One of the five ancient aborigine tribes of the Universal Federation, the Skull Gods were the earliest known culture on Terrus to use full‑body tattooing as a mark of tribal allegiance. Their distinctive appearance was instantly recognizable: warriors tattooed black circles around their eyes, painted the rest of their faces pure white, and marked their noses in solid black, creating a stark, skull‑like visage. Their bodies were inked to resemble the exact placement of their bones, transforming each member into a living, moving skeletal emblem of their tribe. Over generations, Skull God women developed a parallel visual tradition, adorning their faces with floral designs, curling linework, and vibrant motifs, blending beauty with the tribe’s macabre symbolism. The tribe was also known for their ceremonial masks—large skull‑shaped helmets often fitted with two long, curved horns that arched backward several feet.

Their bearded broncos wore matching skull masks and horns, giving their riders a unified and terrifying presence in battle. The Skull Gods crafted armor from the bones of their vanquished enemies, believing it endowed strength and carried ancestral power. Their weapons reflected the same doctrine: the pommel of each sword and the tips of their arrows were carved into miniature skulls, serving both as decoration and as a reminder of their ruthless heritage. Fearless, symbol‑driven, and deeply ritualistic, the Skull Gods held a reputation as one of the most visually striking and psychologically intimidating tribes in the Universal Federation.