The Urg are species from the Urgholme system in the Hyades Sector, deep within Ascendancy space. They are one of the earlier races encountered by the Terrans as they expanded outwards after discovering warp drive technology.
Urgs have a reputation for being quarrelsome and enjoying combat, but quick to submit to the orders of those that they consider to be an authority figure. They enjoy participating in military activities with a bit of pomp and ceremony, particularly when being observed by superiors. Within their species, they value honours and medals very highly as symbols of status, and have a heightened (if fragile) sense of pride.
Urg culture promotes physical challenges and competitions, and the celebration of others who participate. Foot races, sports competitions and widely publicized trials of endurance, strength and stamina are common in areas where there is a significant Urg population, and accomplished athletes can garner considerable followings and status. These competitions are open to all species, and tend to be seen as good for morale and promoting a healthy sense of competition by local leadership in areas where they are established. Shortly after the second Ascendancy-Dominion War, an Urg-led research group operating in the Grus sector uncovered a compendium of Pre-Fall Terran team sports, which was circulated widely and several ball games became incredibly popular.
Urg society has also produced a number of renowned poets and writers over the centuries. Although this is sometimes at odds with the wider Ascendancy culture, Urg writers can be found in propaganda studios, as speechwriters and a range of other roles centred on creativity with the written word. Some Urg authors have found the freedom to fully express themselves creatively under the patronage and protection of a powerful Noble House.
Urgs are humanoid, with leathery skin that varies between olive-green, beige and darker browns and blacks, depending on their lineage and upbringing. Their skin can show spotting of darker or lighter hues around the temples, skull and back of the hands. They have slightly pointed ears, a prominent brow and wrinkling of the skin around the nose, which tends to be flattened in comparison with a Terran. Urgs tend to be somewhat bulkier and muscular than the Terran average, but a wide variety of body shapes exist among the many scattered Urg enclaves in the Orion Sphere.
They tend to have less body hair than average Terrans, and have a greater tendency towards baldness. This rarely comes as a result of age - most Urgs retain the hair density that they have in youth throughout their lives. Urg hair tends to be brown or black in colour, but can also be grey or white in rarer cases.
Internally, Urgs possess powerful musculature - their muscle tissues are stronger and tougher than equivalent Terran tissues. They have a much higher tolerance for lactic acid buildup, which grants them significant reserves of endurance. Trained Urg distance runners can easily outpace most other species, and generally require sleep before they tire physically. Their two hearts, lungs and vascular system are highly efficient and robust, and they can rapidly filter metabolic waste in their six liver-analogues that are distributed around their body.
Urgs are naturally tough, and start with 4 locational body hits and a Death Count of 300 seconds.
Urg physiology is tuned for long-term stamina and physical exertion. Physical exhaustion is virtually unknown to all but the most inactive Urgs. If a roleplay effect or Condition would cause them to feel tired, physically drained or exhausted, then they may ignore that part of the effect or Condition. Injuries and shock also impact them less - Urgs who are Walking Wounded may move at up to a normal walking pace, instead of the slow walking pace that is usually required.