Eru Iluvatar

All-Star Marvel: Audax Mundus Novus - Season 1 (Completed)

I sincerely hope all you Fantastic Four affiliated roleplayers feel ashamed after that travesty of a film.

The Final Histories of Arda: The Contention of Mordor

Interested. I'm curious are we playing strictly orc war bands or is there a possibility of playing something from Rhun or Harad?

@Cold Hands

The Haradrim and the Easterlings are both viable options for you to play as, but currently neither own strongholds in any part of Mordor so they would technically start off with a disadvantage.

Raugz Sorr

Red Crow

Hider

Stronghold: Caran
Little alteration has been done specifically to the fortifications of Caran since the end of the War of the Ring. The warband of Raugz Sorr has begun digging several irrigation canals on the western side of the river Caraduin, just north of the river’s entrance through the stronghold. These canals are intended to service the newly planted crops on the western banks of the river. Yet, the canals also serve a dual purpose. If attackers should approach Caran from the west, the floodgates of the stronghold can be closed, resulting in flooding along the canals and the fields they irrigate.

Commander: Nakgu the Hammer
A Black Uruk born of Mordor, Nakgu is an accomplished Warg rider, tactician, and warrior. He is slightly larger than most Black Uruks, standing just over 6’ in height, making his appearance more akin to the Uruk-hai of Isengard. His skin is dark and mottled, and his hair is shaved into a long mohawk, braided into dreadlocks. In combat he wears only black leather trousers, heavy woven leather boots, and a modified Uruk berserker helm. His main weapon is a large, spiked war-hammer named Goltur. As a secondary weapon, Nakgu carries a dagger fashioned at the small of his back. He also rides a gray Warg named Krual.

Description:
Nakgu escaped the fate suffered by many of his brethren by having been located south of Nargroth when Barad-dûr fell. An excellent Warg rider and handler, Nakgu and several other Uruks had been sent towards Thaurband to gather the remaining orc bands garrisoned there to bolster the forces of Mordor against the advancing armies of men following the Battle of the Pelennor Fields.

At the time of Sauron’s destruction, Nakgu and his newly marshaled band of orcs were just departing for Udun. Without the Dark Lord, Nakgu knew that the time of orc unification within Mordor was over, and that survival was to be found in the vacuum of power that remained. Seizing his opportunity, Nakgu utilized inspiration, subterfuge, and fear to lead his band to the stronghold of Caran. Arriving there, Nakgu lead his band against the small garrison of orcs, goblins, and men that yet remained. The battle that ensued was short, with many of the garrisoned orcs surrendering to Nakgu and his newly formed warband, Raugz Sorr.

In the aftermath, Nakgu declared Caran the seat of his power, and set out to improve Raugz Sorr’s disposition therein. With the plains of southern Lithlad at their fingertips, Nakgu ordered the planting of crops along the banks of the Caraduin river, as well as the construction of several prominent irrigation canals on the western shore.

Organization:
Raugz Sorr is divided into four main bodies, with each of these being controlled by one of Nakgu’s trusted Uruk lieutenants. These lieutenants form a small council of advisers, known as the Oborr, which meet regularly with Nakgu to decide matters facing the warband.

-Kalors (Warg cavalry): Headed by Nakgu’s right hand, the Uruk, Xuag. The Kalors are a small unit of Warg riders that are mainly used as outriders and scouts to defend Raugz Sorr territory when not deployed in open combat.

-Ushtar (Army): Headed by the Uruk, Kurdan. The Ushtar is the main body of the Raugz Sorr. It is comprised of a small group of Uruk, as well as traditional orc units of swordsmen, pikemen, and archers.

-Girmus (Scouts): Headed by the Uruk, Woglug. Used as skirmishers and scouts, the Girmus assist in the protection of Raugz Sorr held lands. In combat, the Girmus is utilized to harass and gather information on enemy movements and dispositions.

-Nudertog (Civic corp): Headed by the Uruk, Silge. The Nudertog comprises the non-military arm of the Raugz Sorr. It is made up of slaves, and their handlers, as well as any orcs unfit for combat. The Nudertog is used to build structures, repair fortifications, farm, and handle any other labor tasking not given to the rest of the warband.

Resources:
WIP

Agenda and Concerns:
The lands held by Caran hold promise in the form of agriculture. With its location at the intersection of the river Caranduin and the Sea of Nurnen, Raugz Sorr is in possession of vast stores of fresh water. While the flow of the river has been tainted by the eruption of Mount Doom, construction still proceeds apace on the irrigation canals necessary to facilitate viable crops. The securing of a consistent supply of food and water is Raugz Sorr’s primary goal following the fall of Sauron.

Resource Allocation:
Wargs: 4 Points (20 total Wargs)
Uruk: 2 Points (≈200 Uruk)
Orcish Chirurgeons: 2 Points (2 Teams)
Goblin Slaves: 1 Point (≈125)
Human Slaves: 1 Point (≈200)

@AmongHeroes

As this is still the Interest Check, I would recommend holding back on applications - but this looks promising so you can basically just copy this across to the main RP when I make it.

Speaking of which, we have four players and a possible fifth, I think I will put up the RP when one or two more join in.

Spiritum Aeternum; or The Ramshackle Monster Hunters

Stefano walked, his precious possessions piled up on his plump hands. He did not know where he was going, only that he could not choose between the priorities of finding a safe place to store his wealth or satisfying his own growing hunger. It had slowly dawned on him throughout the morning that he had not eaten a substantial meal since a few days before - he had enjoyed a succulent platter of roasted duck, garnished with herbs and accompanied by a smattering of the native fruit named arbutus unedo. He recalled it's taste being somewhere in between peaches and lentils, sweet yet with a long-lasting watery after-taste. It had not been one of Stefano's favourite new cuisines since arriving in the wildlife-rich town of Sintra, yet his artistic associate and guide had blatantly insisted on his trying of the rare fruit.
Unfortunately, all the thought about food brought Stefano around to his second priority of sating his peckish mood. He found himself traipsing around the main deck as the remnants of the captain's latest speech, which Stefano had unfortunately missed while ridding himself of the carrot-haired woman's ceaseless griping, departed towards the stairs and the ends of the galleon. The Cretan targeted an unoccupied sailor sitting close to him, accosting him with ravenous intent.

"Sir! You will heed my request and direct me seamlessly toward this ship's galley, I hope? It has been too long since the silk-laden touch of a smooth, tasteful chicken or a segment of warm, baked bread have graced my throat and stomach. To disparate a privilege-entitled man from his most appreciated bounties is to separate a strumpet from her nudity! And I do say -"

"Down t'steps, right t'bottom, through second door. Follow the scent o' your 'warm, baked bread' an' you'll find it. Eventually." The sailor said laconically with an apparent look of bemusement and amusement on his chiselled face.

"Ah, excellent. I shall follow your directions with unrivalled meticulousness." Stefano left with a patronising nod and trudged down the steps close by to him. Down t'steps, right t'bottom. He repeated the sailor's words in his mind and visualised a scent of his favourite delicacies to spur him forward. Surprisingly, Stefano ended up heading directly for the galley. Perhaps the power of hunger was a force higher than the whims of man after all.

---

Artemisia had found the galley rather unoccupied, save for the ship's cook. She popped into the room with a smile, as the cook turned about and greeted her with a simple nod of his head.
"Buenos días señor, que tienes tu para hoy?" Good morning, sir, what do you have for me today? Her spanish was a little rusty, but she had learned enough to communicate with the skeletal structure of the language. The robust tanned man with a black receding hairline chuckled and waved her over.

"Que quieres comer? El pan? Quizás sopa? O quieres la torta?" What do you want to eat? Bread? Maybe soup? Or do you want a pastry? His voice was husky, like that of a bear. He had an easy going attitude that Artemisia found exceptionally pleasant. He reminded her of La Vida de Agua, the owner Roberto.

She placed her hand upon her chin and thought about what she wanted, "Quiero el pan, por favor. Como te llamas?" I want bread, please. What is your name? The cook reached over and handed her a bread roll, still warm.

"Me llamo Alfredo Sánchez, y tu también señorita, como te llamas?" My name is Alfredo Sanchez, and you too miss, what is your name?

"Me llamo Artemisia de Valleños. Soy de Italia." My name is Artemisia de Valleños. I am from Italy. Alfredo the cook nodded his head approvingly and began to start on another dish, pouring flour into a large mixing bowl. She offered to help, but Alfredo gave a raucously pleasant laugh and shook his head in decline of her offer.

"Soy la cocinero por un raizon, que no?" I am the cook for a reason, no? He patted her shoulder affectionately as he gave her another bread roll. Now she had one for Omero and herself.

It wasn't a second after that that an overweight man garbed in expensive - if not a little tattered - clothes blundered in, a sack of something heavy perched on top of some obscured piece of canvas, and a look of pure excitement and anticipation on his face.

"How delightful! The curt sailor's instructions proved ample for my quest, and thus I am here for said quest's alluring reward!" He sung in Portugeuse, laying his items down with great care in the corner of the galley by some stocked crates. He then slid over to where Artemisia and Alfredo stood conversing and gracefully inserted himself between the young woman and the food that the cook was working over.

"Now, it appears my stomach shall not wait a minute more. I humbly request your finest meal, sir...?"

"Tonto." The cook muttered under his breath.

"Is that an obscenity, and of Spanish origin no less!" The well-spoken man seemed unperturbed by the insult blatantly thrown his way, and with a clearing of his throat he instead converted to a Spanish dialect, "Me llamo Stefano Morisini, soy un hijo modesto de un señor, de una isla de Creta. Y tu eres?"

"Alfredo." The cook grunted, with much less loquaciousness than what he had provided Artemisa with.

Artemisia looked swiftly to the paunchy man who entered the room in a flamboyant fashion. She cocked an eyebrow as she tried to decipher exactly what he was saying Portuguese, something about the sailor's directions that proved most useful.

"And, my dear Alfredo, what is on the proverbial menu this fine morning?" Stefano's tone grew more saturated with desire by the minute, it seemed that in not too long a time the man would be slobbering and begging on the floor like a mistreated dog.

The cook simply rolled his eyes and ignored him, continuing vehemently with his craft. Stefano rapidly became hysteric and he swung his gaze to Artemisia, whom he had rudely interrupted before.

"I beg of you, senhorita," He spoke in Portuguese again, his face split between a look of disdain for the slightly unkempt girl and a need for the sustenance that he was being refused. "Talk some sense into this crass man."

The disarray the man seemed to be in, only made Artemisia chuckle quietly to herself as she watched Alfredo deny the rotund man his food. She responded to his pleas with a loud laugh, causing her to grin wildly, "Sehnor, I would perhaps use the word, please, when talking to the cook. After all he is the one in charge of filling that belly of yours." She gave him a wink, teasing him, but not insultingly. Her eyes kept wandering to the strange canvased object that he had set down near the crates. Over all, she could tell this man was quite wealthy.

"You said your name was Stefano Morisini, and that you hail from an island of Crete, no?" Morisini, the name alone sounded familiar, giving her chills that inched up her spine. The pronunciation of her Portuguese indicated that she was not a native speaker, nor very fluent. Alfredo the cook, continued on, making a large pot of stew. As he diced potatoes and carrots up, he still listened to them converse. Surely this rather intrusive man had better sense than to come storming into his kitchen demanding his finest meal with nothing less than a please or thank you? Only a nobleman would address him in such a way. On a ship, everyone became of equal standing, even the common passenger. And manners were certainly apart of Alfredo's galley.

Stefano observed the woman fling witty remarks at him, prompted by his most gracious plea. Frankly, he was shocked - having never recieved anything close to this calibre of conversation from what appeared to be a common working girl. She used the same tone and mannerisms that a travelling troubadour and poet often used that Stefano had travelled with over much of France. Stefano had recieved his clever banter with open appreciation, yet he did not know whether he should do the same in this case.

He ignored her first statement in a fit of unease, yet she thankfully provided a follow-up question that was simple enough to answer.

"Stefano Morisini, yes - middle name Pietro. My father is closely related to the current Duke of Candia. One of the main reasons I departed was because of the political drab that accompanied my important position - not to mention the position of the Ottomans in accosting my dear homeland. Enough of that, though, I forget common courtesy!" He grinned at the girl, seemingly forgetting all about the pending food behind him, and the social class of the girl before him. It seemed she had broken through many of Stefano's social barriers with little more than a sentence - a feat achieved by few, though the situation of hunger, required aid and impending pirates may have encouraged the acceptance somewhat.

"My dear, I would like to know all about you! Perhaps we can sit and talk whilst being served our fresh bread and scrumptious native commerce? Excellent, let us do so!"

"Ah, so it would seem. I have heard of your surname." She mumbled more to herself than to him, yet she listened all the while as he spoke of himself, and why he had come aboard. To her, his reason seemed to be as nonsensical as her own. When he informed her of his desire to know more about her, Artemisia seemed apprehensive in any case. Yet, she figured that it would not hurt her to tell him a bit of who she was. Artemisia turned to Alfredo and asked, "Senor, may we have but a bowl of soup? I promise we will be out of your hair for the rest of the evening."

Here Alfredo looked past her shoulder to Stefano standing behind her and gave a solemn grunt before dishing out a bowl of stew and gave her another bread roll. With that Artemisia turned about and handed Stefano the food. "I would say that this is the best you will get till we reach port. Let us head above deck, I came down here to fetch some food for a friend." She moved to the door and held it open, and then nodded at the object he had sat down near the crates, "And bring that too, lest he spills soup on it." Artemisia gave a chuckle before continuing, "I am Artemisia, I hail from Florentia, Italy. I came to Sintra many years ago, I have had made my living as a songstress, a bard, and as an entertainer. I travelled with a band of troubadours called, Le Troupe de Vie. Other than that, there is not much else to know." With that, Artemisia moved down the hallway, a bread roll in each hand.

She moved off away from the galley as soon as she finished speaking - leaving Stefano to strain a hurried, 'Pleasure to meet you!' between his frantic sipping of the stew.
His hunger was not entirely satisfied, though the stew had some texture to fill his belly, and he did not think it best to stay in the galley for much longer. Stefano slurped through the meal quickly and stood as soon as he had finished.
Moving over to his sack of coin and canvas, Stefano threw a glance in Alfredo's direction.

"Thank you. The stew was..." He started, and with a childish chuckle as Alfredo glared at him, "Mediocre." He rushed out before the angry cook could accost him.

Credits

@MacabreFox @Eru Iluvatar

The Final Histories of Arda: The Contention of Mordor

The Fourth Age of Arda has begun, and with it disarray runs throughout the expansive regions of Middle-earth. A month has passed since the end of the War of the Ring, when the Hobbit Frodo Baggins thrust the One Ring into the fires of Mount Doom, and many events are occuring throughout the land. King Aragorn, now known as Elessar, has unified the kingdoms of Gondor and Arnor and is preparing to repair the north-west of Middle-earth to a position of glory and propitiousness; however, some of the men of his Reunited Kingdom have not yet finished with the dark forces they recently finished warring with.

Sauron has fallen, and with him Mordor's devestating power over much of the continent - yet the landmass of Mordor remains, and so too do several personas prowl the land with rapacious intent. The throngs of Orcs - once Elves, twisted by the Dark Lord Morgoth - have been culled after their defeat at the Battle of the Pelennor Fields, among other conflicts of the War of the Ring, and the destruction of Barad-dûr due to the blazing onslaught of Mount Doom. However, the Orcs still live, though in lesser numbers - and the powerful, prominent Orcs are already gathering their forces. Other factions have arrived in Mordor's vicinity, hungry for power: the Variags of Khand and the Southron Haradrim to name a couple. The lack of Orcs in the sea-side prison Thaurband instigated a mass revolt by the human slaves inside. The humans now occupy the reinforced site, but enemies are never too far away. The Orc Hunters, departing from Minas Tirith with the fire of battle still fuelling their hearts, aim for the remaining forces of Sauron with unrelenting courage.

Though a physical throne no longer exists, the various assemblies and warbands look onto Mordor as a kingdom anticipating it's new ruler, but only one can succeed to rule Mordor - and the others will be left as decaying corpses at the foot of the victor.

888888888888

The Premise

Mordor, in the wake of Sauron's defeat, is still a vast land filled with massive and intimidating fortifications. It remains impregnable from the outside, and it is still filled with tens of thousands of rambunctious Orcs. No longer united by a single leader, all of Orc-kind has dissolved into a number of Warbands based out of each of Mordor's most prominent fortifications, and now wage a civil war to determine who will ultimately rule over Mordor. Each poster will play as an Orc Warband based out of a specific stronghold, each possessing a unique mix of strategic resources and localized advantages and disadvantages. Your ultimate goal is to seize control of every Orc Warband by means of war, diplomacy, or other means - and to rule over the new throne of Mordor as its ruler. This shall not be an easy task, for the opposing Orc Warbands are but one of your worries.

Prominent Concerns: Thus far, every Orc Warband has managed to survive off of stored provisions within each stronghold, and has enough supplies remaining for several weeks. However, eventually they will need to find a way to procure food and drink. The fields of Nurn and the island sea of Nurnen are the only source of clean water and crop food in all of Mordor, which presents several logistical problems for each Warband. Additionally, some warbands are cut off from most of Mordor either by Pyroclastic flow from Mt. Doom or else by narrow passageways, once guarded by erstwhile allies, now guarded by opposing Warbands. Alliances of necessity may be required in order for your Warband to survive, if they cannot find alternate means of fulfilling their needs and pursuing their agenda.

RP Rules

- No Metagaming, a group cannot possible know that another group is about to ambush them unless exposition for knowing is provided.
- No Godmodding - There's no way a handful of Orcs can beat a larger army, unless very specific circumstances arise involving terrain, morale etc.
- Keep it lore-appropriate: You obviously can't have an Orc named 'Robert' and you would never randomly dig up deus ex machina weaponry from the ground.
- Advanced-level writing is encouraged if not required. No three-line posts, and please do all the spell-checks you can before posting.
- Stick to the boundaries set by the resource system.
- Only roleplay as groups who would be in and around Mordor at the time. We will deal with other regions in future roleplays in the series.
- Enjoy!

Setting Guidelines

For the purposes of the RP, assume the following points are all true.
-All rings of power, palantiri, and artifacts predating the second age have all either been destroyed or lie beyond Mordor's borders. The only exception to this rule is ancient Elven Blades.
-Shelob and all other descendants of the Ungoliant have fled Mordor post-eruption. There are no more giant spiders in Mordor.
-Magic is a power wielded only through the use of Valar or Maiar artifacts or through being a Valar/Maiar. Orcs, Uruk, and Goblins are neither. Therefore none of them may use magic.
-Pyroclastic flow from Mt. Doom has rendered much of the Gorgoroth plains as well as the passage of Isenmouthe and the Udun vale intraversible and inhospital.
-The eruption of Mt. Doom has flooded most underground tunnels and caverns with lethally toxic fumes and gasses. Only Goblins can survive and work in these conditions.
-Each Orc Warband constitutes an average of some 5,000 Orcs who are capable of fighting. Many more are slaves who dwell in the surrounding lands.
-Most Uruk were killed by the collapse of Barad-dur, where most of them were stationed during the war of the ring. You may have a few Uruk main characters, but do not go overboard with it

Map of Mordor

Regions:
Udun: The mountain vale directly beyond the Black Gates, preceeding the passage of Isenmouthe. Included many separate forges and orc-holds during the War of the Ring, they are now cut off from the rest of Mordor due to blockage of the Isenmouthe passage.
Gorgoroth: Described as the center of Mordor where most of its armies were based, South of Barad-dur ruins and Mt. Doom. Described as having never had any form of plant life and always being covered in volcanic ash.
Nurn: The center of all agriculture in Mordor, a semi-arid region containing fertile plains and vales, also host to an inland freshwater sea. The armies at Gorgorth received most of their water rations directly from here and it stands to reason most of their bread and food was made here as well. The Sea of Nurnen is described as being fed by several rivers, and apparently long irrigation channels exist here as well.
Lithlad: Described as a vast plains area Southest of Gorgoroth and Nurn, covered in light ash and suitable dry-land farming. Little more information on this region exists.
Eastern Desolation: The Easternmost area of Mordor, described as absolutely barren. Contains a single passage through the Mountains that the Variags and Haradrim used to come into Mordor by land.
Ered Lithui: - Known as the Ash Mountains, this range makes up the northern barrier of Mordor.
Ephel Dúath: Known as the Outer Fence, this range makes up the southern and western mountains of Mordor.
Mithram Spur: A prominent mountain ridge in Northern Mordor to the East of the Gorgoroth plains, where several prominent Orc strongholds are located.

Warband Sheet

Warband Name Here

Stronghold: Which fortification in Mordor does your Warband control and base its operations in and around? Describe any significant or notable changes to its structure or layout that are not mentioned in the canonical descriptions. When deciding which Stronghold you want, choose from the list of available strongholds in the tab below.

Commander

Who has final word and power within the Warband? Describe them in brief here. Warband Leaders may be Uruks, Orcs, or Goblins - and rank hath its priveleges. It would not be unreasonable to say that they are in possession of unique weaponry or specialized equipment other individuals might lack.

Description

Describe your Warband and its history in brief here. Tell us how it came to form after the war of the ring and the fall of Barad-dur, and what its current influence, hierarchy, structure, and agendas are like.

Resources

What specific resources does your Warband possess? Include a brief description of how your Warband acquired most of its assets. For details concerning resource allocation, see the Resources section below the nation sheet template.

Agenda and Concerns

Many strongholds are located in disadvantageous positions now that the Warbands are fighting one another rather than Gondor. Others are lacking in critical resources, or face a myriad collection of other problems. What is the current state of affair and plan for your Warband in regards to their problems?

Resources

Lesser Drakes: 0
Demi-Trolls: 0
Wargs:
Uruk:
Chirurgeon Teams: 0
Goblin Slaves:
Human Slaves:

List of Available Strongholds

The Black Gate: The largest fortified structure in all of Arda, the Black Gate is considered impregnable to any form of conventional assault. It houses a large number of forges and barracks and is a township unto itself in conjunction with the Towers of the Teeth. However, the Black Gate is currently cut off from most of Mordor by pyroclastic flow from Mt. Doom completely blocking passage through the valley of Udun and Isenmouthe, leaving only the tr
eacherous mountain route of Durthang as the sole means of accessing the rest of Mordor by foot.

Durthang: Located in the Northern Mountain range overseeing the obstructed mountain passage of Isenmouthe. The Durthang fortress route is the sole remaining surface passage of safety between the plains of Udun, the Black Gates, and the rest of Mordor (by route of Cirith Ungo as well as by a treacherous network of tunnel systems and passagesl). Many Orc survivors of the final battle of the War of the Ring fled here when they routed.

Minas Morgul: The sister city of Minas Tirith, this massive fortified city now safeguards the only remaining valley passage through Cirith Ungol and into Mordor. In the absence of Barad-dur, Minas Morgul is the largest remaining stronghold of Orcish power in all of Mordor, but is also separated from the interior by Cirith Ungol.

Cirith Ungol: A large mountainside fortress and barracks at the head of the valley passage through the mountains of the same name, Cirith Ungol serves as as a central hub of power for the Orc race across all of Mordor, being central to routes leading to Minas Morgul, Durthang, Nargroth, and Thaurband. It controls a large stretch of the narrow Cirith Ungol passage, watched over by many watchtowers and fortifications, interwoven by bridge networks and cavern systems.

Seregost: Located on the Northwestern ridge of the Mithram Mountain Spur, Seregost is the only Orcish stronghold intact that looks over the Gorgoroth plains.

Nargroth: Located at the tip of the Mithram Spur, Nargroth overlooks a great deal of the Gorgorth plains as well as Nurn.

Caran: A dam and fortification upon the Caraduin river that feeds into the inland sea of Nurnen from the North.

Thaurband: A dam and fortification upon the Rul river that fed into the inland sea of Nurnen from the West, which has since dried up due to the eruption of Mt. Doom. Thaurband also served as a major Orc town and prison, and was notable for its particularly large population of slaves in the form of Men. The Human population has revolted and taken over Thaurband, and is therefore an NPC faction not available as an initial stronghold.

The Eastern Guard: A lone fortress in the Eastern Desolation that guards the pass from Mordor into the Khan and Rhun lands. The passage is currently controlled by the Variags, and is therefore an NPC faction not available as an initial stronghold.

Resource Allocation

Each Orc Warband starts with 10 (ten) resource allocation points to spend on the following resources. Each Warband can earn more points as the RP progresses.

Lesser Drakes: Although their breeding population in Mordor is dangerously thinned out, there remain just enough lesser Drakes to create a viable force. Drakes are massive and powerful creatures, able to overpower even trolls and great eagles in combat- but they are also voracious eaters and have unstable temperaments, liable to lash out at their handlers and requiring tons of fresh meat to keep sated. Because of the small number of Drakes left they must be carefully protected least they become extinct within Mordor itself. 2 for 3 (a breeding pair essentially).

Demi-Trolls: Animalistic and simple-minded Trolls bred by Orcs for use in labor and war. They possess tremendous strength but are also profoundly stupid, and can only be directed through use of pain and food. 5 for 2.

Wargs: Large intelligent wolves used as cavalry by Mordor, Wargs have a longstanding kinship with Orcs. Viciously strong, agile, and powerful, they are moderately cunning and loyal as well. 5 for 1.

Uruk: A perfected (some might say even further corrupted) race of magically altered Orcs, Uruks are stronger and tougher than both Orcs and Men, and are infamous for their beserker rage-states. 100 for 1.

Orcish Chirurgeons: Orcs possess more sophisticated, if less ethical medicine than both Elves and Men - Orcish Triage teams can distribute numbing draughts during battle and save those on the brink from death. One team of 5 for 1.

Goblin Slaves: Having acted as slaves for Orcs since before the third age, Goblins are extremely adept at working in unsafe environments - particularly the underground tunnel network of Mordor, currently flooded full of toxic volcanic gasses. They are also easily intimidated and pliable to authority, making them unlikely to rebel. However, there are not as many of them around as there used to be and they simply just are not as capable as men or orcs in many regards. 125 for 1.

Human Slaves: Men are plentiful in number and are just as capable as Orcs in most things, but unlike Goblins they cannot traverse the toxic underground, cannot survive in the same working conditions and are much more prone to rebelling against their masters. 200 for 1.

Relevant Factions and Powers

Orcish Warbands of Mordor
Haradrim of Harad
Variags of Khand
Human Slaves in Thaurband
Orc Hunters from Minas Tirith
Corsairs from Umbar
Easterlings from Rhûn

Spiritum Aeternum; or The Ramshackle Monster Hunters

<Snipped quote by The New Yorker>

Lol that's what we intended but it could become something more, DM and I have spoken of it before, but we're into the mentorship idea. I think it'll be interesting for Artemisia to interact with Stefano, as they are both involved with the arts.

@MacabreFox

She is a bit of a peasant though so I don't think her talent will make her totally atypical to Stefano.

Spiritum Aeternum; or The Ramshackle Monster Hunters

Just wanted to check in. How are those posts going?

@The New Yorker

Not started yet, I'm currently job hunting while in the midst of work experience. I'll try to do something soon but no promises.

All-Star Marvel: Audax Mundus Novus - Season 1 (Completed)

The Unspoken: Fact or Fiction?

Vol. 2, Book 1 - A Ruler Dethroned
Extract 2
The first chronicles of the Inhuman civilisation arose early in the twentieth century, yet periods are seemingly lost from all record - specifically certain months in the 1980s. Legend tells of another descendant of King Agon and Queen Rynda besides King Maximus, an elder brother - though no there is no certifiable evidence to this rumour, as none of the purported family of this man have stated it to be true.

Karnak strode with an anger that was rare to behold, as his indifference regarding most others extended to their opinions of him and their ability to influence his emotions. Gorgon, however, was the physical embodiment of irritation - always trying to oust Karnak in every way, though the hulking Inhuman's only real talents were in his strength and military stratagems. Karnak had the upper hand with his intelligence and knowledge of many things, though the two always conflicted when fighting itself was brought up: Karnak with his skill and adroitness, and Gorgon with his power and size. Each believed their own style to be the superior of the other, yet Karnak had not entertained the suggestion of revealing the victor in a fight - partly because it would seem that the two Inhumans were tantamount, and if Gorgon won... Nobody would ever hear the end of it.

Karnak's fury beholden movements were aimed towards the majestic throne complex of King Maximus - ruler of the Great Refuge ever since Agon and Rynda had been incapacitated by the Kree forces, nearly a decade earlier. Maximus had ascended to regality with a prodigal flair, expanding the throne room and his own quarters and decorating them lavishly in the process. There were many opponents to Maximus' rule, which incorporated laconic hostilities with potential allies, and ferocious demonstrations of hostility with enemies. People were undoubtedly already blaming the rogue Inhuman's escape on the reckless King. Karnak suspected that Maximus would not care for their mumblings, anyway, as the combat expert had spent a good deal of time with the ruler as required his station. Though, it was true that Karnak had not successfully delivered much 'royal advisement' to the ignorant ears of Maximus.

While it was still spoken that Maximus was not in Attilan, Karnak had heard otherwise from reliable sources. The King's own page and unofficial spy, a man-child named Ordible, had a loose tongue - and his unrequited nervousness around Karnak made it easy for information to be passed between them. Fortunately, Maximus had not taken much notice or else Ordible would have been dispatched from royal service a time ago - him assuredly hearing all within the palace due to his ability.
Karnak entered the throne house and quickly moved to Ordible's small chamber near the entrance. Karnak did not want to deal with all the formalities required when speaking to royal Inhumans around the palace, though he was a noble himself. He had decided to consult Ordible on whether Maximus had truly returned and was available before entering the throne complex. Thankfully, the door to Ordible's chamber was slightly ajar and Karnak slipped straight into the confined space. The man-child sat in the far corner of the room, partially obscured by the wooden partition in the middle of the floor.

"Ordible, have you knowledge of Maximus' return yet?"

"I... I-," Ordible whimpered with ostensibly his natural hesitation, "Help." The man-child turned slowly to Karnak, revealing a stream of tears rushing down his face, and the first emergences of blood coming from the unnatural large holes replacing his ears due to Terrigenesis.

"By the Unspoken! Ordible, what is it? Where is this happening?" Karnak blurted, surprise overwhelming his monotone normality.

Ordible pointed slowly and with obvious difficulty towards the wall, and murmured 'throne' as he faded into unconsciousness. The strain, whatever it was that was afflicting Ordible, was clearly too intense for the poor man. Hopefully Karnak could stop it before it started affecting the populace with less sensitive hearing. The combat master spun and rapidly darted out of the room towards the ornate stairs. He could now feel the regular vibrations in the stone around him now he was at the same elevation of the throne room. The royal Inhumans, too, were beginning to panic and flee; none seemed willing to venture towards the throne room. Karnak brushed past the throng of departing royals and their attendees, noticing in the midst of them the young Crystal - the younger sister of Lady Medusa. Three men were carrying her out, probably under orders from Medusa herself, yet she was fighting to escape their grips and head towards the throne room. Karnak knew not why it was always only the Royal Family who intentionally engaged in dangerous situations, perhaps it ran in the blood they all had in their veins, or perhaps it was the ubiquitous attention seeking of most of Karnak's relatives, with the exception of he himself. She was quickly manoeuvred out of the entrance square, however, leaving Karnak with no apparent allies in his progress towards the throne room.
Eventually, he reached the huge oak doors that everyone was avoiding, and he pushed vehemently through to one of the side corridors that led to the throne room. The clattering of conflict just ahead was now rising in a crescendo of violence, and he could just about make out the shouting voices within the room. He easily recognised the prominent grunts and yells of Gorgon, and just behind them the angered ranting of King Maximus.

All the sound died away, however, as a third voice whispered only one word - yet nevertheless it penetrated his skull, mind, and everything around Karnak. It was the only thing he knew as the word 'STOP' filled all he could hear and think, and ripped the stone from the wall and the wood from the floor as the palace blew apart under the devastating power of the voice in the throne room.

All-Star Marvel: Audax Mundus Novus - Season 1 (Completed)

Any X-Men characters would be welcomed (at the moment we only have a PC Iceman and an NPC Firestar).

My current immediate plans would be helped if we can one or two more people playing X-Men characters. I will put them in spoilers just in case you all want to be surprised.

Spoiler 1

My next Spider-Man arc will be inspired by the 90's Spider-Man/X-Men crossover episodes "Mutategic Nightmare". This has been hinted at with this short cameo for Herbert Landon. Ideally, I would like both Firestar and Nightcrawler to be kidnapped by Landon (of course at seperate times). I would prefer someone else playing Wolverine in this arc rather than me npc'ing him. Technically I could have Jean fulfill one of the roles I would like Wolverine to fill, but it would not be quite the same.

Spoiler 2

Since Mystique has been an important enemy to Ms. Marvel in the comics and she was involved in the assassination attempt against Senator Kelly in the comics, I thought it might be a good time to introduce our version of Mystique's brotherhood. Plus, both Ms. Marvel and Senator Kelly are from Massachusetts gives another reason why Ms. Marvel would intervene. Also, Ms. Marvel does have history with the X-Men, so we can play with that too.

Also, @Angel Vicky, if you would like to play as Rogue, please PM me. I have an idea on how our version of Rogue can still get Ms. Marvel's powers without depowering our current Ms. Marvel. ;)

@Dedonus

This brotherhood sounds like an ample opportunity for a certain Purple Man, in the future.

Spiritum Aeternum; or The Ramshackle Monster Hunters

I suppose I'll make some kind of response to this, and I'm on the lookout for collaboration opportunities so if you find Stefano near any of your characters, you might expect a PM to follow it.

All-Star Marvel: Audax Mundus Novus - Season 1 (Completed)

<Snipped quote by Angel Vicky>

Valkyrie is good to go.

<Snipped quote by Eru Iluvatar>

What's wrong with a Laser triceratops!?

@Dedonus

...I suppose I do have a woman who uses electromagnetic fields to summon birds in my posts.