|
Post by Effigy on Aug 3, 2013 9:09:58 GMT
Over the next while I will be composing the back story of Effigy. From his birth to the day he walked out of the Volkun Mountains.
|
|
|
Post by Effigy on Aug 3, 2013 20:29:11 GMT
Deep beneath the Volkun Mountains, unexplored by surface dwellers, resided some of the most despicable creatures in Calidor. Chokers, driders, giant centipedes, skum, and dark naga are just a few of a brave adventures worries. Massive monsters of myth of legend become more of a reality in the depths.
It is here in the dark where the cunning Drow live, relatives to elves but unlike in almost every way, worshipers of demons and death, and fierce in combat; they attack without mercy. If an adventure were lucky enough to avoid them they may stumble into the vast gathering of Kolbolds that worship Agrad, their ancient master. While Kolbolds themselves are not a huge threat, the followers of Agrad attack en masse and overwhelm those who step inside their territory. However, it is Agrad himself who is most dangerous; older than records and Gargantuan in size he is a beast to behold.
Still other dangers lurk beneath. Without a moment of silence the every hammering of Duergar can be heard. Intelligent and militarized they have a well developed community, and they do not like outsiders. Fortunately they do not prefer to slay on sight and rather force their prisoners to back-breaking labour in their vast mines. Experts with crossbows and ambush, an adventure may find himself defeated before he even find himself attacked.
And it is in this environment that the orcs make their home. Several tribes scattered throughout the vast network of caverns under the Volkuns housed different breeds and castes of the orcs. A powerfully built, callous, and aggressive race. They survived this volatile existence on strength alone. No a day would go by when a tribe was not at war with another tribe. Strength beget strength and each tribe coveted their warriors. A orc society was very different than a typical human society. Strength of arm is the only currency used. On an almost instinctive level orcs believe they are entitled to anything they want unless someone stronger can stop them. Due to that principle a tribe often found their leadership often changing due to a younger stronger orc challenging the tribe leader. Only times tribes would band together was to push back outside threats. A ever lasting war with the Drow, Duergar, and Kolbolds proved to be the only driving device that stopped the orcs from outright destroying each other. Life for an orc meant a life of war.
|
|
|
Post by Effigy on Aug 5, 2013 5:05:26 GMT
Effigys story begins like most others, with a mother and father. His father Thoig Blackspear was the chief of his tribe. He was renown for his intelligence more than this strength. Many times a young orc would come up and challenge Thoig believing strength of arm to be greater than strength of mind; they always lost. Effigys mother, Freyi, was one of the spearmaidens, strong orc women hand picked to carry the offspring of the greatest male orcs. She was one of twelve carrying offspring of Thoig Blackspear.
The Blackspear tribe was sworn enemies with the Greyaxe tribe lead by the enormous half orc half giant Vog Greyaxe. At a height of 9'5" his strength was unmatched by all. As much as Thoig and Vog hated each other they also had a deep underlying respect fir their martial abilities. Every time the two tribes met in mortal combat all the orcs secretly hoped it would be the time to finally see the long awaited duel between the two great orc warriors, every time they left disappointed.
The two tribes often fought over the spring that ran just south of both tribes encampments. Control of the spring meant fresh water. Neither tribe usually held it for longer than twelve hours. The water often ran red. There was more than enough water for both tribes but more than enough hatred to prevent sharing. Besides, Orcs lived for war.
Four years before the birth of Effigy all twelve tribes of orcs, the Blackspears, Redhorns, Greenskins, Trollskulls, Greryaxes, Boarmasters, Shadowknifes, Gravebeards, Bloodtooth, Swordfists, Dragonguts, and the high seat of orc power, the Giantkin, all joined together under the banner of Jherog Giantkin and his legion of battleready orcs backed with a troop of giants at least 100 strong. The drums of war sounded when a outcamp of orcs was found slaughtered by drow swords. Thus began the ten year Shadowwar.
|
|
|
Post by Effigy on Aug 6, 2013 18:18:35 GMT
. Around the steady glow of a campfire gathered 12 Orcs. All huge of frame and strong of arm, yet subtle diffences showed no two were alike. The orc leading the conversation sat on a throne made of skulls, to his right sat an orc of blackskin and eyes, to his left sat the largest orc in the group. The one on the throne held his hand up to silence the orcs. "First order of business, the throne recognizes Sarro Redhammer as the new chieftan of the Gravebeard tribe, Rise up as Sarro Gravebeard." A very young Orc stood up, "Very well, let us all remember your predecesor Davo Gravebeard who died in glorious battle. You may not sit. As to why I have gathered you all here." The ears of the orcs all perked up. "This war has taken its toll on us. The Drow fight well. I have begun to see your ranks deminishing and this will not do. As high chieftan i proclaim the weak shall now join the ranks. We need shields from the Drow arrows and no longer should a good strong orc take that arrow, thats what the old, young, and women are for."
Grunts of agreement rose from the others, all accept for one. Thoig leaned towards and whispered in the high chieftans ear. "Surely you dont mean to include the spearmaidens?"
The hight chieftan raised his hand to silence everyone again. "That includes all the women even your spearwives. We have finally gained the upper hand in this war and I do not intend to lose it.
|
|
|
Post by Effigy on Aug 27, 2013 18:56:58 GMT
All the orcs of blackspear knew to avoid Thoig as they marched back to their tribe lands near the Spitmyst spring. He was not pleased with his high chieftain's orders. That Greyaxe brute has been nothing but poison to his ear. He thought as he stomped through the muddy pathway home.
There had been no hiding the growing relationship between Vog and the high chief. A friendship based on a mutual lust for power. Those two will cause the extinction of orcs before the Drow ever will.
He knew to keep such thoughts to himself, as much as he trusted his tribekin he had reason to suspect spies from Greyaxe resided in his lands. He believed this because he had spies in their tribe.
Thoig smelled the boar before the rider was in sight. A messenger from the high chieftain delivering a letter. Thoig waited until he had the privacy of his hut to open it.
Respected Thiog Blackspear, May your arm be strong.
You are hereby ordered to march on the Kromosh Cavern south of the Drow city and search out a safe path for our army.
You will be joining forces with the Greyaxe clan to ensure your mission is a success.
You will meet Vog at the opening of the Cavern.
Signed, High Chief Jherog Giantkin
Thiog immediately burned the message. What is he playing at, he knows that cavern is the home to Driders.
|
|