The Howler's Den and Throne of Kegs Settlement in Test of Warlords | World Anvil
BUILD YOUR OWN WORLD Like what you see? Become the Master of your own Universe!

Remove these ads. Join the Worldbuilders Guild

The Howler's Den and Throne of Kegs

Chieftain Thokk came back from his first raid with a dragon's hoard. The Elderly Red had been plaguing the settlement of Alpha since its inception. With the aid of Thokk and his elites, the threat was finally ended. As payment for his services Thokk was permitted to buy the nicest tavern in alpha and the surrounding buildings. It would remain open but its clientele dramatically changed. Once the comfortable high backed chares where mages quietly chatted over exotic wines are now home to giant hairy orc butts that squeal under the weight of muscled warriors. Ale and Beer has replaced dainty spirit cocktails, but the atmosphere is just as civilized. Any are welcome to a table as long as their coin is good but orcs don't need to worry about paying. The atmosphere is pleasant if not a little loud and has become the home away from home for many among the military elite. Renamed to the Howler's Den, it has managed to keep up its reputation and is still considered one of the nicer establishments.    The surrounding buildings have become a sanctuary for any orc who seeks it. If you surrender your weapons at the gates you are brought before Thokk to be judged and housed. If you have children and noncombatants with you then they are permitted to remain with you until ultimately being relocated to the refugee camp. While in the city they under Thokk's protection but are also responsible to him. Clan rivalries must be put aside and the orcs are housed together as a test of their patience and will. When Thokk or one of his elites deems an orc to be ready to fight for alpha they are then given a placement. If Thokk deems an orc to be a threat they are permitted to leave the city unharmed.    You would expect a tavern full of exceedingly drunk orcs from previously warring factions would result in fights. Well you are half-right. if you want to fight you go to the basement and settle it in the ring. Its a secret, a secret everyone knows, that there is brawling downstairs. If a human asks, Thokk explains, "You can take an orc out of the wild but you can't take the wild out of the orc." Prior to joining alpha, disagreements were settled in the ring with your fists. Orc on orc, even if greatly outmatched, proving oneself is a measure of your own honor. The tradition has continued and Thokk rules over the contests from a throne of the night's kegs. Deciding which fights are worthy of his ring and ensuring that the results are enforced. If property is to be exchanged, Chieftain Thokk ensures it. Seated atop his kegs, his decisions are considered law amongst the orcs. A human has yet to disobey the combat results but many fear that day. The King does not see Thokk's seat of power as a threat to his throne. He values their friendship and the power the orcs have given him, but might be blind to a growing threat to his rule.
Type
Slum

Remove these ads. Join the Worldbuilders Guild

Comments

Please Login in order to comment!
Jul 2, 2023 22:44

There's something incredibly funny about a "seat of power" being a tavern full of rowdy orcs with a fighting ring in the basement. Keep it up!   ----------------------------------------------------------------   Feel free to check out my entries: Summer Camp 2023 Entry List