In My Time of Troubles

by Crossposted

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

41. Entry 41

[Cirla Kag 01]

The Battlefield, Outside the Walls of Luskan

Her plate armour deflected the blow to her shoulder as her failed to get her shield in place in time. She grunted in pain as the demon-things blow drove her back, but she still managed to lash out with her spear...driving it into the creatures left eye to send it screaming backwards. Stumbling back a step she thudded into the grunt and swearing form of Shua La, mouthing off in her strange foreign tongue as always when stressed, and grabbed for her the sword sheathed at her belt.

Cursing all the way like her friend of course, the wind shrieking all around her as the rain lashed at her face between the gaps in her helmet. Thank the Gods all that nastiness seemed to actually, physically, hurt the horrors summoned by the terrifying Liches that she'd once served as city guard to. It had been the terrible fear the entire time they'd been marching on the city, and then when besieging it, and now that fear had been answered as the monsters inside their Tower summoned forth the hordes of the Abyss.

All leading to her standing her in the lashing rain, the battlefield hidden in the storm, as demons tried to claw her face off;- never a dull moment as a slave-soldier of the Illuskans apparently. All while strange magic seemed to somehow tell her what was going on around her and driving her forward into the fray. Not that she would complain overmuch, as it was helping her keep calm and murderous, rather than afraid and pissing her breeches; that was a life-saver.

"Fucking Die Die Die Die!" she snarled out as she managed to slam her kite shield into the face and chest of the human sized horned horror charging at her. Delaying it a moment, long enough to draw the shortsword into her armoured hand and start stabbing around the shield into the monsters belly and sides with each word. Then shoving it backwards as two spears thrust into it from either side of her as the rest of her squad rallied somewhat, and re-established an organised formation. Or at least something resembling one after losing Byorn and Ulrit to demons, and gaining three others she didn't know from the Auxlia or Mercenary ranks as they fought their way forward through the trenches and earthwork fortifications.

"Haa...haa...haa..." it was exhausting, her breath coming and going rapidly as they gained a moment's respite it seemed as the nearest monsters and whatever abominations they brought with them were dead. Thrusting her hand into one of her belt pouches and pulling out her last remaining restoration potion; then gulping it down in a messy gulp as her shield-hand made drinking it moderately awkward. Never taking her eyes off the small bit of battlefield that she could see; at least while shielding them as best she could from the rain. Irritatingly though she still had to use the back of her sword hand to clear them, blinking rapidly, as silent orders indicated more enemies coming.

"FORM UP! FORM UP!" she roared out as Squad Leader, watching as the skies flashed with lightning and the loud raging rumbles of thunder as the giant monsters clashed out amidst the storm. In all honestly, if she had time to think, the fact the Orcs and Mad Wizards had summoned their own Giant Monster to fight the Brotherhoods Giant Demon would have worried her. Thankfully she didn't have to think right now; just stab and kill unnatural things that came in front of her while she marched toward the city. Which was...somewhere ahead of them in the mists and rain as shields came together on either side of her, others bracing her from behind as a pike was lowered over her shoulder.

"RAH! RAH!" the song was in her heads, but words weren't coming yet as dozens of voices around echoed her primal grunts of anger. Feet moved together, shields locking together as dozens became hundreds as a beacon of power and light burned in her senses off in the hidden storm to her right. Hammering her sword hilt off her shield Cirla Kag began to stride forward again, the rain seeming to change direction to blast into the faces of their horrific foes and away from the as they marched...

"RAH! RAH!"

...great roars and blasts of erupted off to their left flank, giant figures clashing amidst flashes of lightning as their chants in unison marched through rain and howling winds towards ranks of ragged undead and monsters. There was no hesitation within her now, ignoring the roars as the titans clashed spear against fiery blade and whip amidst screams and roars...

"RAH! RAH!"

...just pushing forward. Blood, and water, and viscera covering her armour and shield as she stabbed and slaughtered anything before her. The Song was in her head, and her blood was up as her blade worked in unison with spears and blades of others as the monsters gave way before their wrathful ranks. It was good to be alive, to kill and butcher as she smiled...grinned...as more demonic blood splashed her helm and armour, and damp bone and flesh fell apart at her blows...

"RAH! RAH!"

...the Shaman and his Knights wielding fiery blades came into view as she fell in behind them, driving into the crumbling enemy ranks as the city walls loomed ahead...

"RAH! RAH! RAH!"

Along with the struggling demon and...giant orc?...as the horned and flaming horror was driven back against the city walls, breaking them, shattering them, as their titanic bulks slammed into them again and again. Despite that she roared out a cheer alongside the others around her as the giant demon stumbled back against the walls and roared in pain when the black spear stabbed into its side. Then again as lightning lashed the creatures body, from the skies, and from the chanting priests and mages she could not see; even as the rains turned into lashing water whips to strike at the creature's legs...

"RAAAAAHHHH!"

...forward to death or glory, her blood burning as bright as the white hot blade of the Shaman they followed into the breach in the city walls. No arrows greeted them, and somehow she knew they must butcher the summoners attempting to aid the demon on the other side of those walls. The wind blew, and the wall of human defenders that greeted them...those who'd she had fought with once...were nothing as compared to the horrors they had just cut their way through. They'd broke even before the first ranks of heavily armoured orcs with magical weapons slammed into their ranks...

"RAAAAHHH! RAAAHHHH" her throat was almost hoarse as she found herself inside the walls...

...no...

...atop the walls, fighting her way up the walls as her blade...someone elses blade, and where had that come from?...drove the chest of the light armoured fighter bearing the sigil of the Arcane Brotherhood upon his surcoat. Things were simple now, watching as the distant, yet near, titans fought amidst the city streets as thousands of warriors poured over the southern walls of the broken city. And still the storm raged around, a man ahead of her stumbling and falling to his death as the wind unbalanced him at the worst moment...

"KILL THE MAGES!" she found herself shouting, blade pointing at the robed figures atop the tower ahead of them. A stream of fire lashed out at them, though weakened by the wind and rain, and she dodged to the right with her shield bracing as the fool beside her was incinerated because they weren't as fast to react. Some threw a javelin into the fire mage's chest, driving her backwards to fall off the wall as the ranks charged forward towards the other two who turned to flee...

"That's terrifying..."

...and she looked to her side where a bloodsoaked Shua La was staring. Blinking Cirla Kag saw the throngs pouring through the great rents in the walls. The storm was still raging, but clearer now as the walls, towers, and buildings of the city offered some cover and therefore a better view from their perch atop them. While not down the titanic demon was falling back...no, being forced back...as its summoned host died just like the guards desperately trying to stem their advance. It was a scene from the hells, the frozen ones as her hot breath steamed on the frigid air. She grinned savagely.

"It. Is. Glorious!!!" she replied, raising her blade as renewed energy filled her "...Com'on you weaklings! Lets take this bitch! LOOT! PLUNDER! VICTORY! RAAAHHHHH!"

Hundreds of nearby warriors raised their own blades and spears "RAAAAHHHHHH!"

--

[The Shrouded Lord 05]

On the Battlefield, Within the Fallen City

Defeat of the Balor was at hand as we called forth the lightning from the storm upon its material form as it tried to rise against from the spear blow of the Avatar of Gruumsh-in-the-Flesh. Raising a gauntleted hand as we stood atop the roof-rampart due to fallen masonry we guided the strike home as more and more of the horde's warriors poured into the city from the southern side. The northern side less as we felt the lines there break apart as soldiers and armed folk from the city attempted to breakthrough and flee north; those few who realised at least what was occurring beneath the raging storm.

We made no effort to stall or stop this, nor those aboard struggling ships that bent their wills and magics to stave off the storm's wrath so they could flee into open waters. They were less trouble to be dealt with after all, and we could feel the coming sally from the true masters of this city. With their summons near defeat they must come forth and do battle, or flee, as to risk the Avatar of Grummsh-in-the-Flesh assaulting their great Tower after slaying or banishing Wendonai would be foolish and stupid. Mad, vile, and evil they might be, but foolish and stupid were rarely their faults; and there were the others we sought, those that aided them in summon the servant of the Spider-Queen.

Gesturing with our blazing sword, using it as a beacon through the howling winds and rains that barely touched us, we gestured down the street as a column of pike-orcs came forward. Strengthening their will, aiding their discipline into an unbreakable wall of spear and halberd points that drove the last crumbling remnants of the human resistance before them; the wagon palisade falling in mere moments to marching ranks. One of the magic tanks was doing likewise, now it had finally entered the city, as pushed towards the Captain's Court and the Market Plaza beyond. The Sack had already begun, the looting and rapine, but there was little we could do but keep the focus upon driving our forces ever forward till Victory was certain.

We jumped down from the height with an ease Karguk had not yet mastered, drawing power to us as our guards instinctively formed up around us into battle-formation. Demon roars filled the air as the Divine Spear pieced its hide, spearing its stomach as the power of the Battle Hymn and Belief of the Horde feed ever more power into us and the Avatar of Gruumsh-in-the-Flesh. The Balor's own summonses still remained, but were now few in number now, and scattered prey rather than terrible hunters as the very elements of the material lashed and burn them. Our hand grasped power, then pressed it down upon the cobbled stone of the street in blessing, in conquest, in consecration; shadows screamed and died down the alleyway filled with blood and holy water.

"Advance" was our simple command, moving in behind the surging Legions, driving them forward as the true danger reared its head at last. Dozens of the furthest forward warriors died we felt, magic searing the air and tearing flesh. Buildings collapsed near the Captain's Court as the Liches, some of them at least, took the field at long last with their own guards. The last moment of course, an effort to save their great dying summons before it was banished from this realm and they believed they must face an Avatar-Aspect unaided. Their magic was coming in play as golems and other...things...emerged to face us, but on this battlefield the power of the Gods would match them.

Mirrinock was there, with his fellow assassin-clerics, and living mages and sorcerers of the Host Tower died before awareness of their dark presence could be felt. This was the moment, weakening the foe as the two great titans struggled amidst shatter buildings and shrieking winds; the great abysmally beast upon its back, flames and wings roaring as the one eyed cyclopsian drove the black spear of the Will of thousands of Orcs faith in their Gods into its guts. It was a gift of the Gods, and we had other counters as the mages allied to our cause came forward to throw their own magic into the fray. Good, as it was best to waste the strength of allies and enemies here first than use that of their own clans and clerics.

We gestured and she, we, came forward with golden eyes that were ours as pavise shields planted themselves together ahead of us as more orcs died. She, we, took our hands, Karguk and Shandril who was Shandy, hidden within the storm as the blast of power came towards them, us...hands rose; one a flaming blade, then a other a gemstone. Magic surged...was devoured as its remnants fizzled and died as it hit the shields covered in wardings and runes of protection; we were no match for one as old and powerful as this, but we did not need to be. Merely strong enough to prevent their powers coming into play – block, delay, deflect, infuriate, as magic lashed at us as our warriors marched forward slaying all between us and the foe.

Its horrors died before the divine blades and holy words of the Gods as the lines behind to stand firm again as other priests and shamans rallied to the cause. Orcs died, auxlia died, but so did the ranks of the foe as their strengthening of the Balor ended, as others threw their power against the beast from the Pit as its anchor to the Material Plane began to crumble and buckle. Pockets of resistance remained behind us, but the main thrusts now had momentum, and our Will, and that of the One Eye's, drove them forward to sweep over any organised clusters of enemy fighters. No, now it was the tired Mages and their horrors that were the only true danger to our conquest.

"Counter-spell" we commanded to dozens spread out across the lines, drawing upon the Battle Hymn to direct and strengthen. It was crude, and savage, and most definitely inferior to the intricately beautiful and learned spell-crafting of our foes...but it was enough as the magical assault shattered in the face of the increased magic resistance. They were dozens, and we were an army of thousands; discipline, organised, not a large disorganised horde rushing to our deaths, or an army lack any magic resistance like worlds such Earth would have been. No, we could endure, and the death throes...well banishment...of the Balor were muffed as the storm engulfed all in frigid winds and rains. There would be no easy summoning of Horrors by our foe this day.

Lightning flashed again and again, only barely directed by us, though a shimmering half-sphere of magical power formed above the abomination facing us to resist these strikes. Arrows were useless in these winds and rain, and useless against magical protection against arrows anyway, but javelins blessed with faint power could penetrate as we watched. Too little effect sadly, beyond distracting and annoying our undead foe, but we sent more warriors up onto the rooftops to throw more at the beacon of negative energy. Time, we needed to buy time as the primary threat went through its death throes...but could still recover if given time, or if magical support was given.

More power surged and she, we, ate it, the body of Shandril-who-was-Shandy absorbing the magical effect once again and we used it to power our own spells of blessing. Alusair-who-was-Tanalasta fought near us, felling a half-dead human sized demon as it attempted to break through to us, the fiery sword burning into demonic flesh as she grinned fiercely when returning to us. We summon water again, the rain around us seeming to vanish as it formed into spears of holy water, then flung them at the Lich Mage before us and noted as the brief respite from the rains ended as quickly as it began.

Again the half-sphere of shimmering energy rested the attack, though this time the water splashed through to inflict some minor level of irritation and harm upon the abomination. Distraction enough for our purposes as others case now at our direction, a flare of power and the shield was Dispelled as a dozen Battlestaves marshalled their powers in the unity of the Battle Hymn. More shadows and assassin-priests dealt with apprentices and guards around the undead mage as we let loose an arrow of acid now that the shield against lower level spells was down. Two others within our ranks let loose Magic Missiles, weak ones, but enough to damage the Lich and disrupt its current casting.

...a great roar then shockwave of power emanated out behind and to the side of us...

We glanced that direction, the titanic One Eyed Orc standing astride its defeat foe, driving the enlarged Staff turned Spear into the Heart of Wendonai as the divine power erupted. Erupted and banished the filth of the pits from this Plane, the Bloodsoaked Emperor turned Avatar-Aspect of Gruumsh-in-the-Flesh nearing his end, but standing tall and roaring victory to the heavens. Praise his God, inspiring and filling the ranks with unbreakable courage and the lust of conquest. We could work with that, raising our blade into the air and signalling the knowledge of its victory, and of our need to press on and destroy the abomination of the Liches that remained in our city...

--

[Cirla Kag 02]

Moving through the Streets of Luskan

The rain still continued to patter down, lightning flashing and thunder rumbling across the city as she, what was left of her Auxlia squad, a few Spartan Orcs, and a group from another clan prowled through the streets as rivers of water and blood flowed under her feet. It had cleaned her blade, clutched firmly in her hand as the other held the shield loosely at her side. Well, it had been someone else's when hers got shattered by a number of axe strokes by a now dead mercenary or well armed militiaman, but now it was hers. So she kept at the ready as under dull gloomy and wet skies as she lead her cluster towards the houses, the big houses, around the Captain's Court.

Bright flashes of light and rumbles came from the docks, off towards where the Tower was, along with the titanic mist and rain shrouded figure of the giant orc that had slain the massive Demon. With the weird magic driving her onwards earlier fading she shivered at the memory; that had been gods damned terrifying. Just at the time she hadn't realised it, thank the heavens. If all the times she'd done something crazy had been so blessed, and not been running forward scared out of her mind; at least against things like what they'd faced today. Mad and crazy abominations though were a step up from the usual orcs or human warriors she'd faced after she'd thought she'd hardened herself against such things.

Now though the hardest fighting was done, at least for them, as she watched the titan in the mist along with the crazy shaman if she guessed who that sparks of fire amidst the torrential rain belonged too. Distance be damned, the mob of the elite orcs and auxiliaries heading that way backed up her guess in her opinion. Winning apparently as the lightning, and flashes of coloured light, continued to advance along the giant demon-slaying orc towards the towers on the island. Which was good, but win or lose that wasn't her job thankfully now she had to...secure the rear areas...

"This one! Hey, you two, yer big and strong right?" she shouted over the splash of rain on stone and metal as she gestured at fancy looking place with her sword to two of the biggest orcs "Good Loot maybe! Need Break Door!"

One of the big burly orcs had a battleaxe, and then other a two handed warhammer, and sturdy as the door on the mansion was...it wasn't standing up to those blows. Cirla grinned as the thing gave way, and she was moving up the steps along with the others, letting out a sigh of relief as they came into the big hallway, massive stairs directly up ahead of them. The rugs on the stone floors suffered badly as the water dripped, almost sloshed, off them and unto the floors and walls as their muddy boots stomped across them. One of the orcs reached out and grabbed some of the gold embossed cups sitting on a stand nearby.

Cirla grinned as she looked around the gloomy, and silent, mansion filled with fine silk drapes, paintings and much more easily carried things like jewellery hopefully. Enough to buy her freedom when put all the crazy, crazy, stuff she'd done today...or even if it didn't it'd make her a few good days and nights before Shaman Karguk and the Holy Orc Emperor or whatnot decided to stomp down and impose order. Or the damned Liches managed to drive off the orcs once again. Didn't matter, they were 'guarding the rear areas' so she and the others were going do just that...along with securing other things along the way. Oh, and make some friends too along the way.

"Check the rooms! Come'on let's get lootin' ye lot!" she asked more than ordered slinging her shield over shoulder and unto her back "In group! In group! Look for others!"

Grunts and nods of agreement followed as she found herself with her fellow human slave-warrior Shua La, and an orc from Spartans she knew called Urthak. Moving carefully, with weapon at the ready, she pushed ahead up the stairs towards where the master bedroom for the mansion was most likely. Or at least where it had been when she'd been here a lifetime as a Guard for the city. It was why she'd chosen here to charge into when she'd realised where they were, and that they'd a chance to go a huntin' as they say.

Some screams filled the air below, seemed either some of the family or maidservants had hidden in the cellar; hopefully the idiots 'exploring' there settled for bully, and maybe some rape, as prisoners were to be taken. Shaman's orders, and it was best not to anger the heads-on-spikes orc if you'd any sense. This place also wasn't, or at least hadn't been, secured by magical means like a few of the others had; at least not beyond the basics of keeping magic users out. Kicking open the door to the room she and the two others charged in, the place being empty, and she moved to shove the bed aside.

Grinned at the box there, set into the thick wooden floor "See, dumb rich folks..."

--

[Tris's True Tell All Tales 02]

[Extract From: Against the Skeleton Wizards of Luskan]

...and the terrible Demon Lord Wendy fell before the Avatar of the Orc Gods, that gigantic being standing proud and erect over his fallen foe, his stunning girth throbbing with power. Led by their now Blessed Holy Emperor the Holy Emperor the Mighty Legions of Illusk charged, cheering their victory over the hordes from the Abyss, and charging over the great stone walls of the city. Vulnerable, helpless, the great city was open and helpless before the roaring and rampant warriors of the victorious Illuskans.

All that remained were the vile, boney, and loveless Masters of the Tower of the Arcane. Driven mad, likely by their inability to know and feel a lovers touch, long ago these wicked but power monsters came forth from their Tower of Power even as the Terrible Wendy fell beneath the glorious blows of the allied army. Terrible fell magicks were thrown against the proud warriors of Illuskan as they charged forth with unshakable belief, and powerfully thrusting limbs. Strong muscled bodies strode through the pouring rain, clothes under armour sticking to their flesh, hearts beating a furious staccato of war as it pumped red hot blood to give renewed energy as the battle raged under the storm.

Wicked magic met holy blades and divine power on the streets as cowards fled the wrath of the enraged warriors as they fought the monsters summoned forth by the creatures. Fearless only due to being wretched, dickless, undead the Liches of the Tower fought back and tore up the streets leading to the bridges to the Towers on the islands. Many died in the ferocious fight as magic danced a merry and manic tune through the streets and bridges, as the great titanic of orcishness strode through, and trod on, the skeletons that would call themselves Masters of that pirate city. But drenched in holy water, their unholy soul-things were hunted down by the orcs, and the towering champion of their Gods, soon a number would begin to flee the battlefield in the wake of the raging power of an orcish horde.

Back and forth they fought, the great warrior chieftains subjugating all before them as they swept through the city, and mighty shamans driving back the unholy things of the Host Tower. Drawing holy power into themselves, penning it up, holding it in as it grew stronger and stronger, till these holy warriors thrust their blazing swords of burning hot power forward as they erupted with great geysers of holy flame. Raising his great rod of power high into the air, the titanic avatar of the Orcs Gods, and First Holy Emperor, then slammed it down into the earth. Roaring in wrath, an explosion raging, and pulsing outwards with raw untamed magick as Karguk the Reader, Mighty Shaman of Illusk, joined his power and the great horde storm across the bridges into the now holy ground of Illusk...

--

[Karguk 81]

On the grounds of The Hosttower of the Arcane, City of Luskan

It was like coming off a sugar high, or the hangover after a hard night's drinking, and I was just...weary, so very, very, weary right now. Sadly there was no time to rest, none at all, and I managed to pull out a small potion bottle from the pouch on the belt harness over my armour. My breath fogged on the cold winds and falling rain, as I raised up the tiny bottle and drank down the less-than-tasty concoction with a cough. Then another as I swallowed and put the now empty bottle back with its cork stopper back; the energy returning to weary limbs and mind with burning aches. I sighed and stood up straighter. No time to rest now after all.

I'd sheathed my sword somewhere along the way, things were a little bit blurry in that regards, but most of guards had not as they, and others from the assault force, stood watch around the battlefield. Or the courtyard of the Host-tower as it been called before our arrival, though the aftermath of the battle had shattered much of the decorations and defences once in existence here. Nor was the storm helping with that, the winds tearing leaves and flinging branches into the air around us, as it caused my water logged cloak to flap in the frigid winds.

Not that I could complain much as I had been instrumental in creating the storm that was likely to beset the city and surrounding lands for the next few hours. Nor was it my primary concern, despite being soaked through thanks to it, as I walked forward over the rumble and bodies littering the courtyard. No, my concern was only on one of the bodies laying amidst the wreckage of our victory, one that some were kneeling around, and others avoiding like the plague. The power still radiated outwards, though those senses were dulled somewhat, and this place reeked of power anyway.

I stepped over the shattered skeleton, a defeated foe to add to the legend I imagined, and came over the robed body lying amidst all the destruction. Damn if I hadn't thought...but that didn't matter, whatever I thought was irrelevant now as I picked up the black and silver staff that pulsed with power that rested near the body as the rain lashed down around us all. It was funny...to be sentimental now, over a dangerous and merciless being such as this. Or perhaps it was just concerns in my weary mind over what would happen now, it was hard to know.

The butt of the Staff thumped faintly off the stones of the courtyard, barely audible over the loud pitter-patter of the rain on the ground around me. I glanced around, there was Mirronock watching silently in the gloom...seemed I was in charge now, and no challenge as yet. Well, best to do something about it as I clasped the Staff and radiated strength and power despite my exhaustion masked only by potion and magic; then gestured at the nearest guards, of my clan and his "You lot! I want a guard of honour! Get something to carry the body out of this rain!"

I thumped the Staff of Office off the ground for emphasis "NOW!"

Preventing the whole situation unravelling was now a priority as the equally tired group startled, then went about doing what I ordered. Some searching for something to use as a stretcher to carry the corpse, and others coming over to carry it; me though, I was moving, gesturing, order "I want squads into those doors and secure them! I want watchers up on those platforms! Runners! Get me some runners and have them send for the Chieftains of the Clans! Secure the City! In the name of the Gods we conquer!"

I motioned at my personal guards "Hreshgk, Rose, with me"

The other guards followed of course, a bit further behind as I gestured at the assassin-priest of the Night-Tomb Tribe if he wished to talk. A faint nod of the masked face, and then he was gliding towards me through the rain, others of his shadows watching us, and everything else, nearby "He's dead. Where do you stand?"

Perhaps a bit blunt, but the exhaustion held at bay by the potion made any fear I should be feeling be stamped down deep inside. That and I had to PROJECT calm and control, even if I didn't feel it, as this was a very dangerous orc and we needed to start somewhere, because Zah would be here soon and I'd prefer him not arrive to civil war. The masked orc considered me, eyes moving around the courtyard, then down at body, and back up to me. Voice like an unsheathed blade as always "I lead my clan now"

I nodded, ignoring the rains, ignoring the winds beyond speaking clearly to be heard "Understood. I am First Shaman now. We gather the Chieftains and choose our new leader. The city is ours, we must now keep it"

"No claim?"

I shook my head ever so faintly, water droplets falling off me as the cloak and helmet shifted with my movements "No. Not here, not now. You are not Phargk. I am not Phargk. But Phargk is dead, in glorious battle, as a Champion of the Gods, but still dead. The Horde must stay united. We are strong now, strong together"

Silence a moment, beyond the deep angry rumble of thunder, the sounds of rain impacting stone and steel. Then he nodded, fractionally, voice cold as ever "Acceptable. I will secure the ruins here. We gather not here, at Palace beyond the river?"

I didn't let out a relieved breath, staying on guard and merely nodding "Yes that is where I will send runners, where we will all gather. The Moonblades and Red Axes hold much of it I think. The Wizards will come here, to purge the Tower"

"Acceptable, it will be done" and then he moved a way, gesturing to his assassins and clan warriors as I held my own free hand up to mine that there was no difficulty. There wasn't time to think on what had happened yet, that the terrible old orc was dead and gone...ironically by the simple means of old age and drawing in too much awesomeness to kill a Demon Lord and then undead wizards who'd summoned him. Probably as the old bastard had intended, dying moment of glory and then leaving behind the bloodbath for everybody else to sort out when his iron grip was gone.

"Boss, the Chief"

My eyes followed the gesture from Hreshgk, and there was Zah stomping forward in full plate armour along with dozens of his heavily armoured shock troops. I moved purposefully towards him, staff clicking off the ground with each step as I felt out the currently dormant, or temporarily spent, power of the Gods slumbering within its black and silver form. Eldritch runes still hummed, pulsed, in eerie unseen lights as I claimed it, ready for the blood that would flow as the words spread and the storm ended. Lightning flashed, one, twice, three times, as came closer to Zah and then the thunder rumbled loud and angry across the city as something unholy died to the wrath of the Gods. Zah's tired eyes looked at the staff held in my right hand.

"Shit"

I nodded "Yes. Shit"

"He's truly dead?"

I nodded coldly and calmly yet again, cloak hood over my helmet sticking to it in its waterlogged state as the storm raged on "Very much so. The price of summoning such power into himself when he's old and dying, he's in Nishrek now feasting and such I expect"

Zah swore, looking around, then swore again before looking at me through the misty rain "This will get bloody Karg"

"Don't I damned well know it. I'm summoning everyone we can to the Captain's Court. Storm or no storm, we need to get ahead of this. Most clan-members and auxlia will be too busy looting and securing places to hear, or care, about this for a little while. So we need to get our own banners together, get allies, and hammer out who gets what"

He glanced up at the massive tower looming over us "And the Tower?"

I shook my head "Sending in the Mages, no time to loot it when it's filled with traps, not when things are about to fly apart. We need grab Jernak and his Moonblades, hope our Assassin back there and his clan stay on our side, and get ready for...things"

Zah grunted "Right. You're trying for Head Shaman?"

I shrugged wearily, feeling so cold, voice coming out with a faint infusion of magic "Taking charge to survive more like. We need gather the others"

"No, no, I think your right Karg, goin' be a fight...another one" Zah motioned back leaning in close so we could hear each other better "...we need get warriors back to the camp, protect females and loot"

"Damn, didn't think...you or me?"

Zah rested his battleaxe across his armoured shoulder, jerking a finger towards himself "Me, ah'll bring'em all into the fancy houses near the Captain's Court as ye called it. We gather everyone up an' fort up till we can tell who side everyones one right?"

I nodded as the winds howled, raising my voice over it "Do it. Rose will go with you, and get the Auxlia and the Harpells and all the others in with them too! I'll go secure the Markets and Ruins north of the Court, and try grab the other clans we're friendly with..."

--

[Karguk 82]

Captain's Court, Southern Sections, City of Luskan

The storm was a nuisance now, somewhat, in that it was raging out of control and making the actual control of our forces almost impossible. It was also a help with matters as it was also stopping the fires that would almost certainly be spreading without it as our horde ran amok and sacked the city. If I wasn't so tired and focused on other matter's I'd have been disgusted, but I'd done my best to round up 'sanctuaries' and put guards over these quasi prison/safe-zones for those within.

More importantly myself and Zah had brought our gaggle of camp-followers, allies, and general supplies within the walls of the city and started fortifying the area around the Captain's Court along with the Moonblades. Lua looked like a drenched cat, silver hair plastered to her face as she strode in the head of the equally soaked slaves that made up mine and Zah's little harems. Oh, and the late Phargk's 'servants' too along with whatever artefacts and symbols of office that Mirronock could grab and relocate to the Night-tomb's stronghold across the street. Tris came in behind the little group, hand on sword hilt and water sodden cloak stuck to her thin frame.

"It's chaos out there, and freezing too!"

I gave a snort of amusement at her antics "Unfortunately...that, I know. The upstairs rooms have been cleared, so you can head up there and decamp. Try not to wake Rose and her acolytes in the side room, I've ordered her to get some rest while she can. What's happening at the camp?"

Lua came forward, patting Tris on the butt and then taking off her helmet and cloak to hand to the started half-elf as she turned to me "Chaos as our delectable Tris sayeth. Not bad chaos, but all are rushing into the city to loot, and some fights to settle scores. None troubled us on our journey here, but there is looting, and many retreat into homes to drink and...be wicked with the rivvil jalil, and jaluk too one fears. And...her Holiness?"

I nodded to my right "Up across the river at the Host Tower along with the Harpells, their guards, and a chunk of our warriors and auxlia so the bridges are secured along with the outside of the Tower"

Some of the tension went out of her shoulders at that "That's good, when the Demon appeared I...well, mine nerves were..."

"Hey, went well...or as well as could be expected really..." I replied tiredly as Tris hustled the ladies upstairs as Zah's guards did the same for his cluster of slaves and Lua looked at me oddly "...but she lives, and is out of the way of the coming things to be...well, dealt with"

"What problems?" came the next question as we walked away, and she leaned in against me, the storm outside rattling the windows and slamming the door was my guards closed it. The furniture here was far fancier than my home, though it was only now I noticed the colourful tapestries and intricate designs on the furniture. Not being chopped up for firewood at least, as I'd managed to get into heads that lighting up a fire in hearth, in the middle of a massive storm, would be a bad idea. One or two houses were apparently gone thanks to idiots and fires while trying to dry themselves; thankfully the heavy, heavenly, rain was putting them out before they spread, or those from the lightning strikes either.

I tapped the Staff off the stone floor "These problems"

She gave me another odd look, and I sighed "Old Phargk is dead, though that is not known in the camp yet?"

Lua shook her head, damp hair shedding water droplets before she huffed, reaching around and gripping it with her hands to wring it dry "No, none had said...what happens now Karg?"

'Well that's some good news at least, mayhap most do not realise his death as yet' I thought with a yawn, then shaking my head "I don't know Lua. Zah's meeting with Jernak of the Moonblades now, and Kurnak and his Red Axes should join us here soon...Obould's and his Utties are busy at the docks with others auxiliaries so whenever he comes..."

I yawned again, rubbing my eyes with my free hand "Try maintain order, limit the damage...we have many injured, so there's that too. I've already gather those I can tru...deal with, amongst the clans. Though thankfully there's no particularly strong priest or shaman of the One Eye around right now..." thanks to Phargk "...and they should be busy killing each other for who gets that role rather than plotting against me. Or should be once they find out our Emperor be dead"

No, the challenge would likely come from the standard enemies of Ilneval's priesthood; Baghtru and his priesthood. Luthic's senior priestess was a crotchety old female from a middling clan, and Mirronock seemed agreeable to taking charge as Shargass's, so that left dealing with the servants of the White Hands for whatever favours they desired, or threats needed, too get them obedient. It was taking far longer than I'd like, fighting still stalked the city even if resistance had been effectively ended, and it without our Dread Holy Emperor it was difficult to reign in the horde.

Lua made a faint humming sound, then sighed "Yes, mine Karg that mayhap is a problem...even if mine own thoughts be of less than sad thoughts on such, nor do I expect anything less than joy from our dearest Lara when she learns of such"

I shrugged "Not surprised, but I...I don't know, need take charge, control things..." I yawned "...be a bloodbath otherwise. Can't let fall now...not so close"

Victory was not the end of things, especially not now, and I needed to do things. There was a tightness in my chest, the tension and the stress of power, and then watching bad things happen under your watch unable to do little more than cosmetic changes. It weariness too, the usage of powers was...exhausting, more than I'd expected, and even two stamina potions were only relieving it a little of that drain. And the Staff...I'd only just gotten the blasted thing and the power lurked deep within, spent as I was, slumbering with whatever gifts the Gods of the Pantheon had imbued it with.

So far I'd focused on locking down control of the Host Tower through the Harpells and Veladorn, the Captain's Court here, and finally the granaries of the city with auxlia and allied forces from the Moonblades. Water cisterns too, but that was only the ones nearest those three spots as there simply wasn't enough warriors to hold everything. Not against a large mob, and for the moment all three areas were close enough together as to be mutually supporting. Further thoughts on the matter were interrupted as the door slammed open, driven by the wind as it shrieked inside along with the shouts of Zah telling them hold it before it blew off the hinges. Lua waited patiently at my side as I turn around, resting on my staff as I gave a wave at Zah.

"Gods damned fuckin rain Karg, I saw a cart go into the sky a little bit ago..." he grumbled stomping towards me as the guards he'd come with help close the doors behind him "...and you look like shit, ya know?"

I gave a snort of irration at that "Well good to see you too Zah, an' you look exhausted too"

He grunted, nodding "Aye, and I'm goin' drink some booze, shag me females, and then sleep fer a bit is what this here orc goin do"

"Zah we need..."

"No, we need rest Karg, even if for a bit" he replied tiredly "...as I were speaking to Jernak, he's injured, healing up about a street down so should be fine few hours. Obould's lot are off raidin' the docks, and Kurnak's fortifying other side the court to us and says he'll be a few hours afore ready to meet"

"How bad is Jernak injured?" I asked, hoping our allied Chieftain wasn't too bad, and risk a mini civil war in their clan if he should die. Zah shook his head.

"Nah, just some slashes, an' his healers says he'll be fine..." Zah replied "...look, this storm ain't going to end anytime soon is it?"

I winced, powerful magic and weather had given me a headache and long lasting storm front to deal with "No, hours still, dead demon, fallen avatar, liches...there's tons magic in the air, and we've sorta lost control of it"

"Yeah, though sa'much. Karg, its impossible do anything out there with blasted winds and rain, and there's hail as well. S'why I came back, go up there and fuck or whatever, and then get some damned rest. As I'm damned well gonna get some"

"Zah, we need do so much, can't afford sleep"

He snorted "Yeah, we can. I've put Cardac in charge, and you look fit to collapse an' we can't afford that. Need ya to keep others in line with yer magic Karg now the Ancient One be gone"

"Not many seem know that yet supposedly"

Zah nodded, taking off his helmet and cloak "Aye, not a shock, few seem know when I was at the gates. Everyone too busy lootin' or just tryin' get out from other the storm, seen orcs injured from things flying about and hitting them in the head...right, talk later, sleep now"

He stomped off shouting for booze and where the guards had bunked his females. Lua elbowed me gently in my armoured side "Do what he says Karg"

I groaned "Too much to do..."

"Hush you..." she grumbled back, arm sliding around my waist "...to bed mine Karg, terrorise thine enemies upon waking, resting now"

--

When: 15th Day of Eleint, 1357 Dale Reckoning

Where: Some building, Captain's Court, Luskan {Need to rename soon}

I'm awake, and fed, and not as utterly spent as I was thanks to the battle. In all honesty I'm not sure how long I was out, several hours at least, most likely the whole day, as it late evening now and I'm pretty sure it was night time when I got shoved into bed by Lua and her helpers; Tris and Lara. Even more truthfully much of the battle is a bit of a blur, and apparently we defeated the Liches, a Balor, and Darth Phargk is dead, so I had the momentary urge to go back asleep when I awoke. Sadly that was not to be, so I got up, got dressed, and after a meal and potion of my own concoction started trying to figure out how bad the situation is. Also even more glad than usual of my magic pen, as writing helps calm my nerves and focus the mind.

The weather is still horrible, though the storm has passed, with heavy rain persisting even if the winds have died down. In a way this is fairly large boon to us despite turning the lands surrounding the city into a muddy morass and likely wrecking any crops left in the fields. See, the bad weather held down some of the worst excesses, and slowed down the spread of word that our Emperor was killed in the fighting. Things are a mess, the city has been, and still is being, sacked and there's little I can do to stop it in the immediate term. For now we've consolidated from the Captain's Court to the Host Tower, through the Illusk Ruins and Markets, as our 'territory' with the Harpells and Veladorn entrenched on the island itself.

Doctor Ned's with them, with some of our warriors, but it's easiest to let go of it for right now as we don't have enough strength to hold it on our own. Casualties were both heavy and light; heavy in that we've lots of injured and walking wounded, but the actual number of deaths is maybe a tenth of our forces. I'm rotating healing, and rationing potions, so we can heal up the worst and avoid showing off what our losses actually were. I've Rose doing healing with her tiny band of priestesses, along with my own Warswords, but I need to focus on the greater matters before the city explodes. Zah's still sleeping, but I've sent messengers to the other big three; Moonblades, Red Axes, and Night-Tombs, along with Obould's lot setting up shop around the docks.

The Red Axes are dug into to our flank in the High Captain's Court and surrounding houses, opposite the South Gate, with the Night-Tombs across the street in that quarter. Moonblades are directly across from us, in a rough triangle from the Prisoner's Carnival up to the river and the bridge over to the northern section of the city. Rest of the city, especially said northern sections of the city, are a free for all and there's fighting ongoing as bands fight over spoils, or hit the handful of little clumps of defenders still around. Largely because their trapped and have nowhere else to go; this was a city of over ten thousand [maybe up to fifteen or sixteen thousand] so not a shock really.

My plan, such as it is, is to gather together the others and cut a deal of some sort between the largest clans and try stopping this blowing apart. Even down to ensuring the human population survive our conquest. It's terrible, but when even my troops are running about enslaving and stealing so what could I expect from the other clans and the auxlia. So, we're back to the horrors of making it an organised process rather than random, loot, torture, murder for pointless reasons things going on right now. Or even just ensuring we don't tear ourselves apart over the spoils of our victory in a typical display of tribal orc stupidity.

Anyway, gotta go, need get pack sorted and robes magically cleaned to meet later. Slán.

--

When: 16th Day of Eleint, 1357 Dale Reckoning

Where: Our Field HQ, Captain's Court, City of Luskan

Gods I'm tired. It's been a long night, and then following day; that's going on and on and on. Talking and killing, and then talking, followed by more killing then talking. Who's in charge isn't quite decided as yet, though my authority as head religious leader is far less in doubt after I led my Red Branch Knights, Warswords, and Battlestaves, against two would be 'Supreme Leaders' who'd managed to gather clusters of followers. One, the Baghtru worshipping fecker, actually managed to get several hundred warriors and fanatics together in the northern part of the city.

His, and his closest followers, heads now decorate some pikes along the river as a lesson to would be rebels. If I can't rule by love then I'll enforce order by fear, as Zah's pretty sure we need to show strength right now to make sure nobody turns on us. Thankfully all of the Big Four clans, with the support of a number of minor clans and allies like Obould's Uthgardt, agree we want order and a chance to rule here, not just loot it and then head back home to living in caves. This city is ours now, to hold, to rule, to build upon; I can sell a dream apparently, even if some would call it a nightmare I expect.

Now, down to the nitty-gritty; I managed to pull of my little 'kill any usurpers' escapade because we've somewhat divided up the spoils, and it an agreement on how to decide certain matters. Or, at the very least, how we're going to rule our new city anyway. To make a long story short we are somewhat copying the previous arrangement between the Pirate Captains of Luskan, prior to the Host Tower takeover, and setting up four 'High Lords' over the city. Four 'High Lords' from our Four Clans basically, and we've somewhat started talks on dividing up districts between our clans and the minor clans who support us – in a land or loot breakdown of sorts.

Now, we haven't chosen an Emperor, whose no longer a Holy Emperor as we breakdown the dual-role our dear departed Darth Phargk. See, we've gotten to the stage of 'what group to pick from' for that position, and into the future for it. Not overly sold on the elective monarchy this boils down too, but right now we need to avoid a falling out and this keeps some measure of unity between us all. Excludes Zah from the throne right now too, since I'm sitting as head of the religious side of things, and we'll have figure out other things for the runners up to the competition.

Now Obould and such aren't getting to that level, but they're getting plenty of loot to offset, and I think he's more interested in gaining lands from in the Crags to build his army to return home someday. Hard to know, he's a wily one. Whatever, we're starting a progressive looting of the city and rounding up of the surviving citizens, so we're not short of things to chosen from; he mostly wants to get stuff from the City Guard's armoury. Chainmail, shields, swords, spears, and the likes; fine by us, but he and the other minor clans will still have a say of sorts in who gets the crown. Those that survive the purge of those who just tried to get uppity now the Dark Lord has passed.

Right, for now I plan to rest. After reading some scrolls so my spells are ready come the dawn. Our Holy Emperor's funeral after all, have to make it impressive and deal with any rivals that might try to emerge during it -Or any betrayal from allies and the like, orc or otherwise. Fun times as always.

--

When: 17th Day of you know when!

Where: My Room

That Gods-damned rat bastard!

I'm gonna...

Damned voice dictation was a terrible idea.

Talk later, going set fire to practice targets now.

--

When: 18th Day of Eleint, 1357 Dale Reckoning

Where: Outer Buildings, The Hostower of the Arcane, City of Illusk

Yes, experiments in magic are bad thing when it comes to laziness and anger. Was rather upset yesterday, and tried to write without writing. Worked but removed [deactivated?] the incantation as shouting is a bad idea with private thoughts, so just normal magic writing pen anymore. Oh, yes, guess who's our new Emperor now?

KURNAK OF THE RED AXES.

Thankfully I managed to stay perfectly calm till I returned to my area of the city and found some practice dummies to destroy in some pleasantly destructive ways. Now I'm calm, and rested, and relaxed, and certainly not having to resist the urge to plan a coup right this very moment. I've sworn an oath, and UNLIKE SOME, my word is my bond. Letter of the Law and all that. Mediation helps, as has some drinking and stress relieving debauchery post funeral feast.

Look, my urge to go on an angry rant aside I can work with this. We had a grand, spectacular funeral, and body burning, of the Holy Emperor and High Priest of the One, Glorious Conqueror of Luskan, Demon-slayer, Phargk of the Night-tombs. It also served as an ideal venue to make sure everyone knew who was ruling this city now, and then essentially having an impromptu election amongst the assembled warriors over who to rule the Legions. Largely because we're deadlock between ourselves and Moonblades being behind Jernak, and the Night-tombs and Red Axes behind Kurnak; and most others refusing to commit. Short of a trial by battle [though we had a few of those duels over other things] or a civil war it came down to deciding who was favoured by the warriors rather than just the Gods.

Because I represent the Gods, and that could cause a problem me stomping in and picking a winner. We just don't have enough power to force it through if I tried. So, yay, more things to deal with in who we've got in charge of the secular side of things. Good news is that we're still on speaking terms with Shrouda representing Mirabar, Malchor representing his family [and maybe Neverwinter, and Veladorn representing herself and her merry band. Kurnak, sorry Emperor Kurnak, at least is pragmatic enough to understand we've got a good thing and its best kept going. Ugh.

Oh, and we're changing clan names again. AGAIN. Because it's like some deep seat urge in the orcish soul to celebrate great victories by name changes or something. Zah wants us to be Clan Stormbringer, because we brought a Holy Storm, and our original name was Stormfang and he's feeling nostalgic maybe. I dunno, the others in the clan think it's a super-awesome idea too, and the Night-Tombs and Red Axes are supposed to be doing the same. So, another yay I guess.

--

[Karguk 83]

Host Tower of the Arcane, City of Illusk

"A nice clear evening for once" I muttered looking up at the darkening skies as night approached, the sun setting and moon rising as I looked out into the bay. It was all rather beautiful, the sea glowing a faint red-orange as the waters lapped against the rocks of the island and the sea-breeze brushed my face. It tasted of salt, salt and the hint of blood, though that could be the just my imagination, and it refreshed a weary mind and limbs somehow; Gods, it'd been a lifetime ago since I'd been at the seaside. It was rather different now though, now wasn't it?

"Oh, yes all rather rainy and gloomy since that whole magical storm summoning..." Doctor Ned replied cheerfully strolling over to me in is orcish form, colourful robes sashaying about him...where'd he get the glitter from this time?...and staff thumping off the stones as he moved "...messes up the weather you know? Probably going to out of sorts for some time I imagine considering all the power we threw into it!"

I nodded "True, true. Though I'll take that over being dead or a demon chew toy even if its left quite the mess"

"Ah, the joys of victory! Chin up me lad! The Tower is yours and those terrible fellows turned from undead to dead, or off fleeing elsewhere, so quite the achievement!" the cheerful 'orc' replied spreading his hands apart in a energetic gesture, waving his staff at the great towers soaring above us "...Or it will be, once we manage to occupy the entire structure that is"

"Looking forward to being a Master of the Tower are we?"

He chuckled, amused and mildly evil sounding in its tone "Heh, heh, heh, no greater joy does it bring my dear Karg than to take old boneys Tower and make it me own. Nice bit of revenge, justice, there I think"

"Hmm, perhaps you're right there..." I admitted with a smile "...but how are we looking for traps and spell effects?"

He joined me at the stone wall, arms resting on the old battered stonework and staff at his side "Oh, that...well, where we thought we'd be. You'll have to talk to old grumpy Harpell for his opinion, but I'd hazard it's going to be fun-fun time clearing out the cellars of this fine establishment...maybe the tops of the towers as well"

I nodded looking out a wrecked ship in the bay. Really needed to get that cleared out of the way "Aye, about where I expected honestly. What I don't want is surprises, or our currently exiled wizards teleporting back inside some lonely night"

"Doable, your plan, once things settle down across the river I suppose, should do in nice clean brute force and methodical sort of way..." he replied fiddling with his hat as the wind picked up a moment "...and some dispelling and then some wards against dimensional intrusion can be done...assuming you can get our lovely Qilue, and the fine bearded Malchor to help in the matter of course"

"I figured..." I looked up at the massive, oddly shaped tower "...and heavens is it weirdly designed innit? Like some strange stone tree. Keep thinking it should fall down due to...well, pretty sure even dwarves don't build like that"

Doctor Ned reared back, arms moving outwards and gesturing dramatically "IT'S MAGICAL! LET THE GLORIES OF A NETHERESE REFUGEE WITH A TREE FETISH AMAZE US ALL WITH THEIR STRUCTAL IMPROBABILITIES AND POORLY THOUGHT OUT ROOM LAYOUT!"

"Ha Ha Ha, hilarious..." I muttered turning around, resting my back against the wall and looking up at the tower looming over us "...hmm...did he have a tree fetish?"

"NO IDEA...I mean, no idea, but there's strange roots going under the city by all accounts..." the 'Orc Archmage' answered immediate before switching back his indoors voice "...but in what'll interest you we've cleared out the Central Spire, teaching rooms, student rooms, all the way up to the Audience Hall while you've been off conquering the city and buryin' the scary old dude who killed a Balor"

"Well, that is good news" I admitted studying the strange stone-tree-tower "...I'm going to start consecrating the place floor by floor soon as I can, purge any lingering effects hopefully. The place is mine, islands and all, as long as I can claim it..."

I glanced at him "Which means it's partly yours, assuming you wish to remain in the service of glorious Illusk, and teaching up the next...possibly first real...generation of orc wizards? Archmage Nedorious, and Court Wizard in the fullness of time I expect"

"Ohhh...shiny things"

I gave him a look and he chuckled in amusement "Fine, fine! No, I'm rather looking forward to setting up shop in former enemy's former home, putting my feet up on his expensive furniture, and drinking his exquisite brandy...once I'm sure it isn't poisoned anyway. Why, if you're willing to pay for my continued services...well, wouldn't that just be fine and dandy too I must say!"

That was good, I needed to keep him around as his power was a useful counterbalance to other magic-users, and more importantly the wizards who we'd just driven from here. Should any try to return anyway, and I had plans for the Host Tower, the islands, and the Illusk ruins, once we managed to truly hammer the city into some kind of order. This was going to be a Temple to Ilneval, or at least part of the island was, and my plans involved turning this into a true Academy of Divine and Arcane magicks; somewhere to establish as my powerbase, and troop training centre into the future.

One good thing was we were very much flush with funds right now; sacking and looting a city tended to do that for the coffers, especially this place. Sadly, much as I wanted to rush in and start studying tomes, it was going to be a dangerous and time-consuming road to make sure they were trapped, or just simply deadly by nature. Even now I had a handful of my 'free' squads hunting down any books within the city while they played enforcer to our areas of control. That and hunting down any surviving apprentices of the Tower, clerics, alchemists, and anyone of that persuasion; thankfully the other clans seemed to know that already, and there were 'peace offerings' after arriving according to Hreshgk.

"Excellent, your well worth the price Doctor, whatever we agree..." I agreed with a nod, noting the approach of the Drow priestess, motioning at my guards to allow her approach as her two guards remained back "...as we'll be discussing it later looks like. Malchor?"

Doctor Ned shrugged "Herding his family members after...well, some things exploded and caught fire...every was fine, but, you, know"

"Harpells" I muttered with a sigh and the 'Archmage' nodded.

"Harpells indeed"

Veladorn gave a curious look, though it was largely just raising an eyebrow on her stoic face "Harpells?"

I shrugged "Apparently there was a fire"

She nodded "Ah...there always is with such in that family one has discovered"

"Hmm, Hmm" I agreed, nodding "...and how are you this fine evening Lady Veladorn?"

"Enduring" she replied calmly "...less than pleased at what occurs over the rivers"

Not unexpected really I could admit, and I nodded faintly, my hood moving as I did so "I understand, but I hope you understand there is little I can do beyond what I have already done, and will be, doing"

"Yes, I do, and our pact stands, distaste of certain matters aside...that these fools had risked summon a creature such as that..." she shook her head, silver hair spilling over her shoulders "...no, I merely wish to ensure places to rest for those under my priestesses protection now that the worst appears to be over"

"Ah, I'd figured that would come soon enough, and I've spoke to Miss Stargleam on the matter as well...now, sorry, on a separate matter, but it's going to be sharing thing for the moment. You'll be able to settle them in the old Mirabar district in the next day or so...soon as I can afford to send enough warriors over there to clear any objectors. I'll also warn, as I told Shrouda, it's going to be picked clean in the best case scenario"

"Merely roofs over heads, and food in bellies, is all that is expected, however much more one would desire more for them..." the drow Chosen replied with another shake of her head as she came forward, resting arms on the stonework and gazing out into the harbour "...the world can be such an unfair place one finds. One must rise above as best one can, and it is the lesser evils than one had feared we would face"

I continued to gaze up at the tower "I'll keep my word, and the other clans are holding together on what Phargk agreed. We'll make this work, though I'll admit it's terrible to see. Unfortunately ensuring we all don't starve over the winter is the next step I'm afraid rather than other things I'd like to focus on"

As things currently stood there shouldn't be a problem as the granaries were relatively well stocked considering what happened, and we'd drawn in as much of the harvests from the surrounding villages as we could. I'd started a few of my lot putting anti-vermin and insect wards up on them, but current the simple job of guarding them and keeping drunken, greedy, idiots away as a battle in of itself. No, we were all encamping here for the winter, and I'd already sent word for my family and Zah's to join us...though who would take charge of the valley was still up in the air. Fun times indeed...

--

[Krowluc 26]

Market Area, City of Illusk

'Never thought I'd see the day I'd get to stable my horses in the Captain's Court' Krowluc thought cheerfully, adjusting his sword belt as he walked alongside a half-dozen of his Company's riders. Till they'd stormed they place he'd never set foot in the city for the very obvious reason of the Luskan's not allowing 'filthy savages' inside their pirate city as anything other than slaves. In his opinion it hadn't turned out to any different to any other town they'd looted, save bigger and with better loot, once he ignored the Giant Demon and seeming Avatar of the Gods fighting each other at the start. He tried very hard to ignore that part if he was honest with himself.

Of course that wasn't a hard thing to do with the need to stay on guard, and gather up everything they could in the Sack of the city. Coin, gems, and armour being the targets of choice, but the carts Egar and Dargunk were wheeling were full with all the other things they'd collected but didn't find useful. Ideally they could trade it with vultures...traders...that had followed along under guard with the horde since Mirabar. Others were doing the same of course, the streets full of activity as they exited the temporary stables under the watchful eyes of a few archers on rooftops, but that was just the nature of things. In all truthfulness things were holding up better than he had expected with the terrible old Horde Leader dead.

Now though the former populace were cleaning the streets of the dead, and general filth, he saw passing by a group doing such under the bored gaze of some Moonblade clan warriors. Who'd gotten it organised he'd didn't know, probably Shaman Karguk he guessed, but it was getting the city back to something like what a normal city should be. It was certainly better than most of the places he'd been let enter or stay in as a half-orc, so he wasn't going to complain now he was looking set to gain a house, maybe even a mansion, from the division of spoils. The advantage of being a 'civilized orc' in this somewhat mercenary horde, and liking the idea of getting land back in the Crags, and a house in the city, rather than simpler things like a few others.

"Ya think we're goin be sent back out soon Boss?"

Krowluc sighed, glancing over at Bareyaras as the murmur-murmur noises of the crowd grew as the wheels of the carts creaked along the cobbled streets "Probably, I reckon we'll be doing a journey up into the Crags at some stage in the next two or three ten-days, then back here'd I expect. That an' going out and escorting food caravans into the city"

'Not to mention all the bandits that'll pop up after this, and the adventurers seeking to liberate the city, or some random village, once word spreads of our lot taking the city' he didn't say watching as a group of Auxlia, humans from the valley with a few orc officers, argued with another cluster of kobolds over a trade. Past them he could see another group haggling with some orcs, Red Axes looked like, over some battered looking slaves the orcs were selling. Not that the Auxlia were any angels either consider how he'd seen a good number of those 'innocent famers' behave, so the three slaves hopeful looks could easily be misplaced.

"Aww don't look so down Dar..." Bareyaras replied, his ears hidden under his hat so the half-elf looked fully human with his beard "...we'll be cooped up most of the winter again so enjoy the travel while ya can I say! Come back here an' everthin' be all settled like, or sumin' like that"

"Ugh, I'd prefer sit around and drink away me hard fought loot..." the orc rumbled back, shaking his head "...is rewards of glorious victory"

Krowluc gave a snort of amusement "And in a ten-day you'll have spent and gambled all that coin and loot and be glad of the journey, and the coin that comes with it, so you can come back and spend it all again when the snows come down hard"

"Heh, like most of the company Boss..." the voice of their tiny treasurer half-shouted from her perch on the cart behind Egar "...forward Egar! Mush! Mush!"

"Boss can I just drop her?" the young human complained as the others laughed at him as Nimmel mimed driving him forward with an invisible whip. Krowluc shrugged.

"No unless ye want get a fireball to the face"

"Arr matey! Ye lost the dice game fair and square, so quit whining Puppy!" the tiny gnome egomaniac crowed to the second coming of Bareyaras in the company "...be a Man! Ye certainly love tellin' the ladies ye are! Or this here wizard will turn you in ta ah Toad"

"Oh shush you, and drop the accent. You're not a pirate, even if it's a terrible impression" Krowluc groaned back over the noise of the crowd as they entered the Markets of the old city, which had turned into an impromptu bartering area as the sacking ended and ordered started to emerge amongst the clans. He hoped it'd turn into something more organised, but right now it was simply what was being dragged from the nearest looting source to make a quick coin out of it.

"Nay! I's Iz Nimmel the pirate gnome!"

"Oh for fucks sake..."

She made a loud huffing sound "Fine! Fine! Now, I, Nimmel, Illusionist Extraordinaire, will need you fine brave warriors to escort my ever so humble..." a round of barely held back laughs and snorts echoed out around him "...self to the yonder tower"

He sighed, rubbing at the bridge of his nose "I was wondering why you came along to...help"

"Hey now, I am the best win numbers and charming folk ya here me!" she shouted back "...and don't forget my helping win the battle against the evil demons"

"Yes, you mentioned...several times in fact...though I think it was more other things that won that particular fight" he muttered getting nods of agreement from Bareyaras and Dargunk "...and what you want to do at that creepy Tower"

"Get room and board there in the future, renew our contract with the new high muckity-mucks of this glorious orc city as well"

Krowluc nodded as a few goblins scrambled out of their way along with what looked a filthy human street urchin guiding them somewhere "Not a bad idea, could do with a talk with the Shaman and the Chieftain about our future business...and rewards perhaps"

The others were all revelling, and they were selling a small bit of the most useless loot, but paying for an expansion was costly and ensuring his lot were busy once things calmed down would be the next step. He hadn't planned on doing it so soon, but if Nimmel was going there it was best to start now he supposed. Might even be a good excuse to bring back a wagon or two back to the valley to trade for a better return, and even do it for a few of the other groups who might have assembled their own little hoards.

Any of those planning on staying here in their new homes might have some interest in after all. Once the big 'crowning' of this new Emperor, and wasn't that a big title for a horde that ruled a city and some mountain valleys, and the elevation of the Spartan Shaman occurred in few days the city start being properly divided. And once that happened then clusters of orcs would start packing up for home, while word would spread and others would start to flock to the Illuskan Harp banner...

--

With Words, With Blood, and With Mithril: Tales of the Fallen North

Authored by Mazoga Ironhand, daughter of Krowlak Ironhand, Mage-Warlord of Black Raven Keep, Scholar Artificer of the Steel Dragon Tavern-Tower, and Loremistress of Emperor Zahgran the First, Giantsbane, Elftamer, Builder of Airships, and Master of Blizzards

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Chapter VII: the Emperor is Dead, Long Live the Emperor - from the Ashes to the Snows

...ended, mostly, with the ascension of Kurnak of the Red Axe Clan to position of Emperor; along with the formation of a Council of High Lords of Illusk. To further solidify control between the alliance of clans that had helped Emperor Phargk the Blessed Conqueror seize what had once been Luskan, but was now seen as the first true orcish city, the position of First Shaman, or High Shaman, was separated out under the charge of the feared enforcer of Phargk, Karguk the Reader of the Spartan clan orcs.

Resistance to this swift in rising, but equally swift in being put down as the forces loyal to the new Emperor and First Shaman sallied out into the rest of the city and crushed these potential challengers. These actions marked the end of the Sack of Luskan as the forces of the new Emperor and his supporters began enforce a degree of organisation, often through public executions of those unwilling to submit, over the next ten-day. As such, the general disorganised looting, rapine, and murder was swiftly ended; with attempts to organise the conquest to the liking of the core Illuskan clans begun even as sections of the city were divided up between them.

The first matter to decide of course was the fate of the defeated, almost entirely human, populace of the city of Luskan. In times past such hordes would have largely killed off the population, either through the conquest itself, or in the days following as slaves quickly died off as the extended Sack eventually destroyed the city and caused the horde to move on, or break up. For the Illuskan leadership the decision of retain control of the now renamed city as the capital of their new kingdom had led to both the Emperor and First Shaman to push towards keeping the previous Luskan population alive, and serving the new kingdom.

In fact a longer term view, perhaps a first for Horde, even the proto-Legions, was taken with something of racial caste system arising based on supporting a professional Legion structure. As such it is unsurprising that the first element dealt with were the surviving Luskan City Guard and those mercenaries that had fought for the Host Tower. Normally death would have been the answer given, it of the thousands that opposed the Illuskans only a few hundred had survived the Sack, largely due to being forted up inside the city, or taken by more mercenary clans.

In this case, as would be offered to several hundred other slaves, they were given a simple choice; swear and be branded, serving in the Slave Auxilia Legion of Illusk for several years, or be put to death. Most, unsurprisingly, choose the chance at honourable service or a noble death rather than hanging or the flames of a sacrificial bonfire. Similarly the surviving males of the former ruling class, outside of merchants, were placed into Auxila, while the females were generally divided amongst the clan leaders as concubines, or handed over to the Church of Luthic in the case of younger females to serve.

This would eventually give rise to the Order of the Blood Moon Shackle, as an offering of defeated foes to the Cave Goddess, which still remains to this day, albeit as minor order to true orcish Orders. The merchant caste of the city, as noted, were largely excluded from this enslavement as long as they swore a blood oath fealty to the new Illusk, or sufficient ransom was offered by Mirabar or a number of pirate/merchant groups that sought alliance with the new city-kingdom. What had been the religious and arcane class of the city were, generally but not in its entirety, placed under the authority of the First Shaman Karguk the Reader.

A few female spell-casters or younger clerics were taken by a clan chiefs, or clan shamans, prior to the Consolidation; indeed a few would be taken goblin or kobold Auxlia and whisked out of the city during the Sack to serve as sources of healing, or simply as slave-sages. Despite this minor issue the majority of clerics and magicians within the city were offered a chance to serve. Though a number would refuse such; evidenced by the Statue of a Priestess of Loviator that once decorated the Imperial Gardens before being moved to the Church of Lliira in Garnaks-Hold-in-the-Subrins.

In general the Clerics of the city that did submit, or were simply not ransomed by their Temples within the human lands to the south, were allowed to live. Live unenslaved in most cases, though a number were taken for the simple reason of their deity being seen as hostile to the new Kingdom, and indeed a number would reopen new Temples in the section of city set aside for their kind. Or within the Temple Area around the Host Tower, should they have been judged worthy by the Servants of the True Gods of Illusk such Mystra, Chauntea, and a few others such deities.

Surviving magicians, largely apprentices of the Host Tower, those who'd worked for apothecaries or mercenary bands, with a handful of scholars, were simply enslaved but under conditions similar, if different, to those of the Slave Auxlia. These arcane magic users were to be well treated as long as they served, and were tasked with teaching all their knowledge to the future magic users of Illusk; a larger scale of what Shaman Karguk the Reader was known to have established within his clan.

In the months that followed, with the severe winter helping, many eager young orc acolytes and shamans would attend what had been the Host Tower to gain access to these secrets. Farmers who had fled to the city, and their females and whelps, were also generally spared enslavement as long as they fell into the claws of the core Illuskan clans, or vassal auxlia of them, once oaths were given. Perhaps, ironically, many of these previously hardscrabble peasant humans would see their holdings expand as the Emperor and First Shaman sought to ensure there would enough food to sustain their intended capital in the years that would follow.

They were joined by a number of elder orcs who had purchased slaves who would 'retire' after the Sack to small fortified farmsteads, or simply occupy an abandoned village to serve as its new Lord along with their wives and whelps. Even one or two bands of younger warriors, unwilling to adapt to the city, and unable to gather mates in the face of more veteran warriors, would purchase a number of female slaves and attempt to establish similar 'dens' of their own. These settlements, while not actively encouraged by either Emperor or First Shaman, would serve as a later barrier or warning line to raiders from the Spine, or from bandits that would fill the lands in the period falling the Sacks of Mirabar and Luskan, and the crippling of Neverwinter further south.

Beyond these groups the control of the new rulers was less firm, as the human population of Luskan had been estimated at between twelve and twenty thousand prior to the Conquest and Legions themselves were below that number as it began to break up post victory. Significant efforts were made to keep as much of the surviving population of the conquered, estimated at between half and three-quarters, within its walls, though several hundreds, perhaps a thousand or two, would be taken by clans returning to the Crags or establishing new strongholds in the surrounding environs.

The rest though would be put to work in the days following the Sack; clearing rumble, rebuilding defences, or simply to keep the sewer system working as Karguk the Reader was noted as writing. In line with this subjugation and movement of humans back out into the farmlands, a migration would start as many clans summoned their females and whelps from the Crags to inhabit their new city. This, combined with the attraction of many younger males seeking glory, or merely food and females, would bring many more thousands into the city despite many of the horde returning home with their loot.

Indeed a great many half-orcs, as word spread of the Conquest, would begin to head towards Illusk in the months that followed, arriving as the Winter ended and what became known as the Time of Troubles began. Furthermore others, goblins and kobolds, proved to be attracted to the holdings taken by their kin as Auxlia; the Goblin Quarter arising even before the fall of the first snows. The Drow, though followers of Elisatraee alone, too would rapidly establish their own quarter on the northern side of the city, despite small numbers, and growing them at a fraction of the other races. Ensuring some limited peace between all the forces of the victorious Illuskan alliance, perhaps unsurprisingly, would as such be a driving pressure throughout those first few months.

That, along with attempts to attain true control over the region around the city itself, and gather what ships that were serviceable in the wake of the great storms that had raged throughout the seas during, and after, the final assault upon the city. There were few of these, of the four the legions had captured prior to the final battle all but the largest and sturdiest had been lost to the howling storms, and only two additional ones were salvaged from the harbour of the fallen city. Neither of these having sufficiently trained crews to crew them either, so for the days that came ahead dealing with human crewed pirates and merchantmen was the...

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When: 24th Day of Eleint, 1357 Dale Reckoning

Where: Mansion House, First Island, Hosttower Islands, City of Illusk

Well, I've established my base camp while we work towards truly securing the Host-tower by the slow, methodical process of exploring, then blessing and warding the place. Doctor Ned's working towards preventing enemy teleportation alongside the Harpells, and I'm content enough to allow them settle over on the main island while they go about it.

Meanwhile I've moved my new group of harem/minions/research assistants here as well, and put/kept Lua in charge of them now I've something a secure estate, of sorts, to stay in warmth and relative safety. Relative safety as I said, as where is ever truly safe, but this island controls the bridge access to the larger Hosttower Island so it's been easy enough control and secure.

I've actually had a day, well two, after that damned election of Kurnak, to settle my 'household' and I've gotten Tezza and Julie, my two slave-alchemists, a nice large room to work on various things. Potions in short, but for now its writing out various knowledge they have for me to review, ideally they'll impress me, and Tezza certainly tries to please.

Albeit out of practical reasoning; I reward them when they obey, or go beyond that, and the woman is a decade on mine and fair pragmatic about her new role in life. The red-haired Julie follows Tezza's lead, and they seem a competent and knowledgeable team, so they could be boon if they can be properly incentivised.

Though, honestly, I'm more-so trying to get the seven settled in before Oggy and Ghorza arrive, and their reign of terror over the household begins. The city isn't exactly safe, and I can't afford escape attempts from a prestige point of view, not do I want any harm to befall the lot of them. Considering the fate of Evil Elf the seven have been surprisingly obedient, so maybe that helped, though reactions are varied and, well, odd to say the least.

Bronwyn for istance, our young, eager, paladin of Mystra, seems to have snapped due to events and deemed me some strange combination of penance for her sins, and holy quest of serving me. Somehow. All while being the shyest of the lot, and still largely mortified of her nudity along Nervous Elf. Or Eleanora as she's named, and the one bound under the strongest Geas since she worships Corie Larry, Giant Elf Asshole.

Still very much terrified of me, but she's reasonably useful as a Loremaster, so I think she and Tsuruhoki are going be merry little librarians for me and Missy in the future. Joanna the Bard potentially as well, though Tris likes doing duets and dancing routines with her, so apparently Lua argues the girl is better for entertainment purposes. I'll let Oggy decide that bit, but the girl is decently travelled, and I'm eager to pick her brains on this places she's been too when I get a chance myself; the more you know, the better able you are to deal with them.

Surprisingly my Seer, Prisca, whose abilities are of dubious value considering her new status in life, has been happiest chopping firewood and setting up what's going to be garden according to her. I'm content enough for that, under guard of course, but it's useful and the place needs to good bit of work outside anyway while the others play maids inside. I've a work schedule of chores set up even!

Well, largely excluding my last member of the household; Arleigh. She amuses me, sort of, as she actually seems to find the fact she's acting High Priestess of Tymora in Illusk by day, and harem-slave by night, somehow funny as representative of some cosmic coin flip gone astray. I dunno, interesting coping mechanism I guess. In truth it's a microcosm, oh words like microcosm, of the larger events taking place in the city. I've done my best to grab the educated; apprentices, apothecaries, clerics, assistants to those careers, and the like, but it only goes so far.

Honestly its very, very, hard not to feel like the villain when you see your troops dragging great numbers of enslaved people through the streets of their fallen city. But can't turn away from it, as I've got to make this city work and that means things like the sewers being kept functioning, and the walls get repaired, and a million other little things. Being Sim City Mayor Orc Edition means lots of boring, terrible, things, alongside the general killing of enemies, bribing of enemies, and dealing with enemies made Emperor.

As to that: Kurnak, Glorious Emperor, blah, blah, blah, is, at least, proving he has similar interests to me, Zah, the Jernak of the Moonblades – ie making this city work. I'm unsure about Mirronock, he's the silent type largely it seems, but we're *mostly* in agreement over how we're going to run this place. Those that stay here will follow semi-civilized ways, we'll maintain our sort of alliances, and focus on expanding into the lands around the city, north and east. Bandit and orcs from the Spine territory now, and ours to take and hold; even from some of our current, more savage, allies – sure they're leaving with loot now, but both me and Kurnak want that river flowing with Mithral once again.

Which ties in well to what the last, sort-of, member of my household wants; dear Shrouda, who's followed me everywhere like my own second shadow since we took the city. Doesn't want us turning on Mirabar I think, and my ideas about how to make use of this city are somewhat in her, damaged, city's interest – I want the Mithral to flow again up the Mirar river and out to sea. The River is a logistical boon, once it's secured, and that's the part that city-states can't really pull off, hence the Blackford road running north of a wide, deep, barge efficient river. Such a river that can allow us to make coin off trade without having to build much beyond a few forts at places like Blackford Crossing, and further up where the rivers from the north in the Spine flow into it.

Though that's somewhat down the line, the immediate, pre-snowfall, plan is to secure the area a little beyond Blackford Crossing, and the simplest routes from here to Mirabar, and here into the Crags, to our tribal strongholds there. Something that started today, well last night, with the departure of a chunk of our army, along with loot laden wagons, up into the Crags to return home the loot, along with some of the soldiery, before returning here. Can't take any chances with things as they are, our main enemy might not be around anymore, but the lands are chaotic outside of the various strongholds under Illuskan control.

Not when my family and Zah's are the ones being escorted back here, and sending back our more trusted officers to hold down the valley for us. In this case I'm sending Hreshgk as my representative, and Zah's putting Old Taugh, largely because he's old, his chidren serve in the ranks, and he basically understands what we want – the Valley running as it is, no rebellions, and continued building of our armies. I don't want to lose the valley and the stronghold by trying to build up our strength here in the city as well; sort of greedy I admit, but I want to do it in both, in case we need to retreat to the stronghold. Always good to have contingency plans after all, and winter is predicted to be long and hard by gardening seeress. Joy.

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When: 28th Day of Eleint, 1357 Dale Reckoning

Where: Mansion House, First Island, Hosttower Islands, City of Illusk

I've been talking to Obould, and he's planning on bringing his Uthgardt lot into the city, joining us all in the general renaming plan set for this Midwinter, and also desire to settle them here. I'm not opposed, though their basically orcs in a human form, and I'm unsure the benefit of it versus being out in the wilds; they are a bunch of barbarians after all. I will admit he has brought a number of younger orc warriors, along with a few half-goblins and number of other half-orc breeds, so his numbers have moved up to somewhat respectable. Good and bad as it removes a buffer to us in the Crags, but also frees up lands to expand into, so not sure what to decide on it yet.

Meanwhile Qilue Veladorn has been hard at work, clearing out her little area of the city with her priestesses, and fortifying it a bit too, and a number of slaves she's taken in and freed. Already got a shrine to her Goddess up and running, and Kurnak is tolerating her presence, which is good, and I've arranged for northern area of the city to be 'for the Arts' in a way. Given over a number of surviving bards and the like to her, tavern staff, general things in that area, and allowed her form entertainment of sort. Keeping orcs and goblins and kobolds entertained is very idea, and as part of that Kurnak focused several days since becoming Emperor in ensuring the Public houses are both open, and have bouncers.

And had help him do it, and I don't disagree, as dancing, booze, general lingering feasting and duelling, still fills the streets even if we've managed to organise the slave markets to something we sort-of control. At least we're making 'tithes' off of it, and try make sure orcs who're semi-civilized have advantages over those inclined to leave the city, or just end up causing deaths. Anyway, the pubs have gotten a focus as I said; slaves where needed, food and drink, and making sure the brewers in the city were freed and gotten back to work, or having our lot start brewing as well. Hell, I've even given one of Menkin's minions, because the little scaly fecker has minions even when he's a long ways a way, has staked out a tavern for his boss. Gods, he's franchising.

Whether he is or not, getting a steady supply of alcohol is now a priority as we've only two, maybe three, months before Winter comes in all its power. The city being under siege didn't really help things there, and lack of ships isn't helping now, but the harvests have been pulled in and most of the brewing equipments already in place. For now we've the raided every house in the city, and nobility's fine wines and brandies, which they'd stores of, has supplemented what cheap beers and such we've actually got. Between that, the patrols, and the public executions things are somewhat starting to resemble a functioning city, albeit a really barbaric and backwards one that came thrown a hurricane.

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