East Bank of Anduin
You stand on the eastern bank of Anduin
the great. The bank is tall, rising some 10 feet over the river surface. Around
you, the wide warm and muddy plains stretch in every direction.
A small path follows the riverbank north and south, and
the river's level looks rather low for this time of year. Nocturnal predators
chase their prey through the thick grass next to the riverbank.
Rain pours down from the night sky, drenching all around
you. The
Contents:
Rajoo
Gozguk
Morian Encampment
Campfires dot the outskirts of the camp, their licking flames
illuminating the pairs of Guards that stand at the ready at each fire. The camp
itself is in its usual bustle of activity, a clamour
of sounds escaping into the night. Just beyond the main camp stands Huzghash, he's eyes peering out into the dark night. The
firelight is like a mere candle up the face of the Talashakh,
the light managing to barely illuminate his hardened features.
[Gozguk(#13908)] Gozguk the snaga patters through the puddles, his cloak pulled tight
as protection from the rain. Red eyes glance all ways, searching, until they
light on Huzghash. A hiss of satisfaction is heard
and he heads in the Talashakh's direction. Once
within a few paces of the Master Guard, Gozguk bows
slightly, coughs, and speaks. "Greetings, Master Talashakh!"
He waits for some response, tongue flicking over his lips.
The Talashakh's head swivels
slightly, the corner of his eye locking onto Gozguk.
"Ahh, Gozguk. I am
glad you have come to see me this eve." Huzghash
pauses, "I have a few things for you." Huzghash
grins, bending low to search through a sack that lies at his feet.
[<#13908>] Gozguk manages,
with not a little trouble, to look less surprised than he actually feels. He
nods, and then leans closer to the Talashakh. 'I too
have something for you, Master.' He lowers his voice: "Master Khamuz the Scout gave me this message for you: 'Blasphemers
identified, arrests coming but waiting for orders. Meet in usual place,
"Good." Huzghash says, a slight pause while his hand continues to search in
the bag. "Thank you Gozguk. As I said I have a
reward for you. You are to be made Apprentice Guard posthaste, and you are to
have armour and a weapon given to you." Huzghash smirks, his hands returning from the bag as he
stands: his left holds a suit of studded leather armour,
his right a mace. "Will this do, Apprentice?"
[Rajoo(#19968)] As can be seen if looked at by one of the fires, a
third figure approaches the pair of standing guards their and after some chats
among the three one of the two guards who've stood leaves that spot as the
other one takes his place. The guard walks slowly and draws closer to the Morghash Talashakh and his
companion. As he draws closer, his large sizes become more clear, and
especially his nose. Once the uruk is close enough,
he bows towards Huzghash and says "Rajoo at your service Master Guard, Greetings."
[Gozguk(#13908)] Again surprise almost takes control of Gozguk, but he nods again, trying to cover it up.
"Surely, Master, for have I anything else to choose?" A smile follows
this remark, but the Apprentice does not speak again. Instead he turns,
watching Rajoo approach, and looks the larger uruk over. A hiss of dislike escapes his lips, but he
suppresses it and turns back to Huzghash.
[Durbmog(#29406)]
Durbmot strides into view,
black robe fluttering softly behind him. He moves quietly through the camp, a
frown furrowing his brow, his pale eyes pensive.
"Ahh.
Rajoo.
I have heard of the help you have given the Warlord. This pleases me
also." huzghash says, pausing again, his ears
perking at the slight hiss given by Gozguk. "You
too, are to be made an Apprentice Guard." Huzghash
stops again, his eyes scouring the two uruks. "Moria is in need of a Master Guard, Apprentices. I am only
temporary, until I find a suitable replacement." Huzghash
casts his eyes back towards the camp, the crimson orbs locking onto a robed
form moving his way.
[Durbmog(#29406)]
Durbmog approaches the gaggle
of Guards slowly, eyes flickering to Huzghash.
"Greetings," the Warlord booms. "I smell ... something in the
air. Huzghash, what is the latest that you have heard
reported of nearby troop concentrations?"
[Gozguk(#13908)] Gozguk bows to the Talashakh. "Many thanks indeed, Master Talashakh!" He steps back and glances at Durbmog, and though he seemed about to leave, stays his
feet and waits, listening, as the Warlord speaks. Glancing down at the mace now
held in his hands, he smiles to himself and loosens his cloak a bit, though
keeping it well over his head.
Rajoo reveals his yellow and black teeth as he gives another bow towards
Huzghash and replies "Rajoo thanks Master Guard" being cut by a much
stricter and louder voice than his, Rajoo's ears
flinch and he bows towards the source of that voice without even looking at it
and adds "And Rajoo thanks Warlord too for
letting Rajoo help."
Huzghash straightens, offering
the Warlord a salute. "The Mordain are still
near, Warlord. Though what I have smelled of late is not the scent of the Mordain, it is something entirely different." Huzghash pauses, recollecting his thoughts. "Ah, I did
dispacth a few patrols to see if they could spot
anything new, but they have yet to return."
[Laerecht(#23460)]
The towering form of a rather large uruk parts a path
through the streaming snaga busy at their accustomed
labor. His giant head bobbing through the throng like a breeding salmon, Laerecht thrusts a giant paw into the air in salute to the
Master Guard.
"Oi, Huzghash Talashakh!
News for the Master Guard!"
[Gozguk(#13908)] Listening
with interest as the senior uruks speak, Gozguk turns at the shout, recognizing Laerecht's
voice above the hubbub of the camp. He grins, and his tongue flicks over his
lips again. Picking at a fly that has crawled up his nose, he wonders what news
the bodyguard brings.
"Hold one moment, Laerecht."
Huzghash says to the elder Ghashobazog,
his hand raising to emphasize his point. "I must
speak with the Warlord more first."
[Durbmog(#29406)]
Durbmog grunts. "And in
the camp, Huzghash?" he inquires, frowning.
"I heard a most confusing rumor about Khamuz."
[Laerecht(#23460)]
Topknotted head rotating slightly in curtious nod, the beast nears the Talashakh,
thick arms crossing his wide chest as he waits submissively behind his Master,
an almost mirthfull grin splitting his grisly
features as he casually surveys Huzghash and Uruk-Hai.
"Well indeed,
for the news concerns the Warlord as well."
A deeper nod of the grim cranium respectfully
acknowledges Moria's campaign manager.
"Khamuz has brought word
that he has rooted out some of the Blasphemers who were in league against Hykhert." Huzghash pauses, a
smirk appearing on his face. "Yes, the rumour
you heard is much the same as I heard at first, but Gozguk
cleared it up for me." Huzghash motions with his
hand towards Gozguk. "The speak it, Laerecht. For if it concerns the both of
us then we must hear it."
Rajoo sniffs the air deeply and
gives a nod of approval to his masters, though a high chance there is that they
didn't see it. Then some shouts are heard from a distance, and by looking it is
clear that at the spot he sttod earlier with the
other guard, a loud argument occurs with the large uruk's
replacer. Rajoo returns his
attention towards the ones beside him and gives a third bow muttering "If
masters excuse Rajoo must go calm guards down. Guards
should guard and not fight, smell gets stronger." with he turns around and
quickly walks towards the "hot" spot. grunting.
[Durbmog(#29406)]
"I would not be so sanguine," Durbmog rumbles, frown still furrowing his brow.
"Quash the rumor quickly, Talashakh Morghash, before it spreads. That is my advice to
you."
"I do not know yet, Warlord. I am to meet with Khamuz soon to discern their identities." Huzghash answers quickly, his eyes flicking to Laerecht.
Gozguk's brows, or the wrinkles
that could be taken as brows, lower as he hears his name mentioned, and he
listens to the ensuing words with great interest.
[Laerecht(#23460)]
Nodding again, the large uruk sidesteps but slightly
to concern himself further with the Master Guard.
"As per the Warlord's instructions, the Mordain captive has been adequately displayed throughout
the camp, sustaining but minor injuries to body, while massive injury to
pride." A deeper grin. "Furthermore, it is
under my but surely unworthy opinion that a new bout of interrogation could be
beneficial and might possibly root out more information. Currently he is under
armed guard in the presence of the
Grin turning downward slightly, the huge beast
continues on another note while glancing to Durbmog.
"Tis true, Huzghash.
Already have I subdued several a whispering snaga for
their spreading of said rumor." An uneasy hand
creeps to one of the monster's forge hammers.
[Durbmog(#29406)]
A faint smile twists its way across the Warlord's lips. " "Good. When Hykhert
returns, his foes shall be properly chastened."
As Laerecht speaks, Durbmog smirks. "Most excellent, my Maluuk warrior. Laerecht, has the Inquisitor
Garj yet ... attended ... the prisoner? He is wise,
powerful, and crafty; if any can break our fine Eastern friend, it will be
he."
"And you would believe this rumour?"
Huzghash says cooly, a
finger point at the Maluuk's uneasy hand. "As to
the prisoner, the Warlord has final say on what should be done with him."
[Gozguk(#13908)] The snaga stands
quiet, merely listening with ears wide as his masters speak. The only movement
is from his tongue, which occasionally licks his lips and fangs.
[Laerecht(#23460)]
A mere twist of Laerecht's head displays his emotions
to the Warlord.
"I will seek him out if it is your wish,
Lord. I knew of his skill before my sabatical.. most impressive indeed."
Turning quickly to
the Talashakh's querey, the
monster withdraws his hands post haste before retorting. "Assuredly
not, Master Guard! I stated only that several snaga
and lesser-uruk have been chastised for their aiding
in the spread of this rumor that we speak. But say the word and I will take it
upon myself to conduct further investigation as to the original
perpetrator." A tight lip, stoic grimace splits the Maaluk's
features as he peers intently toward Huzghash.
"No need, Thrakburzum Maluuk. I shall prove my devotion to the Flame and the
[Laerecht(#23460)]
A hearty thump precedes a could of dust slowly rising
from Laerecht's chest as massive hand strikes therin in proud salute.
"Laerecht can
but serve, Master Guard!"
A slight nod, and the giant uruk lumbers
after the Talashakh.
[Gozguk(#13908)] Gozguk follow behind, keeping to a respectful distance but
not losing them. His interest in the proceedings has grown even greater, and
now he wouldn't miss them if someone gave him a keg of ale.
[Durbmog(#29406)]
Durbmog clasps his hands behind
his back, watching Huzghash silently. After a moment,
"Let us see."$e
Morian Encampment(#20991aen)
Gah! The stench alone could
kill a flower sniffin' elf dead in his tracks. Oi! Urine and sweat proliferate in great quantities
throughout this campsite, the results of so many unwashed orcish
bodies contained upon a small patch of land tends to do that. Not even the
tents of the few ranking orcs can shield the poor
brutes within from the foul stench. Throw in a couple trolls that pop up
occasionally, and you got yourself one stinkin' mass
of ugliness!
Contents:
The small rat(#16083OVXenp)
Zurku
Warlord's Tent(#31579aen)
Puddle
Guzlug
Thrakburzum Quartermaster(#9837e)
Talashakh's Tent(#19767en)
Mol Hole(#29194Oen)
Old Female Warg(#7409wB)
Horvak's Troll Hole(#11658OVXehn)
Huzghash marches quickly, his
steps pounding for the central firepit of the Morian camp. Uruks shy away from
the Talashakh as he proceeds through, a gaggle of uruks in tow. Arriving at the central fire pit huzghash turns and tosses his spear to Laerecht.
"Place the tip in the fire until it is red hot. Then I will tell you what
to do." Huzghash then jumps atop one of the
cooking carts that is near the firepit.
Standing above the host of Moria huzghash bellows out, "Morians!
A rumour has circulated about me that has claimed me to be a blasphemer! This is not true. I am,
and always have been, a loyal servant of the Flame, the
[Durbmog(#29406)]
Durbmog smiles faintly, turning
with a swish. Sidling to a vantage-point before his tent, Durbmog
seats himself upon a great boulder and watches.
The Talashakh's chest lay bare,
his armour removed and laying at his feet.
[Gozguk(#13908)] The snaga Gozguk stops not far from the fire, close enough to get a
very good view of the proceedings, but far enough to be out of range if things
go wrong.
[Laerecht(#23460)]
Long strides carry the hulking Laerecht closely
behind the Morghash Talashakh,
thick thumbs shoved into his thick belt as he surveys those gathered and
spreading before his predecessor. Nearing the fire pit behind his Master, he
accepts the offered weapon grimly, it's barbed point
already descending for the embers below.
Thick smoke billows about the massive creature
as he fights to stand so close to the mighty blaze's furthest extremety. Close lipped, the Maaluk
turns the spear end over end until it's entirety glows
akin to the torches of the Deeps.
"Let it be
known that any who doubt this Uruk face the hammers
of Laerecht!" A barkingly
deep growl bares the creatures teeth backed tusks to
the already gathering throng as he turns to the Master Guard with a nod.
Holding aloft the red hot weapon, the monstrous uruk
plants it's base at the heal of his boot, waiting for Huzghash to brand his bare hide.
Reaching out Huzghash grips the
spear haft in his hand, his knuckles whitening with strain. Yet his hand too
begins to blister and burn, the entire spear hot. "I serve the Flame! Faithfully and forever!" Sizzle! Pop! Crisssh! Skin begins to boil, blisters pop, pus ooze. Huzghash remains stoic, his hand and chest burning. Blackening. Cripsing. Sizzling. The Talashakh's
skin begins to boil up, blackening into the shape of a spear point.
Pulling the
spear away with a jerk, Huzghash throws it down
towards the ground; his face hardening into a snarl. "THE FLAME IS ALL
THAT I SERVE!" Huzghash bellows, his chest
seared shut and unbleeding.
[Gozguk(#13908)] Obviously much impressed by the Talashakh's resolve, Gozguk
hisses with admiration (it's amazing what variety of emotion hisses can
express) and walks away through the camp, clutching his new mace, eager to use
it.
[Laerecht(#23460)] Laerecht lets fall the
still dangerous weapon as twin appendages soar skyward threateningly.
"All present take notice!" The
mighty voice careens through the camp as the Maaluk
waits for silence. "Huzghash has proven himself pious before you all! I take it upon myself to personnally apprehend anyone gainsaying the Talashakh's loyalty to the Flame! Know this!" Another pause for emphasis. "The apprehension will
result in immediate and unprejudiced punishment at the hands of the Inquisitor,
Garj!"
Dense murmers trickle through the crowd as heads come together in
heated whispers at the mention of a sentence at the hands of the feared servant
of Bolg of old.
"Thank you, Maluuk. Now I must retire, though I will not have my wound tended by any save my own devotion to the Flame." Huzghash leaps down from the cart and lays his armour across his arm. Moving quickly for his tent, uruks stumble out of the Talashakh's way, his wound still sizzling with heat.