I wanted a large, vicious, warrior race of people to be used as the "muscle" in Lord Belkarus' armies. I didn't want orcs. I love elves and dwarves and all those, because I love seeing them in fantasy. I like orcs as well, but I wanted something similar, but different, if that makes sense. So I've introduced the Skraeg into my story. To be honest, I really like them. Writing them has already proven fun. I mentioned them in chapter 7 I think, but they come into the story a little more later (I've put them in a chapter I haven't posted yet actually lol) Still... I'd like to know what you all think of them.

Skraeg:

The Skraeg were huge grey skinned people, twice to three times the breadth of most men, and eight feet tall on average. The males had thick fur-like hair, usually black but often a dark grey or brown, that grew along their jaw line from the bottoms of their ears to their chins where it grew long, and was often kept in thick braids. The hair on their heads was very thick and long, also kept in many thick braids reaching down to their belts. With heavy brows, wrinkled at the bridge of the nose they had a constant angry look about them. Their clothing was mainly made from wolf pelts, and other animal hides, fashioned into kilt like garments and heavy cloaks, and their helms and armor were often ringed with fur, or accessorized with tails or ears, claws or paws.

The tall powerful Skraeg can run nearly as fast as a horse.

So, I'm envisioning trolls, right?

Lol! No... they don't have the hard skin that trolls tend to have, and I think trolls are taller. I do plan on using some troll-like creatures though. I guess, envision World of Warcraft orcs, color them grey, make them a bit taller, and with long braided fur like hair on their heads and jawline, clothe them in kilts and such fashioned from animal pelts and make them very angry and you have the Skraeg.

I actually don't really know anything about World of Warcraft, so that didn't help me. That is okay though, I'm good at envisioning something. I think I get the basic drift.

p.s. I am working on your edits; I'm just progressing slowly with the hectic nature of life.

do an image search for WOW orcs and you'll see what those look like. They're big ugly green fellas lol. The Skraeg, I like to think have a bit more humanish looking face though, but they do have larger canines, but they don't have the tusk like teeth orcs have.

Thanks for the heads up on the edits Airianna. You're a huge help, by the way.

Is their lifestyle mostly human, then, in terms of family structure, eating habits, and whatnot?

They definitely seem like war machines to me. I think they fit the essence of what you're looking for very well. Name has the right sound as well.

Thanks Philadelphia
Yes, they live pretty much as humans do. However they are mainly mountain dwellers and they have various clans spread throughout the Axeweaver Mountains. Mainly they would live in small huts, teepee like structures, and in caves. They hunt their food, but scavenge for berries and other vegetation as well.

Hmm, big, ugly, mean. I like them!

lol Thanks

Hmmmmm.... was going to post a drawing of a skraeg, but after putting it in the art gallery I can't find it

Ok I was informed it was not allowed in the art gallery because the skraeg was shirtless. But I was told I could post a link or upload the file into my post, so I'm posting a link to my blog's gallery. If you want to see the drawing click the link http://valleyofdragons.blogspot.com/p/gallery.html For a larger version click on the photo. Hope you all like it.