In My Time of Troubles

by Crossposted

Crossposting of the TheIrishDreamer’s FanFiction on SpaceBattles all credit goes to the original author.

35. Entry 35

When: Winter, late 1356 Dale Reckoning

Where: Shaman's Tower, Stronghold of Sparta

Well, I've gotten the name of my new live-in guest/patient earlier today; Tsuruhoki of Dojyu, travelling scholar in service of nobody till now. Had Doctor Ned prepare me two scrolls of Comprehend Language now that she'd calmed down enough to be properly coherent for me to have a proper interview with. Honestly one sign of the end of the bout of painful spice induced, well, I'd say madness but she was pretty docile and obedient so it wasn't that so let's go with reality break, has been the apparent mortification and shame at her current state of skin care.

Or. more accurately. the fact it's going to be a slow process of treatment till she can properly cloth herself again, and the fact she rather liked her nice long hair apparently and now she's bald as a monk. Oh, and living in a tower with scary slave owner monsters, or yokai as she viewed it, with her former life and career beyond her reach. Still she managed to get through our talk in a state of embarrassed depression rather than the previous bouts of crying, pain, and incoherence. Still I've learned a bit about her, and the Lady Chiyohime of the Clan Hakanmara of Wa who's housed within the main Keep with the other two Kara-turan ladies, and bits and pieces about skills.

Such as the matter of Tsuruhoki was travelling around Wa seeking employment, and running I think behind all that, as her skill-set meant jumped up peasant in her homeland of Kozakura. Troubled life, and even more troubled for her now sadly, but she is reasonably bright if we can break the language barrier more permanently and prevent her harming herself from continued depression. So, as a start, I'm giving her a 'training regime' of sorts to follow with the aim of becoming my, and Missy's be extent, personal librarian-scholar-servant for the foreseeable future.

Largely that 'regime' has largely been incorporating her into my own, Missy's and Oggy's routine's at various stages for basic physical exercise before ensure her skin is treated, and then having each of us in my household practice Orcish and Common with her at various stages. Outside of that I've 'ordered' her to write of her life, knowledge, and experiences in her own language upon the paper and ink I've supplied; largely to keep her busy, but I can translate once I've learned the Comprehend Languages spell from the other scroll Ned provided. For now then she's largely confined to my new (larger) study, her small bedroom beside it, and the battlement where she seems to have some protection from the cold despite her nakedness.

Not that she's complaining about that, limiting her 'shame' to as few people as possible is her one real demand, albeit in a begging tone, and now the worst is over that's achievable since she now works for me. Best I could do is give her a gold sword in a circle amulet to wear around her neck as a sign of said protection, but that and the work seems to raised her spirits a little. Well, best I can tell it has as she's sitting across from me now writing in her native script with a focused expression on her face with only occasional glances at myself and touching of the small amulet at her neck. Once we sort the language barrier properly, beyond pointing at things and word-gesture indications, I can work out the extent of her future role here.

Her fellow Kara-turans are getting the same language 'lessons' of course, as are the family trio from dinosaur land, between Zah's family and mine (Oggy and Breyza with help from Lua, Nimmil, and Doctor Ned really) so it'll take a bit to fully decide on theirs as well. I will say the samurai-girl is moderately skilled, green as grass but trained well, after a short practice round against myself and then Zah. A bit unfair I know, but despite both of us beating her around the practice field she didn't give in without a fight and has good reaction times all things considered. Afraid of Rose for some reason so I healed her up after the practice, so even if the aristocratic lady can't generate any wealth her retainer and the other women can through fight skill, or the others through embroidery and similar skills.

They at least can be brought outside and shown around the stronghold; Zah, well Breyza with Zah, taking charge there and having our merry little visitors watch one of the mock battles in the fields outside the stronghold. Likely to impress upon them our strength I guess, or in Zah's case show off how awesome he is in battle for the females; pretty foreign noble lady? yeah, I know my friend, his wife, and my wife's views on dealing with that possibility. As long it's not directly forced I can live it, really once we've gotten them to a level where they can talk to other people then they can do whatever they want, including leaving the stronghold if so desired.

Now unto actual business; weather's cleared somewhat so training, proper sized squad versus squad training, is back on. Competition is high, because of the rewards for 'most skilled' squads and warriors, and it's good to keep up the training tempo. Captain Krowluc's mixed species cavalry did pretty well I though, considering their horse riders and many starting barely trained, I thought in coming in third over the three days 'league' structure we've got running. Between that and introducing Hurling as a sport, tried Football but that's just pitched battle after a few kicks, we're hopefully avoiding the traditional laziness with a stronghold. Considering the recent magical attack I'm even more convinced we can't allow our guard to drop even in these times of supposed winter hibernation.

Reports are also back from the villages as well;- everything is fine so far, no attacks, magical otherwise, to cause trouble. Even my usage of 'adventurers' from Lua's Guild seems to have worked out in a relatively timely manner, and actually causing a small caravan of goods to come from two eastern villages still off a decent road connection. Not much, but now I've two small bands of goblins and kobolds 'merchants' running about in the temporally reopened town market. Rose's grandmother Wifne, and Zah's elf wife Hollawyn, wish to also visit here with small caravans if the weather stays clear; so I've sent out messages for the various vassals to gather here over the next month assuming the weather stays clear enough. Just in time for the Midwinter Ceremony, and for a 'strategy meeting' as both Zah and Oggy want to achieve.

I've noted Doctor Ned, Nimmil, and that mad fire wielding kobold Menkin, have paid to sent out three small bands of 'adventurers' out to do some hunting and gathering. Though one of those groups seems to be more basic in its mission;- go to Shiny Iron Mountain and get a caravan to come down with various things from the underground there. The gnolls, though now we've got one living here it seems with a half-human half-gnoll child while the others head out apparently, are hunting a sighting of a winter wolf off in the eastern hills along with winter herbs. I can understand, as while I've got small 'gardens' set up here and there within my tower, in the Underkeep, and up in the terraces, it's still quite small so I'll pay good coin to get more seeds to try expand that growth.

Now, back to the 'Council' of sorts that myself and Zah are calling in the next weeks. In part it's the whole impressing everyone with the Midwinter ceremony about a month away, time flies and the year is ending after all, but I do want to consult King Tucker and his minions, plus see how power has settled in the other non-orc villages. The other part is, especially from my side, I want to hammer out the structures of things if and when we march out to face the armies of the Uthgradht and the Luskans. Such as the planting before we raise the auxlia levy, the numbers we can raise, guarding the valley with army gone, and a host of other such little details to avoid easy attacks upon our territory while we leave. Darth Phargk seems to be communicating general agreement with my plan, but we have to plan in the end he's just playing me along, or one of the others (like Kurnak) try stab us in the back.

Next I want to arrange a mini-religious conclave to see just what the state of play is within the valley for the religions of the non-orc deities. Then from there encourage those we want, and deal with any causing/will-cause trouble for us. Truthfully there hasn't been, but I'd like to formalise the work we've been doing with Rose and her granny to form a small, mostly loyal, Chauntean Priesthood within the ranks. They've recruited a dozen girls, no men or boys for some reason, between Rose's four here and Wifne's eight in her village, and in that I want to see the general level they are at. Once I've done that I'm going to take some time to do training with the group like I do with my own and Oggy's too. Not that I'll interfere with doctrine of course, but it's important to make a show and sort out a hierarchy, responsibilities, and what's allowed I find.

It should also display to Qilue Veladorn the nature of the land I, and my clan if I can make it stick, wish to rule over. Largely because, in addition to a planned proper sized settlement in years to come, she's agreed to settle a village here in the valley; off at one of the western watchtowers (one of our basic ones) between the kobold and human villages. Mountainous and with forests so it won't ever be a very large village or town, but there's small caves and springs there so it's ideal for a small, easily defended, with shelter from the sun drow-elf village. Great view too from there I suppose, but from my point of view it allows the continued locking down of the valley as we expand our own orc dominated settlements at the north and south bridges from forts to small fortified village-farms.

Slaves doing said farming of course, but I'm trying to allow freeing after a number of years there and serving the 'Lord' we appointed there as tenant farmers. Or outright give a small plot of land around the forts, it's good empty land, in exchange for tithing their crops to us at harvest. The end decision there is going to come down to what the clan wants; ie the warriors, the females, and Zah once we hash it out over the rest of the winter; largely because the older warriors and females settle the places, and it's more 'guiding' their rule than trying to force them to do something they won't. So far it's been forts we supply that have a few slaves growing supplementary goods buts that's seemingly not the preferred setup amongst the rank and file according to oldsters like Cardac and Taugh.

Honestly the fortified 'den' with minions, slave or otherwise, seems the preferred option as best I can tell from them and my own agents like Hreshgk. Understandable in a way, and if I could organise these fortified farmsteads right it'd produce a full-time soldier class from the orc 'settlers' while the others farm things year to year. Boss's Boss wouldn't tolerate orcs farming after all, nor would most orcs, but we have a growing cattle herd at long last so that's an acceptable thing; females can forage and produce 'crafts' so it's the 'farm' part I've to sort. The part I'm wary of is releasing field slaves out into the 'tender' hands of idiots, so it'll be a juggling act to find the better candidates to install as 'mini-lords' across the various spots here in the valley. At least with the current setup the slaves are returned at winter, and I can control their condition with punishment if 'clan property' is damaged or lost.

I'll sort something, but we'll have to wait and see what comes out of the shouting shop at the end. After all there's still our young 'wards' from the villages, and now from the Sky Pony tribe that Obould sent to ensure they don't rebel over the winter. The village child are easy enough to deal with, even the goblin and kobold ones sent our way, as they they've had three to four winters of this and their homes are nearby relatively speaking; it's why I send some of ours to Zybelin's Drift and Zahgorim's Conquest in response. Kobolds don't want, and that's understandable, and those in Goblin Town are really just garrison brats of the female auxlia. Uthgardters were both easier and harder to handle; firstly they are basically smaller pink orcs, and culturally closer to the way we were than the villagers. Which is ironically a problem as they are more likely to fight with the village children than my lot are, or were till sense got beaten into them; not a fan of such corporal punishment, but its harsh world and not invoking discipline leads to deaths and revenge.

Not that it's not been a serious problem, Rose after all managed to find her three recruits from amongst the barbarians, but I see that as more. Well, let's just say Uthgardt girls are basically bottom of the clan totem pole like with more 'traditional' orc clans without the benefits of the Priestess of Luthic to hammer out into a position of power. I'm not sure what Obould is doing, but so far I'm inclined to use Rose and Wife's goddess as a means to undermine more traditional Uthgardt culture to something more useful. And hopefully less rebellious as well, because better they be famers than just pink orcs or broodmares for orcish warriors instead of Uthgardt ones like some, most, of those girls seem to expect. So they boys are still being hammered into soldier training like our own young, but Oggy's over the girls along with the clan females; rules are simple there in that no deaths or serious injuries just like the other hostage wards.

Now one must go, magical training awaits. Slan.

--

[Wifne 09]

Approaching Gate, Stronghold of Sparta

Wifne sighed in relief, breath steaming on the chilly air, as the outer walls of the orc fortress came into view as her wagon trundled along beneath her on the hard earthen path of the dug up and part-restored old road. It was still day, but dark and overcast with cold winds once again rising indicating the onset of more snows and winter fogs in the days to come. Even wrapped up warmly in thick fur trimmed robes she could feel the chill in the air after the, relatively quick compared to the past years, journey to the stronghold along with her and Hollaywn's small caravan.

Behind her in the wagon her five young acolytes rested under and beside the furs and goods there, three sleeping still while the more energetic Bara and Fonny played some game, or perhaps were just quietly talking amongst themselves, while resting on the sides of the wagon. Despite the chill and gloom it was a fairly pleasant evening, cold but endurable, as they passed along the path of cleared land beneath the jagged hills the great old castle rested upon. Wifne flicked the reins again to keep the rothe moving, there was likely point in slowing down now after all and doing so would disrupt the rest of the small wagon train trundling and creaking along behind her.

Glancing to her side she saw the horsemen, young Egar, who she had warned away from her charges, from her village amongst them as they trotted along tiredly beside them as their voices carried the desire to drink and rest upon their approaching return. She smiled softly to herself, she could relate for the urge for simple pleasures even after such a short journey such as this; travelling a day or two in winter was like a ten-day or more in other seasons she had found over the years.

"Glad to be gettin' under shelter and into the warmth Priestess? Hello girls, you're looking well rested" the plate armoured half-orc captain of their mounted escort rumbled out in greeting to her as he brought his war stallion to trot alongside her more humble mode of transport. The two awake girls looked at each other before giggling shyly at each other as Wifne shushed them with a glance over her shoulder before returning her gaze to orcish nearly-knight; a dangerous fellow, but he at least had experience in human ruled towns and lands and as such dealt well with having a mixed species fighting force.

"Aye Captain, just as your riders seem to be too I think"

He gave a bemused snort "Don't they always, little job like this and their already planning a round of drinking and lazing about when it's over"

Wifne smiled at that "Ah, in the winter season I think we all prefer the warmth of the hearth and a flagon of ale with friends till the coming of spring, rather than the cold and snow of these mountains. Seems to me we'll all be glad of that if the weather keeps getting any colder and the snows come back in full force"

"Oh that I don't doubt Priestess, another round of bad weather not far off as you say..." he agreed humming in thought a moment "...though in part that is effecting a request I'd make of you?"

"Ask away Captain"

"One of my lot had a bit of fall a little back, we've set the arm and horse has a bit of limp. I've left her suffer along so far, and keep the mount moving slow and rested at this pace, but I'd like to ask if you could heal up the arm and save me some trouble once we've arrived within the walls?"

Wifne chuckled softly "Seeking to avoid paying one of the healers within the stronghold?"

"Heh, perhaps, though I expect it'd be more it'd save having to listening to her moaning about it while we wait for the Shaman to send on an apprentice. I would have waited, save for the fact I can see another mock battle taking place ahead it seems and that means the on duty acolytes would be assigned to dealing with that, and guard patrols first. Not something as minor as this to waste spells upon"

"Oh, and are mine worth wasting Captain?"

He seemed to catch her humour at the matter and he shrugged ever so faintly despite that armour "Not at all Prietess merely that I expect you shall be resting soon after our arrival and likely will not using your magic before restoring them come the morning"

"Hmph, experienced with those of faith are we Captain..." Wifne mused back with a smile "...but true. I shall grant your request, though I'll require a favour from you perhaps at some point in the future"

"A reasonable enough price Priestess..." the half-orc agreed before they engaged in more small talk upon the nature of the weather and the nature of the lands. At the least it eased the boredom of the remainder of the journey, the girls behind her now all awake and asking their own, oft silly, questions on the rider's adventures in the Savage Frontier and Far North before coming to the valley. Far travelled for a mercenary of course, but that wasn't surprising, and at least it entertained her trainees as the last few leagues coming into the fortress passed away much more pleasantly. Though of course the girls engagement was rapidly distracted over to the giant organised brawl taking place upon the open ground to their left as they came before the outer earth and wooden walls of the orc town.

Wifne chuckled softly at that, the equally amused half-orc Captain taking his leave at that point to ride up to the guards of the stronghold waiting nearby to signal their arrival. Mostly to enable Wifne and the wagons behind her to be led inside the walls and to the large open 'stable' area to allow them to being them to a stop and secure up the haulage beasts. In the end it was merely a matter of dismounting and riding herd on her charges along with Hollaywn when they had stopped so as to await her hosts for the night; who of course managed to time their arrival just after she had finished healing the broken arm of the foolish half-orc woman. Wifne couldn't help but grin though as her little flower ean forward to embrace her in a hug with a happy cry of "Grandma!"

"Oof! Easy on your elders energetic granddaughter!" she half-laughed, half-grunted, at the bear hug of the chainmail and gambeson clad form of her red-head grandchild. Still Wifne hugged back happily as behind her little flower strolled the large orcish forms of the orc clan's Shaman and Chieftain as they talked and laughed amongst themselves. Wifne's fellow village leader, the elf woman Hollaywn strode forward and gave a bow to the orcish warchief and emitting a soft "Greetings my husband"

Not that Wifne focused much on that, savoring the time with her family before they separated as Shaman Karguk approached with a wave of a gloved hand. It appeared both orcs had been on the practice field themselves, likely up in the castle rather than down on the flats, before their coming down to greet them "Hello there again Wifne, I hope all was well on your journey here?"

She gave a quick bow "All was well Shaman Karguk, thank you for asking. I was merely healing up one who had suffered a bit of a tumble due to the cold terrain as they escorted us here"

"Ah, that's always happening but your right to get it healed up before it becomes a problem. And I see these are your acolytes, hello there ladies!" the shaman greeted seeing the now nervous girls hovering at the wagon behind her, unsure of how to respond to the greeting from one of their overlords. Wifne sighed, waving them to come forward and present themselves for inspection "Now girls, don't be shy, get over here and don't keep the Lords waiting"

After all it was rather vital to impress them in the coming months as their power seemed to grow, and to encourage such things as building a priesthood of the Goddess within their lands. It was strange that, but the Shaman at least was willing to work with her and others despite being a little mad as best she could tell, and Rose had allowed them a chance she herself had never envisioned over her long years. Why exactly they were wanted for this 'talk' she did not know, but from her position things were going far better than could have ever been hoped a mere few years ago. And it wasn't as if the orc did anything threatening to the girls, just a quick chat and a pat on the head for one before he motioned his guards to begin unloading the wagons and guiding them to follow along behind him and the armoured warchief as he spoke on where they were to stay.

"...so don't worry, I've cleared out the lower room of my tower and you, Rose, your acolytes and hers can stay there. It was one of the small class rooms till now but we've got the UnderKeep and that big building over there to function as schools for now. Oggy'll sort out a few of her lot to help you with anything, and I'm just above with my household and guards if you need anything...since Rose here's part of it and bosses certain folk around anyway"

Her little flower elbowed him in the shoulder as the two walked side by side, a huffy tone on her lips "Papa!"

"Heh, well you do and don't deny it" the orc chuckled back placing an arm around her granddaughters shoulders as they walked along "...but the plan for now is, you've saved me from the practice field and we'll have a rest before we have a small feast at up in the Keep. We can talk business and other matters, and yours and Roses acolytes can catch back up while we do so..."

--

When: Winter, either late 1356 or early 1357 Dale Reckoning

Where: My Tower, newly reorganised and tidy Study, Stronghold of Sparta

Bit a reorganisation of my tower and the Underkeep in the past few days, and largely finished now as I sit here writing with magic quill. So much easier really, and the growth of clan numbers since we've moved here largely brought it upon; my tower really isn't big enough , the Underkeep has gradually been cleared, and after six years we've actually sorta rebuilt the other towers and filled in areas with wooden structures where needed. My Tower, is largely my Tower now rather than just a training area; we've moved 'classes' to the Underkeep, 'training tower' and a large structure that'll serve as a 'school' down in the town. The shrines to the Gods, for general worship, being moved to the fixed up stone building up against the side of the western wall from the bottom levels of my tower.

It'll serve as a 'laboratory' or maybe 'meditation area' for us now, the God-slaves being just above and a bedroom for my guards across; then a 'guest' room in the floor above, with a few of my own and Oggy's acolytes across from there. I've Rose's granny and their acolytes encamped in that 'guest' room for, though it's more the acolytes as Rose insists on sleeping with us, and that has meant Wifne stays up in our rooms. Its fine by me, they're part of the household after all, and there's space now even with my children running about like little madmen. They are very energetic along with being cute, and loud, certainly loud; though much of the day they spend with the rest of the clan children in the Keep, or down in the town when the weather isn't like it is right now.

Truth be told its really part of the general trend within the clan of shifting population down into the 'town' area from the castle that's been ongoing since we started building, well, buildings down there. More spacious, and the 'senior' clan-orcs tend to concentrate up here as, big and all as the old ruin is with the Underkeep, it can't support the clan's numbers as they are. I've kinda started a census, but that'll take ages as we've had a big auld baby-boom since establishing ourselves, and most of the households, established or just new pairings, tend to prefer the 'fort huts' over the cramped caves and Keep. It's perhaps more apparent with the warriors back, but the streets are always relatively full even with shift duty and since the 'Evil Teleporting Tavern' incident I've been paying more attention to the sprawl in general.

Or perhaps I'm just over-thinking my winter cleaning brought upon to get a bigger study and library area for myself, while also insuring some measure of privacy for my new minion Tsuruhiko. Mara and Kathri seem to like her, and they've been helping her learn both Orcish and the Common Tongue with Oggy and Lua; well all of us, it's going to be a 'team' effort I suppose with myself and Missy being the usual users of said study and library as the mages. Ghorza really isn't bothered, she's well enough to fight now;- so she's pretty much back down in the training yard whenever possible. Of course Tsuru large avoids leaving the library-study and her own little cot other than to relieve herself so despite the small area their paths bizarrely enough rarely seem to cross.

Another part of the 'tidy up' here and in the Keep is in the necessity of preparing for the winter ceremonies that are coming down the line. Feasting room as well I suppose, at least that's the reasoning I'm sure has Zah pushing for reorganising things outside of 'too many' people being inside the place now we've got another bout of snowfall in coming. Not too bad at the moment, but the temperature is dropping and snowfall is starting to increase as I came back in; I'd reckon another day or so and we'll either be into another storm or blizzard, or the whole thing will break. From experience the first option seems most likely, and its winter wonderland time once again. I suppose that can be a bit of a benefit as we're going to be 'talking' quite a bit in the coming days, so bad weather should help with that if I'm to draw a positive from it.

Talking, and training, of course; though more in the mystical vein as it ties in with all the work that's going to have to go into the general casting. Oh, and ensuring the important guests are kept away from the big magic flare of Ilneval and Luthic worship, and then me and my redirecting of said magical overflow. Or perhaps management of said magic is more the correct term to use;- something I'm having odd thoughts, or dreams, about since the incident on my spiritual journey. Ideas are often bad thing though, so I've been making notes on potential changes based on what I think the Boss Orc wants done. Such as sacrificing some of my loot, and utilising the magic for the coming storm – not long now, even with the war on the horizon the Gods walking upon Toril is getting stressfully near. What we need though is the part that I must think more on.

Anyway, away from that; Wifne Humbletree seems cautiously supportive of what my (well, the clan's) plans for our lands. Bit more surprised by Rose's three apprentices, and their less than 'civilized' starting point, but she does seem to see the whole building up her priestess-hood in a favourable light. Within reason of course, and accepting our dominion, but it's the politics of power in regards the vassals and my need to ensure good harvests, and plentiful healers. Though I will say the eight chosen recruits are pleasant enough girls, smart, and brave enough despite being nervous of me. I'm planning on a teaching session with them later today so I'll have a better idea at that stage, and then I'll have them with Oggy and her younger acolytes for a time. Then a few 'classes' with one of Veladorn's priestesses, and more importantly my Red Branch Knights and better acolytes as I want them to understand other faiths. Both in terms of limits of pushing folk to avoid rebellion, and of what Gods generally oppose each other; know thy enemy, know thy friends in a way.

The kobolds are both less of an issue, and more of one; they are not particularly religious and value sorcerers (and wizards who fake being sorcerers) higher on the totem pole but I've still managed to get one cleric here to talk. Really holding the kobolds in line is a matter of carrot and stick, maintaining our strength and their fear of it, while having a benefit to our rule. Keeping Menkin on side helps with that, and to a degree, maintaining the strong dislike between the two kobold villages so they don't decide to unite and decide upon rebelling also helps in a way. They are also rather productive in the whole mining and general craftsmanship of tools so I kinda want to keep that little factory (both of them) chugging along nicely – getting a few of said sorcerers (apprentices) through my 'magic school' should help with that I hope.

I'll rework my plans over time as I get more data on its success/failure versus costs. Our goblins vassals, who we've beaten into something resembling shape, turned up today as well and I'll know what I'm dealing with since our visit to Goblin Town last time. There at least encouraging the followers of Meriadar seems the way to go, their 'high priest' being at more willing to cooperate, though while Khurgorbaeyag's priest is an issue they too are 'cooperating' and I'll have to try be subtle about supporting one over the other. Wards and trainees, aka hostages/those we can influence, will probably be the way to go there and I don't really have to worry too much about them proselytising across species lines. Well, except for Mystra maybe, but that's not really an issue considering I'm trying to develop a core of wizards to work hand in hand with our armies...

Anyway, gotta go; Lessons to give it seems according to Missy. Slan.

--

[Roland 10]

The Gilded Horsehoe, Village of Longsaddle

"Damnable weather from a damnable winter" Roland grumbled to the others behind as he strode into the The Gilded Horseshoe Inn, shaking the snow off his fur cloak as he did so. First had been that bloody evil teleporting tavern, and then it had been the small horde of short temperamental dwarves encamped outside the village, and now it was the blizzard starting to roll in on the frigid northern winds. Oh, and of course the small cluster of half-orcs mercenaries and other riff-raff encamped on the other side of the village supposedly planning on heading over to join the new orc kingdom-horde in the Crags.

'Ah dammit, more trouble waiting to happen' he groaned silently as the sight of the table with the two orcs, three Harpells, and a Harpell guard, came into his view. Seemed you couldn't even go to the tavern for a drink without tripping over trouble in his nice little village; nice little village that was even crazier than usual, especially for a winter, Normally the family stayed up in their demented magical manner, but now it seemed the Mage-Lord wanted them to 'keep an eye on' the village for any trouble. Completely ignoring the fact that the Harpells, and their currently in attendance orc apprentice-hostages, were a major source of trouble for any right thinking individual like one Sherriff Roland.

"Ah, Sherriff enjoying the weather are we?" Zook greeted from behind the bar as Roland walked in that direction, enjoying the heat and smoke coming from the roaring fire in the common room's hearth. The gnome grinned from behind the bar , though it seemed all the work was being done Nyvyn's two daughters who were serving as temporary barmaids now that the Inn was so busy. That and it made it easy for the two girls and their mother to meet up with customers for their, disrespectful as his wife put it, other job. Roland could agree in part, but they were decent sorts and it kept down the trouble with the visiting caravaners and adventures "...what can I get ya fellas to drink? And would that fine cooking rabbits over there, in a fine stew, interest ya for a bite to eat?"

"Aye Zook, round fer me and the lads...bit of the stew too. Could do with gettin' something warm and hearty into us after trawling around outside for hours. Table reserved for us I see?"

The gnome nodded, motioning with his tiny fingers at the table in the corner that had no one sitting at it "Sure, sit away, cleared the last out not too long ago..." turning his head to the side he shouted at the nearest of the sisters as Roland fished into his coin purse and tiredly placed the coins on the counter before the gnomish tavern owner "...Kharlena, be a dear and get ale and bowls of the rabbit stew for the Sherriff and his men! And throw a few logs on the fire before it dies down any!"

"Thank ye kindly Zook, much appreciated; alls been well since we broke up that fight a few nights ago I hope?"

"Nothing much Sherriff, just the usual messiness from the outlanders, you know how it can be. Truth it's good to build up a nice trade over the winter, bit of a change from other years, even if I didn't get much of chance to slip away and adventure a bit over the last season"

Roland shrugged, Zook was want to do such disappearing acts from time to time and for all his talk of 'adventuring' the rest of the villagers guessed at him either having a secret family, multiple mistresses who did not know of each other, or a secret super thief heading on missions. He himself knew the truth, but it was amusing to listen to the speculation "Ah, if you wait to the spring I'll imagine you'll get a solid few ten-days once that lot march unto Mirabar to try lift the siege, and whatever foolish and greedy traders decide they need to head unto the orc stronghold to do business. With my fool self likely guarding them at that"

Truth be told the mad orcs fortress wasn't the worst part of the journey, bizarrely enough a decently organised and profitable place even, but going into those mountains and woods was a dangerous business. Between the wildlife, savage races, and idiots you were guarding it was a tiring and certainly-not-paying-enough experience Roland found. But then again that was the price of living within the 'safety' of Longsaddle he'd found over the years, and these past seasons had seen his own workload rise dramatically within the village's borders as the crazy came home to roost once again. So as much as he dreaded making the journey it was also something of a pleasant diversion from the other irritations and dangers nearby; at least pretending to be civilized orcs ranked up in the 'not too bad' category for Harpell induced madness.

"Aye, I can imagine. Seems to be a profitable enough idea for them with so much trouble on the roads to Mirabar, heard some talk of them trying to send a proper big caracan to the orcs and then travel down the river to Thundertree, an'then unto Neverwinter through the woods"

"Ugh, sounds stupid and I'll say now me and my lads aren't guarding anyone trying such stupidity for a few coins" Roland grumbled back as Warl and the others wandered over to the table as he listened to the rumours from the gnome. This particular idea seemed about right though considering what he'd heard himself over the last ten-day or so. With the Mere of Dead Men still a giant mess, and now the seas around the Red Rocks and Red Cliffs haunted by pirates and other things, getting to Neverwinter was both deadly dangerous...and likely to get one very rich if you could manage to get there. So while the Neverwinter Woods were a death-trap it seemed a number of the braver, greedier, or simply more stupid small, heavily armed, traders had decided to pool resources into a little expedition.

Zook shrugged as an ale was handed to Roland "Aye don't I know your smarter than that Roland, damned dangerous and dumb sounds to me but they've gotten a few of them down on their luck adventurers lurking about to sign on. Those not looking to sign on for more noble reasons with the dwarves anyway, then make up the rest of the numbers upon reaching the orcs new town"

"Ahhh...well they'll likely pick up a few there too I guess, coin and adventure rather than fighting in an army..." Roland somewhat agreed taking a gulp from the flagon, savouring the welcome taste and warmth of the spiced ale "...still they be fightin' alongside orcs either way if that's the case now won't they?"

"Gotta assume so, an' evil darkie elves and gnolls too if the stories of yours are true..." Zook chuckled back "...though if they succeed in their great trade and treasure journey I wonder if one of them will come back and buy my tavern off me. Gotta say I've had some offers so far"

Roland raised his eye brow in questioning and Zook sighed, shrugging on his chair arms apart "No I'm not selling to that filthy little lizard after ye brang back his offer. Got a few from one or two of them trader been stuck here near a year now, but the greedy lads won't part with the coin needed for me to part ways with this place. Were thinking that dwarf wench, assuming she survives there great march north and comes back with enough coin that is...or even wizard orc over there if he comes up with enough"

"Well Zook, be a damned shame to lose you after all these years if you do decide that way!" he replied honestly resting elbows on the countertop "...tired of the crazy?"

Another shrug and amused snort "Ah, were a great adventure Sherriff, and profitable too, but a nice normal gnome village filled with nice normal gnomish folk sounds nice"

"Sounds a nightmare to me Zook, but to each his own..." Roland chuckled back glancing around behind him at the two prospective buyers; a crazy orc and a temperamental dwarf lady "...though got to say don't like your choice of buyers my friend"

"Well if you know another with the coin..."

--

When: Week before Winter Festival

Where: My Tower, Stronghold of Sparta

That time of year again, and ritual preparation has begun once again alongside my teaching of my bands of merry minions and organise supplies. Oggy and Ghorza are just as busy with it of course, runework and where to put it, with who to cast at them, being the main issue; sounds simple but you had watch this lot like hawks I find. That and spending more time prepping with the God-slaves, who have made alot of progress in the past year, though I'll admit their main use still remains in boosting my ritual-work and communing with the Boss Orc for what's to come.

Even if just to further develop these powers lurking on the horizon of my consciousness, random bits of knowledge that just seemed pop up from time to time, and how best to optimise our chances for the coming year. Meditation helps, as does the teaching/training sessions I've managed to going on regular basis between the UnderKeep and one of the large warehouse-turned-school buildings down within the town. Something of 'boarding school' at that, with Rose in charge, for our various guest non-orc children and some of the smarter, or maybe just less stupid and violent, amongst our own youngsters.

My merry little board game is also proving surprisingly successful too; snow blocking everyone inside, boredom, and people bored enough to make pieces and bone dice, has meant that and drinking are a popular past-time. Yay for that! No, really, yay for that;- it's cut down on the deaths from fighting even if it's increased gambling more than I'd expected, and gives some strategic thinking to the rank and file. Maybe, one can only hope it is so.

Basic mathematics, map-reading, basic biology and monster knowledge, and of course the ever useful literacy and language skills; with the help of my 'senior' young acolytes aiding majorly. That's the thing, build a cadre and the tools and the task becomes somewhat easier, and being honest I'm trying to pull an indoctrination of our future subjects here and now.

Hammer in the lessons as best I can in case I killed in battle, or something or someone offs me and things don't just crumble down immediately afterwards. I'll freely admit it's all very militaristic, but it's all that works with this lot as 'freedom' often leads to drunken idiots trying to kill each other, or setting things on fire. My own second childhood being a hard bloody thing to survive being honest, and this 'culling the weak' idiocy is just that; stupid, as it can be so damned random at times.

Not for my kids that fate though, no not at all, aims for better Karguk. Missy is well, cranky, let's say as her belly grows and pregnancy serves to make her life harder in her own words. So she's spending alot of time studying, thinking of destructive ways of using that study in terms of spells, and whipping poor Tsuruhoki into shape.

Thankfully not literally, but between Missy and Oggy the poor woman has found herself being fairly active within my study-library learning orcish and the common tongue, verbally and in written terms. Good news she's bright, and desperate to learn, so she's making so reasonably swift progress even with sounding like a child. Still it's better progress than our other guests, possibly because they have others to talk to in their own languages?

Whatever the case that's more in Oggy, and Breyza's right now due to workload, hands than mine so I can only really focus on my own duties. I've been communing with Darth Phargk, but tiring magical ritual, over distance about ensuring his support for what is to come; and for now it looks to be in place. Oh, yes, and discussing rather disturbing blood ritual magic, because that's what dangerously powerful evil old clerics like to do to threaten/encourage their apprentices.

What's worse one kinda has to learn the, at least the non-murdering people parts, of such things; rats and other will suffice for fulfilling the blood part of the rituals. That, and the fact is reduced, well small scale, castings are easier for me to test with and avoid any traps that might lay within them basically. Paranoia is a useful trait to take when it comes to spell-casting along with patience to not just rush ahead for shortcuts too much.

So magical training in Sparta tends to be rather learning by rote when it comes to combat-casting of spells we understand, and then a more general 'magical theory' education hammered in over months where many mages would take years. Class versus one on one education there, but I do think the Tome of Wiki and spreading general knowledge has sped things up reasonable well; once I got Nimmil, Missy, and Doctor Ned used to the 'State Education' style. It certainly allowed me to deploy a reasonably competent work-force to ready all the wards and runes for the upcoming ritual; same as last year linking it into the town area itself, and let's try sanctifying the grounds of our lands.

--

When: Winter 1356-7 Dale Reckoning

Where: My Tower, Stronghold of Sparta

Right, two days to the ritual and I'm trying to sort out Lua's Adventurer's Guild's sudden expansion and, in fairness, series of successful services. Great, paid out and largely recovered but I don't want drunken trouble with said ritual, and to convince the Drow ladies to avoid doing their whole naked dancing ritual because the full moon is overlapping with things.

Qilue understands that thankfully, and will delay a day or two, and to make up I've organised drinking for them down in Menkin's to distract. Considering we're in the middle of a blizzard right now I don't think I stopped much anyway, because even Lua doesn't want to prance about in this weather in her birthday suit. Most of my clan-orcs don't want to step outside in it dressed in full armour and furs after all.

Wifne, who's been through the situation before, will take charge of the human children and the various auxlia around the place as Rose wants to be around me. Because of course she does, just to make life awkward and potentially want to beat up someone in public judging from her wanting to take part in one of the pre-ritual one on one battles.

Not one of the feud to-the-death ones obviously, but she's insistent and I'm still unsure what idiot said to her to want her to stomp on him so hard so I'll let it go ahead. Honestly she's taken to the whole orc fighting thing disturbingly well, and she's a shaping up into a really deadly battle cleric. Much to her granny's chagrin, and unhappiness aimed my direction for corrupting her innocence little, potentially a battle junkie honestly, granddaughter.

I've also been having dreams, or at least prophetic visitations maybe, but being entirely honest I know the coming year is going to be hard fought and bloody affair. Maybe there a training scenario being put into my head? Hard to say, but I'm dreaming of battles, and magic in battles, and I'm looking at them as a training scenario in some ways; if I have to suffer through them, best make the most use out of them that I can. If they are from the Boss, or whatever I absorbed, is still beyond me as they are from times long past I find.

Truth be told I think I need 'guidance' after absorbing all that magic and such during my little escapade, and the winter ritual summoning should hopefully provide cover to try get some from the Boss Orc. Or, if I don't get that, I'm buffering the ritual to aid me in...well, strengthening my intelligence and willpower to deal with all the mystic knowledge thrust into my head. Or spirit, it's hard to tell. Whatever the case I need to put some power to match the investment, and if possible spread some of it around within the clan; intelligence and lawful boosts, or doing nothing either, depending. That...

Gotta go, more work to be done seems according to my dear Oggy.

--

[Karguk 69]

Main Keep, Stronghold of Sparta

The drums beat once again as I stood, muttering the chant under my breath as the 'gladiatorial' combat took place in the circle before me. Rose's bout was thankfully over, a few bruises on her part in exchange for nearly crippling idiots one and two who'd challenged her; I sensed Oggy's hand behind that little spectacle, but not much I could do about it right now as the current combatants drew blood and effectively ended that particular fight. No one killed this time at least, and the three so far were no great loss for the clan.

Zah called out the victor with a great roar of acknowledgement as the victor waved his bloodied blade in air and the defeated was dragged away to heal up; new squad commander it seemed as I raised my blade in the air and acknowledged likewise. Power was growing too with each passing minute, like a rising tide fed into the castle from the beacons atop the walls and the town below. Blood, and fire, and noise, and chants building towards a crescendo around the stacked piles of loot and good offered to our patron deities as the next of the fighters came before mine and Zah's assembled households.

One of the human auxlia, stripped down to a pair of belted trousers and armed with sword and shield as she stepped forward all, clad in war-paint and the bindings of obedience as she motioned at the young male who wanted to fuck her to hurry up and fight. One of the stupid ones amongst the new recruits, not skilled enough to think beyond the minor detail of her being a skilled and dangerous fighter and he was... barely through the harsh training. Doubtful she'd have challenged, or had it allowed, unless old Taugh felt it best to humiliate young idiot and his small warband of allies I suspected.

'And that went as well as should be expected I suppose' I noted a few minutes later as the blade of the former Luskan guardswoman slid into the throat of the poor fool. Blood sprayed out as he dropped to his knees, hands grabbing at his bleeding throat as the roaring human stepped away, back to him throwing her weapons to the ground and stalking towards a cluster of the veteran clan warriors. I resisted, valiantly, the urge to face-palm as she demanded the strongest amongst them could claim her this night. Because of course she was trying to stir up fighting between them...and now I got to endure the following bouts from amongst those who'd stepped forward to do just that. I was surrounded by idiots, really I was.

'Focus on your own job you dumbass' I reminded myself as I stepped forward with Oggy, directing our acolytes as those fights continued nearby to us. Acolytes and then the robed forms of the six Gods-slaves as they stepped out of the shadows and into their assigned positions as the chanting began to increase in intensity; mixed in with shouts of encouragement, clank of flagons, swearing and of course the clash of steel on steel. Controlling the flows of power were vital now more than ever as it flowed along the wards and 'beacons' into the Keep; the raw power of faith and believe merging with the rising power of the Weave brought upon by my Battlestaves and a few of the clan females being trained as full mages.

Chanting now was the key; words of praise to Ilneval as the blood splattered again around, followed by the growing chant of praise as it flowed seamlessly into Oggy's own praises and offerings to Luthic. Just the beat of the drums, the rhythmic beating of staves off the stone floor, and the keening calls of the Gods-slaves as they shed their robes and danced into their assigned circles within the great circle itself. Soon there was nothing else but those noises and the rhythm of the magic and chant; the fights had ended, serving slaves falling to their knees as the oppressive feeling of power filled the halls of the Keep and of the frozen courtyard with its blazing bonfires beyond the doors.

Direct the flows, feel the power;- that became the guiding purpose of the moment as I strode forward with Oggy to the centre of the casting circle, Ghorza taking my place behind as one of Oggy's senior acolytes did the same in her position. No appeasing other clans patrons this night, not aid either from the Old Bastard or allied clans priests either, but that was aid I did not need as the oppressive atmosphere pressed down upon us all, the air hot, and heavy, and burning as the sounds of claws scrapping upon stone echoed in my mind. Blood flowed from blade, from my crimson coated armour, as I roared out the Chant and reached out in a Battle Meditation to touch the minds and power of those around me.

I grunted as if punched, the bright golden light at the back of my mind burning and searing, strange ideas and theories flashing into my mind for a moment as my mind and the clans blazed out in praise to our patron God and Goddess. For the briefest moment I could feel it all the collective will our clan, the mass power and desire as the sigils flared with power, the blazing bonfire of power that could only be Drow Chosen and smaller ones of others nearby...then I slammed down my blade, calling out the Holy Words. Power roared, walls bled, stone shrieked, and the spider-web of runes, sigils and spell circles exploded outwards in a blaze of white-gold fire that illuminated the Keep and the Walls of the...

--

"Well this is different" I stated to nobody in particular as I glanced around the great expanse of bookshelves soaring up around, a massive space filled with desks and chairs, a blazing fire roaring behind a fireguard in a stone fireplace beside what was apparently a bar. Frowning I glanced around me once again, soaking it all in then at the nearby area with the...librarian-barmaid?...standing behind it; why was my mindscape always some variation of meeting room and pub?

My staff thudded softly off the carpeted floor...I paused glancing at myself in the...mirror that suddenly appeared where I desired it. Apparently I'd changed clothes during my brief spirit journey whatever, shadowy robes and cowled head looking back at me with a staff held in one hand and a book held in the other. I glanced down at that, holding it up to view the title...a spell-book apparently, though held in eldritch power; one part shining and the other sinking into darkness. For a moment I studied it, then placed it into the satchel resting under dark and shadowy robes...seeing the shimmering armour and blade of flames hidden under the light sucking robes. Curiouser, and Curiouser, all things considered...

'Ah, and there's the Boss Orc himself' I thought with the faintest of winces as I felt the sudden pressure on the fridges of my consciousness, though not as bad as in times past as memories resurface and filled my mind once again. Uncomfortable but bearable for the brief seconds, eternity, that it existed rather than the crushing power it normally was; I went to one knee as he appeared before me, armed and armoured in his blood coloured chainmail as ever.

"My Lord, welcome, I hope all is agreeable to you"

"You live, and have followed orders. It will do. Rise, follow"

I did as commanded of course, following after him as 'reality' shifted somewhat, instead something out of an old war film's strategy room mixed with a class room from college days forming up in response to the 'request' given. Pieces moved, smoke and fire and death rising from the great map of the Savage Lands and the North, snow cloaking the lands as I was order to study what was before me. Soon would come the other 'guests' and the orders of blood to be spilled; at least for now my dealings were seen with favour, the odds against us otherwise. Armies were building in the Spine too to oppose us, or to oppose everyone in truth now they smell blood in the water amongst the warring city-states, in addition to our Luskan and Uthgardt enemies.

"You will study, and prepare accordingly" I was instructed, then the armoured hand motioned around me at the vastness of knowledge pressing down upon my soul in golden light "and you will master your powers and live, or will not and die. The choice is yours, power to match the knowledge taken you have assembled and you must make use of it in my cause"

"Of course my Lord"

"You will break the Uthgardt in the coming seasons, and drive the Luskans before my armies. They must not recover and threaten this new kingdom in the Crags in the days to come. The sands are beginning to run low in the glass my servant. Now, I must...treat with my allies, do your duty"

I bowed my head in obedience again as he vanished and I stood over the interactive board and began to plan once more...

--

[Interlude 17]

--

[Do tired eyes still gleam?]

"Another attempt to break our wards?" she queried sitting down and staring out forlornly into the heavy snows starting to pelt down. A blessing now where normally she would curse it; it had turned hard and heavy fast, slowing even the seeming winter children of the Uthgardht attack to a crawl and allowing them to hold the outer defences once again. Not for much longer though, another ten-day, or two maybe if they were lucky, and then they would have no choice but to fall back again...the breech could not be closed this time with more than rumble and illusion. Snow concealed the weakness now, but eventually they would notice...

"Yes Lady Stargleam, but weaker than before; each successive attempt seems to be so" the mage...an adventuress of some skill who name eluded her for the moment...replied clearly as exhausted as Shrouda herself felt. Hungry too, rationing was hurting even after managing to pull in the harvest before the Luskans had arrived to siege...before soon being after joined, and now largely replaced, by the great hordes of savages encamped outside the walls.

"Returnin home to Luskan with half your army does that I expect" she answered with a soft snort, then nodded to them "...scrying?"

"Several attempts but we've warded them off, they struck just as myself and Ethywd were changing guard shifts"

Shrouda sighed, of course they did...waited too long to change rotations due to not enough...everything "I understand, we'll discuss it more in the morning, like myself you both appear to badly need some rest"

'And by the morning I can have discussed how to change around our meagre number of truly skilled mages with the rest of the Council' she thought to herself as the two gave deep bows and words of thanks before exiting the room. The other possibility was spies, but she suspected it was more likely to be careful watching by those mages left behind by the Host Tower. Ambitious and ruthless young acolytes mixed in with adventurers and mercenaries seeking to join a winning cause; they weren't particularly skilled as best she or the others could tell but they were disciplined and constantly testing for weaknesses.

'That and growing their undead army' she reminded herself taking a sip from the vile tasting mixture of herbs and boiled water that would give her another few hours activity before a brief rest. Luskan's really weren't interested in taking Mirabar anymore, the bastards, merely getting their cut of the Mithral once the barbarians stormed the walls and did their routine of rape and pillaging. Undead were useless enough in war truly, but the fact they were there and constantly being raised, albeit in small numbers, was a constant drain on using all the towns clerics as healers for fear an attack would come. Now all she had to do was figure out how to ensure they held out for many more months once the invaders broke through into the, now fortified, parts of the city proper...

--

[Lost in the Library]

She was human again, in some sort of library with really nice and comfortable carpet, and most definitely not under furs beneath howling cold winds...

Yay!

...and also naked in a library of some sort after her big Orc patron God person had appeared after she'd fallen asleep under said furs, and given her a shove inside this place to seek out her 'Master' and be trained...

Boo!

...so she settled for creeping forward as sneakily as she could through this bizarre place. Yes it was a library judging from all the tomes and scrolls around the place, but she had no idea what the weird box things on the tables did. Or the magic behind the lights and a whole load of other silly little details that just seemed so strange about this rather odd place. It was really hard to sneak and hide after all when lights from nowhere suddenly illuminated all the previously dark and shadowy lanes of books whenever you stepped into them...

This is one of those tests he was talking about right? Sneak around and hide in a magic library that keeps showing where you are?

...creep, creep, hands and feet, peak out and see what's up the ways...

"Ahhhh!" she shrieked out, rolling backwards to slam into the bookcase behind her to groan instead "..Owwww"

A loud sigh from the shadow cloaked figure "Shandy what are you doing? Here as much as why are you well..."

"Ow!" at least...she recognised the unnerving voice as she hissed out after bringing her hands to rub at her head after thumping it back off the bookcase.

"Yes I gather you banged your head...here let me fix that for you"

"Ahhh...thanks Shroudy, are you the Master His Mightiness sent me to find" she hummed back happily a moment grinning up at the figure bending down over her as the familiar shadow cloaked hand touched her head and the pain there vanished. Then her brain caught up with her position, laughing awkwardly as she curled up a bit and moved her arms "...ahhh...ahhh... Hhhhhiiiiii"

"I'm not even sure here actually, since this is my...oh who am I kidding regular bloody meeting place. And...for fecks sake here..." he clicked his shadowy figures and...

She had on clothes, wonderful, wonderful, clothes!

"Right, what are doing here?"

"Um...His Mightiness sent me"

"Kay, Boss does shit like that, and I'm not sure...let's just go with this is a shared dream or something because...doesn't matter" he muttered back to her offering a hand, which she accepted, as he pulled her up to stand "...so here?"

"You're my Master and Guardian Spirit or something like that, under His Mightiness. I'm supposed to pray to you as well as him I think...after the whole...you know"

"That son of a..." her 'Master' and 'Spirit Guide' started to swear, then went off muttering to himself while gesticulating wildly...

Oh I can touch him now! And not as a zombie elf girl either, that is great, am I a spirit now too?

...before looking around, cowled head swiveling about, this way and that, as she same to stand in front of him, good bit shorter though "Your fake sister isn't here too is she?"

"No, His Mightiness has other plans for her, but he did tell us to go to a place in the Crags, we're travelling there now, to seek out a Might Shaman that serves him there"

"Grrr that absolute as...Did he now, and are you now, so let's have a look at a map..."

--

[Mystic in the Mountains]

It was cold, but they were moving quickly despite all of that. She led, they followed; a good team this one, learned to follow orders, hunt and kill when needed, avoid fighting and talk when not. Travelling through forests and mountains in winter was always hard, worse when it was a raid into the High Forest and then up into the Star Mounts. But the Cunning Warrior ordered and she obeyed, blades flashing and magic singing in praise as his enemies died by her hand. Artefacts were to be recovered by their quest, and some lost city of some long dead people found and searched for any tools to aid in His cause.

Now it was dark, perfect time to move...save for the filthy elves patrolling ahead of them. Normally she would deal with them, but they were heading in the opposite direction...and wiping them out would likely bring more of their kind to seek them out. Silent hand gestures had her warriors wait silently, watching in all directions; elves were dangerous creatures, murderous and hateful, and blessed with deadly senses. But one could train around that when one had the will...laying patiently in the darkness for an hour till they had passed far to the south. For now they would have to be extra careful, hand gesturing again silently before hidden shapes moved like dark shadows to her commands.

Something had the elves nervous, dark ones of their kind on the move of late, and nervous elves made the return journey harder unfortunately. It was always much easier when they had the arrogant, smug, traditionalist fools in charge of them rather than young smart ones; thankfully the Cunning Warrior had provided tools to aid in such things should they be needed. They moved swiftly yet silently through the pass ahead, backtracking and sweeping areas careful for tracks and trackers, snowfall made that easier and harder at the same time, but hours passed swiftly as the night grew ever darker. Power touched her, the feel of His Might as she drew upon it, tasting the frigid air as they drew near where these ruins should be...

...eyes closed, others silent and watchful as she reached out with her other senses...

...gesture to move, flank guard, and into the cave entrance ahead of them. Swiftly, silently, killing the hibernating bear within with poisoned arrows before it was even aware of their present; food for the days ahead it seemed. The caves were the Key it seemed as she pulled out the tattered map, through and into another valley, then the ruins and where an elven ship of air had fallen many, many, moons ago. Stupid Elf name for the thing, as well as stupid name for the city even if wasn't supposed be an elf one Phwiukree; didn't matter though, she would find what she was sent for and present it to her Lord...

--

When; Shortly after Mid-Winter Festival

Where: My Study, Shaman's Tower, Stronghold of Sparta

Well I'm awake now; long night of stress, ceremony, followed by getting very drunk and debauchery takes some time to recover from. Still bit wrecked in all honesty, hence why I'm sitting writing rather than thinking of practicing arcane matters, or going down to the training yard to swing a sword off training dummies like Rose and Ghorza have gone off to do. Because apparently some people recover fast from hangovers and have the urge to smash things when they do; that and I think she and Silver Hair from the Gods-slaves want to spar with each other despite the cold. Weather really hasn't let up much this year, though after a number of years, over half a decade now I think, in the valley the insides are fairly warm and draft-less thanks to numbers and getting fireplaces functioning. Most importantly without burning the place down; no fires, serious ones at least, last night/today thank the Boss Orc!

Most of the rest of the household are still sleeping, and the other five Gods-slaves too...oh, and a number of other folks like Rose's granny Wifne and two or three of her acolytes, as our celebration some moved back to the tower during the drinking session that the ceremony turns into. Sorta lost track after the giant visitation from the Boss Orc, that turned into 'my mind is hotel' when not only he turned up, but a human form Shandril at me shortly after. Seemingly I now have a worshipper as a 'guardian spirit' or something; even if *she* doesn't know I'm actually the orc she's seeking out to train her. Along with *I'm a Runaway Princess* Alusair apparently, as if my life wasn't any complicated enough; they'll be here by spring I think if they were teleported to where they think they were teleported. Joy; Spellfire Girl and Warrior Amazon, truly the Boss is full of gifts – just before a military campaign. And that terrifies me in some ways.

Ways I'm not overly inclined to think about right now, though I did give descriptions of the 'noble questors' to Oggy and Zah, and the clan, as a 'vision' from the Boss Orc. Considering we got a Heroes Feast cast over the Keep, and various parts of the town as well apparently, along with a series of protective wards I'd established, it's gone over reasonably well. Even if there two females, and I warned Zah not to try bed them; or Rose either, because Zah now finds her very, very, sexy because she beats people she doesn't like up;- as do one or two others I've glared at rather than warned off politely. Oggy gave him a smack to the back of the head for that thank you very much; all part of the violence, drinking, and sex that is Orc Christmas; all shown by bonkers auxlia woman who killed a dude and then a threesome with two clan-orcs 'worthy' of her apparently. Yes you've no idea what that is, but past life and it gives amusing images in my head at times, helps with hangover honestly. That and dealing with the stupid, lots of that around along with the violence.

On a side Tsuruhoki was mildly freaked out, first by the bright lightshow of magic she got from up her in the tower, and then our drunken party that last well into the night. That and her own drunkenness once Lua began plying the poor woman with alcohol; to my surprise she's 'working' with me right now; got drunk fast seemingly and eager to pretend she wasn't drunkenly dancing after some 'encouragement' by the Team Evil that are my wives and concubines. She's rather happy though now, largely because she didn't have to go to the ceremony itself and 'show her shame' to her fellow *dumped in Illusk by demons* travellers who were there largely by nowhere else to put them. That and too over awe them too [which it did] as former noblewoman from Kara-tur would be useful as a wife for a few clan-orcs; though Krowluc the merc is sniffing around for her and a full blooded orc girl as well. That's a good thing, because he never seems interested in females and this is clearly a 'marry into the clan' and 'marry trophy second wife' deal; looks like he's committing to the clan in the medium term with that.

Missy didn't drink much of course, the sensible one amongst us, but also because of the whole being pregnant thing. She's kinda out of it for others; ie Oggy casting a blessing on her to ensure a healthy pregnancy and strong baby. So Luthic *blessed* her as desired as the faintly glowing magic sigils on Missy's belly would indicate, but also exhausted my lovely magical wife, along with being the responsible adult last night, so she's currently snoring away outside. After very much telling me to let her do so when I woke her earlier on. Even Mara and Kethri are dozing away, though they were plenty energetic earlier on thanks to Oggy waking them and deciding best get to making more children as she put it. Not going to complain, they've both turned into right beauties but their attitudes, enthusiasm even, is still a bit creepy however Oggy managed to convince them of their lives being better than before. Mara is practically terrified (horrified?) of even the suggestion of being freed after all, and that's wrong in my book.

Now away from those things the war continues according to my 'vision quest' or whatever the astral 'mind fortress/hotel' experience is. Reviewed it with a confused but trying to help Shandril Shessair hovering over my shoulder; honestly was really strange as it was like being in a dream, a lucid one, though she clearly felt as being there-yet not being there. I think...its related to our *fusion dance* of sorts back during my spirit quest, the Boss Orc wasn't really very clear on what he wants from this exactly beyond I'm to train her and keep her as my servant and shamaness/priestess of some weird way. Technically she's worshipping the Boss Orc, but with me as spirit or something; I do not fully grasp how it works, but two minds are better than one when it comes to studying the magical knowledge shacked up in my mind right now. I'm under some time constraints after all the dangerous times roll along ever closer.

Mirabar's under siege, but I already kind of knew that, and it seems the Uthgardt tribes [Griffon led mostly, but others there too with mercs and adventurers] are doing the sieging along with some Luskan forces. Not sure exactly what's happened, but at a guess the Luskans and barbarians clashed a bit before teaming up in a minor way. Makes sense in a way, Luskan gets to withdraw a big chunk of its army to fight Neverwinter, and the Orcs now coming down from the Spine apparently, while still maintaining the siege. At a guess I'd expect the two sides to turn on each other once Mirabar falls but it could work for a time I'll admit; barbarian king gets a city to conquer and enslave, and Luskan gets to fight a war while trading with said barbarian king. Least time one or both sides feel secure once again as it's an alliance of force connivance rather than one of friendship or shared interests in the long run.

On the other side of the equation; seems Team Mithrill Hall is gathering a, admittedly small, dwarven army near Longsaddle as had been mentioned to me. That and those fuckers up in the Spine of the World are starting to probe southwards now that they know the lands there are wrecked by war and the city-states can't effectively respond to raids. It's not the great horde that came against us, but it's another fact to consider for when we march against the horde besieging Mirabar; will the dwarves try stab us in the back? Will the Luskans send support? Will we suddenly find ourselves trying to fight off another great horde from the King of the Spine of the World? Will our entire Illuskan alliance hang together or will it be another Furry Fucker situation and one of the clans tries to stab us in the back?

Lots of those things to consider during my imaginary strategy session on the giant map of doom during my magical dream sequence. Or for the fact I've heap of power and knowledge shoved into me noggin that I've only the most basic idea how to use while going up against Lich Wizards and their undead army, and powerful mad wizards as quasi-allies for the time being but might see us as a long term threat once that's dealt with. Yes I'm being paranoid, but even paranoids have enemies and we're surrounded by them; many of them even include our closest allies often enough.

Anywho, for now though we're not too bad; the larders are full, more than full thanks to the blessings of the goods, and deaths have been low this year despite gladiatorial games and drow Chosen with priestesses in attendance down in the town. Qilue Veladorn is also evidently sleeping off her own very energetic night according to the guards put to watch over her when they ended their shift. They reported her entering something of trance before dancing about for several hours; in the nude, out in the snow... drinking as she danced. I almost didn't believe them, but I'd be wrecked after that as well if I were mad enough to do it. Yes, I did take a short trip downstairs to ensure everything is not on fire, or having a riot, and our clan warriors actually did what they were supposed to. Probably hammered drunk by now, but they did their jobs well enough at least; discipline, we have actually some apparently!

Beyond that – it was a fun night, what I remember of it at least. It's been nice to just unwind for a little while between all the dangers and stress of building up things. One kind of needs it from time to time, and the ceremony itself really needed a rest and relaxation period to come after things like that. Funny how it seems like such a great thing in the stories when the truth is it's a long complicated process of preparations, and watching subordinates, before you get a scary pep-talk from the Boss Orc about what needs to be done next. Which for me right now is clean Tsuruhoki here and rub in ointment, then get myself cleaned and get a nice breakfast to chase away the lingering effects of the night; it's grand to know we have nice food to eat right now. Thank you Boss Orc for summoning foods based on dishes and meats from my mind!

Praise his Name and may our dread legions be ever victorious, etc, etc.

Slan go foíl a chardaí.

--

[Missasri 31]

[Main Keep, Stronghold of Sparta]

Her regular clothes seemed to have shrunk, and that was how she explained it in her head Missasri found as she sat on the cushions beside Karg's chair while Rose sat on the other. Less comfortably clad than she herself had managed, irregardless of having to wear heavy and bigger robes than usual, as the red hair girl chose to wear her chainmail armour. Missasri would sigh at that; her Karg, and both of his orcsh wives, were amusingly bad influences on the peasant girl at times. Still...for a meeting such as this it was perhaps the better option for impressing the vassals of the orc tribe.

Beyond her own desire to get out from the Tower before the pregnancy ruined anymore of her activities, she had to admit it was a decent show of strength even without the various orcs around them like Mistresses Ogrash and Ghorza. Preparing for the war to come in reality, though in wording this was just another meeting to discuss what was allowed, and what was not allowed, in terms of magic amongst the vassals from their various spell-casters or priests. In reality it was about keeping those present loyal, or at least not rebellious, to the Sparta Orc clan and ensure enough of those with skills went off to battle in the coming months over those who didn't, but though they had, abilities.

'Well...it has been rather enjoyable to listen to one must admit, at least when we get to debate when matters of the arcane come up' she admitted to herself as the room continued to bubble with hushed conversation now that alcohol flowed freely. Doctor Ned, in orcish form, sat nearby talking about something to the scaly little madman Menkin while the gnome mage Nimmil sat on the other side of Missasri to ensure 'peace and stability' as Karg at put it. That and threats of violence should they anger him or his clan of course; because it seemed you couldn't get anywhere in this world without threats and/or violence sadly.

"I think Fonny and Bara could come with us on the campaign..." Rose was saying cheerfully but quietly as he she took a drink from her flagon of ale "...though Grandma isn't overly happy to hear it"

"I thought they weren't the best healers, wouldn't it better to have more experienced girls"

Missasri smiled as the red haired girl gave a snort of amusement, rolling her eyes "No, the others be scared witless Papa if they were surrounded by big scary orc warriors all the time. I grew up with Fonny, and she's a bit odd, but she's hardworking and actually can fight and hunt. Don't know Bara Wolfroot well, cuz she's an' Uttie an' all, but she knows where ta kick when some of them get grabby"

She elbowed her husband in the leg "I agree with Rose, last thing you want is a good healer, but one that loses her head in a fight, being with you Karg. Better to leave them here to be trained while Rose brings more leg beakers like herself off to war"

"Missy! I'm not a leg-breaker!" Rose mock protested, then grinned "I'm a nutcracker don't you know!"

Karg gave his adopted daughter a playful whack on the head "Oi you, don't be so cheerful about saying things like that"

"Heh heh, sorry Papa" Rose muttered back sharing a smile with Missasri "...but what Missy said is right, Fonny and Bara are better fighters than healers, but they can do both"

Karg sighed "Hmm, fair enough...we can work on training them in the next few ten-days then on the march I guess. Only the two of the eight though, that all you want?"

"Three of the eight are barely of age Papa, Milly hasn't an idea how to hold a weapon let along swing it, and the other two girls I don't really know yet"

"In all honestly husband, you're training Rose as she trains them, do you really want another horde of young acolytes to train up on the march?" Missy told him then smiling softly "...without my help this time?"

"True, true...unless..."

"No Karg I'm not training up your fucking human females, so don't ask" Mistress Ghorza muttered from beside Missy without even looking up "...goin' ta war this time, not play Mama bunch a weaklings"

"I didn't even..."

"You were gonna, weren't he Missy, Rose"

Missasri nodded as Rose grinned and nodded. Karg shrugged helplessly "Fine...fine, and how do you think we're going so far?"

"Good enough, a few of the Battlestaves seem actually know what they're doin' and I'd say we can easily bring half our acolytes an' the Warswords, least without stopping the training of the youngsters, and for the garrisons, like ye wanted"

Missy nodded "And, since your keeping me away from the fighting, I'll be teaching since you'll be taking away both Doctor Ned and Nimmil for all the fighting"

Doctor Ned seemed rather eager to fight the Luskan's for some reason, and Karg was relieved to have a powerful mage in support to handle the presence of the powerful Drow priestess, and all the mad Harpells running about in the days to come. Of course that was...less than ideal in Missasri's view, as her primary teacher would be off playing mercenary war mage and teaching Karg instead of her despite promising to leave sufficient material for her to study in his absence. At least she now had a nice little library of sorts thanks to Karg to read through, and a nice useful assistant in the place of the naked suffering, and only barely understandable, woman named Tsuruhoki who'd escaped being some demons lunch.

Karg sighed "Well, it'll be needed for a show of force with the other clans, need to make sure they understand we can do this...and that they can be held to any deals we make. Old Phargk seems to be in agreement, for the here and now, but need to show strength as well when the clans assemble"

"You expect a challenge me mate?" Mistress Ogrash asked, though Karg shook his head, and then took a drink before replying as Missasri cut a slice of the pheasant with her knife, sharing it with Rose. Across the way Lua was talking to her taller head priestess while a goblin priest looked in confusion nearby. Seemed her husband had enforced order, harsh order but still order, and now the lesser evil [and stupid] goblin priesthood had come out on top along with that situation in place.

"Nah, least not from the Old One, but I do have my eye on what happens when we liberate Mirabar and the time comes to march on the other enemy forces...best have a good magical counter-force ready case...well...anyone turns on us"

'Ah, of course' Missasri mused silent as she ate and the others queried Karg on that. She didn't bother, all the betrayals and stabs in the back as he called them post victories in the past few years had made him somewhat paranoid of such things in her view. So now he seemed to invest a great deal of time in having 'back up plans' and 'contingencies' if A or B or C happened; even down to uncomfortable thoughts...plans...on what to do if he didn't come back from the war. Who needed to die first to ensure their household retained its place in the clan had been a disturbing enough conversation to have even for Missasri, and the general acceptance of it among the 'family' she'd established here.

Or perhaps just at the fact Karg had warned of more 'questing' folk coming this way...the hands of the Gods upon the world and one had to fear was he being paranoid enough at times. So for now she remained quiet and listened as Karg began shouting for the next round of the 'vassal cleric council' started up once again with discussions on who would serve what role in the army, or within the valley here. Weapons had been forged all through the winter, and now that the great mid-winter festival had passed it seemed her former owner and now husband had switched fully into the organising the army...even before the orc Horde itself had even begun assembling. Missasri sighed; it was a shame she would have to remain at home this campaign...

--

[Karguk 70]

Main Keep, Stronghold of Sparta

Block, counter-attack, block, block, stab...

My muscles ached, as always, from holding and moving with the shield and sword my opponent's shield moved to block my strikes just as I'd blocked his. Loud, sweaty, painful, combat as ever as I roared into his face, smashing up into him with a shield bash to sent him sprawling backwards unto his ass and my wooden blade at his throat.

It was an improvement I found, breathing hard as I got a signal of surrender and carefully stepped back, as this was a proper spar, with the more veteran clan-orcs, rather than thumping on [training it could be called] younger idiots to get some discipline into them. Even more useful I'd avoided having draw upon divine or arcane magical 'cheats' like I often had to do to maintain 'face' by ensuring I won fights amongst ranks other than my personal entourage.

"Acceptable, but that's all for today I think..." I grunted handing over the practice equipment to Old Taugh who'd been overseeing the fight before retaking my real sword from Ghorza and securing the sword belt around my waist. I glanced up at the morning sun slowly rising in the sky above "...already spent longer than I should from looks of it"

"Good, bout damn' time, let me bash few skulls whiles you go off an' see the rest those lazy buggers doin' what they suppose too. Oi, and take Rose with ya will ya?"

I gave a snort, rolling my eyes and motioning at her in a 'yeah-yeah' gesture "Sure love, have fun. Try not to kill or maim too many of them, I'll sorta need them for the war, what with all the time we've put into training them. Rose, we're moving, fun over, work to be done"

It was always a juggling act between being too violent, thus losing potential valuable fighters, and being seen as 'weak' amongst the newbies or ambitious...which led to greater violence when they had to be dealt with. One could call it the 'natural attrition' of turning tribal warriors into something resembling legionnaires, or even just disciplined enough to supplement normal orcish fighting ability with tactics I, we, used. So far it was working; the courtyard of the stronghold filled with sound of training fights, and shouting 'instructors' as I took off my helmet and wiped the sweat from my brow with a damp cloth.

Still chilly, but the snows had cleared and grounded firmed up a bit since the muddy melt following it for a few days, as I moved after motioning at my escort that I was moving. Though that chill was a welcome relief after the tiring training, and resting would have been nice for a bit, as I headed out of the courtyard to the main gate and the slope down into the town below. Because now the stronghold...was busy, very busy as me and Zah went about getting the clan ready for battle now that spring was starting to appear on the horizon and we'd have to gather our strength to meet the other allied clans.

Oh, and the mad wizards, grumpy dwarves, emo drow, and approaching questors who were likely beginning to stir for the same reasons that we ourselves were; winter was ending. We'd sent out patrols as well, though that could count as similar training for our limited cavalry forces, because other things were likely beginning to move now the weather had cleared. Lua's 'brave adventurers' as well of course; they'd hopefully help with keeping down on wildlife raiding down into the valley, along with 'enemy adventurers' or simply bandits seeking to do likewise.

Or even just to give warning of surprise attack from another clan;- though to be honest raiding from minor clans should hopefully be down now that our merry Illuskan Kingdom had taken effective control of the Crags. Most minor warbands or clans should understand that doing so would lead to merciless retaliation now that we were 'top dogs' so to speak; for now at least anyway. That was how orcish power dynamics worked, in getting to the top and the fighting to stay there against the dangers of upcoming rivals.

"We're going to the forges and armouries first, want to see where we stand on weapons" I told Rose and the others as we walked down the winding slope. Something of a walk in of itself as the path curved a bit, though digging trenches and other additions over the past half-decade had made it an 'easier' path to walk without constantly running the risking of tripping. That and it made assaulting, sneaking but to a lesser degree, into the castle itself a little more difficult by funnelling people up the one wide path up to the main gate.

"Are we going to be blessing weapons Papa?"

I shook my head in response to Rose's question "Nah, not yet anyway...I've plans to, but it'll have to wait for few days at least. It's more I want to get something of a tally on where we stand after the production over the past month in terms of everyone being armed. Can't fight a war without weapons after all, and I've been hoping that lot haven't fallen back into the sword making thing again"

Rose gave me a curious look "Swords are good in war, the stab people"

"No, people stab people with swords, or slash them, and while I'd admit I quite like them as weapons, they are rather hard for us to make in great number and quality ya know? In time maybe, but we need the iron, to turn to steel, for other things from armour to tools, so making arrow heads, spearheads, pikes and the like is a more effective use of scarce resources. Supply and demand, got plenty of demand for swords but not enough supply, least not when other weapons that just as effective at killing dudes are available to make with less iron ore being needed"

"Like your armour being made out of the elf stuff the Chief Zahgorim brought back and got put together?"

I nodded patting my hybrid steel and mithril chain with padded armour underneath "Aye, technically two suits sewn together for myself"

"Eating too much Papa?"

"Oi you, no mocking after me spending ages, tiring ages, trashing idiots on the training field!" I replied with a snort and giving a gentle punch to her shoulder "...can't be all like you are girly, all muscle let me tell you, bloody earned too...anyway elf armour is for skinny waif elves rather than big fit orcs like me or Zah. Anyway its well known one orc is worth at least two elves, this is just further proof of that fact"

"Heh, sure Papa, I'm sure Tris agrees..." Rose mused back as we walked along "...there's something about that in her scribbling"

I rubbed at the bridge of my nose "What have I said about reading what Loraatris writes?"

"Is very popular, encourages many learn to read it does" she replied solemnly. I groaned softly.

"Yeah...I know"

"Hey Papa, when in Luskan did you really do what she..."

"No, No, we are not having this conversation now. Or ever. I was sure I had her burn that little piece of fiction"

"Aw, boo, Mistress Ghorza liked that one"

"Yeah, I'm sure she did. It's all sex and murder, her favourite type story" I muttered softly before raising my voice back to normal and deciding to ignore the teasing of short my aide-de-camp/adopted daughter "Anyway, how goes training with your two new helpers?"

She huffed, ah she'd been hoping to avoid the subject it seemed "Ah, Papa...there just...it's..."

"You dumped them on your granny today so you could practice field with me didn't you?"

I glanced down at her as she stay silent, then sighed "Yes"

"You are supposed be training them Rose" I told her with a sigh "...it'll make your life easier when we're in the field. I was wondering why they weren't there with you, or why you weren't off with them. I know it's tiring, and boring maybe, but it has to be done. Even if you have to bring them along with us and have me help you with it"

"Okay, tomorrow, promise"

"Good girl" I answered giving her a pat on the shoulder. Rose was a good helper, but I was trying to get her to grasp the idea of delegation and training others as being useful to add into her skill-set. She'd been putting off doing certain things, like training her two acolytes, to focus on her own training and that wasn't ideal with so much else to do. I could understand the reasoning, girl was a born warrior-cleric, but unfortunately there were other matters to attend too, and she was part of the 'getting structures in place' part of my current plans "...now let's go see about ensuring your two new minions have proper armour to wear and weapons to use while you trash them around the training yard tomorrow"

--