Orûnn

[[File:|300px]] "Dwarves"
Orûnn
Pronunciation:	ORR-rune
Homeworld:	Dhome

The Orûnn are a species of short Natives from the planet Dhome in Mahlok space. Skilled engineers and miners, most swear allegiance to Helexith, helping the Mahlok build and man their great starships and engines of destruction. Unable to breathe the same atmosphere as most other sapient races - surviving on methane instead of oxygen - they are forced like the Achmer to wear breathing gear at virtually all times when not in their subterranean homes on Dhome.

History & Culture

The Orûnn were defeated by the Mahlok after a long war in ages past, bending the knee and joining Helexith forever after. It is unknown of the Orûnn are slaves of Helexith or willing participants in their war machine. Their homeworld of Dhome seems to enjoy a somewhat autonomous existence, overseen by a Mahlok governor but ruled by a Council of Ancients from each of the Orûnn clans. They pay homage to the god Helexith, but their primary religion remains the same as in ancient times: the worship of the spirits of their ancestors. The oldest Orûnn are called Ancients. Their age and physical appearance are unknown, as few have ever seen them. The Orûnn are extremely reclusive, rarely leaving the tunnels of Dhome or the interior of Mahlok spacecraft, bases, or vehicles. They are known to be stoic, rarely speaking much.

Biology

Standing about 4 feet tall on average and requiring the use of a breathing apparatus to survive on most planets besides their homeworld, the Orûnn do not appear physically intimidating. They are, however, extremely tough and strong, with dense bones and muscles thanks to the high gravity of Dhome. Their survival suits are often heavily armored as well, and they rarely take them off, seeming to find them just as comfortable as a second skin. Beneath their helmets, they are known to have tough, leathery grey skin, large ears, and large black eyes. They have hair composed of thick strands of black, dark brown, red, or green material. Males have beards of it on their faces, often surprisingly long for a species that usually wears an enviro-suit.