The Udak are a subrace of the Brutgor, known for their nomadic ways and a deep connection to the spiritual and the supernatural. Unlike the Gaor, who are more rooted in tradition and tribal hierarchy, the Udak are wanderers, often serving as mercenaries, bodyguards, or enforcers in distant lands. Their black skin and white or black hair set them apart, and their sheer size and presence make them both feared and respected.
The Udak trace their lineage to the lost tribes of Vlada, a volcanic region long abandoned due to the wrath of the spirits that dwell there. According to legend, the Udak were cursed when they defied an ancient pact with the spirits of the land. While the Gaor remained in the homeland and sought to mend relations with these unseen forces, the Udak took to the world beyond, forsaking the old ways in favor of survival through strength.
Many Udak believe that the spirits still whisper to them in their dreams, warning of danger or revealing glimpses of the future. This has given them a reputation as seers and doom-speakers, though most outsiders see this as mere superstition.
Unlike their more settled kin, the Udak do not maintain permanent settlements. Instead, they travel in warbands, hiring themselves out as soldiers, bodyguards, and pit fighters. Their mercenary nature has led them to mix with other cultures, and they often pick up foreign customs, languages, and fighting techniques. Despite their reputation as brutish warriors, the Udak follow a strict code of honor, emphasizing loyalty to those who have earned their respect. They do not rob or betray those who have treated them fairly, but they show no mercy to the weak-willed or the deceitful.
Udak warriors prefer two-handed weapons, favoring sheer destructive power over defense. However, they avoid wearing armor, believing it traps the soul and prevents a warrior from ascending after death. Instead, they paint their bodies with ash and bone dust, marking themselves with symbols that ward off misfortune. They are deeply superstitious, fearing spirits, omens, and the wrath of the unknown. Many carry charms or fetishes made from the bones of fallen enemies, believing they can bind a spirit’s power and use it as protection. Others tattoo their skin with sigils said to grant them strength, resilience, or even visions of impending danger.