No sooner had the Order of Macaerin left the Land of Kor, when Rhylla Branwen appeared. Rhylla, daughter of Maleus Vanguard, Mayor of the City of the Damned, wished to reform the alliance that had once been forged with Lich Lord Thanatos. Although seemingly intelligent, Kor thought it was odd that Maleus would send his daughter. Was he too scared to come himself, yet he hoped we would not kill his daughter?

Kor listened to what she had to say. Kor did agree that an alliance between the City of the Damned and the Orcs of Kor would again be mutually beneficial. Still though, Kor remained cautious. Rhylla proclaimed that she was now looking after all diplomatic matters for the City. Kor sensed betrayal. Did Maleus even know of the alliance that Rhyllla was proposing?

Kor declared he would accept the alliance, however, it must be proposed by Maleus. Rhylla explained that Maleus is rarely able to waken, and that it would be best to deal with her, and accept her word. Kor laughed.

Not wanting to destroy the possibility of an alliance with the City, Kor then proclaimed, that he would accept the alliance, in a Blood Letting, but the recently awoken Lich Lord Thanatos, was to bear witness. Kor reasonably trusts Thanatos, and would then trust that the terms of the alliance would be adhered to.

The Order of Macaerin returned again to the Land of Kor. Oddly enough they did not kill the orcs on site. This time, they asked to speak to Kor.

Lord Zar'el Darkan advised he had urgent matters to speak of with Kor. The Orc troops quickly surrounded the other two Lords of the Order, as Kor, Varug and Darkan entered the Clan Shack.

Darkan explained of a recent set back in Skara Brae in which one of his Lords were slain. Although he would not admit it, Kor beleives he has greatly underestimated the numbers and abilities of the humans. Darkan proposed a non-agression pact.

The Lord explained that it was counter productive for the Orcs and the Order to battle each other, when they both seek the destruction of the humans. It was suggested that the orcs will not interfere in the Order's plans, and in turn, the Order will not attack the orcs on sight. The Order did indicate that they have been having problems with human theives from Skara Brae, causing them problems, and would like the orcs to assist.

Darkan warned that the pact was not an Alliance, but simply a mutual agreement to temporarily end hostilities. An Orcish Blood Letting took place in which each drew the other's blood and swore to the agreement of the pact. The Blood Letting symbolizes the blood to be shed, should the pact be broken improperly.

In the past, an entity that called itself, Azkarath, managed to trick some orcs into its army. Many months ago, Kor had sent the Marauders of Kor, an elite killing group of orcs, into the lost lands to seek out the Dark Orcs. Xnath, Olog and Zog were amoungst them. Although they did not find the Dark Orcs, they found an evil equally as vile. Azkarath.

With Azkarath's great magic, he controlled the minds and wills of the Marauders. When these orcs returned to this land, under the influence of Azkarath, they reaked great havok upon the land and the Orcs of Kor.

Azkarath's conquest in the new lands greatly weakend him and his control over his minions. During this time, the strong willed orcs, such as Xnath, Olog and Zog were able to break the magical bond which enslaved them to Azkarath, and fled to the Orc Fort. They knew that they would be judged for their actions, but remained confident that their actions in the past as members of the clan, would speak louder than the actions they committed while under the mind control influence of Azkarath. They were right.

These orcs have re-joined the clan, but at reduced ranks for now.

With the return of these orks, as well as others such as Lukbu and Burz'burguul, the clan is regaining some strong leaders that will help to guide the clan.

The Orcs gathered for battle. Kor had announced that they would be in search of the "False One" yet again. Kor had heard that urk activity near Cove had greatly increased. Suspecting it might be related to the "False One", Kor led the troops to a large urk fort.

Almost immediately, uks began rushing out to engage the Orcs. With over a dozen Orcs, the waves and waves of urks and ettins were cut down, with occasional Orc casualties. Several ettins saw urks flying through the air. The saw as a large orc was wildly swinging his war hammer, crushing urks in nearly a single blow. The ettins decided that the large Orc, dressed in dark colored armor, would be their victim.

Warbringer Kog, heard a great rumbling, and saw many ettins stampeding towards him. Kog worked hard to clear a path so they could get him. Surprisingly enough, the ettins krimped Kog. Having been surrounded by the ettins and urks, many orcs feared the worst for the Warbringer. No one could get to Kog, as the urk hoard was just too thick.

Almost like dominoes, the ettins began to fall. Little remained of Kog's armor, and broken patches showed much blood flowing. This did not impede the bloodlust of Kog though, and soon, he walked over the dead bodies of ettins.

The battle went on for what seemed like half the evening. The orcs were determined to push forward. With all the orcs in a bloodlust, they finally drove forward through the urk horde, and managed to enter the urk fort.

Having realized their defences were breached, the urks were quick to react. The forces of urks outside the fort were great, but those that were housed within, were even greater. Continuity was difficult to maintain, as each Orc was quickly being krimped by a dozen or more urks.

Warbringer Kog let loose an earshattering warcry to Da'Nogra. This caught everyone's attention. The urks seemed to take a great dislike to name that Kog yelled out. The urks, rushed for Kog.

Kor sensing a great battle at hand, was quick to join with Kog. Side by side, they fought off the huge urk wall, but alas, for ever urk that Kor killed, the rage driven Kog dropped three. Kog was in a great stated of bloodlust, and Kor knew that soon the orc would fall from exhaustion. The urk wall was defeated, and Kog was about to go charging for more, when Kor told him to rest.

While Kor left the Warbringer in the small room of the orc fort, Kor decided it was time to quickly search the fort for further signs of the "False One", while the Orcs continued to battle. As Kor left, he could hear Kog shouting yet another warcry to Da'Nogra.

Kor met some heavy resistance from urks, and soon found himself krimped. Having chosen to wear an Magic Robe instead of armor, Kor was dreading his decision. Refusing to have his orcs see him killed by urks, Kor fought vicously. Kor broke the krimp, and soon unleashed great magic on the urks.

Kor was near dead, when more urks rushed at him. Having not had a chance to heal, Kor decided to retreat around a corner, to heal himself. Kor quickly turned around a corner, and couldn't beleive what he saw. A Dark Orc stood, before a group of orcs. He was arguing with them. As Kor appeared around the corner, he quickly caught the attention of urks and the Dark Orc. The Dark one simply stood in shock. "Kor? The King is alive?" The urks rushed Kor and attacked. Their great axes cleaved great chunks out of Kor's already torn flesh. The Dark Orc still stood in shoch... possibly fear.

Kor managed to defeat the three urks that rushed him, however, Kor was about to fall dead from his wounds. Blood flowed over Kors eyes and his ears were ringing from the blows he took to the head. In the haze that surrounded him, Kor heard the warcry of the Dark Orcs shouted,"Kaaagron!"

After the Dark Orc ran his katana through the Orc King, he heard many warcries in the distance of Nograaahhh!. Not wanting to press his luck, he quickly ran to the south edge of the fort. The dark one now heard shouts of, "Kor iz duwn!". Not wanting to battle a huge Orc attack force, the Dark Orc made his way to a ship dock, and jumped into the water. Despite his race's tendancy to sink in water, much like a dwarf, the dark one tried his best to swim away...

---

As a ghost, Kor saw many other Orc ghosts wandering the urk fort. Most of the ghosts gathered at the urk fort docks. Varug had manage to a bring a orc ship to the edge and soon ghosts were given life again. Just as Kor was given life, he saw a sight he had not seen for a long time. The ghost of Kog.

The orcs were taken back to the Orc Fort and were warned that the Dark Orcs are again active. It is unknown if the Cove urk fort is under the control of the Dark Orcs. No sighs of the "False One" were spotted. The Orcs of Kor will continue to look for the "False One", however they must now be cautions, as a Dark Orc army could come at any time.

Three evil beings, who call themselves the Order of Macaerin, decided to pay the Orc Fort a visit today. They killed every orc and human that stood in their way.

The mere blood on the swords, seemed to give them pleasure. They issued no warnings. They just killed for the shear pleasure of it. It reminded Kor of the Dark Orcs.

Kor approached the three and ordered that the killing on the Land of Kor was to stop. They laughed. They told Kor there were here to rule all the lands. Any who did not fall under their control, were to be slain. Kor laughed.

Kor told them that they had underestimated the numbers of humies that walked the lands. The evil Lord disagreed. Kor told them, much like the Order wanted control of all the lands, Orcs only wanted control of the Lands of Kor. Kor thought perhaps a bargain could be struck.

The Lord seemed to think it over, and then said, "here is your reply Kor!". Kor managed to jump out of the way, as a great poison field magically sprung from the ground.

It seemed obvious to Kor, that no further discussions would be necessary. It was time for Kor to plan for their destruction.

The Order of Macaerin, soon left, content that their message had been clear. Moments later, several message laden pidgeons flew from Kor's scribe shack.

Storm clouds were rolling it, and rain was beginning to fall. The clouds were very dark... which fortold of a great storm was coming. In an attempt to match the fury building in the sky, Kor the Orc King decided it was time to lead the orcs forth in a storm of their own.

"We gu nurth dis muun! Da Land uv Kor gruws yet again!", shouted Kor.

The orc troops seemed greatly excited by this, as they knew what their next order would be.

"Clomp ebri ting in site! Crits! Badies! Humies!", Kor yelled with a stern look.

The orcs all shouted their crys to Da'Nogra. As thunder began rumbling in the air above them, in unisen, the ground also began rumbling from the great orcish charge to the north.

The orcs carved quickly and deadly through everything that stood in there way. Then alas... in the clearing to the north a band of humie ruffians stood in the way of the great orcish charge. After loosing half their numbers, the humies retreated... they ran as fast as fear could push them. They were trying to run into the safety of their little shack. All perished on the way, except one. Just as the humie touch the door handle, an Orcish Slinger, nailed her to the door with an arrow.

Kor ran up and swing his mace downward at the humie, detaching her from the door. "Tupid Humie, Har Har!", laughed Kor.

As lighting streaks lit up the sky, Kor decided to ignite his own pyrotechnics. "Burn it!", shouted King Kor as he pointed to the humie's house.

The orcs were quick to decimate the house, enjoying greatly the mass destruction, while the storm around them raged. With the strong winds blowing, the roof nearly vanished instantly once it was set ablaze.

Soon their deed was done, and they ventured forth to lay claim to more land. Few dared to stand in their way. Most critters and humies ran the moment they could hear/smell the orcs.

As the orcs began to approach a road, with periodic lighning flashes, a large guard tower could be seen in the distance. This would be the edge of their border. As they were about to leave the area, humie voices were heard from within the guard tower. Suddenly, a great volley of arrows were fired upon the orcs from narrow arrow slits. The Orcs charged the tower!

Guards covered head to toe in platemail came charging out of the guard house. The orcs were so full of bloodlust now, that not even mother nature herself could stop them. Jumping through ankle deep mud, the orcs engaged the metal clad humies. Although the guards did seem to be proficient fighters, they were just no match for the orcs in full bloodlust. The humies soon leaked blood from their armor encasements.

The orcs seemed eager to capture the guard building. Kor pondered this, but then decided that holding such a structure that was so far away from the Fort, would be difficult, but then a new though crossed Kor's mind. "South!", shouted Kor as he led a charge down the road.

The orcs were not accustomed to travelling on the hard packed humie road. They were unsure what their king had in mind for them. Trudging quickly through the wetness and the muck, the orcs soon found themselves next to the south humie guard house, next to the Orc Grunt Shack.

Kor ordered the orcs inside. The humie guards that were stationed within, had become quite used to the orc encounters. The orcs previously had not claim the land which the tower stood, so generally the guards were left alone. Little did they know that was all going to change.

"Dis tower is now on da Land uv Kor! Leeb!", yelled Kor.

The guards prepared to take a defensive stance, but realized they were vastly outnumbered. They were about to leave, when they realized, they had no place to go. Ever since Lord British abandoned them, they remained at the tower, defiant and stalwart, determined to fullfill their duty. The tower had become their home. The only home they knew. Having been deserted by their leader, they no longer served a cause. They were surrounded by orcs. They smelled bad and looked ready to pounce at any moment. "I do not wish to defy you King Kor, but I this is my home, and this is my duty. Without it, I am without purpose." The other guards nodded their agreements.

"Den, if yu nub leeb.. yu den bekum orc slabes! Yu will cullect tributes frum all dat enter da Land uv Kor!", grinned Kor.

The humans felt as if they had no other choice. The would continue serve their duty as guards, and perhaps would have a renewed sense of purpose. They agreed to Kor's terms.

The orcs could not beleive this turn of events, but were of course happy to have more slaves to do the menial tasks for them.

With another successful patrol behind them, the orcs left the guardhouse. As quickly has the storm had come, it has now passed. The orcs again felt sunlight on their skin as they left the tower. Time to drink!

The Orcs of Kor had gathered at the Orc Fort looking for something to kill to celebrate the approaching New Year. Kor decided that since there were many experienced orcs around, and some grunts that were showing good healing and krimping skills, that it was time to hunt for the "False One".

Kor's scouts had reported increased urk activity in the cave known as Hythloth. Deciding to save some time, Kor opened a magic portal and the orc troops flowed through. No sooner had they stepped foot inside the cave, when they were immediately assaulted by urks.

The Orcs of Kor cut through the urks and left their dismembered bodies to rot behind. In a room by room search, the Orcs scoured the area for any sign that the "False One" was or had been in the cave. Still more urk troops came rushing into combat with the Orcs. This was a good sign. The False one had to be near.

After walking through a few waves of hell hounds, and having dispatched some demons, a Stone Troll was spotted.

The last time the Orcs had seen Stone Trolls it was at the Orc Fort. The Stone Trolls are the personal protectors of the "False One". When the Trolls were originally encountered, they layed waste to the Orcs -- the Orcs could barely even scratch them. The strength and might of the Trolls was amazing. When Kor first spotted the Stone Trolls in Hythloth, he was uncertain wether the Orcs would live from this encounter.

The Orc troops were quick to react, and they quickly engaged the Stone Trolls. Waves and waves of urks began filling in the hallway. An ambush!

The bulk of the orcs engaged the Stone Trolls, putting most of their efforts into healing those who were being harmed. To say this was a long battle could be an understatement. With the great amount of urks, along with wandering hellhounds, it was hard to keep orcs alive. As soon as a member of the clan was able to resurrect an Orc, another Orc had fallen. One of the greatest assets to the Orc troops seemed to be Orc Drumbanger, Chaka'thuga. Everwhere Kor looked, there were urks fighting urks.

With about half the Orc Troops wandering as ghosts, the First Stone Troll, Gargas, fell! The Orcs shouted their victory cries, and now directed all of their blows onto the even tougher, Gornak the Stone Troll. Kor gave the Troll a chance to surrender, but he remained committed to die for his false spiritual guardian. Kor tried to convince the Troll that he had been tricked into believing the "False One". Kor tried to convince the Troll that there is only one "True" Da'Nogra. Still the sutpid Stone Troll would not be swayed. Alas, after many more blows were struck, Gornak joined his bretheren, Gargas. With a loud and earthshaking "thump", Gornak fell.

The Orcs searched the cave, but no further urks were found, and no further signs of the "False One's" presence were found. It seems the Orcs were led into a trap by the "False One". An error that will not be repeated. With the false Guardian's protectors slain, the chance of destroying the "False One" has greatly increased.

The other orcs had gone on a trip to Shame and Tog and Uglug stayed behind at the fort. Soon after they left Kog woke up. Then soon after that two humies showed up. Faybian Knight and the thief Terrill.

They started bugging us and fake attacking until they managed to get Uglug trapped between themselves, a rock and the forge. Of course they attaked. Of course they forgot that Orcs are amazing team players.

Uglug was healed by Kog and Tog while Uglug was healing himself. They weren't able do do any real damage to Uglug. We managed to suround Terrill but he slipped away and ran upwards. We gave chase and he got only a few paces away from the shak when we krimped him.

Stupidly, Faybian tried to help Terrill. When Terrill was killed Faybian was krimped. Then he started wimpering as we clomped him "Hey hey! I was just kidding man! I give up! Please!". *Chuckles* It was too late for him. We were in bloodlust after they attacked us. He then fell!

Today, the orcs gathered within the fort prepared to defend it from a new human threat. The humie Flynn issued a call for war with the orcs, yet he did not dare to bring his forces. As the orcs were ready for battle, Kor decided instead to capture some more humie land.

Suddenly a cloud of dust could be spotted arising from the forest. The cracking of branches and the crushing of dry eaves could clearly be heard, as the cloud of dirt closed in on the fort. There was only one species that would come running, half-hazardly through the forest in a great charge. Urks.

Urks came streaming out of the tree line and began trying to breach the fort defences. The Orcs of Kor defended the fort well, not a single urk penetrated the fort... until the elites came.

The elites were some of the strongest urks ever seen. An urk scout in grey war paint fired deadly arrows, dropping most Orcs in one or two hits. Three urk mages in red warpaint seemed to endlessly cast spells. An urk captain in black warpaint, the deadliest of them all, cut down many orcs in one or two swings of his mighty axe. He seemed to harbor a great dislike for Warbringer Kog. Behind them, more urks flowed.

This seemed to be the toughest challenge yet for the orcs, but remaining defiant, the orcs quickly dispatched the urks and then continued to battle away with the elites. Alas help came, in the form of the Spiritual Guardian Da'Nogra.

Orcs shouted great war crys at seeing their god on this momentous day.

Most ORCS fell in a single swing of Da'Nogra's giant hand. Shocked, the orcs ran up to Da'Nogra, pointing out the urk enemy, waiting for Da'Nogra to attack. Da'Nogra did attack... and more ORCS fell.

Kor knew there was something wrong with Da'Nogra. A great battle was raging, and orcs were shouting their war crys in honor of Da'Nogra, and yet he attack the orcs. Something wrong indeed!

Da'Nogra had a slight redish tint to him, so at first Kor thought maybe some demon possessed him. Kor then shook his head at this notion. Da'Nogra was mightier than Demons. No Demon could possess Da'Nogra.

Then the only possible answer remained... this was a false Da'Nogra, meant to fool the orcs.

Da'Nogra stated the fort belonged to the urks now, and that the Orcs were to leave.

Keng Kor ordered a krimp and clomp on the false Da'Nogra. Many orcs thought their king was mad. Kill their spiritual guardian?

Trusting the wisdom of their king, the orcs did as ordered.

The urk elites were greatly enraged by the attacks on Da'Nogra, and they fought with great ferociousness. The Orcs of Kor were forced to withdraw their attacks on the false guardian, and return to trying to slay the elites.

With renewed vigor the orcs cut menacingly into the elites. Slowly, the elites fell, one by one.

Eventually, after having dropped all the elites, the orcs looked around for the false guardian, but he seemed to have vanished.

Many orcs were still disraught at the idea of having attacked their spiritual guardian. Kor gathered the orcs in the fort and told them of his deductions. To honor the real Da'Nogra and to seek guidance, a Kon Gar was quickly evoked. Orc Shaman Brek began the ceremony and a goat was sacraficed. The orcs endlessly shouted their prayers to Da'Nogra.

There was silence. There was nothing.

Many orcs seemed disappointed, but then Kor heard something... a crackling in the air. Again the orcs began chanting, and soon the air crackled with mystic energy. A loud thunderclap was heard, and there before Kor, stood Da'Nogra, the true Spiritual Guardian of the Orcs.

The orcs shouted great cheers, and then quickly quieted. Da'Nogra looked down at Kor and spoke, "Yu escaped Zar Tol Mar!"

Grimacing, but knowing this day would come, Kor quickly told him that he did not feel that it was his time. Kor felt there was still more he had to do for the orcs. Kor pointed around to the fallen bodies of many urks, to call forth the might of the orcs since Kor's return. Kor quickly explained his plans for the clan.

At this time, Da'Nogra looked uncertain what he was going to do with Kor, so the King quickly changed subjects to the false Da'Nogra.

Da'Nogra eplained this false guardian is trying to gather all the urks to follow him. What his plans are, are still yet a mystery. Kor proclaimed, that if given the opportunity to stay, Kor would endeavour to seek out the False One, and destroy him. Kor would not rest, until the vile guardian was vanquished.

Da'Nogra seemed to accept that, as he said Kor would stay... for now.

As quick as he came, Da'Nogra vanished, returning to the Grey Plane of the Dead.

Kor advised the troops, that over the next few days, they will begin searching every known urk location, in the hopes of finding the False Da'Nogra.

Chummer Masara has often spoke, of a child in which she was impregnated with. She speaks of a drunken feast where she met Kog. Apparently both of them got a little too drunk and the rest is yet history.

Today, Kog Jr. walked into the fort. Clearly orc in appearance, but green of skin, the orcling shows promise. The Orcling already really likes to clomp things, and is very curious. We hope he will soon be ready to join the clan as a grunt and fight ferociously beside his sire.

As the orcling grows, we will soon begin introducing him to select fe-orcs in the hopes of continuing the green-orc blood line which ran out many generations ago.

Dabu Kog!

The following is the caption posted by Aiglos in the UOSS-Pacific News. The story is impartial and well potrays the events of the evening, so the Scribe of Kor will take a rest this eve.

Last night, I was wandering aimlessly around the Empath Abbey, talking with its citizens, when I overheard some adventurers speaking of seeing several Robes Ones along with a large gathering of the Orcs of Kor at the Yew Orc Fort. This immediately perked my interests, but when I approached them to ask for more details they left before I could even get a greeting out, in a rush to get to Britain I believe.

After their quick exit, I sat pondering whether I should go to the Orc fort myself to see what these adventurers had been speaking of, or sit back in Empath continuing my tedious conversations with the resident Monks. It didn't take much time before I decided to risk the journey. I grabbed a thousand gold and an ostard for tribute, and headed to the Orc Fort as quick as I could.

Upon arriving I found many Orcs surrounding a few Seers and Elders. They were droning on about some "krimp" that had just occurred and some sort of game that was about to occur when they noticed me. They immediately rushed me with their maces at the ready, but I quickly offered my tribute, and after some harassment they decided to let me stay. I wander now if it was more because they needed a scorekeeper then that they enjoyed my company.

At any rate, I quickly asked several questions to see what exactly was occuring. Apparently, the Orcs had challenged the Seers and Elders to a game of darts. If the Orcs won, the Robed Ones would have to be the Orcs pugs for a period of time, undergoing all the menial tasks that pugs do within their clan. However, if the Ancients won, the Orcs had to dress in pink, go to the home of the Ancient Order of Elves, and sing about how much they loved the "elbsies". This I found quite amusing, and I sat back to watch what I hoped would be a good game of darts.

The Orcs went first, and after a brief pep talk from King Kor, the first Orc stepped up to the line and threw his dart and missed the dartboard completely. After some brief mumbling, the next Orc took his place and threw his dart, this one scoring 5 points. Better then the first, Kor grumbles a little less but was still far from happy. The third toss for the Orcs scored 10 points, which brought a hearty cheer from their side, however their glee did not last long. The next two throws missed, and the one after that scored a measly 1 point.

At this point Kor attempted to get his Orcs riled up, giving a brief speech telling them what would happen and how embarrassed they would be if they failed to win this game. The Orcs began to cheer up, and soon all of them were chanting to their Barbaric God Nograh. Hoping to ride out the enthusiasm, Kor placed another Orc at the tossing line and ordered him to toss his dagger. The enthusiasm was once again short lived though, as the dagger completely missed the dartboard and almost hit my head. The Orcs, grumbling under their breath, watched hopelessly as the next and last Orc threw his dart, missing the board as well. Disappointed with the low score of 16 points that they had managed to attain, and fearful of what might soon occur, the Orcs took their place along the sides as the Seers stepped up to throw.

...and soon all of them were chanting to their Barbaric God Nograh.

The first Seer hit with a 5 pointer, earning him a clap from his peers. The second barely nicked the board and was awarded only a point, and the third failed to hit the dartboard at all, earning him a few sarcastic complements with his team. At this point Seer Masara stepped up, and unleashed what seemed like two darts, but upon viewing the dartboard only a 20 point shot showed, and so she was awarded 20 points. She also got several groans from the Orc side as they realized they had just lost. The last Seer earned 5 points for his throw. The Seers had earned an overall 31 points and had thus won the Dart competition.

They quickly rushed to get the pink clothes as the Orcs sat around, dreading what was about to occur. When the Seers returned, it took the Orc leaders several minutes to force all the Orcs, or at least the majority of them to put on the pink clothes and honor the bet. The whole time every Orc was mumbling about something or another. A gate was then opened to Trammel, and the Orcs of Kor went through, going into the land they so hated, wearing bright pink. Once they arrived, I gladly opened a Gate to the Elven Guild house, where several Elves, who had been sitting around talking quietly among themselves were greeted with a large troop of odorous Orcs in pink clothes. I'm sure they must have been quite surprised.

   
...going into the land they so hated, wearing bright pink.

After the Orcs had arrived, they went into the Villa, and praised the might of the Ancient Order of Elves, led in song by Sarlock Longbow. Then, while both Elves and Seers laughed till tears flowed from their eyes, the Orcs wished us all a Merry Christmas.

As soon as the Seers had agreed that the debt had been paid, the Orcs ripped off their pink clothes, burned them, (while almost burning down the Elven Villa), and returned to their homeland in Yew, humbled and ashamed.

...the Orcs ripped off their pink clothes, burned them...

I would like to thank both the Seers and the Orcs for quite a wonderful evening; I don't think I have ever laughed that hard in all the many years of my life.

It started as yet another typical day for Gri'thrak. Because of his wild emotional swings and acts of irrationality, he was not getting along with the orcs at the fort. Gri'thrak decided it was time to do a solo patrol of the Land of Kor.

Grithrak walked along the edge of the road, heading northwards toward Yew. He heard the clip clop of several horse hooves, so he ducked behind some bushes and readied his axe. By the smell that wafted in the air, he could tell that there were humies coming. The delightful smell of many horses also filled the orc's nose, and he could no longer contain himself. Although perfectly hidden, the orc jumped out from behind his forested concealment, and rushed up the road. "Tribute or die!!!" shouted Gri'thrak.

As he rounded the corner, he saw a wagon and an armed escort. Four, chainmail clad men rode atop horses, two abreast, leading the wagon. The wagon itself was covered and was being pulled by two large draft horses. A man sat atop the wagon's bench, rearing in the horses as hard as he could.

"Stand aside or perish vile one! Consider this your only warning!", shouted one of the guards who drew a great viking sword.

"Tribute or die! Gri'thrak wan Grub!", shouted the enraged orc, waving his double bladed axe in the air.

The guard who has spoke before, turned to one of his men and shrugged, "Grub?" The man he looked at simply shrugged as well. "Kill it!", Shouted the guard.

The guard barely finished issuing his command when he received a large gash in his leg. "Nograaahhh!", shouted the orc who began flailing his axe wildly. A mounted guard charged towards the orc, dropping his longsword down in a deadly arc. Gri'thrak smashed at the blade with his axe, driving the blade out the guard's hand, and into the front thigh of his horse. The horse began to tumble forward, as Gri'thrak again made another wild swing, slicing across the guard's back as he went down with the horse.

The guard who was wounded in his leg, now attempted to thrust with his viking sword as the other two mounted guard members, dismounted. Gri'thrak saw the sharp tip coming for his shoulder. His choices were simple, turn and roll out of the way, then face all three opponents, or finish off this wounded human. Gri'thrak swung his axe in a small circle, while taking a stabbing blow to his shoulder. About the same moment when sword tip peirced his flesh, is when the great blade of his axe, carved through the human's arm. The severed arm and sword dropped to the ground, as the guard fell off his horse, clutching onto the stump that was once his arm.

Grinning happily with the warmth of human blood sprayed on his face, the crazed orc readied himself for the next two opponents. One guard carried a short sword, and another a long spear. The humans parted themselves, thusly each on an opposing flank of the orc. Gri'thrak charged the spear-bearer. The guard thrust his spear, and Gri'thrak dodged to the right, feeling the spear slightly graze off the front of his ringmail tunic. Gri'thrak dropped his axe, grabbed the spear, and thrust it behind him at the guard whose shortsword was swinging at the orc's head. The spear tip firmly caught the sword-bearer in the side of the jaw, and exploded out the back of his head in a spray of blood, bone and brain. The spearless guard, took this opportunity to grab the orc's axe.

Gri'thrak again, charged at the bent over man about to take his axe. Gri'thrak charged head first, and drove his bone orc helm into the human's helmed head. Amidst a large clank sound, a great crack of bone could be heard. This greatly bothered Gri'thrak as he was wearing his favorite helm.

The human had been sent flying backwards on the impact, and this gave the orc enough time to retreive his weapon. Gri'thrak grabbed his axe, and again charged forward to finish off the guard, but he noticed the guard was not moving. A large river of blood was flowing from under the human's, caved in, metal helm. Gri'thrak shook his head a bit to see if his helm was loose. Alas it was not. Gri'thrak grinned, "Har har, thin humie skulls!", he shouted.

With the guards either dead or incapacitated, Gri'thrak turned his attention to the wagon. The man who was sitting on the bench seat, was now cowering behind the seat, partially shaded by the cover of the wagon. As the orc approached, the man shoved a big bolt of red silk out the front of the wagon. The bolt landed with a big thump and partially unrolled. The orc approached the wagon, walking between the two horses drawing it. Gri'thrak licked his lips. "Grub!"

"Its my finest silk sir. Please take it. It will fetch you at least 50,000 gold in any market." shouted the scared merchant.

Gri'thrak, stared at the man, and then looked at a horse and then shouted, "Gri'thrak dake Grub"

The merchantman shrugged, he could not figure out what the orc wanted. Maybe he wanted more? The merchantman pushed two more bolts of silk out. "There... good 'grub' for you? Please don't hurt me. Please let me go."

Gri'thrak could not figure out why this man was pushing out the rolls of humie cloth. Maybe he was lightening his load so he could escape? Gri'thrak was neighther interested in the man or the silk. The fine large horses that he stood between captivated is interest. "Dis Guda Grub!", shouted the orc as he pointed to a horse with his axe.

The man, still confused, guessed the orc wanted more 'grub' or he would kill his horses. Unbeknownst to the orc, the merchantman was a jewel theif, and he had several millions worth of noble's jewels hidden away within the cart. The bolts of cloth were simply a ruse. He had to find a way to keep the orc from attacking either him or the horses. Alas, accepting that he would essentially have to share his profits with this brigand, he threw down a wooden chest, full of gold.

Gri'thrak was examining each horse. He would only be able to drag one back, but which one. They both seemed muscular and lean. The orc had made his choice and was about to cleave with his axe, when there was a great crash before his feet. Peices of metal and wood flew threw the air, as the chest burst upon hitting the ground. Gri'thrak jumped backwards, thinking some magical spell had just been cast. The orc quickly caught the glimmer of a large amount of gold covering the ground. "There, almost 100,000 in gold coins. You earned your 'grub' well, now please let me go?", asked the merchant.

Gri'thrak looked down and then back up at the man. The orc shook is head, "Dis Nub Grub!", he shouted as he thought to himself 'tupid humie'.

Judging by the shaking of the orc's head, and his look of disappointment, it was not enough 'grub'. Again, another chest was heaved.. this one containing about 500,000 gold coins. The metal chest landed on the ground with a very loud thud. The top flipped open and its contents could clearly be seen. "Good Grub?", asked the merchant.

Gri'thrak snarled. "Tupid Humie dis Nub Grub!" Gri'thrak, pointed to the horse with his axe. "Dis Grub! Dis Guda Grub!"

The merchant, now was becoming angered. It was obvious the orc was threatening him to give more gold or he would kill his horses. 'Damn greedy vermin', he thought to himself.

Once again, a metal chest was thrown out. His last chest. Angered, but in control he knew that fighting the orc would be hopeless. He did not want to part with the jewels though. To loose that much money, he might as well be dead. The merchant used his feet concealed by the wagon's wall, to pull a crossbow on the floor of the wagon towards him. From within a hidden pocket of his tunic, he extracted a small vial of deadly poison. The merchant waited for a chance to apply it. He did not even know if orcs were immune to poison. It was simply his last resort. The merchant continued to wait, watching the orc as the orc now watched him.

Gri'thrak looked at all the gold on the ground. Gri'thrak looked at the horse, and then back to the man. If Gri'thrak took the gold, we would not be able to take any horse meat. This was the greatest decision Gri'thrak had ever faced in his life. It pained him to even think that he must give up one. Then Gri'thrak thought that Keng Kor would probably want the gold, more than the horse meat. Enough stupid humies came by the orc fort, so horse meat was not as rare as gold. The orc simply shrugged his shoulders, and decided to amuse the humie. "Dabu fur grub. Guda tribute!"

As Gri'thrak began gathering up the gold, he heard the man yell at the horses. Many cracks of a whip was heard, as the man tried to furiously move the horses as quick as they could go. Gri'thrak ignored the man, and continued gathering the tribute.

Finally, all the gold was gathered, 1 Million in total. Kor would be happy. Gri'thrak's stomache rumbled, as if to remind him of the great feast he passed up. The four guards now all laid motionless on the ground, and their mounts had all fled. All but one. It was lame from the gash Gri'thrak had delivered unto it. Much blood flowed, and it seemed weakend. Gri'thrak charged.

After a great feast of fresh horse meat, the orc finished stuffing the two metal chests full of the loose coins. He bound them together and heaved the massive weight onto his back, like a massive backpack. The load was heavy, but something was missing. Gri'thrak cut a leg off the dead horse, from the thigh down. He heaved the meat on top of his burden. Taking this heavly load back was going to make him hungry again. The orc grinned, happy to bring such a good tribute back to Kor. Still though, thoughts ran through his mind, he was unsure if he'd ever see horses as fine as those he gave up. 'Must patrul da road mur', he thought to himself.

The End

"Dabu tu da Crazed Orc Raider, Gri'thrak fur da 1 Million shinies. Guda Tribute."    *grins*
Kor the Orc King