Appearance & Physiology

Roo-Folk are towering, powerfully built humanoid kangaroos with strong, sinewy limbs and thick tails that act as both a counterbalance and a weapon. Their fur ranges from dusty browns and grays to deep reds, allowing them to blend seamlessly into their natural environments. Their legs are incredibly muscular, capable of delivering bone-shattering kicks, and their large ears provide exceptional hearing, allowing them to detect movement long before their foes approach. While their faces resemble those of their distant Grasswalker cousins, their eyes burn with a fire of unyielding determination.

Culture & Training

Unlike the more pacifistic Grasswalkers, Roo-Folk embrace a life of relentless physical training from the moment they leave their mother’s pouch. Young Roo-Folk, known as "Joeys," must prove their strength by shattering a training dummy crafted from Petrified Wood, a material as hard as quartz. Until they achieve this feat, they are not recognized as adults within their tribes. The sound of wood splintering under relentless strikes echoes through their villages, marking the growth of future warriors.

Roo-Folk society is built around combat, endurance, and personal growth. To them, battle is not just survival—it is an art, a form of expression, and a way to reach one's full potential. They do not seek war for conquest, but they will never back down from a challenge.

Combat & Philosophy

Roo-Folk are natural-born fighters who favor unarmed combat, harnessing the raw power of their legs and tails to devastate opponents. They believe strength should be tested, and rather than simply slaying their foes, they prefer to let defeated enemies live—so that word of their prowess spreads and stronger challengers seek them out.

While many become monks, mastering their bodies and minds through discipline, others train as warriors, brawlers, or even arena champions. In some regions, entire Roo-Folk clans construct fighting arenas, where warriors from across Zin are welcomed to test their might in brutal, yet honorable, combat.

The Way of the Roo

Beyond their natural martial ability, Roo-Folk have developed a structured fighting philosophy known as "The Way of the Roo." This technique emphasizes:

1. Strength in the Legs – Kicks that can break stone and shatter armor.
2. Balance in the Tail – A fighting stance that makes them nearly impossible to knock down.
3. Speed in the Air – Masters of leaping, they can strike from unexpected angles with devastating force.
4. Discipline in the Heart – They fight not for destruction, but for mastery of self.

Some Roo-Folk leave their homelands to teach this philosophy to other races, opening schools where warriors can learn the ways of combat through strength, agility, and discipline.

Territorial Guardians & Warriors of the Wilds

Roo-Folk thrive in harsh, remote regions—vast deserts, rugged mountains, and sprawling plains—where survival demands resilience. Due to their isolation, some raiding parties, including Ogres, Gnolls, and even Humans, have mistakenly thought of them as weak prey. These invaders quickly learn the folly of their assumption, as Roo-Folk rush into battle headfirst, striking with a fury that leaves no doubt about their dominance.

Even in the aftermath of victory, they remain true to their warrior’s code—leaving some foes alive to spread stories of their strength, ensuring that future challengers will come seeking them.

Adventurers & Wanderers

While many Roo-Folk remain in their homelands, some seek stronger opponents beyond their borders. These wandering warriors travel the world to test their skills, learn new fighting techniques, and prove their might in legendary battles. Whether as mercenaries, arena champions, or martial arts masters, they bring with them the indomitable spirit of the Roo-Folk—unstoppable, unbreakable, and forever in pursuit of the next great challenge.