Orc Vein Trench
[History]
Existing as a near-mile-wide canyon with trisecting at the near center of Espen is the Orc Vein Trench. While the area is known for its environmental dangers as well as its roving bands of orcs, it is not without some level of civilization. At least three pirating tribes move through the lands battling for control over the various bridges that one landmass to the other. The natural formation is one of the few places in the Shabazz desert where freshwater can be retrieved nearly year around. Though doing so places one in almost certain peril. As the only freshwater available is from the Life's Breath River at the bottom of the trench which can be anywhere from 2,000 to 4,000 feet down smooth rock formations. Though there are a few retrievers for water setup, they are common spots for ambushes among the local tribes. The Trench has been the site of the longest ongoing conflict in Espen, due to meager resources and harsh conditions the three tribes have consistently spent more time sabotaging, raiding, and pillaging than ever constructing anything that may resemble a depth of Orc culture.[Culture]
Three tribes control most of the Orc Vein Trench leaving the most hotly contested area in Espen to center around the Protean Keep. The keep sits on an island in the middle of the Orc Vein Trench, its bridges connect each of the land masses to the others. No single tribe has ever held the Protean Keep for more than one year, and though it makes for a strategically advantageous position, it can always be attacked from two sides making defense nearly always a losing battle. "Burn the Bridges" - A common warcry of orcs in the area and not something one wants to hear when defending a position. Given the strategic importance of bridges connecting the trench, burning one is seen as a statement to one's enemy of the devotion to the forthcoming skirmish. Frequently Orc commanders cross a bridge and give the command as a battlecry signifying that retreat is no longer an option.[Locations]
The Poison Sun Horde [Northeast Tribe]
Holding land throughout the northeast peninsula, the Poison Sun Tribe is led by Thawa Thata a former shaman of her tribe, she rose to prominence during a schism in the tribe's namesake predecessor. She is known for her cunning and speed and often wins her battles before the fight ever starts.Blight Springs
The Blight Springs are a favorite of most orcs, kobolds, and goblins in the area. The sulphuric-mercury laced water does wonders for their rough leathery skin but tends to have a less than desirable effect on other species. During the summertime months, the springs are packed and acts as a natural gathering spot for everything from battle planning to relaxation and celebration. Though most of the Shabazz Desert is not ideal to support life, a small fertile patch on the northeast peninsula has given rise to a village build on one industry. War. The Fog-of-War Military College is one of the most exclusive and dangerous colleges in all of Espen. Individuals can only study at this college through invitation. Calling the coursework rigorous is an understatement, each year roughly 3% of their students die from "training-related hazards" (which is a vast improvement over the 13% in the school's inaugural year).- Minimum Requirements for Invitation: 3 Class A Battle Wins
The Bronze Stag Caste [Western Wastelands]
Lying in the wastelands east of the Boarhead Mountains is the Bronze Stag Caste. A small village that sits atop a series of mines. The group has operated those mines for over 300 years and from the mines, they have crafted a number of deadly and powerful weapons meant for Orcish warlords and Kings.Trial By Fire & The Dead Kings Tavern
Grall, an Orc blacksmith has developed a process for crafting Greatswords, Greataxes, and Greatmaces that is nearly unrivaled in Espen. His shop, Trial by Fire is known for its intricate but effective process of developing powerful weapons. Each war chief of the Bronze Stag has come to him for 3 generations to receive their ceremonial weapons. Though his shop will sell a great number of weapons he will only cast what are his greatest weapons for true warlords or kingslayers. Owar, (the brother of Grall) is the owner of the Dead Kings Tavern, and unlike most bar owners in Espen, the title in this carries substantially more weight as to own the Dead King's Tavern one has to have killed a Warlord, Elder, King, or Head of State. In the care of Owar, he has claimed the lives of 2 members of the Gnomish Council, one High Table Zealot, and 3 other Warlords. Though anyone is welcome to enter the Dead Kings Tavern, as there are no real rules so to speak of it, it's advised that everyone who enters remain respectful.The Barrow Furies [Southern Wilds]
Some time ago the Gnomes thought it prudent to place an advance camp in the Shabazz Desert's Southern Wilds region. Thier haughty lifestyles however were not meant for the wilds and despite decades of resources being poured into the area attempting to construct an oasis out of the dust and desolate lands they eventually surrendered the small town to tribes. Years of pillaging and reaving had left the town with only two buildings left standing. 'Bad' Barrow Noadu, the tribal chief who claims the southern wilds as his land seized the lands and has run his outlaw gang from Lore Weavers, a now defunct library, and Junk Ditch a massive garbage heap of discarded and unused magical items.Lore Weavers & Junk Ditch
'Bad' Barrow IV runs the furies just like the generation of Barrow who have come before him have, in a merciless and cruel fashion. Forcing those who cannot fight for themselves to serve as scavengers and crossbow fodder in the ongoing wars between tribes. He leaves the running of Junk Ditch to his sister Clauvia and Lore Weavers to his brother Angala. Despite most of the artifacts, items, weapons, and books available at these respective locations being nothing more than trash the Furies still charge top-shelf prices for the privilege of doing business with them.
Type
Slum
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