This was done when the
dwarves of Rhul saved countless ogrun in a time
of famine. Consequently, there are entire tribes
of ogrun who consider themselves beholden
to specific dwarven clans and periodically
loan able warriors (called an oath-tithe)
to dwarven service.
This has been extended to amicable
trade and mutual protection between
the two species. Some ogrun in
other kingdoms resent this
relationship, but the situation
appears to have worked to the
benefit of both ogrun and
dwarves in Rhul. Ogrun
have proven more
than able warriors
as they have worked side by side with dwarven engineers on
constructing tracks and steam engines for rail travel as well as
having a knack for fabricating exceptionally precise cannons.
In time their reputation as smiths may exceed even that of the
dwarves themselves.
I have not investigated the ogrun of Cryx, but I presume
they are bound to Lord Toruk by similar ancient promises—Lord
Toruk is not only their korune, but also their god.
These ogrun have become as vicious and bloodthirsty as their
master, and are by all accounts evil to the core. Yet they too
demonstrate the same intense loyalty and devotion. The words
for betrayal and death are nearly identical in the dialect of
these proud people.
Combat
Ogrun are surprisingly fast and nimble despite their size, a
fact they use to their advantage. They are known for split sec-
135
Ogrun
ond decisions and quick reflexes. Each ogrun fights individually,
yet they work together reasonably well when facing adversaries.
They are fond of halberds and other polearms, which they
can wield in one hand due to their size, sometimes equipping
a large shield in the other. Being well-honed warriors, they will
always take advantage of the special qualities of their weapons,
including setting for a charge, hooking to trip opponents, etc.
Their favored ranged weapon is the heavy crossbow, sometimes
fired in one hand (-4 penalty to hit).
Ogrun who can afford the expense will wear
breastplate or chainmail, while others will wear
studded leather. Armor is usually decorated with
the sigil of the korune or dwarven clan they serve.
ogrun Traits: All ogrun benefit from a number
of shared racial traits.
+2 natural armor bonus, as their skin
is as tough as leather.
+2 racial bonus to Intimidate
checks and any Craft checks
involving metalworking.
Once an ogrun swears
fealty to a leader or a
cause, they are virtually
incapable of betraying
those oaths (with similar
penalties as lesser geas if they
do). They can choose to disobey specific
orders but in all other ways must act
in the best interest of the sworn leader
or cause.
Ogrun gain Martial Weapon
Proficiency with any one
polearm as a bonus feat.
*Ogrun gain 1d8 bonus hit points.
The ogrun warrior presented here had the following ability
scores before racial adjustments: Str 13, Dex 11, Con 12, Int
10, Wis 9, Cha 8.
Treasure
Ogrun are exceptional smiths and are known for high quality
weapons as well as armor. Their armor will be too large
for even the largest humans to utilize, but their polearms are
sometimes masterwork quality. Although they prefer barter and
do not mint their own coin, ogrun often keep coinage of the
kingdom they call home, either dwarven or human.
Ogrun Characters
For more on ogrun player characters, consult the Iron
Kingdoms Character Guide (pp. 54–56).
Jason Andresen (order #1578489) 9