Tales of the Heroes

[Malchia]

Ash (Terrorshard, various)
Ranger 6 / Huntsman 10 / Marksman 10

Ash is one...

[Terrorshard]

I'm liking this story arc for Ash I must say

[Asinjin]

Tchau part 3

Such a force was Tchau now, that he needed no one else's authority of approval to act on mission's in Iott's interest.  He was the greatest of the elementalists.  He was the most feared known combatant Iott had.  Nearly by his hand alone the the Gnarland been forced to accept some Iottian dictates.  He knocked out an entire squadron of gnomish devices on a suicide run into Iott.  This and more he accomplished.

His power allowed freedom and the freedom lead him to conclusions that did not sit well with the elf.  Here and there, slowly, Iott was moving towards a more cruel disposition.  Others did not see it, Lyla's spell was so encompassing that they could be forgiven.  Some could not see it, for the vast majority of Iottian citizens did not wander off the beaten path in their idyllic nation.  Tchau set about the task of finding where this infection came from, which power was behind this subtle cruelty.

As he researched more, his missions outside the nation diminished.  In truth, there were fewer needed.  By 813, Iott's power was tremendous.  Only pockets of organized resistance remained; the Kingdom of Icefia, Nomagrok, and Gneon's plateaus.  Plans were in place to finish those pockets off, and then all that remained would by the wild, undisciplined lands that required only time  to control, they would offer no threat to Iott.  In two years, the pockets would be under Iott's control.  In five, only tribal lands would be left.  In ten years, the world would be under an arcane order that would last a thousand years.

Tchau learned the course of the danger just before a mission.  After traveling to the plane of fire, where he would go regularly to recharge and relax, he heard stories from the fire creatures of Sutyr and his strength on Habololy.  The mortals and their proxy, meaning Habololians and Kallark, were the ones being used.  Sutyr's power when wielded from his home plane was like nothing the primes knew.  His patience was endless, and over time, he would be the tyrant of all Habololy.  Back in Iott, Tchau told no one of what he learned.  He needed to find who was trustworthy and act.

First, he needed to do something equally important.  As luck would have it, it would also give him the chance to meet with someone who may be trustworthy.  In far off Ekarude, the last enclave of Chaos was entrenched.  There, he would ally with Dovin of the guardian temple and the Iottian plane watcher Kay.  The mission was a success, Chaos was burned away from Habololy forever.  In this, Tchau knew the Iott still had great value despite the current plot.  The effect must be careful to extract Sutyr but maintain the nation.

In Ekarude, Tchau confided in Kay.  The two were in agreement, but too great caution in moving forward.  Dovin would be the perfect ally in this effect.  But by the time Tchau reached out, he was no where to be found.

[Asinjin]

Ash's List:

Lana Swiftbreeze

Half breed bastard orc that captured Malchia

Douche clowns that killed Ty

Trix Topshot

Pompous Ass that Called himself the Kingtaker

[Asinjin]

Vor’Ruk Cea’Zer Oc’Tavious (Zunder, varous)

After the treaty to end the Great Forest War, Vor'Ruk was unsure of what to do.  The orcish legion's mission was now over in the forest.  They had accomplished their mission of preventing the wugs and their allies from overtaking the forest.  But now, where do they go?  Firk Tuskenhammer 3rd, he and the other officers debated.  They had some time, as per the treaty to leave the field.  Delaying would jeopardize the peace.  It was decided that the army would head back to the empire and stop at the once abandoned positions east of the Boiled Forest.  As many soldiers as the treaty allowed would remain at outposts on the border between Scalehome and the Southern Coalition.  Vor'Ruk warned all that he left at the outposts, "When victory looks inevitable, look in the shadows for assassins."

Moving a legion takes time and the road back through the Boiled Forest was no easy, even if the treaty allowed them safe passage through it.  A year after the treaty had been signed, the legion was secure in its positions on the western front.  Now Vor'Ruk would return to the empire and meet with the Emporer.  The last meeting had not gone well and he could only hope that the success of the mission would ease the anger.  Again, he left the soldiers to head east.  This time, going to each Centuris, he pointed to the forest, noted a Wug, and said, "Where there is one Kobold, there a many, many more Kobolds"

Stopping in Lynkeed, which for now was an independent city, Vor'Ruk heard word of Iott.  Reaching the empire proper, word was that the Marshall of Iott had visited the emperor.  It is unlikely that meeting went well.  The emperor had never impressed Vor'Ruk, which was a terrible thought to have, but truth was truth.  He was not an orc of action, he was not forward thinking, but he was stubborn.  When he reached the capital, word came that the empire had reached an agreement with Iott.  It seemed the meeting had gone so well, that Vor'Ruk and his legion were absolved of any punishment.  The emperor had no need to meet with him.  Having traveled all that way, at the gates of the palace, Vor'Ruk turned to Rompei, "Sometimes it’s the most passive Orzarvu which is the hardest to break...but sometimes not."

When he arrived back with the legion, he told them of the emperor's new allies.  He asked if any of the legion would like to return to the empire.  The only ones that said yes did so because they had family.  Firk allowed them to leave with no ill will.  Over the next few years, the 3rd legion became the headquarters of the empire in exile, gaining the allegiance of many from afar, especially among the Tuskenhammers.

Three times, champions of the emperor came to challenge Vor'Ruk, Larton, and Firk.  Thankfully, the emperor's champion did not come, for he would have surely beaten them.  The others failed.  The Octous Legion, famed for their counterspellers and combating magic users, joined Vor'Ruk in 795.  He worried that that civil war was near.  Then a visit gave him hope, in the unlikely form of a military dressed gnome named Gneon.

[Asinjin]

Ash's List:

Lana Swiftbreeze

Half breed bastard orc that captured Malchia

Douche clowns that killed Ty

Trix Topshot

Pompous Ass that Called himself the Kingtaker

vigilantes that helped kill Wilham

[whitesword]

Ash's List:

Lana Swiftbreeze

Half breed bastard orc that captured Malchia

Douche clowns that killed Ty

Trix Topshot

Pompous Ass that Called himself the Kingtaker

The Kingtaker!!?! So much for another theory.

[whitesword]

Vor’Ruk Cea’Zer Oc’Tavious (Zunder, varous)


Three times, champions of the emperor came to challenge Vor'Ruk, Larton, and Firk.  Thankfully, the emperor's champion did not come, for he would have surely beaten them.

Who could this guy be!?! “Surely have beaten” Vor’Ruk!??!  Yikes!!

[Asinjin]

The Company of Long Odds part 3 - only a hop, skip, and song away

"Ack, this is the worst place ever.  A wizard in a sweating jungle!" - Reik

"Take care, he is one of the most powerful ones you will likely ever meet." - Acyll

"This place smells marvelous.  I can't wait to eat." - Rubius

"Hope iz cooking some meat." - Razk

"I am surprised they let us in, Amansky is not fond of strangers." - Grant

"Some of us are not strangers." - Keldan

"Last time I was hear, I learned to play the fiddle." - Daane

"Oh dear Smofarf, please don't break out a fiddle." - Montaron

"I would feel a lot better about his if he were joining us." - Dovin

"We seem to be lacking in arcane power, and I think it will be working typically where we are going." - Ari

"We'll see, eleven seems a lucky number.  But if he gets us there, that kinda counts him as part of the company, right?" - Claude

A knock on the door was soon answered by a smiling Nipit.  Months earlier, Claude had visited him as asked if he could work on making a gate to the outer planes.  It seemed doable and it was for a good cause.  Although it was strenuous, using the power of song, Luigi could manage to cast spells of power that few others in these times could muster.

He welcomed them all in and made sure the place was as concealed as possible.  Being in Amansky made that work easier.  Now, he had to prepare to get them all to Archeron.

[Asinjin]

Ash's List:

Lana Swiftbreeze

Half breed bastard orc that captured Malchia

Douche clowns that killed Ty

Trix Topshot

Pompous Ass that Called himself the Kingtaker

vigilantes that helped kill Wilham

Fal Swift

[Asinjin]

Vor'Ruk part 2

Gneon's plan was the best Vor'Ruk could think of, distraction and attack the heart of wizard's power.  A date and time were set.  Vor'Ruk alone knew the plan until right before.  He gave Firk the orders just before he left to be part of the main assault on the stones.  The Octous legion, under the guise of them leaving for home and rejoining the empire, would strike out at Iott's agents and bases throughout the empire, including the governor himself.  He reminded them each before they let, "Get Tough, Get Physical, Get Fast"

The distractions began and Gneon's planned, somewhat to Vor'Ruk's surprise, worked.  Iott was caught up in hundreds of attacks around the world.  They couldn't send overwhelming force to protect the circle, what they did send only delayed the inevitable.  Although he felt strange and missed seconds of the fight, Vor'Ruk clung to the mighty City Cleaver and split many stones in half until the sky broke and magic faltered.  He was forced to hand over the weapon, but then raced back to the legion to celebrate the victory and plan for the next leg of the mission.

For a year, he planned the crusade with Firk and now more officers that had joined their ranks from the empire.  Vor'Ruk was given allies by Gneon and he colluded on the plan.  The orcish legions would be the tip of the spear that would pierce the side of the Iottian island.  Valizar and his host of lizardfolk would take the flank.  Akrak and the gnolls would follow up behind.  Shelleshe pirates would cut off the sea.  Finally, Gneon's tinkers would assault from the sky.  The plan required the orcs get across the water, but Gneon had an answer for that.  The wizards cloud, capable of casting great spells even now, had proven he could part the sea for the orcs.

And so the march south began.  The crusade against Iott was what it became known as.  It would be the most glorious march since Shir Cannus Nerad Coustus went to the Dedestroytian Penninsula.  Vor'Ruk wished he had City Cleaver again.  Wielding it once was tantalizing.  Such power.  It took a long time, but little interfered with the army.  They had fewer counterspellers than he would have liked, as many died in the distracting attacks, but it would not matter.  Victory would be theirs.  No cost was too high for ending Iott's infection of the empire.

Reaching the sea, Cloud proved his worth.  It parted and the legion rushed forward.  Cavalry led the way.  Banners of anti magic flew.  Counterspellers were at the ready.  Clerics had blessed them with protections.  Reaching the land on the other side, Vor'Ruk breathed a sigh of relief.  He called out "Today we will not die for the Empire, we will make them die for theirs!"

The battle was tragic.  Lead by Esyan Pavrosa, the Iott's defended their isle with incredible skill.  Their most powerful magics were not available to them, but it seemed to matter little.  Endless swarms of summoned creatures delayed them.  Spells like gnats and mosquitos pricked them.  The legion was drawn farther into the island, gaining ground and seemingly always almost to the city they needed to reach.  Vor'Ruk's vanguard alone broke through the lines, trampling the only squadron of spellcasters that died that day.  The warriors that formed the next line of defense fled immediately at the sight of the orcish cavalry.  Vor'Ruk saw the Iottian commander in front of him and the illusions that confused the legion split before him.  Here was the opening.

Esyan was as expert a spellcasting marksman as lived.  First the mount fell, Vor'Ruk picked up his sword and charged on.  Spells he thought could not effect him did.  Creatures that he assumed were summoned must not have been and grabbed at him.  One swing was all he needed, but he did not get it.  A green ray struck Vor'Ruk in the chest, and he thought: "Underestimation of an Ogre is Hazardous to your health."

[Asinjin]

Ash's List:

Lana Swiftbreeze

Half breed bastard orc that captured Malchia

Douche clowns that killed Ty

Trix Topshot

Pompous Ass that Called himself the Kingtaker

vigilantes that helped kill Wilham

Fal Swift

Esyan Pavrosa

[Asinjin]

Vor'Ruk part 3

Awaking in a different position than when he fell asleep was disconcerting.  Not only was he standing, he had a mighty sword in his hand, the temperature was different, he was surrounded by grass and forest, there were no orcs or summoned creatures nearby.  There were, however, several Iottians and a number of large stone structures that he recognized.

The Iottians looked surprised.  They called out to each other and stumbled away.  The first words he heard were incomprehensible as he gained his senses.  Then, he started to pick up pieces of hurried statements.  "That's not possible...don't have anything prepared for this...send the Magister."  The wizards scattered, headed for the trees.  Vor'Ruk thought at first to chase them.  He was alone, but otherwise this seemed very familiar.  Didn't he have a mission to fulfill, a task to complete?  What was repeating in his head?

Looking in his hands, he recognized City Cleaver.  Either this was real, fantastic dream, or heaven.  In any case, he smiled and charged the first stone.  Down came Illusion.  Laughing as only an orc could, Vor'Ruk rushed from stone to stone.  Nothing stood in his way.  Necromancy fell, Evocation, there were more standing than he remembered when he was last here, but now there's be none!

Before he got to the last one, spells of every type crashed into him.  He fought to reach the last one.  What if they all fell?  What a grand sight that would be!  Sword held overhead, he called out for glory and strength, but a fire gripped his arm and stayed his swing.  He looked around to see a fire wreathed elf shaking his head.  This end seemed much more painful than the last one, but Vor'Ruk laughed happily as he crumbled from the onslaught.

[Asinjin]

Ash's List:

Lana Swiftbreeze

Half breed bastard orc that captured Malchia

Douche clowns that killed Ty

Trix Topshot

Pompous Ass that Called himself the Kingtaker

vigilantes that helped kill Wilham

Fal Swift

Esyan Pavrosa

so-called Iottian governor of Southern Yellowia putz

[Asinjin]

Vor'Ruk part 4

It felt like the second time, but he would have forgiven himself if it turned out to having been the third or forth time.  The trees were there again, but the sky was dark.  The area was littered with stones, as only three were standing.  One Iottian solider stood guard in the center of where the circle would have been.  He looked confused for a moment, but not nearly as shocked as the last Iottians that were here.  He leveled his staff and called out a warning, which echoed like a siren instead of a common shout.

Again, Vor'Ruk held City Cleaver in his hands.  Again, he charged one of the stones to destroy it.  The soldier moved swiftly and to Vor'Ruk's surprise tripped him up before reaching the stones.  He had not suspected a skilled attack from the soldier, which had not only tripped him, but frozen his leg.  No matter, it stalled him only a moment and that would not work again.  Down came one of the three.  Finish the task, complete the mission.  Vor'Ruk was close.

Iottians poured out from tents and unleashed spells at him.  Barrages of missiles, spells to hold him, spell to blind him, spells to confuse him.  He was hurt, he was slowed, but he was not finished.  He fell into the next stone and began to chop away.  Strength being drained from his arms as he did.  The second of the three fell.  One left.  An Iottian got too close and Vor'Ruk went into a whirl of action, cleaving through three in a routine that made him proud.

A snap shot pain through his whole body, as he knee was shattered.  The staff wielding soldier.    Seeing the swarm near, Vor'Ruk pushed past the soldier, through his pain and neared the stone.  Again, on the verge of victory, he was stopped.  The staff cracked his head, bolts of electricity burnt through him.  As he fell, he thought perhaps this was some form of torment, and perhaps hoped he would not appear here again.