When: Late Autumn-Early Winter 1354 Dale Reckoning
Where: Edge of Valley
Seeing the very bloody fruits of one's efforts is always disturbing I find. I set out from day one to make my clan strong and give them order and discipline to win battles and I delivered on the beginnings of that it seems, gifting the valley yet another field of corpses in the process. One would love to say 'there's nothing worse than a battle won , than a battle lost' or something else about how war is bad and feeling sorry, yadda, yadda. Well I don't, not in the least bit. This lot came at best to rape and enslave my loved ones, after killing me of course, or more likely to kill every non-Uthgardter than existed in the valley and they got the ending one risk in trying that when the defender fights back.
No heroic fight here, or brave last stand that'll be remembered in story. No, we let them come at us, Zah lured them in to skirmish line so our hammer blow fell upon their unprepared flank and we harried them relentlessly in the hours since then. That was me by the way, rather than Zah or the others, I pushed for it once the defeat of the Sky Pony became obvious and...other things came to light in the aftermath. I'd like to show mercy but the Uthgardt Tribes are brave - stupidly, stupidly, nay suicidally, brave in fact. And most importantly driven by hatred of us orcs (understandable really) and a great need to 'get even' to satisfy honour after a setback. It's why the wars in the Carg never end; tit for tat, one side wins a battle, the other has to return the favour, revenge, 'glory', more revenge, etc, etc...
Well not this time. I've already broken canon history, or things to come I guess, in relation to this region and for certain adventures it seems with the slaying of Valric High Eye by my hands. Let alone the slaying of their Chieftain, the almost the entirety of their warrior class by the rest of the clan, and Doctor Ned evidently shattering their allied druid and horsemen basically single-handed. No, the danger lay with them coming back again. This time in greater force, having learned of our fighting methods and strength in the valley, that is able to overwhelm us. Or arrive at the worst possible time like before or after we march to fight the Furry Fucker and Stack of Doom. So I convinced the others of the need to not just defeat the enemy but to destroy them, methodically and ruthlessly, so they can't ever comeback to try revenge themselves us as so many times happens in the Crag's history. This time it ends; we win and they lose.
If not for the fact we're rapidly coming into winter and the Uthgardt tribes tend not to be concentrated we would have moved to retaliate against them. Or more accurately to make them submit or die. Darth Pharghk and his escort, plus the Moonblades own banners, nearing our valley according to the messenger runner means that we, I, don't have the time to pursue and try hammer under dozens of little fortified hilltops of a dozen people. So we opted for the smash their fighting strength here and now, then send back maybe a half dozen survivors with a message for their tribe – Submit, or come the spring prepare to die. Well...after we magicked every scrap of information out of this handful (or rather they are those that survived) about their tribe and remaining fighting strength of course. Or lack thereof as seems to be the case. Now, to be fair to myself, they are merciful terms by the harsh ways of the Uthgardt and I did my best to couch them in the ways of their codes; submission or absorption to a stronger tribe. Basically tribute; women, cattle, horses and all the other ways that its paid by warlike tribal societies.
Do I expect it to be paid?
Gods no, that'd be a surprise since the Chieftains...sorry former Chieftain's daughter(s) as concubines to Zah is one of the stipulations (Zah's by the way) for instance. Really I want them to run. I want to break and flee the Crags, disrupt the other tribes for a few months and to deny these other tribes the chance to use the Sky Ponies holdfasts to march upon us in the next year. After Wyrmog's victory a message needed to be sent to Uthgardt that Sparta clan isn't Prey to them because we have left that Horde. I wanted to stay hidden, to get time build up and be secure. That cannot be it seems. So instead it's time to put the fear of the Gods into those who are our most immediate threats, and then with the other hand to actively promote friendly relations with those like Longsaddle. Now I must go. These corpses aren't going to burn themselves and best to ritually bless them and the ground for...the usual reasons of Faerun.
--
When: Early Winter 1354 DR
Where: Kobold Village of Verthicha-di-shiny-usk (or Verthi-usk for short)
Really, aren't Kobolds sorta literal in naming at times?
Mountain of Shiny Iron as a village name? Go figure.
Anyway we've stopped in, well outside since its underground in large part, the village of kobolds under the rule of 'King' Tucker and begun organising the distribution of loot from the battlefield. Truth be told the kobolds got a good whuppin' in the battle thanks to mountain pony cavalry but their numbers helped a great deal in the plan so...rewards basically. That and they picked that battlefield clean where we didn't get to alongside the small goblin contingent. If not for Doctor Ned's amazing ability to raise corpses and get them to dispose of themselves this could have taken days to accomplish. Even Missy was impressed with it. Horrified too, but mostly impressed in the same mixture as myself by his antics. I don't like Necromancy much but this sort of usage isn't too bad, maybe. But it has really helped when I don't have much time free to waste on long drawn out methods – need to get home before our invited guests for a show of strength.
As to the good Doctor himself; well he's once again proved he's powerful and also willing to work with us. He's also now picked up a bear to ride and I've heard the story behind from Missy. Magic ring from the Boss I'm going to investing in finding ways to resist baleful polymorph in the coming months. He's also found indications Luskan has been helping our slaughtered foes, and the gnome Nimmil plus Krowluc has backed him up on the coins he found and in relation to the runes on the magic ring found on a corpse. Makes sense as Luskan and the Sky Pony's had some sort of deal in canon without trouble even if they aren't the demon-summoners amongst the short lived Uthgardt alliance. Evidently quite disgusted by it they were and ze great alliance ended like ours with the Furry Fuckers did. They really are just human skinned orcs aren't they?
Go figure I guess.
So enemies all around us as usual; at least they all have other things to keep them busy I suppose. The Boss certainly wasn't setting a low bar with the whole 'survive' orders for this year. After all we've won numerous battles and yet really have nothing to show for it. At the start of this year were had a whole Horde to back us up and possibly march against our powerful foes when the time came. Now that same Horde is just another one of our enemies, our allies down to Sith Lord wannabe, a mercenary clan and former allies who stabbed us in the back and now want to make secret agreements to stab Wyrmog in the back. Oh the Red Axes really want to play both sides for their advantage. And oh do I want to give them what they deserve for their back-stabbing-ness. But sadly we can't. As the past week proved – we need to survive and our enemies aren't going to wait for us to get our act together are they?
We need to make this alliance with the Moonblades and Night-Tombs work. We need to pull the Red Axes into our orbit again and have them at least off the table when we go to kill Wyrmog and his clique. And it needs to be an alliance in more than name only – we need an unbreakable killing machine like we had up against the Sky Pony. Except as a true army and not just an isolated clan – except how to convince the other clans to be both in a hurry and yet go slow?
To form an actual polity of sorts and then spend two seasons marshalling those resources rather than the traditional orcish route of charging straight at your foe?
Much on my mind and much to take my mind off yet another bloody battlefield I helped cause.
Slan go foil a chara.
--
When: Early Winter 1354DR
Where: The Keep! Not where I should be!
Home sweet home once again, and it does take the tiredness and bitterness away after the past few weeks. Or at least it will once my mind catches up with the fact that Mara is after having given birth, and I can feel more at ease when she is not as weak. Talk about mood whiplash let me tell you, when I returned from the battlefield it was a 'huh?' moment. Which was silly of course because fat pregnant belly before I left on my trade journey. But in my defence bloody field of murder I helped cause after a difficult journey can cause mind blanks of amazing stupidity let's say. I have a son even if I haven't seen him yet, nor likely won't for the rest of the day and night. I've tried my best with the others; sent Rose to her grandmother for a few hours, and let Missy get some rest (and keep Lua in the Tower for now) while I get things sorted.
For I also have a powerful cleric and his entourage, plus an allied Chief and his own warband a mere hour or two from the stronghold. It seems my duties never end sometimes, that I always have balls to keep in air and juggle. I can't even get to name my newborn first. Perhaps karma for the deeds have done oh so recently? But no matter, I've delegations to greet and get settled and then to prepare to organise for all the blacksmiths, and spell-casters and other professions I summoned earlier in the year for my latest mad brainstorm. When I get this done I'm going to my Tower to greet my newborn, play with my little Karggy and not have to think about treachery and bloody warfare and all associated horrors for a few minutes.
But for right now I must go. Duty calls.
--
[Lua'kah'wyss 07]
Shaman's Tower, Sparta
The room was noisy today she found as she rolled unto her stomach on the furs to watch the running orc child demanding attention from its 'Papa' across the room from her. Despite this her lovely tu'rilthiir Tris snored away beside Lua'kay'wyss regardless of the excitable child's antics in the last little while with a returned friend Karg. Thankfully though the child appeared to be tiring and seemed set to join its newborn dalninuk in slumber as evidenced by its yawns and less frenetic activity as the minutes passed. A newborn's arrival that she herself had witnessed as therivvil Mara birthed the results of her and friend Karg's activities in this very room while friend Karg had been away. Lua'kah'wyss couldn't help but smirk faintly; it seemed that males whether orc, rivvil or her own people, all cowered away from jalil in such a state. Not that she looked forward to enduring such to tell the truth of course. While the act of union to create new life was a joy, and that new life and even greater one...well...it hath seemed quite painful and messy in the act of that new life coming into the world.
Though perhaps that was just due to it being rivvil or orc spawned and not been one of elfin blood as her people or the darthiir? One could only hope that was the case when the time came for her to have that honour. Still it had be quite amusing to watch friend Karg return to the sight of his new child and seemed caught between fearful confusion and doting upon the 'whelp' as Mistress Ogrash and the orcs largely referred to children as. It was strange to see of course, but then again so much of the surface world was strange and fascinating she'd found since emerging into it from the Underdark. So she lay there for a few minutes humming contentedly as young Kargash continued to tire, before eventually falling asleep and being taken into the arms of the powerful built orcish woman Ogrash.
Following swiftly behind her was the elder slave sister Kethri as the sleeping child was taken across the room to where the newborn Korugal and his rivvil mother slept. At long last she thought pushing herself up unto her knees as motioned for friend Karg to sit near her. While young Mara had slept constantly since her birthing, and healing, her young one had not. Children maybe cute, even little orc ones, but they were also loud as well she'd discovered these past few days. But right now that did not interest her all that much, instead she would like to hear of friend Karg's version of Tris's rapid-fire journey story and, more importantly, what was occurring with these newly arrived orc clans with their leaders for the onrushing winter. It seemed much was to occur, or was being planned at least, by these orcs and helping friend Karg and his people on a better path was her duty of sorts.
Ironically this stronghold of a savage race, enemy of elfkind in most ways, was much more comfortable for her to stay in than in the stronghold hives that the rivvil called cities. At the least no one here had kill on sight orders for her and those others of her people; of course being considered the clan Shaman's concubine had a large part in that. But still...she had preferred to remain here in this place than go than travel to that rivvil settlement full of the mad rivvil Qu'el'faeruk. And mostly it had been a relatively pleasant stay despite missing Tris as her lovely tu'rilthiirjourneyed with friend Karg; she had gotten to try grow closer the other rivvil beauties of friend Karg's household, and to play with his little one. Under watch of course, but with none of the hate and contempt she so often had faced. And she had the company of friend Etlin, and the less desired presence of his jalil, here so it was not as if she was alone anymore.
"Welcome back home friend Karg, mine eyes are glad to see thee again safe and unharmed. It hath been positively dreary without thine presence" she purred out to him contentedly, pushing herself up into a sitting position, and letting the furs fall away from her body. Friend Karg shook his head faintly and gave a small snort as he eased himself into a sitting position just in front of her; the rivvil Missy kneeling behind him and helping pull off his tunic. Lua'kah'wyss liked Missy, the rivvil jalil had such a cute butt and nice pert breasts, in addition to being friendly to herself albeit warily, and she enjoyed the current view as the woman seemed intent upon massaging friend Karg's back. With a little encouragement from both of them the evidently tired friend Karg lay on his stomach with a sigh, resting chin on arms, after offering her a friendly greeting.
"Tris seems to be sleeping soundly..." he hummed out gaze tiredly on Lua'kah'wyss "...and has everything been okay with you Lua during my absence? Nothing I need to deal with?"
"Nay friend Karg, no troubles have stalked my path in thy absence and thy fellow orcs hath obeyed thy commands in relation to myself and Tris" she answered with a friendly smile. Friend Karg's orc jalil had been somewhat intent on showing her dominance over herself, a Tris upon her return, but Lua'kah'wyss would expect no less from a Matriarch of a Household. Even an orcish one; so she had submitted with relative obedience and that led to decent enough interaction between herself and the orc Ogrash. That and the orc jalil, and powerful cleric in her own right, was clearly the stronger between Lua'kah'wyss and her; best not to provoke those stronger than you who are offering you food and shelter.
"Though one cannot but see there is much activity since thy return friend Karg, are these those of whom you spoke of a few ten-days ago?"
Friend Karg groaned softly, either from the words or from a muscle been pressed upon by the rivil Missy "Aye, or at least the two clans that matter in truth. They'll be wintering with us as we prepare for the battles to come, though their timing was hardly ideal now was it Missy?"
The rivvil jalil in the gold trimmed collar nodded but didn't halt in her task "It did not seem as such for yourself Sir, considering how long you were delayed in returning here compared to what you had expected"
"Yeah, longer than I'd guessed but I should have expected it as you have do greetings, and shows of strength and posturing and then getting them all settled into shelter and lay out 'you can't do X' and 'don't do Y'...and of course handle the fact it's essentially going be just a giant drinking and feasting session, slash market, for the first few days once they've all rested from their travels here. So I got'em settled in and left Chief Breyjuk to deal with'em till the morrow"
Lua'kah'wyss smiled but gave him an inquiring look "And to trade in these markets are slaves mine mind imagines friend Karg, and perhaps amongst these..."
Friend Karg sighed sadly "There are, though not many honestly; the Moonblades were with us since the Field of Blood as everyones calling it and the Night-tombs have only a small number. But yes...there maybe one of your people amongst them Lua...and as I promised I'll try sort something with him if that poor wretch lives. I'll do my best, but no promises that I'll succeed"
She nodded. The whole situation of slavery within the stronghold grated upon her, but she saw there was little she could do about it and those owned by friend Karg seemed more servants in his eyes than slaves. So, as she had done amongst the rivvil when they had treated their 'serfs' as slaves in all but name, she did her best to do what good she could in the situation "That is all mine lips can ask of thee friend Karg, and also know the...difficulties of such a deed, and that much else must be on thy mind"
'Like not having thy people slain by those less civilized orcs' she mused to herself as the rivvil Missy agreed in her own manner, though not entirely happy of what Lua'kah'wyss was asking of her owner. Lua'kah'wyss could understand that of course, even if she herself had offered friend Karg what little coin and gems she had to aid in such a deed it was still somewhat pushing the limits of hospitality. So she could at this moment was give friend Karg a more pleasant view of her form as she allowed the conversation to change to other matters without delay.
"...so yeah much of the next few nights will be just be some talking and drinking with likely little of any substance being discussed as we all boast about our great victory over the Uthgard, and they try spin stories back to us. Orcs – we posture before anything important is discussed"
The rivvil edging her way up to rub friend Karg's shoulders chuckled softly "I fear it isn't just orcs Master, at least from every merchants meeting I have seen, or where adventurers meet in a tavern. Though the methods of the posturing are usual different I'll admit"
Lua'kah'wyss smiled as well "Aye friend Karg, one must establish ones strength before one can proceed even amongst mine own people"
Friend Karg hummed "Yeah, it's alot of dick waving and needing healers nearby to handle the aftermath is what it is, but that life it seems. Missy you'll be with much of it, and Lua...well I'm likely going to have to 'show you off' so to speak. At the least to make your position clear within the stronghold and clan as much as any desire on my part for said showing off"
"Understandable friend Karg, and how will I be clad?"
"Armour and weapons for when we're in the town below or other than certain meetings, same for Tris..." came back immediately as he yawned "...so that that lot knows to keep hands off. Zah's and Oggy's idea but I agree with them. That and I want to discuss dealing with other faiths with Phargk over the season and you and Rose gives him, or one of the Shaman's to brooch it..." he snorted softly in amusement "...you can trust one of them will open their mouth about something"
She glanced down at him curiously "Thy wishes to discuss such matters? Aren't you going to be busy preparing for warring upon this foul Wyrmog the Betrayer?"
"Oh don't worry there's a lot to discuss...whole season to do so...but we need a firm alliance to stand up to a whole Horde and..." he sighed again "...and for what comes after, or even for getting there. You, Rose and her grandma, let alone about the goblins and kobolds, all have their own gods and goddesses...and the best method to turn this war around is to turn it into Us versus heretics who follow Surtr and demons and such. But before that I need to get agreement on a list of 'approved Gods' I suppose, or at least that other clans don't try anything because...well you can guess. That and handling the other settlements in the Crags that aren't orcs and I'd like to treat as here in the valley. I'm open to your views...at least before I fall asleep..."
--
When: Early Winter 1354DR
Where: My Tower, or the Tower of Power as I call it (no I don't, it's the Shaman's Tower)
I, eventually, was allowed to get a good night's? day's? sleep, and thank the Boss for that as I bloody well needed it let me tell you. It's been a long few weeks, none of which really worked out as I'd planned despite working out better than I'd feared, and really it's going to be a long winter as well with all that needs to be done for the spring. Though on the bright side; we've survived so far, the larders are full, the valley is inching towards being able to sustain our military and I have a new healthy son, Korugal. Because I'm not allowed to name him according to Oggy; I can think of perfectly good names in fact. Just not right now I'll admit, but if I should have a choice on the matter I think. Well, too late to complain I guess and I'm just glad he and a currently bed bound Mara are healthy and safe.
Thank the Gods for healing magic and alchemy because shitty medieval conditions are noi ideal for child birthing I suspect. Or know more accurately, at least the number of 'deaths because their weak' have reduced since Oggy's ascension to power as Cleric of Luthic. Not that it's all sunshine and roses there – she merely shifted the goal posts on the matter honestly. But hey, better than nothing being done I suppose. Anyway I've managed to get this evening, and night to come, to get myself organised and even get in some needed study done. Lucked out in my timing to wake up it seems; Darth Phargk is currently organising his lot, and the Moonblades have decided to practice with Zah and our squads so that'll consume most of the night, and likely tomorrow night easily as well. Tell the truth I can heard them beating the crap out of each other with training blade from here. 'Fun' they call it.
Zah's mate Breyza, and Old Breyjuk, think it's because of our butchering of the Sky Pony invaders and resulting 'glory' from said butchering of invaders. Basically our guests want to put a little time and space between it, plus allow a few other minor clans to arrive in the next few ten-days, before they start into anything serious. Let the shine come off our 'glorious' victory so to speak. After all the only successes our 'side' in the war have had are the destruction of the Icepeaks stronghold (and clan) and this battle here. Both of which we did and neither of which Phargk's, the titular leader of our coalition, had any involvement in. Now that doesn't affect my view of him, he's deadly dangerous defeat or no defeats, but it's an honour thing and he's likely rethinking he's strategies. Or something, I don't know honestly. Essentially for the moment everyone's pissing around doing nothing meaningful after the earlier flurry of activity when they arrived.
Par for the course I suppose considering how long it took to get the Horde moving, and at least it gives me a chance to organise my thoughts and do some pre-diplomacy planning. After all it isn't my strongest suit to be honest. So, today, I've lazed somewhat; rested, played with my little Kargash, talked about the world with Missy, Lua and Tris and had some quality time with Oggy. Even if most of that was talking clan politics. Yes, tribal orc clans do have politics and right now there are waaayyy more females and children than males within the clan and she has been here most of the year – and I have not. So the females tend to rule the in actuality even if the cultural theory argues otherwise I've found. Oh and I've spoken to Rose and her grandmother Wifne as well. Hard not to really since their technically part of my 'harem' here in my Tower – the old non-shagging meaning of course rather than falling into Mara or Kethri's line.
Basically there staying in the upper rooms with us, though I hardly noticed in my sleep deprived return home frankly. Rose is unbothered of course after staying here over the past few seasons, though Wifne is somewhat uncomfortable and tense still. Not a huge surprise, orc fortress and all that, and she likely isn't used to a) not being in and charge and b) being outside her village for the winter. Not much I can do about that sadly but at least she'll have some villagers here in short for my 'conference' of vassals on making certain things. Or more accurately can they be made – no more wasting precious time and resources like on the failed cannon project. Can't afford anymore of those when we need weapons and armour for when the next lot of older children are ready to fight.
On that note I'm going to have a review of how my proto-academy and training regime has been working and what skill level my various minions are at; and more importantly the state of play with Oggy's ones amongst these trainees. Largely because male acolytes fall into the role of fighter-mage, cleric-mage or fighter-cleric by-and-large and it's the female trainees that get to be trained up as full-time mages in reality. Honestly the lesson plans, training and research have been largely geared up to work around them and their children or their having children. Child bearing females are the clan's future and most likely to survive in the long run. Therefore the most likely to preserve what training I can get them, and then pass it on. We males (and non-breeding females) are basically just cannon-fodder, well-trained magic wielding cannon-fodder yes, but still there to be thrown into the fire when needed. So it seems teaching that way as best as can be and my acolytes get hand-to-hand or other training when magic isn't been taught.
To achieve my desired result I've done my best to get Doctor Ned and Nimmil, and Missy because she understands my madness somewhat at this stage, to breakdown their learning into manageable (and track-able) 'modules' basically. Really rather than training wizards right now...I'm training up quick and crude combat spell-casters with specific knowledge rather than the general knowledge behind a young mage like Missy would have receive. Though, to be honest, the education system on Faerun is dreadful and a large part of the 'training' that takes these years can be condensed into a few years period.
Ironically the brutal discipline of our martial training gives equivalence to a mages learning such over several years, and well – combat casting of spells with healers on tap speeds things up. Has an uncomfortable high 'burn out' rate I admit but not much more than in our standard training regimes. Look, I'd love to ease into their training but time is against me in more ways than one quite frankly. I won't have the likes of Missy, Doctor Ned and Nimmil forever, and Gods-walking-the-earth time is only a few years away and I expect I'll have to do something; Prophet that I am. Idly I've been wonder if should try the Maesters from Westeroes method of 'subjects' and then adding 'ranks' to each?
Might an easier evaluation system and allow more capacity to pick and choose skill-sets amongst my minions. And gives me an easier way of using my magical Tome of Wiki – Oh how I love thee Oh Magic Tome of Wiki. Big Hug!
Following on from training, or perhaps furthering it, I need to approaching Pharghk and the other clerics that come and see what I can learn. All this journeying and fighting has helped with certain things but held me back in others. Finding time to study under various wizards, Missy getting her own 'apprenticeship' with Doctor Ned, is going to be hard but badly needed. I may get a whole year to study with them, or maybe just a season again, and I need to think on what areas to study on. Warding against undeath and charm of course but I need to consider what I can learn quickest.
Which, to my distaste, could be the basics of transmutation and necromancy as my former life's biology education...well let's just say I'm years ahead of your standard Necromancy mage let alone apprentice in terms of background knowledge. Though considering how often farms seem to be infested by the damn things I'm not averse to learning everything I can on the subject – even if only as a means to more easily combat it.
And then there is...
Must go, this took longer than I'd thought and I have a magic lesson to get into.
Slan go foil.
--
When: Early Winter 1354 Dale Reckoning
Where: Shaman's Tower, Sparta
Well this has been a productive two day, at least in terms of personal development. Our guests are finally settled in, the initial welcoming is over, and I've had time to focus on things other than managing all that controlled chaos. The Moonblades Chief, Jernak, went out with a joint horse patrol earlier today in a mixture of training and hunting a possible small raiding party from our foes at the fringes of our territory or the arrival of another small clan. Phargk has been consumed with the arrival of a small 'allied' clan of his own these past few days; boiled down to making them understand no to fuck around in Spartan territory beside Old Breyjuk. Probably going to be the like that till the heavy snows come and we can truly sit to negotiate with those answering our call to arms of sort. That might sound surprising considering Wyrmog's Horde versus our seeming numbers, but one has to remember that inter-clan warfare and feuds oft mean these tiny clans can't, or won't, ally with his lot.
Or are driven by a mixture of ambition, fear or greed on our possible (albeit unlikely to the traditional orcish eye) victory over the furry loving bastard. So getting this lot set straight on who's in charge (hint; it ain't them) early on is the best idea. Even if we're not a 'major' clan in terms of size we, along with the Moonblades and Night-tombs are the Big Three behind this merry little murder Wyrmog pact. The backstabbing Red Axes are to send a 'secret' group but fuck them and the horse they rode in on if they think their getting something concrete off us without actual actions on their part. Nor do they get to hear anything resembling our battle plans or similar even if I can't tell them to take a running jump off a cliff like I want to.
Sadly history has taught, well another world's history, that need to work with such at the least if you want to succeed against a numerically superior foe. But that's for the future and if, when, we win then these things can be dealt with in order. So for the moment I've contented myself with a mixture of playing with the children, magical studies, testing out my abilities, and of course looking into our research projects such as the excavation of the buried city beneath us. Suffice to say a year spent on campaign with only limited capacity to study has done little to enhance my arcane abilities outside of the steady improvement of my combat casting of my known spells. I'm hoping over the coming winter to invest more time in those studies, warding and protections in particular, and Doctor Ned is rather good at teaching the condensed down version of lesson plans over a several years long apprenticeship.
Or, well, still giving a several years long apprenticeship but in a more focused manner. In real life one generally doesn't go from 1st Level Mage to Archmage in a few months of murdering enemies even with a leg up from a past life. Still my current study is upon basic leeching spells like Larloch's Minor Drain, which have a bizarre overlap relationship with healing spells as best I can tell. I'll admit having the Complete Book of Necromancers by Steve Kurtz on tap gives me a decent 'module' plan than most apprentices would have. Though it is raising questions with the good Doctor even if doesn't know about what I'm reading in the Tome of Wiki; thankfully he's only been inquiring and hasn't tried to dig into it with anything more than awkward questions. Still even if he gets the reincarnation I doubt he'd guess at the totality of it, hopefully.
So I'm setting goals for spells to learn over the winter, moving up the list of supposed 'second level' arcane spells such as Invisibility, Detect said invisibility, Horror, etc, etc, based on having a resident Necromancer AND Illusionist on site to teach me. Really though my objective is to be 'tool user' to make up for the slow ascent up the magical education ladder; time is against me and going up against powerful foes means having some measure of equalizer(s) in the matter. Scroll creation is one method, though I'm thinking more along the lines of using the coming Winter to go about creating some magical items than allow spell usage rather than the weapons and armour produced so far. In a past life it was my preferred method of getting through games like Baldur's Gate as a mage class (yes-yes mad ramblings).
After all we do have the Gods-slaves...and the presence of clerics of the whole pantheon who want to get their own 'blessings' from the Gods. We are, after all, the orcs going to fight a Holy War in their name upon the foul 'heretic' orcs under Wyrmog who worship a heathen Fire Giant God and yadda-yadda, bad unorky things like that. Quid pro quo and all that – and we do have something in terms of victory to show for it as an offering with our recent victory. Of course one need's to research what spells are both needed, and doable, with my currently available resources in the stronghold. I'll freely admit my item creation methods are crude and inefficient, but I'm not seeking to create items that last a century or two but that can be used now and last a few years at most. After all that'd be getting used long before I start getting grey hairs. Who knows how far word has spread of us has spread, and what challenges will be resulting from this, in the coming the months and that means getting prepared.
Ilneval teaches after all; Strength is as much a function of the mind as one's body. Train hard and think craftily in preparations for war, for all life is an endless battle. Unite your tribe into a raging storm, for there is great strength in numbers if all can work in concert. Need to train now and try and think craftily about what I've got at hand. So much to do, so little time it always seems.
Anyway away from those depressing thoughts, Missy has been doing well in her studies as well, and frankly is like a small girl that's been offered a pony by being given the vast majority of her time given over to training and study. Mostly alongside me, which can be an issue as she is much farther ahead than myself in the general background knowledge in traditional methods as taught by Faerun. Her issue was the 'breakthrough' in spell-casting that many mages get from casting in the 'real world' or in combat situations; she had the knowledge but lacked that...I dunno, spark...that brought on true ability. Mine was having far greater knowledge of the physical world and how it works than any average mage...but limited actual formal training in the arcane arts till very recently.
Still all those in my household are happy at the moment it with the new birth - and with time to rest, relax and train in relative safety. Sparta is full again with the army returned and large contingents from our 'allies' present; yes we're on guard of course but the stronghold is active again and my Tower and the Keep are filled with training recruits in various magic arts once again. And on a pragmatic level the likes of Wifne, Rose, Lua and Zah's Elf Hippy-Dippy give me a useful method for training my younger minions in outsiders' ways so they'll be ready for the danger in the field. That and hammer home that you don't get to abuse our vassals out of hand to them in a lesser way, and to our 'guests' in the greater one. Darth Phargk may blow me out of the water on a one-on-one level, as would several clerics, but doesn't have the same numbers of acolytes or organisation I've been trying to create here.
Of course I need to stay top 'magic' dog among my lot and weed out the stupid evil ones as well, but the Greater Good and all that needs a base to build from. Beyond that the excavation of the underground 'city' continues. Though being entirely honest it's less the 'city' than getting down another floor level of the Tower thanks to the combined efforts of Doctor Ned and Nimmil with a teleporting skeleton. Don't ask. Anyway there was space but no air on the other side of the 'magic door' and with some effort were able to find a way to 'open' it from both sides through trial and error with a fancy gem construct on the other side of said magic door. Truth be told watching that door flow open and closed like murky grey water is creepy I find as it moves and reverts to unbreakable magic granite like stone in its final closed form. Like something from a sci-fi movies rather than fantasy maybe. Magic is weird at times and odd things just trigger my uncanny valley I guess.
Whatever the case we discovered the next two floors down – and there's basically nothing as time has rotted away whatever was here and merely left dust of the majority of things upon those levels beyond the gem-tool thingie for the doorway. Based on the size of the rooms on this level we're guessing dorm rooms of sorts maybe, and then a large room that might have been a library or kitchen Doctor Ned thinks. It's all quite fascinating even if little of use was discovered after all the effort to get there. Kinda anti-climatic really. Still it indicates a few things about this place; the 'lower' levels of the Tower (we assume it's a Tower based on the model we found at least) might be relatively clear of debris. Really these two levels were basically clear of the hardened stone and mud of the upper floors beneath the Keep.
Though through the 'windows' of the Tower as best we can see is a wall of rock that's formed around the Tower – probably over the city itself if it was some sort of shield spell in effect. This place was literally buried at some point by its enemies; not a fun thought there. So we're pushing onwards slowly but surely; really its air is the trouble at these depths. Thankfully a sure sign it's not connected to the Underdark – this place is a stale crypt with no bodies but we have to bring down and grow oxygen producing fungus and other plants to progress. So hurray there I guess. Still I made sure they follow a fairly thorough search procedure as we head downwards; after Baron Crazy-pants my merry minions are happy to follow them even without me. Joy. Still it's fascinatingly saddening to think about the outlines on the floor were once people with hopes and dreams that were snuffed out in this manner. All we are scavengers descending on their legacy seeking to gather a fraction of their evident knowledge. Anyway slan go foil a chardai.
--
[Vaerier 03]
Menkin's (Magical) Tavern and Apothecary, Sparta
It was cold she found as her breath steamed on the air in front of her. Not surprising she mused with the light dusting of white snowflakes falling from the sky all around her as she reached down, picked up another block of wood and placing it with the others held between her other arm and chest. Finally, having stacked it up to her chin, she pushed herself from her squat and walked back towards the doorway where the bored looking half-orc held it open for her to re-enter. She murmured thanks as she passed him and into the glorious warmth of the tavern proper as the large crude door was closed behind her. It was always a good idea she thought to stay on friendly terms with the 'guards' Master Menkin had hired for the duration of the next few ten-days from the half-orc Captain Krowluc.
Considering how the orc town had once again swelled in population with all these outsiders and returning warriors she was glad of their presence to keep order when Master himself wasn't on premises. Though she really wanted another serving girl to help her and her daughter as the workload had grown and was leaving both of them exhausted each day with all that was required of them of late. Something her short owner had agreed with and was maybe, possibly, addressing at some point after she had told him of the need. She sniffed in annoyance; told him of the need in truth meaning magically compelled into telling him of what was needed to serve him better. Still it was needed in truth as that magic confirmed. Well magic and her tired arms and legs as she placed the last load of firewood for the night beside the ugly but large fireplace of stone assembled by the orcs for Master in the last year.
Not that she'd complain of the beauty of it; it made the common room of the tavern lovely and warm while not burning the place down in the process. Throwing another block of chopped wood upon it she hummed happily for a moment, savouring the outflow of warmth that caressed her face amidst the low raucous noise of the common room behind her. Noise that meant she had no time to enjoy such a small pleasure and instead marched back towards where her young Katya was busily serving out ales to a small group of orcs. Shedding the heavy fur cloak she hung it on the wall and moved to join her daughter, coming up behind her and give her shoulders an encouraging squeeze as the loud orcs wandered back towards some seats.
"You okay feuryon sweetie?"
"Yes Mama, no one's caused any trouble while you were gone. Everyone paid with no threatening or fights breaking out"
"That's good sweetie, now let Mama handle the bar and you do a quick clean up before Master Menkin returns from the market" she answered her daughter with a smile. After the beating those outsider orcs had gotten a few days ago she hadn't expected there to be any trouble but it was a mothers prerogative to worry. Especially with her helpless little one surrounded amongst all these towering and savage orcs that weren't those they'd somewhat gotten used to over the past year as slaves. Thankfully Master's magic had subdued the three troublemakers in quick order and the local orcs response had been harsh to rule-breakers as always, leading to there being further no problems since then. She almost chuckled in amusement at the sheer absurdity of the thought that they were the 'best tavern in the town' here amidst the orc stronghold and that could be here first time working in such a place. At the approach of a burly human, from one of the villages she assumed, she gave him a pleasant smile.
"And what can I get you today hun?"
"Uh...um, your...um..." it was almost amusing this big tough looking man suddenly getting flustered and nervous. Understandable really she knew from seeing it dozens of times since the tavern opened at her own status and all these scary orcs, (and less scary) goblins and kobolds sitting around them. She smiled back in a friendly manner, calming a nervous customer oft led to them becoming a paying one.
"Haven't see you around here before hun, up from the villages?"
"Aye, up from our new home...Zahgorim's Conquest theys callin's it nows. Ah...well was ta come here with me apprentices Hollaywn said cuz these orcs wanna talk bout train' dar' own smiths and have us tell'em what makes a good smith an such. Only ere' since the mornin' and da fellas fought with these 'ere orcs said ere' is best ta come and settle the nerves" the burly man stated bring a big meat hand behind his head and scratching at it nervously with a chuckle. Franja now Vaerier nodded in understanding and glanced at the group of humans clumped together in the corner. Master Menkin hand mentioned such that the rulers of the stronghold had summoned whatever passed as the master of a craft to Sparta for to teach or learn skills it was said and for her to listen out for any words on such as well. Seemed this was one such recently arrived group from one of the villages though she did recognise one or two faces as soldiers who had fought for the orcs some little while ago or as wannabe traders here in the valley.
"Ah don't worry hun, just keep out of trouble and you'll be fine here. These orcs run a tight ship as a sailor would say, hard not notice all them patrols eh?"
"Aye, that's what Crosp said too"
"Exactly, and as for myself I'm Vaerier and that youngin' was my daughter Feuryon, Master Menkin owns us and the Tavern so don't be gettin' flustered by all that. Could be much worse off let me tell you! So relax here during your ten-days here I'd suggest..."
"Ehf...ye can call me Ehf. Short fer Ehfersted like me Da named me"
"Well nice to meet you Ehf, what can I get you gents to drink? I'd suggest the ale, orcs stuff isn't the best tasting to human lips and the kobold fungus beer only suits certain taste's I'll say. Or we got some brandies Master brews up here, good stuff, nice and strong if a bit pricey..."
In the end with a little small talk and encouragement she managed to both sell the now somewhat relaxed man some extra drinks for them to try alongside their ales, along with a platter of food and some useful information on his home village for Master Menkin. Seemed the place was starting to shape up and expand somewhat after been relocated by the younger of the Orc Chiefs, with the fields surrounding it been fully planted (or close to it) in the coming year which would boost the harvests. Something Master Menkin would likely want to get ahead off, along with perhaps wanting to know more on whatever the Orc rulers talked about with the blacksmiths like Ehf who'd just handed her the coins. Even as she placed them away beneath the wooden counter she switched from Common to guttural orcish.
"Welcome to Menkins, what can this one get you brave warrior? We've Beer, Ale, Mrogh, Kobold beer..."
The big orc looked at her oddly, an outsider in the colours of the 'Night-tomb' clan her mind identified from recent experience "Hrrrrr...Beer!"
His friend punched him in the shoulder "No! Tired of shitty beers, tastes like piss! Mrogh or Ale you pissant!" being stated and agreed by the first orcs other two friends. She waited patiently as the three browbeat their 'leader' into agreement and pulled the lid off the barrel of the blood mixed alcohol for them. Thankfully animal blood that'd been 'blessed' rather than some poor slave or orc as she'd heard tell from the more nightmarish tales from some of the older local orcs who drank here.
"Here ya go brave warriors, here with your noble leaders this one guesses?"
"Yes, we come with Mighty Shaman Phargk! Soon we sweep that fucking worm Wyrmog aside and kill his warriors when all clans join together!"
"And fuck his females more importantly!" the other orc male stated as she handed over the first of the flagons with a laugh.
"Yay and that too!" agreed the first as he glanced at her "Spartans treat slaves strange here! Mruk hear you smash Yergik in head with club when he come this place. Trues?"
That put her on guard, and while she continued to smile submissively as she handed over another drink had a quick glance out of the corner of her eye and was glad to see one of the guards was watching the four before her from the doorway. Still she kept the same friendly and obedient tone "I do not know brave warriors, only that this one did use her club at Master's orders to stop one who was causing trouble"
Rather than an explosion a series of loud chuckles and guffaws greeted the statement as they walked away towards a table "HAR! Fuckin' weakling Yergik like we hears! Beatin's up by females and kobolds! We gives hims goods beatins whens..."
--
[Karguk 32]
Upper Floors, Keep, Sparta Stronghold
I poked at the burning wooden logs with the old metal rod in my hand that went towards eliciting a small flare up of flames as the fuel in the repaired fireplace shifted from the effort. Around me the shadows danced in the dark room from this, and then again as I added another log to the fire to illuminate and heat the darkness of the room here in the Keep. Something that wasn't much need for the first part really but considering the descending winter weather of the past day or so the heat was much appreciated by all of us present in the room I suspected; at least it was by me anyway. Hard to know with our 'guests', who were sitting in a rough semi-circle around the fireplace, I found as I moved back to sit beside Oggy on the fur rugs on the stone floor.
Though what else could you expect from what were essentially the religious leaders of our currently assembled little 'fuck that Wyrmog bastard' alliance. Something I wanted to make more than such a loose alliance to ensure our victory and survival in the seasons to come. So the 'Big Three' of our little together had gathered here in the upper floor of the Keep with one or two of the stronger of the smaller bands that had rallied in for a chance at revenge upon the Furry Fucker or one of his allied clans. It also made me grunt in annoyance; inability to let go of inter-clan feuds was one of the biggest weaknesses of orc clan alliances, that and 'follow the strongest leader' mentality. Because once that strongest leader fell (as inevitably happened) then the Horde, alliance or whatever, would crumble into bloody warfare between the subordinates.
Then again it had been the perennial bane of the Irish clan-chiefs as well in the face of foreign invaders so it wasn't exactly an ocish problem I supposed. Still Brian Boru had come close with his methods, and if not for basically losing his successors at Clontarf might had formed a proto-kingdom of sorts even from that lot of barbarians. With something resembling a system in the background, however primitive, we just might had a chance of surviving the coming years. But that had to start somewhere; baby steps in unity based on religion and self-interest seemed the best bet at this stage to me. No matter how uncomfortable it felt being the side of theocratic crusaders in the wars to come against Orc and Uthgarders once the winter ended, and the snows that were starting to fall cleared from the mountain passes. As Ilneval taught preparation was the key to success in any battle or campaign so that started now as I glanced around at the other senior shamans present in the flickering firelight.
"In the name of the Gods let us begin this meeting and discuss the ways we shall destroy our mutual foes"
The scary old bastard Phargk across from me chuckled somewhat "Yer as stiff and formal as ever Karguk of Sparta I see, but aye, ah' agree with ya that it's long past time fer us to jaw upon the battles to come. That fool failed to kill us all with his cowardly ways and its time we make him regret in da failin' shan't we all"
I nodded as a grumble of agreement emitted from all of us present in the small semi-circle. No guards of course, or acolytes, were present bar those standing outside the closed and warded doors as we really didn't want others down the chain of command knowing our discussions. Or ruining the mystery of the role of the senior shaman by seeing how mundane and stupid it could be at times "I prefer to see it as been organised and polite, but to each his own. But yes, we have survived by the will of the Gods and our own skill and strength and now it is time for us to plan for the bloody seasons to come and beyond that. For as you have all seen the Bearclaw clan and its Warlord are not our only foes; the Uthgard stand against us as always, and humans of Luskan lurk in the shadows aiding our foes"
Honestly it didn't hurt to remind them all of my clan's proof of strength from all to recently over the Sky Pony invaders, and of what Doctor Ned and Nimmil and discovered in the wake. 'We Hate Wyrmog' might be useful inital glue but we really needed to get something other than that as a unifying factor and reason to push the Boss's interests forward. Gods above I hated the pressure of that but what could you do I suppose as the Night-tombs other Cleric, a very, very, rare one of the Night-Lord Shargaas himself interjected in a cold almost whispery tone "For one who has humans and elves with full bellies around him it is almost strange to hear such calls to fight them from your lips"
I refused to tense up and merely shrugged instead as Oggy's voice beside me answered him. Testing, always testing it seemed; likely at the old Gruumsh worshipper even if voiced by the 'junior' cleric of the Night-tombs clan. The fact that Phargk kept one of the Night-Lord's own in thrall further made me wary of his power and the fact assassination wasn't going to a viable method to handle the Orc version of a Sith Lord. Letting Oggy answer match 'lesser' cleric with 'lesser' cleric in terms of opening discussions "Aye they've full bellies and that means they can work harder to serve us and not waste away like in some foolish clans. Our clan has grown strong and won many victories by these ways. Luthic has been pleased by our strength and rewarded us for it with her blessings. As has the Cunning Warrior in his way as well"
"Indeed and those ways are much like those of my clan for ransoming some slaves back to their weakling sires, or those are most useful. These new ways seem to build upon this and we can support it if it brings us strength..." came across from the Moonblades shaman, a servant of Ilneval like myself but far weaker and inexperienced it seemed despite being older. They'd been forging ever closer alliance with us since the battles this year and then the Icepeaks siege so their support even here was welcome in its own way "...and many clans have used goblins and bugbears as auxiliaries or allies before. Our strength can keep any slaves or other weaklings in line after all like any true orc could!"
"Hmmm, aye the One-Eye hisself would be approve of that strength. While ah' find some of yer ways strange can't deny ye keep everything firmly in hand with orc and non-orc alike, as a few of me dumber clan-mates and few others ere' found out to their whinin'..." came the dry but bemused seeming chuckle of the Old Bastard across from me "...so none ere' can deny that growing strength of yers even if it is mighty odds to these old eyes at times. Even down to tamin' servants of weaker Gods it seems"
I hummed loudly in seeming thought before replying with an open-handed gesture that indicate I was open to debate on the issue "We want to conquer and hold lands not just raid them and enjoy the spoils a few years before the run out is my answer to that. We need someone to grow the food feed our armies, mine the ore for our weapons and for instance make the ale a few of us a drinking. And since I can't see the humans or whatever we conquer wanting to pray to our Gods...or the Gods wanting a bunch of humans or elves even as worshippers..." that earned a chorus of chuckles and guffaws "...its worked best to let them to their own ways as long as they do as we demand of them. Or at least those wise enough to bow to us and know their place, or whose Gods aren't foes who must be slain on sight. Unless any of you want to start growing crops and blessing them for us? Because I sure as steel don't let me tell ya" which earned another few grunts or chuckles of agreement.
Darth Phargk chuckled faintly as well it seemed "Aye, not a proper thing for any proper orc to do indeed. We are made to fight! To conquer! To have our foes flee before us as the One Eye demands! And that we shall do with all those who oppose us, Orc or Human or Elf in time. What needs to be done is how to defeat that weak fool Wyrmog, for he has many more spears to his name than we can muster as yet"
That...that, seemed to be voiced as a question to myself more than anything, a question that Darth Phargk seemed to already have an answer for. Still it was a question I had an answer for as the brief silence for a moment allowed me an easy pace to reply "His numbers don't worry me to be honest – we have better warriors, even more-so when in fighting formation, and the valleys of the Crags do not let any Horde deploy its numbers effectively anyway. And as my Chief has said; when Wyrmog dies then his Horde will crumble like they all do, it always been the great weakness of those ways. No to win, we just need to be better than him and his pack of fools and crush any who oppose us when, not if, we bring him and his down. We need to be a mailed first ready to smash any who oppose us here in the Crags. We are the Hammer of the Gods upon these traitorous fools who would follow a weakling Fire Giant wannabe and his pissant Fire God! In the Gods name we shall make this land ours I say in the years to come. Land that we rule not just get to squat on a few years"
Truth? No way was I as confident as that in winning when we were so badly outnumbered by the Furry Fucker, but I was confident enough we could hold the Horde off in the valleys and passes with even the Moonblades to support us. But we needed to put the best foot forward and sounding confident was the first step in ensuring your succeeding with any plan. The Old Bastard nodded, followed by his clan-mate the Bat-orc assassin wannabe "Aye, that's something we can all get behind ah agree. Ah served a Horde once before when ah was a whelp and saw it crumble fer weakness when the strength of the Warlord failed in battle. And yes we have the power of the Gods on our side and that big fiery fool does not beyond one or two priests of a weakling god and some traitors too weak to be considered a threat! Unity makes us strong and it is long past time that others learn that the power of the Gods. We have much to discuss though how we shall marshal and organise this strength of ours"
'Basically how much power you shall have as leader' I thought as the Old Bastard agreed what seemed to be something he already wanted. Always hard to know who was winning and who was losing in these talks when you seemed to be getting what you wanted. Still I didn't want to be the head of our alliance, merely with enough power to push my agenda and that of my clan. At least it was a start towards getting something close to a system for the coming alliance beyond 'You go here now! Not fight ally!'
"Yes Shaman Phargk, though with your power and experience, and servant of the Great One-Eye himself, none other than yourself..." blah, blah, it was like been back in my past life with certain clients as I moved for the end result that was going to happen regardless "...leading those among us who serve the Gods. The Chiefs can decide amongst themselves of course...after our advice of course..."
Because I didn't want to lead, or have official control, rather enough to ensure my reforms wouldn't be attacked and maybe allowed spread. No, I wanted to control the logistics and administration of an alliance if I could do so. After all clerics of Ilneval tended very heavily to be the officer corps of these things...
--
[Missasri 19]
Shaman's Tower, Stronghold of Sparta
It had been a long day of studies, and acting as Master's helper with Rose, she'd found as she sat studying the tattered old tome on necromancy while stifling a yawn. Honestly not an area of the arcane arts she would have imagined herself being focused upon, nor trained in by a Master of the Art, but life was already so bizarre these days she figured she shouldn't be surprised. But compared too many things that had happened to her this ranked up there as one of a major source of good fortune; getting made an apprentice of a Master of the Arcane (Creator of Unholy Undead Abominations regardless!) was something those she'd trained with years ago would have paid a small fortune to get.
She stretched her arms with a tired hum. Though in truth it was costing a small fortune for her to get this education – it was just it was Master Karguk who was the one paying for it. Or to be more accurate for her training and for his own training in tandem to a level beyond the basics been drilled into the young orc acolytes whether boy or girl. No, this was a true apprenticeship and she would celebrate this opportunity, and utilise it, to the best of her abilities despite the madness that had led to her new position in life. Big hands coming unto her shoulders, to which she almost jumped off the wooden stool, and a chuckle followed on in an orcish voice.
"Heh, studying hard I see, so much you didn't hear the big orc coming up behind you. Gods you're as bad as me sometimes losing track of things when with a book..." Master Karguk rumbled out above her as he gave a shoulders a half-squeeze, half-rub, as looked up at his chin and face with a glance "...hhhhmmm...making progress are we?"
She flushed in some small amount of embarrassment at tuning out the background noises of Master's rooms here near the top of the tower "Umm...sorry Sir I didn't hear you return...how may I serve you?"
"Nothing needed Missy, it's just time to eat a bit, relax a while and then bed before you go bleary eyed or fall asleep on the book. I'll need in the morrow when we wake to go through some training with the Gods-slaves and planning out the rituals for the Midwinter - at least those on our side anyway. Anyway how have you being going since I left to meet with the Shaman brigade with my lovely Oggy?" he asked encouraging her relax back into the chair a moment as her body suddenly reminded her sitting like this for an hour...more?...left some aches and pains in its wake. That and her stomach indicated some food would not go amiss either it seemed as it rumbled faintly in agreement with her orcish owners suggestion. Something he'd evidently heard and gave an amused chuckle at, hands moving off her shoulders to the back of the crude chair "Alright, food first then I guess. So up you get and follow me and we'll fix that"
"Thank you Master, apologies Sir. I'll be more aware in the future" she answered submissively with head bowed as she stood. Partly in a show of obedience, but mostly because it wasn't exactly a proud moment to have missed him enter behind her and then embarrass herself further. Trying to be an adventurer and knowing magical assassins had attacked Master (and her) had attacked before and set had managed to completely fixate on her studies. All she could think that Tymora was in a good mood in that it had been Master Karguk who had caught her rather than Mistress Ogrash; going to bed without a dinner would have been the least of her punishment. One she admitted to herself that she'd probably deserve for such laxness with a frown, for just a moment, as she followed Master Karguk out of the 'study' room; honestly she expected better of herself after months with an orcish horde and the battles before that.
The main room, or 'common room' as she like to think of it, was full; with the rest of the 'household', the warmth of the fire and wonderful smell of food, and of course the noise from all the activity and the energetic little Kargash running wild near the table. Or at least she was till she caught sight of her and Master Karguk enter at which point she turned towards them and dashed forward as much as her stubby little legs could move, all the while giving a roar. A cute little roar in truth that made Missasri almost giggle at it; it was most likely meant to be one of complaint or anger but it was just ridiculously silly on the orc.
"Come to Papa Kargash!"
She did giggle softly despite her best efforts as Master Karguk squatted down, hands out to lift Kargash, was bypassed with a pout from and the child and she careened into Missasri to hug her legs.
"LIFT! LIFT!" came the imperious demand and she was happy to oblige as she reached down and picked up the heavy little two and bit year old to the small cheer of the little orc. Master gave both of them an aggrieved look as Missasri felt little hands started to grab at her hair as always.
"What didn't you come to Papa Kargash? Don't you love your Papa?"
"NO! PAPA BOLD! BOLD!"
"Ahhhhh...Papa and Mama needed to meet with the other Shamans my little Karggy. Sorry I couldn't play with you today!"
"BOLD!" a little fist waggled at Master Karguk as Missasri held the little bundle as she heard the loud growling chuckle of Mistress Ogrash across the room and Master's own soft groan. Then he smiled, one hand reaching into his other sleeve.
"Ohhh...but look what Papa got for his little warrioress on the way back?" he asked hand coming back into view after evidently pulling a sweetened treat from the hidden pocket there. Missasri smiled as the little pouting child in her arms emitted a tiny gasp, then reached for the treat. Master pulled back and held it just out of reach from the grabbing little hand.
"And what do we say to Papa?"
A pout was the initial reply "PWEASE! GIVES! NOWS!"
Master continued to smile and handed the treat over "Here we go honey, you gonna be good for Mama Missy?"
"YESH! PAPA NOT BOLD! IZ GWOODS!" followed by the chomping of the sweet treat by those teeth as Master Karguk patted his youngster on the head gently before placing an arm around Missasi's shoulders and guiding them towards the table. Not that she'd complain of that, it was comfortable enough and it helped relax Kargash quicker than would have been otherwise.
"You okay to hold her a little while?"
Missasri smiled back up at hi with genuine mirth as the squirming bundle stilled in her arms beyond the noise of sucking and chewing at the sweet treat. It was nice to be asked rather than just ordered, and truth be told she found herself caring greatly for the little tyke that had called her 'Mama Missy' once or twice since their return "Glad to serve Sir, she's a good girl after all"
Since at the table already was the young form of Rose, out of armour for once and in a long under-tunic while beside her the form of her grandmother talked to her about her day. Or being fussed over by the older Humbletree, it was hard to know sometimes with the smile on Rose's face. Most of which time the redhead had spent with Master Karguk and Missasri in fact other than during the arcane studies Missy had and when Master and Mistress had gone for their own meeting. Sitting across from them the dark skinned Drow, Lua'kah'wyss, sat looking bored before grinning at the approach of Master and Missasri. Her usual partner in crime, the half-elf bard Tris, was busy being bossed around by Mistress Ogrash it seemed as instructions to bring food to the table reached Missasri's ears alongside a hand gesture from Mistress. Mara of course sat quietly nearby breasts exposed as her little one suckled away contentedly and, more importantly, quietly while her fellow slave hummed a lullaby it looked like as her sister Kethri worked at finishing their food for the evening. Other than Rose's Grandmother (Missasri had assumed older aged mother at first) who wasn't a part of the household, it seemed everyone was here except Mistress Ghorza who was on duty in Zybelin's Drift.
"Ah friend Karg, you hath liberated thine rivvil Missy from her wicked books! Now we can feast and revel after another days labours!"
"Oh hush you! Some of us are looking for the rest and relaxation rather than more partying after that day of hard-work" Master Karguk answered with a bemused snort as he guided Missasri and a distracted Kargash unto the crude bench-chair hybrid at the table. Of course these were orc made benches, aimed for orc sized frames, and as usual Missari's feet hovered just off the ground as she sat at the table happy child in hand. Using her free hand she reached out and grabbed a skewer of various cooked fruit and took a bite as the others conversed around her.
"Did your meeting with your fellow orc shamans go well Master?"
"Well no one's raving at me in rage, or waving swords, so that's a good sign I suppose Rose. But it was a start is the honest answer but the good is that none of them are challenging the way we run the valley and are willing to listen to doing that elsewhere...when the time comes at least. So I need you to just keep up being the great little apprentice you are to me and things'll be grand I reckon"
"And hath thy had a chance to ask about mine fel..."
"Yeah, the Old Ba...Shaman Phargk is willing to sell, we'll haggle over the price but I'll warn Lua...that girl is broken into pieces I reckon. But regardless if we do pull it off – she's your slave, your responsibility and she stays under guard regardless of having foresworn the Spider. Not sure if we can fix what's been done and don't want some killed if she snaps...or on the small chance she's playing the part. I doubt it but..."
"...come sit Tris...boo! boo I say!...not so far away..."
"MORE! GIVES!"
"...Silver-hair getting better each day, but I'll need them all to start preparing for the rituals since we must work with servants of all the Gods in..."
"...and may I be you with and my little flower here for your touring of the town Milord Karguk. Many of those you have requested to arrive have come and it would be best to have your presence..."
"...and Petra said"
"Who?"
"The Alchemist woman Milord? She's three floors down; mousy, mopey and lonely?"
"Oh, yeah her. I kinda forgot about her. Sorry"
"You always forgets! Is whys needs females likes Wifnes reminds you it seems my mate. Wells nots I! I says she just needs goods strongs male and Iz nows few who could do at the..."
"...and it's a full moon tomorrow..."
"And you'd like to dance right. Isn't it really bloody cold to be doing that?"
"Not...too much yet. It's...err, it'll be the last chance before Winter truly falls"
"She's is fine to do so Karg. None will bother you drow, just obey and work hard on the morrow. Just do not get drunk and fall from the top of the tower and embarrass me or Karg"
"Of course Mistress..."
--
When: Winter, the closing days of 1354DR I'd expect
Where: Shaman's Tower, Sparta
Well been a busy few days, though not all that eventful in terms in truth with events ranging from allowing Lua time and space to perform her religious devotions, through to all the way spending several hours dealing with Darth Phargk. Yes the first was more pleasant of course to endure, dancing naked drow lady, it still meant time ensuring the free time and safety with all these 'guests' in residence; top of the tower was restricted in space for her I'll admit but it was safe and out of the way. Basically it was me, Tris, Rose and Missy who alternated being on guard with 'singing' to help while Lua pranced around (while also freezing her ass off honestly) in the small space on a clear night. The whole magic moonlight that suddenly 'clad' her form was unnerving honestly and made me doubly glad I made sure this was an 'out of sight – out of mind' sort of thing for our guests. At least Lua's in good form in the aftermath and speaking of being blessed; yay to that I guess. Well she'll be busy in short as I've negotiated the purchase of the 'nameless drow animal' as Darth Old Bastard calls her and isn't that going to be a security nightmare.
My other 'religious education' of course is with the Old Bastard who worships the One Eyed head of the pantheon. Well that and alliance negotiations in more practical terms; though those two factors overlap a great deal considering the nature of our coalition of clans versus that of those around the Furry Fucker. Though I would say there's a weirdness in that we're largely practical clans in terms of how we operate, and yet we represent the more 'devout' (however you define that) amongst the nearby clans. Practical minded religious zealots in essence, however bizarre and stupid sounding it sounds to my own ears. But anyway, we've had a number of relatively constructive meetings between myself, Phargk and other Shaman, and then between Zah, old Breyjuk and the other Chieftains. Or to be more accurate; ourselves, the Moonblades and Phargk have been discussing practical terms and then seeing how the smaller hanger on bands and clans react, and what it takes for them to agree in the end. The Red Axes hidden group has got to feast very much hidden in the Keep, out of sight of anyway but the senior leadership of our three clans. Really we're seeking to bribe them to our side but damned if they're going to get to dictate terms to us let me tell you. No chance of stuff leaking then when they return to their clan in the spring. I know they're information on raids had been accurate, which is a good sign, but Trust is far too big a word to apply to them in my view after their betrayal.
In other news my hussite war-wagons are ready for the coming spring, while not exactly the best made or prettiest things in the world they are combat worthy in sufficient numbers to actually use. Next comes the process of warding the damned things with some protection spells and drilling our formations in their usage in the field. At the least it'll allow easy deployment of the (still in production) repeating ballistae/crossbows, and for speeding up of our standard defensive encampment creation on the move. We've already been doing similar with our standard wagons, but lack of adequate transport has been an issue till recently – between Longsadde and our victory over the Sky Pony's we've managed to bring that up to the levels I'd like to be at. I'll admit we could use some of our growing cattle or goat herds, but we want to grow their numbers, fatten them up, and not risk them in battle hauling carts.
Following on from that my long running 'orc tank' project has finally, finally, reached a point where it'll actually be able to field functioning combat units. By late spring looks like, and only three or four, but hey that's bloody fantastic compared to what could have been considering how several of my projects have gone edgewise. After much experimentation (by my magical team of Dr. Ned & Nimmil and a selection of carpenters & blacksmiths) the locomotion of the heavy units by magical means through a gear system that can actually steer and aim. We had to drop alot of the heavy steel I'd originally wanted due to lack of production, but it's sheeted with a decent amount over thick heavy boards on larger version of the standard War-wagon – really all we've done is add a crude turret and roller thingie at the front like on a steam engine locomotive. Weapons being of course crude magic artefacts using spell effects – I've opted for a version of Aganazzar's Scorcher and Fog cloud. These aren't to fight the Fire Giants after all but shatter infantry fighting formations instead as I've other plans to deal with those large problem cases when the time comes. I think. Hope.
Finally I've spent nearly every other waking moment studying with Doctor Ned alongside Missy, or having secondary illusion spell training with the gnome Nimmil. I've had Rose sit in on the subjects to give her an idea of how to handle wizards in general & necromancy in particular, but otherwise I've had her train with Oggy and the Six Gods-slaves and her acolytes when not with her grandmother Wifne. I'll fully admit I'm more a spell-caster right now than a true mage, and likely to be for years to come, but I think I'm progressing well in expanding my rather limited repertoire. Or at least raising my abilities and knowledge enough to utilise the various one-off magical artefacts I'm having my two best mages create as they teach me. Yes i'll admit this a very crude and inelegant way to become a mage but in the real world you don't easily go from level one newbie to arch-mage over night let me tell you. And now must go, need to get some rest before tomorrow's begins the routine again.
--
When: Winter, 1354Dale Reckoning
Where: Shaman's Tower, Sparta
Had some trouble down in the town earlier today, three deaths after a drunken brawl but our warriors stomped on the two groups before it could get any worse – young drunk idiots from a mixture of clans fighting over who got to fuck a female. The answer was none of them got to fuck her in the end and we've levied a tithe off the dozen off them for the cost of the deaths to the Moonblades (1) and the Icehammer tribe (2) in compensation for the deaths and damages caused. Old Breyjuk doubled up patrols and guards for the moment but all involved seem at least content with the final ruling from all us Shamans. On a happy note it has proved very useful in backing up the motions from myself and the Moonblades, with Phargk's support, that all those under our banner need to be drilled together and have a unified command structure from top to bottom.
Of course the minor clans and larger war-bands are wary of this idea (they should be) but the smartest and dumbest amongst them are supportive of the idea so it's past. The smartest because the somewhat grasp the system us and Moonblades are now using and see a chance to advance without being stabbed in the back every step of the way. Ironically the dumbest because they don't understand how we work and think they'll advance in the ranks by the usual methods a unifying Horde. We're already drawing up a list of who we'll think will be a problem in case we'll need either a) examples or b) a good old fashioned purge once we get a system in place. In this here army you follow orders or you die. End of story. I know this will lead to attrition in the training, it always does, but I'd rather a squad of competent fighters I can trust than two squads of howling idiots who might just fight each other before the enemy.
--
When: Winter, 1354Dale Reckoning
Where: Keep, Sparta
Fascinating day today – yes odd I'll admit but it's been a break from the constant round of grueling training, study, meetings on alliance and handling our preparations for the rituals in a few ten-days. So forgive me if a giant conclave of every spell-caster in the valley, from allied clans, and from their vassals in two cases was a surprisingly interesting (albeit long) day. At least once we got the part of do not try and murder each other or bad things out of the way. Especially with my resident gnome illusionist and the kobolds of course; I can see how authoritarian methods might be a requirement in regards keeping the peace between certain groups. Not just them of course as it applied to everyone (and lots of guards) but it's the most easy fruit to pick as an example of that thorny issue. Thankfully it worked so I'm happy.
Anyway it was in the main Keep, would have been outside in part too but the snows have finally started to get to their usual ridiculous levels as winter howls upon us. Winters up here in the Crags are nasty things let me tell you, it's a sea of white flakes and howling wind out there right now. It was useful for getting a good handle on the availability of magical abilities within our merry little alliance, for giving the outline of how our forces used magic, and for further broadening my acolytes' horizons on magical usage and ability. I know it's taking a few days out of my dedicated studies but I think I'm better served by doing this, and then having our blacksmiths and other groups meet in the 'forge' area to similarly share and catalogue skills. I suspect it's my knowledge obsession from my past life, but in this regards hoarding basic knowledge helps no one and actually hurts our overall strength. I also discovered that not all goblins are idiots thank Ilneval and that occasionally they pop leaders who can think beyond five minutes in the future. Hurray for stereotypes been disproven!
It also has served as 'science fair' sort of event in regards testing out a few of our artefacts and abilities; for instance the failed cannon project Holy Bells for instance, and extra minions to help boost the raw power for the magic needed in my magic tank-wagons and other items. Others, such as the Kobold who owns that tavern in town, showed of their own abilities at enchanting and such – mildly annoying to be less skilled than a few kobolds and a goblin at it rather than just Doctor Ned and Nimmil. Really though paper has been our limitation despite the production process I managed to setup earlier in the year; always the little things that slow down projects I find. Still we improvised and used stone and wooden tablets for certain things when needed, even a bit of chalk (goblin supplied) on a stone 'blackboard' to draw certain diagrams. Darth Phargk is bemused by my antics it seems, but seems to have grasped my overall (public) intentions with the whole thing. That and everyone is incredibly impressed with his power so flattery is likely helping there as well. I'll admit introducing him to Doctor Ned led to a rather disturbing discussion on the nature of aggressive healing on the human/elven body and other possible uses.
Well I think I'll try put that aside and push my way back to the Tower with my entourage, best not to press my luck with the gnome and her kobold friends. That and I'd like to rest a bit too, long day honestly. Slan go foil.
--
When: Deep Winter as best I can tell, so either end of 1354DR or start of 1355DR
Where: Why the winter wonderland of Sparta of course!
Blood hell has it been cold these past few weeks, ten-days, whatever. Another winter in the Crags it seems that was even more severe than the last one; periodic blizzards blow in every few days and give us another blast of heavy snowfall and fog. On the bright side I suppose is the fact it gives my magical minions the very useful practice of using fire based spells to clear said snow – fulfilling the twin purposes of training them and clearing my yard of the stuff. Honestly doing that and avoiding deaths from the frigid conditions (and not burning the town either to avoid said cold) has been a priority with the 'town' and Keep full once again.
And that goes mostly for our livestock and slaves more than anything, though the past few years has give us practice at that and we do have more space underground to spare. Pleasantly warm down there albeit dark, so we've converted on floor (with another planned) into slave pens to keep them when they aren't working. Which isn't much considering frozen fields and such so Oggy's females run a fairly harsh exercise and cleaning regime on them rather than have them chained up in a dungeon all day and night. One of the sides of the place I dislike seeing but there kept healthy and the one death in the past month was due to getting kicked in the head by an enraged bull.
Anyway been a bit now since I've had a chance to write in here, between everything I've been quite busy and therefore tired; and tired Karguk wasn't in diary writin' mood let me tell you. I know winter in most orc strongholds is the time to laze around, drink and plot but here in Sparta it could be actually classed as the busiest season in many ways for some of us. Most of us honestly, as training goes from sunny or wet fields to underground chambers or freezing training even for the warriors. That applies to our guests as well since a few humiliations inflicted upon their warriors who tried to fuck around and laze; idleness is an orcs greatest foe in many ways and even our Old Bastard Chief Shaman agrees full with me in beating discipline into this gaggle of idiots.
We've had attrition of course (there always is) since we started hammering this alliance into a legion but only about forty or so amongst the hundreds making up the minor clans. Better than I'd original thought actually, and the handful of assassination attempts on various leaders have been dealt with harshly so they aren't likely to occur again. Drilling into the lower levels that murdering your superior is no longer an acceptable way to his job at least discourages as they rise up the ranks. Maybe, I still keep a decent sized bodyguard force and prepped spells regardless of such things. I've been challenged before of course, and I'll be challenged again most likely, so staying ahead of the curve is vital and training helps with that; either with magic, with blade, or the power of SCIENCE! where feasible.
Of course effectively commanding the officer corps of our small army, and the military police equivalent too, helps somewhat in that goal I'll admit but also entails a large amount of time and effort achieve results in. There was push back initially from some of the minor clans, but a our-way-or-the-highway statement from the Big 3 amongst our banners and general upport from the lower caste orcs ended that resistance within the first two ten-days. Of course a side of that is self-interest from seeing future gains (we got rich fast) and the availability of females and a home here in the stronghold. Three minor clans have effectively been folded into Sparta or the Night-tombs already, though I'll admit our two after killing their own petty 'chieftains' after they talked about leaving our merry band. Recruitment orc-style!
Of course that's more Zah's area than mine, he and Old Breyjuk are the warriors leaders while I handle the magic using and security caste of sorts under Darth Old Bastard and the 'Shaman Council' of sorts. Which leads me into our negotiations and the basic structure of our merry little alliance; essentially it can be divided into three structures to represent the important key-holders of our forces. A Shaman's Council, a Chieftains/Kings grouping, and one representing the warriors of the clans. In theory there are representatives and such from the member clans – in reality the Shaman's 'council' is structure of everyone else falling in line behind myself and Old Bastard, while the Chief's 'Council' is everyone falling in behind Zah and the Moonblades, while the Warriors 'Parliament' we'll call it is just a means to let some of them vent or offer ideas without getting killed for in subordination.
Honestly it's more a reflection that in many minor clans the older veterans can make or break a Chief and discipline is vital for us. In another sense the Night-tombs control the Shamans, the Moonblades through numbers the Warriors, while we are on top in the Chiefs, so it gives a decent powering sharing agreement between us. Whatever the case it works in the context of our current setup and had lets us decide upon a unified command structure as well as a 'dispute resolution system' of sorts. I've based it on the old Brehon Laws system of pre-christian Ireland; essential bards who act as lawyer/judges in resolving inter-clan problems. Because there are always problems between two disparate groups; even our little alliance being so helped by Wyrmog's failure to unify everyone is a sign of that after all.
Really I'm not looking for a Justice and Precedent based Common Law system, as in Faerun that is a terrible idea as very, very few peoples idea of what is 'Justice' and 'Truth' match up even amongst orc clans let alone with non-orcs. No the focus then has to be on preventing rebellion, communal violence and emergence of blood feuds that would harm our war-effort/society. Stability, Harmony, and Community are what matters to bring peace and a sense of justice to lands we rule (and keep out our divine overlords idea of what is 'Justice') and conquer in the days to come. In basic terms the Shamans propose our 'Wardens' or 'Law-givers' and the other two groups agree – really though that means I get to nominate them and Zah & the Moonblades agree. Arbitration between Horde members usually means Luthic or Ilneval after all and Darth Phargk has greater things on his mind it seems.
Not an opportunity I'll turn down, even if I need to get him to approve my choices as well first. Thankfully I have several texts in my TOME OF WIKI that can help with the matter of basic law and what'd be a useful starting point for our enforcers; really it means a high Charisma, a high Intelligence and a decent enough Wisdom that we don't get lunatic decisions that need someone else to go and fix. It's not exactly urgent but it falls in line with expanding my Red Branch Knights from Two to more than Two in the coming weeks; the Knights for the Military and the Bards for what are kinda civvies. Because I really don't want Paladins, Orc Paladins in particular, dealing with things like stolen pigs and couples eloping with feuds. That would be a bad idea I think.
I know this is somewhat petty but I'm disturbingly happy at getting my way at getting my way on the new banner of our glorious new 'nation' or alliance. I'll admit I agree with the Old Bastard's choice of name even if it hints at divine shenanigans with our ultimate goal and it is not an easy one let me tell you. Even if it is a strong unifying factor for the wars to come, and they are already our foe regardless; plus it'll be years before the words reach them on the rumour mill. Anyway unto my flag and my great victory in getting it past the censors of our glorious leadership – the old Royal Banner of Ireland, which is meaningless to all you locals but it matters to me in a way. Blame reincarnation, I find it easier that way.
A Golden Harp on Blue Field; if it ever gets famous that's how we got a somewhat unorky banner as our Legion's standard. Of course in practical terms (and I sold it as this) is what I call confusion-fu. Because it looks damned similar to the Harpers organisation one which is a Silver Harp and Crescent Moon on a Blue/Silver field; and from a distance could be mixed up a little. After all our foes already think the Harpers are behind us in some way – I see no reason to discourage this line of thought let's say. No reason at all. My creepy Shargaas worshipping assassin wannabe counterpart also finds it amusing and is in support. So alongside our clan totems and standards we now have one that signifies our new tribal grouping. Long live the new nation of Illusk - may Sparta prosper in Ilneval's name as Illuskan Orcs. May our enemies burn and fall beneath our bloody blades and for us to survive the wars to come.
Now I must away. One must finalise the preparations for the mass ritual signifying our new formation, with totem and magic before the Gods themselves. Ironic that, seeking out the approval of the One-Eye I mean, but I've sort of learned to live and flow with the madness. We've finished the major ritual circles and runes, the Gods-slaves are healthy and ready, so are we shamans, and all the other things needed to make this work. I've also got to see what progress Lua's made with her new charge. So far, well, the other Drow is being kept away from anything important but far less from suspected plotting and more from PTSD induced outbreaks of violence that could come. Girl is broken like a shattered mirror and once away from Darth Phargk...well weeping, incoherent 'thankyouthankyou' and sobs followed by...stuff that tells me she is beyond my ability to fix at least. Still have to support Lua so may go. Slan go foil.
--
[Lua'kah'wyss 08]
Shaman's Tower, Sparta
Her name, which Lua'kah'wyss had eventually managed to discover after some gentle persuasion, was Drislara'Ust; of a branch (a male one at that) line of the minor House Ulutar. In other words barely a step above a commoner in practical terms in the cursed environs of Menzoberranzen as best she knew from her own parents and elders teachings. Hard fought information considering the pitiful state her fellow jalil had been reduced too by that monstrous orc cleric who had held her in bondage till now; a gibbering, terrified wreck outside of simple orders. At first Lua'kah'wyss had been truly fearful that it was an act, bred by dark nature inflicted by the Spider in an effort to survive at all costs, but now though...it was all too pathetic, even now for this poor woman death held nothing but terrors of the nightmare continuing.
To forswear the Spider should have a freedom, a sign of welcoming into a better way...not this. Not a broken child offering her very essence irrevocably for the ending of terror and pain for mere moments. The Dark Maiden would welcome a new child gladly but seemed to something that would have to wait a few days or ten-days till Drislara'Ust was rational enough to even think on such. Because all she wanted right now was to obey and serve. Lua'kah'wyss in primacy, but through her friend Karg who she saw as Lua'kah'wyss 'master' in a fiction she had been forced to maintain to keep the woman calm. Otherwise it was whimpering and feral terror that a new 'master' would take the away and the horror would return; it had nearly made Lua'kah'wyss weep to see one of her people reduced to such a state.
Even now as she moved to leave for the day she saw the sleeping form jerk and cower even in her dreams. Lua'kah'wyss fled through the doorway, closing the door behind her as the bored looking guards nearby looked on. A strange comfort there she'd found; they had little love her kind, but they served friend Karg and treated her respectfully and would guard this poor child in her absence for the night. How the surface had corrupted her she mused sadly as she strode back to the Shaman's Tower with her 'escort' guards provided by friend Karg, here she was, owing her own slave like one of the Spider's servants. All in a good cause of helping this poor child find some salvation from her nightmare, but it was so much greyer than she imagined that day she had left home. Would the Goddess smile upon her actions or view them with distaste?
It was a relief then to return her current home away from home at the top of the stairs, past cold snows outside, the noise of acolytes training in lower floors, and the various guard shifts in between. The warmth of the stove heating the room, the smell of herbs, furs and tomes in the air, cheered her greatly alongside the squeak of shock from her little tu'rilthiir Tris as still ice-cold drowish hands slid around her exposed arms to bring her into a hug from behind. Lua'kah'wyss hummed happily in the embrace as her little tu'rilthiir flustered about in her arms "I hath returned mine Tris! Didst thou miss me?"
Tris huffed relaxing back into her embrace "Nope, not at all! Too busy working since you left off into the snows I'm afraid!"
Lua'kah'wyss pouted "Awwww...well I missed thee my lovely Tris!"
Her lovely tu'rilthiir smiled as Lua'kah'wyss gave her a peck on the cheek, but broke the embrace and shooed her away looking flustered "Ttthaatt...not here Lua...I've...um...to finish cleaning first! So shoo! Go bring thine-self over to Karg and bother his idle-self till then!"
"Of course mine jabbress! Anything for thee!" Lua'kah'wyss answered giving a mock bow as the red haired rivvil jalil Rose giggled softly nearby at her antics seemingly. She winked at the young rivvil as she came out of the bow and strode over to friend Karg shedding the snow damp boots and heavy fur cloak as she moved towards them. Outside it had been a blessing from the icy cold winds and heavy snow but now they were going to get uncomfortable and best to let them dry. That and friend Karg nor the others sitting around him would take kindly she expected to her getting the furs and cloth rugs they rested upon all damp thanks to her trip through the winter outside. Unfair as well, with friend Karg and his jalil Ogrash having been so busy and stressed with his preparations for their big ritual on the morrow, so she left on her under-tunic and undergarments and hopped down between him and the rivvil jalil.
"So what arth we talking about mine fellow concubines?" a collective groan answered her politely phrased joke, seemingly getting old one, as she glanced at Rose and her older grandmother .It still shocked Lua'kah'wyss how fast non-elves aged even if the rivvil matron was still moderately attractive despite that agedness looking to her appraising eyes. Friend Karg beside her rolled his eyes as she grinned at him as she allowed some of the stress of the previous hours to melt away "Or will'st thou tell all, mine lord orc?"
"Hmmm...why hello there Lua, how nice of you to join us..." he glanced at her tiredly "...everything okay with our..."
Lua'kah'wyss nodded calmly as she levered herself into a comfortable position, resting her elbows on her knees and legs crossed. She didn't really want to talk anymore about it but it friend Karg did have to worry about such matters for his own followers sake "She's still physical fine, better the fine even, it's just her mind that's...not fine still. She is opening up a little I suppose but...it is little. I can but pray that the Dark Maiden can aid me in this task in the days to come"
The two rvvil looked saddened by that, though in truth only the younger Rose had met the poor Drislara'Ust for more than mere moment, friend Karg just sighed softly and nodded "I hope so too, Phargk truly is...powerful and dangerous in what he can do I know. So all you, we, can do is our best for the poor girl...and watch that she doesn't snap..." he smiled slightly "...and pray away, your Goddess at least is the better parts of her parents all in all. I can only hope she can bring some peace to her"
She glared at friend Karg, but despite being slightly offended at her beloved Goddess being equated to the vile Spider-Queen she was glad to move away unto these subjects. Friend Karg...knew far more than he should of such things from the past, and the Gods actions supposedly, than should be possible for an orc (even a smart orc) out here in the wilds. Doctor Ned seemed to believe he was a reincarnated soul, and while she still believed his knowledge was likely due to his wicked orc God she also would believe him to be some ancient (likely cursed or fallen) elf soul reborn. At least she guessed at that judging from his seeming distaste for the Good Gods of the Seldarine and somewhat...different...view of certain things "Friend Karg arth thou seeking to anger me to say such a thing of my Goddess?" she shook her head but winked at Rose across from her "but I can forgive thee if thou wouldst explain thyself?"
Friend Karg hummed in thought, free hand rising up and doing that little incantation thing of his "Just to note we were having a theological discussion already for our Rose's interest so you did manage to join the conversion, but best not take chances as they say"
The older rivvil gave a soft gentle smile as she shushed the cheerful looking red haired jalil of her bloodline "Indeed Lord Karguk has been discussing such matters, in part leading on from telling us of his preparations of this ritual he and his...compatriots...are to conduct on the morrow. I too would be curious to hear of your Goddess Milady Lua as my Rose here has been full of praise for thee of late"
Lua'kah'wyss found herself beaming at that before motioning at friend Karg as the rivvil Rose huffed at been cut off and the jalil Missy came over and sat on the other side of the orc amongst them and sat down quietly "Oh? Now what hath thee to say on my beloved Eilistraee friend Karg?"
"I'm...uh...well trying to be complimentary in my own awkward foot in mouth way..." friend Karg replied rubbing the back of his neck "...look when I said that I was tryin' to be complimentary. Of the two of her parents the Spider is the smarter of the two...and at least when she was Araushnee wasn't batshit crazy and psycho crazy evil all the time."
Lua'kah'wyss just shook her head in disbelief...almost. It seemed she was getting used to friend Karg's special brand of madness "Friend Karg she attempted to overthrow the Seldarine and brought many foes against them in the battle" she answered from her own limited knowledge of those times. While there wasn't copious detailing of such times it was madness to argue that the vile Spider was not evil in such times either!
Friend Karg shrugged "I don't know if she was ever good, but she certainly was ambitious. And I'll say...my main point was she was the smarter of the two, I'm not just being an orc elf bashing when I say Corellon Larethian was not the brightest spark at times. I could not think of a worse trophy wife than an ambitious, wilful and ruthless Goddess who wants real power. I'll point out with little to no resources other than being a trophy wife she managed to rile up a host of enemies against the Seldarine, while being in place to overthrow her incredibly powerful but not super intelligent husband and place the blame on her daughter and others. And she only failed through sheer luck, ironic really for a goddess of destiny. But your Goddess has managed to fight her Mother tooth and nail to help her people, despite overwhelming odds against her, through her own brilliance without any of the bonkers evil of mommy, or dickishness of dear old dad. Eilistraee and her brother came out really well considering who their parents are."
"Corellon Larethian is not a 'dick' as you call him! He is a truly caring Father" Lua'kah'wyss answered offering a prayer up her goddess, feeling a strange mixture of calm serenity, amusement and affront well up insider her as she did so.
"Yes he was, he turned Araushnee into Lloth by the act of "true ex-spouse in a divorce assholery" if they had godlike powers. My wife is a demon! So I turned her into a bloody demon lord, or lady, whatever and kicked her out! Thing is Lua...a tanari'ii is basically concentrated evil in a can. Combine it with a ruthless intelligence and existing deep enough ambition to launch a coup and the results kinda, shoulda been obvious I reckon"
"She had attempted to overthrow them and bring evil upon the world. She had to be punished orc...we all had to be punished. Thine own pantheon art hardly what one wouldst call Good" she found herself answering woozily as if she'd drank a little much, but good woozy oddly enough. Friend Karg hummed waving a hand noncommittally in the air in front of him. (drank what, there is no mention of her drinking anything until now?)
"Look not gonna disagree there, but at least they are trying a different approach now I say. But he should have killed her if that's the crime. Turning someone into a demon is not showing mercy, at least the One Eye generally kills his enemies – if he was going around turning his women into demons then even our pantheon would be a bit bothered by it at least. What he could have done other than killing...is for greater minds than mine, but that's my view on it at least. Though I will admit as an orc priest I'm somewhat contractually obliged to bash him somewhat in terms of reputation..." he sighed, glancing at her and then motioning at the rivvil Missy to get his magical tome of knowledge "...and judging from your look you want to talk more of this?"
Lua'kah'wyss smiled contently, still feeling a little woozy but blessed, as the others voiced their agreement. Friend Karg was always sort of ranty at times she found, but it would be interesting to hear more of his views on these events of far in the past. Perhaps he would even admit to her or the others how he had managed to gather such knowledge – hopefully in the same lines as her own guess in the betting pool. Plus it seemed to help him relax as well, before his ritual on the dusk tomorrow just as it was her after her visit to Drisslara'Ust below...
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