Ithynia
28-08-2004, 01:16
Jormu'Gandther'Rake, Leader of The Blood Moon Clan, Ruler of the Isle of Ithynia, Warlord of the Ithynian Horde, Sat, in his chambers, looking out over the charred ground of his land, This Isle had once been green, but the fires of war ruin many a green pasture.
Before him lay many parchments, and a quill,
He began to write..
Our destiny concerning the domination over these lands has been foretold by the clan mystics for hundreds of years. Having risen from the mire of swamps and marshes, the Orcish Hordes of Ithynia have swept across this domain in the fulfillment of that destiny. Many ages passed as our influence slowly spread, causing pain and darkness to follow in our wake. Be they in lush plains, hidden in thick forests, or at the rocky crags overlooking the seaside our armies rolled over what pathetic resistance our enemies could muster. Their crops died on the stalk and their fields lay fallow, for we left none alive to tend them. Using the arcane powers of our Warlocks and Necromancers, not even the mightiest of our foes could long stand against our increasing onslaught. One by one our enemies fell, and we became stronger with each victory. In time, by subjugating all who would oppose our rise to power, and enslaving these weaker races to use as we pleased, we conquered both nature and creatures to finally rise to the pinnacle of this Isle...
Still we craved more, and decades of constant bickering between clans served to divide our race amongst itself. Soon factions arose, each seeking to control the Orcish domain for themselves. These petty arguments turned to armed conflict, and then to war as the need for conquest burned hot in our blood. If no lands existed that were ruled by enemies, then we would take the lands of our brethren.
The only clan to ignore these plays for power were the Warlocks. Secluded in their towers, they saw the danger that was present. Although it pleased the Necromancers that these battles fed the earth and underworld with rivers of blood, the Warlocks feared that no Orc would be left alive. This would serve to upset the delicate balance that allowed them to control the powers that they held in check and called upon to work their magiks. If this balance were to be maintained, the Orcish hordes would need to be supplied with new battles against a common foe.
It was during a period of exploration that many more lands surrounded our own were discovered, over the seas, many lands filled with many strange things, and one warlock left to see them.
The stories that this subject returned with almost convinced his colleagues that the experience had left him insane, but the strange, unknown plants he held served as sure evidence of his claims. This allowed the sect to approach the strongest leaders of the splintered Orc clans and request that they cease their war for one year. At the end of that time, they promised the chance to accomplish the taking of a new land.
Transversing the sea's proved to be easier the more the newly constructed fleet trained to do it, and within the passing of three moons, it stood ready to send a small detachment of troops to this new land. A fleet of black ships was the sight that greeted the Orcish clan chiefs. Streaks of black and red raced across them. And once the troops boarded, the fleet left.
The sack of the village on the coast was a simple matter, hardly worth the telling. Yet hundreds of times the tale was recounted, and a hundred more would be expected and relished. A group of strange, sharp edged buildings was the first sign of any true opposition they encountered. A rough dirt path lead into a trio of farms. The gray of dawn was lightening as the sun of this world rose over the hilltops. Then out of the odd little hut came what must have been a member of this lands true race. Small, pink and spare of muscle were these creatures. The warriors grinned wickedly at each other, knowing that if this represented the breed of stock they would need to pen in order to take this land, victory was but a matter of moments. Rushing out of their hiding place, they swarmed upon the village and slew every living thing they could find. The males offered some small resistance, but the females and children were like taking grok to the slaughter. Their homes held few values, but their field were full of a tasty grain. Their livestock, as little as there was, also proved excellent, and what they could not eat or pack was set to the torch. The trinkets brought back from this place were of a craftsmanship unknown to the Orcs, and were quickly taken by the leaders of the clans for their own treasure hordes. This new land, heavy with vast expanses and soft, weak protectors would prove a rich jewel to add the crown of the Orcs.
Our order of ascension is a simple one - only the strongest survive. All matters of politics or dispute are settled in open debate. This can lead to hostilities in many cases, but it is the fastest and simplest way to come to a conclusion on most matters. Each Orc has the right to make heard his arguments, as long as he can back them up with fact - or steel. To gain the upper hand is a sign of strength, and strength is counted highly among the hordes. A decisive victory in battle raises the commander and his warriors to a place of honor and control. This hold is tenuous, however, for the higher one climbs, the farther - and more deadly - the fall.
By this time, we had learned much of this new domain, and those who dwelled here. While difficult to understand in many ways, they proved similar enough to us in many ways. A sharp blow to the head resulted in death. Lack of food led to starvation. Pain also affected them in the same way it had all of our enemies, and proved to be an effective means of extracting information.
To learn that the name of this place was Anera, and the inhabitants here were called Humans, was among the first bits of information we gathered. We began the taking of Anera by moving out cautiously, and learning what we could, but all too soon rash judgment prevailed as the taste of greed tainted the palettes of the Orcish clan chiefs. After many arguments ensued, it was decreed that an assault upon the tall castle in the north would serve to crush our enemies and place the Orcs upon the throne of power. More and more warriors were brought across the sea, and with them seemed to come the essence of our land.
Entry into the castle was a simple matter, for the prosperity that had made this land so attractive to us had also bred weakness in the Humans. Their guards were unprepared as our forces poured through the gates and over the walls of their stronghold. Their males did well to stop us for as long as they did, but our numbers and strength soon tilted the battle in our favor. Victory would have been assured, but for the arrival of their great, mounted soldiers. These fiends rode atop beasts of muscle and sinew that crashed through our ranks and dealt as much damage to our troops as did their riders. These knights, as we have come to know them, rallied what few soldiers remained, and began driving us out of the castle. Our every turn was countered as we were forced to retreat towards the gateway back to our world. Some trick of magic had them always at our back, sides, and in our path. We barely reached the edges of the swamplands that now surrounded the beach and eluded our pursuers in its murky depths.
It has been some fifteen years since this costly decision altered the course of our destiny. Many called for the retreat home, while other factions fought for another attack upon the Humans with all of our forces. Out of this chaos arose a single Orc with a cunning and guile that few others possessed. Careful manipulations and the use of what support he could muster made his voice ever stronger as time passed. After key opponents were dealt with, few could offer any opposition to his plans, and the rule of the great Orc Warlord Jormu'Gandther'Rake was upon our people.
My cruelty and dominance in battle is only overshadowed by my lust for power. I have studied the means with which Human armies are able to defeat overpowering numbers of Orcs through strategy and guile. From these tactics I have learned to bring organization to the scattered attacks of our raiding parties. I sought assistance from both houses of the arcane arts, searching for other weapons to add to my arsenal. The culmination of these plans was the uniting of all the Orcish clans in Ithynia - Armies, Warlocks and Necromancers alike - to bring about the eventual destruction of the Human race, Already Complete in Anera, where not long ago the last humans were eradicated or enslaved, but it is not enough, Back home, Our Fires of war burn again, each day new orcs arise to battle, and come across the oceans, and new weapons are forged, We must find new lands to conquer, The Age of Chaos is now at hand.
Jormu'Gandther'Rake finished writing, and stood and looked out of the window, a Dragon, a gold one, rare, one of the messenger brood, had landed in the courtyard.
Jormu'Gandther'Rake quickly made his way outside into the courtyard, greeted the dragon, gave him a message, and sent him off in search of allies.. orc's or others of the same ideals, for aid in the wars to come upon more of the Human races of this world.
The dragon flew off into the distance...
Before him lay many parchments, and a quill,
He began to write..
Our destiny concerning the domination over these lands has been foretold by the clan mystics for hundreds of years. Having risen from the mire of swamps and marshes, the Orcish Hordes of Ithynia have swept across this domain in the fulfillment of that destiny. Many ages passed as our influence slowly spread, causing pain and darkness to follow in our wake. Be they in lush plains, hidden in thick forests, or at the rocky crags overlooking the seaside our armies rolled over what pathetic resistance our enemies could muster. Their crops died on the stalk and their fields lay fallow, for we left none alive to tend them. Using the arcane powers of our Warlocks and Necromancers, not even the mightiest of our foes could long stand against our increasing onslaught. One by one our enemies fell, and we became stronger with each victory. In time, by subjugating all who would oppose our rise to power, and enslaving these weaker races to use as we pleased, we conquered both nature and creatures to finally rise to the pinnacle of this Isle...
Still we craved more, and decades of constant bickering between clans served to divide our race amongst itself. Soon factions arose, each seeking to control the Orcish domain for themselves. These petty arguments turned to armed conflict, and then to war as the need for conquest burned hot in our blood. If no lands existed that were ruled by enemies, then we would take the lands of our brethren.
The only clan to ignore these plays for power were the Warlocks. Secluded in their towers, they saw the danger that was present. Although it pleased the Necromancers that these battles fed the earth and underworld with rivers of blood, the Warlocks feared that no Orc would be left alive. This would serve to upset the delicate balance that allowed them to control the powers that they held in check and called upon to work their magiks. If this balance were to be maintained, the Orcish hordes would need to be supplied with new battles against a common foe.
It was during a period of exploration that many more lands surrounded our own were discovered, over the seas, many lands filled with many strange things, and one warlock left to see them.
The stories that this subject returned with almost convinced his colleagues that the experience had left him insane, but the strange, unknown plants he held served as sure evidence of his claims. This allowed the sect to approach the strongest leaders of the splintered Orc clans and request that they cease their war for one year. At the end of that time, they promised the chance to accomplish the taking of a new land.
Transversing the sea's proved to be easier the more the newly constructed fleet trained to do it, and within the passing of three moons, it stood ready to send a small detachment of troops to this new land. A fleet of black ships was the sight that greeted the Orcish clan chiefs. Streaks of black and red raced across them. And once the troops boarded, the fleet left.
The sack of the village on the coast was a simple matter, hardly worth the telling. Yet hundreds of times the tale was recounted, and a hundred more would be expected and relished. A group of strange, sharp edged buildings was the first sign of any true opposition they encountered. A rough dirt path lead into a trio of farms. The gray of dawn was lightening as the sun of this world rose over the hilltops. Then out of the odd little hut came what must have been a member of this lands true race. Small, pink and spare of muscle were these creatures. The warriors grinned wickedly at each other, knowing that if this represented the breed of stock they would need to pen in order to take this land, victory was but a matter of moments. Rushing out of their hiding place, they swarmed upon the village and slew every living thing they could find. The males offered some small resistance, but the females and children were like taking grok to the slaughter. Their homes held few values, but their field were full of a tasty grain. Their livestock, as little as there was, also proved excellent, and what they could not eat or pack was set to the torch. The trinkets brought back from this place were of a craftsmanship unknown to the Orcs, and were quickly taken by the leaders of the clans for their own treasure hordes. This new land, heavy with vast expanses and soft, weak protectors would prove a rich jewel to add the crown of the Orcs.
Our order of ascension is a simple one - only the strongest survive. All matters of politics or dispute are settled in open debate. This can lead to hostilities in many cases, but it is the fastest and simplest way to come to a conclusion on most matters. Each Orc has the right to make heard his arguments, as long as he can back them up with fact - or steel. To gain the upper hand is a sign of strength, and strength is counted highly among the hordes. A decisive victory in battle raises the commander and his warriors to a place of honor and control. This hold is tenuous, however, for the higher one climbs, the farther - and more deadly - the fall.
By this time, we had learned much of this new domain, and those who dwelled here. While difficult to understand in many ways, they proved similar enough to us in many ways. A sharp blow to the head resulted in death. Lack of food led to starvation. Pain also affected them in the same way it had all of our enemies, and proved to be an effective means of extracting information.
To learn that the name of this place was Anera, and the inhabitants here were called Humans, was among the first bits of information we gathered. We began the taking of Anera by moving out cautiously, and learning what we could, but all too soon rash judgment prevailed as the taste of greed tainted the palettes of the Orcish clan chiefs. After many arguments ensued, it was decreed that an assault upon the tall castle in the north would serve to crush our enemies and place the Orcs upon the throne of power. More and more warriors were brought across the sea, and with them seemed to come the essence of our land.
Entry into the castle was a simple matter, for the prosperity that had made this land so attractive to us had also bred weakness in the Humans. Their guards were unprepared as our forces poured through the gates and over the walls of their stronghold. Their males did well to stop us for as long as they did, but our numbers and strength soon tilted the battle in our favor. Victory would have been assured, but for the arrival of their great, mounted soldiers. These fiends rode atop beasts of muscle and sinew that crashed through our ranks and dealt as much damage to our troops as did their riders. These knights, as we have come to know them, rallied what few soldiers remained, and began driving us out of the castle. Our every turn was countered as we were forced to retreat towards the gateway back to our world. Some trick of magic had them always at our back, sides, and in our path. We barely reached the edges of the swamplands that now surrounded the beach and eluded our pursuers in its murky depths.
It has been some fifteen years since this costly decision altered the course of our destiny. Many called for the retreat home, while other factions fought for another attack upon the Humans with all of our forces. Out of this chaos arose a single Orc with a cunning and guile that few others possessed. Careful manipulations and the use of what support he could muster made his voice ever stronger as time passed. After key opponents were dealt with, few could offer any opposition to his plans, and the rule of the great Orc Warlord Jormu'Gandther'Rake was upon our people.
My cruelty and dominance in battle is only overshadowed by my lust for power. I have studied the means with which Human armies are able to defeat overpowering numbers of Orcs through strategy and guile. From these tactics I have learned to bring organization to the scattered attacks of our raiding parties. I sought assistance from both houses of the arcane arts, searching for other weapons to add to my arsenal. The culmination of these plans was the uniting of all the Orcish clans in Ithynia - Armies, Warlocks and Necromancers alike - to bring about the eventual destruction of the Human race, Already Complete in Anera, where not long ago the last humans were eradicated or enslaved, but it is not enough, Back home, Our Fires of war burn again, each day new orcs arise to battle, and come across the oceans, and new weapons are forged, We must find new lands to conquer, The Age of Chaos is now at hand.
Jormu'Gandther'Rake finished writing, and stood and looked out of the window, a Dragon, a gold one, rare, one of the messenger brood, had landed in the courtyard.
Jormu'Gandther'Rake quickly made his way outside into the courtyard, greeted the dragon, gave him a message, and sent him off in search of allies.. orc's or others of the same ideals, for aid in the wars to come upon more of the Human races of this world.
The dragon flew off into the distance...