When: Early Spring I guess, 1355 Dale Reckoning
Where: Sparta, once again a winter wonderland
It's turned bloody wintery again and I can only hope Zah and the others hunkered down okay. They've got the supplies to handle it (I hope) but one can't help but being worried with the onset of a storm when they're already risking battle. Honestly they should be fine but the difficulty of not know is quite irritating. Well that and the fact my immediate construction plans just got put back a week or two - sorry ten-day I mean, bad habits die hard I guess. Anyway a big bad snow storm just came screaming down into the valley, basically putting a stop for my immediate construction plans and efforts here till it passes and the weather clears once again. Which means everyone's been driven back inside to a combination of training and resting for those allocated to the building programme. It rolled in last night, though in fairness we had plenty of warning of its approach from the angry clouds and far off rumbling before it arrived; only problem with that is if it's as slow rolling on as it was rolling in. Hopefully it'll clear off quickly enough and we can get back to work on expanding the stronghold. Owing to be cooped back inside (again) due to the cold and bad weather I've put in extra lessons in the arcane and with the Six Gods-slaves. Always somewhat eerie I find as the six aren't all there at times...
No that's an incorrect statement. They are all there mentally, certainly compared to how we found them, they just seeming calm and serene in a way that's not what one expects. Then again - God personally training them in their dreams or whatever (as some bizarre cross between pets, attack dogs and magical tool at that) so what should I expect from them really. Anyway teaching them also to a degree serves as training for myself in expanding my divine based abilities, really while one calls upon power from your deity the end result is up to you to achieve than just granted. Especially the 'higher level' one goes with the spells; the Boss feeds me the power and a general 'instinct' of how to use it but really you need to 'mould' it too is the best description I can give.
I really would like to name them, like properly name them, but the Boss and the Lady Luthic have reserved that right so we're still at descriptive like 'Silver hair' or 'Blondie' and they themselves seemingly completely unbothered by it. Still beyond that their training is going well, for blessed magical slave-girls anyway...I'm not entirely sure what the development level should be there; it's like a screwed up Mahou Shoujo really. But well in practical terms silver-hair has proven the warrior of the group though that doesn't mean she isn't progressing at the arcane arts like the others. Eldritch Knight maybe? Paladin? It's hard to classify but these six are afforded the best training the clan can muster at the will of the Gods so their better than my average acolyte.
So that consumed a good chunk of today while most of my clan-orcs had a nice little break. Well other than those on guard duty of course, but with the miserable weather myself and Oggy opted to double up the shifts and cut duty time in half. Mostly because it's cold as fuck out there and if you leave'em too long they'll either come down with something, or just avoid going anywhere but the fire. This is basically pointless in terms of lookout duty mind you, so best to opt for the usual business of rotating them in teams in shorter shifts with training and grub in between. Can't allow them to get restless either, or spend all day drinking as that leads to said restlessness. Of course in practical terms there was limited impact on the training of the youngsters on the 'magical' track of education, education takes place in doors after all and the weather don't impact that over much.
Literacy and mathematics are starting to seep into our younger cohorts, and I include those from the former conquered clans, after like several years of it and the only real drawback is lack of paper and reading materials. The first issue is currently being rectified by the nascent paper industry I've spend half a year trying to get up and running, while the second I've started at by creating a printing press. Or more accurately getting people who actually know what they're doing in regards wood and metal working to start the process. All thanks to my lovely Tome of Wiki helping me detail the various things we need; though of course the letters and wording are in orcish script, which is dwarven script in reality so I've got Crue to help there. Truly we are through the looking glass when a dwarf is partly behind the orcish literacy revolution. Or at least I hope it will be in times to come. Have paper supply, have education and now just need things to read. Time and effort people, time and effort!
Of course geography and tactics are the other element of the 'opening minds' part for the youth. Waaugh: The Board Game being a useful part of that. Really all we needed for that are some pretty crude but relatively accurate maps (it also train my future cartography corps!) of the North, knucklebone dice, some wooden token cards, simple wood pieces and bam we've got this strange amalgam of Risk, Settlers of Catan, Chess and Poker. See thing is you can't easily convince orcs to study 'boring things' all to easily, especially on top of all 'boring things' I'm teaching in the Academy of sorts. But if you turn it into a game for gambling with both luck involved as well and then it spreads around faster than I can get the makes and game pieces created. Gods above even the others from my little household enjoy – they're playing it right now as I write this entry for instance. Evidently Rose is quite the little warmonger in this session judging by the running commentary about me being a bad influence on my apprentice. I prefer to think of it as preparing her for this happy, screwed-up, death world we live on. Or more specifically the fact we live in the Crags, and beyond that the North, which is hardly the nicest place in these times; well not the nicest place in general really. It's a chaotic mess at the best of times after all.
Supposedly bad influencing ways aside my arcane lessons with Ned and Nimmil have continued and rather of my successful mastering of casting Invisibility. Though that's more Nimmil than Ned since she's the Illusionist, but truth be told my magical education is getting more balanced and while I'm not a fan of Necromancy my knowledge of the 'Art' is growing by leaps and bounds thanks to Doctor Ned. Of course I'll freely admit me and my minions are more 'spellcasters' than anywhere neat being true wizards – we know spells and how to cast under hard conditions but it's hard to cram decades of study into a few months let's be honest. Still we've started to develop a semi-formal system of 'certification' much like Certificate-Diploma-Degree-Mastery as it lets me use the semi-trained acolytes like Halnguk and Oggy's minion Gern'uda, to teach the older children the basics.
We'll call them teaching assistants for the moment. Though of course it raises the issue now of who to send to the Harpells (well the sane one in his Tower) as the quasi-hostage/trainee while they send their agent of potential-doom here in the spring. Halnguk is looking good for it as he's the least likely to snap and either attempt to kill them (and die in the attempt) or run screaming from the building. Honestly I'd much rather the crazy wizards would stay the fuck away from my home but I need to keep them on-side what with a war for survival on here. This is just another test and I'll have to find a way to navigate through it as best we can. Though damned if it isn't another headache I was quite happily ignoring during the winter season but the nearer we are to spring the sooner that caravan from the village of doom-wizards draws near. Trade will be welcome but whatever lunatic they send probably will not – I've already decided to use the underground levels even if it means revealing some of what's there. Mostly because magic proof masonry and ensuring damage is localised to that room (and wizard) rather than tons of collateral damage. I hope - Gods do I hope that'll reduce any dangers.
Still I'll be glad when the spring finally arrives and we can start the processes of planning, woodcutting and all the other things. I know it's technically spring right now but it still feels like the middle of winter with that storm outside. Our larders are still pretty good considering, we'd expanded in the past year and we filled them thanks to the salt from the goblins; about the only thing the little gits have in supply to be truly useful. Not that they'd realised that till we (read I) started banging unto them about the demand for it. Salting helps preserve meat and it adds to the traditional methods like pickling, burying and using sugary fruits. While we orcs can eat food most humans wouldn't the truth is the 'Holy Tomes' never really covered the fact most orc clans (and other monster races) do have some means of preserving food – and do actually like food that isn't rotting crap.
Go figure; propaganda by Elminster is propaganda that doesn't like monstrous races. But anyway increasing food stores is a race against the growing population and the fact that in a few short years my magic harvest boosters won't have any powers for at least a year. We'll do a full survey this year of the valley and try and get a handle of the various products from our vassals; human, goblin or kobold plus what we can trade with the Gnolls (maybe) and Longsaddle. Feeding our armies well, alongside our population at large, is my priority as if things go badly against The Furry Fucker (and whoever that armoured woman was) we could be sieged, or need something to bribe other clans with. Whatever the case it's expansion time and I have to think of both the short term and the long term in this regards – no point in winning now to starve later, or to fail now and have everything go to waste!
Anyway must go, it seems someone is rampaging through the Crags at the game table and I'm to judge if one of the lovely ladies has maybe fallen to Rose, Orc Warlord in Training, surprise attacker and 'cheater' evidently. Slan go foil a chara.
--
When: 1355DR, Spring (even if it doesn't feel like it)
Where: The Keep, Sparta
That was a bad auld snowstorm we got hit with, lasting a good three-four days (I kinda lost track honestly with the night and day blocked by all the snow) and leaving a small mountain of white in its wake. Actually took most of a day to clear it out from the courtyard, the slopes, and then the village below. Mostly as it hasn't melted much due to the cold weather continuing even if it's been a beautiful sunny day; on the bright side we had plenty of clean fresh water to barrel and use towards creating alcohol with some sugars and yeasts. And magic and druidery stuff, because Doctor Ned wants to play brewer alongside the Alchemist (Petra - See Oggy I can remember her name!) girl.
Normally I would not use the Master Necromancer as a Brewer, but then again he is a powerful wizard and I've no real reason to object to him doing it after all. So yeah I'll probably go down in the history books as that stupid Orc who used the master wizard (and his dwarf minion) to brew him up some booze – but in my defence it was his idea to do in his spare time not mine. Had a drink to Etlin while Ned was doing all this and it's good see he's handling living in an orc stronghold about as well as can expected, even 'his' women and former Luskan guards. I'd been initially worried about them wanting to free their enslaved compatriots but it's more they either don't care; or in two cases want to torment the slaves because the Luskan guard are kinda assholes to each other I guess. Etlin assured me they've been kept clear and haven't, nor won't, cause any trouble. Fine by me is what I'll say.
Anyway the snowstorm ending did not end the weirdness, nor make my life any easier, as Krowluc returned today with his cavalry patrol from the south end of the valley. Long story made short he returned with seven Gnolls in tow after he 'escorted' them to Zybelin's Drift first due to the snowstorm, and then here after it cleared. He's told me Ghorza has brought the garrison there, and then the other at Zahgorim's Conquest, to readiness just in case these were just really shitty scouts rather than the ragged-ass wannabe mercenaries they're making themselves out to be. Which I, as well as the others, are inclined to believe because these are hungry and crappily armed Gnolls let me tell you; ugly as fuck too, but kinda hypocritical from an orc I admit so I'll try not to judge the giant hyenas walking on two legs. They claim their from the Redjaws and their here to serve as mercenaries in exchange for food and other, and they have the indications to sorta back that up from what we remember of those Gnolls.
Reading between the demands (shouting at them works best I've found) seems taking over the Icepeaks old fortress is one thing but actually managing to feed everyone in it has proven more problematic than they'd expected. So this looks like them trying to ease their food issues as well as 'get in good' with one of the orc armies running around the Crags these days. Or it could just be this group of siblings (I'm pretty sure they are, or like cousins or whatever the pack term is) want to earn a name for themselves here, then return to their pack either rich or not return at all.
Normally I'd expect they would try to raid the villages but, well, I think our assaulting and taking with ease the fortress (that we gave them after) indicated to them it would be best not to fuck with us. A situation I'm entirely willing to maintain in their minds; generous to our allies and vengeful and merciless to our foes. It'll cut down on the raiding hopefully. For the moment we've put them in caves area where our new tavern will be constructed, I've to sort something for them to make them of use; I'm leaning towards we've found our first band of brave adventurers. Or as what they'll actually be in reality – hunters, trappers, rangers or scouts for our fighting forces here. Whatever the case we've very strongly (and loudly) made the rules clear to them and breaking them means death. Only way to keep any semblance of order as most 'evil' races just respect power and strength.
So, yeah, now I've got an alcohol brewing Necromancer and Gnoll 'Adventurers' running around my home in addition to the various human, kobold and goblin blacksmiths and spell-casters that have been here for the winter season. All I can say is our new 'guests' picked the right time to turn up and want to get some weapons made up for them, and in fairness they did bring a small bag of shinnies to pay for things like some gems and gold coins. I'd assume stuff we missed at the Icepeaks place when we took it, and found after we passed through last year to-and-from Longsaddle. Or they just held back for whatever reason maybe. So they're being let settle in for a day or so, and of course there's a watch on them as well. Gotta go now, meeting with Oggy and Breyza about plans for training and construction projects.
--
When: Spring in 1355DR
Where: Underkeep, Sparta
Back to check on the excavations and what Nimmil and R team have cooked up was my plan of the day today. Okay that sounds way more organised that it is but I wanted to see where we stand on the enchanting of the various parts of my magical tanks and what the lower levels are like now that the air isn't bad. In that regard we're slowly but surely making our way down through the tower structure and clearing all the dirt out of the rooms. Not much actually once we got down from the upper floors, I'd almost say whatever hit the place was like a wave that slammed down and saturated the upper floors but was kept from the lower ones somehow by a shield of sorts.
It'll likely be years, even decades, before I know in the end so not going to worry about it for the moment. So in line with clearance we've begun actually moving clan-orcs into levels slowly but surely after we start getting some plants and fungi growing for air and the place not smelling like a crypt. The only major drawback is my using them as magical practice floors...so we're prioritising acolytes, females in particular, for that floor. Was some grumbling over that but got Ma, Oggy and Breyza to smooth the whole thing out alongside promising new houses for some in the 'town' when their built. On a side note: need to have a chat to Oggy that Tris (and her too) isn't her personal slave like Mara and Kethri.
Tank wise the parts are starting to come together in terms of crafting and empowering, so final assembly is beginning on the three large war-wagon chassis in the outdoor 'workshop' we've cleared the snow off up in the courtyard. I kinda want to get them done quickly because Wifne will be returning with these skilled craftsmen to their village once the planting here is done and blessed. The main issues ironically hasn't been the weapons or armour belt, both of which are know quantities, but the magical 'engine' and the system of simple gears to make it manoeuvre. So far, so good at least...well there were massive delays for a bit but it's working now so that's good enough in my view. I'm hoping to have a proper test run in about a ten-day or two and then we can get to training up crews for them.
Anyway back to work now, Rose is huffing at about getting back upstairs for the practice and then a feast of sorts before it begins. Evidently I've been at my studies with Missy and the Dread Gnome longer than I'd expected. Slan go foill a chara.
--
When: Spring, Early 1355DR
Where: Courtyard, Sparta
Okay put those Gnolls to work in exchange for a halberd for one of them – go get me five direwolf pelts. Mostly because there's a pack of the things after moving in near the goblins north of here, and their hungry judging from their attacks on said goblins. The group basically demanded the job (but Gnolls demand everything anyway when they speak so who knows) so off they go with a clan symbol indicating our lot not to kill them on sight. Let's call this the start of their probationary period. Snow's melted enough for them to get going, and more importantly for all the work to start again on construction and preparing the terrace fields. Cattle are being let out of the 'pen-caves' even if their still on the silage. Thank the Boss that we can finally start to get back to work, and hopefully Zah and the others are doing well now that the weather has improved to sunny and cold from stormy and freezing.
It's also meant we can start training outside again properly. Had a mock battle today between the veterans and twice their number of the trainees – results were predictable and plenty of healing was needed afterwards for the battered trainees. Hopefully they learned valuable lessons because we're going to rerun in the daylight tomorrow rather than at night. At least Oggy's Acolytes found the training at healing of all the injured to be very useful so even if it takes a few more thrashings to teach unit discipline I'll count this as a successful day's training session. I had Lua and the others train as well, I might have bit harsh on her maybe but she got her ass kicked by Rose as much by laziness than her our bloodthirsty redhead's usual aggression, and then by me without really trying. Lua is better and this and (after huffing, whining and pouting at us) got down and did a serious training session. More will follow, for myself as much as the others – as usual I've let myself laze somewhat over the winter months and need to work back to being fully battle ready.
Had Silver-hair from the Gods-slaves training with us as well, mostly due to wanting Cardac since he's the best of the old fighters in the can, and boy is that girl a terror with a blade. Even a wooden practice one, took using magic to keep up with her and win the spar; go indicator to get back to daily practice again right there. Of course it's a sure sign of Silver-hair's own growth and likely what I should expect from her and the 'Six Sisters' in the coming years. My little Karggy played with her little friends with tiny wooden sticks nearby, always under guard of course, imitating the rest of us in the courtyard. Not unsurprising really, just like when I was a whelp you're raised as much by the clan as by your parents. Plus it's good to have Zah's children close to mine & Oggy's, and too get started on the youngest generation about not abusing slaves out of hand by having the likes of Mara (with little Korugal), Kethri and Zah's ones nearby to help/mind them. Yes the lowest rug labour slaves have little in the way of comforts and pleasant lives. But not having them freeze to death because someone decided clothes were an 'optional' feature has been a difficult concept to get hammered home so every little helps in this regards. And that there can be a 'ranking' system amongst the slave 'caste' – my Missy being the main example of that since her status is higher than most young clan-orcs even as a slave.
Once I can free here then there's a path the youngsters can grasp as being in their interests as well long term. Maybe, hopefully, but I figure I gotta start somewhere with them. Now must go, time for laps unfortunately; word to the wise it's not fun in full chainmail. Duty calls. Bye!
--
[Nedorious Illian Kline III 04]
Shaman's Tower, Stronghold of Sparta
"Beer, Beer, glorious beer
Fill yourselves right up to here
Drink a good deal of it; make a good meal of it
Stick to your old fashioned beer..." Nedorious found a pleasant ditty helped pass work time away, but sadly a gruff and grumpy dwarven voice cut through his merriment and encouragement. Crue, sadly, was a true exemplar of her people: never fucking happy at all unless she was grumbling about something. Well... or fighting of course, but they had been trying to avoid doing that in the middle of an orc stronghold considering they were orcs and she a dwarf. That and it was hard to clean the blood off the carpets. He sighed. Crue was always ruined his lovely expensive carpets. One would almost think his employee did it on purpose just to annoy him.
"Would'ya ever shtap wit dat damned signin' Boss, can't ya pick up ah damned barrel an' help us out!"
Nedorious tut-tuted at his barrel carrying employee, waving his currently orcish finger; he liked being an orc when amongst orcs. Made things much easier with the clientele he'd found over the years... 'When in Waterdeep' as they said out on the road. "Now-now Crue, you and Etlin are my big strong muscular minions and I'm helping in my own way!"
"How's exactly are ye 'helpin' as ye put it?" came back along with an unhappy glare. Nedorious could only shake his head as his small group walked along. All these years together and she still complained about such obvious things.
"Well Crue I'm supervising you of course. Management level and all that!" he replied cheerfully and waved at the three humans behind Crue who were carrying the two other barrels between them "You don't see Etlin and the ladies here complaining now do you!"
"Eh... You pay me and I carry your stuff, what's the use in complainin' Boss" Etlin muttered back, readjusting the barrel he was carrying while the two former luskan guards remained quiet and focused on not dropping their own jointly held one.
"See young Etlin here has the positive go-getter attitude that I'm looking for in my staff! You just need to turn that frown upside-down my dear!" he hummed back cheerfully, opening the door to his own offices within this renovated tower. "See I'm helping! Door opening! Ta-da! Also, as if by magic, we're just here! Isn't that great?"
Crue growled softly to no-one in particular before replying "Oh truly yer magic knows nary an'ending in its magnificence Boss. Why dat there door fell before yer prodigious powers like nought ah've ever seen afore' in me life"
Nedorious smiled back as he directed them to the 'cabinet' entry to the magical world that he'd created to be used as his store room. "That's the spirit Crue! Chin up and happy thoughts! Also round of drinks for all of you to come in short! See generosity and merriment all the one go! Truly I am the perfect employer am I not Crue dear?"
"Ah ain't drinkin' yer shitty medicinal booze Boss."
He tutted at her again as the barrels got pressed up against the 'walls' as they stepped through. Nedorious yet again reminded himself to get around to decorating the dark featureless void; it just seemed unfriendly looking and kept unnerving his staff when they entered. Someday, he mused as he replied: "Oh don't be such a grumpy dwarf Crue, of course not the medicinal booze. Off to Menkin the Kobold's for beer and a dinner is where we shall go this eve, my merry minions! To celebrate the coming of spring... and the fact we've managed to finish everything ahead of schedule which is always good too."
Progress in his objectives here in the orc stronghold was proceeding nicely, he'd found. Training prospective mages, as ever, was satisfying in both personal and monetary terms while also allowing him to subtly shift this clan into opposition to his own enemies. Of course this was proving a reasonably straightforward endeavour as young Karg the shaman and formerly temporary employee had been already leaning in that direction. Both because the Host-tower had evidently previously sent adventuring parties after them, and of course thanks to his own targets backing those opposed to this new 'Illuskan' proto-Horde. That and this place was rather pleasant enough to spend a few years or so taking refuge in - though in truth it felt more like 'establish oneself as an important person in a new town' than hiding out in the ass end of nowhere. Why he'd even have visitors from the Harpell family in the coming ten-days to discuss matters of the Art with!
Something that would be interesting as he'd been unable to truly visit the place because of the Ban on teaching any of them Necromancy due to the family's well know... eccentricities. At least here with all the magic resistant masonry (and of course his own warding for personal safety) it would a rare chance to maybe get in good with them, or at least get some insights he hadn't already heard from fellow practitioners. Well, it wouod be once he'd put in place protections ensuring they'd only blow themselves up and not him (or his students) as well in the process.
Also welcome was that all his employees reacted well to his suggestion of a nice relaxing meal and drink in the local tavern. Surprisingly the owner had done a decent job with the place, considering he was a kobold in an orc fortress using slaves to hurriedly assemble the building. So Nedorious waited a few minutes while his employees armed themselves and escorted him out into the darkening evening sky outside as they moved towards the slope down to the 'town' area. The progress on this old fortress was really quite fascinating he found as the guards at the gate checked them before allowing them to continue on their journey. Extensive and decently planned out fortifications, with organised and disciplined soldiery behind them in regular shifts, was unusual compared to the orcish clans he'd seen over the years. Not that it was impossible of course in this day and age; that band of pirate orcs near Amn had been proper professionals all those years ago. But the fact he could see a fairly extensive town emerging around the stronghold was rather encouraging in regards his own objectives. Crude and rough of course, but rather well constructed despite that crudeness - just like the ward-system plastered all over the fortress.
"Ah young Halnguk, on guard duty this lovely night eh?" he greeted as they came down the slope and approached another of the patrols. Another sign it had been a great idea to take on this 'teaching' role within the 'Illuskan' forces: the spell-casters he'd trained were often the officer class within the stronghold as they turned into adults or proper warrior-wizards. And, of course, being the person training said officer class tended to get one on good terms with the local militia and such enforcers of the law... which was always good of course. Not quite as good as having Barty's backing in Luskan but... well... look how that had turned out he mused.
"Yes Doctor Ned, just starting duty for the night. You're finished teaching for now, yes?"
"Well one never finishes teaching or learning really, but been busy, busy, busy, all day and one does need to take the odd break. Otherwise Crue here gets bored and unhappy and then starts wanting to kill people that make her grumpy... So, look at that stare. We need a flagon of beer in the tavern stat Doctor Ned says!" he replied cheerfully, dramatically waving an arm towards his vertically challenged bodyguard who gave him an exasperated glare. Since you couldn't exactly hide her Dwarfness (and he could have made her such a cute lil' orc lady too!) the best option as usual was to make her well known and to discourage those seeking violence off the bat. Brutally killing several enemies in front of these orcs, combined with Crue's usual friendly demeanour, had helped firmly cement that fact into even the thickest orc skull. Despite the Dwarf/Orc less-than-friendly relationship there was no trouble now between his associates and the constabulary of his current home. Etlin of course as the head Shaman's friend was fine by default, and in general uncaring who he worked with as long as he was paid, while the two lady guards kept their heads down and did as they were told. All of which was rather excellent in Nedorious Illian Kline THE THIRD'S view of the world.
"Ah yes, kobold has good tavern and best to get a flagon or two if that is the case!" the young orc rumbled back as he and a few of his compatriots chuckled or sighed at the thought of having a drink. Impressive the discipline that was beaten in this lot, mused Nedorious as the young orc looked at him while they started to move off "... Oh yes, riders came back to the gate just little while ago. The Chiefs have won a great victory and will likely return the moon rise after tonight with much loot, and slaves and for much feasting in celebration. So I'd warn you tomorrow will probably be very busy Doctor Ned, but there maybe things you wish to trade for when they return!"
"Thank you young Halnguk, I'll keep you in mind if I manage any deals. Let me know if you need anything and I'll pay you back for the good turn! Now we must go brave warriors and leave you to your duty!" he replied to them as the two groups strolled away from each other in the deepening gloom of the evening. Why that was very interesting indeed and hopefully there would be much in the way of useful trinkets or items amongst the looted enemy. Unlikely since the foes was orcish, but the rumoured victory was a surprise indeed. He'd personally assumed the whole thing a fool's errand and likely to end in a stalemate or no battle at all due to the dreadful time of year to launch a campaign. He'd nearly chalked it up to a dumb orc moment even though this lot seemed quite advanced, but it seemed they'd managed to pull off something successful. Opportunities, opportunities, one had always to watch out for them. But first came a good beer and hearty meal before a good rest. Once the victorious host returned the place would likely get rather loud after all...
--
[Interlude 02]
--
Prelude to the Deluge: The Forgotten War in the Crags
Authored by Tarfinri Agosil, Scholar of Candlekeep
... As such many of the learned are wont to overlook the aspects of this conflict that erupted within the lands from the Crags to the Lurkwood in favour of the drama that was the Great Northern War. Some perhaps consider it a footnote, merely mentioned to perhaps explain the events that were to occur as this conflict progressed but having in of itself little underlying relevance to the overall narratives. Others, often more biased due to their heritage, are of course wont to see the events that played out in those days as inevitable in their progression; a matter of Destiny and Fate that has become Myth rather than true history. Rather one must see the conflict as being both inextricably linked to the general outbreak of bloodshed that was consuming the northern lands, yet at the same time a conflict distinct with its own shifting cast players.
Indeed it is a difficult subject to study owing to the often shifting allegiances from before the War(s) began as supposed pawns became players in their own rights and sureties of those times proved to be little more than a mere illusionist's trick. This is oft the greatest task a scholar must face when studying these histories: to view the events through the eyes of those who faced them, without the biases of the current year. That and to see through the haze of myths and half-truths peddled by those longer lived folk whose accounts must be taken with a pinch of salt. Indeed even the Gods themselves have differing views upon these events, and due to their waxing or waning powers since the time of those battles, deaths, and even ascensions, their current agendas may lead their claims to differ from those they would have had at the time. These things conspire to further muddy the clarity of History's waters against the gaze of true scholars.
Still, if one is to begin, one should begin at the start: with the growth of tensions within the region that would lead to the outbreak of all out warfare. Here lay the first signs of the both the hubris of those human city-states of that time, alongside the often divided nature of these various factions. Most scholars like the simple explanation of Neverwinter versus Luskan clashing through proxies, that then erupted into greater bloodshed as the conflict via proxies and agents turned into a true clash between the two great powers. An unspoken conflict that was one of move and counter-move, that grew increasingly out of the control of either city with the passing of each season. But even here little account is taken of the fact that these two actors were not singular entities acting in a straightforward manner.
Simply stating Neverwinter was operating through the Harper organisation gives little indication to readers that there were many factions within the city-state, each with differing views of the events at hand and what should be done. Nor does it indicate that the Harpers themselves within the North and Savage Frontier at that time were in the throes of both serious decline and increasing disunity. Indeed, within the decade the events that occurred led to a number of schisms that tore apart the secretive organisation into the Moonstars, Dark Harpers and Loyalists even as the group was seen to have achieved its greatest success. Or greatest act of infamy depending on one's views of what was created in its wake. So the fact Neverwinter through the Harpers had effectively engaged in a proxy war with Luskan via certain orc mercenaries in the run up to the Great Northern War is not disputed. However, it is still, all these years later, a matter of fierce debate as to which faction within this umbrella were the originators of this plan to strike at their foes.
Indeed much the same can be said of the then city-state of Luskan which was in truth divided between the Host Tower of the Arcane and its High Captains. Factions who themselves were further divided amongst themselves as events that arose in the lead up to the various wars illustrated, even if they are often largely ignored in other scholarly accounts. As such the simple narrative of Luskan backing the Uthgardt clans in this region caused Neverwinter to back certain orc clans in retaliation, then leading to warfare between these forces should be viewed as incorrect. Indeed it is apparent from remaining documentation, study of events, and the accounts of those involved that, in fact, it was a faction within the Host Tower that focused their Uthgardt proxies against Zentarim expansion further east rather than an attempt at expansion into the region by the city-state as a whole.
Indeed the timing of Neverwinter's support of orc clans in the region indicates that these proxies, of many names that would eventually emerge as the Illuskan Kingdom, was less aimed at Luskan or its proxies than at the Eldreth Veluuthra. It is very notable that these orc forces seemed to pay rather surprising attention to these Elven forces in their first campaigns rather than their Uthgardt foes for instance, even heading on a seemingly strange incursion into the Neverwinter Woods to do so in an action that cannot be explained away easily. Nor is there much awareness within Neverwinter noble or adventuring circles of the Luskan schemes in the Crags till after the initial clashes between the proxy forces of either faction. As such rather than a situation of move and countermove by the two human cities it is actually more apparent that factions from within both had set in motion plans aimed at other foes that managed to clash rather by accident.
These events can then be seen as a catalyst for the ratcheting up of the intensity of these clashes between Orc and Uthgardt within the Crags. Those Orc clans that were to become Illusk as the war dawned received magical training and arms, while Luskan supported their own proxies by providing means enabling the summoning of demonic forces and by sending adventuring parties loyal to them to harass their foes. Indeed the sudden emergence of Hordes on either side of this conflict alongside the run up to the start of hostilities between the two human city-states; then followed by their sudden disintegration when the Neverinter-Luskan war began is further indication of the war-by-proxy helped contribute to the War in the Crags in general. What is also apparent is that as this support either decreased or ended the various 'pawns' of these city-states decided to seek out alternate support or consolidate their own power independently. This can be seen by the shifting of allegiance of certain Uthgardt clans away from Luskan to Mirabar-backed factional support by the Year of the Harp. While at the same time the newly emerged Illuskan Kingdom had declared their Harper alliance via their war standard while also moving away from Neverwinter based Harper support to that of the village of Longsaddle and of the Tower of Midnight. Both of which were well known supporters of Khelban Blackstaff whose influence can be seen, albeit indirectly, in the shifting allegiances of this Orc faction.
Another factor that likely contributed heavily to the shattering of the orcish coalition that had been established in the Crags by the Year of the Bow was the Luskan Coup. Many see Luskan as united in purpose throughout the Great Northern War largely due to this seizure of power within the city-state by the Host Tower and allies amongst the High Captains of the city. Of course this seizure was far from bloodless, a series of small but brutal battles raged on the ships and in the streets throughout the night of its occurrence resulting in the, in hindsight much more important, flight of the survivors of the losing faction from the city. They fled and appeared to coalesce, as figures of power in one case, around the suddenly emerged orcish forces of Illusk under the ancient name of Luskan itself by strange coincidence. More likely though is that Orcish Horde formed in the previous year dissolved into its component parts as the Neverwinter support declined and former Luskans arrived with wealth and knowledge to boost those who broke away under the Illuskan banner. Perhaps then one should see the emergence of Illusk as the first schism within the Harper's ranks then thanks in small part, perhaps ironically, to the schism that occurred briefly within their foes in Luskan. Whatever the case this newly emerged power almost immediately began to shift its orientation away from Neverwinter and the Harpers and toward the reclusive, but powerful, Harpell Family in Longsaddle and those who would eventually break from the Harpers as the Moonstars.
As such by the Year of the Harp the War in the Crags was set to begin between multiple factions with differing agenda and backers, even as some had begun to acquire increasing independence. For instance the Orcish faction under the feared Warlord Wyrmog seemingly severed all links with Neverwinter and Harpers after the Illuskan surprise winter assault upon his stronghold and started seeking an independent path forwards with the support of several Fire Giant mercenary warbands. The emerging Illusk also had rapidly begun to seemingly operate as an allied power rather proxy by its shift away from one Harper faction to another in the same year, likely due to support gained from the Luskan rebel faction. Indeed on the eve of the conflict the influence of both Neverwinter and Luskan over any of the factions had been reduced to a shadow of what it had been a few years before, even as Mirabar entered into the brewing conflict with significant support of its own. An action that also effectively reduced Luskan influence down to the weaker elements amongst the now broken and factionalised Uthgardt tribal coalition. As such the very beast they had helped create in the Crags had now slipped their leashes as the two city-states focused upon their conflict and ignored the threat they had created by their rather short-sighted actions...
--
[Ogrash 10]
Lower Slopes, Stronghold of Sparta
Roaring chants filled the night air as the warriors of the clan and their allies returned victorious from battle with wagons loot and a great coffle of slaves. Already the columns of returning warriors were marching into the village beneath the stronghold under the banners of their clans, with the golden harp on blue banner of their alliance at the fore. It was all rather impressive, Ogrash thought, as the war drums beat in rhythm and her acolytes sang and fawned all over the returning warriors.
'Well it should be shouldn't it?' she mused in mild amusement as she watched what would be start of the night's victory feasting and debauchery. After all as soon as Zah's Moonblade riders had returned with word of their victory, and what they were returning with, she and the other leaders within the stronghold had begun readying the clan for such - and selecting the poor sods who would be on guard duty. That and she had to ready holding pens for all the new slaves taken so they could be restrained till they were inspected in body and for any useful skills they may have. It was still somewhat strange to think of it in such ways but the clan was growing strong by such means and that must continue, most all the females of the clan agreed. She herself could attest that having a well trained household made life much easier. Breyza standing beside her though was thinking other thoughts it seemed.
"A great victory it seems. Looks like the warriors are just lapping up all the attention today."
Ogrash snorted, motioning to the antics of some of the younger females as the warriors marched in. "Course they are, they get to be the all conquering males and many of the younger unattached ones will be getting mates before the moon sets I'd expect. I hope the Goddess will be gladdened and gift us with many strong whelps in reward"
"Hah! True that, tits out and beggin' for attention! Don't think I was ever that dumb and desperate!" came back the chuckling retort of Zah's head wife. Ogrash chuckled alongside her as she stood watching several of the younger females grabbing at warriors they desired from the returnees. And, in more than a few cases, being slapped away by older females or established mates of these returning males.
"Aye, but ya were the Chief's whelp and a beauty at that Breyza, so it was the younger males throwin'emselves at you I'd expect?"
"Heh, course, stupid the lot of'em and that's all stopped now since Zah is a powerful and rising warchief and put them in their place... Ahh and here he comes with his own prizes. Good. It'll show our power to have taken such females from the kin of our foes. He talks of taking these 'princesses' of his as concubines and he shows his strength by taking a Warlord's sibling to start his conquests!"
Ogrash followed the other females as they nodded to where Zah and Breyza's sire was entering at the head of the Spartan clan warriors. There, behind them was being dragged in chains the red-skinned form of one of the many daughters of the Warlord Wyrmog. An unfavoured daughter of the Warlord according to the rider's brief report on the situation, but still a fine trophy for Zah and Breyza in the short term. And in the years to come if they could get the female to fall in line as was the natural order of things for those who had been defeated and yielded. Personally Ogrash would choose death but each to their own she found. Whatever the case the one Zah had acquired was strange in looks even from her; the burnished dark red skin and flaming hair of a flame giant yet her height and features were more that of a child of orc and human union than other. Ogrash expected she was likely the whelp of some human slave or such, being likely inheriting such blood and that of Fire Giant's to alter her orcishness so. She nodded in agreement with Breyza, this certainly was a good start her childhood friend had made for himself and the clan.
"Yes Breyza it is indeed, Zah has chosen well" she answered, glancing at her ally "... Though she's likely strong. I expect you'll have a hard time getting her to accept her place beneath you."
The young Chieftain's mate shrugged with a small dark grin. "Ah, price of success Priestess, but if it was easy it wouldn't feel worthwhile. Sylfine and Marya will be most helpful in keeping a new slave in her place, as will our Hollwyn even, once properly motivated by myself and Zahgorim of course. Well... At least when she returns from the village in the next ten-day or so."
"Ah... The elf, of course. Still, she and Zah's conquered village has proved a surprising success hasn't it?" Ogrash mused back over the loud roars as the two Spartan Chiefs opened war-wagons and displayed the captured loot and yelled of victory. Trust Zah to be a show off and take all the glory while the rest of them had to spend many hours preparing for them. "You have done better than others, myself included, could have done with the lunkhead... Just look at him! Happy as a pig in shit he is."
Breyza snorted as her mate raised his arms and called for victory roars from the clan-orcs as the coffles of enslaved Bearclaw orc females were led by, and behind those likely slaves of that clan they'd acquired by right of conquest of the Warlord's stronghold. "Yah, but so would any of'em. It is truly a great victory and a sign of our new and growing power, but..."
"But not slaying the Warlord means this battle is only a beginning. Victory, loot and slaves are well and good but a live Warlord means he will rally his kin, orc and Fire Giant, and that will once again come against us in time. Better to have slain him and gained little loot perhaps?" Ogrash finished Breyza's sentence at the noise of the warriors breaking formation to mingle with the crowd to begin their own celebrations occurred. Once the rest of the returning army entered within the defences of the stronghold then they themselves would reunite with their Chieftains and allied warchiefs to begin the feasting proper. Or more accurately secure the loot and then begin the feasting and rituals to celebrate the recent battle's result. Beside her on the platform Breyza nodded.
"Probably... Better a dead foe than an injured one that got away Pa's always said. I'd doubt he is truly happy at this outcome but it is far better than a defeat as we'd feared could happen..." the other female grinned "... Still let's not worry over such things this night. Tonight is a night for victory, and for firming up the bonds of spilled blood with our allied clans. I think I shall go down and greet my mate, and you should likely get yours to aid me in corralling Zahgorim and Pa to where they need to be. Oh and give thy blessings too of course I'd expect!"
"Not a bad idea Breyza, not at all. You go, I shall collect my own mate and drag him away from whatever task he's set himself." She replied as the two of the separated and head in opposite directions. Quick waving of hands brought their personal slaves and guards to attend them as Ogrash marched back up the slopes somewhat and Breyza's group were allowed through the throng of clan-orcs, male and female, assembled here on the lower slopes. Of course the tavern, and therefore the booze, was nearby which Ogrash expected had some small effect on the numbers that'd come down from the stronghold proper.
Karg, of course, was off giving orders to various warriors and acolytes in regards 'staying on fucking guard' and 'is that now sorted yet?' mostly from the sounds of it. While their slave Missy and the armoured form of red-haired Rose stood nearby carrying various boxes of reagents or scrolls. The two bowed to her as she approached. "Oi Karg, you ready yet? Zah and the others are already inside the lower palisade. We need to make our appearance and get him up into the stronghold proper. Or more to the point get all that loot safely inside the stronghold before everyone gets drunk"
Her mate turned to her. "Huh?... Oh, right... Yeah... Grand. We're all set here I think, guards are on duty, bonfires are laid out and we've got that level under the keep ready for prisoners. One of yours said the fire-pits for the roasting had been lit as well... So we're ready to rumble now I think."
"Good... Missy, Rose, go with the guards and make sure the others and my whelps are ready in the Keep when the Host enters for the feast. Put whatever Karg has given ye in the stores and ensure you and the others are presentable as ordered." She instructed, sending them both away to the Tower before turning back to Karg. They needed to show strength to the other clan chiefs, and their warriors as well. After all it was just as Zah and the others would be doing in their own households. That and show the unity of all the allied clans, chiefs, shamans and females, behind the victory of course "... Now Karg we need to get to Zah and Old Breyjuk and get everything and everyone moving up into the stronghold. Jernak of the Moonblades and Phargk of the Night-tombs need to be..."
--
[Lua'kah'wyss 09]
Keep, Stronghold of Sparta
Lua'kah'wyss reclined upon the furs beneath her, propping herself up with her elbow, head laying on her hand while using her free hand to bring the horn-turned-winecup to her lips. It was rich and strong to the taste, and really washed down the roasted boar she thought as she watched the two orcs on the floor beneath the crude dais beat the living shit out of each other. She suspected it was mostly for the entertainment of the audience and not a duel over some insult or other as they claimed.
Then again, it was evidently an improvement over random murders and backstabbing, so her goddess would somewhat approve of their issues being resolved through honourable combat rather than such evil things. So she lay on her side and watched the battle between the two orcs, one in chainmail wielding a shield and an axe and the other fighting with lighter armour and a stabbing spear. They circled each other amidst roars from the crowd assembled around them. Of course her 'House' had a side in this fight as the spear stabbed at, and bounced off at an angle, the axe wielder's shield while his weapon lashed out a hair's breadth from his foes face.
A roar came alongside a charge forward, the two fighting viciously as the older axe wielder lost his shield with a stab to the shoulder and fell backwards...before smashing his axe down upon the spear with a pained roar. His weapon reduced to a splintered short staff, the younger orc fell back with a curse that turned into a snarling chant as the broken weapon was thrown away to wave both hands rapidly before him. Evidently the oldster had realised the threat and pushed forward, throwing himself and the axe towards his foe as it slammed into the younger's shoulder to tear it open from the blow. Too late though; the fire was already gushing from the younger one's outstretched hands...the erupting howls of agony caused Lua'kah'wyss to flinch a little. Though more at the older orc falling to the ground clutching his face than at the younger one's cries as he struggled to stand back up while pulling the axe from his shoulder.
"ENOUGH!" followed by the loud thunking noise of an iron spear butt banging off the stone floor of the Keep filled the air. Lua'kah'wyss turned her gaze to her right and watched as that terrifying old orc cleric stood and brought sudden silence to the feasting area. Beneath them the roars of approval were silenced and all awaited the words of the old shaman 'adjudicating' this duel. Since the youngster was still standing, albeit bleeding profusely now, with axe in hand while the greybeard was no evidently unconscious or dead it was clear who had won at this stage. "URTH'UNK OF SPARTA HAS PROVED HIS STRENGTH BEFORE THE GODS BY HIS VICTORY! LET ALL KNOW THAT THOSE SPOILS OF YESH'TYUN OF THE MOONBLADES ARE NOW HIS BY RIGHT OF CONQUEST! DOES ANY HERE CHALLENGE THIS RIGHT?"
"URTH'UNK!!! URTH'UNK!!! URTH'UNK!!! URTH'UNK!!! URTH'UNK!!!" echoed out from the members of friend Karg's clan, but also to her mild surprise from the orcs of the defeated old one's clan. Orcs were somewhat odd like that she found, simple in their ways but also strangely accepting of strength when defeated by others of their kind like this. Of course none were going to object to that terrifying old orc either, so it was likely praising success mixed with reasonable desire not to die horribly at the hands of the Old One, or friend Karg and other orc leaders, by objecting.
"THEN RISE URTH'UNK! LET THE GODS HEAL YOUR WOUNDS AND GRANT YOU THEIR BLESSINGS! LET YESH'TYUN BE TAKEN FROM THIS PLACE AND TREATED SO HE MAY DWELL ON HIS WEAKNESS AND SEEK REDEMPTION!"
As the roar erupted she levered herself up into friend Karg's lap, in what she liked to think of as a seductive pose, and leaned into his ear to question him about this strange act of mercy. Often such fights were to the death, amongst her folk and the rivvil as well as amongst the orcs, and this Old One that friend Karg was wary of was not exactly merciful. Especially not after the horrors he had indicted upon the poor thing sleeping in the cells beneath the tower who had once been a warrior of the wicked Spider but was now a broken and shattered wretch in so many ways. Friend Karg gave her a look at her 'antics' as he started to say, but instead sighed and nodded as the roars died down and feasting restarted. His voice was low as she leaned in again st him and got curious glances from the rest of the 'Household' resting around them while friend Tris huffed and rolled her eyes.
"Ah... We wanted to avoid death if we could as it was a stupid row over who gotta shag who. Urri's one of my lot and the old fellow's one of Jernak's distant kin. Two idiots started the row and neither clan wanted it but had to let'em fight it out. This is the best result, a clear winner, both blooded to all hell and neither dead with - he gave a sarcastic grunt - *honour.* Hopefully, it's even satisfying to both clans. Oi... What... Hahhh... You're drunk already Lua aren't ya?" he whispered as she, wisely in her mind, slid up against him before plopping down into his lap, an arm around his neck to balance herself. Thankfully his big orc hand rested at the base of her spine quickly enough to stop her falling backwards as she did this... That'd have bern sorta embarrassing as they all would have seen her out her on public display and all that.
"Nah ah nat friend Karg, ah is perfectly shober ah am" she replied honestly, patting his big, broad orcish shoulders with the arm around his neck. Okay she might have drank a... decent amount... of this lovely wine but she certainly wasn't drunk yet. Why she still had her pants on after all!
She blinked... Oh wait she was wearing a dress-sari thing wasn't she, and lost her top... Hmmm... Well that didn't count either! It was just too warm in here to wearing such restrictive things. What if she was called upon to dance for instance?
So she wasn't drunk. Not. At. All.
"Uh-huh, sure you're not."
"Exhactly!" she agreed jovially. At least he understood that she wasn't drunk as below she noticed more beer and wine been distributed by scantily clad (if clad at all) females, both orc and some slaves as the feasting continued as if the earlier fight hadn't happened. "And havez you been havin's a good night friend Karg? We've all been goods ain't wez?"
"Uh-huh... In fairness yes you have Lua, and yes it has been a good night despite the bloodshed. And then tomorrow and for the coming ten-days it'll be all about sorting through that and then dividing it all up with the others..." he hummed back into her ear softly, well as softly as the gruff orcish voice could do as she took another sip of the strong wine "... And the slaves of course. Hate that part most. Still has to be done, and at least they brought back decent amount of food with them. Zah thinkin' ahead would you believe? But yeah, work, work tomorrow... Once we all..."
--[Wifne 07]
Keep, Stronghold of Sparta
It was all rather savage, she thought as she watched the various clashes between orcish warriors that had been occurring intermittently since this 'feasting' had begun. Still it was as she had been warned by her little flower and the others, so she merely drank down the flagon of ale delivered by her villagers and watched as the drunken Drow sat in the lap of their orc overlord and babbled away. The alcohol helped her avoid thinking about the fact she and her little flower were in a vast hall filled with drunken orcs who were engaged in periodic bouts of bloodshed and debauchery.
Or perhaps the scandalous attire of her little flower, naught but a skirt that was near loin-cloth and band of fur for a top, that was more bothersome as Rose drank deeply of her horn-cup of wine and chatted away gaily to the slave Missy and the half-elf Tris. Of course they were equally, or more, scandalous in attire but they were not her innocent little flower... She sighed. She'd found that over the winter season it was getting harder and harder to believe that. Her young Rose was growing into a strong willed and free-spirited woman, and leader too in truth, just as her mother and grandmother had been - despite all the strangeness that shook their little world.
It could be far worse after all, she knew: glancing to her side she saw that several of the other orc leaders were either debauched or truly savage. The Goddess had shown them mercy that if they were to be conquered it had been by the most civilized seeming of the savage orc nations. Between what her little flower had told her, and her own experience over the winter as a... guest... of Lord Karguk and his Lady there were far worse rulers to fall under the sway off. A town was starting to emerge here and encouraging 'civilized' behaviour from the orcs was always a positive sign.
It also told she had taken the correct path in yielding to those orcs as the fate of crimson skinned... orc/giant/elf? girl in chains at feet of the warchief Zahgorim showed, or those other orc women in a similar state. It seemed they cared little if their enemy was orc or not: if they resisted they were crushed and the survivors enslaved. She took another drink. Still the village had prospered in those short seasons since they had been made 'vassals' of the Spartans, grown even, so she rested back on the furs and enjoyed the events as best she could. Their fates were linked together now after all.
"Greetings, thou art Wifne Humbletree of Zybelin's Drift are thee not? ...Oh, I apologise for the intrusion!"
A melodic voice came from her side as an elven maiden in green and blue silk with golden jewelry started to speak to her before getting flustered as Wifne flinched slightly. "We hath not had a chance to meet in person till now I fear, and I felt it was the best to correct this. Mine name is Hollaywn Daphine of... Ahhh... Zahgorim's Conquest it is now."
The elven woman bowed slightly to her as she slid down her knees before Wifne as she herself waved a hand down to sit in confused greeting. Getting her wits back, Wifne Humbletree replied with a similar bow as the orc warchief Zahgorim and his females came amongst them, though the orc ignored them and strode forward to sit beside Lord Karguk and Lady Ogrash. And to her misery her little flower who had seemingly displaced the drow from her perch somehow and now greeted the orc warlord from there. Words would be had later on with her granddaughter... When she sobered up. Still she focused on the Elf before her: "Ah... Yes, my apologies. I am indeed Wifne Humbletree. A pleasure to meet you Hollaywn, in person at least, we have spoken through others before but it is another see another village elder in the flesh..." Wifne huffed slightly "... Though saying the world Elder with one so fair as you does feel as if I am offering insult."
Hollaywn Daphine snorted softly with a bemused smile "Sadly I fear I am barely worthy of the title, and I take no such offense, instead I thank thee for the compliment. Though thine own form is fair as well my dear Wifne from my experience amongst humans... Sorry... You've aged well I mean... Err... Sorry that sounded wrong... Uhh..."
The elven woman was flustered again and Wifne couldn't help but smile in amusement. It seemed she was earnest, but perhaps not exactly handling her alcohol very well. Wifne smiled and waved it off in a friendly manner.
"Ha, maybe I have aged well but not many of the village men have chased me after my Eduard passed away over a decade ago I fear. So I offer you my thanks for your kind words. Now I doubt you've come over so we can tell each other how good looking we are for village Elders!" she barked back in a friendly laugh barely heard over the noisy feasting hall and loudly talking orc leaders nearby. The Elven woman nodded, seeming to relax at the informal reply as behind them the orcish children of the Shaman and Warlord began to play together (or slept in one of the female's arms in the youngest one's case).
"Nay, I have come in part because Master Zahgorim wishes to speak to the others, but also because a few things that could be of aid to our villages have been asked of me that I thought would be ideal to ask of thee while we are together."
Wifne waved her to continue as she took another sip from her flagon of ale. "Thank you, indeed several of my villagers upon my return had... Well some few have lost loved ones in the events that led to our coming to this valley. But now that they have established themselves some few wish to seek out... Well they wonder if they could be allowed court those within your village for potential husbands or wives, or perhaps for the reverse to occur?"
It was an unusual request Wifne noted, but only because they had grown so isolated over these decades as travel became impossible and the other villages of the valley had supposedly vanished. Mostly likely such had been the case of Hollaywn's village as well perhaps, though they had at least supposedly had the odd trade caravan over the years. Bringing in fresh blood could only be good for the village after all, and it would hopefully help put a stop to any of the younger men wishing to follow young Egar in his ways of casual 'entertainment' with the local garrison orcs. Wifne nodded after a moment's consideration.
"Perhaps we could arrange for such to occur after the planting has been completed? We have had one or two of your caravans over the past year after all, so these traders could stand as witness for some? The Spring Festival would be the ideal time of course, though I expect we shall have to ask our overlords to avoid trouble."
Hollaywn smiled softly. "On my end that is fine, Zah honestly couldn't care less - well, truthfully he put in in rather cruder words but that was the gist of his opinions on the matter. It is merely between us and thine own patron the Shaman I'd expect. Though our time maybe short I fear, by the end of spring most of our men-folk shall probably be taken amongst the levies once again."
A sad fact of their new lives, even though many of the village were supportive of such things as it brought wealth into the village and taught the men how to fight if they needed to. Even a few of the more adventurous unmarried women had begun asking to be allowed fight. She nodded back to the Elf. "Indeed, I shall discuss it with Lord Karguk on the morrow. Now that we have met, one could ask about the extent of your herds? Perhaps we could discuss rent or exchange of bulls or goats to strengthen each other's livestock and to..."
--
When: Spring, 1355 DR
Where: Shaman's Tower, Sparta Stronghold
Ugh. Tired basically sums up my energy levels right now. It's been a long night and day of feasting and, before that, preparing for said feasting. Things like having food and booze ready and ensuring there actually were people on guard for the whole thing to ensure that no uninvited guests turned up. Still, it went well despite the drunken shenanigans from my merry little minions. Lua... Well Lua was Lua, but evidently she and Missy had been rubbing off on Rose of all people. Drunken Rose is amusing I've discovered as she (literally) shoved Lua out of my lap and hopped into her spot. Zah and Breyza thought it was fucking hilarious of course, so Rose got to join in the conversation at that point.
Thankfully nothing much came of that mess. I think that Rose was drunkenly copying Lua and maybe testing her limits or something... I dunno! Anyway she was amusingly giggly as she decided to use me as her personal couch. In any case her bright red face this evening upon waking, and her current discussion with her grandmother, likely indicate she's somewhat embarrassed by her behaviour. Then again drunken antics from the others seem to have been the theme of the night anyway and let's just leave it at that. On another note I'be got to speak to Nimmil about the dancing, stripping and dread gnome thing at some point too, assuming her companions in the cavalry haven't done so already.
Anyway unto the important stuff that I should be thinking about instead of those shenanigans. The first of which is that while we 'won' and burnt out Wyrmog's holdfast and forced him to flee, the fact is that he did manage to flee with a chunk of his clan including his personal guard. That isn't good of course because the Bearclaws are a big clan, or more accurately a clan with lots of allies and vassals by blood. Maybe they'll turn on Wyrmog like most clans would after such a defeat... If it weren't for the Fire Giants that is. Should Wyrmog have survived and made it to them then this war is far from over, even if we've struck a fairly decisive blow. Killing the Furry Fucker would likely have won it for us, but right now it's given us some breathing room but likely incited the Fire Giants to seek greater support from their so-called 'kin'.
At least those are the words we've managed to extract from our new slaves from that clan. Surprisingly the daughter of Wyrmog that Zah captured and made his "wife-slave" said all that, and basically encouraged us to kill him off since he was 'weak'. Honestly what she described sounds like a fucking lovely family life. They apparently competed to kill each other off at Daddy's command or something. I actually think that at times auld Furry looks down upon orcs and sees himself as a Fire Giant trapped in Orcish flesh. In any case we've got a full on Holy War a brewin' between us and that pantheon now.
Yay I guess. Deus Vult and all that, in Ilneval's name!
At least it seems like the Boss is happy. Did the whole bleeding from the walls thing at one stage and maybe one or two visions, though that could just be the alcohol I consumed considering the creepy, creepy, dream-dreams that I had. Get those sometimes. It's darkly amusing I suppose, at least now that I'm thinking about it, that I'm casually cataloguing outbreaks of paranormal horror movie freakishness as 'good' signs nowadays. That's just magical now isn't it?
Still while we all congratulated ourselves last night there are issues that now need to be solved, such as the damage to the war-wagons and what to do with the fruits of our success in all the slaves and loot. Really what we want (Oggy and Breyza approved) is for as many (or if possible all) of the non-orc slaves, or only of those with children, to train up. It's... Well, it's due to our unfavorable demographics (oohhh big words I've missed) at the moment: females massively outnumber males right now, and with several dozen deaths that's not exactly getting closer either. Bringing in more orc women, even as slaves, could basically lead to clashes. There is already ridiculously fierce competition for (successful) males within the clan. Non-orc female slaves seem to be acceptable, but mostly due to 'status' and such.
Honestly I should have had fair warning with all that bloody foreshadowing from the females acting up in Zybelin's Drift with that fella who fights with Krowluc now. My bad, was more concerned of it being the other way around (ie, no raping and pillaging!) from the men but having lots and lots of young eager females and few males suddenly puts 'strong' or 'attractive' non-orcs on the table for breeding purposes. Herp-Derp did I mess up there and there's little I can do to adjust it. Long story short we want slaves more than material loot, and skilled slaves to farm and other things are at the head of that queue. Yes I sound like a bad guy I know. But I will say that they'll have longer, less cruel lives here than in the arms of the sunshine brigade that are our allies. Orc slaves may tend to integrate (females mostly) by rising in status but non-orcs don't, even assuming that manage to survive that long - which can be unlikely in many clans. I'll admit that the Moonbades are progressing somewhat in copying us, but they're closer to where we were five years ago than to the current structure we utilise. That and I've got fields that need tilling and sowing, flour that needs grinding and a host of other things. Like building those new houses for instance.
Rome wasn't built in a day after all. Yeah I know pointless reference. Maybe Nethoril would be a better choice here? But basically now that we've had to return to figuring what the hell is our next move will be I'm going to throw our returned warriors at the building process. It really helps with combat engineering as we orcs generally don't do that; or usually aren't any good at it due to inexperience. My clan-mates though are getting quite efficient at it, and it's only fair that we educate our allies in our ways. Darth Phargk agrees by the way, as does Jernak: don't think I'd dare try and order their troops around without permission.
In truth, they don't mind because it'll be late spring before the full strength of their clans, and ours as well, will be mustered. Might even be early summer and depend on what the reaction to the Fall of the Furry Fuckers from other clans is - Red Axes in particular. Traitorous little fucks, but winning them to our side again would be very useful for moving to crush the other clans nearby that oppose us. Make no mistake, we'll have to cull a lot of these strongholds in the end. Too much hate between certain clans and rejecting the Gods demands blood and forceful regime change. And those chieftains will spend the blood of their warriors till they themselves are killed by us or overthrown from within. Joy.
On that note is the question of promotions within the ranks and settling of disputes. Only five deaths last night, which is pretty good considering the inter-clan nature of the revelry, and most of the 'duels' worked out in our favour. It was always going to happen of course and I think our rather brutal training regime is paying dividends in keeping my clan-orcs alive in the field, as well as within the ranks. We orcs are, this may sound strange I admit, relatively meritocratic in leadership. It's usual the strongest in charge, what with authority equals ass-kicking and all that. It's only been a few years but that's already shifting somewhat to include high INT and maybe WIS scores in addition to the STR requirement. Young Urth'unk did quite the job with his arcane casting for instance in a life or death situation, and as such has boosted the image of my Battlestaves (and my own through them) within the Illuskan alliance.
Orcs disdain magic, unless you can show them that it makes you more powerful. The issue is that the spellcaster's learning curve is slower than barbarian's – focusing on initial spells plus a fighter-mage build works to bridge that gap at the expense of long-term godhood potential, but for my orcs it's perfect. It also gives us a nicely disciplined and educated (relative term I admit) Officer Corps for our new Illuskan Legions. 'Course the troops Zah brought with him were our 'elite' (relative again I admit) and once we raise our vassal levies and full strength it'll take time to get them into shape again. The usual (traditional) tribal method of putting a huge armed but disorganised mob in the field and calling it an army is not our way, and I don't want the alliance to have it either. Discipline, organisation and siege engines are going to help us crush our neighbours, but that takes a slight bit longer to organise.
I've finally worked out a study program for the next ten-day with Doctor Ned. It's basically a Necromancy-Healing duality rather than pure spell-work. I want to try to nail down the basics pretty quick because the Megumin-wizards could arrive from Longsaddle at any moment now the winter has cleared. I don't expect them till the end of spring, but one can't be too careful. We're already preparing a floor with anti-magic masonry beneath the Keep to be their 'boom' place, so to speak. They'd call it a workshop or study, we're referring to as the live fire area. Ned and Nimmil seem fairly confident they can reduce any damages and potential fatalities due to our guests – mostly of themselves. We really, honestly, can't afford to let them be boomed, or demoned, or magically screwed up, away from here. Memories of the College of Winterhold and a young Dark Elf 'genius' come to mind and the combine with EXPLOSION from a midget anime character. What can I say but that it goes a long way to be prepared for every craziness. Even paranoid freaks have enemies after all.
Anyway, slan go foill a chardai.
There's work to be done and a long evening and night ahead.
--
When: Spring, Year of the Harp
Where: Sparta, overlook on lower slopes
Sorry! It's been two or three weeks - well, ten-days - now I admit, and they've been busy ones at that so I haven't had time to write I'm afraid. Chief Jernak and his Moonblades have returned to their own holds to resupply, raise their full strength and bring their portion of the spoils to their people. Something similar has occurred with the minor clans that have joined us: Black Hammers, Murderflames, Ukht's Reavers and all the rest of the happily named sunshine brigade on our side. Honestly that's a good thing as it spreads word of our victory to these other clans, and through them to their 'friendly' clans, which builds support and weakens the Furry Fucker. Well, we hope it might. It's hard to explain or predict orcish tribal 'politics' as clans can often be friends with clans who are on the other side of an 'alliance' and can shift this way and that based on perceived strength. It's much like the Sengoku Jidai and Irish clan wars of my past lifetime I imagine, though being honest the lack of loyalty grates upon me at times. Blood Oaths and Pacts before the Gods likely reduce the chances that anymore on our side die stupidly, but if it does happen then I'll do everything possible to ensure that anyone attempting to emulate the Red Axes turning coat regrets it. Civilization is built on order and some moderate degree of trust, even if that only involves trust that the central authority will smack down traitors like the fist of an angry God. Darth Phargk finds me odd I think in this idea, what with the 'are you sure you don't follow Baghtu as well' comment, but agrees that internal security and order matter for the success of our coming war.
I'm somewhat getting ahead of myself, but I've spent a lot of time with Jernak and Phargk, along with Zah and all the others debating our next moves. That and the wannabe Orc Sith Lord has been giving me some training in various subjects as agreed, likely to help 'keep me in line' as his minion. While the meaning is lost I'm essentially Darth Vader to his Darth Sidious, at least in his mind (well, probably). I keep order in the ranks and keep my clan on side with plans in practical terms at least. I won't complain as he's rather stronger than me one on one and I'm not averse to learning, even the Dark Arts, as knowledge tends to be useful power leverage. At least knowledge that doesn't corrupt you, but I try to be careful there not to pick that sorta stuff up. Though let's be honest I'm being trained a Master Necromancer and High Priest of an Evil God and it does make me wonder sometimes if, perhaps, I might be a villain. I don't think so, but it is an unusual educational background I'll admit for the 'good guy' – though knowing the history of many of the 'Good Guy' Gods tends to indicate that being such in Faerun involves being a genocidal species supremacist for humanity/elfkind/dwarf kind. And don't get me start on that Joker with Good Publicity in the shape of the head of the Gnomish Pantheon; being 'Good Aligned' and getting away with murder some other dudes entire family in a cave in for shits and giggles indicates that it's not all it's cracked up to be. And it would make my life so much easier for handling my own Gnome's relationship with the Kobolds. I've eased tensions (by threatening violence of course) but it could be an issue if we ever take over a gnome settlement with kobold auxiliaries. I'm doing up a 'General Orders' instruction for my officers in this regards alongside the others.
On that note, hurray! I now have a primitive printing press!
Yes, my genius knows no end. Or to be more truthful and accurate - my ability to copy instructions from my Tome of Wiki along with advice from my resident human carpenters knows no end. Honestly it's not the best in the world, just a selection of wooden letter and symbol blocks with a simple wood and medal pressing frame. I've got a few made up as a 'stamping by hand' option as well. It would have been useless up till now, but most of the younger and 'officer corps' orcs are at least mostly literate after either knowing me in the Stormfang or through the 'Academy' program I've implemented. That and the fact we now have paper production here (well, shitty paper I'll admit) make it perfectly valid for simple order sheets and maybe starting up 'basic knowledge' pamphlets and booklets for my trainees. I'm hoping to expand, but paper production still isn't that great. The literate orcs around here can read orcish of course, as well as Dwarven, given time, because the runic alphabet is the same and I have Crue who is quite threatening when needed to impress things unto young idiots. I think it's always best to understand the culture and knowledge of our neighbours and probable foes. That and having things to read might encourage others to build their own presses and books to read, which in turn might further increase the usefulness of literacy and reading...
Or so I hope. I don't have time to micro-manage everything and things often spin out of control when you introduce new technologies. Really all I can do is jump start things in the hopes it'll spread in a beneficial manner. Phargk finds the idea bizarre but Jernak took the designs with him for his Moonblades before he left the stronghold for home. So maybe – well, only time will tell I guess.
More importantly on a practical level the farms have been dug, the slaves we've captured divided up into work gangs, or in several cases sold to 'favoured' individuals within the town. Basically those with half a brain not to beat them to death and who are also 'allies' of a sort in building things I need. The tavern owning kobold, that half-goblin half-halfling female who turned up and has a gambling hall of sorts, a former one armed Fingercutter who's getting a warehouse and the likes: they're not the nicest people but they're still relatively better than most around here. They're most useful of course because they're helping create a market economy without me doing anything more that regulate and help a little. And tax of course, as taxes are the building block of civilization even if they're light and still barely a step over organised tribute. So the new expanded tavern/inn is under construction, and I've had Wifne and Rose bless the crop fields that have been planted – including the large swath of new berry bushes on the slope terraces for various fruits that might prove useful. It is awesome really seeing an apple tree that might take years to grow naturally seemingly be accelerated to a mere few months. Or at least it will in a few months when (if) they all bear fruit. Progress!
Of course that means Wifne will be returning home now to do the same in Zybelin's Drift, but I've arranged a quick valley tour of my entourage in the coming days to have her and Rose bless the various crops in the other vassal villages with permission. Oh and Zah's Hippy-Dippy the Druid too, alongside Doctor Ned and... Well a mini-army of my acolytes and a few others who are getting antsy being cooped up in the stronghold all the time. Field trip time before any Boom-wizards arrive in basic. In more advanced terms it's showing off the benefits of the reforms to the likes of Darth Phargk, while also giving a show of strength to our vassals alongside the benefits of our rule. I know everyone here things me odd but that's how you try and build a new state: central authority having enough force to impose its rule in one hand while offering benefits with the other. Carrot and stick: those who'll submit get the carrot and those who are incapable of showing some modicum of civilized behaviour get the stick to the face. Like the Bugbears did. Though on that note there have been a few sightings of possible Bugbears to our south again so Zah sent out scouts to check that out. Could just be another orc band or a watchtower guard's imagination but one must ensure the safety of the clan and the vassals at all times. Another thing to do during our road trip around the valley alongside seeing what progress/damage has been done in the past few months!
Finally I've finished the enchanting of my own personal armour set, alongside a few other useful tools, between my various skilled practitioners and our 'crude overkill' resource methods. Used captured silk shirt to form one for my size and managed to transcribe some runes into it via stitching and magic to give improved spell resistance as best can be analysed. Supposedly psionics too but there's no way to test that right now I'm afraid. Also did my chainmail and gambeson, the padded cloth with a stoneskin spell (boy was that hard and taxing) and the chainmail with basic protections against demonics, evil and the like. Braced it with Darkwood and what Mithril we recovered from Zah's victory; or at least that bit for me as we used the rest for his and other leaders armour runes as well. These armors won't last centuries I know, crude as I said, but they're damned good for out here I might add. Managed to get one nice ring too, not the shiniest or prettiest I'll admit but it does store spells allowing me to artificially expand my spell numbers. Oddly it's made of bits of Darkwood, Mithril and a shard of an emerald in it but just doesn't look all that valuable to my eye. Weird huh? Nine Hells but Wyrmog was loaded it seems!
Anyway as I said I managed to get a full set done, with helmet, boots, bracers, gloves, amulet, spear-staff and all that happy magic tool goodness that I'll need in the coming seasons. I based much of the ideas on the sets we made for Rose, Zah, Ghorza, Old Breyjuk and then Jernak of course – even if my own preferences are in regards to buffing my resistances, mental clarity and magical ability over pure offensive or defensive abilities. I like having options like Feather Fall, Invisibility and Healing over trying to pile on bonuses to just one 'invincible' aspect of armour or weapon. Not that I needed a new weapon thankfully with my little sword of light! I've named it Claíomh Solais even if isn't a patch on the original myth. I'll have to get to work on improving that of course in coming years. Sadly epic level casting and enchanting is likely decades away in terms of my own ability. So for now it's my 'teachers' and the Boss doing all the real work I'm afraid. Perhaps it makes me Karguk the Tool User alongside Karguk the Dreamer, as some of the others call me.
Anyway, gotta go. The construction here on the new outer wall is getting rather loud and I feel that I need to get down there and help out or feel guilty for writing as others work away.
Slan go foilll a chardai.
--
[Missasri 21]
Village of Verthicha-di-shiny-usk (Mountain of Shiny Iron)
"Honestly Master I think it's good to get away from Tower, if only for a little journey around the valley to see the sights." Missasri hummed back happily in response as Karguk rested on his stomach beneath her and let her massage his back and shoulders. She could hear the gentle pitter-patter of light rain on the hide of the comfortably warm tent here at the kobold 'village' that their party was encamped at. All in all it had been nice so far to get away from the stronghold for a few ten-days after being there months on end through the cold and snow of Deepwinter. Just seeing the sudden eruption of greenery, and the smell of new life of spring, on the short trip here had been rather pleasant. It had even become something of an impromptu lesson on herbs and other reagents from Doctor Ned as they'd come across various plants along the way. One or two of which decorated her hair in the shape pale snowy coloured flowers tied together.
"Hnnnnn... Yeah it is good to get out of the stronghold for a bit I'll admit, even if it's to just see what the damage has been... Thankfully it wasn't as bad as I feared after all the storms..." he murmured back to her as he rested his chin on his arms. "But I still want to finish that bloody road and get all the settlements properly connected by the end of the year. Make that bridge bigger maybe as well while we're at it, and maybe get boats on the river..."
"Honestly Sir it's a rather impressive achievement already in attempting to restore the old road network within the valley in such a short length of time. You have asked me to remind you not to take too much your plate as you put it. Is that not true Rose?" she gently chided him and poked at a particularly tense clump of muscle. Across the tent the red headed cleric looked up from Master's copy of Volo's Guide to All Things Magicalwith a questioning expression and a "Hmmpht?"
Missasri continued with her work, hardly looking up at her friend as she replied: "I was just saying to Master that he had asked us to remind him not to take on too many more projects for the time being. He's talking of building a bigger bridge and more roads."
The crimson haired girl nodded, placing the open book down in her lap. "Yep, that's true Master, you have already planned on using the warriors to build new buildings and a market in the stronghold, and to aid in expanding defences here and the other settlements. I don't think there'd be anyone left to do anything more that clear those areas you had already planned. Well, at least that's what you said Master Karguk."
Missasri's orcish owner groaned softly. "Ahh... Yeah, probably... Hahh... I guess. S'just, better roads means more trade and quicker ways to move armies... muttermuttermutter... Anyway, enjoying the read are you Rose? What chapter are you at?"
"Some parts are interesting, but I don't understand some other parts. Sorry!" She paused. "Oh and I'm at the part about planar beasts Karguk, Sir."
"We'll go through the parts you don't understand later if you want, but don't take everything Volothamp and Elminster write as dogma. Useful source, but sadly Volo's supposedly a bit of storyteller while the Big E has an interest on keeping wizardly stuff from getting too public. That right Missy?"
Missasri nodded "Somewhat Sir, while one cannot truly know the workings of the Great Elminster's mind, or the character of Volothamp Gedarm, I can confirm from my own reading of it that the book is hardly covering of 'All Things Magical' as its title claims. Though you did say the warnings and mentions on enchantment were of some help to you Sir."
"Yeah, true, it was in its way weren't it? Have to learn where you can after all, and up to that chapter already Rose, eh? We'll make a speed reader of you in no time!"
Rose grinned and gave a fist to heart salute with a "Yes Sir!" as her grandmother came over beside her to pat the girl encouragingly on the head. And quite possibly to avoid looking at Missasri and her unclad state as she always did, Missasri figured as she smiled at Rose's enthusiasm. The girl was very bright and while she'd been taught her letters by her grandmother, she had never really had a chance to obtain much of anything to actually read and put that skill to use. Untill now of course, when Missasri's orcish owner had returned with tomes in hand, and efforts to acquire more whenever possible – that and the helpful hand Missasri Bladecutter had given to the younger girl in these past few seasons together had greatly improved her reading speed, of course. Or at least she liked to think so as they all rested in the tent for the day after the journey here. Short most of the household of course, but she herself was content enough for it to be just her and Rose. Well, and Rose's grandmother Wifne too of course, but that was only because she was returning home to Zybelin's Drift for the rest of the year.
"Haha glad to hear, though we'll have to try getting more books for you to read in the future Rose other that the small selection I've scrounged up so far," Master Karguk chuckled back softly beneath her. Missasri decided this was the moment to ask a question in regards this crude printing press he had helped designed. She had heard of a few such items possibly existing amongst the Dwarves, but supposedly the cost to produce a book ran into the thousands of gold coins. Master Karguk's mechanism though was an extremely crude device as best she could tell, but could easily create many low quality pages in relatively quick order, and was rather easily created within the valley. Still it didn't seem worth the effort he was placing in such a thing, even for her owner often amusing eccentricities.
"Is that what you intend for these printing presses of yours Sir? I couldn't help but notice that you traded the design to the kobolds today for less than nothing, and even encouraged them to make their own."
"Hnnnn... True, and I'm giving it to all the villages, human, goblin or kobold, as well. No point in holding it back, and maybe one of them will come up with improvements to the design. It's only really a prototype made with help of craftsmen more skilled than I. But honestly?" he replied seemingly enjoying her ministrations. "The more that are made, the better... And that'll encourage more paper-making, and then more literacy. I don't mind if it's my lot, or yours, Rose, Wifne, or the kobolds'. I doubt the goblins will... But hey they might surprise me. But yeah, the more the merrier with this technology I say. I got the basics up and running and hopefully others will take it from there."
Missasri hummed in thought for a moment, and asked another question. "Sadly they are unable to print magical texts Sir. I don't see much more that it can do that a skilled scribe or scrivener couldn't achieve."
"Haaa... Well yeah, but we don't need to mass print magical books, or at least it's basic knowledge textbooks and booklets I want to get going. Cheap and easy religious texts and standardised books for teaching are what I want in the next few years. You'd be surprised how effective a tool they can be if they can be spread easily... Assuming we get the printing presses going at least. If it fails you can all have a nice long laugh at me."
She snorted softly. "I shan't do that Master, wouldn't do for a humble servant such as I to mock your esteemed self."
"That so Missy? I'll assume you're laughing at me inside though."
"Most likely Sir, though if you succeed I shall endeavour to praise your name in any tome I may write in the future," she hummed back with some small amusement at the thought of her getting to write tales of her adventures and her orc's genuine good humour at the thought of her teasing him "...Though one must note that in all seriousness Lord Shaman Phargk holds little interest in such things, nor does Doctor Ned. Instead both of these powerful practitioners seem much more interested in your 'magic tanks' as you've named them. I think they find it strange that you seem more proud of the device than of these magical weapons. One would tend to agree in some measure, Sir."
"Ehh, I'm proud of both, just... Hmmm... It's hard to explain really. Just that the tanks are weapons with limited, albeit powerful uses, while an educated and literate military has more options to make. With magic weapons or without, but it's not like I'm picking one over the other, it's just... Paperwork and records are a great help when trying to get an organised system in place. Don't wanna build super awesome weapons and then put a bunch a'morons behind the steerin' of'em basically."
--
[Roland 02]
The Ivy Mansion, Village of Longsaddle
He was trying very hard not to break into a nervous sweat as he stood in the presence of the Mage-Lord, his equally magical brother, Priestess Mhaerun, and Captain Gludoc. What's worse in the presence of these rather unhappy seeming Harpells as they discussed the sending of a caravan to the abode of those mad orcs who'd visited before the winter had arrived. And that wasn't the worst thing about his current situation: he was one of those going to be assigned to the escort of this caravan to this den of evil. It had been really nice over the winter to pretend, especially after a few ales, that that nightmarish trip had all just been a bad dream and that he certainly would not be having to deal with it as the snows cleared. Sadly though that happy place in his head had all come tumbling down with his summoning to the Ivy Manor. Something which in of itself was already was an unnerving experience each time one did it, regardless of the reason one was summoned to the abode of their rulers. Especially since Lord Malchor had arrived from the Tower of Twilight early today in one of his rare visits to his family. Roland could understand why they were rare: if his family were like his rulers then he too would quite happily hide out in a tower in the Neverwinter Woods just to get away from them. It really was the most logical thing to do.
"Brother, letting the lot of them know of the presence of a Master Necromancer within the Orc stronghold was ill-advised. At least before letting me know of such so, we could make sure to get the whole family on the same scroll," Lord Malchor stated harshly. However that tone was quite normal for the Mage-Lord's brother, so Sherriff Roland was unsure if he truly was as unhappy as he seemed in this so-called 'open discussion' in regards to this journey into the Crags. In truth this part of the discussion, as was most of it, was beyond Roland. But in any case all that he could hope for was that the whole foolish idea might be let slip away quietly, and he not required to travel for several ten-days through the mountains to the home of these mad magic-using orcs. Before him Mage-Lord Ardanac sighed and rested back into his chair, in an almost casual manner that only those such as himself from Longsaddle got to see (if rarely).
"I didn't tell them of anything Malchor. Unfortunately they're constantly curious, these orcs left an impression, and as best I can tell between scrying attempts and annoying the militia who escorted the orcs someone managed to figure it out and tell the others."
Roland bowed in apology "Sorry my Lord, I was unaware of any of my men doing as such, but as I mentioned during the winter some of your family went down in the village asking questions." He straightened and shrugged. "Though in truth everyone was talking of these strange orcs and the events that occurred at the farmstead."
Priestess Vartha Mheaurn nodded in agreement. "Tis' true Milord, all were curious, which was most bothersome to my acolyte Keli I might add. I had to reprimand several of my congregation for their behaviour in questioning her simply due to her knowledge of the dark orcish tongue when they became overly insistent."
He held back a wince at that. Personally he found the girl Keli something of a simpleton, as did many within the village, but what litle he knew of her history before coming to Longsaddle seemed... unpleasant. All he knew was that she had been a slave to an orc village for much of her youth. A rather harrowing experience as best he'd heard from the Priestess of Lathander and the sudden ardent questioning of the girl due to her fluent orcish was something he'd tried hard to stop the villagers from doing, though it seemed that his own words and warnings on the subject hadn't had any more effect than the Priestess's. That and, of course, dealing with the 'travellers' who had arrived on the wings of all the wars raging across the savage frontier as refugees, mercenaries or even possible spies. It had been a strange winter in that regards with the lack of the usual trade caravans, and because those few upon the roads had largely decided to stay put in the village till 'things calmed down' or they managed to hire more guards. Several of these traders were the ones now most eager to travel to these mad orcs in the desperate hope of recouping the losses they seemed set to take in the coming seasons.
"Indeed. Sadly that has been the case Malchor, and as you yourself took note of, the Orc Shaman made no mention of who trained him and his warriors. However, we managed to make out some degree of whom we may be dealing with via some of the words of his minions in their boasting or from the traders. I've tried to scry the area of course but there are wards there that defy such attempts. Unless any of your own... friends... have word of what may be causing these events?"
The Mage-Lord's sibling shook his head. "Nay Brother, at least none that have spoken to me on the matter. There are tensions there and while I have spoken to my old friend he himself is either being unusually unhelpfulf, or he truly (as I sadly suspect) has been outmaneuvered and does not wish to admit it. He has always been prideful in these matters after all. But there is no denying that between what we have seen of them, and these recent glimpses, it must be said that someone within the group is responsible and has an agenda. It is just who within Neverwinter that is doing it that that we cannot seem to find..."
"It could be this Nedorious fellow they have?" Mage-Lord Ardanac began, before his brother waved it off as Roland got increasingly confused.
"Nightmare Ned is indeed a powerful wizard, but his presence while worrying is easy to understand. He was the Ship's Wizard of the Howling Horror for many years and all the rumours and spies point to Captain Barth the Butcher Bitch being amongst the dead in some sort of recent power struggle in Luskan. He was partially retired as best I could tell. He was there after all doing..." The Harpell wizard wore a slightly disgusted grimace "...Worthless and pointless things with his powers last I had heard. Or at least if it is him as we believe. Still, his appearance would have at best been recent, far too recent to have trained up these orcs brother. That took some time, and more than a few seasons. And what about the accent and these glimpses of Harp banners?"
Lord Malchor snorted derisively "...Someone's playing blatant yet hidden game, and I fear we must somehow find out who."
Mage-Lord Ardanac nodded and began to rub at the bridge of his nose "Yes, yes, I know. But that's honestly the least of my worries brother. I care about Longsaddle and the family, and once word got around that there was a valid place to practice Necromancy, with an actual Necromancer, outside our Ban... Well..." He half-groaned, half-sighed into his hand "...Me! Me! Me! Pick Me! Has been all I've heard for the past few ten-days. Magical orcs with poncy Neverwinter accents already aroused interest without this level of insanity to add to it. Even Adewyn has bothered me over it! It is... Frustrating... To say the least."
"I'd have thought my niece would have more sense, but I suppose it must run in the blood. Doesn't it brother?" The younger Harpell muttered back. "I assume you told her to be more sensible?"
Roland wisely stayed quiet as their interplay continued. It would be so much better to be back in the Tavern and not have to know any of these things. "Of course, and despite the past few days of silence and unhappy looks even! I'm thinking of sending Bella, with either Harkle or Regwald. But I'm more concerned about the warfare everywhere, this other Orcish Horde, and what we have heard of Mirabar beginning to move. Semi-civilized orcs such as these maybe our only hope of deflecting these threats and having a secure flank to the Crags at least."
Priestess Mhaerun interjected politely "My Lord, I must say that Mirabar's intervention could be a welcome development, and that many who serve Lathander are amongst those they have enlisted. Perhaps it would wiser to guide them towards any dangers?"
Mage-Lord Ardanc shook his head again. "Normally I would say yes, but the Uthgardt tribes have been a problem as important as any other - worse even this year - and in truth Vartha even you have said that the Crimson Wings is hardly the most sound of mind. If she and her tribe can be entreated with reasonably then all good, but the response from Mirabar and these actions hardly speak of moderation... Hahhhh... Surely, soon Mirabar could be at war with Luskan. They are blaming the orcs, well the orcs of this Wyrmog, and then in part accuse us, and your friends' brother, for "creating" these other orcs of course. This of course is why all of you must discover as much as you can of these orcs and their backers during your visit as emissaries and guards. Sherriff Roland? Priestess?"
Roland nodded deferentially. It seemed there would be no last minute reprieve from having to perform this duty, but at least it would merely be a matter of going there and returning swiftly. Let the mad wizards stay there with their own men-at-arms and let the Gods grant him the gift of returning home unharmed. At least they would have the Mage-Lord's brother for both legs of the journey: while the man scared him (like most of his family) his powers and prowess as a spellcaster and adventurer were well know. Get in, get out, and get back to tavern and tell everyone of his bravery journeying to an orc stronghold. Mage-Lord Ardanac glanced at his sibling.
"Malchor I trust you to lead it and to..."
Who waved a hand at his brother in seeming acknowledgement "I know Ardanac, I shall return here and tell thee of all that I have seen. And collect this orcish apprentice of sorts of course, soon we shall unravel this madness and have an answer..."
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