Post by Chieftain on Sept 17, 2014 19:46:21 GMT -5
It was a calm night in the barrens, a cool autumn air whistled by as moon was half full.
Atop a mountain overlooking the crossroads Ramzy sat; his gaze on the fire as it burned into the night sky. In the distance the kodo could be heard bringing a wagon of supplies to the roads from Orgrimmar. They was late Ramzy thought.
"If you keep gazing into the fire your eventually going to get burned" a voice said.
"Thom'ka Agiskka. Come to check up on me?" Ramzy replied.
"You have been spending more time than normal listening to the spirits...why?" Agiskka took a seat next to the chieftain. Noticing that he had a firm grip upon the shaft of his axe.
"Do you remember what happened 33 years ago?"
Agiskka frowned at her Chieftain as she listened to the spirits of the fire. "It was so long ago Ramzy...all I remember was running"
"They say as time passes by; the memory fades. But something's you just never forget" Ramzy said as he reached for his skin of ale taking a long hard drink.
"I remember the fire..."
------
In the Gorgrond mountains the Rageskull clan was known as fierce warriors and untamable berserkers. They had built a camp known as Rar'kullesh. Named in honor of the first chieftain; Rar'kull Rageskull.
Arguing had awoken a seventeen year old Ramzy. As he sat up he looked over to see his mate Mar’rah still sound asleep and his new born daughter in a crib made from the bones of a talbuk. He wrapped his long dark hair behind him, mumbling about one day shaving it off before he grabbed his maul and stepped outside.
The village fire burned bright that night as Ramzy approached it; the arguing grew louder with each step he took. He could recognize one of the voices. It was the clan Chieftain; Taraka Rageskull. She was perhaps the most powerful shaman ever to be within the clan. Known for taking apprentices on at early age even before Om'riggor. She stood there with long fur from a worg draped over her body. A pair of sharp axe tucked away on the inside of her cloak, her hair braided down to her lower back.
Ramzy stopped behind a wall of the nearby hut and looked on. Taraka had been arguing with Gam'al who was the leader of clan raiders.
"We have waited long enough Taraka. The men grow tired of waiting. We wish to take part in the gift that made the other clans strong and unstoppable.
But instead of joining the cause you run away from it. Making us look like cowards and dishonor the Rageskull name. I should be the leader of this clan. I have the strength and will to lead us to any victory we desire” he growled.
Ramzy looked on as Gam'al spoke with such passion. It was inspiring
"Watch your tone with me Gam'al or I will make an example out of you in front of this entire clan" Taraka aggressively said back to the larger male, not backing down in the slightest with a fire in her eyes.
"You may be a descendant of Rar'kull's line but I was chosen to be chieftain not you!
We are not running from any battle, but this 'horde' does not concern us...the elements barely heed the call, almost as if they have abandoned us. And that started two years ago when this offer of power was made.
You would foolishly damn us all by joining us with them. And that attitude is the reason you don't bare the name Rageskull!"
Just as the two were to come to blows Ramzy stepped in "I agree with Gam'al; Chieftain. We would be unstoppable if we take the gifts that were offered."
Gam'al smiled "Even our youth agree with me Taraka. For too long the traditions of old have dictated our future. It is time for a true RAGESKULL to lead!"
Gam'al patted Ramzy on the shoulder as he walked away. Plans unfolding within his mind.
Taraka shook her head; disappointed in the young orc "One day you will understand Ramzy. If we are to be strong as a clan to ensure our survival; then the needs of the clan outweigh the needs of the one." She turned her back to Ramzy and walked away heading back to her hut.
----------
A week had passed by since Gam'al had confronted Taraka, and Gam'al had lead his men out on another raid. As the sun peaked in the sky above he gathered his raiders around.
"How many of you have grown tired of this hiding? To not take part in the glorious battles that are unfolding in the southern lands?" Gam'al raised his axe to the air. His men yelling in response, each raising their own weapons into the air.
"Tonight we head south to the Tanaan Jungle and we join our brothers in arms. Let us ride! LOK'TAR OGAR!"
"LOK'TAR OGAR!" his men yelled as they rode their worgs south.
It took a few days for them to arrive at the jungle, most of it having become a desolate wasteland. Gam'al could not believe what he seen. Skeletons of the fallen littered the ground, corpses of Dreanei children impaled on battle standards as they marched towards the iron citidal. Two green orcs with glowing red eyes stopped him. They were frothing at the mouth; ready to strike when a loud booming voice shouted down to them. "Stand down"
It was Blackhand; the former Blackrock clan Chieftain and new Warchief of the horde. He appeared larger then Gam'al remembered; donned in jet black armor that swallowed up any light that dared gleam upon it. "You boys are a long way from home. Has the Rageskull Clan finally decided to join the horde?" Blackhand looked around at the raiding party "Where is Chieftain Taraka?" he demanded
"Taraka no longer leads us. I am Gam'al Last Descendant of Rar'Kull; The First Rageskull. We wish to join the horde Blackhand the Destroyer. To be stronger than we ever thought possible. "
Blackhand let out a gnarled grin "The mighty Rageskulls at my disposal. Come descendant of Rar’kull, follow me."
As the raiders were lead inside of the citadel, down into the depths. Orc Blacksmiths sharpened their weapons on dreanei bones, until they came to a sealed chamber. Inside was a fountain, with a single chalice sitting upon it. "Drink; and glory to your ancestors shall be yours."
Gam'al looked down at the green liquid, bubbling; giving off the fumes of acid. It was blood of the pit lord Mannoroth. He took the chalice and filled it. He turned to his men "This is the gift Taraka denied us. With it we shall become the most fearsome Rageskulls whomever lived.! FOR THE RAGESKULL!" His men cheering as he drank from the chalice.
Gam'al's skin changed from its ebony brown to a dark green. His eyes bloodshot red, his leather armor ripping away from his torso! Blackhand smiled.
"Your first task Gam'al Rageskull; destroy the remains of your clan and you will have earned you place within the horde. Slay all who stand in your way! FOR THE HORDE!"
--------
Back at Rar’kullesh Chieftain Taraka had grown worried about the raiders. It was unlike them not to return nearly a week. She still had her duties however; and was tending to one of her young apprentices; Agiskka. A 10 year girl who showed great promise; able to manipulate the flames of the fire and playfully did so.
Then the horn was blown to signal the return of the raiding party; they would be here within minutes. Ramzy was out around camp with his daughter; she had just learned how to walk. He was full of pride and joy as she walked over to where the Chieftain and Agiskka were. Agiskka was getting a laugh out of the pup orc with her fire tricks. But then they alarm went “Lok’Narash” as a guard yelled out. Ramzy grabbed his daughter and the young shaman and took them to the elders of the clan who were responsible for watching those who could not defend themselves. There were a small number of young orcs and a few den mothers. Mar’rah was one of them and she was waiting for him. “Stay here with them” he said as he grabbed his maul. He rushed back to the entrance of camp and awaited for whatever was about to pass through the gates.
The orc guard whom made the alarm called out again “Their green…” before an arrow pierced threw his skull and he plummeted to the ground. It didn’t take long before Gam’al and his raiders returned to camp, charging in through the gates jumping off their worg’s. Taraka stepped forward “Gam’al…what have you done…”
Gam'al snarled “I have embraced the power of a true Rageskull and I am here to take what is rightfully mine! I will lead us to conquest; join me brothers and sisters and accept the glorious gift offered by the horde!”
“You will never lead the Rageskull Gam’al. You have dishonored this clan and your ancestors!” Taraka drew her axes “I WILL NOT LET YOU DISGRACE THIS CLAN”
Ramzy watched on. Was this the gift that was promised? He asked himself. He gripped his maul tight, he was not nearly as experienced a warrior as the raiders that stood opposite of him. He looked around; the remainder of the clan had firmly sided with the chieftain.
Gam’al lifted his axe “Kill them all!” he ordered.
It was a massacre; they were superior in size and strength; even though there was only 30 of them it felt like 300; some of which using a strange magic few had ever seen. With each swing another orc fell. In the midis of combat; Ramzy’s inexperience cost him. He took an axe to the back; dropping him to his stomach. He was motionless; but not dead and looked on as Taraka battled Gam’al. She was agile and used her mastery of the elements to get in several blows; but Gam’al was relentless; he appeared unstoppable. He turned his head to the hut where the elders were protecting the children.
It took every ounce of strength, but he inched his way forward; crawling. He was unprepared for what he saw; Mar’rah was killed. One of the raiders had ripped her head from her body. His daughter was crying; Agiskka was holding her while the elders had backed them into the corner while the raider stood in front of them imposing his will. “No…” Ramzy said as he coughed out blood. He was weak; and collapsed. His vision was blurred; but all he could see was the camp fire; the embers were floating around him and he could see a stranger standing before him. He was unfamiliar.
“Stand Ramzy; do not give up; you can still save them; you have the fire of a Rageskull.”
Ramzy struggled “I am not strong enough…” he muttered
“No, but the clan is. We will survive Ramzy" More strangers gathered around Ramzy as he tried with all his might to stand. “Together we are strong; and it will make you stronger then this ‘gift’ ever will.” Ramzy grabbed the dirt in front of them. "Do they deserve to die Ramzy? Unable to defend themselves? How is that honorable? How is that dying like a Rageskull?" They helped him to his feet and Ramzy snapped out of his daze; the embers that burned from the fire surrounded his body. As the raider turned his head to see what was happening; Ramzy's maul sent his tusks and jaw flying with a mighty blow. The raider to the ground; blood quenching the soils thirst.
Ramzy could barely stand; barely breath his hair draped over his face as he looked up to the elders "Take them to the mountains and NOW!" he yelled.
As he watched the small pack of 30 or so flee to the north Ramzy turned to see Gam'al had just defeated Taraka and the foul orc stood above her body in triumph. He had brought utter destruction to the clan he once fought so hard to protect.
Ramzy stumbled forward; he was ready to meet his death. Blood dripped from his wounds to his back. Gam'al grinned as he seen the young warrior approach him. He held his chin up; proud of his accomplishment.
"Come to serve under your new Chieftain Ramzy? You were always more intelligent than the rest of these pathetic young warriors that call themselves orcs"
As Ramzy coughed up blood once again; he looked up at the Gam'al whom he once admired. "You are no Chieftain of mine!" Ramzy said defiantly. Gam'al shook his head as he turned his back signaling his raiding party to follow.
Ramzy blinked; it infuriated him that Gam'al would not fight him. It what seemed like an explosion of fire he launched himself towards the raid leader; shouting at the top of his lungs "FOR THE RAGESKULL!". Those fleeing could hear the orcs mighty roar as he fought to buy the time.
It failed. Ramzy found himself on the ground; Gam'al's hand around his throat; his nails digging into his neck like daggers; choking the life out of him. Gam'al's breath was foul of demon blood when he spoke "I was wrong Ramzy; your just like the rest of this dead clan. One last chance to join us?"
Ramzy spat what he could and muttered "I would rather die!"
Gam'al gripped tighter and Ramzy struggled to break the orcs grasp but his attempts were in vain. Just as he was about to pass Gam'al released his grip "You don't deserve the honor of being killed by us; come; we're leaving" he said to his raiders.
Slowly Ramzy came too and began crawling; when he heard a voice "Like a true Rageskull..." As the young orc looked around he seen it was Taraka speaking to him. As he approached her; he could see the damage Gam'al had done; left to die rather than grant her a clean death.
She lifted her hand up and Ramzy grasped it as she spoke; blood dripping from his mouth; face. "You seen them..." Ramzy nodded as she coughed "Then we will survive...the needs of the clan..." She was gone. Ramzy kneeled there beside her; and with his fingers closed her eyes. "Outweigh the needs of all else..." he said. It took time; but he spread the camp fire so that it engulfed the entire battlefield. All those dead would finally find peace with their ancestors; while Ramzy slowly started his trek towards those he helped escape.
-------
Ramzy continued to gaze into the fire as he turned to Agiskka “Sometimes I wonder what more I could have done” Agiskka placed her hand on Ramzy’s shoulder “Even a chieftain needs to be reminded that the needs of the clan come before everything else. You did the right thing Ram; and our clan survives because of it.” Ramzy gave a nod as Agiskka stood up “Aka’Magosh Ram. I’ll see you tomorrow.” She said as she walked away.
She was right; but still he wonder’s…
Atop a mountain overlooking the crossroads Ramzy sat; his gaze on the fire as it burned into the night sky. In the distance the kodo could be heard bringing a wagon of supplies to the roads from Orgrimmar. They was late Ramzy thought.
"If you keep gazing into the fire your eventually going to get burned" a voice said.
"Thom'ka Agiskka. Come to check up on me?" Ramzy replied.
"You have been spending more time than normal listening to the spirits...why?" Agiskka took a seat next to the chieftain. Noticing that he had a firm grip upon the shaft of his axe.
"Do you remember what happened 33 years ago?"
Agiskka frowned at her Chieftain as she listened to the spirits of the fire. "It was so long ago Ramzy...all I remember was running"
"They say as time passes by; the memory fades. But something's you just never forget" Ramzy said as he reached for his skin of ale taking a long hard drink.
"I remember the fire..."
------
In the Gorgrond mountains the Rageskull clan was known as fierce warriors and untamable berserkers. They had built a camp known as Rar'kullesh. Named in honor of the first chieftain; Rar'kull Rageskull.
Arguing had awoken a seventeen year old Ramzy. As he sat up he looked over to see his mate Mar’rah still sound asleep and his new born daughter in a crib made from the bones of a talbuk. He wrapped his long dark hair behind him, mumbling about one day shaving it off before he grabbed his maul and stepped outside.
The village fire burned bright that night as Ramzy approached it; the arguing grew louder with each step he took. He could recognize one of the voices. It was the clan Chieftain; Taraka Rageskull. She was perhaps the most powerful shaman ever to be within the clan. Known for taking apprentices on at early age even before Om'riggor. She stood there with long fur from a worg draped over her body. A pair of sharp axe tucked away on the inside of her cloak, her hair braided down to her lower back.
Ramzy stopped behind a wall of the nearby hut and looked on. Taraka had been arguing with Gam'al who was the leader of clan raiders.
"We have waited long enough Taraka. The men grow tired of waiting. We wish to take part in the gift that made the other clans strong and unstoppable.
But instead of joining the cause you run away from it. Making us look like cowards and dishonor the Rageskull name. I should be the leader of this clan. I have the strength and will to lead us to any victory we desire” he growled.
Ramzy looked on as Gam'al spoke with such passion. It was inspiring
"Watch your tone with me Gam'al or I will make an example out of you in front of this entire clan" Taraka aggressively said back to the larger male, not backing down in the slightest with a fire in her eyes.
"You may be a descendant of Rar'kull's line but I was chosen to be chieftain not you!
We are not running from any battle, but this 'horde' does not concern us...the elements barely heed the call, almost as if they have abandoned us. And that started two years ago when this offer of power was made.
You would foolishly damn us all by joining us with them. And that attitude is the reason you don't bare the name Rageskull!"
Just as the two were to come to blows Ramzy stepped in "I agree with Gam'al; Chieftain. We would be unstoppable if we take the gifts that were offered."
Gam'al smiled "Even our youth agree with me Taraka. For too long the traditions of old have dictated our future. It is time for a true RAGESKULL to lead!"
Gam'al patted Ramzy on the shoulder as he walked away. Plans unfolding within his mind.
Taraka shook her head; disappointed in the young orc "One day you will understand Ramzy. If we are to be strong as a clan to ensure our survival; then the needs of the clan outweigh the needs of the one." She turned her back to Ramzy and walked away heading back to her hut.
----------
A week had passed by since Gam'al had confronted Taraka, and Gam'al had lead his men out on another raid. As the sun peaked in the sky above he gathered his raiders around.
"How many of you have grown tired of this hiding? To not take part in the glorious battles that are unfolding in the southern lands?" Gam'al raised his axe to the air. His men yelling in response, each raising their own weapons into the air.
"Tonight we head south to the Tanaan Jungle and we join our brothers in arms. Let us ride! LOK'TAR OGAR!"
"LOK'TAR OGAR!" his men yelled as they rode their worgs south.
It took a few days for them to arrive at the jungle, most of it having become a desolate wasteland. Gam'al could not believe what he seen. Skeletons of the fallen littered the ground, corpses of Dreanei children impaled on battle standards as they marched towards the iron citidal. Two green orcs with glowing red eyes stopped him. They were frothing at the mouth; ready to strike when a loud booming voice shouted down to them. "Stand down"
It was Blackhand; the former Blackrock clan Chieftain and new Warchief of the horde. He appeared larger then Gam'al remembered; donned in jet black armor that swallowed up any light that dared gleam upon it. "You boys are a long way from home. Has the Rageskull Clan finally decided to join the horde?" Blackhand looked around at the raiding party "Where is Chieftain Taraka?" he demanded
"Taraka no longer leads us. I am Gam'al Last Descendant of Rar'Kull; The First Rageskull. We wish to join the horde Blackhand the Destroyer. To be stronger than we ever thought possible. "
Blackhand let out a gnarled grin "The mighty Rageskulls at my disposal. Come descendant of Rar’kull, follow me."
As the raiders were lead inside of the citadel, down into the depths. Orc Blacksmiths sharpened their weapons on dreanei bones, until they came to a sealed chamber. Inside was a fountain, with a single chalice sitting upon it. "Drink; and glory to your ancestors shall be yours."
Gam'al looked down at the green liquid, bubbling; giving off the fumes of acid. It was blood of the pit lord Mannoroth. He took the chalice and filled it. He turned to his men "This is the gift Taraka denied us. With it we shall become the most fearsome Rageskulls whomever lived.! FOR THE RAGESKULL!" His men cheering as he drank from the chalice.
Gam'al's skin changed from its ebony brown to a dark green. His eyes bloodshot red, his leather armor ripping away from his torso! Blackhand smiled.
"Your first task Gam'al Rageskull; destroy the remains of your clan and you will have earned you place within the horde. Slay all who stand in your way! FOR THE HORDE!"
--------
Back at Rar’kullesh Chieftain Taraka had grown worried about the raiders. It was unlike them not to return nearly a week. She still had her duties however; and was tending to one of her young apprentices; Agiskka. A 10 year girl who showed great promise; able to manipulate the flames of the fire and playfully did so.
Then the horn was blown to signal the return of the raiding party; they would be here within minutes. Ramzy was out around camp with his daughter; she had just learned how to walk. He was full of pride and joy as she walked over to where the Chieftain and Agiskka were. Agiskka was getting a laugh out of the pup orc with her fire tricks. But then they alarm went “Lok’Narash” as a guard yelled out. Ramzy grabbed his daughter and the young shaman and took them to the elders of the clan who were responsible for watching those who could not defend themselves. There were a small number of young orcs and a few den mothers. Mar’rah was one of them and she was waiting for him. “Stay here with them” he said as he grabbed his maul. He rushed back to the entrance of camp and awaited for whatever was about to pass through the gates.
The orc guard whom made the alarm called out again “Their green…” before an arrow pierced threw his skull and he plummeted to the ground. It didn’t take long before Gam’al and his raiders returned to camp, charging in through the gates jumping off their worg’s. Taraka stepped forward “Gam’al…what have you done…”
Gam'al snarled “I have embraced the power of a true Rageskull and I am here to take what is rightfully mine! I will lead us to conquest; join me brothers and sisters and accept the glorious gift offered by the horde!”
“You will never lead the Rageskull Gam’al. You have dishonored this clan and your ancestors!” Taraka drew her axes “I WILL NOT LET YOU DISGRACE THIS CLAN”
Ramzy watched on. Was this the gift that was promised? He asked himself. He gripped his maul tight, he was not nearly as experienced a warrior as the raiders that stood opposite of him. He looked around; the remainder of the clan had firmly sided with the chieftain.
Gam’al lifted his axe “Kill them all!” he ordered.
It was a massacre; they were superior in size and strength; even though there was only 30 of them it felt like 300; some of which using a strange magic few had ever seen. With each swing another orc fell. In the midis of combat; Ramzy’s inexperience cost him. He took an axe to the back; dropping him to his stomach. He was motionless; but not dead and looked on as Taraka battled Gam’al. She was agile and used her mastery of the elements to get in several blows; but Gam’al was relentless; he appeared unstoppable. He turned his head to the hut where the elders were protecting the children.
It took every ounce of strength, but he inched his way forward; crawling. He was unprepared for what he saw; Mar’rah was killed. One of the raiders had ripped her head from her body. His daughter was crying; Agiskka was holding her while the elders had backed them into the corner while the raider stood in front of them imposing his will. “No…” Ramzy said as he coughed out blood. He was weak; and collapsed. His vision was blurred; but all he could see was the camp fire; the embers were floating around him and he could see a stranger standing before him. He was unfamiliar.
“Stand Ramzy; do not give up; you can still save them; you have the fire of a Rageskull.”
Ramzy struggled “I am not strong enough…” he muttered
“No, but the clan is. We will survive Ramzy" More strangers gathered around Ramzy as he tried with all his might to stand. “Together we are strong; and it will make you stronger then this ‘gift’ ever will.” Ramzy grabbed the dirt in front of them. "Do they deserve to die Ramzy? Unable to defend themselves? How is that honorable? How is that dying like a Rageskull?" They helped him to his feet and Ramzy snapped out of his daze; the embers that burned from the fire surrounded his body. As the raider turned his head to see what was happening; Ramzy's maul sent his tusks and jaw flying with a mighty blow. The raider to the ground; blood quenching the soils thirst.
Ramzy could barely stand; barely breath his hair draped over his face as he looked up to the elders "Take them to the mountains and NOW!" he yelled.
As he watched the small pack of 30 or so flee to the north Ramzy turned to see Gam'al had just defeated Taraka and the foul orc stood above her body in triumph. He had brought utter destruction to the clan he once fought so hard to protect.
Ramzy stumbled forward; he was ready to meet his death. Blood dripped from his wounds to his back. Gam'al grinned as he seen the young warrior approach him. He held his chin up; proud of his accomplishment.
"Come to serve under your new Chieftain Ramzy? You were always more intelligent than the rest of these pathetic young warriors that call themselves orcs"
As Ramzy coughed up blood once again; he looked up at the Gam'al whom he once admired. "You are no Chieftain of mine!" Ramzy said defiantly. Gam'al shook his head as he turned his back signaling his raiding party to follow.
Ramzy blinked; it infuriated him that Gam'al would not fight him. It what seemed like an explosion of fire he launched himself towards the raid leader; shouting at the top of his lungs "FOR THE RAGESKULL!". Those fleeing could hear the orcs mighty roar as he fought to buy the time.
It failed. Ramzy found himself on the ground; Gam'al's hand around his throat; his nails digging into his neck like daggers; choking the life out of him. Gam'al's breath was foul of demon blood when he spoke "I was wrong Ramzy; your just like the rest of this dead clan. One last chance to join us?"
Ramzy spat what he could and muttered "I would rather die!"
Gam'al gripped tighter and Ramzy struggled to break the orcs grasp but his attempts were in vain. Just as he was about to pass Gam'al released his grip "You don't deserve the honor of being killed by us; come; we're leaving" he said to his raiders.
Slowly Ramzy came too and began crawling; when he heard a voice "Like a true Rageskull..." As the young orc looked around he seen it was Taraka speaking to him. As he approached her; he could see the damage Gam'al had done; left to die rather than grant her a clean death.
She lifted her hand up and Ramzy grasped it as she spoke; blood dripping from his mouth; face. "You seen them..." Ramzy nodded as she coughed "Then we will survive...the needs of the clan..." She was gone. Ramzy kneeled there beside her; and with his fingers closed her eyes. "Outweigh the needs of all else..." he said. It took time; but he spread the camp fire so that it engulfed the entire battlefield. All those dead would finally find peace with their ancestors; while Ramzy slowly started his trek towards those he helped escape.
-------
Ramzy continued to gaze into the fire as he turned to Agiskka “Sometimes I wonder what more I could have done” Agiskka placed her hand on Ramzy’s shoulder “Even a chieftain needs to be reminded that the needs of the clan come before everything else. You did the right thing Ram; and our clan survives because of it.” Ramzy gave a nod as Agiskka stood up “Aka’Magosh Ram. I’ll see you tomorrow.” She said as she walked away.
She was right; but still he wonder’s…