Oft depicted as mere lackeys of Chaos, the Beasts have occasionally found themselves used as pawns of the Dark Gods, but their main similarity is the dread they inspire among civilised peoples. Theirs is a distinct history, and perhaps a tragic tale. Though choosing blade over bow, they are the equals of the Sylvan folk with whom they contest for the woodland realms. All the enmity and revulsion of the Elves at the perceived violation of nature has not brought an end to these beasts – on the (...)
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Nature of the Herd
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Of Ogres...
Ogres are among the toughest of all creatures. Their brutal nomadic life weeds out the weak, while the strongest, having weathered every type of hardship imaginable, rise to become Khans. The only thing that exceeds their endurance is their appetite. Ogres prize food above all else, and an Ogre mercenary force has been known to eat its employers into bankruptcy.
Still, Ogres can be reasoned with, provided you respect their traditions. In the days of the greatest Khan of Khans, Ogres walked (...) -
Ogres and Magic
In the heights of the Sky Mountains and across the plains of Augea, Ogres exert a magical influence which is anything but subtle. The Khans care not for the trickery of witches, the foretelling of seers, nor the balance of cosmologists. Theirs is a magic of fire, might and divine intervention. They bellow at the sky, call down the fury of their deities, turning ogre skin to stone and setting whole peaks alight. Even magic bends before the brute strength of the ogre and their (...)
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Orc Commentating “That’ll Do Pig” from The Games
“And into the fourth lap now! I haven’t seen this since The Eight Stone Axes nobbled the Sudden Death tribe in ’53. Four Laps! Great Stuff! And bloody too, you can smell the pain!
As the last three boars once again cross the ‘Get Ready’ line at full throttle, we have Zakrak of the Twin Moon tribe hot on the piglet’s heels. He’s closely followed by a clearly unconscious Raghat of the Seven Rocks, he’s lashing about in his saddle like a kraken taking a bath. If that leather strap breaks he’s (...) -
Prelude to the Games
Tonight we witness most epic combat
Are you ready?
Make some noise
From Volsk mud, great champion of Black Pikes
Nine hundred thirty pounds
Dugek Bloody Eye!
Make some noise
From mountain cave, evil smelling, big warlord of Iron Boys
One thousand fifty six pounds
Zigbol Stubborn Fist!
Are you ready?
Let me hear
Make some noise
Make some noise
Get ready To Rumble! -
Rats and Religion
The traders in the east are unable to provide the same quantities as last year. They blame the vermin. As you know, in parts of Sagarika, men and rats live side by side, oblivious to the clear danger. Until recently, these vermin worshipped rat gods – twisted versions of the gods of old Avras. But when plague struck the land, they say a rat went among them, preaching of a new god, the Plaguebringer, who offers salvation through the touch of disease. The pestilence lingered around those who (...)
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Report on Aguadulce
Sir, on behalf of Empress Sophia I hereby grant you a commission of 5,000 men and 27 galleons for the purpose of re-establishing control of the imperial colony of Aguadulce. You will set sail this summer to Virentia, where you will refortify and expand the encampment, and oversee the plantations’ immediate return to productivity.
As you know, the colony was recently abandoned after an encounter with a local species of giant reptile. This is what we know:
The ancient creatures known as (...) -
Report on Aguadulce
Sir, on behalf of Empress Sophia I hereby grant you a commission of 5,000 men and 27 galleons for the purpose of re-establishing control of the imperial colony of Aguadulce. You will set sail this summer to Virentia, where you will refortify and expand the encampment, and oversee the plantations’ immediate return to productivity.
As you know, the colony was recently abandoned after an encounter with a local species of giant reptile. This is what we know:
The ancient creatures known as (...) -
Restrictions of Movement on Celeda Ablan and the Pearl Harbour
Do the HE allow humans or other humanoids to enter their island?
I believe i have referred in the past to opportunities to consult texts at one of the great elven universities on Celeda Ablan. It was one of the finer moments of my academic career, but it was not without risk. Humans, and any other outsider, who visit the elven cities on Celeda Ablan take their life in their own hands.
Provided you are wise, listen to your minders, and don’t stray beyond the permitted spaces, you should (...) -
Saurian Magic
The Saurian Ancients are believed to have used magic longer than any other race. The relationship of the Cuatl with magic is like breathing air – their pampered bodies reflecting the degree to which their mind has focused upon its use in spell craft. No longer requiring the words or gestures, they are able to act and communicate telepathically and through others. Paradoxically, they value order and structure to such an extent that some of the wilder paths of magic are beyond philosophical (...)