[Lua'kah'wyss 11]
Shaman's Tower, Stronghold of Sparta
The wind and rain was howling loudly outside the tower as the storm continued through the valley making her glad to be inside the solidly built stone tower despite not being able to light a fire within. All around her was cast in faint ethereal light cast by one of Missy's spells that hung, almost lantern like, in the centre of the main room. She smiled softly at it; evidently her eyes in the dark were somewhat distracting to the others thanks to her infravision giving her a faintly demonic visage in the others opinion. Not that she minded, it gave the room a rather appealing illumination that reminded her a little of home back in the underdark. That and Karg's children were asleep in the room beside them, and the lack of them crying from the weather was rather nice too.
Of course another part of it was the lovely beauties all around her as they all began to settle in for the night after a nice light meal. She hummed happily to herself as her little tu'rithiir came within arm's reach and reached out to wrap her own arms around Tris's waist from behind. As usual her little tu'rithiir almost jumped at the surprise attack "Helloes Tris! Arth thous not shedding this nasty, nasty, clothing of yours and headins to the nice warm bed?" a peck on the neck and she almost feel the blush from her female "Hmmmm?"
"In a minute Lua! In a..." oh she sounded scandalised, Lua'kah'wyss giggled and tightened her grip and pressed in close...only to be swatted away with hands and some huffing and puffing from a fluster Tris "...hmpft! Some of us have things to do before bed you know, not just laze around like some!"
Lua'kah'wyss smiled at the annoyed but affectionate tone, and the genuine smile that ghosted upon her tu'rithiir's face as she folded her arms across her chest. She gave an elaborate curtsy to Tris in such a way as to match what her friend had told her of the human court...and show off her body to Tris as well. Just to remind her how awesome she was and raise another entertain bout of embarrassment from the tu'rithiir "Oh but I laze around the best! It is, other than my wise words and charming wit why you love me so is it not?"
Not waiting for a reply Lua'kah'wyss danced away with a grin as Tris shook her head in exasperation at being teased so "...now be quick about thy duties my fair serving wench so you may rest with thy matron soon! Now I must away and gather up Karg! Who is being boring on this stormy day in a manner such as yourself!"
It was always such fun teasing Tris she found as skipped across the, surprisingly chilly room now that she was out from under the warmth, to where Karg waited within his study with tome open as usual. Writing of course, what an odd orc her Karg was!
'Well it is time to free him from his drudgery to serve in the glorious company of Lua'kah'wyss!' she told herself as she bounced forward towards him as he glanced up from what he was doing. She opened her arms and gave an obvious sign that she was going to jump; and at the last minute he rotated himself quickly, slightly startled, to place his body better to catch her. She grinned at him as she hopped up into his lap and rested one arm around his big orcish shoulders, and glad to get her bare feet off the cold, cold, floor beneath her.
"Karg! I'm cold! Make me warm!"
He snorted and rolled his eyes "Then put some clothes on Lua!"
She huffed and positioned herself as comfortably as possibly upon her new throne "No, that'd be boring! See this is much more comfortable, and its bed time too! Why are you still doing boring things?"
He sighed and wrapped arms around her waist. Hmmm...fur clad arms that were nice and warm and comfortable she noted "Been drinking I see?"
"Hmmmm...only a bottle of brandy!" she answered cheerfully "...now as I was saying, time to end the boring and have some fun...anyway what ya writin..." she glanced and then huffed at the nonsense "...see you just writin' squiggles and silliness! In the name of Mistress Ogrash I command thee to cease such dull endeavours and join my...thy fair females in seeing out the storm! Why they cower under the furs calling our very names right now!"
"Hnnnnn, hnnnnnn. Sure they are..." he replied back with a chuckle, closing the book over as she relaxed in against his bulkier form "...and I'm sorry to have left them 'cowering' as you put it. But I've had a fair amount on my plate with Zah returned with baggage, the Harpells and their merry caravan full of a rather odd collection of goods and murder-hobos...oh and let's not forget the storm outside and work to be done before first snows come"
While she could admit her mind was rather...distracted...right now after the kobold mushroom brandy, it was true there was much for her friend Karg to be doing since the battle not so long ago. After all, despite her tu'rithiir's complains of laziness she had been at the side of fair Red Rose and her grand-matron in the healing the sick and injured amongst the non-orcs of that party. Some who had been made slaves to her distaste, but more who had not even if they had been somewhat threatened she suspect by Karg's big burly friend the Warchief. Still...each little step away from the darkness was a victory she'd found, however small, and her orc was willing to listen somewhat to her as shown with poor Lara...
She snuggled up against him "You are worried about them causing trouble Karg?"
"Yes and no, if the likes of Malchor Harpell did then it'd be a bloodbath no matter we do, or manage to take him down, but having so many here at the same time is hard to keep a handle on. Keeping Longsaddle on our side is rather important Lua, if we can't even mange to keep the peace with them then how can we even deal with others out there? That and Zah's brought about two hundred odd refugees along, now some will want to go with the Harpells...I hope...but there's so much deviating from what..."
"Hmmm?"
He shook his head "Nothing sorry, just things going differently than I'd expected. Especially with Obould here at the same time as Malchor Harpell, and Shaman Phargk set to return before the snows fall. And the Harpells are being...odd, even for them...or him at least, kept saying these odd turns of phrase about turnips and sunflowers while we were talking of a pact between Illusk and Longsaddle. I humoured him, but I thought he was the non-crazy one!"
She smiled sympathetically, all the rivvil mages from that place seemed somewhat odd. The two that had be resident with the orcs obviously so from her brief talks with them; even the rivil jalil with the woobly eye who she had originally considered for her adding to her harem...Karg's harem she corrected herself again. It was so easy to forget that part she found!
"Some rivvil are crazy Karg, it is something I was shocked to find upon the surface!" she agreed enjoying the warmth and comfort of her new perch "...still it would be great to keep such peace with the rivvil of that village, mad or not that they maybe, and prove it is possible between thy peoples. It would give hope that someday such would be possible for mine own and the surface folk. Though one wonders at thy concern for the orc you call Obould and his shaman?"
It had been rather enjoyable to dress up (or down as Tris complained!) and drape herself alongside the others of the household before the visiting Orc Prince. Impressive in the way of some of the warriors he had been she'd saw, but what exactly Karg saw that made him believe that he would be a great shaper of things to come was harder to see in her mind. Still her orc seemed to be somewhat prophetic in nature, or at least knew of things beyond what she did, so she would trust him on that. He hummed in response to her as if thinking on the matter a moment.
"He's here to get to fight his war for him...or his father is at least, and the other side are using to the Furry Fucker Wyrmog to try put us down because we're...different...in what we attempt. Or maybe it's just because he'd prefer not to see another rival rise from the Crags to his dominion in the Spine. So we've got a powerful warrior prince, future orc king even, wandering around the stronghold and then trying to convince him our ways are better than the Old Ways...without him stabbing us in the back of course, because politics!"
She smiled sadly "That one can understand Karg, mine own people have seen naught but the problems of such a word as politics"
A pat on her back "True as you say sadly, too true..." he sighed "...and was there much news amongst those Zah brought back that you were healing?"
"Little was said to me as ever Karg, my fair form is too intimating to the foolish rivvil I fear..." she answered honestly, while the villagers of Rose and of Zahgorim's Conquest largely accepted her presence along with Karg's orcs the new ones were even more fearful of her than of the orcs sadly. Especially the one or two tu'rithiir amongst their ranks, let along the fair skinned darthiir that had been captured as much as persuaded to come to this valley "...still Tris did gain some word of dark rumours off to the south, of a wicked King of shadows and darkness, and that an army of demons hath stormed some island fortress of a dragon...or a spear, she seemed unsure. Even the fact many allowed themselves to be brought to this place shows much of their fear and despair does it not Karg?"
"Yeah...yeah it does doesn't it?"
She nodded "And what of those you wished to join thy slave-soldiers?"
While she did not, could not, truly approve such methods the fact they had a chance to fight for their freedom was something at least. With the freeing of Missy by Karg she could see that there would be a way to fight the vile darkness that was slavery over the years and decades to come if the Dark Maiden gave her the strength to do so. That and she cared for her household here, it was a place to perhaps settle a few decades with her...Karg's...household of glorious gorgeous beauties. She paused a moment...hmmm...with Rose taken as a daughter and not allowed to attempt bed she really needed to find a fiery red haired jalil to add to the ranks of her beauties...
"We're up to three, verging on four squads of Janissary at the moment Lua my dear. And how is Lara now that you mention such things?"
Lua'kah'wyss smiled "Improving Karg, at least it seems so to me these past weeks. Thine own treating her kindly and aiding in her healing has been most helpful. She rests outside of course..." she adjusted herself to straddle a startled orc shaman "...now no mores boring talk or writing! Mine fair jalil await! And it is mine night to spend with thee and my Tris! Also...carry me, the floor is cold!"
--
When: Late Autumn, 1355 Dale Reckoning
Where: Stronghold of Sparta
Weather's turned bad of late, early winter feels like, though thankfully we got the harvest(s) pulled in, hauled what we needed, and then stored for the winter. Had a bad storm about a week (well ten-day) ago, and it's been nothing but rain, sleet, or heavy fog, so the ground is a rather muddy morass right now. Thankfully here within the stronghold we've something resembling basic 'roads' along with the fact much upper slopes being rather rocky to minimise it somewhat. I'd also say the fact we've got hundreds of hands to throw at the problem is also a rather large help; and we've managed to store a chunk of water away too I suppose - Silver lining and all that nonsense.
Of course the major issue is the presence of the Harpell trade caravan, and the likely several seasons long residence of gods-be-damned Obould here in the stronghold. All while I await the coming Darth Phargk and our other 'allies' from amongst the Illuskan Kingdom returning for our war planning over the winter months. Frankly it's hard enough keeping a lid on all the current factions without adding more potential barrels of fire oil to the mix. That and we're the furtherest north of the 'big three' clans making up our alliance and this weather is making it hard to keep out patrols and keep up an over-watch of the valley from the castle. Valley full of clouds tend to do that to visibility, and wasting magic trying to adjust it is a fool's errand to 'fix it' for a few hours at best. All the while taking time away from the people teaching my idiots how to be wizards...so no, let's not try that.
In regards the Longsaddle trade caravan, it's a welcome thing despite all the headaches its causing me, and likely my personal guard too. I'll address the bad first I guess; keeping orcs and murder-hobos, plus murder-hobos and other murder-hobos, from engaging in conflict is hard. Just as hard as keeping the raw recruits from causing trouble, but with them we have the option of 'heads, spikes, walls' so to speak, to get them to learn'em or at least remove the worst of them from the mix. As I suspect our 'good friends' the Harpells might object to killing 'adventurers' without very good reason we've, I've, opted for 'less fatal' legal recourse. Such as the stocks, and 'fines' let's say, though we've had two whippings as well I'll admit. There have been no issues raised by Malchor Harpell so we'll count it as working so far.
Obould's lot are a different issue. Nominally he, and they, accept our supremacy in this horde but it's much like having a vassal warband – but one that's from a tribe more powerful than our own. So it's a balancing act, especially with my future knowledge of the orc in question, between ensuring he's treated with respect but also isn't allowed to wedge a position that could harm us in the future. For now they've been well behaved, though that could be due to these been clearly been veterans from a relatively 'civilized' clan and aware their sitting in a situation of being outnumbered dozens to one. I will say it is a help to have such a warband of well armed and armoured veterans added to our field forces before we face the Furry Fucker in the future. So far he hasn't met with the Harpell so there's that too to consider a positive I guess.
Missy's been a help in dealing with the traders, and Malchor Harpell too, and I'm aiming for a 'mutually beneficial arrangement' in regards the whole thing. They've sweet fuck all in the way of weapons I'll admit, but that makes sense with the rumours they bring about the wider north; everyone's at war and they sold their military goods up in Mirabar already. Or the Harpells very much didn't want them selling weapons and armour to a bunch of savage orc conquerors. This sounds a perfectly reasonable position to take mind you, if somewhat annoying for us if true. But whatever the case I'm perfectly fine with all the non-warfare shinies they've brought with them!
Wagons, tools, farm equipment, nails and such are beyond fantastic right now in helping building up the part of the valley that will feed, clothe and supply bodies for our armies. Though the wagons of course can turned into Hussite war-wagons, or simply used to fill that rather needed role of moving materials and goods up and down the valley. Something that's been happening already, but the more wagons - the more we can move, the more inter-valley trade that'll occur, the more apparent the 'benefits' of our rule are without just the fears, and the more stuff our armies can transport in the wars to come.
Honestly it's rather amusing to see how confused this lot of visitors are when I want to buy their wagons not just the goods held therein. Oh...and the fact we're paying with our own coinage too! That certainly confuses them a wee bit, does Obould as well I think; hard to tell with him either way though I find. So it's good to see after such a short few years we've got something resembling an industry taking shape. More a concentrated cottage industry I'll admit, but considering the skill base available to the clan that's impressive enough in my opinion. It's basically an attempt the production setup of the Italian Renaissance production setup; though we won't be churning out plate armour anytime soon sadly.
The coins, what I've heard golden 'swords', silver 'claws', and copper 'grains/flowers' by the visitors, though I'm expecting questions to arise as some seem to notice the mild enchantments on the Harp stamped metal coinage. Yes their not exactly the nicest coins, but they serve the role of placing Illusk in a position of legitimacy of sorts with our non-orc neighbours. They'll already try attack and kill us of course, but I'm sort of hoping the more pragmatic, or simply greedy but not up to try murder-hobo a whole army, among them will see us as a paying customer or at least strong enough to be having our own coins.
Kingdoms need to impress in the end, legitimacy is as much in the mind as in reality; at the very least they'll remind our own vassals of us on a daily basis...and get the 'economy' we've got to coinage based rather than just pure barter and looting based. Those like that kobold Menkin, and the half-goblin half-halfling female from Goblin Town (? She claims anyway) are a help, as is the fact Zah and Old Breyjuk give me broad latitude to do all these things. As is Wifne, and Zah's concubine Holawyn, due to their positions as heads of their respective human villages. Fear will only get you so far I find, so better to feared and seen as the 'least bad' option than just feared as is the traditional way. Or I feel that's the case anyway.
Plus these things I hope will encourage the likes of Longsaddle to keep taking the neutral, quasi supportive as long its bashing Uthgardt and Luskans, attitude their taking towards us. Our use of slavery is an issue, but that's present amongst the Uthgardt too in particular, and during my brief trip near to Neverwinter its very clear serfdom is just a euphuism for it amongst the 'civilized' human city-states. Won't buy any good feelings though, but our agreeing not to touch any of those related to Longsaddle since the start has been a great help. That and 'gifting' them a dozen slaves captured back from the Furry Fucker's lot hopefully goes someways towards showing good intentions. Maybe, hard to know, because Malchor Harpell talks about the most bizarre tangents during talks I find.
Oggy's delighted with how things are progressing overall, as is Breyza. Largely because there's a whole load of swollen tummies over the year and lots of young baby orcs running around - and the Cave Mother is rather pleased at such things mind you. Course many of these bellies are amongst the slaves, the orcish ones in the majority, and more than a few of the children born were due to the *just as bad as my clan-orcs* male human auxlia during last year's campaign. Because we can't have nice things, and I really shouldn't have expected anything different than that now should I?
So baby boom underway, and our clan's older children finally are coming of age and ready to be fielded (mostly) in the coming year. My old self would have been horrified at the whole child soldier thing, but then again he didn't have an enemy that'd gleefully murder children regardless of threat or not, so damned if I'm not happy to have a hundred odd trained soldiers come of age. Yes it's great our overall numbers have swelled to several hundred, thousands under the Illuskan banner, but I much prefer to have numbers of my own clan orcs as well. Because you can count on them to some degree more than the vagabond youngsters than really just want to join the winning side – regardless of our training beating loyalty and discipline sometimes ties of blood matter in the crunch. Then...
Sadly must go, another Shaman session of 'great justice' followed by meetings to attend I fear. Hopefully that bloody goat thing hasn't cropped up again. I swear all the stupid rises to the surface when everyone stays in out of the rain for a period of time. Slan.
--
[Ogrash 12]
Stronghold of Sparta
'Ah, I'll admit this is one of Karg's better crazy ideas' she admitted to herself as she rested back in the large pool of warm water inside the building here on the lower slopes. It still wasn't entirely clear how it worked, other than all the heat from the new furnaces beside the place somehow made the water she rested in hot after it came down from the slopes above. Her mate's weird love affair with cleaning oneself at least then had resulted in something she, and many of the other females within the clan, were very much starting to enjoy like the natural ones in caves at Rose's village.
So for the moment it was just her and her two slaves within the large steam filled room thanks to her guards keeping others out of the place for now. With the three whelps with hers and Karg's mothers, and other trusted females and their whelps, it was a chance to both relax while showing her power to the lesser females, both to her slaves here and within the rest of the clan. Only those females who earned her favour as Priestess of the Cave Mother would be allowed to do...it was rather good of her mate to gift such a tool to her and Breyza. Such a comfortable tool she admitted resting back against the stone, arms resting on the rock while her two slaves rubbed her feet.
"Mara you did as I commanded?" she questioned now that she had no others to overhear them. The den was rather too full at times to easily discuss such matters, and it was best to do so before any of the others arrived here. The two were useful little tools she'd found, though each in their own different way, even beyond things like whelping a strong male in Mara's case already. Without missing a movement in here efforts to rub at Ogrash's feet in the warm waters the small female nodded obediently.
"Yes Mistress, I placed the herbs within the ale barrel without anyone noticing as you ordered"
Ogrash nodded, that was one problem part taken care off. Kungalk had been causing far too many problems of late, and savaging one of her acolytes had been the last allowance in her view after rumours of the idiot plotting against Zah. Between all of those things getting rid of him was the only sensible option to take in her mind, and ridding herself and Karg of the imbecile in this manner would be rather convenient. The herbs Mara had mixed for her would have little effect on the rest of the idiots squad, but with the amount Kungalk drank, his love of wild berries that constantly made him ill, and of course his fucking afterwards...
...well wouldn't it just be ever so sad if he dropped dead in the middle of his fun now wouldn't it? Sad, and ever so convenient as well, and if worst came to worst her acolytes would be in charge of the healing...and none of them much liked the idiot either. Still she wouldn't celebrate till the deed was done, and sometimes even then it didn't always work and other means would be needed. At least her slave Mara was proving obedient, as well as somewhat skilled with both dagger and now poison after only a little guidance. Her own whelp was Karg's blood now after all, and like any younger female of the clan beneath Ogrash it was a matter of reward and punishment to ensure her loyalty into the future.
"Good Mara, you did well. Was there any grumbling amongst the other human and not-orc slaves during the feasting as you went about your other tasks?"
"None Mistress beyond minor dissent, most were either too afraid to speak so, or merely just glad to be taken away from field or other work to wish to do so. What little talk between slaves that night was of their next meal, what their lives before were and the like Mistress. One or two expressed hope that those adventurers and traders from Longsaddle might free them at first, then mostly anger or despair that they did not. In truth, several now fear them as much as certain clan-orcs due to the behaviour of some in their time here so far"
Ogrash found it strange that such females would have expected any different, her own seemed as surprised by it as she was from their faces. The world was a cruel harsh place and all that mattered was you and your own, and one could expect nothing from any others if you grew weak. It was the place of the weak to suffer the desires of the strong after all, and humans she'd found were amongst the cruellest of the cruel yet liked to pretend they were 'better' somehow.
She snorted in amusement at Rose's odd believe in her clan and what many of those 'good' family males as she'd called them had done like any orc warrior would have done in their place. All one had to do to notice such was look at the faces amongst all the whelps born from amongst the slaves from the defeated orc clans to see an Auxlia father's bloodline there. Not that it mattered of course, those whelps would grow up to be strong warriors or smart females of Ogrash's clan rather than the weak human ones, so it was their loss and her clan's gain in the end. Just as it should be, by the will of the Gods.
"Kethri, has there been anything said amongst those who serve this Obould of Many Arrows, or amongst those waiting upon the mad human wizards Karg speaks of?"
Ah, the so-called great warrior and his shaman from the Spine that Karg had let slip to her as having a great destiny of some sort. Though whether if they were a danger or a boon to the clan, and their new Illusk, was yet to be seen it seemed from what her mate's visions had seen. Still, for now, such a strong ally was what the clan needed most of all while they warred for control of these lands. Before her the older, but weaker perhaps Ogrash found, of the two human sisters started, now as Ogrash shook herself free of them, then had Mara clean her sister as she answered.
"From those human slaves that were given to serving them these past nights Mistress there has been little spoken of, or at least little that they have revealed to myself without me seeming interested beyond what a slave should. What they do say speaks of a strong firm hand of command over his warriors. They do not harm, or even mate with, those slaves that were serving them without permission of their leader it seemed to them Mistress. Though it is clear that they preferred orcish females from among those slaves for that role first Mistress and those would not speak as much to the likes of me"
"No matter, those I'll get to talk later I'd expect now...the human visitors?" Ogrash shrugged her shoulders as she rested back against the stone walls of the warm pool at that. It was somewhat as she expected from what she had seen herself, and what Karg, she and Ghorza had spoken off in the past ten-days since his groups arrival at the stronghold. Still compared to the like of High Shaman Phargk...the visiting warrior and his entourage, while impressive, weren't at that level of power and danger as yet in life. Weren't even at the strength of the Jernak and his Moonblades within the Crags either...but still, any attempts made to build his influence within Illusk would be need to be watched carefully.
"Yes Mistress, sadly there is little word I can bring from those who run the caravan. They have their own guards, who are as tight lipped as their Lord even before those slaves or others serving them. Perhaps Mistress Missy would know more as the Lord Malchor stays at the tavern owned by the kobold Mistress and Mistress Missy speaks with one of the tavern slaves. To train her a little as part of some agreement between Master and the kobold"
"Hmmm...hmm...yes Missy and I will speak on it later I expect" she mused to herself. Karg wanted to play all nice and friendly with the mad human wizards, and she could agree because they were obviously crazy and powerful in their own rights. Something that was always best kept focused on other things, at things other than on the clan and those things that mattered to her. Missy was proving a useful third wife after Ghorza; her magics were powerful, Ogrash expected her whelps one day would be just as strong, and her bonds of loyalty within the clan were with Karg and not to any of the other males in any way.
It was a strong household she had beneath her; powerful females...but not too powerful compared to herself either, and all rather exotic too with Lua'kah'wyss and Loraatris in their elfness, and Missy with her fearful human magic. Zah, of course Zah, had shown that the half-elf would breed true with help, and Ogrash was rather content with how well Tris was taming into the role. A natural born slave that one, even if she wasn't one in an official role, and did as Ogrash commanded now with little hesitation.
Then adopting Rose had been a further advance, a strong fighter priestess in the making and the future leader of her own clan village loyal to the clan, and bound to hers and Karg's whelps when she took a mate of her own. With the Drow in charge of the non-orc mercenaries and those too stupid for the new Legion, but loyal enough to let live, Ogrash's Household along with Breyza's controlled all the positions that mattered within the clan and the valley. Unity that was badly needed considering all the foes they faced on the battlefield that Karg dealt with and those that might threaten from within that she would handle.
"Kethri go have the guards let in the Gods-slaves" she instructed after another few minutes of her two slaves detailing what they had heard or learned off in the past few days. So far it seemed the dealings with the outsiders were going well, and that the clashes were being kept to a minimum thanks to having 'proper organised' battles as Karg called them between challengers before a crowd rather than random drunken fights with resulting deaths. This had made getting rid of certain orcs harder than she'd have liked, but it kept everyone busy and entertained with their blood duels so overall...it was better in her view, mostly. With a glance through the steam she watched as the six Gods-slaves enter behind her personal slave a few moments later, then shedding their scant clothing to get into the water. She pushed herself off the pool wall, standing up in the water to stride over to them...
--
And I'm back hopefully. An Ogrash chapter, and somewhat covering 'covered' ground but from a side angle, and things that the SI and others don't see going on truly. Also a 'female orc' view on how things are evolving.
[Roland 06]
Lower Slopes, Stronghold of Sparta
"They're recruiting over yonder milord" Captain Gludoc muttered softly as he and Sheriff Roland stood with the rest of the escort. All the while the two younger Harpells led them and their elder Lord Malchor around the orc stronghold to "show them the sights" now that a few days of cold and calm had come in the wake of the recent storms. It was nothing that they had not seen in their time here already of course, but in Roland's opinion it was rather disturbing to see a city of orcs slowly arise from almost nothing here in the wilds.
"Unsurprising considering what we've seen Captain. Better that they make use of them and remove them from causing trouble within the village. I expect I'll give my brother and the good Sherriff here fewer headaches" Lord Malchor replied thoughtfully as they gazed off in the distance where the fight in the makeshift 'arena' had ended. There he could see the half-orc captain and one or two of his guards talking with one or two of the 'adventurers' turned caravan guards who'd come with them from Longsaddle. A half-orc and a human from the looks of it, he noted, and yes... less of that lot within the village, well, meant fewer problems in his own life.
"Aye milord it would indeed" he agreed quietly as a little bit away the younger male Harpell, who'd turned himself in an orc during his stay here for some reason, nattered on about magical teaching and such. Roland wasn't overly surprised by that really, the whole family were bonkers... Good overlords to the village, but mad as madmen babbling nonsense too. Except for perhaps Lord Malchor here and his brother who oversaw the village of course, but with the rest it was best just to smile and nod and hope they went elsewhere to commit their crimes against sanity. Still...
"Still it is passing strange milord to see such occur, though the presence of all these human 'auxilia' as they call them likely entices many such mercenaries to take up such a cause"
Lord Malchor hummed in through a few moments before replying "Ah, Sheriff, it is easy to see why those of certain backgrounds would flock to the banners of these orcs, even as our own young Rhydyc showed. That, and these are savage lands, chaotic and uncivilized. Many will as such see this clan as a faction that will give them a chance to rise in rank, wealth, or even social status..." The elderly wizard nodded ever so faintly in the direction of those mentioned in the distance. "... All they likely have is their blade and armor, and maybe a horse too. And here is a chance for riches, for land, for whatever."
"Indeed milord, and I expect the sudden appearance of old elven weapons and artefacts helped somewhat in settling some of these in their plans. I'd bet they figure it's better than sitting around as dirt poor caravan guards, and less risky than doin' it alone out in these parts... or going up against this lot either, I'd expect. Tha' and whoever heard of anywhere havin' an adventurer's guild of all things? Promises of support and good pay gotta sound appealing to those that don't want to do any proper merc work."
Captain Gludoc spoke for himself and Roland as the two half-orcs seemed to shake wrist to wrist before walking off in the other direction, towards where the stronghold's stables were located. All around the 'market' below them groups moved with activity now that there was good weather and others had arrived. Orcs from another 'Illuskan' tribe with loot of their own, another group of wagons from the human villages, then even a group of goblins (of all things!) with wagons full of salt and silver.
In truth it had surprised Roland how eager the orcs here seemed to be to barter for the goods that the traders trapped in Longsaddle had brought with them; very, very little of which had been weapons, armor, or anything in the way of military wares. Lord Malchor shook his head ever so faintly, glancing off in the direction of the 'town square' where the tavern they were staying in lay along with several other large crudely built wood, mud, and stone buildings. One of which was that 'guild' the Captain had spoken of Roland expected.
"Hmm...there are some places that have such 'guilds' I imagine, but it is rather a surprise to see one established by such folk. One more mystery to add to the tome that is this place and its people, I fear... But one of many indeed. Still it is less - problematic - than one could expect. Young Bella and Harkle have found it a rather interesting place during their stay, have you not? Harkle, Bella?"
'Oh great, just when he was distracted' Roland thought to himself as the two mentioned turned back from their spot overlooking the area below. And, of course, the more maddening of the two took the lead as he stood in his 'orcish camouflage' and spoke as cheerfully as always, save more gutturally perhaps. Roland wasn't sure which was odder: the orcs here with their foppish accented Common Tongue, or the rapid-fire Common of the Harpell pretending to be an orc.
"Oh indeed Malchor it has been truly fascinating here has it not Bella? Why Doctor Ned is a truly gifted master of the arcane arts, and we have had many illuminating discussions on how necromantic constructs and rituals interact with druidic based plant growth incantations, or with bardic trad-" Lord Malchor sighed. "Harkle, my friend, please let us not speak of your request to write a treatise on the possible utilisation of skeletons for dances, or other matters of celebratory events. Nor will I it bring it to my brother's attention, nor recommend it for any future family engagements... especially funerals Harkle. So, NO experimentation please, nor helpful displays either"
To Roland's relief, "Okkayyyy Malchor" was the only response. Down below he watched as two orcs, armed orcs, hopped into the 'arena' and the gathered crowed once again began to make noise. It seemed another bout was about to begin as one of the red armoured orc clerics wandered into the 'ring' and waved his own sword around and mouthed something. Young Bella Harpell snorted, shaking her head and folding arms across her chest before speak.
"Yes none of your silliness Harkle, we both know combining bardic dance and song based magic with necromantic constructs is a foolish endeavor."
Lord Malchor nodded "Thank you Bella."
Then frowned as the woman continued speaking "Why, necromantic constructs are far better combined with acrobatics and explosive runes! Myself and Doctor Ned have discussed such, and while I'll admit he has been rather negative on the subject, it is something that..." Roland resisted shivering at the madness as Lord Malchor rubbed his head with one hand, the other steadying him on his staff. Muttering something under his breath that sounded like 'family' before motioning at the woman with the cross eyes. "Nor will you be attempting that combination during your stay here either, Bella dear. So far the Shaman has had only... limited... issues to bring to my attention in regards to your... apprenticeship under the Master Necromancer and former Pirate Nedorious Illian Kline."
" - The Third!" they both corrected almost simultaneously as Lord Malchor stared through them. Harkle hummed, seemingly not noticing the glare . "Oh and he was a druid too, did you know? It was a most interesting series of life experiences the fellow hath experienced, and why utilising his magic as a changer of..."
"As I was saying - your training with this fellow Doctor Ned has been most interesting, as you have both mentioned..." Roland's Lord stated calmly "... and you have both been involved in both the training of these orc novices and the recent battle that was fought against the Uthgardt tribe nearby to here. Now I'd like the Captain and Sheriff to hear of these details, so that they may offer me their opinions on such things now that we all have some time together in this rather pleasant weather outside of the tavern or the stronghold."
'And possibly prying eyes and ears too,' Roland thought to himself as the Lord of the Tower of Twilight tried to extract the relevant information from the two madmen. Details that were of course rather surprising and concerning - it was these orcs after all - though the greater details of the battle itself were a surprise even if the magical stuff went over his head. In Longsaddle it was best not to inquire too much into such things, not if you wanted to have a good night's sleep after all. So he and the Captain listened as below the fight had ended with a victory for one and defeat via injury for the other, much like the gambling had, and another one was to begin soon.
This time it seemed to him it would be two 'adventurers' who'd come here as caravan guards. It was something that really only seemed to have started after their arrival, though he almost kicked himself for not thinking of suggesting turning the constant 'adventurer' driven brawls into a way to earn coin all while keeping them all distracted to the Mage-Lord himself. Worst come to worst it would have at least have somewhat whittled down the numbers of the dumbest of them. Anyway, what the two managed to describe, in their rather convoluted way, combined with what they had learned themselves was rather concerning.
"It appears these lands will be filled with naught but war in the coming seasons or years, milord," he started, resting a hand on his sword hilt and rubbing his chin with the other. "It seems that a great Orc Horde, of ones less... civilized... than these orcs, is set to descend upon these lands. And that Mirabar, or perhaps the Priesthood of Lathander, is throwing around mercenaries and pretending they are Sky Pony Uthgardt. It likely explains that last caravan saying they were 'tested' for 'righteousness' as they said."
"Yes Sheriff it does, which is why we are discussing this matter now, while the good Priestess administers aid to the injured and unwell amongst the caravan," replied Lord Malchor calmly as he watched the movements down below them and off further at said caravan's resting area. "And indeed, considering what we have learned here it is a better outcome for such an Orc Horde to fail at the hands of this one. While there is a great deal one can disapprove of here... It is the least bad choice of all those at hand, and I expect that those behind it are planning to reform it further in time."
"Is this because of these odds things that their shaman Karguk says?" the young 'orc' Harpell queried cheerfully "Doctor Ned has voiced-" "Something like that, Harkle..."muttered Lord Malchor. "He does say the oddest things, as you say. Prophetic ones at that... And there have been a rather significant number of those having arisen in the last decade from my research. Ones of a rather dark future to be avoided perhaps, warnings it is hard to know, but stabilising these lands are..."
--
When: Winter 1355 Dale Reckoning
Where: Stronghold of Sparta
It's been a rather busy few weeks, so I'm afraid I haven't had time to write much. To be expected I suppose due to the presence of the Harpells and then the arrival of Darth Phargk, Chief Jernak, and all the associated sunshine brigade that makes up Illusk right now. It is not exactly easy keeping the peace between different orc clans, murder-hobos, crazy wizards, deadly clerics, and all the other fun-fun-super-fun people I've got to deal with as the voice of sanity.
Or at least that's what I like to think I am despite having to kill people (or direct others to do so) yet again, for acting like idiots and being insubordinate... By trying to kill me in one case. Let's just call that one suicide by Missy directed lightning bolt. Always a problem with some small number of the newest recruits, in part due to the sudden swelling numbers of the past few seasons. Comes with the job largely, and considering the numbers and visitors I guess I should just be happy the numbers have been rather low and haven't had a negative impact on dealings.
Even if the fact Darth Phargk is 'pleased' with said actions kinda fill me with shame for some reason. Still, Order will prevail in this valley, and our laws (however few that they are) will be followed or there shall be consequences for the law breaker. It's the only way to limit the awfulness orcish hordes can inflict, and more pragmatically it stops the rampant self-destructiveness most clans cause 'ruling' over an area.
Positive reinforcement/encouragement only gets you so far after all, so one has to rely on harsher methods. Or maybe I'm just justifying my iron glove policies like many a ruler has before and will in the future. No matter. Peace was maintained while the Longsaddle caravan was here with their power wizard leader and now that the other clans' delegations have arrived. I know we've done it before in the past two years, but there isn't exactly a reset button if things go wrong, so best ensure they don't.
In that regards it's been managed again, and we've got something resembling a quasi-official agreement between the various clans of 'Illusk' and the village of Longsaddle. Honestly for all the time and talking that went into over the past few weeks, it is in many ways merely a continuation and expansion of the existing *sorta* agreement we had with them. Which mostly boils down to "we don't raid them, fight them, attack them, and do any of the other things orcs tend to try with them", and now it applies to all the clans by order of the three clans, with Darth Phargk's backing.
That might seem surprising, but having met Malchor Harpell and his two lunatic family members during said negotiations, my Shaman superior is rather fine with that idea. Perhaps due to things like the fact he knew the Harpells have broken Hordes that came against them before and that it's best not to piss them off. Perhaps this may seem surprising, but then again: orcs. We respect strength and that lot are definitely strong. Crazy too, but definitely powerful in their ways – so there's an agreed area around the village on the 'don't raid or we'll kill you' list that's been given to our vassals. Also the fact that Longsaddle traders, caravans, and villagers are to be 'respected' and not attacked, enslaved, etc, etc...
More importantly we've got a proper agreement between us, beyond the vague thing we arranged last year, and we're trading more hostages on our part. Hostages that are really students with actually powerful (if mad) wizards to train them, and hopefully instill some level of skill into them that we currently can't manage to do ourselves with our limited resources and time. If they can train my six, up from two, then those six can return and train the younger children – while for the moment we retain our two current guests as teachers/researchers. Do I like having these Megumins about? Not entirely, but the pros outweigh the cons, and time is against me.
It's also an unspoken surety that Longsaddle, and the Harpells, are basically indirectly backing us against the likes of Luskan and the Horde of the Furry Fucker and his friends. We're in the 'friendly orcs' bracket, not allies, but they'd prefer us to not be destroyed by that lot. Mostly because the next target is quite likely to them – even without the fact that we're willing to trade with them as the world goes to hell and a hand basket around them. Because with two Harpells being here – it means we've got two wizards on tap to use as magic heavy artillery now don't we?
And Malchor Harpell knows this after hearing of the last battle with the Uthgardt. They get a guard detail, or more-so a slightly expanded one (of some trusted murder hobos evidently) and are the 'embassy' of sorts here, while we get a trade area in Longsaddle at agreed upon times. Spring and/or summer most likely, with them sending one here in the autumn just like now once the harvest has been pulled in. Though I'd expect that that could be subject to change depending how things go in the wider world. After all the fact that we're bringing order and 'stability' to the Crags while everywhere else suffers the flames of war is likely helping with this favorableness towards us.
Or perhaps the fact that Missy and Rose show that we're not the traditional 'slash, pillage and burn' orcish horde is helping. I don't know what's going on in that fellows head, honestly. He's smarter than me and has a damned good poker face, let's say. Another factor is that our forces have had their numbers bolstered from amongst his 'caravan guards' (read unemployed mercs & murder-hobos stuck in Longsaddle) and raised no objection to it.
Not that we're taking large numbers, maybe thirty or forty compared to over a hundred orcish recruits joining Illusks forces in the last week alone. But the fact that they had horses or decent armour and weapons makes their benefit to us be somewhat better than raw numbers would suggest. About a dozen joined our nascent cavalry force, and another dozen odd Lua's Adventurer's Guild and sent out to hunt down certain small animals, or to deal with some minor troubles beyond the valley. Why are we so much more appealing than Longsaddle?
Pay basically. Longsaddle's 'jurisdiction' is a small area around the village that the Harpell's protect, and the village itself is secured by its militia. With the wars on that zone is secure and the family have little interest in dealing with things beyond that area – and most of the murder hobos didn't sign up with Luskan, Mirabar or Neverwinter for a various reasons. Crimes committed, lack of a chance to rise in ranks, joining the winning side here... Though in most cases I think non-human blood is the driving factor.
Not entirely, but best I can tell most that weren't seemed to have someone who was within their group. It seemed some joined our clan at least, but not so much the others. I'd suspect our human auxilia present compared to the other clans' lack of humans likely helped with that. Of course that's another thing that's cropped up since last year, and mostly a result of our alliance taking control of most of the Crag's south of here and being here last year – there are non-orc 'leaders' here. Or someone important at least from their *village/clan/tribe/group/warband, such as Wifne, Hollawyn, 'King' Tucker and that irritating goblin.
For instance the gnoll 'adventurers' here represent their pack from that fortress we sacked and gave them after defeating the Icepeaks, and Zah took the conquest/annex option on his campaign. That or he managed to convince Darth Phargk to copy our approach here within the valley in some measure. Because it's not just minor orc war-chiefs from newly allied clans, but newly created vassal mountain villages of differing races. Most prominently from the Moonblades... and the Red Axes too. The sneaky, backstabbing bastards. Because of course Kurnak and the Red Axe clan are firmly on our side now. Of course he, and they, are despite all their blood sneakiness! Feckers.
That drives me up the wall; having to accept them into the fold again - they basically used our blood, toil, and sweat fighting the Furry Fucker and allies to carve up their own little fiefdom north-westward of us. Yes it's respectable as a strategy, but that doesn't mean it don't grate on me after they betrayed us at the Field of Blood, and would stab us in the back just as easy if Wyrmog had won recently. Copying our methods too it seems – either enslaving all who resist, or creating 'vassals' of them as we did Zybelin's Drift and the others. Here to join Illusk as 'equal partners' and blah, blah, blah.
I hate it when people outsmart me like that and get away with their actions against me and mine like that. For now there has only been the briefest of discussions, mostly establishing guest right before the Gods and getting everyone into an encampment for the winter. Plus storing away the foodstuffs they brought, and patrolling the markets for the loot they brought to trade.Oh, yeah, and making sure there were no clashes with the auxilia for the new 'allies', or with the Longsaddle caravan while they were here. It's been a fresh joy to hammer home rules into those minor clans brought to our side by the victories during the past year, as well of the presence of Obould and all his questions. Luckily he seems on board with our beating Wyrmog, as well as somewhat tolerant of our differing clan rules. Even if answering is tiring let's say, from the detail requested.
For the moment I'm not going to think on the matter because myself and Oggy have a big giant ass feast to organise, and then beyond that the "Great Council", let's call it. Or "a room full of drunken orcs shouting out stupid ideas and fighting till we find a not-stupid idea for our war upon Wyrmog", which we'll pretend is a council of some sort. But there'll be important things to get ironed out as well, such as trying to get something resembling a system of control over our lands. That, and dealing with the aftermath of the lands and peoples we've conquered, and those we'll be facing down like the Uthgardt and their bloody Lathander worshipping loonies.
Anyway, gotta go. Work to be done.
--
[Karguk 40]
Shaman's Tower, Stronghold of Sparta
'Looks like the first snows of the year again. Time really flies by doesn't it?' I mused silently to myself in the growing gloom as evening turned to night here atop the open area of the tower. Small flakes of white fluttered slowly from the cloudy sky above, one the covered the valley laid out before me as I looked out from the small herb garden Mara and Kethri grew.
With Rose's help of course, but now it was all rather barren even if the view of the valley was rather impressive on a clear day. Sadly today wasn't one of those, but it was at least it was nice to get a bit of fresh air before the start of another long night. That and it served rather nicely as a nice quiet spot to think, or like now, make use of as a spot to perform a small magic ritual to start the night.
It was useful practice for me, and the Gods-slaves, as well as giving some minor aids for dealing with the 'Conclave' of sorts amongst the allied clerics. Phargk after all did it too as best I could tell, as well as the Night Lord's barrel of shadowy happiness Mirrinock, so I wasn't alone in 'cheating' as some might put it during these things. I let out a breath that steamed upon the cold air, motioned for my 'assistants' to take up their positions, then moved to sit cross legged upon the cold stone floor of the tower.
"Are we ready to begin?" I asked gently after a few moments as the six Gods-slaves adopted the same position around me, and Rose did so just in front of me with a contented smile despite the chill in the air. Of the six most seemed that form of creepy stoicism I'd gotten used to from them, though 'Frosty' with her cold blue eyes was almost beaming in happiness as she sat in basically nothing here in the icy weather. Honestly they were all a bit...odd...I found after their 'rebirth' as it were; so I really shouldn't have expected anything different now should I?
"We are ready to serve oh Holy Servant of the most glorious Master" echoed back to me in almost eerie unison from the six and I nodded ordering them to begin the agreed ritual chants. Technically I could have done them myself, I was the focal point of the spell after all, but then it would not apply to Rose or last as long upon myself than without their help. They were a direct line to the Boss now in many ways, and even without that- whatever it was the Luskans had seen in them served very much in boost my rituals as ever since they'd joined us. So I chanted and felt the power build around me slowly but surely as the first of the spells began to manifest at my calling.
Discern Lies of course was a no brainer for days such as this. Not a whole lot of use against the likes of Phargk, Mirronock or Doctor Ned if they bothered with their own protections, but towards must anyone else it was a rather useful way of sniffing out direct lies. A useful spell; even if it didn't do much for 'technical truths' or 'half truths' so to speak...or of course where someone actually believed their own bullshit. That and it was one of the harder spells for me to pull with off, at least without the help as I was using now, at this moment in career as a cleric.
Next followed my own personal development with the Boss thanks to the so-called Holy Books and future knowledge; Fox's Cunning. A spell that hadn't existed, as best I could tell, as yet upon the world till someone named Karguk managed to cheat with outside knowledge. It was always rather strange being made 'more intelligent' because...one generally didn't feel overly different as it took affect I found. Memories were clearer mostly, every detail clear and focused where it might normally be fuzzier, and things were just...easier...to understand, or to solve a problem.
Magical power swirled about us as the crude all purpose ritual circle I'd carved into the stonework glowed faintly with each spell. Owl's Wisdom, and then Eagle's Splendour, sang into the cold air around us. Funny what one could duplicate with the help of a God when you have the base knowledge behind the mechanics. Thank you very much Tome & Blood, Defenders of the Faith, I thought idly as the minutes based bye and a foggy misty descended upon us as night fell along with the snow. With my night's preparations done I let out a sigh of relief and began to move cold aching muscles.
"Glad to be done?" I half said, half asked, of Rose who let out a shiver as she mirrored my uncomfortable movements. Sitting like this in the cold of night for even a relatively short period tended to result in some discomfort when you went to move afterwards. Even if the six Gods-slaves seemed unbothered by it, with Blue Eyes seeming to hum and dance as she moved to stand up, and Little Shadow looking eager to get to her nights 'training; or mischief and hiding as I'd call it. Rose though, after a brief stretch in her armour, gave a cheerful smile on her pale skinned face.
"Yes, it was a bit sore on my legs!"
I smiled back and patted her on the head "Yes I can certainly agree with that! Now unto business I'm afraid. Just stay by my side and watch things okay?"
"Okay!" the girl, my adopted daughter now despite being not much younger than me, replied seriously fist to heart. Evidently copying the clan warriors and myself there; Gods above I was a bad influence at times. I turned towards the other six as they stood and waited for directions.
"Now inside you go my little ladies. Oggy's in charge of you till I return and you'll get teaching in magic or martial arms as she says. But first...let's head inside and get some food into you!" I directed waving them back towards the stairs and my personal guards standing there. At least that idea of getting food and maybe something to drink brought genuine smiles to the six faces as they marched along ahead of me. Hreshgk greeted us we entered and I felt the rather wonderful feeling of a little heat upon my face while brushing off the layer of snow from my fur cloak and chainmail.
"Boss, ye headin' to meet with all de other shamans now?"
"Aye, preparations are ready so best to show my face I guess" I replied with a nod as we descended and he called over two of my guards to follow us. The tower was a hub of activity as we followed the stairs down through the various floors.
All looked completely different now, lived in and mostly clean versus broken, dirty and empty, from when I'd first moved in. With the growth in my magical 'R ' so to speak, as well as acolyte numbers, only the more talented ones tended to be here with the rest being trained in the Under Keep. Nimmel was doing her 'Dread Gnome' act on some poor idiot I noticed as magic flashed along with her voice in a room as we passed. Missy waved at me and smiled as I passed; it looked like she'd gather her little 'court' of the kobold's personal slave, that Uthgardt warlock girl and one or two others I couldn't quite see as we passed.
"Course I knows youse da strongest Krem! Noes ways he'll beats youse! Nots at alls!" the voices of some recruits greeted us as I came back out into the cold and into the training yard. New recruits for the clan getting sense into them, or brainwashed depending on your viewpoint I reminded myself as we passed them.
"Ah can take'm yeah! Yer right Ukyk! He ain't look so tough! Let me show ye old one!"
It was always amusing sometimes to see the lies flicker before your eyes with these spells. But I ignored them before snorting in amusement as Taugh's old, but still very much strong voice echoed out behind me as we moved to the doors of the Keep.
"Whelps, yousa gonna regret sayin' that"
'Yes he will, just like we did back then' I mused to myself as the voices faded as we entered into the Keep proper as the doors opened and then closed at our passing. Place was full as always, Zah and Old Breyjuk 'entertaining' all the minor warband 'chieftains' in the main chamber by the sounds of it. Well that and all the guards present. But that was something to be talked about later with them, so I strode away from that loudness towards the right side of the keep to the large rooms up on the upper floor. I rested one hand on my sword hilt casually, and the other remaining free as I steel myself and entered the room and some figures came into view.
"High Shaman Phargk, I see that not all of the others have arrived as yet?" I greeted with a nod as I approached the ancient orc priest of the One Eye. There were only a half dozen shamans here yet it seemed, Phargk and his shadowy Night Lord cleric ally, the Moonblades one who served the Boss like myself, and another two from minor warbands speaking to him. All the others present were a guard like Rose technically was for myself as my escort and Hreshgk waited outside. The ancient dread orc snorted.
"We are early youngin' and...not all are as prepared as they should be fer whats to come"
I could agree with that somewhat, but always best keep sentences careful "Aye, truth High Shaman"
I shouldn't be surprised really; many were likely praying for their spells now or dealing with their now drinking and feasting chieftains. Still I took my place to the right side of Phargk, Rose behind me, and began to query as subtly as possible what the old Orc Sith Lord wanted of this meeting, and what I myself would like within that context. The war against Wyrmog would likely restart in Spring, Late Spring or even Summer in the old orcs opinion it seemed if the Furry Fucker was gathering allies in the Spine. The longer the better in my view, but organisation and laws were my goal over this winter...
--
Spoiler & Warning - this chapter contains reference to abortion. Sort of. Which is a hot topic issue I know, but its a situation I see coming in story to show the cultural dissonance between us, them, and between themselves as groups/species. Illusk will be things we dislike - but not always from those that we expect. Also that their 'Good' and our 'Good' are not exactly the same at times. I do not want a debate on the issue here. Debating the differences in opinions between as cultures is fine and grand. But NO discussion on the morality of the issue itself please. I do not want this turning into a thread the mods hate. Thank you!*
--
When: the closing days of 1355 Dale Reckoning; another cold snowy winter.
Where: My Tower where it's somewhat warm
Well the icy wrath of winter's upon us once again, a right auld blizzard blown into the valley and howling outside the stronghold walls. And, as usual, thick heavy snow blankets the ground and makes travel incredibly difficult at best, suicidal at worst – so beyond guard shifts it's been mostly underground/indoors time here in the stronghold.
Not that I'll rage about it much as it's allowed me a greater deal of time studying my magical tomes, runes and such between the various 'negotiations' and 'strategy sessions' we've been having. Much of which hammering the new 'allies' into something resembling a hierarchy for the come battles. With Darth Phargk at the very top in truth honestly, but he is the most powerful; and our system is rather 'voting' in nature of anything now requiring immediate decisive action.
Of course most of that involves matters of negotiations, arbitration and justice as some would call it. Long shouting matches at times, with claws and shaken weapons, bloody violence too occasionally; but a room full of armed orcs, with guards, tends to make one cautious at trying for first blood. And most shamans don't rise into positions of authority by being complete imbeciles I find. Not that ones that survived in switching sides to us anyway. Of course that brings us to the theme of my thoughts for the day; what is Justice?
In my past life I grew up with the Common Law system with its judges, its case law, and the basis in past precedents. Not something we have here in the Crags, nor one that would work fairly well with the muddled and disparate peoples who live here I expect. In some ways it's because the system relies heavily on judges, on right and wrong, or even the fact it will favour 'Justice' based on past judgements rather communal harmony; adversarial system and all that.
Some could argue that a Shaman operates as a Judge, a proto one perhaps, within the clan. But that's not entirely true. From my own experiences that Shaman's legal role, as with all lawgivers in these parts, is more an arbiter between parties than what a judge would be in enforcing the laws. Laws matter, sort of, to us – but the true answer is the laws and rules are merely a means to an end outside of a handful of iron clad ones I can enforce re military or tribal matters.
That of course is just amidst my own clan, where I can wield 'fuck you, do what I say powers', but as the past season have shown me it's even more apparent on an inter-clan level. It's about keeping the peace between groups, even in cases of deaths. Outside of the most blatant of course, but even then 'keeping the peace' can involve anything from blood, to coin, to livestock in recompense. Justice as such to most orcs comes in the form of vengeance, or if not that then a Weregild of sorts. Blood money as my past life would have called it.
But even more than that, if I'm to make Illusk function, is ensuring 'fair' dealing with our vassals and their own views of what Justice is. Because they have different views, cultural mores, and systems for how things should work themselves in terms of legal system. More similar to the system I currently work under than my past life, but still there are very different things to consider. Keeping the peace between all these groups mean Justice must always value the communal more than the individual; stability and trust mattering more in regards outcome and societal impact than what is the 'right' ruling. Gods included.
See that's the thing; divinely inspired morality can be an issue with laws. My little Rose here as a follower of Chauntea for instance would view aborting an unborn child deliberately as an unforgivable sin whose Justice would involving sending the one committing it to hell immediately. Something that is born of serving a Goddess of nature and fertility; and a Good Goddess at that I expect.
Elves, I expect due to their long lives and low birth-rate, have a similar attitude and view it as an irredeemable evil. We Orcs don't consider it as much a problem due to the social Darwinism and Luthic's fertility Goddess role mixing with our species rather callous nature at times. Yes have lots of babies – but not when the clan is struggling to survive.
Then it's okay to get rid of so called excess children before they become a problem by being born.Basically have lots of babies when things are going well, or warrior numbers need to be replenished, but if too many threatens survival then you make there be less. The cold hard logic of Lawful Evil there muddling with what I saw as personal choice once upon a time. An academic discussion one might say. But one we've recently come across that issue thanks to Oggy, through Doctor Ned, through Captain Krowluc, 'fixing a problem' for a human village girl after she got pregnant from a boy from the other village.
While she's married, and the husband couldn't have gotten got her preggers during that time let's say. Wifne wants her to face Justice for her crime; as does my merry little Rose, and Zah's Holawyn. See that's the fun part of my job, and of my plans to give our vassals some degree of self-rule and not just get 'Orcish Justice' for hundreds of years if we survive and prosper.
So to give people a say I've to follow my word and let them have some measure of self-rule – by letting them kill an innocent. Boss above I figured it'd be Darth Phargk demanding shit like this off me rather than Wifne bloody Humbletree. Yes I could say no, and I want too, but if I do that...then I'm saying very loudly my word means nothing on letting them handle their own internal village matters. Such matters as this situation would fall under.
There'll be a trial, come the spring, but I full sure I know the outcome already. Justice being done so I've been told. Which in many ways shows how Illusk functions even now after so short a period of time in existence – each group has internal rules beneath our own for their own people. Our clans come over them, but where there's overlap my job, and my 'lawgivers' (or Brehons if I can make the name stick) job is basically to keep the peace despite these differing views of Justice.
Hence why in terms of class their basically Bards; yes future me, remember - you built a legal system around Bards as the legal profession. You get *got* what you deserve most likely. So that's been my stress for the past few days, and now it's off to study the arcane with Missy and the 'Dread Gnome' Nimmel this time around. Soon it'll be time to start preparing for the great Midwinter Festival and having to deal with the Boss, and the other clerics here, during said happy-happy fun time. Slan go foille a chardai.
--
When: Winter 1355 Dale Reckoning
Where: Shaman's Tower
Bleedin' snow never seems to stop, pretty constant past few days with short gaps where it goes from howling blizzard to merely a light snowfall. I would say our blacksmiths aren't complaining over much of the heat in their forges at the moment at least.
Between the heat generated there, some pretty basic engineering guided by the Tome of Wiki, and of course Magic's help, the stronghold proper and several buildings in the lower slope 'town' have some measures of heat. One would not believe how popular warm baths are amongst orcs on a cold day. Even if some idiots have created sauna traditions I think by drunken accident.
I've got to spend more time with the children, hyperactive little things that they are. Yes, keeping orc children cooped inside is generally a recipe for energetic destruction. Still it's enjoyable, the brief respites from having to deal with murderous shamans from other clans, plot bloody battles to come, and on the logistics of equipping our own forces.
Which have grown rather dramatically in a mere five years via the standards Orc methods of trying to join the winning side. When you throw in the female auxiliaries, the raw recruits and such, our numbers of orc fighters swell to almost a thousand now. Yes I'm fudging somewhat, you're talking about five to six hundred who could be classed as real Heavy Infantry.
But we've a real fightin' force assembled even on our own; thanks to older children aging up, small bands joining, and of course 'serve or die' demands on defeated enemy remnants. Our auxlia has grown as well, mostly thanks to Zah conquering another village's worth of people. I'd sigh or bang my head off a wall at this 'gotta catch'em all' attitude of his towards campaigns and bringing them back as not-slave 'vassals'.
Then gets me to find somewhere to put them, feed them, and all the other things that make a village from nothing. Because Sparta, or the Tower of Midnight as the two Megumins call it for some reason, is basically a small orc city in terms of numbers. Even with me dispersing a chunk of the clan and warriors out to garrison the watchtowers and vassal 'villages' we've got several thousand orcs living here now when one includes all the females and children.
Though it's hard to do a proper head count with the slaves, non-orc auxlia and various others thrown into the mix. Whatever the exact number it's been a race to build up food supply to continue exceeding the sudden population growth – good news for the moment is we're doing just that and still have alot of land to expand cultivation into. Honestly it's rather easy to see how a successful clan can overburden its territories supplies and just get forced to move on even without cultural beliefs of conquest.
With the...
Have to go now, lost track of time and it's time for another meeting with the 'Senate of Shamans' with Darth Phargk over laws, and how pike and halberd production is going, and of course ritual preparations. Can't forget those after they got a taste of it last year, or it being a great way to show off for us, and our other allies, our strength of magics. Divine favour etc, etc,
Goodbye for now.
--
[Nedorious Illian Kline 08]
UnderKeep, Stronghold of Sparta
'Ah but I knew a bit of fungal growth would solve that nasty tasting air problem!' he mused to himself cheerfully, humming as he descended the steps into the depths of the stronghold. Something he pointed out to with an energetic flourish of his right arm "See, just a little fungi, a little love and affection, with a dash of patience and bam! Air that doesn't task like an ogres ass!" He paused. "Also magic! Magic helps a great deal with such things, I find."
He waved his arms at the illumination offered by the little eco-system he'd had planted since they'd started excavating this whole area. All bright and colourful, giving a nice cheery air to the rather drab and previously smelly interior of the dungeon. He knew from experience that stale air and death were just so unappealing for a work environment. Depressing work environments led to unhappy workers - unless they were undead, but they made pretty crappy workers without constant monitoring - and unhappy workers just didn't have the desired level of efficiency. Even if it was orcs and slaves moving the earth it was no reason not to have a rather friendly place filled with greens and reds and purples to work in!
"Oh yes indeed, why without magic the world would be ever so drab..." young Harkle replied happily with a firm nod. Unlike his short cousin Bella, Nedorious found that young Harkle thought the illumination from the little fungi garden in this spot just as lovely as Nedorious himself. A truly wise young wizard in training he was. Why he'd only set himself on fire twice since they'd started studying with Nedorious! "Think of all the places that wouldn't have experienced the joy of magical explosions! Or fireballs, dancing lights, or any of the many, many, many, wonders that we have yet to discover. Like the benefits of a half-horse/half-frog mount revolutionising riding through mountains!"
Nedorious hummed in thought for a moment. "Perhaps, but a winged creature would seem a rather more beneficial hybridization than a frog... though I suppose falling from a pegasi is likely to be less survivable than from a jumping creature such as a horse-frog."
"Oh yes, our cousin considered that too but said it was something about the wingspan and carry weight relative to the arcane energy investment to create any such specimen. Why it shan't be any comparison to my own thesis on Drow and Orcish culture of course, or my own and Bella's studies in the necromantic disciplines either... but Reg is rather bright and I expect much of his future discoveries! Isn't that true Bella?" Harkle replied with enthusiasm as they continued past the line of orcs and slaves passing buckets of earth ever upwards from the dig below.
It had been a recurring subject since the Harpell mages' more esteemed family member had visited them with word of various matters, such as the progress of others studies into the arcane, and news of the wider world. Not something that was entirely filled with pleasant news sadly, Nedorious had found. For one thing those nasty Liches over in the Host Tower's war against Neverwinter were doing relatively well... or at least it seemed so from the rumors. Or at least they weren't losing.
Something was distracting Neverwinter badly from the south it appeared, and war had erupted in Mirabar in some small way once again with all the clashes with adventuring Free Companies hired by Luskan. Ones likely sent to guard the nearby lands of that city-state from the orcs and Uthgarht ranging down from the Spine and the Crags he expected... or at least officially anyway. As Barty once said you sent adventurers up the river to cause trouble, put pressure on Mirabar, and generally looked for an excuse to bump up tariffs on their mithral and other trade goods.
'Not a bad strategy in peace time, but with this war on the High Captains should have known better than to start stepping on the toes of the grumpy dwarves and humans in the other city-state. But then again, the High Captains and pirate crews weren't in charge anymore now were they?' He mused briefly as young Bella Harpell snorted in annoyance at her cousin. Lovely woman and he'd even managed to convince her to let him fix that lazy eye problem of hers!
"Encouraging Regwald is bad thing Harkle. Remember what Malchor, and Father, and Ardanac, have all said about the cost of replacing alchemy laboratories as well as animals. And I doubt that our hosts would be overly happy at such behavior need I remind you."
"Oh Bella don't be silly, Shaman Karguk is perfectly fine with such experimentation as long as it doesn't blow up anything important!" Harkle informed the short woman in his orcish form "... why he even gave us these fine underground halls for us to practice our studies and experiments in. Isn't it fantastic having these rooms with their magically resistant stonework walls? Why even Malchor was rather impressed with this whole methodology and 'workplace safety features' Lord Karguk has in place!"
'To stop you blowing valuable things while you're blowing up yourselves. Like me, and Crue, and my minions, and all my stuff' Nedorious mentally noted as said individuals followed behind them in their newly acquired fancy armour.
All thanks to being good buddies and former employer to the orc shaman currently have a big 'old get together above with all his other shaman friends, hopefummy planning to kill people Nedorious wanted dead alongside other orc warclans and of course some Uthgardt tribes. With some more work, years perhaps, and a few successful wars then this horde would make a fine force for an attempt at burning down that Tower and those therein... assuming he could muster some way to reduce magical destruction of course...
Ways such as bringing the Harpell family into a favorable view of himself and his allies here in the Crags. It had been a rather fascinating series of talks with Malchor Harpell during his stay here in the stronghold. Truly fascinating with regards to overlapping desires between himself, the Harpells, friends of the Harpells in Neverwinter, and of course young Karguk here in the fortress.
Even if young Karguk clearly had his own friends in odd places as best he could tell, or young Missy did anyway if the orc himself did not - after all he'd made a rather convincing human during his employment with him and then the journey here. That and Nedorious was rather liking the way this place was shaping up, and being Orc Archmage Ned was fun, and he got to boss around lots of young impressionable minio-apprentices!-every day, which was actually rather nice at this stage in his career. Such as reminding this young fellow that blowing yourself up was bad.
"Now now, young Harkle, even with such blast resistant material for walls it's very important to remember not to overdo things in ones experiments or to impose too much on one's hosts. Why you yourself said that many of them would be quite content if they were allowed to practice spells here that they cannot at home or with Lord Malchor. I suspect, assuming you survived your own spell blowback, that they would be most wroth with you if that option was removed. Is that now so my fair Bella?"
"Yes Doctor Ned they would, especially since most of those things are banned back home for a reason Harkle, remember? Great Aunt Janawizas' strange disappearance after starting that thesis she started on the interaction between elemental plane of chaos and planes travel?"
"Well these things happen in the nature of progressing magical theory Bella... and... I do listen to what Doctor Ned here and Lord Karguk say about only doing what they allow and studying such things at a safe, yet interesting, pace! Is that not so Doctor Ned?"
"Indeed... that's mostly true young Harkle... and, in part possibly due to your family's insistence on that Geas in regards not talking to people in the Host Tower about this place, and always asking permission and for supervision before beginning experimentation is it not?"
"Oh I didn't need that at all quite frankly! The very soul of Harpell responsibility I am, so it was all rather unnecessary to do in all those talks between Malchor and Lord Karguk with regards to restrictions upon our arcane discoveries."
Beautiful Bella snorted ever so daintily behind him. "Because the family really liked the idea of being able to study Necromancy again Harkle... and having a city, orc city even, that we're not automatically banned from for... reasons."
Good reasons generally Nedorious knew, like exploding taverns, talking chickens and several crimes against the natural order of things according to Neverwinter. Luskan had banned them for the whole "possibly transporting a lich to the bottom of the ocean" thing from a Harpell apprentice from what he remembered of talks with apprentices of the Host Tower during idle chatter over the years. Still they were decently powerful mages, useful allies currently, and as long as there were areas 'okay to destroy' as young Karguk had said... well they were manageable and entertaining compatriots.
"Well it is the Tower of Midnight Bella! Truly at the cutting edge of arcane theory with its underground buried city, fascinating orcish society and letting us experiment on the very nature of the Weave!"
"You know Malchor just hates it being called that Harkle."
"Yes Bella... Even more reason to call it that. And the rest of the Family call it that now, even Ardanac! Malchor's just a big stone face anyway, all..." the young mage's voice turned all gruff-like. "You should be more responsible as mages! No more incidents with summoned cows! Don't be trying to capture a unicorn to see if it tastes like honey barbeque!"
Nedorious hummed in thought as a memory surfaced at that. "Hmmm... I rode a unicorn once. Never thought to test that part out."
A feminine voice startled "What. You what?"
Oh yeah. "Well technically it wasn't alive at the time... Damned thing tried to stab me... And well, I was in a hurry at the time. Bit of on the spot necromancy... Bam! Had a nice new mount! Crue, you remember that don't you?"
His till now silent dwarven bodyguard grunted. "Aye, dat was the time with them damned pixies. Bloody cheapskates they were tryin' ta welch on the payment like dat, an' then tryin' ta kill us... nerve ahn some folks! Shoulda just kilt'em, ah say."
"Now now Crue, a promise is a promise for surrendering foes... And they make the cutest little ornaments till the deal runs out in a few decades anyway. Why it reminds me of the time..."
--
[Missasri 25]
Shaman's Tower, Stronghold of Sparta
Winter as always was cold, snowy and windy here in her new home, Missasri found as she opened up the narrow shuttered window and looked out into the white mass of snow beyond. But only for a moment, enough to get a breath of fresh air, before shutting it once more and locking the bolts holding it in place. She shivered at the gust of cold air across her face, but it did serve to wake her up somewhat she noted as she stretched her tired arms out having sat reading her tomes for the past several hours.
Progressing her lightning spell to its next level was sadly proving just as difficult as she'd expected, even with the aid of Doctor Ned and Nimmel, and even the two Harpells in their own special way. Still the noise from outside the room, one that had become as much her study as Karg's, warned her that it was growing late even without the hinting of the lantern's burning glow fading against the darkness of the shuttered room. With a contented stretch Missasri closed the tome after marking the most recent page and headed towards the crude iron bound wooden door.
The startled echo of "Mistress" and a brief bow greeted her on the other side of the door as Kethri came into view when she pulled it open. She smiled to herself and gave the other human girl a reassuring half-wave. It seemed her decision to come out of her 'cave' as Mast- Karg called it, was one shared by more than just herself. The correctness of that decision became more apparent as the smell of food reached her nostrils along with the warmth of the fire burning in the large stone hearth that had been fixed up. She saw that Mara and Kethri had cooked up some kind of stew, black metal hanging over the flames and food bubbling away from the sounds of it.
"Oi! 'Bout time ye got away from all yer nonsense, we were just sendin' Kethri to fetch ya!" Ghorza's gruff voice shouted cheerfully from the table, thumb of an orcish hand raised off of the thick wooden surface "That right my mate? She near as bad as ye are at all dis readin' foolishness."
Karg snorted from beside Ghorza on their side of the table and waved at Missasri to come over and join him and the others of the household, as they had started to gather about the table. Even the children were there, though only little Kargash appeared energetic as Mara chased her about, seemingly being scolded for something as Kethri returned to preparing their fare for the night. Inwardly Missasri was a little embarrassed having failed to notice the return of almost everyone to the tower including Master who'd already shed his chainmail armour for lighter attire. Perils of studying the arcane, she'd found... Well, one of them at least. She gave a bow back to table.
"My apologies Mistresses, and to you my husband, my studies seem to caused me to allow more time to pass than I had thought."
"Roit, course ya did, iff'in yer not readin' yer settin' fellas on fire or lightin' boltin' some idiots! Ha! That was hilarious though!" The orc warrior priestess suddenly laughed, punching Karg in the shoulder. "Now get over here before ye start givin' our mate here ideas bout' readin' instead of eatin' and talkin' about how things are goin' with the rest of them."
Karg just looked at Ghorza with an exasperated look as she downed the flagon of whatever alcoholic beverage she held in hand before sighing. "Kay, says the hard drinking female not been stuck all day and night listening to idiots talk, shout and threaten each other."
Missasri chuckled softly to herself as the second wife gave an overly dramatic shrug. "Well tha' there's the joys ah been the Boss... Boss..." She laughed. "S'why ah married ye so ah weren't havin' to be goin' to all them like yerself and Ogrash are!"
"Oh be quiet now Ghorza... An' don't be opening that mouth of yours drow! You can talk all ye want on what yer thinking after we eat and talk o' more important matters." Ogrash told them firmly, but in an amused tone as she motioned at the white haired and black skinned elf who had looked about to speak. Missasri watched, taking her seat beside Karg, as Lua paused, pouted and then huffed with arms across her chest. "An' eat too of course. Bloody hungry after been stuck babysittin' Zah all bloody day with Breyza so he don't start punchin' those thick headed idiots from Hrudic's lot. Lest not till Kurnak and his Red Axes agree and then we can let him bash some skulls..."
Mistress Ogrash motioned at Master Karg "Oh, don't be scowling like that, you. Kurnak's a slimy bastard, but he's a slimy bastard with enough warriors to matter keeping happy Karg. That and there be no goin back for him and his clan now...Wyrmog and his lot didn't like him then, and they'd skin Kurnak and his alive now if they could after joinin' us in full view of every clan now."
Karg, echo Missasri's own feelings a little on the matter grunted. "Yeah, it's just the traitorous backstabbers on our side along with all those who switched sides because we're winning. Stab us in the back or run first chance he gets."
"Bah, course he will. Cut our throats iff'in it suited his purposes ah mean..." Ghorza stated half-shoving the half-elven Tris over to the barrel of... cider? fruit beer? resting nearby with motions to refill flagons "but run? No fuggin' way. Slimy little rat thief bastard him and his lot are all roit, but they'll fight when they hafta. We just need make sure that him and them haft fight for us fer'em to survive and prosper. That and if he tries stab us in the back... We'll just need to make sure that'll result in him dead and us not been' sufferin' from a fatal dose of sword-in-heart. Fatal dose dat, roit after axe-to-face as killers of idjits who test us."
"Exactly Ghorza, with Kurnak and his lot we just need to be ready at all times. Just like with any not one of us, or from those that serve us..." Mistress Ogrash agreed as Missasri took a proffered flagon from Tris "Now, what is said of the horde's march to war come the winters end?"
Beside her Karg sighed and rested both arms upon the table. "Not much t'be honest, as Zah's probably told you too Oggy. Well not much more than what's been gone over before: Phargk's in charge overall, but is largely agreeing with me and Zah to try to fight Wyrmog and his new friends on ground of our choosing. That and Jernak and his Moonblades agrees with us too, so that probably helps. What concerns me is the damned Uthgardt and their mercenary army hovering about to our east... We got thousands under our banners now, but most of them are from clans... Let's say that aren't up to our standards, nor to the Moonblades', nor even - I hate to say - the Red Axes' standards."
Missasri took a sip. Oh, it was some odd mixture of strawberries and blackberries in a beer. It was so strange really, she reflected, how only a few scant years could change things so dramatically like an odd form of magic. From her own life to simple things like the situation of this case going from an old haunted ruin to a thriving frontier town-city and having this rather crudely made but enjoyable alcohol from an empty valley.
Still what Karg had said was a continuation of what he was concerned about: the armies allied with him were strong enough to crush the Uthgardt savages, most likely quite easily in Missasri's opinion. Or even to try face down the mighty host supposedly being raised by the equally savage orc-fire giant Warlord from the 'King of the Spine' as Karg called the orc lord in those savage lands north of there.
But he was worried, even if he wouldn't say it, about having to face two nearby foes at perhaps the same time as having the vile and wicked Luskans waging war on everyone and anyone it seemed. Why even now her home city of Neverwinter struggled under the assault of those savage inhuman monsters and their likely demonic allies to the south in the Mere of Dead Men from rumors!
Something she had thought somewhat on... Her own position as third wife aiding on the process at thought of harm coming to those sitting around her and the little child playing with the slave-girl just beyond. "These mercenaries are of Mirabar from the coin are they not Karg? At least that is what those with Lord Malchor believed, and what Vol has told me of her journey here."
Her orc hummed as food was brought before them and Missasri remember how hungry she'd been feeling during her studies of late. Karg huffed in an overly dramatic fashion, as usual to her now experienced eyes. "Yes... another city-state trying to do us in. Luskan and Mirabar on either side of us, and both of them sponsoring murder-hobo hordes against us!"
"Why don't you contact them Ma- my husband, through the Harpells I mean. Warn them of the arrival of the great host of our enemies and of the foolishness of them entrusting coin and weapons to arm such as the Uthgardt when you have common cause against a common foe. One who only recently burned their farmlands and raided their trade caravans"
He looked at her sceptically. "Uh-huh, sure... They'll just love to hear from the scary orcs who, until recently, were allied with the Big Bad Warlord."
Mistress Ghorza chuckled at that but Missasri waved it off. "They don't know that though Karg... And we're not allied with him now. So it's the truth and nothing but the truth that they'd be hearing from us. We just leave out certain parts, is all."
'One of the things father taught me on dealing with traders,' she left unsaid as Mistress Ghorza laughed even louder alongside a snort of amusement from Mistress Ogrash and Lua. After all the goal was not to ally with Mirabar, merely get them to consider holding back their mercenary allies a little, or even convince them to an alliance of convenience till the battle was finished and the Illuskan host could then focus upon the next foe. It wasn't if Mirabar, like Neverwinter and the vile Luskans too, had never backed orcish mercenaries themselves at the same time as other savages. Just enough time to hold up any coin delivery, or pressure to draw the Uthgardt north to defend the Mirabar holdings would give them space and time to...
--
[Interlude 08]
--
[Sailing in the Sword Sea]
Shond Tarovin smiled to himself in the gloom of his cabin aboard as he took his hands away from the Tome of the Unicorn. All was as it should be he found to his delight. The Tome was in his possession, the fools who he'd hired to aid him in the theft were dead, and even more importantly their souls had sated the spirit of the Demilich Shoon held within the Tome.
Sated, and now willing to grant him the knowledge and powers to begin the creation of a Living Gem for the small price of seven more foolish souls. It would be the work of years perhaps, but they were at sea and the Ruathym would see the hands of others upon events. Either they would see it as a machination of the Harpers, or of the Host Tower perhaps, then those filthy savages on the islands would spend hours chasing their own tails as a result. Good he thought and not just for aiding him, the food and beer had been horrible there too.
'Even managed it in less time than I'd hoped, thank the Gods for foolish Luskans and Neverines warring and causing chaos across the seas' he thought with a chuckle as he stood and stretched tired limbs. A yawn erupted from him then, a reminder of the hours spending studying the ancient spell-book, and he decided a brief jaunt upon the deck before some bed rest would be rather ideal.
Sadly the constant motion of the ship made true sleep to memorise his spells rather more difficult than he'd expected – a problem when one had been forced to utilise several of them just to get aboard the ship headed south for Amn. Placing the tome into the hidden compartment of his robe, and the spell of holding within that compartment, he then cast a stone-skin spell upon himself before moving to leaving the cabin proper. One could never be too careful with crews such as this.
'Unlock' he silently released the spell on the cabin door and opened it to the chill air of the Sword Sea. One or two of the crew passed him, but he ignored them as they were beneath him. Thankfully upon his return to the mainland of Faerun he could pretend to be a wealthy merchant rather than as some beggar like 'adventurer' seeking to 'help' others.
It had almost made him sick having to play along with that 'noble' identity rather than having the common vermin know their right place beneath his notice. Now at least he could stride out onto the deck and be given the proper deference to a mage such as he. Resting his arms on the railing he gazed out over the frigid, yet strangely calm Sword Sea. Perhaps he would be able to get a decent night's sleep now that the night was rapidly approaching?
"Fog Bank dead ahead!" he heard the shout from lookout's nest above. Glancing in that direction he could see the thick white mists drift in their direction driven by the faint sea winds. He adjusted his robes against the cold sea breeze. Looking back down at the water he hummed tiredly in thought as the waves splashed against the ship's hull.
"Dran, Heryn, Kelric, arm yeselves lads" startled him out of his relaxation as the voice of the ship's Captain reached his ears. Reaching into his robes Shond steeled himself, mentally preparing his spells as he became on guard for potential threats. Still he gave a polite smile and glanced towards one of these suddenly more alert sailors. A half-elf from the looks of it, though more human seeming than elven with the beard and scars on his face; hardly a threat even with the wooden stick thing in his hand now.
"Is there a problem kind sir?"
"Nay, be at ease. Capn' always like this wents we ah comin' inna fog banks and the like. Says that it be just be some truth in them stories, enn'if we only had trouble naught times. Nothin' be botherin' the likes ah us under the banner ah Amn in these here parts affer' all"
'Well that's a relief I suppose' he thought to himself standing up as the fog started to approach...
Power manifested.
Power manifested really fucking close his mind screamed in warning while he stumbled hard against the railing as the ship shook like it had hit a rock shoal. Across the deck from him the deck exploded upwards in a shattering of wooden planks and swearing crewmen. Feeling the power suddenly arriving in his presence Shond grabbed the amulet hanging around his and decided running.
Thereby using his rather costly and exhausting teleportation spell of course, but getting away safely mattered ore than worrying over disguises and other attention; he could deal with that later. Away from whatever this was. Words tumbled from his mouth as something began to ascend from below as those around him cursed and swore, grabbing weapons, or merely trying to regain their footing. Not that Shond would care much on that as the spell triggered...
Whhhaaaammmm
'Owwwww...' he groaned as he slammed hard into an invisible wall and was thrown backwards unto the wooden deck, staring up at the damaged ships rigging above him. Suddenly someone was beside and above him, an attractive woman in colourful robes, grabbing at his shoulders and helping him up. Mouthing something stupid at him as well he noted as he roughly shoved the woman away. Most likely she was out to steal his treasure from him in the chaos!
"Away from me woman I..." he managed to say as the shaking of the ship stopped and an armoured figure rose out of the ruined cargo hold as if flying. An enormous orc rose out before his eyes clad in crimson chainmail, helmet upon its head from which glowing red eyes blazed out malevolently as it raised its blood covered sword and motioning at the stunned crew and passengers like Shond. Its voice was deep, dark, and terrifying and filled with so much power Shond saw his death made flesh.
"YOUR END HAS COME! FACE IT BRAVELY AND I SHALL MAKE IT SWIFT!"
For a moment there was stunned silence on the deck, only the splashing of waves against the ships hull, and grunts of pain from below. Then the colourfully clad woman beside him was chanting, calling upon some God or another as the old captain jumped down to the deck...
"No. No. No. No. No. NO!" Shond wailed as he scrambled backwards. He had to get back to the cabin. Yes...yes, let these fools play meatshields his mind warned as the woman charged forward, still clad in light clothes but now wielding a glowing hammer of light, crying out a battlecry as the sailors nearby moved to do likewise. Once there...yes there was death, he could...could...could Summon Shoon from the Skull and Tome! Yes, summon the mighty Demilich...he glanced around. Needed souls, needed a sacrifice...
PAIN! BLAZING AGONISING PAIN!
He screamed as something slammed into his shoulder and drove him back with such force to slam into the wooden forecastle as to pin him there. Shond flailed and wailed, grabbing at the spear of some sort wedged into his shoulder. Before him, though he hardly noticed due to the pain and desperate attempts to free himself, the monstrous orc moved with terrifying dexterity.
With almost casual movements it flowed around the melee attacks of the nearest attackers in a manner an armoured warrior just should not, and then the blood soaked blade would reach out and claim a life. Where an arrow, or spell, was thrown at the figure it would easily dodge, or deflect with a blade, before a javelin would appear by magic in its free hand...then fly unerringly to strike its attacker. Shond grabbed at the shaft of the metal holding him prisoner as his blood flowed down his robes. Gotta escape, gotta escape!
"COWARDLY HUMAN, THERE IS NO ESCAPE THIS DAY. EVEN THE FEMALE FOUGHT MORE BRAVELY THAN THEE MURDEROUS FOOL" that monstrous voice announced as suddenly that massive creature was standing before him. Gauntled hand reaching into his robes and tearing forth the Tome of the Unicorn from with as Shond Tarovin screamed in agony and fear at the touch. Mystra help me! Someone, ANYONE HELP ME!!!!
"SHOON, YOU END BEFORE YOU ARE EVER REBORN" the creature stated...in a tongue that pained Shond's mind as it reverberated with each word. With horror he watched as the monster held up the precious Tome and Skull of the Demilich as if studying it a moment. Then it was burning, burning and shrieking in the same manner as Shond, though its tones were that of the grave, and hate, and rage rather than of fear and horror like the sole surviving human on the deck. Not that it was for long, as soon nothing and no one lived alive or in undeath, upon the burning wreck of the Saphhire Lady before it slid beneath icy depths of the Sword Sea...
--
[The Runaway Princess]
It hurt. Everything hurt so much she found laying in the spring mud desperately trying to rise again. Trying, and failing as her body gave out despite her brains demands and once again she found herself eating mud. It wasn't supposed to go like this, not end like this out in the mud and dirt with no one around but a beastly foe. Her beastly foe who walked around her fallen form as if bored, before suddenly, half-kicking/half-shoving her in the side to roll her unto her back as she panted and groaned in pain.
Even keeping her eyes open was painful as the slowly descending sun above hurt her tear stained eyes till the tall armoured orc shaded her from it by looking over her. Something that hurt her pride even more than any of the physical pain she endured as she weakly reached for her sword that lay nearby. Let it now, just let this shame end...the Orc chuckled deeply and darkly at her efforts as a boot pressed down on the arm causing her to grunt at the pressure.
"Ha, as brave as I was led to believe...truly it is a shame that you were born to such weak Gods in that human form is it not?"
That voice...it was pressure on her mind somehow. Still she tried to be brave in the face of death, to push the mud and dirt out of her mouth and spit defiantly. Mouth something like 'you'll never succeed villain' or 'the Dragon will Triumph!' before it finished her off. Sadly all it came out as was "Yyyusssshhhhh *cough* illllllll *cough* ailllllll *cough*"
The massive helmeted orc nodded "Good. That is how a warrior should be. Defiant to the very end...good, you will do perfectly...Heh, assuming you survive that is"
She couldn't help but jerk in fear as he planted his blade, bloodstained and almost crying for hers somehow, into the ground near her head. A powerfully strong gauntleted hand grabbed her throat as the other tore the helmet from her head, those terrifyingly inhuman eyes seeming to pierce her very soul as the orc studied her jerking and spasming body. Despite the sudden overwhelming urge to whimper, to beg, the creature for mercy, she fought it back...but found her body paralysed and helpless. The gauntleted hand holding her throat forced her head up to look into those blazing eyes and she fought with every fiber of her being to glare back.
"The human city that is besieged, you wish to save it from the horde that seeks to conquer it?" he asked in that cold and darkly tone and she found herself almost forced to reply in a hoarse, tired voice, as a gauntlet finger pushed mud away from her mouth.
"Yes"
If she could move she would have nodded too at the obviousness of the question. Of course she'd come to aid in saving one of her people's cities from the savage orcs and goblins that threatened it. Not that she had even gotten that far, only coming into view of it from a distance before this brutish orc warrior had come forth to speak formal words of challenge to her. The orc nodded.
"And would you trade your life for those inside?"
Her heart hammered in her chest and she breathed heavily. So here it was, her death approaching...she glared back and managed to find her voice somehow "I...I would...gladly die...die...to save them orc! I do not fear you!"
"Hah, hah, hah...you amuse me human because you truly should. Since you have challenged me, and I have defeated you in arms your life is mine to do with as I please. But I could let you leave this place alive, even have you save the city...though none would ever know you did so. Is that worth a small price little human?"
"Youu...you'll...not have my...soul creature!"
"Hah hah hah! No I shall not! What use would I have for such a thing? No...No, what I want is your life, or a mere few years of it. You wished and prayed so hard and loud for a life of adventure. Did you not think someone would hear? Why I shall even grant you that too as a gift! Hah hah hah!"
Her heart thudded like a hammer striking an anvil again and again as the orc loomed over her and held her firmly in its grip while making its demands "Now human, runaway female of a great chieftain, I offer thee a deal made in blood and etched in soul: For the sparing of thy life here and now, and that of the human city you wish to save from the Horde of Crangashk, Warrior of Gruumsh you shall swear fealty to me as thy master for a sum of a full score of seasons. Serving me loyally and to the best of thy abilities in what is ordered of thee"
Compulsion or Geass, or at least something of the vein the voice of her tutors in magic whispered from the back of her mind. If the orc was a magic user he could make it stick if she agreed...but it wasn't her soul, and she could find some way to break and such pact or whatever it was. Maybe...hopefully. And for the Orc to be swearing such then he too would be important in some manner to the horde besieging the city of her people, or at least working to undermine its success. To agree would be a small price to save it but...
"I...I...shall not murder innocents for you nor betray my people monster" it sounded weak, but she would not be such to her folk. No, better an ignoble death here than a traitor to blood and kin, oath and creed just to crawl away for a few more days.
The orc shrugged almost bored "You shall leave these lands and be only called upon to defend thyself from thy kin if they seek to harm thee. I dislike having kinslayers or clan betrayers being in my service human so do not fear that. Sworn in blood and etched in soul do thee swear?"
"I...I...I...do swear. Only if they are spared"
Those terrifying eyes blazed burning red as the very air around felt the crushing weight of something ominous, and powerful, as the breath was forced from her lungs while the dusk darkened like night around her. The orc brought one guantled hand over to the other and pulled free the steel gauntlet and as she watched with terrified eyes cut it upon his bloodstain blade. Not even a flinch she saw as she struggled desperately to keep her mouth shut tight as the bleeding palm was brought back towards her mouth.
No. No. No. No. No. No. No...
The still gauntlet hand returned to her neck, squeezing painfully till she gasped desperately for breath...
'No!' she mentally cried as she tasted blood as that deep and dark voice reverberated within her "Sworn in Blood and Etched in Soul. Thy life is mine my Servant bound; our pact is made and prices paid by both our hands. Now Rise in Glory and Serve me"
She screamed into that hand as her body seemed to be on fire. It was agony...it was ecstasy as magic flowed into her and it felt like her blood was molten fire, her bones frozen in the deepest depths of winter. But still she was held fast by those impossibly strong hands as her armoured body jerked and spasmed weakly beneath the towering monster. A monster who continued to speak over her faint struggles as if they were nothing, something that she shouldn't be bothered by.
"Now, I gift thee my mark and my power so that you shall be fit to serve me in the seasons to come..." the orc paused and chuckled as the hand pulled away as he stood back up and recovered his blade "...also I would not recommend approaching your own kin, or their minions, in thy new form"
For a few moments she panted and groaned desperately as the pain and pleasure faded from her body like the tide pulling out from the shore. Still the monstrous orc...wizard?...remained silently staring down at her as she desperately tried to reorder her thoughts, then brought her hand over her eyes to shield them from the painful light of the setting sun. Her clawed and green-grey hand...
"Argghhhh!" she wailed jumping up suddenly staring at both transformed hands, then feeling for her face and feeling the small tusks there. She whirled desperately...where was her energy suddenly coming from? a part of her mind queried idly...towards the orc and gestured is if in begging her father or mother for something as child. Or just to try make the world make more sense with in articulate fury and confusion "Arrghhhhhhhh!"
The bastard actually smiled "Yes you're an orc now. You've thought nothing of killing my people, and they aren't likely to accept a weak human female for my tasks or quests. Consider this a learning experience as one of my minions sometimes puts it. You shall very swiftly see how brutal your own...your former...kind are to those not of their blood. Serve me well, live, and one day you shall rule them in your own right my amusing female knight"
"Aaargghhhh!" she gestured again at herself, at him, at the very land around them. No, no, no...this wasn't fucking happening!
"Consider that that my first task. Survive!" the orc chuckled as she looked at her hands again a moment then back at him...
He was gone. He was fucking gone and she was alone in the grove with her sword and shield scattered nearby along with all her coin, camping gear and other equipment now that her horse had run away. She looked about frantically as his voice echoed on the wind around her.
"The Second is: Find out who I am my new Servant!"
"Aaarggggghhhh! I fucking hate you!"
--