Huskus Remnants (Total War)

The Huskus, formally known as the Huskus Remnants, are an unplayable NPC faction in Hyrule: Total War.

Description
The ancient insectoid Huskus once had an Imperium that spanned the entire Kokiri Forest until the Gohma of the Misery Mire swept across Hyrule centuries past and initiated a genocidal war against them. Eventually the natives of Hyrule pushed the Gohma back to their swamps, but at that point the once proud Huskus Empire was in ruins with only a handful of survivors. Over the centuries they have slowly rebuilt their society deep in the Kokiri Forest, where they have chosen to worship the ancient Sage Palagard. The Huskus refuse contact with outsiders, and while they never seem willing to go out of their way to attack anyone, they are not above decapitating an innocent person who happened to wander into their territory.

Physiology
The Huskus are intelligent Mantids, walking on their lower four legs and boasting a pair of large, bladelike claws on their forearms, as well as what appears to be a secondary claw and opposable thumb. The average adult huskus is somewhat larger than a Hylian, but as the species ages it grows exponentially is size, equal to some of the largest Gohma organisms. Huskus can survive for thousands of years, taking many millennia to reach such as state.

Society
The Huskus are a caste-based insectoid species, ruled absolutely by an Emperor or Empress. Huskus are born into a Caste and serve that role until death- most individuals have no concept of individuality or a life beyond their service.

Power and Abilities
All Huskus have the natural ability to cloak themselves from sight in forest environments- the means by which they do this are unknown. Additionally, at least one Elder Huskus, Palagard, displays the ability to produce and project electricity. It is unknown if this a natural ability of Elder Huskus or due to his status as a Forest Sage.

Technology
The Huskus, despite being one of the most ancient races on Hyrule, are highly naturalistic, possibly due to the limitations of their physiology. They do not utilize weaponry, relying on their natural forearm-mounted bladelike claws in combat. Likewise, their buildings and clothing are simple, created from natural materials such as hollowed out trees, leaves, and the carapaces of native Beetles. The Huskus Empress Tamako wears a golden crown and she as well as members of the Priestess Caste wear leather clothing similar to that worn by the Kokiri, which may indicate they trade with cultures capable of producing such objects.

Prehistory
The Huskus are one of the most ancient species in Hyrule, their age nearly that of the world itself. They were allies of the Trilith against the Druthulidi during the numerous conflicts of the primordial world. During this time, their leader Valadeku killed Iemanis, the progenitor of the Gohma, earning them their eternal hatred.

Ancient Age
In its zenith of power, the Huskus Imperium once spanned the entire Kokiri Forest and much of eastern Hyrule.

In 5000 BG, the Fallen Sage Sulkaris encountered the Gohma, gave them power and turned them into her own personal army. The Gohma went on a rampage and began eating everyone in their path, and the Huskus Empire was their primary target. Eventually the Huskus allied with the Ancient Hylians and drove the Gohma back, but at that point, the Huskus Empire was in ruins, reduced to a small sanctuary hidden away from the rest of the world.

The current Sages caught wind of this disaster and deemed it wise that after a given time a Sage must choose a successor to inherit their powers and abilities. The Huskus Palagard was chosen to succeed Sulkaris, and for five millennia he serves as the adviser of many Huskus Emperors and Empresses. Shortly after the Great Deku Tree created the Kokiri, Palagard names him his successor as Sage of Forests.

Over time, the Huskus become myth and legend to all but the most ancient inhabitants of the world.

Gerudo Wars
In 100 AG, following a Gohma raid, the incumbent Empress Tamako is invited by Kasuto to a meeting with the other leaders of the people of the Kokiri Forest, in an attempt to create an alliance to strike against the Gohma. Tamako refuses to lend her armies to help the Kokiri, stating that she doesn't see sufficient evidence that Sulkaris is responsible.

Despite their initial refusal, the Huskus later change their minds and send an army to assist the Kokiri, the Wolfos and the Deku Tribes. After Kasuto and Saria subjugate Sulkaris and encase her in a block of emerald, they ask the Huskus to keep watch over her. Tamako accepts, and charges Palagard with this task.

The Return of Sulkaris
Palagard's Sanctuary falls under assault from a Gohma army around 126 AG.

Language
The Huskus speak their own tongue known as Ancient Huskus, as well as Deku.

Strengths, Weaknesses, and Abilities

 * Xenophobic: The Huskus are terrified of outside influence and culture, and will rarely ally or engage in warfare with anyone, with the exception of the Gohma whom they are always at war with.
 * Forest Dwellers: Huskus excel at combat in heavily forested areas.

Freeform Campaign

 * Faction Leader: Tamako
 * Settlements: 1
 * Palagard's Sanctuary (ruins, capital)

Standard

 * Huskus Warrior Caste
 * Forest Knights
 * Huskus Priestess Caste

Command

 * Order Priest

Heroes

 * The Empress
 * Palagard

Trivia

 * The Huskus faction symbol is the Forest Sage's medallion from the Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time.