Day 3
Waruk keep thoughts hidden. They do not understand. How could they? A sudden burst. Now Waruk see through eyes before sleeping. Gruumsh wants more for us than this cave. But for this new knowing, Waruk don't have way to bring them into the world. Even this practice of writing is strange to these hands. But Waruk must keep this collection of thoughts. Waruk sense the journey ahead will be difficult. Waruk must be able to find again steps of thought. Remember why the struggle will be for better. Waruk cannot fail Gruumsh. Waruk cannot fail this tribe will one day lead. Even when they do not understand.
Day 5
Waruk cannot make them understand. Tried to share new knowing with Ogrul, show him ideas of other ways. He said Waruk to be weak, coward, not worthy of Luthic's care and more so not for Gruumsh's seeing. Told Waruk if trained with axe would be better to Thousand Fists than with words. Told him Waruk would lead. Ogrul laughed, he spat, and left for warrior's camp where he know Waruk don't follow.
Day 9
Today Waruk turn back. Leave the tribe Waruk swear to save. Not of choice but duty. Waruk will die here if do not. Waruk know it. Hear the whispers. Know Chief Vikgra think Waruk is risk. A now weak risk before growth. Swift death is only answer for risks that are weak now. Waruk cannot fail purpose. And so they will see a coward turn and run. But no it is courage giving strength to this hard choosing.
Day 15
Waruk no stranger to the violence of the world to the children of Gruumsh. But new vision only shows more plainly hatred other races have for us. The flames and whips of the cruel god followers still burn across Waruk's back. But Waruk escaped with Gruumsh's seeing showing way out. Hoped Waruk coming in peace would be with a chance to speak. Waruk's wild tongue, it cannot keep up with fast thoughts. Cannot say the deeper thinking Waruk now have. They only saw a monster speaking simple words in their strange tongue. Even so, Waruk must find new home. One where mind can grow with strength like body.
Day 18
Waruk track thoughts with fully belly for first time since leaving. A cart of the dragon folk made camp but not guard supplies. Dry meat difficult to chew, but tastes good and filling after days of wandering through hills going west. Thought to ask if Waruk could travel with dragon folk or get way of walking, but scars of whips still linger. Remind of danger of trust.
Day 27
Waruk not experienced such a place as the city called Silver moon. Approached in cover. Hiding orc appearance. But this city is one of many people. Many tongues. These are quite not like how tribe describes the cities of others. Little care for what someone is. More care for what someone does. What someone wants. And what Waruk wants is valued also by many here. Learning. With the many thoughts filling mind Waruk hope here to be home where learn to say all things Gruumsh show.
Day 31
Waruk wander into forest in middle of Silver moon. Heat of day better in shade when Waruk have no place for living. Waruk meet kind stranger. Waruk meet Jerlan, dark elf who worships human god of nature. Jerlan share story and Waruk share story back. Jerlan use magic understand Waruk in tribe tongue. Waruk share want for learning. Jerlan say whole building full of books. All for learning. Waruk admit no reading or common speaking. Jerlan have friend who like teaching, work in book building. Waruk to meet friend and become as Jerlan say 'fluent.' Silver moon has many places of teaching and open to even others like Waruk if able to show able to learn. Waruk know able to learn just need tools for proving how Gruumsh blesses Waruk with seeing and knowing.
Day 74
My hands have been so sore practicing letters and my mind so tired from the constant lessons, I have not had time to even keep track of recent events. Jerlan and Fathran have been kind enough to let me stay with them while I study. Fathran is a good teacher. Patient, but challenges me. I finally feel the knowledge Gruumsh has shown me making sense and find myself able to discuss with the elves what it all means.
Day 97, Eleint 17, 1485
Two months have past since my arrival in Silverymoon. In these two months, my mind has expanded, my tongue is sharp like a blade, able to cut through the walls of thoughts and make sense of the world around me. I am now more fluent in common than the orcish tongue we used for the crude exchange of ideas in the caves of Baraskur. Fathran believes I may soon be ready for testing my pacing into the Lady's College, which he says will be the best place for me to learn history. Fathran says he's never seen someone take to knowledge so quickly as I, but it's because he doesn't know the depth of Gruumsh's blessing. All of this thinking has been trapped inside and now finally applying it to something has been like releasing a building pressure.
Day 113, Marpenoth 3, 1485
My entire days have been filled with study and preparation for my admission into the Lady's College. Truth be told, I did not seem a popular candidate among those evaluating my entrance. But with Fathran vouching for me and my clear and strong desire despite the extra work I will have to do to keep up with my more prepared peers, those in charge of making the decision agreed to allow me attend the courses. Fathran, Jerlan, and I celebrated at the Golden Oak Inn. In the massive central chamber, a huge oak tree shining in warm lantern light grows alongside the structure, it's branches reaching out to the tables on the second floor. I had not seen such natural beauty before, yet alone as part of a tavern. I told the elves we orcs do not have a word for beauty in our language. The two thought it sad, but I do not know what to make of it.
Day 125, Marpenoth 15, 1485
With the first few lectures complete, I finally found myself with adequate time to explore the Vault of Sages. Or at least the stacks I can access as a novice is the Lady's College. Even so, walking the rows of tomes and papers, I could sense the sheer magnitude of the knowledge contained in the vast storehouses of the Conclave's collection. Imagining the countless voices and opinions contributed towards the collective understanding is equal parts humbling and exhilarating. I have already selected several works which will be my first tasks, those which detail the culmination of battles and eventual peace brokered between Mithral Hall and Olboud's Many-Arrow tribe.
Day 129, Marpenoth 19, 1485
As I work my way through the history of King Obould's reign, I discovered another document tucked between two pages. A transcription of the Treaty of Garumn's Gorge, which I have learned led to the establishment of the Kingdom of Many-Arrows. Perhaps peace among orcs and their neighbors is possible, after all. Else why would Gruumsh bless me with such knowledge and insight? If it were only for waging war, the commanders who seek Ilneval's guidance would be sufficient for the task. No, there is more to my path than the simple warmongering. As the next to carry Gruumsh's guidance after King Obould, I can only hope I too die of old age after a long reign of peace and prosperity for my tribe and the kingdom we will build.
Alturiak 21, 1486
Days pass by quicker and quicker the deeper I dive into my studies. It had not even occurred to me the last time I had stopped to record my thoughts, for the weeks fly so quickly with new knowledge always accruing and pointing me into another topic to discover. And the further I descend into my learning, the more difficult it is to come back up to the surface. I have not seen Jerlan nor Farthran outside of passing glances in the Vaults in how many tenday? But every moment I tarry only delays my eventual return to Baraskur and the start of the kingdom and new age of prosperity for the orcs of the Nether Mountains.
Marpenoth 16, 1486
With the first year of my studies coming to a close, I finally have a moment to reflect. I had not realized until opening this journal the six months which has passed since the last entry. I have not the hours nor means to convey how my understanding of the world has shifted thanks to a year of learning. The best way I can describe the experience is as though my mind was once a cloak which was too large and did not fit my frame, dragging awkwardly along the ground and swallowing me whole inside the fabric. Now, my knowledge and wisdom fits with my mental capabilities and I am coming into my own in a profound way.
Uktar 24, 1486
In addition to my research and studies continuing at the Lady's College, I have befriended a member of the Knights in Silver, Plenerond, who is willing to train and spar with me in his free hours. Wielding a axe, as Ogrul suggested all those days ago, before I even truly knew myself, has felt a natural extension of myself under Gruumsh's watching eye. I think Plenerond and I counter one another well as we are both very cerebral combatants, using our opponents maneuvers and learning from one's patterns quickly and adjusting back and forth until one finally bests the other. My elven partner generally has the upper hand thanks to his superior footwork, but I've found my strength and endurance quickly scaling with my training and I think we can both see my ability outpacing his with only a matter of passing time.
Nightal 29, 1486
The day has finally come where my sparring with Plenerond is no longer of mutual benefit as I am able to best him in a round of three in the same amount of time it used to take for us to settle a single bout. I write this with all humility due, for Plenerond is a noble man and a talented fighter. But as my technical proficiency grows, even his swift mind and nimble blades are not able to overcome the physical blessings of Gruumsh which have come to fruition with my growth and training. After our final session, we drank away our exhaustion once more at the Golden Oak and I continue to be taken aback by the beauty of its warm glow and natural intertwining of nature and civilization in a single space.
Marpenoth 15, 1487
With the second year of my learnings complete, my restlessness finally overtakes my desire for knowledge. Each passing day keeps me from my people. Between the wisdom Gruumsh has granted me, the learning of the Lady's College and countless hours within the Vaults, and this last year of training alongside Plenerond and others, I am finally a fully-realized and complete image of myself.
The time has come for my triumphant return to the Nether Mountains.
Marpenoth 30, 1487
Tomorrow I will finally return to Baraskur. I doubt any of them have thought of me since the day I left. If Vikgra is still chief, he no doubt will be shocked to see the scrawny runt of Luthic's caverns return not only alive, but his size and a half and with all the learning one mind can render in two years of constant work and study.
I do not deny there is an uneasiness about being fully surrounded in the monolithic culture of strength with no other values warranted as worthy after years in Silverymoon which is so vastly different in that regard. My vision for our shared future will not be enough to convince them of my rightful place as their leader. This will not suddenly become a meritocracy nor an open forum.
But I do not fear the conflict which is to come. I have long known it to be a necessary outcome of my return. One difficult step in the difficult journey of kingdom building. But that does not mean I do not dread having to take the life of a tribe member any less even in knowing it serves a greater good. I can only hope Gruumsh rewards them for their service and their sacrifice towards his will once they reach his eternal battlefield.
Uktar 3, 1487
The worst is finished. Chief Vikgra leads the charge of his loyal men underneath Gruumsh's watchful eye in the war beyond our world. I derived no pleasure from having to cut down as many fellow tribesmen as the last two days have required of me. But the task is done. The stone throne of Baraskur is mine. Those who remain are loyal. Today, with most of Baraskur back in order, I will share my plan for moving forwar.
Uktar 26, 1487
I have considered at length how to unite the many tribes and wandering orcs under one banner. King Obould had the benefit of a massive united tribe already at his side and so his growth and extension to a kingdom was a natural evolution. But I am in such a position as to require manifesting this growth through more manual methods.
And today, the identity of the new nation struck me - we are all united by a feature which sets us apart from any other race and defines us as orcs - our tusks. The Kingdom of White Tusks has a certain satisfying sound to it. And not only as the rallying cry, but also a symbol of strength and pride. Those who do not shave down their tusks for social acceptance as so many half-blood orcs do in Silverymoon. No, we are the pure blood descendants of Gruumsh's first children and we display our true selves proudly.
Uktar 9, 1487
The other orcs believe I wear the tusks of those who tried to usurp the throne in the last few days as a reminder of strength. Or perhaps to communicate a message of power and authority. But this could not be further from the truth.
These tusks remind me the cost of leadership and why I must not fail in this next step of uniting the Thousand Fists tribe to join our own. For if this process does not go well, we will only be inviting more future usurpers into our caverns and will only inevitably cause more bloodshed and force me to bury more of those I am Chosen to lead.
Uktar 17, 1487
My crown grows heavier with the tusks of the Thousand Fist loyalists who could not be shown reason. Thankfully, Chieftess Durga submitted to our forces before further needless conflict broke out. Were it any other way with orcs, if reason could be heard before the clanging of weapons, this whole endeavor could have seen our tribes left intact and brought together. Alas, at least the task is done. We will march back to Baraskur with a surging population willing to rally around the message of birthing a kingdom from our humble beginnings. Were but the next steps as easy as shows of strength to my orcish brethren.
Nightal 23, 1487
As we welcome more and more orcs into this new Kingdom of White Tusks, word of our surging population and strength seems to have reached the ears of our neighbors. Today, a strange voice reached out to me through telepathy. A leader among the dragonborn of Avraathe by the name of Endroth, though given his inquiries, I doubt he would have been so foolish as to share his true name.
"What if I told you I had a way for you to make an ally of Avraathe and establish more land for yourself all in one single maneuver?"
"I would say Avraathe desires a favor from her neighbors before offering anything in exchange."
"Not so much a favor as a mutual benefit. To the south of your stronghold, along the western river, a rebellious contingent of dragonborn exiles have discovered ancient ruins full of incredible artifacts worth thousands of coin to the right buyers. They let the treasures go to waste, content to live fruitless lives of nomads. Those lands once belonged to the orcs of Baraskur, did they not? They could once more."
"And what are you expecting out of this equation? Are those dragonborn not your kin, just as the Thousand Maw tribe are ours?"
"They chose a life outside of Bahamut's true ways a millennia ago. And we have reason to believe they are planning to move against Avraathe in the future. Of course, we cannot openly go to war with fellow dragonborn despite our differences, but we could look the other way as orcs invade, if such an event were to transpire."
"And your only offering for ridding you of an enemy would be looking the other way? Something you would do anyways were there another threat capable of exterminating them? You are correct that those lands were once ours, but we have no use for only relics and artifacts. We do not have the benefit of trading partners willing to pay precious platinum for such trinkets. No, we operate on more basic goods. Food, raw materials, supplies. All of that which Avraathe has in abundance and hoards to herself. Now, if you were willing to establish trade with us, perhaps we could find ourselves more closely aligned."
"Trade? No, I don't think we're in a position to initiate trade with your so called kingdom at this juncture, I'm afraid. As for hoarding resources, I assure you this is not the case. We, just like much of the Silver Marches, are recovering from a pyrrhic victory over the Kingdom of Many Arrows and their Drow allies. However, if a select few of our carts were waylaid and pillaged, with no loss of life of course, perhaps those resources would be a payment willing to motivate your movement against the city of outsiders?"
"Perhaps. I will send raiding parties to your trade ways. If we find sufficient supplies and you make good on your word to not interfere, then we can make an accord, Endroth."
Hammer 4th, 1488
In the tenday since my initial conversation with "Endroth," I have deployed some of my more even-tempered warriors to attack the carts and pillage only the most necessary supplies while keeping the number of lives lost to an absolute minimum. Thus far, the dragonborn leader is true to his word.
We have also spread our reconnaissance bands further out to seek the city of ruins as well as to surround Avraathe to keep tabs on their developments. The Avraathian does not lie about the potential value of this ruin city's exports, but he neglected to mention their bountiful harvest along the riverside. Those fields alone would be worth the lives it would cost to overrun their city of tents and ruins. And I would be dishonest if I said it wouldn't be beneficial to give some of my more bloodthirsty followers an outlet as they grow increasingly restless within these caverns.
Hammer 7th, 1488
"King Waruk, you have found me to be true to my word, have I not? Well, I wish to extend a gesture of transparency to further show my commitment to this arrangement. You'll do well to know I was overruled in a recent meeting. We will be deploying additional guards with our caravans from now on. But they are weak, untrained. Replaceable if need be. Now, I tell you this in good faith, as I hope you will soon finish your preparations and make good on your end of this bargain. When will you strike Velqwen?"
"Soon, I assure you. We make our final preparations camped along the river."
"I have one more request. Their leader, he carries a blade. It carries little value in ways of a magical artifact, but I have reason to believe it is important to one who would be a thorn in both of our sides if he is allowed to continue gathering strength. Kill their Speaker, bring me the sword, and the city is yours."
"You would change terms of a newly formed alliance at the eleventh hour, Endroth? I don't appreciate the implication that I am some sort of puppet or henchmen of yours to deploy orders. I will consider your new request, but you will pay greatly for it, with interest for the indiscretion of your decision. My spies tell me of unique gems buried in the mines you keep secret in the east. Perhaps if you were to send some of these stones through the carts we waylay, I would be willing to consider this additional endeavor."
"Very well. But I do hope you will consider the value of our ongoing arrangement."
"I would say the same to you."
Hammer 15, 1488
The priest spoke true. Inspecting the latest crates returned from dragonborn carts, I discovered a purple drawstring pouch of rich velvet. Within, a pair of small emeralds. Rather dull, uncut, but with spider-web appearing veins of platinum coursing through them. A strange sense of warmth to the touch. These will warrant further study and consideration.
Hammer 19, 1488
Today we will descend upon the tent city known in dragon tongue as Velqwen and overrun their streets of sand with blood. I have deployed a modest force towards this end. I believe Avraathe's ulterior motives include weighing our strength. Perhaps trying to ambush or assault Baraskur while we wage war on another front, if they are aggressive. To deter such a response, we will only prod Velqwen carefully. If we are victorious, an easy claim for the land is secured. If not, Avraathe is none the wiser and we can always overrun Velqwen with more orcs when the timing is in our favor. Nevertheless, tomorrow will be a historic day as the first formal declaration of dominion by the Kingdom of White Tusks.
Hammer 20, 1488
I mentally prepared for a wide array of outcomes, but the utter defeat suffered certainly did not fall in my expectations. Only a handful of retreating warriors returned, with a messenger warning of their arrival by hours. From my best estimates, it seems the forces were rallied by a band of latecomers to the fray - two dragornborn accompanied by an elf wearing the colors of Silverymoon. They then led a retaliatory strike against our riverside camp, ravaging the remaining army and slaying one of my field tacticians in the process. Needless to say, this does not bode well as a first step into the political foray of the region and does nothing to please Gruumsh in his choosing of me.
Hammer 21, 1488
"Those outsider heathens are on their way here! I thought orcs were supposed to be experts in pillaging and conquest! You could not overtake a small camp of hunters and gatherers? Perhaps I misplaced my trust in you, King."
"A simple miscalculation, I assure you. And do not speak to me of the cost of this loss. I bury friends while you are inconvenienced by a political situation. One of your own doing, I'd wager."
"Bring your forces to Avraathe. Make it another 'simple miscalculation.' I can leverage the attack to reestablish the necessary control over the city and turn opinion against the Velqwen refugees."
"You would lay siege to your own city at the expense of your own people just to make a point? And you ask me to spend more of my subject's lives for your gain alone? You are a poor leader and a worse negotiator."
"Don't tell me what I am or am not. Just do it! Bring a small force to Avraathe's wall. I will handle the rest. You will be paid accordingly in enough raw materials to rebuild your armories after these defeats. I will more than make up for the loss."
"Oh, I will bring a force to bear against Avraathe, but there will be no miscalculation in this effort, priest. You are a weak coward. You would turn against your own people for selfish gain. Avraathe will burn and your homes will become part of our Kingdom's dominion over the Nether Mountains. Your mines will serve us well when we enslave your people."
"Boast with empty threats all you want. This alliance between us is your best shot at keeping your newly formed kingdom in tact and you know it. The walls of Avraathe have never fallen and that legacy will not end with you. And one more thing - your embarrassing defeat in Velqwen came at the hands of the thorns I mentioned earlier. The two dragonborn brothers and an elf. They are gaining the people's favor, Velqwen and Avraathe alike. We must deal with them. I will make sure they are placed in the most dangerous positions of battle. Make sure they die. I don't care how. If you manage that, I think we can find arrangements for bountiful trades between our two domains as well as more of those platinum gems. You've no doubt by now discovered the powerful potential contained within and thus their worth."
"You truly are a petty man. Enough of your posturing and requests. Avraathe and the Kingdom of White Tusks will meet on the field of battle and we will let our valor determine the outcome. After all, I don't need to trade for what I can just take out of your weak grasp."
Hammer 22, 1488
The priest did not respond following my last exchange.
Hammer 27, 1488
For all of my justified misgivings with him, the priest was correct in his estimation of the three warriors who continue to lead the charge carving through my forces. Three defeats delivered at their hands. Torug believes it would be wise to send Sharog and her assassins to deal with them, but some wisdom deep within my gut gives me pause.
Nevertheless, our war hungry forces march forth and siege weapons roll toward the walls of Avraathe. While not emptying our halls of warriors, I have ensured even the two city's combined forces will still be greatly outnumbered. What can three heroes of the people do against tens of thousands of bloodthirsty orcs?
Hammer 29, 1488
As word reaches Baraskur of Avraathe's stalwart defenses against our forces and the shameful retreat thereafter, I realize I've been played for a fool. A mockery made of Gruumsh's blessing. I will not stand for it.
I realize sometime later that I have misunderstood my enemy. What prize is worth the gamble he made with Avraathe's fate?
Dealing a self-inflicted wound to our growing kingdom? No. He plays some greater ploy. There are layers of lies in his voice when he reaches out to my mind. I can sense it.
Could it be he truly needed so desperately to instill fear in his followers that losing thousands was worth the additional control he can grasp for his own purposes? Or was he that desperate to have those he calls thorns in his side removed from the political game he plays?
What insidious work fills his hands that this exorbitant cost is justified in his view?
I am surprised he has not reached out to gloat.
Hammer 30, 1488
I spoke too soon.
"Were but it that you could consider this a simple miscalculation, hmm? Despite your best efforts, I still achieved my desired outcome. Fear spreads like a cancer overflowing with vitriol towards your kingdom. And nothing solidifies a people like a common enemy. So I must really be thanking you for your contributions."
"You are lucky your military leaders are stronger than yourself. But if they had been in charge, they wouldn't have been in such a position to begin with, would they? Your priestly robes are drenched in the blood of your people. You boast while your city burns. You claim to be a man of justice and mercy, but you are a callous coward."
"You know nothing of justice! You are right about my callousness, but only towards those who have wronged me and seek to destroy what I have made. Be careful not to join that list to whom justice will be served."
"You may as well put me at the top. I'm going to find out who you really are and I'm going to gut you like a pig. Maybe then Avraathe will be led by someone of true strength."
"Avraathe is mine! You would do well to consider your position carefully following your string of failures, so called Chosen. How much longer can you hold your throne with such staggering losses to your name? I am your best hope of maintaining control. Any chance you have of establishing your legitimacy rests with me, understand? And you are in a position to be of further use to me. That murderer and his ilk are marching towards your door step as we speak. They plan an assassination attempt. If it is instead their heads which return to Avraathe, you will find yourself generously rewarded - you and your people. Do you understand, Chosen King?"
I did not validate his belittling demands with a response.
Alturiak 1, 1488
Reflecting on the last days, I realize I succumbed to the same weak tendency oft observed in new leaders in taking the politics swirling around war personally. I allowed the priest to goad me into pursuing conquest before collaboration thanks to his own greed and illicit intent. I will make him pay for his deceit.
But now is the time to put away the orcish instinct for retribution and to turn back towards the lessons gained in my years of study. If Gruumsh desires only more bloodshed, any chieftain could lead this kingdom. No, I must remember my place. I must remember my greater purpose.
It occurs to me my best chance of forging an alliance with Avraathe is to align myself with those who have been a thorn in the priest's side. Let them pressure him until he inevitably falls out of favor or power or both. And this will serve both purposes of retribution and reconciliation. For then more level-headed minds can prevail and we can collectively pursue peace. Yes, there is wisdom in this path.
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