[IC] The Tribe

[Markofkri]

Back at the tribe.....

Grand cheif

The Grand chieftain walked through the ranks issuing orders and overseeing party groups. Charoz was not an ordinary orc. He was a successful experiment with a ogre male and a orc. This gave him a more solid body doubled over with muscles. Charoz easily was almost twice the mass of a regular orc. An advantage he used every second of his life. He was also an expert at waiting for his opponent to give him an opening in combat then he would use his immense strength to cripple his enemy with the first strike. The chieftain could beat most orc with his breath, When a challenger would arise he never wasted any time with formalities. Charoz would feint a move to force his opponents to lunge then over exposed Charoz would go for a vital spot the neck under arm or his favorite the knee. He like the knee because it kept his enemy from running and gave that nice crunch sound when he twisted his blade.

Charoz walked with his advisors of the various casts. There was Glig, a goblin who made a reputation by being fearless. When others would say it couldn't be done he would go. It helped that he was crazy even compared to other goblin. Glig would tunnel into a dwarven strong hold or under a lake. If another tribe came to challenge Glig would be sent to burn their supplies and their mounts. This little guy loved fire and had the scars to prove it. Glig would build bridges in the dark to sneak into forgotten strongholds in the under dark. These acts made Glig untouchable. He was given a orc guard more to keep an eye on him then for protection.
"I want you to take as munch timber as you can and start making spike pits in the outer regions bring trackers to mark the spots on map for later. Then Glig you are to build a war machine to kill humans. Go!" Glig gathered the goblin horde and went to tear apart the forest.

Gull

Charoz wen into the pits to see the shaman Gull. Gull was the overseer of the pit. He was a half orc with a milk eye. He ensured the captured live stock was tested in every conceivable way. He was close to a alchemical formula to enhance the tribe but he was missing a main ingredient, humans. He needed at least a village worth of them. They were hard to keep alive. Humans needed fresh water, kept separate from the other live stock, the only good thing was they would eat just about anything. The other thing Gull knew about humans was they were very clever. The women and men could breed smarter orc but these orc were weaker. So the need to cross breed them to other breeds first then those breeds to the orc. Unfortunately this often lead to the loss of orc volunteers or the loss of the human cleverness. Trying to gain the lizard folk tough hide was an utter failure. There was just chance that the cross mating would work. Like the chieftains daughter she was weaker but Gull had no doubt that she had the human gift. One of her sons were taken to the pit. While her other son would be allowed into the tribe as a test to see if he could survive then if those tests were positive he would mass breed. Gull was deep in thought when Charoz approached.
"Gull report."

"Everything is going well. I need more humans, the stock I had now was near death. Some had to be separated to other cages as they had secretly tried to increase their numbers. Those that are with child are sent to isolation until the birth is done then they will return to the main cage. The new ones are not good for anything so they are used for Worg food. The winter was hard on them. One of the humans started killing and eating others. We took him to the Worg cages for food. I need more for the new potion I am close but it will take more humans then I had and I want the mixture to be pure. They all must be used at the time of the creation. One human is not enough to guarantee the cleverness will spread to every orc in the tribe. If I had 2 humans for every orc, the potency will be sufficient. I made small batch of potion from the ones I had."
Gull handed over the putrid black liquid to Charoz. It smelled like rotten blood and was just as thick. There were some herbs and other things in the vile liquid as well. Charoz drank the entire cup in one swallow.
Charoz dropped the cup. His head felt like a hammer had struck it. His nose started to bleed as well as his eyes. Was this poison? He forced himself to his feet. Charoz clenched his hands into fists. The chieftain's strength would see him threw this. He stood there as the vile drink burned its way through his entire body. Charoz kept his gaze fixed on Gull. The pain subsided.
"How will I know it worked?"

"Give your blood time. By tonight you should know." Gull said confident. "I have done this myself to know exactly what this potion dose. This is the reason I know the more humans I can get the stronger the effect will be."

It had worked. "No. You will stop this. You will work on giving my tribe the one thing we truly need, more. You will breed more orcs. I will get you the humans and you will make a liquid that breeds them faster with orc blood. I will have a legion of half orc. Make them grow faster and I want this done now. You will make a potion that will give ogre strength to my worker cast. I want a troll. Send out your hunting pack. Get me a male troll from the swamps. My daughter will breed me a son I can be sure will survive for all time with this potion. Where is my daughter? Get her now."

[Markofkri]

@Flynn

The spring is upon the tribe again. Emerging from the caverns below you see the huts used as bait. Left during the winter to persuade others that this tribe has left the area. You see the accursed sun and feel the cold air. The tribe moves. The scouts and rangers team together to learn of the movements of the other tribes and to gather intel of the human settlements to the east. You are one of such assets to gather information the tribe will need you to infiltrate and report. You are in command of a four member team of rangers to travel far to the north beyond the farms and villages to the heart of the human realm and find out how well they fared against the winter cold. Detection means death as you are given no warriors and only three rangers. you travel at the setting of the sun on foot as the wargs (Rideable wolves) would give you away. The rangers are blessed by the tribal shaman and the sun sets.

[Markofkri]

@Jangel13
A new breed of warg you are sent on your first mission to scout to the west. There are enemy tribes with certain member that need killing. You are commanded by one of the warrior cast to go, find the tribe of lizard men in the swamps and kill their shaman. He is strong and will bring them power. The last ranger they sent to do this before the great snow failed. You are strong and will succeed where the ranger failed. You are given few provisions and were bred to do this. Leave at dusk do not return without his head.

(Yes I read you are an assassin this warrior doesn't do a lot of thinking.)

[Jangel13]

Shiba went to work that day and it was decided that he was going to go on his first mission as an assassin. Shiba was going to a frozen wasteland to kill a lizardman Shaman, as an assassin Shiba is meant to take lives without anyone knowing how he did it. It will be his first real mission and he is supposed to succeed or not come back. A lot on the line for ones first time, Shiba waited until it was dusk like he was told and then he said goodbye to his family before he departed with the pack of provisions he was given and once the sun had finally set Shiba was in his element as he started off in a run then once he got out of the tribes area he went on all 4s and started to run like a normal warg would which for him increased his speed then a normal run. It was time to get Shiba's fangs on that Shamen and cut off its head for a trophy on his return...

[Markofkri]

@Jangel13

The fresh air in your nose gave you a new type of sight you could see the paths of various creatures that had long since gone. It felt good to be able to run at full stride. The first night you found the death markers of the tribes boarders. You still had a few more nights of travel from the map. You realized that you covered a little over twice the distance they guessed you could travel. The day would come and you found shelter was scarce. Hiding in a large patch of prairie grass you slept. The air was cool but the sun warmed your fur like a fire. During the day you slept and ate some of the provisions. Some of the prairie grass was turning green. There was a small object on the horizon in the sky. You had never seen such a sight it was massive and silent. Not a bird, not any creature you had ever seen.

sky object

[Jangel13]

Shiba looked in amazement seeing the strange object in the sky, it was so amazing Shiba had no words to describe it. Shiba would only wish to keep staring at it for a while and see it fly away but Shiba also knew that he had a job to do. Once Dusk had come again Shiba started his journey once more and not long after he got a running start he got back into his full stride going on all 4s towards the swamp where he was told the Shaman lived with the other lizardmen. It took a little while but soon Shiba made it to the swamp in what he believed to be record time as it was still dusk out and as such he had the advantage in stealth. Shiba needed to remember his training as he got closer to the group of lizardmen looking at the picture he was given to keep checking to see if any of the lizards matched the description...

[Flynn]

"Alright you pieces of shite. You all listen to me now, understood?" Ogroin looks up from the map of the area and stares at the three rangers. "Listen to my every command, and you just might survive this mission. It's a long walk, and few opportunities for a pause. So eat your grub and take one last leak, cause from now on, we'll be running. And if I have to get your ass moving again like last time, Gobor... I guess you don't want to lose another toe. We depart in five."
Ogroin turns away from his group and steps to his backpack to finish up the last of his things. A couple vials of poison, some throwing daggers and just some other useful adventure gear. He watches as the other creatures finish up packing. "All done? Very well... Let's run! Ossaaaah!" Ogroin starts running, with the other three rangers close behind. They quickly enter a forest, jumping form tree to tree. Although Ogroin hated orcs, they sure knew how to give Blessings of the Winds.

[Markofkri]

@Flynn
The rangers had no skill to jump as the goblin did. They were too heavy and bigger. On the ground they were stealthy in there own way. Insuring not to disturb the plant life or leave a trail in the thawing ground. The rangers blended into the forest shadows well. Their grey skin helped the natural shadows and the black runes that were painted on them seemed to shift even more moon light off them. They made noise as they moved but to the untrained it sounded like the passing of a strong breeze in the surrounding brush. Only a creature trained to notice the orc scent in the air had any hope of noticing this group as it made its way east.

By the end of the night the forest edge was behind you and the rolling hills leading to the mountain pass were ahead. The party couldn't go under because of the war between the dwarves and the dugar salve of the mind flayers. It had raged all winter and neither side was closer to victory. The only way was through the pass home of cave trolls. Or over the sheer cliffs covered in ice and snow.

[Markofkri]

@Jangel13

The outlying groups of lizard men were warriors armed with a poisonous bite. They wore no armor instead relying on their crocodile hide. The four foot tail behind them could be used as a club. A lucky hit would surely break a leg or knee. They carried spears and had the trait of talons that could rend leather to ribbons. The one advantage you were told was they had terrible vision. Any further then ten feet they were effectively blind. The bad note was they used the water to there advantage as it sent signals to their hearing of any splashing. The water around the huts and surrounding area was knee deep. (2ft) With a few inches of mud on the bottom.

there were 2 patrols of 6 each for a total of 12 liard men on the boarder. In the center of the village was a small fire. To help the cold blood warm around this fire were 5 warriors with three close range fighters. None of the huts had light. you gather There were two huts of different make. One had a large opening and the top of the opening had various skulls of humanoids. The other was more over grown with vines and out front two dead humans were impaled on spikes running up there torso's.

[Jangel13]

Shiba was on the outskirts of their perimeter and he started to remember what he was told about the lizardmen and most weren't good since they had thick hide and claws that could rip Shiba's armor to shreds and even their tails when used effectively could break bones like a club. However the one saving grace that Shiba had was that they were essentially blind up to 10 feet but if Shiba even touched water which pretty much covered the area they would charge him like a wasp nest. Shiba first needed to try and get around them and avoid detection shiba started to use one of his skills which he called silent steps which would keep his footsteps to barely make a noise as he walked. However Shiba needed to avoid running or it would make noise.

Shiba started to get closer to the came making sure to keep the shadows of the trees and avoid the water as he waited for the patrols to walk in a different direction then Shiba needed to go. needless to say this was time consuming but it served its purpose and got Shiba past the patrols unseen and unheard. His next challenge was the fire with the warriors and consider that the only way around them was nearly covered in water Shiba needed to be extra careful as he silently stayed on the dirt that wasn't covered in mud or water, he was about to step in a small puddle but he quickly retracted his step before he made that mistake. Again Shiba was able to get past unseen now the problem was which hut had the Shaman he was looking for, one was large and had bones covering the entrance which is what a chieftain would have to the entrance to his own hut while the other one had vines and two impaled humans on it. The best choice was to go for the one that seemed more fit for a Shaman so Shiba walked over to the one with the vines covered in it and slowly walked over to open the hut and hope to find his Shaman....

[Markofkri]

@Jangel13

The shaman hut smelled of rotting compost mixed with meat. From the shadows the shaman stepped forward. "The ssspiritsss told me to exssspect you. Sssstealth is oursss. You fool." The vines sealed the door. There was only one way you would escape this night alive. A green glow grew in the shamans left hand. His claws grew to the size of daggers. The glow spread up his arm like a fire quickly consuming his entire body. (mage armor.)

[Jangel13]

Shiba growled softly as he saw the Shaman had him trapped in the hut with him and this odor was horrendous. Thankfully the smell of fire was taking away most of the smell in this dirty hut. Shiba now had a problem and was forced into a fight with a Shaman with flame armor around him and one of his claws was as long as dagger one good strike and that would be the end of it for him. Shiba had no choice as he took out both his swords and got into a stance before he charged that Shaman with great speed and he got one sword in his claw to keep him at bay while he used his other sword to disarm him of the staff then quickly stab the Shaman in the chest knowing it wouldn't be a killing blow but it would injure him and hopefully break his focus even for a moment so Shiba could maneuver around him and claw his throat out. Shiba didn't carry two swords because it looked cool, they were extensions of his own claws and it would mean he would win this fight...

[Markofkri]

@Jangel13

The closeness of the green aura was emitting no heat. As you withdrew your blad you watched in horror as the aura scabbed over the wound you had just made. The shaman hissed in pain from both the wound and the cauterization. The aura seemed to get fainter. The blade parrying the clawed hand expended the spell he was holding. Causing the metal to emit a sizzle sound as the acid touch weakened the blade, making it sag. The shamans eyes narrowed at you. He emits a shrill sound and jumps back. At the same time vines descend from the ceiling intent on impaling you!

[Jangel13]

Shiba growled seeing that one of his blades was starting to rot in his arm and that the damn Shamans fire cloak was still in effect but the worst was that the very vines threatened to impale him where he stood. Shiba had to think fast as he dodged to the side avoiding its thrust but it didn't stop trying to get to Shiba so he had an idea, if they were going to follow wherever he went then why not make it hit a good target. Shiba quickly got to the Shaman sword raised and when the Shaman tried to attack Shiba he immediately rolled past him and got around him and it was to late for the Shaman to stop his own vines as they pierced its chest.

Shiba saw as he tried to keep his cloak active but failed leaving Shiba the opportunity he needed, he took his own claws and he grabbed the Shamens throat before he used his good sword and cut the Shamans head clean off, thus completing his first mission and his only loss was one of his swords. Shiba took a sack that he was given before he left the tribe and he stuffed the Shamans head in it to carry as the vines reopened the door outside the hut for Shiba to leave...

[Markofkri]

@Jangel13

The battle was over. The shamans body hung in the rotting air as the vines held him in place. The glow around him flickered and disappeared. As you left the hut you saw the others still close to the fire. None of them seemed to notice your stealthy retreat into the dark. The light of a new day was making the sky a dark blue. By the time you were safe from the swamp and the out of danger you began the long journey back. Grateful that the spring meant few of the wild creatures had awakened. Off towards the direction of the tribe you heard the drums. Warning others to stay away. They guided you back.

The second night was fairly uneventful as well. You could see the safety of the tribal markers. Over head were the large floating islands. you could see only the underneath of them as they floated silently overhead in the direction of the wind. The moon was out tonight and while not full the closeness of it in relation to you made it possible to see the shadow of craters in its surface. Around you the air blew while the quietness brought the attention of chirping insects hidden in the grass. You continued your journey into the tribe lands. You saw the goblin workers cutting the forest down acre by acre. The brutes hauled the trunks off to be made into support beams and other underground structures. They were also used to feed the forges. The pillars of smoke closed off the many different scents you had while out in the fresh air. The warriors were issuing challenges and giving each other scars of honor for surviving the lessons.

[Jangel13]

Shiba grinned to himself knowing it was his first mission and it went off without a hitch. Even if the older assassin's and rogues say that "it was your first mission don't get cocky" or something along those lines Shiba didn't care. Shiba watched some of the warriors fight for new scars and it was just like them, Shiba soon arrived at Chieftains tent. He dropped down to one knee and he presented him with the bloody sack which when revealed will show the shamans head presented to him as promised...

[Markofkri]

@Jangel13

The grand chieftain takes the head and eats the eyes of the shaman. "This is good. It would have cost us many to do what you have accomplished on your own. You are to be rewarded with a new mission. Out to the west passed the boarder lands and to the southern coast is a small band of renegades goblins who fail to see me as their leader. They follow a warrior who thinks he can start a new tribe. Kill him. Bring me his weapon. You will be rewarded with an ability own shaman has developed for you. Fail is not an option. This warrior is skilled, be cautious. He has a small troop of twenty berserkers, and 2 loyal half orc. They are never separated. Do this and your part in this tribe will be secure.


GM note: As you leave you are warned by a goblin grunt. "Be wary Grizzle was a trap maker. He took the secrete of the "BOOM fire." Bring me the secrete paper and we will aid you."

BOOM fire: Oil based fire bomb does not wash off.

[Jangel13]

Shiba gave a nod to the chief as he left and then he was warned by a goblin grunt that the rouge goblin which is called Grizzle has the secret of the boom fire. An actual flaming weapon that wont be extinguished until its target is, very dangerous in the wrong hands and taking it back would just be a bonus. However Shiba wasn't going to throw away his chance to be a full member of the tribe for a reward that a grunt could offer which wouldn't really be worth the trouble it would take to get it. Shiba tested out his new weapon which was an upgrade from and iron sword to one made of steel, steel being stronger and lighter meant it was perfect for Shiba to use.

Shiba then ran out of the tribe again and as usual hit full stride when he hit the peek of his normal running speed. Shiba's mission was to take down a trap maker guarded by berserkers and two half orcs that follow him wherever he goes, their is no question that this mission will be difficult but Shiba was an assassin and an assassin is meant to go into a dangerous mission like this with little trouble, if he was ever going to become one of the elites he would need to think quickly and get the job done fast. Shiba started to figure out different ideas as he ran towards his target...

[Flynn]

Scratching his chin, Ogroin ponders about which route to take. Going through cave troll territory would be equal to suicide, but the icy peaks weren't a luxury trip either. However, it would mean a moment of rest, for the walls had nooks and crevices they could hide in. He made his decision.
"Alright fellows. I know how much you hate climbing, but I take it you hate bein' eaten alive by rock trolls even more, and since I value your lives, yes even you Darak, we'll be going over the cliffs." A quick look up the rocky wall, reveals several ledges and small caverns. "As you can see, there are many spots we can rest for a change, which will also do us some good after that running. So ready the ropes and grappling hooks, check your backpack and get ready to climb boys!" Being a goblin had his perks, like not having to wait for ropes and the like. Ogroin jumps on the rocky wall and starts to climb. Luckily, the rock wall is an easy climb for someone like Ogroin, and not too soon he reaches the first ledge. Looking down he can see the other Rangers slowly making their way up. Ogroin decides to wait for the rest of his party. Wouldn't want to be caught with his pants down if he would stumble upon some sort of rocky monster. Who knew what'd live in these crevices.

[Markofkri]

@Flynn

Above, you can hear the weight of the snow creek like a piece of wood under too munch weight. silence would be key just as munch as a sure foot hold. The climb is a modest one but the temperature change to the spring leaves your nerves a little frayed. The orc rangers have the height advantage and are able to climb using holds further apart. You make fair time as a group to a ledge that night. Not very large it does have a crevasse that opens to a cave. The cave has no other exit save the on you walked through. The ledge was a mere four feet of rock.

From this height you can appreciate what being tall must be like. You cant see the tribe lands but you can see for miles around you. If you were to keep going up and had not planed to continue to the east, you might be able to be the only goblin in history to touch a cloud. The air was colder. You gazed upon the mountainside you could lay out a path around this mountain over the cave trolls. On the opposite mountain across the valley pass below you could see dwarves working the stone on the outside. Making some type of carving to incomplete to identify.