[OOC] Nar Mat Kordh-Ishi - an Orcish saga

[Meth Quokka]

Been a little busy over the last couple of days, I'll get cracking on digesting the full info and writing a sheet soon.

[MelonHead]

Hmm, wanted to go with something a little different but I'm worried I went too far, the character might not fit the mould very well.

Then again, that could always be a good thing.

[Sypherkhode822]

SOooo, this looks really cool, and I'm definitely interested in this. And I have a question about a character subversion:

A half-orc shaman dude, who is frailer than all the other orcs, but still kicks major ass cause of shaman badassitude and is generally smarter than the other orcs (We go around the wall, instead of through it) so he's been accepted as one of their own, despite being a weakling....

Who is actually a half-elf illusionist who makes it look like he is an orc, and is studying the company either out of curiosity or because the Elf queen has ordered him to.
He uses his magic to fully play the character of an orc, convincing the others that he's one of them by magicking himself into looking like an orc, talking like an orc, and generally being an orc. He wouldn't be rushing into battle all the time, and most of the other orcs would think that he's a complete weakling, but they keep him around for his shaman powers. (which are actually arcane magic powers illusion-ed to look like orcish magic)

[Sparkwell]

SOooo, this looks really cool, and I'm definitely interested in this. And I have a question about a character subversion:

A half-orc shaman dude, who is frailer than all the other orcs, but still kicks major ass cause of shaman badassitude and is generally smarter than the other orcs (We go around the wall, instead of through it) so he's been accepted as one of their own, despite being a weakling....

Who is actually a half-elf illusionist who makes it look like he is an orc, and is studying the company either out of curiosity or because the Elf queen has ordered him to.
He uses his magic to fully play the character of an orc, convincing the others that he's one of them by magicking himself into looking like an orc, talking like an orc, and generally being an orc. He wouldn't be rushing into battle all the time, and most of the other orcs would think that he's a complete weakling, but they keep him around for his shaman powers. (which are actually arcane magic powers illusion-ed to look like orcish magic)

@Sypherkhode822

I appreciate the possibility for deception, but there's some serious questions that would need to be answered about the possible motivation for a half-elf magic-user of such skill that they can pass as an Orc hanging out with a mostly disreputable and despised group of mercenaries who, up until now, would have literally no real influence in the events going on in the Kingdom. It might honestly be easier to just play a real Orc. Sorry to rain on your parade!

I also think we haven't come to any sort of consensus on magic, but until later I think we wanted to start low-fantasy and work up from there, rather than introducing a beast (high-fantasy magic) that might get out of control really quickly.

On another note, I'll be submitting my character shortly, and I plan to go with a Quartermaster-Chief in the company, far more learned than the average Orc, who keeps meticulous notes on expensive parchment of the battles and opponents that the Company runs across. I also have him tinkering with siege weaponry, which gives us another base covered in terms of specialities.

[Beach Burrito]

Here's a CS to mull over!

Xozu Ten-Braid

Name: Xozu Ten-Braid
Age: 73
Sex: Female
Breed: Full Blooded

Appearance: Xozu is a she-orc withered with power, as gnarled and aged as knotted oak. Slow of foot and weak of arm a weathered pike supports her, shorn down to a more wieldy stature and bindled with occult reagents. Stooped under the weight of bygone years this ancient crone exists in a near mummified state, her wrinkled skin stretched taut across a reedy frame. A sharp, spiteful gaze denies her frailty, the strong will that sustains her spilling from eye like a fire too large for its hearth. True to her namesake ten braids twine together from the base of her skull to the small of her back, each a keepsake of a trophy kill.

Skills/Abilities:

- Ritual Magic: Unlike a mage or a sorcerer--which channel arcane forces or have inborn talent respectively--Xozu is of entirely mundane stock. As an occultist her power stems from finding where the veil between this world and the next is at its weakest and 'reaching through' to imbue a fetish or totem with magic. Unlike a true enchanter her creations are expended with use and purpose made with this in mind.
- Mythkeeper: Few orcs possess such longevity and fewer still preside over as vast a trove of knowledge. In her resides nearly a century of oral history, ancient tradition and mindful superstition; much of it won firsthand.
- Revered and Reviled: Ten-Braid has something of an emboldening presence on the rank and file, most of it due to the rumors and exaggerations that circulate about her. Doubly so among the small cult that's cropped up around her. Unfortunately this same reputation runs before her, with many elves swearing vengeance upon her--and by extension the company as a whole.
- Keen Observer: A life spent peering through the fragile bonds between this world and the next unsurprisingly bestows on one the ability to ken more mundane faults; be they in things or people. In other words she can direct vandalism with all the pedigree of a conductor and his orchestra.
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Equipment:

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- A Shadowless Spear - First adopted during the obligatory stint among the pikes all of Radush's band must endure it has been trimmed down to size and seen more use as a walking stick than weapon. While whatever witchcraft she's worked over it remains a mystery a decided lack of shadow silently attests to withheld power.
- Elf Leathers - Simple fine grain leather robes replete with deep pockets and short, fur cuffed sleeves. Of note however these well traveled vestments weren't made by elves, but rather of them--a distinction Xozu is proud to disclose.
- Bag of Tricks - Because each fetish and talisman must be prepared ahead of time much of what she brings to battle has been prepared in bulk: man-killing powder, bone fairies and the like. This usually means Xozu only ever has a handful of specialized items each engagement, fashioned with a particular foe or obstacle in mind.
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History:

If her claims are to be believed Xozu was once a simple cotter born to a sparsely peopled tribe, their ever thinner fyrd providing little protection from raids or rustlers. Forced to migrate frequently and eke out a meager existence in the shadow of greater powers they inevitably fled further into the wilds, unwittingly trespassing upon elven glades. The retribution meted out to Xozu and her kin was pitiless, scalped and slain down to the last whimpering babe. Assumed for dead she awoke heaped amid the bloody wreckage of her tribe, carted as unceremoniously as refuse beyond the unmarked borders they'd blundered into. With nothing but the sun-ripened flesh of her former kith to feed her convalescence she lay broken and brooding among them, forced with each bitter mouthful to choke back the accompanying shame. It stripped her of herself, the mending orcess reduced to a solemn vow to repay this evil in kind.

Years were spent preparing in the feted swamp where she'd been dumped, honing herself as a hunter and fixating on the vengeance that was to come. This obsession focused her, anchored her against the madness isolation so often invites. In time this drew a 'presence' to her, and Xozu's true aptitudes were revealed. In the end her efforts were crude, clumsy and almost the death of her but she'd walked away with the first of her ten braids, its owner given a death many times more gruesome than that which was handed down to her own. So it was she set out to plague the same isolated settlements to which she'd once belonged, culling elven bloodlines that had existed unchallenged for centuries. As her expertise grew so too did her boldness, deigning to target beloved and respected adversaries, which--when it comes to knife ears--usually meant mages and druids. Unfortunately by her tenth braid she'd fallen victim to an admittedly brilliant countermeasure.

No matter how hard or long she sought Xozu could no longer uncover her elven quarry. It wasn't long before it dawned on her she'd fallen under the sway of a powerful curse and that those responsible were perfectly willing and entirely able to just wait her out--knowing orcs are rarely long for this world. As a matter of principle she devoted herself to staving off the inevitable, reasoning that a longer life meant more opportunities to do them the harm they so richly disserved. Thus she became the hag she is today, the winter of her life uneventful save for the infrequent assassin or lost traveler to cross her path. Were it not for a faithful meeting with a certain warlord and a Nar Mat Kordh-Ishi in its infancy there she'd of remained.

Radush, wishing to strengthen his company sought to persuade the swamp witch but was flatly refused. Ten-braid would not subordinate herself, feeling there was nothing to be learned or gained in his service. So it was that the warlord challenged her, stabbing a finger towards the nearby copse. A bargain was struck wherein they would see who could gather the most wood, a task she saw no way to fail. No matter how mighty Radush claimed to be this was her home and a tree was already prepared, it would be felled at a touch and she would win just as easily. Obviously, she was mistaken, for although her own efforts went to plan the warlord bested her without so much as swinging an axe, draining the smugness from her as he took a length of rope and circled the copse oak to oak. "What's this foolishness?" she'd asked, only to be rendered speechless by his reply "“I’m not going to put each and every tree on my shoulder. I’ll just circle the whole forest, pull up all the trees, and have my boys carry them home."

She's been wearing his colors ever since.

Personality and Psychological profile:

Xozu has elevated hating elves to an art form, unrivaled when it comes to the sheer, all consuming intensity with which she plots their painful decimation. All elves must die and all traces of their people be expunged, that is absolutely not up for debate. Any conversation one might strike up with her eventually comes around to this point and it's hard to expect less from an orc that's spent the bulk of her life hunting, torturing, killing, and eating any elves she came across then wearing their remains. Beyond this she's a racial and personal supremacist, vocal supporter of orcish purity and insufferably aware she know a great deal more than most of her kind. She detests small talk and pleasure seeking, is cruel for cruelty's sake and petty to an absolute fault. Xozu will lie, cheat and steal (In fact she prefers to), sees honor as a handicap the weak would have the strong impose upon themselves and constantly underestimates the other chosen.

Relationships and Acquaintances:

WIP

[HeySeuss]

Well, the knife-ears were never going to like the Company anyway. I mean, let's face it, the elves are going to be modeled along the lines of Thranduil, who was a scumbag and a hypocrite, and then some.

So they will not be very likeable anyway.

Character looks good, and I want to avoid a huge amount of sorcery as we start to work out how precisely to blend that in without breaking the RP's themes.

[Flagg]

Well, I figure I'll get the ball rolling with the relationships, etc. What follows are just suggestions, I'm happy to remove anything folks object to

My CS for reference: here.

Half-Face's Relationships and Acquaintances:

Xozu Ten Braid: Half-Face is intrigued by the power and longevity of the old crone, and is interested to learn her secrets and lore for himself. He has made it his business to woo the old hag's favor.

Dakgu Elf-Scalper: Half-Face knows the value of a good scout, and values Dakgu's abilities and ruthlessness. They've worked well together during Dakgu's time in the company, but Half-Face is wary of the cold menace lurking beneath the scout's quiet exterior. Unlike most orcs, Half Face values archery on the battlefield, and appreciates the training Dakgu has brought to the company's spikes. The scout is definitely someone Half-Face wants on his side.

Nargesh "Tall Shadow" gra-Gonhamph: Half-Face sees the Tall Shadow as a potent weapon, but little more. The Shadow likely despises him as a coward and a sneak.

Grolan: Ironically, Half-Face is suspicious of Grolan's ambitions in the Company. He recognizes the wily half-orcs intelligence and skills with a blade, and sees him as a potentially dangerous rival.

Einark No-Tusk: Half Face values Einark as a skilled soldier, one whose loyalty to the company is unquestioned.

Koloch the Butcher (very tentative, since no CS exists): Half-Face appreciates the iron discipline the Butcher instills in recruits, and they work closely together on drilling and maintaining the pikes as an effective fighting force. It was Koloch that first recognized Half Face's potential as a commander, and the Drillmaster was something of a mentor to Half Face. The two are similar in their approach to war, even if very different in personal style- Koloch all rage and ferocity, Half-Face quiet ruthlessness. They are on as close to friendly terms as two exceptionally cruel and warlike greenskins can be.

Radush Eye Drinker (very tentative, since no CS exists): Half-Face respects the Eye Drinker for building the Company, but also has one eye on his chair. Half Face is too devoted to (and afraid of) the current chief to challenge his supremacy- which anyway would be a fools errand with no chance of success, but Radush is getting on in years and Jagath is not his father....

[MelonHead]

Yeah that's fair, Grolan is not the sort of Orc other Orcs like that much.

[GreivousKhan]

Hmm, wanted to go with something a little different but I'm worried I went too far, the character might not fit the mould very well.

Then again, that could always be a good thing.

@MelonHead

Interesting. Much like the last game it seems we're going to get allot of halfies ironically.

I think previously we had two half-ogres though from different breeds. I think there is a good chance Nargesh will probably try and turn Grolan into her night pillow. I hope he's quick on his feet. :P

Luckily she's easily tricked. Though the comedic value is to good to pass up.

[MelonHead]

In a way it kind of makes sense though, the Chosen are picked from the masses as special for their ability to maintain their cool or to wreak devastation, so its only natural that the less common 'halfies' would have a better chance of breaking the mould so to speak and escaping the mass of pure-bred ordinary Orcs. If anything, a full-bred Orc would be more special in the Chosen, because they've overcome their full heritage to be considered worthy of being marked out as an individual. It would be comparatively easier for someone who's half human or half elf to control their temper or master a weapon outside of the norm.

Also, I suspected the Giantess would probably try and abuse the quick little comparatively handsome Grolan, it's a good job he's agile.

[GreivousKhan]

Well, I figure I'll get the ball rolling with the relationships, etc. What follows are just suggestions, I'm happy to remove anything folks object to

My CS for reference: here.

Half-Face's Relationships and Acquaintances:

Xozu Ten Braid: Half-Face is intrigued by the power and longevity of the old crone, and is interested to learn her secrets and lore for himself. He has made it his business to woo the old hag's favor.

Dakgu Elf-Scalper: Half-Face knows the value of a good scout, and values Dakgu's abilities and ruthlessness. They've worked well together during Dakgu's time in the company, but Half-Face is wary of the cold menace lurking beneath the scout's quiet exterior. Unlike most orcs, Half Face values archery on the battlefield, and appreciates the training Dakgu has brought to the company's spikes. The scout is definitely someone Half-Face wants on his side.

Nargesh "Tall Shadow" gra-Gonhamph: Half-Face sees the Tall Shadow as a potent weapon, but little more. The Shadow likely despises him as a coward and a sneak.

Grolan: Ironically, Half-Face is suspicious of Grolan's ambitions in the Company. He recognizes the wily half-orcs intelligence and skills with a blade, and sees him as a potentially dangerous rival.

Einark No-Tusk: Half Face values Einark as a skilled soldier, one whose loyalty to the company is unquestioned.

Koloch the Butcher (very tentative, since no CS exists): Half-Face appreciates the iron discipline the Butcher instills in recruits, and they work closely together on drilling and maintaining the pikes as an effective fighting force. It was Koloch that first recognized Half Face's potential as a commander, and the Drillmaster was something of a mentor to Half Face. The two are similar in their approach to war, even if very different in personal style- Koloch all rage and ferocity, Half-Face quiet ruthlessness. They are on as close to friendly terms as two exceptionally cruel and warlike greenskins can be.

Radush Eye Drinker (very tentative, since no CS exists): Half-Face respects the Eye Drinker for building the Company, but also has one eye on his chair. Half Face is too devoted to (and afraid of) the current chief to challenge his supremacy- which anyway would be a fools errand with no chance of success, but Radush is getting on in years and Jagath is not his father....

@Flagg

I should probably make one of these as well.

Anyone have any idea on how they stand with Nargesh? I had it in mind to have a pseudo protective guardian kind of deal with someone in the company. Possible long time friend for character building later on.

[Flagg]

<Snipped quote by Flagg>

I should probably make one of these as well.

Anyone have any idea on how they stand with Nargesh? I had it in mind to have a pseudo protective guardian kind of deal with someone in the company. Possible long time friend for character building later on.

@GreivousKhan

That might be an interesting twist for Nargesh to have with an orc like Half-Face or Grolan. One being the muscle, the other brains.

[MelonHead]

Well, Grolan got beaten up a lot as a recruit because he can't physically match many Orcs in wrestling and fist fights, so if someone wanted to be one of his tormentors (provided they joined the company around the same time as him, a year and a bit ago) that's one potential relationship. He may have taken revenge in some sly fashion at a later date without getting caught. If Nargesh for some reason wanted to save Grolan from being beaten up that could have been another possible relationship, as this point his only positive one.

Grolan probably wouldn't get on well with the tough minded warrior till I die Orcs, though any that wax political or spiritual may find him worthwhile conversation.

Looking at the characters so far I suspect most would dislike or distrust him, especially Darku who seems to dislike humans particularly, which Grolan unfortunately resembles. Though anyone who uses a sword might be more respectful of his abilities, or distrust him more like Half Face. (I actually didn't realise the similarity in their fighting styles, nor the similar bucklers, weird coincidence. They would be rivals I think.)

The only character Grolan would inherently dislike, or in actuality probably fear is Hallar the Waterfall, who could easily challenge him to hand to hand combat and outright kill him.

[GreivousKhan]

<Snipped quote by GreivousKhan>

That might be an interesting twist for Nargesh to have with an orc like Half-Face or Grolan. One being the muscle, the other brains.

@Flagg

Pretty much what I was thinking. Simlair to the TV trope where you pair The Smart Guy with The Big Guy (or The Evil Genius with The Brute). Would make tactical sense after all, they'd want one of their most fearsome looking weapons to be aimed where it's needed most. Though the idea of someone like Dakgu riding on her back shooting arrows is also interesting.

Would work better of they were a goblin though.

Reminds me of the titan in Goblin Commander.

[GreivousKhan]

SNip

@MelonHead

Nargesh tends to favor ones martial skills more than anything. So for that reason she'd see Grolan in a favorable light at least.

She'd likely also get along with Einark No-Tusk since he also has experience in forging as a blacksmith. Meanwhile she dislikes 'cowards' such as Dakgu who prefer to fight at a distance with a bow and arrow, not to mention he's a sneak.

She'd also probably not favor Half-Face to much given his tendency to avoid the thick of the battle, which she would see as a sign of cowardice or weakness on his part, but at least he's useful.

[Flagg]

Grolan probably wouldn't get on well with the tough minded warrior till I die Orcs, though any that wax political or spiritual may find him worthwhile conversation.

Looking at the characters so far I suspect most would dislike or distrust him, especially Darku who seems to dislike humans particularly, which Grolan unfortunately resembles. Though anyone who uses a sword might be more respectful of his abilities, or distrust him more like Half Face. (I actually didn't realise the similarity in their fighting styles, nor the similar bucklers, weird coincidence. They would be rivals I think.)

The only character Grolan would inherently dislike, or in actuality probably fear is Hallar the Waterfall, who could easily challenge him to hand to hand combat and outright kill him.

@MelonHead

Half Face is much less worried about orcs with superior battle prowess than smart, ambitious orcs.

[HeySeuss]

Though the idea of someone like Dakgu riding on her back shooting arrows is also interesting.

@GreivousKhan

To be fair, Dakgu's a warg guy.

[GreivousKhan]

<Snipped quote by GreivousKhan>

To be fair, Dakgu's a warg guy.

@HeySeuss

He is bit more of a warg himself.

Of course we could always have Nargesh ride him.... XD

[Sparkwell]

Posted - I made a Quartermaster character with a history of having been involved in Nar Mat Kordh-Ishi from early on. Not sure what Koloch's personality is like re: the last paragraph of my history, but I figured that encountering a well-spoken and experienced Orc travelling with a human caravan would have at least piqued his interest enough to recognize Kavu's potential utility. As always, is just a first draft, so always welcome feedback so I can make the odd change here and there.

With regard to existing character, Kavu is likely to feel:

Nargesh: unlikely to interact in more than a professional sense (unless, I guess, he ends up wanting to strap a ballista to her so she can carry it and still fire? I jest.) Still, Kavu doesn't shy away from combat, and has the "brains" that you were talking about. Regardless, am interested to see Nargesh's character depth come out in the story. =)

Half-face: Likely went through the Pikes under him, before graduating and eventually rising up to near the same rank, just in the supply-side of the army. His particular preference for logistics is likely to lead to a few heated debates between the two when it comes to tactics, especially given Kavu's conservatism.

Dakgu: Kavu would likely pressure him to record his knowledge on warg-care and warfare for archival purposes so that it can be standardized and taught at greater speed and efficiency to other Orcs. Other than that, likely just a professional relationship.

Grolan: Would probably get along fine with another Orc who can likely read and write, as well as use a larger vocabulary.

Hallar: Likely purely professional relationship.

Einark: Unsure.

Regardless, would be happy to build more in-depth histories if anyone is interested pre the start of the IC.

[GreivousKhan]

Heh, no one wants to be my characters friend. XD