Tai Shar Shaidar
Braggart
Power Corrupts. Aboulute Power Corrupts Absolutely. But it Also Rocks Absolutely, Too.
Posts: 115
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Post by Tai Shar Shaidar on Feb 27, 2008 20:42:45 GMT -5
Bon fires blazed casting shadowy illumination over most of the camp, smoke form the fires hung low to the ground. High in the sky a full moon shown, brighter then frost had ever seen it. Clouds drifted lazily across the sky on the slight breeze, lit by the silver light of the moon the seemed almost ethereal. The occasional breeze would swirl the smoke from the great bonfires away and bring with it the smell of new growth, the wasteland was coming back to life. Frost observed all this from his place outside the ring of the fire light, he had no desire to be part of this party. Most of the few orcs that looked his way turned away quickly from his imposing visage.
Frost Stood alone to the side of the party, as still as a statue the light from the bone fire glinting off his newly polished mithril armor. He stood nearly 12 feet tall and every inch was incased in polished metal, but it was his helmet that got the most attention, he only donned it for ceremonial occasions. It was carved from form fitting mithril, intricate decorations crisscrossed the helm giving his face a demonic cast. In the light of the bon fire his eyes glowed red (thanks to cleverly crafted ruby lenses in the helmet), a long black cape trailed behind him billowing in the slight breeze, fire seemed to burn along its edges. In the smoky half light the effect was terrifying. He watched as the orcs and his companions became more and more intoxicated. This was not his kind of gathering; parties back home were much more reserved and more civilized. Fights broke out with alarming regularity here. He was not new to the orcish way of life, there had been many orc slaves back in his homeland, in fact they had made up most of his army in the slave revolt and he had great respect for their military prowess. The orc culture seemed too savage to suit him, but that would ever be the case, few peoples were as orderly as the yakfoke.
It was not until near dawn that an orc dared to approach him he was large fro an orc nearly 8’ tall and very muscular, battle scars covered his body ruminants of a life lived in battle. Fortified by their foul smelling drink and encouraged by his friends he walked boldly to Frost.
“Why do you not join the celebration?” he asked in a rough voice.
“This is not the kind of social event that I am used to.” Frost replied, he was trying to be diplomatic he didn’t want to anger this orc, it would be such a waste to have to kill him.
“So our celebration is not good enough for you, you dishonor our clan by refusing our hospitality.” The orc almost spat out the words as he grew angrier. (This is of course not what the orc said exactly but as close as can be rendered in another language)
“Friend,” Frost began, his voice taking on a hard edge and deepening, “You might want to reconsider the course that you seem about to take you are no match for me, be gone and bother me no more.” Diplomacy be dammed this orc was irritating, and if he truly wanted to die Frost would be happy to help him along the way.
The orc stood stunned no one had ever simply ignored his great strength and size before, all feared him except for the chief and the shaman, his friends behind him snickered, and taunted him. Enraged the orc disregarded the warning frost had given, thinking to catch the yakfoke off guard the orc turned away as if to leave.
With a roar he turned back and leaped at frost, a dagger flashed from his a sheath at his side. It didn’t go at all as he expected, frosts arm shot up and caught him around the neck, easily supporting his 250 lb bulk. His dagger flashed up but deflected harmlessly off the mithril incased arm. Frost’s second hand blurred across and slapped the dagger from his hand, shattering the orc’s hand in the process. The ork howled in pain and then went in frency of kick ing and punching, none of it seemed to phase the yakfoke.
Frost pulled the orc in close to the demonic countenance. that was his helmed face. “It would be a such a waste if you forced me to kill you, I would not deprive your clan of its warriors, particularly since my companion tusk will be leading it soon.” With that frost tossed the orc twenty feet back into his friends knocking them to the ground.
Deciding that digression was the better part of valor the orc’s friends scattered dragging their injured companion behind them.
Frost shook his head, “I can not wait to leave this place.” he whispered to himself.
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Post by pigdish on Feb 27, 2008 21:01:57 GMT -5
((Very nice post Tai.))
The female orc only hit Aramil harder seeing his weakness. "Ju will fight Urmekla or learn wut it means fer orc gurl to be on top." The female gives Aramil a smirk and strikes him with more force. The other male orcs seeing this encouraged Aramil to fight while the women cheered on their sister Urmekla.
Deciding blow (if Urmekla wins she gets to have her way with you. If you win you get to have your way with her.) This is a straight attack roll.
[dice=20] + 30 = 46 <-- Not bad
Some of the crowd near the back turn to look at a commotion on the other side of the camp. The large cow dressed in metal had thrown one of their warriors like a dead rabbit. Lucky for him this night was a holy night and he was a guest of the Chief, otherwise death would have befallen him quickly.[rand=8092884102094217058443520288590456949993392726474343325538423713994]
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Post by soodowyvern on Feb 27, 2008 21:36:44 GMT -5
Watching the exchange of blows between Urmekla and Aramil, Seamus just couldn't resist.
"Go for it Aramil. Take her. Don't let here push you around. You're part dragon now. Show her what you're made of." States with laugher in his voice.
Taking note of the commotion in back, Seamus mood turns more serious again. For it was a reminder as to what is just about happen. Refocusing his attention back to combat ring, listening to the war drums and the different tone they have now taken. The Shaman speaks. The Chief enters and then Tusk. Seamus sit quite.
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Post by Davey on Feb 27, 2008 22:59:00 GMT -5
GRRR....(I don't want to do this but...) Att: [dice=20]+22=42
(DAMN!) Aramil, tried to fight his way out of this one but accepts his defeat and is resigned to his fate. He then takes a deep, deep swill of Urgona-Url and heads toward a tent with his new friend. Who knows, maybe it will be a good time?[rand=9670488749094634580299547631713207778386553955707990880682251063]
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Post by pigdish on Feb 27, 2008 23:34:36 GMT -5
Aramil puts most of his body behind the blow to the well built orc female and she doubles over and drops to her a knee. Aramil then thinking he had the upper hand decides to check on the woman he just hit when all he sees are sparkling lights in his eyes and a growing heat under his jaw.
The gathered crowd cheers as Urmekla carries Aramil with one arm over her shoulders to a tent.
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Post by pigdish on Feb 28, 2008 0:24:46 GMT -5
I am Tusk the Yazil'huk Makthazar and this is Glorskut. This day your great Chief does me a great honor by accepting this battle. One-Eye I call upon you to bless this battle and make victorious the strongest so that our people may be united and prosper.
With Strength and Honor, by Tooth and Claw do I battle you great Chief.
Come then Tusk, let us see our destinies through. Said the Chief.
Once again Tusk grew larger than he normally was and charged the old chief.
Tusk crossed the space that separated him and the Chief in a flash. 15 feet before the Chief Tusk lunged up nearly 20 feet in the air, some later said it was close to 50 feet and brought his massive bulk down upon the Chief. The blow was so fierce that upon impact the Chief's legs exploded up to his hips and Tusk's claws tore through the head, neck and torso like a well cooked lamb. The ground surrounding the Chief had sunken nearly three feet and six feet round.
MASTER! Shakti called out as he pulled Glorskut from the ground and flung it. The weapon flew end over end until it was snatched out of the air by Tusk's massive hands.
The old shaman said from outside the circle of death, tears clearly running down his face.
You...must finish the last task.
Tusk knew what the shaman's words meant. He reached down and cut his palms on the large tusks of the mutilated Chief. Blood flowing Tusk grasped the crumbling haft of Glorskut and in a swift motion plunged it deep into the last son of the old Chief wrenching it up to cleave the body in half. Tusk's bloodied hands burned as he pulled Glorskut free of the body and as Glorskut drank of both his and the young warrior's blood.
Tusk stood unmoving as tears flowed down his face making tracks in the blood that covered his face.
The Chief has fallen and all rights and claims to the old Chief are gone. By the will of our ancestors we have been given a new and stronger Chief. Hail Tusk! Chief of the Garbugk. Hail Tusk! Chief of the Garbugk. The chant was taken up by all the orcs and soon reached a deafening roar.
The shaman stood next to Tusk who watched the celebration without emotion.
What troubles you my Chief?
Unnecessary death of my brothers gripes my heart with great sadness this day. It is wrong to kill each other when all are needed to fight the outsiders that would kill us. I will meditate with One-Eye for answers. Please make preparations for it. The old shaman departed after being dismissed. His wrinkled face showing concern for what lay ahead.
Without looking to see if he was near, Tusk spoke to Shakti, see to it that I am not disturbed during my meditation. Shakti still in his hybrid form saluted with even greater pride and escorted his master far from everyone.
And so it was how Tusk slew Chief Tormagar and became the Chief of the Garbugk.
After 24 hours of meditation Tusk finally emerged from the cave in the nearby hills. Tusk appeared tired and worn from fasting for nearly two days. But the most noticeable change was the blood on his face from the destroyed left eye. Fresh blood still coated the tip of the large spear he now carried.
The tribe had gathered to watch their new Chief emerge from the cave after the meditation. Tusk raised his spear high and struck the large boulder standing next to the cave opening. As Tusk pulled the spear point out of the rock a gush of blood began to flow from the wound. The crowd gasped at the omen and fell to their knees in reverence. The whispers of prayer could be felt as the orcs began to pray in unison.
The Shaman too was taken aback by this display which confirmed his suspicions of this creature that was more than orc and now his Chief. Later the shaman sewed the eye closed and applied poultice to it.
A grand feast was then presented to the Chief. After nearly half the day had passed feasting and celebrating Tusk called the party, and the shaman to his side. Already present were the two black scaled orcs and Shakti.
My friends it is time for me to continue on my journey to unite the other tribes. I do not expect you to put aside your tasks for my personal calling. If you choose to leave there shall be no ill feelings between us but if you decide to accompany me you are all welcome. There is still one task that lies before me that I will require your help with. I shall explain more when the time comes but tomorrow we march upon the K'mPeq and Plaktal, then the Rintah.
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Post by Davey on Feb 28, 2008 1:22:52 GMT -5
Aramil, appearing somewhat disheveled, praises Tusk and his new mantle as chief. And vows to help Tusk in whatever task he needs assistance with.
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Post by soodowyvern on Feb 28, 2008 9:07:21 GMT -5
"Oh Great and Mighty Chief. I would be honored to assist you in your quest."
Seamus bows before Tusk. Giving him all the royal respect he deserves.
"Great Chief I have two simple request before I leave with you to finish your quest. The first is permission to contact Maximilian at the Conclave. To give him a detailed report of a new and strong ally to help protect the trade routes between the Conclave and the Jade Empire. How our friend Gizgard has evolved into the Great and Might Tusk, Chief of the Garbugk. The second request is a private place within the hills so I can call Amna to me. It would need to be large enough, just in case Brightscales would accompany her. I am feeling that I need to commune with her for a short time."
Seamus now waits to see if his requests will be honored. If his requests are granted, he would bow out and go about his tasks.
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Post by jkb2grizzly on Feb 28, 2008 10:12:07 GMT -5
Ivellios looks at Mara and states: "The princess would be interested to learn if the Orcs become organized under one banner. And we may yet run into the Drow. What do you say my mistress."
Mara is shaken by the barbaric display witnessed but thinks on Ivellios' words. "Very well, we will accompany."
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Post by pigdish on Feb 28, 2008 10:41:18 GMT -5
Seamus McPhee though you not of Orc blood you are no less a brother to me. Your dedication to join me honors me beyond words. You are free to speak to Max as you wish. As for permission to speak with your soul-bonded dragon I cannot give to you. For such a thing is not in my power to give or take. I can no more command a rock to be a tree than. Never shall you need ask of me or any other mortal for permission relating to matters between you and your dragon. So go my friend and brother do what you need to and join us when you are able.
It took two days to make preparations for the departure. Tusk selected three Garbugk warriors to join him along with 10 supporting staff, which the shaman insisted that Tusk take with him. The ever present black scaled orcs flanked Tusk as he rode upon Shakti. The party followed behind. In the skies there flew Brightscale and Annasphinx, often joined by Aramil. Some suspected that Aramil took flight to avoid Urmekla who had joined the procession and looked to steal a moment with him whenever the opportunity arose.
A full lunar cycle had come and gone. The old ways of the Orcs too were coming to an end. In those 30+ days Tusk had managed to submit four orc chiefs and forced to defeat another in mortal combat. He had adopted the son's of the dead chief and taken as wives the daughters of the chiefs that had bent a knee to him.
Six tribes Tusk now commanded with numbers more than 40,000. Two tribes remained. One was the tribe of Kurjan the Black who was fortressed in the heavily fortified Brightstone Keep. The other was the Darmomu tribe allied now with the Jade Empire.
Tusk called the party members to his tent. It was a massive structure which was erected every time they had made camp. The floor of the tent was covered in plush rugs, a table was setup with maps and other papers. There was a table for food and drink and incense burned in hanging pots.
My friends we have come a long way on this journey but the way ahead is full of great danger. After much consideration I have decided to overthrow the ruler ship of the Jade Empire and take it as mine own. I must do this to secure a place for my growing tribe and to secure my place as a conqueror. There is not much we know about the Jade Empire and for that I need your aid...Aramil. Your particular skills in infiltrating them and learning about their strengths will be of great help and avoid unnecessary deaths on both sides.
What say you Aramil? Is this something you are willing to undertake? It is a dangerous task for certain but an important one at that. If you are successful in your mission a small squad can enter the main city and take it down from within. The bulk of my force shall be divided to lay siege upon the four other cities in the empire. My scouts have learned that they are weakly maned and shall fall easily.
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Tai Shar Shaidar
Braggart
Power Corrupts. Aboulute Power Corrupts Absolutely. But it Also Rocks Absolutely, Too.
Posts: 115
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Post by Tai Shar Shaidar on Feb 28, 2008 11:40:08 GMT -5
After his display of nearly unimaginable strength in the felling of the orc champion Frost was left mostly alone, he did have to fend off the advances of several of the orc females but that was no real hardship. The trial by combat was over almost before it had begun, ending exactly as Frost had predicted, he had never doubted his companion. In the following month Tusk gathered many orcs to his side by the simple and efficient means of killing their leaders.
It was at the end of this month in his great tent that tusk revealed his plan to take the jade empire.
Frost stood stunned, the audacity of the plan was stunning that Tusk even conceived of such a plan showed his lack of knowledge of the might of the empire. But then again in all the time the empire had existed no one had been able to destroy the spell battery, so it was possible that tusk could take the empire. If he first knew what he faced, it was this thought that finally prompted the usually silent (at least as far as plans went) Frost to step forward.
“Tusk our knowledge of the empire is not as limited as you might imagine,” with these words frost removed his right gauntlet, and held up the back of his hand for his party members to view. Imbedded in the flesh, as if it had been melted there, was the symbol of the jade empire carved from pure platinum.
“My name is Izengarth Frostmane former member of the warrior elite of the jade empire, the tip of the spear that is the might of the emperor. To take the empire you will have to kill the emperor and to kill him you will have to face my brothers and they are formidable. Fortunately you have me and I know the might of the empire and, more importantly, I know its soft underbelly. I am at your service Tusk you and your companions took me in and gave me rest, saved me from my exile; it is a dept that can never be repaid.”
Frost locked gazes with Tusk, his eyes almost alight with inner fire, with deliberate slowness frost reached across with his other hand and ripped the Emblem form his flesh. His eyes never wavered and his face showed no sign of the pain. Frost tossed the emblem in the fire at Tusks feet. “The Jade Empire will burn.”
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Post by jkb2grizzly on Feb 28, 2008 12:13:03 GMT -5
Ivellios hearing Frost's proclamation says," At last report from traders to my village, the Jade Empire is tyrannical, but a shadow of what it was. Rumors are that trading by sea keeps the Empire in place. That and slaughtering subjects at the whim of the Emperor. The land is vast but mostly unpopulated. And the few Yakfolk in the borders are considered lesser beings, yet you served the elite warriors, The Junglan Horde? Could these rumors be wrong?"
Ivellios asks. He is visibly thoughtful and a little confused by speaking of strength, when the real strength based on reports is fear and tyranny.
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Post by soodowyvern on Feb 28, 2008 13:11:13 GMT -5
After getting the "OK" from Tusk to communicate with Max and Anna-sphinx, Seamus excuses himself and makes his way to hill side to contact Max and to call Anna-sphinx to his side.
During the next month's time, while traveling with the Orcs, Seamus uses this time to really bond with Anna-sphinx. Riding her back high about party below. Brightscale beside them in the sky. From time to time, if anyone would look sky ward, one would think a child's game of tag was being played. But what was really happening was aerial combat maneuvers. Those times that Aramil had join us in the skies, he was included in the training. Brightscale would have it no other way since he was part dragon and he needed to know how to fight in the air as well on the ground.
The evening that Tusk had called the group into his tent and revealed his plans for conquest of the Jade Empire, it sent shivers down Seamus spin. 'Max is not going to like this.' Was the first thought that went through his mind.
After hearing Frost speech and revealing more of who he is and making it known his decision of loyalties and where they lie by removing the embedded emblem from the back of hand. A thought crosses his mind 'We have an insider information now.' But something seems to be puzzling Seamus. So he remain quite and listens.
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Tai Shar Shaidar
Braggart
Power Corrupts. Aboulute Power Corrupts Absolutely. But it Also Rocks Absolutely, Too.
Posts: 115
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Post by Tai Shar Shaidar on Feb 28, 2008 13:34:44 GMT -5
"It is true that the Yakfoke are not generally trusted by the rest of the empire, but anyone may enter the training to be in the elite guard, the training roots out the unworthy. In the end you swear a blood oath to the emperor enforced by a curse, only he can break that bond as was done with me when my fellow Yakfoke convinced the emperor that I had betrayed him."
Frost settled back to the ground, “In truth my slave revolt had nothing to do with my duty to the empire, the Yakfoke are allies to the empire not subjects. That is why I was able to do what I did without suffering the curse’s wrath. When I was caught and my army scattered my people feared exiling me while I was under the protection of the empire, so they staged my disgrace to end any possibility of intervention on my behalf by the elite guard. They then banished me to the wastes, where they thought that even one such as I would surely parish.”
Frost stares into the fire blood dripping from his hand and running down his armor, “The empire is not what it once was this is true, its great armies have mostly fallen away but make no mistake the elite guard stands, and it is they that generate the fear that holds the empire in check. They will die to a man before they will let you harm the emperor.” Frost looks up from the fire, and glances at each of his companions his eyes hare as stone. “Do not take them lightly.”
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Post by Davey on Feb 28, 2008 15:39:42 GMT -5
Aramil, after listening to Tusks' request, holds his chin and has a pensive look upon his face. His eyes wander over to one of the burning braziers and thinks for a moment before replying, "Tusk, I accept this charge and will assist you in this coup. First, I have a task of my own that I must complete. We will depart after I am ready. Then, with any you deem necessary in this task, we will infiltrate the Jade Empire. Our silence will be as the footsteps of doom. -HA! Before the Jade Empire realizes it, our knife blades will have slipped past their defenses piercing it's defensless heart. Then the Jade Empire will crumble and fall.
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