Arkus was born on the
Iron Isles, a small group of mountainous islands. The island's climate is harsh, and the native Orc Clans are even harsher. Arkus was not meant for these islands; his mother was bound for a wealthier city down the coast, when a sudden storm swallowed up their boat. The captain of the ship fought hard, but ultimately the storm proved too great, and the ship was cast aside by the violent winds and turbulent waters. It came crashing onto one of the many islands that are scattered among the Iron Isles, breaking to pieces on the shore. Whether it was luck or fate is unknown, but the local Orc Clan was welcoming of the stranded survivors, taking them in and helping them to survive.
Arkus was born shortly after, and unfortunately his mother died in the process. He had no other family that was known of, and so was taken in by Rakul of Clan Grugal. It was unorthodox at best, but it was decided that as long as the child grew to carry it's own weight within the Clan, as is expected of every other Orc, then it would be allowed. His childhood was difficult, being very different from the younger Orcs made him a target for their gruff nature and, in time, Arkus learned to be just as gruff and stubborn as them. He made few friends or allies among the younger Orcs, no matter how much he tried to be like them most would only see him as a human. Among his few friends was Ilya, a young female Orc, who was at first very curious about humans, and soon her curious questioning had blossomed into a great friendship.
When he was grown Arkus took his place among the Clan, picking up the mantle of the Hunters - a respected profession among the Clans. He learned how to hunt great beasts and fell even the strongest of foes. The Hunters were known to worship the diety Gorum, and in time Arkus took this trait as well. Each kill represented the glory of himself, his clan, and his god. It was a good life and Arkus finally felt as though he had found his place among the Orcs.
Although happy, Arkus felt unfulfilled. He knew almost nothing of humans and their culture, only hearing tales of their great cities and their achievements. Arkus felt that he would need to travel to the human lands, and learn where he came from. Once he chose to set off, Arkus made a blood pact with Ilya that he would return one day back to the tribe, no matter what he would discover in the human lands. He said his goodbyes to the rest of the clan, and then set off travel the lands.
