Moria,
The cavernous ceiling of this room lies
hidden in shadow, like viscous ink, it obscures nearly every rough surface of
this giant room. A halo of burning light sits in one end of the enormous
cavern, a pool of liquid lava, bubbling with the energy of the earth. Its heat
casts an oppressive haze throughout the temple, as if the spirit of the Balrog
has blessed this room. Behind the bubbling pool, an outcropping of rock shoots
towards the ceiling, providing a platform adorned with fetishes and icons in
honor of the Flame. Yet before it a giant stone altar sits heavily, like a
gateway to the common uruk. The stone surface is stained in places with the
dried blood of victims, and a multitude of braziers
burn with a brilliant flame, mirroring the pool of light behind it. In the
nightmare darkness of the shadows, two doorways lie, one covered by a heavy
cloth, the other stinking of herbs and sickness.
Contents:
Gazburg
Zurku
C'zakh
Laerecht
Durbmog
Grok
Zimbacht
Gartogg
Knelt before the altar of the
[Gurgil(#25471)] Laying by the pool
of lava is one some might know as Gurgil. His prone form still wears its armor,
but its heavily damaged. Across the chest is a large
gash, and also a good sized hole is in the shoulder. Both areas are covering in
old, caking blood.
[Guzlug(#31676)]
Loping into the vast cavern comes Guzlug, newly
appointed apprentice hammerer. He carries with him a hammer which he hastly
tucks in his belt, fresh from the forge, where most of the time since his
return he has spent at the anvil crafting iron into the various weapons of war
for future battles,
[Gartogg(#8601)] Trudging
through the cavern is a rather odd looking Uruk. The gleaming
light of the lava flowing over him as he hobbles around the Cavern in what
appears to be a circle. The creature mutters to itself
over and over, "Flame...... Flame.... Eye.... Die....." Drool and
puss drip rhythmatically from the corners of its mouth, making small
splattering noises on the stone as it walks. Gartogg looks up from his
contemplationing walk, eyeing those around him with his pair of physcotic eyes.
Huzghash's hooded head turns to the side slightly, the
corner of one red eye gleaming with the light of the lava-pits. 'Hrmmpf.'
huzghash grunts, his head swiveling back towards the Altar as he begins to
speak in low tones. "<Morbeth> Flame bless and guide my path. I seek
only to strengthen your horde with what I seek. Allow me to fulfill this, my
Flame."
Sohargh's robes caress the smooth stone floor of the
temple, brushing dust and bits of dried blood away from the Talashakh's feet as
he treads close to the burning pool. The healer's rhythmic breath disturbs the
near-noxious fumes about him. Though they are little more than guttural
whispers his words mark the air they are cast into, "The devotion of so
many shall not be forgotten. Always after campaign uruks feel required to purge
themselves.. Interesting"
[Gurgil(#25471)] The red light from the pool plays over the
dark skin of Gurgil. Presently, he seems to stir a little, and then he sits up.
Propping himself on his elbows he looks slightly lost. Glancing around he seems
to remember where he is. He looks at Sohargh with narrowed eyes as the healer
strides close by to him, but says nothing yet.
Rising slowly the black robes
the cover Huzghash's muscled frame flow with an unknown breeze. Deepset within the darkness of his hood peer two crimson orbs,
burning with the intensity of the lava-pits themselves. "Indeed,
Sohargh. Uruks should seek the
Huzghash adds calmly, a yellowed fang gleaming from
within his hood.
Guzlug walks around the pool, wiping his sweaty head and
stares in to the pool; "Yes Talashakh, so many uruks died for the flame,
and the king .. Guzlug hopes that his efforts weren't
in vain fighting with the horde, though he feels he needs some practice";
raising his head.
[Gartogg(#8601)] The hobbling
form of Gartogg changes course and begins walking towards the pool of lava. As
he nears, his crooked face becomes visible. The Uruk grins wickedly and winks
at the Healer, a low chuckle emitting from his maw as he stomps on the floor.
Gartogg trudges up to the edge of the pool peers into it, "Eye Down Der?"
Sohargh croaks, "Yet some come for more than
remission of sins." The healer's eyes narrow on Gurgil, "Tell us of
your deeds little one. Home came these hurts?" A
clawed hand slides out of the folded robes, its fingers curled around a pouch.
The Talashakh's fangs glisten pale gold and sour
yellow as the light of the pit catches his sardonic smile. He gestures toward
Guzlug, "Huzghash, would you teach this energetic whelp something of
combat? I come to the temple as a healer, not a warrior."
[Guzlug(#31676)] At
the mention of his name, Guzlug wrenches his eyes from the pool and to the
uruk, Huzghash; "Guzlug would like to fight for the pit, if Huzghash,
would haveth the time?"
Gurgil looks up with a slightly puzzeled exprresion on
his face at Sohargh. He frowns as he thinks for a moment. "Dos light
lovers dat we fought outta the cave. I fought wit them and one of those ones
got me. But I got 'im badder haha." This long speech seems to take a lot
out of him, for he falls back a little more.
The Master Guard and Talashakh grunts, "I will not
show you here, though in any case yyou must wait for my return." Huzghash
says, his words slicing the air cooly. "I came here to pray before my next
journey." Flashing a short glance to Sohargh, Huzghash looks back to
Guzlug. "I will, in time, show you what I may of combat."
Sohargh kneels down near Gurgil and opens the pouch,
"Show me your wounds little one." The Talashakh waves dismissively,
"Go then, Huzghash."
Gurgil lays back and shrugs off the tatters of armor. His
chest is now bare and a large, ceep cut is able to be seen through the dry
blood. It is a slash from the bottom left to upper right of his chest. Also,
his shoulder has a large thrust wound in it.
Gartogg lets out a low grunt as he sits down on the stone
floor, a short distance from the lava pool. The Snaga leans back on his arms
and extends his legs, grinning wickedly and winking up at the Healer again.
[Guzlug(#31676)] The reply is not good news to Guzlug, but at
least 'later' isn't never. His eyes return to the
pool, he doesnt know why, maybe to seek some comfort atfter so longg outside,
and so many uruks dying. Maybe when he became a fully fledged warrior the
apprentice hammerer could lend more steel to the battle, maybe thats why he was
here .. and to find someone
who would train him..
[Zimbacht(#31819)] Zimbacht slowly walks into the temple,
noticing but not paying attention to the small knot of taller uruk that have
gathered. He is not particularily a religious uruk - if there is such a thing.
Oh he believe in the flame, and in paying homage to
the flame, and quick honestly fears the flame dreadfully. But that's not so
much a religion to him as it is a way of life. Like coming
here. To think he small, rather banal thoughts.
A way of life.
The heat here is beyond opressive - but that's expected.
After all it is the flames throne room. Besides, Zimbacht is not here to be
comfortable. He's here well... quite frankly because he feels rather dirty
after having to drag that little eye loving pest across camp a few nights past.
Eye? Who would respect an eye? Still - there was
something about what the eye uruk said. He was strong, as strong as Zimbacht. More than likely stronger. Maybe by coming here the flame
would make him stronger.
Spying Gartogg sitting on the ground, and deciding he can
trust the slightly deranged uruk, at least with the other, bigger uruks around,
he makes an attempt to strike up a conversation. "Gartogg" he says in
a voice that betrays at least some deference to his location "Where you go
other night. We have fun laughing at silly uruk who not believe in flame. Me and olog show him all of camp!"
Sohargh rakes his claws across each wound, scraping and
peeling away the scabs and dried blood. The Healer mutters a prayer as he
tosses three handfuls of gray powder, intermixed with some of the Gurgil's
dried blood, on each wound. The Talashakh rumbles,
"Fear the flame. A single spark from its finite likeness will set your
medicine ablaze. Move away from the pit when I am finished."
Gurgil laughs, a harsh sound. "It does one well to
always fear the flame, but I hear what you are meaning." He rests his head
back on the ground, not seeming to do much when the scabs are picked at of when
any of the other more painful things are done.
Gartogg leaps to his feet as Zimbacht approaches him. His chittering voice echoing across the cavern, "Kill Eye!
Find Eye Orc! sneaking round dead orcs! Bash head in!
Fun fun!!" and he stomps his feet, a wide grin forming on his mouth.
[Durbmog(#29406)]
Durbmog slips into the
Sohargh wraps Gurgil's wounds in stiff leather bandages,
"Your wounds are a bit too large to be sewn, so you don't get the needle
tonight." The Talashakh rises and casts his gaze about the room, "Ah!
Warlord!"
Guzlugs eyes return to the pool, feeling the heat around
his tiny eyeballs, and begins rocking backwards an forwards,
; "Feels good near the flame agin. Guzlug needs to find strong
master, a master that - - - can fight!"
Huzghash stirs from his second silence, body shifitng
again to face the
[Moria ZMO(#20000)->Huzghash]
Gurgil nods and smiles a toothy grin at th healer. "Thanks healer. I'll watch out fer the flame
too, more than ever." He slides himself across the floor, farther away
from the pool, a comic sight. Moving into a sitting position he nods at the
warlord, not caring if he is noticed or not.
[Zimbacht(#31819)] Zimbacht nods
thoughtfully at Gartoggs reply "Yes. Kill. Still - you leave me and troll
alone to take him on tour. That no fun. Me had to poke
him with stick alone. More fun if both of us poke him with stick. Anyway - good to see you." He pauses and seems to think
some more "You always think of head bashing in place like this?"
Gartogg waggles his eyebrows and cocks his head to the
side, "Warm here, nice spot to relax..... Save head bashing for the
pit" and he peers at the other Snaga, "What you do here? You relax
to?"
[Durbmog(#29406)]
"We shall surely see if the Thrugu plague has ended,
Huzghash." Durbmog rumbles, brow furrowing. Still moving
almost soundlessly, the Warlord advances towards the altar. "Sohargh."
[Piler(#28992)] A snaga of little import scuttles, bent
nearly to all fours, into the
Sohargh murmurs, "There is an uruk here that desires
training. My other duties prevent me from giving him suitable instruction.. See that he learns the use of a weapon." The
Talashakh glides toward the apothecary, "Teach
him yourself or get another to do it, just make sure we don't have another
useless warrior consuming the flame's resources."
[Zimbacht(#31819)] Zimbacht
shrugs at Gartogg's question "Me come here to
think most. Though you are right. Is
warm here. Maybe place to relax. 'Cept to many
bigger uruks around to really relax. Me still have to
work hard - have no sword to fight back with if me no want to work. Me just
stay here and think. Think about silly captured uruk. Think about how what he
said was stupid. Think about fighting soon. Me guard
now. You guard too."
Catching only the word danger from the snaga sentence, he
turns to face the group of larger snaga, to judge their reactions to to chose
his reaction accordingly.
Gartogg glances around Zimbacht to watch the newly
arrived Snaga. Snickering to himself, he extends his tongue and tries to touch
his nose before he speaks, "Big Uruks, Small Uruks, all Eye Uruk
die!" and he holds up his hands and bares his fangs, "No need sword
to fight! Teef an Claw work to!"
[Durbmog(#29406)]
Durbmog grunts, putting an ironclad hand on one hip.
"Very well, Sohargh," he rumbles. "We must all do our part
against the Thrugus, should they remain in the Halls. You will report to me as
soon as possible so that we can discuss Thrakburzum's preparations -- just in
case -- for the Thrugu threat."
Sohargh's eyes flicker, "Of course." The
Talashakh slides his arms back into the folds of his robe before vanishing into
the apothecary.
Pough moves into the
Huzghash grunts, eyes peering round the room.
"Warlord, if you need the assistance of the Morghash relatively soon I
would suggest contacting Khamuz, my Shakh. I may not be available."
Huzghash does not show emotion, his hooded face looking towards the door
towards the Baneguard chambers. "In fact, I will take my leave of you
soon, only for a short time I hope."
[Durbmog(#29406)]
"Huzghash," Durbmog rumbles, tones reproachful.
"Where do you think you're going in the time of Moria's need?"
[Zimbacht(#31819)] Zimbacht
shrugs as nothing comes of the snaga, and turns back to Gartogg "No need? Little need. Much more likely to hurt uruk
with club than with hands no? Fight good with cla and teeth. Fight
better with something else. Make sense?"
[Piler(#28992)] The snaga is found out,
at least two pairs of eyes now gaze upon him. Nervous fear.
He completes his search, then begins to trace a path
toward the West exit of the
"I have plans for an audience. One
that will benefit the Horde greatly, Warlord." Huzghash answers,
his tones cool; collected. "I will return, either as a crisp or as
something else entirely." Huzghash pauses, his hand spulling back the hood
covering his shaved head. "I do not leave in time of Moria's need. Indeed,
I seek to help Moria with my short journey."
[Durbmog(#29406)]
"You will tell me precisely what your intention
is," Durbmog rasps, one hand falling to his side. "And what you
conversed with Dugzash about, so recently. I am Warlord; I will have answers. My friend."
Piler cannot hold back from flashing the slightest of
glimpses toward Huzghash as he speaks of...no... yes
indeed. The Uruk speaks of the fire below! Still wary of the dangers present,
the meagerly-clad snaga now peers cautiously the way of the group but does not
slow down in his efforts to circumvent the groups and make his way to the
glorious safety of the exit.
Gartogg shrugs and waggles his eyebrows at Zimbacht,
"No matter! Long as other Uruk die! especially
Eye Uruk!" and he looks over at Huzghash, "Have to earn right to use
weapons, till then you use wits and claws!"
Huzghash smirks, his eyes calming coming to match the
Warlord's, "I intend to seek an audience with the Flame, Warlord. If you must know." Huzghash pauses, "Whether or
not it is granted is another matter entirely." Huzghash continues to stare
back at the Warlord, his own hands clasped before him. "That is what I
spoke to Dugzash about."
[Durbmog(#29406)]
Durbmog relaxes, smiling toothily. "Huzghash, my
friend, let me tell you something about Dugzash. Something that Hykhert decreed
..."
[Zimbacht(#31819)] "Yes, have to earn right..."
replies Zimbacht quickly "...but still would be better able to relax if I
had a club or a sword or something. Me so short, me not
intimidating at all. But sword? Sword intimidating. Sword mean
respect. Lime Flame mean respect, only not so much respect for sword as for
Flame. Flame have much more respect." He shrugs
"Anyway. Maybe me sit down and relax with you. Make friend with Gartogg!
That way when me get weapon me help you. And when you
get weapon you help me. Great idea me have!"
[Piler(#28992)] The snaga averts again his eyes.
Eavesdropping on discussions of
[Durbmog(#29406)]
"Oh, Hykhert entrusted him to me," Durbmog
declares casually. "Fully. Huzghash, Dugzash and
I are close associates. So you may be assured that he will concur with me. Now,
as I would not have the Balrog angered with Moria over the actions of one, you
must tell me what you must bring before the Balrog's attention that is so
important that you refuse to bring it to the King first."
"Ah, the Gothshaka. If one
was able to gain an audience with him, then I would gladly bring this before
him. Yet, if the Flame is to be angered, let him be angered at *my* actions,
let him roast *me* for *my* insolence." Huzghash pauses, "Since
Dugzash and you are close associates, and he granted me his blessing in
pursuing this endeavor, one wonders why you were not told." Huzghash
considers his own words a moment longer, "Yet, if you wish me to see the
Gothshaka, Warlord, before I seek the Flame, then I shall." Huzghash words
are submissive, his eyes dropping towards the ground.
Piler goes unnoticed -- Hah! Survival lies in
inconspicuity. The strongest and longest branches are the first pruned. Gone
from the wiles of the
[Durbmog(#29406)]
"Since you are so sure," Durbmog hisses,
"that the Demon would roast you for these words you admit to be insolent,
what, pray tell, are they?"
Gartogg squeals at Zimbacht, "Yes yes! Kill many Eye
Uruks an other things! Get big an
strong!" and he assumes a fighting position, "Kick, bite, main,
butcher!" The Uruk's eyes change slightly, a maniacal grin forming on his
mouth as he cackles, "Fun fun fun!"
The Talashakh Morghash grins, his lips slithering like a
double-headed snake. "I did not say my wishes for Moria were insolent. I
merely said that if the Fire-Demon believe them to be
so that the Demon would roast me, and me alone." Huzghash pauses again,
matching the gaze of the Warlord.
[Zimbacht(#31819)] Zimbacht shrugs "Yes. We will kill
many eye uruks when the time comes." He pauses, and tries to glean a few
words of what the other uruks are saying. Turning to the Gartogg he says
quietly "Maybe we should go over and listen to bigger uruks. Might hear
something important for us?"
Gartogg waggles his head back and forth, his tongue
hanging out. "No care what they say, Me just want
somethin to fight!" and he spins on his heels in a circle, "Fight
Fight Fight! Eye Die! Fun Fun Fun!!!!"
[Durbmog(#29406)]
"So," Durbmog snarls, seemingly beginning to
grow angry, "you suggest that the Demon could be mistaken and destroy you
unjustly, mistaking your supposedly noble goals for insolence?" His pale
gaze bores like hot yellow fire into the Morghash Chieftain, almost feverish in
its intensity. "Do you seek to muddy Dugzash's good name and trick me into
killing him (as Hykhert bade me to should he cross the lines of acceptability)?
Do you seek to take advantage of the power the Master Shaman entrusted me over
Dugzash by slandering him? Surely Dugzash, as a Shaman, would not give his
approval to any action that there was a risk Our Master would disapprove!"
[Zimbacht(#31819)] Zimbacht's eyes and ears stray further and
further towards the small knot or larger uruks as their voices grow louder and more stern. His reply is made to Gartogg without looking
back at him "Yes - me want fight too. But sounds like maybe fight over
there. Maybe not for us to fight, but maybe. Sound like someone mad!"
"No," Huzghash responds, his voice still
collected. "He would give his blessing on something that the Master Shaman
hykhert wished to see done. Something that would benefit the
Flame greatly, Warlord." Huzghash pauses, a frown taking form on
his face. "I...." Huzghash says, face
growing stern, jaw setting. "I am a Zealot of the Flame, Warlord, as
cofirmed by the Master Shaman. And I seek to reinstate the order of Zealots to
Moria." Now Huzghash words do grow more vehement, his eyes flaring like
dying coals brought back to flame. "If my own wishes are misguided then it
is *I*, not the Flame, who would be at fault!"
[Durbmog(#29406)]
"It seems to me," Durbmog purrs, taking a
catlike step about Huzghash, beginning to circle the Morghash, "that it is
disturbing that you would wish to reinstate the same institution Nin sought to
officially reinstate. I was there in the Drum Room when the evil ones attacked
the Master Shaman -- you were not, as I recall, but I was there -- and Hykhert
spoke. He said, 'All true servants of the Demon are zealots'; and he gainsayed
Nin's demand to be declared a Zealot after the fashion of Garjug of old. Tell
me, Huzghash, why do you seek what Nin sought? Why do you bring forward a wish
you admit MIGHT be misguided and propose to take it before the Demon? You are,
by your own tongue, uncertain of the propriety of this proposal. Can you not
see it? Your own words bespeak your mental division. You are unsure! Uncertain!
And you would go to the Demon?!" Durbmog's hands clench into fists.
Gartogg raises an eyebrow at Zimbacht. "Mad? who's mad? Me not mad!" and he
stomps the ground. His bright red eyes glance around the room, "Nothin
needs killin here me thinks! Wonder if other Snaga up for fight? We beat up
Snagas an get respect maybe?"
The Talashakh Morghash slackens,
his shoulders and head bowing slightly. "Then allow me to go to my death,
Warlord, if you see it as such. You have nothing to lose by having me removed
from Moria, and much to gain." Huzghash pauses, his eyes still tracing the
ground. "I believe fully in my cause, and I know that the Master Shaman
hykhert would support me in this endeavor." Huzghash straightens then,
turning to face the circling Warlord. "If you are accusing me of
consorting with Nin you are sorely mistaken. The Master Shaman Hykhert was my
guide, Warlord. I would never seek to dishonor his name if I did not believe in
my goals."
[Zimbacht(#31819)] "Hmm... sound like good idea."
replies Zimbacht, his tone thoughtful "Except no snaga here. All gone away. And me still want to
relax here - no go chase snaga around. Chasing snaga is like eye. Stupid! Like eye orc too. Tell me flame was like snaga to him. I
laugh and tell him if he better than flame, then why he not escape. He no answer me."
[Durbmog(#29406)]
"So you seek," Durbmog roars, "to dishonor
his name because you believe in your goals? You would go against Hykhert's
clearly expressed will in this matter? This is blasphemy against Master Shaman
Hykhert, the Servant of the Flame, and treason against King Horvak!" His
gauntleted right hand clasps the head of his war hammer; the hammer slowly
slides forth.
Gartogg turns slightly to look at the Warlord and Master
Guard, his eyebrows perking with interest, "Fight? Big
Uruks Fight? Oog! This be interesting!"
and he crosses his arms across his chest. "Wonder who win?"
[Zimbacht(#31819)] "See - me tell you big uruk
fight." says Zimbacht in an 'I told you so' type voice "But you no
listen. We watch now though. Me dunno who win either - though me wonder if maybe we should help? Or not.
We just stand here for now. Maybe we be called to help
later."
"You misconstrue my words, Warlord." Huzghash
says, eyes matching intensity. "I do not blaspheme the Master Shaman
Hykhert, nor the Gothshaka, nor you, Warlord. If
anything, I seek to serve more aptly and more definitively, my Warlord."
Huzghash eyes drop submissively, "An order of Zealots working beneath the
The Talashakh
Morghash grunts, "And Hykhert knew of Nin's disloyalty before the uruk
dares raise weapon against the Master Shaman. This is why he did not wish Nin resurrect the Order of Zealots. This is why he placed this
burden upon me, Warlord. But if you see it as unfit for Moria, then say the word and I shall relent."
[Durbmog(#29406)]
"Outrageous," Durbmog sneers. "You spoke
your words in full hearing." His eyes blaze, pale and
penetrating.
"And you question MY loyalty -- loyalty that, I
might add, I displayed when I strode forth to defend Hykhert. Where were you?
Huzghash, Hykhert declared that there would be no Zealot "order";
that those who serve the Flame and uphold the Master Shaman are zealots enough:
we who moved to his defense when he called. You seek to dissemble with words;
you presumptuously declare what will be so, despite your previous statements of
uncertainty! You waver this way and that, saying now 'I am firm in my resolve,
and Hykhert supported me,' despite the will he expressed as the blasphemers
attacked him and I defended him; and five minutes past you said 'I am not
certain; my words may offend the Demon'; and you admitted yourself that you
seek to dishonor Hykhert's name due to the strength of your conviction!"
Durbmog raises his hammer high. "You are under
arrest; you have admitted that you seek to dishonor Hykhert, and you have
attempted to bypass the King that the Demon appointed and sent Hykhert himself
to confirm!"
"I have admitted nothing, save loyalty to Hykhert,
loyalty to the Gothshaka, and loyalty to the Flame. I have admitted nothing."
Huzghash pauses, his body tensing, eyes greeting the Warlord's own. "And I
do not question your loyalty to any, Warlord. Indeed, you have proven your
loyalty many times over and for that I am greatful." Huzghash bows his
head once.
"You
question where I was when hykhert was slain? I will tell you. Doing my duty for the Flame as I do every day in the traingin of
Guards and uruks of the horde. Had I been present I would have proven my
loyalty yet again. I cannot be in multiple places at once, Warlord. I posses not the skills." Huzghash releases a nervous
chuckle. "Everyday since Hykhert's death I have questioned what I could
have done, but there is nothing. I was too far from the scene, too distant to
help." Huzghash's eyes seem near distant, "You, of all uruks of the
Horde, have seen my loyalty, Warlord, allow me this chance to prove it to you
yet again, and forever in your debt I shall be. I seek only to honor the
Gothshaka, the Flame, Master Shaman Hykhert, and the officers of Moria in
seeking what I do."
[Durbmog(#29406)]
Durbmog snorts, brandishing the hammer. "Sweet words
now, Huzghash, but after outright treason and blasphemy I am unmoved. Long, for
the sake of your previous glories, I gave you the benefit of the doubt; yes,
even when you sought out Dugzash, seeking to bypass me, seeking to keep the
Warlord of the King in the dark, seeking to keep the King himself unaware. And
still, despite your grave admissions of uncertainty, your blasphemous words
against Hykhert -- I quote, Huzghash, your words: 'I would never seek to
dishonor his name if I did not believe in my goals' -- you persist in
attempting to sway me into letting you go about your self-declared mission,
without even seeking the Gothshaka's will! You are under arrest for high
treason and blasphemy, I say! Submit to shackles and chains, Huzghash, for my
patience with your vile words grows thin."
Gartogg lets out a low, "OoOOOooOOO" and
snickers quietly. He aims a rather hard jab at Zimbacht, "Maybe we get
weapons now? Both of us combined should be equal to that big Warrior up
there?" and he claps his hands together joyfully.
Huzghash sighs, "So be it, Warlord, but my words
will still be spoken." Huzghash pauses, eyes flashing around the
[Zimbacht(#31819)] Zimbacht is
jabbed quite easily by Gartogg (as he was much more interested in the ongoing
situation than the fist of the lowly guard beside him) and idly rubs where his
comrade hit him "Ouch! No hurt me. Save hurt for later." He shrugs at
Gartogg's question "Which big warrior? Me no know
who to cheer for. Huzghash is leader of guard. Durbmog is warlord. Durbmog is
shakh of clan. Me no know. Me just
watch for now."
[Durbmog(#29406)]
"So you admit that you *LIED* to me previously when
you implied that you would not seek the Gothshaka's blessing unless I forced
you," Durbmog snaps.
He takes a step towards Huzghash, ironshod boot slamming
down on the stone floor. "Your words have as many holes as the vile
cheeses that the light-lovers craft. You seek to twist them to seem pious,
despite your admissions -- from your own TONGUE -- of your evil. You would
'never seek to dishonor Hykhert's name' if you did not believe in your goals!
Execrable! Admit your impious words towards Hykhert, Huzghash! Admit the
lese-majesty that prompted you to presumptuously seek the Flame without the
King's blessing! What was all this talk of 'being roasted' for your own
presumptuous actions if not an attempt to fool me? The facts remain, Huzghash, and
high treason is a crime that few forgive." A pause, then he booms,
"Shackles! Bring shackles for the Morghash Talashakh! He is to travel to
the Jails in chains."
[Zimbacht(#31819)] Zimbacht looks around at the near empt
temple room, then talks out of the side of his mouth
to Gartogg "Hmm... me no see anyone else around. Maybe he mean for us to
get chains? You know where we find chains?"
Gartogg grunts and turns his eyes to look at Zimbacht,
giving a little shrug. "Saw some chains in the Pit...." and he turns,
calling out loudly, "Me go get chains!" and he begins to scamper off
in the direction of the Gladiator Arena.
"If my misguided actions are to be regarded as
treason, Warlord, then I shall face my crimes before the Gothshaka and explain
my case. In either event, I will accept my punishment in rverance to the Flame
and all whom serve it loyalty. I will accept my
punishment." Huzghash pauses, shi eyes raising,
his face looking withdrawn and tired. "Allow me one request, Warlord. That
I be stripped of my rankings post-haste."
Long distance to Balrog: Huzghash grins
[Durbmog(#29406)]
"The King shall decide whether your rank will be
stripped for your treason," Durbmog replies coolly. "But your
admission that your actions were misguided and wrong -- your confession to your
wicked acts -- this may or may not earn you lenience."
From Up, [<#30504>] C'zakh
+shouts, "Grunnu of old, Laerecht of future! The Ghashobazog rise
from the ashes of their defeat, reborn in new strength and new form! The
Ghashobazog Boss shall be Laerecht! As the Flame wills it, a third tribe shall
be reborn!"
"Then I will confess, though I wish to do so before
both the Gothshaka and yourself, my Warlord." Huzghash then allows his
eyes to wearily trace the temple. The Talashakh's eyes and ears perk. "Ghashobazog reborn? So, Laerecht is to revive the
tribe of old." Huzghash muses, a smile cutting across his face for the
first time in what seems to be ages.
[Laerecht(#23460)] Striding fully into the frame of the
"I seek the Master Shaman and Gothshaka!
Behold the trappings of Grunnu of old, and see that the Gashobazog tribe is
indeed reborn!"
[Durbmog(#29406)]
"You just confessed," Durbmog snorts, eyes
boring into Huzghash. "Your confession I shall report to the King. But
rest assured that the King will grant you the trial you are due; he is King,
and his word is law." The Warlord's white teeth gleam. "Now,
Huzghash, compose yourself. Speak no blasphemy in the jails, or all who hear
will witness your blasphemy -- and I shall make sure that all is reported to
the King."
"I have no doubt that you shall, Warlord."
Huzghash says, eyes locking on last time with Durbmog. "Now, shall I make
my way to my Jails on my own or am I to be led by the hand?" Huzghash chuckles, attempting, somewhat, to maintain a dash of his
pride.
[Gartogg(#8601)] The clinking and rattling of chains heralds
the re-entrance of Gartogg. The Snaga holds a jingling mass of chains above his
head as he hobbles across the cavern at a reasonably fast pace, stopping before
the Warlord and Master Guard, "Here the chains! Master!" and he drops them on the ground loudly.
[Durbmog(#29406)]
"Led in shackles, of course," Durbmog replies
as though the question were absurd. "You have confessed to lese-majesty,
deep disrespect for Hykhert and disregard for his will, and willingness to
bypass the King. How else should I lead you, on a litter?"
Huzghash grins, no words forthcoming in answer to the
Warlord. Merely the gleam of Huzghash's crimson eyes
reflecting the fiery pits of lava. The Guard's hands are held before
him, accepting of the shackles and chains. Maintaining eye contact with
Durbmog, Huzghash allows his grin to die a little, more of a smirk now.
"Lead on."
[C'zakh(#30504)] Behind and to the left of the self-appointed
Ghashobazog Boss, C'zakh strides, almost as purposefully as his newfound
allegiance, his short, solid body drawn up tall, every muscle in his body
tensed and taut. His squinting crimson eyes blaze as with hellfire as they
flick from the Warlord to the Morghash Talashakh, and over to Gartogg. He pulls
level with Laerecht, and waits...
[Durbmog(#29406)]
"First," booms Durbmog, his great voice
echoing, "you will tell all gathered here that
you have confessed to disrespect for Hykhert, disregard for his orders, and
lack of proper loyalty to the King! You will tell them that have expressed your
determination to confess in full to the King; that you go to confess these sins
to King Horvak! Tell them! Snaga with the shackles, chain the Morghash
Talashakh for his journey to the Jails, to await the King's will and
verdict."
"Though it pains me more dearly than you would give
me credit, I confess to what the Warlord said. And I will await my verdict, and
chance to speak before the King, peacably in my cell." Huzghash bows his
head, his eyes boring wholes into the ground.
"But," Huzghash pauses, head raising.
"I will not confess to disrespecting the Master Shaman Hykhert! I served
the Master Shaman faithfully for his tenure as a Shaman of Moria, and still I
serve him! My loyalty to Hykhert is unquestionable! If I am to die for my
loyalty then let me! The Master Shaman's lesson will permeate these halls
forever more, and they live on in me, and after
me!" Huzghash stops, "Now, let me go to await my death."
Gartogg bends over and begins untangling the chains. He
speaks loudly, "Zimbacht! Get ovah here an help
me wif these chains!" The Snaga picks up a loose end and drags it towards
Huzghash, reaching up to grasp the Master Guards wrists and tie them with the
chain.
[Laerecht(#23460)] "All gathered here this!" An
almost deafening roar accompanies the herald of the now arms upraised Laerecht
as he descends fully into the Temple.
"The time for the Gashobazog has
come!" Four more steps. "Witness the rebirth of what was counted
lost, and behold!" Four more steps and the monstrous uruk halts dead
center in the cavernous hall.
"The Flame
has spoken to me in a vision! The Flame has opened the Gashobazog Hall to
Laerecht once more!" Head now craned to the ceiling Laerecht bellows the
last. "And from the ashes as a phoenix, the Flame has breathed new life
into the Gashobazog!"
Slowly lowering his head, Laerecht stares into
the assembled masses as if possessed. The haunting gaze as of one transfixed
poors hotly into those witness to his decree.
[Durbmog(#29406)]
"He confesses to crime, then
recants half in the same breath," Durbmog rumbles. "And notice that
he does not protest the charge of disloyalty and attempt to bypass the Flame's
King, Horvak. Witness well this day, orcs of Moria."
He turns, gauntlet describing a panoramic sweep about the
great
Huzghash glares defiantly, his hands and feet now
shackled. "Lead me on! To my cell where I shall wait in
prayer for my punishment."
[C'zakh(#30504)]
"Hear ye!" roars C'zakh, all but ignoring the
shaking claw of Durbmog, and stepping forwards to the side of the former
bodyguard of Grunnu. Dropping a clawed hand to waist level, he clasps onto his
mace's haft, and raising the weapon above his head, the Smith booms, "The
Talashakh ob Morghash goes to rot in his cell, and shall likely die before he
rots, but I;" he pauses slightly, his burning gaze sweeping the room and
coming to land upon the massive uruk standing next to him, "I choose
Ghashobazog! The old shall be reborn anew! Hail the Boss!"
[Laerecht(#23460)] Ignoring the gauntleted hand naming him by
the Warlord, Laerecht casts his arms up once more.
"Recognize and behold Laerecht!
Gashobazog Boss named by the Flame itself!"
Complete focus reining the consciousness of
the massive Morian, Laerecht turns to the arriving C'zakh.
"Note the loyalty of the Gashobazog
Maluuk, C'zakh! All those loyal to the Gashobazog have already spoken their
allegience and labor at this very moment in the repair of our too-long
forgotten hall. Witness and see the rebirth!"
[Zimbacht(#31819)] Zimbacht has managed to moves into the
ever growing circle, closer to Gartogg, who is really the only person he knows
well enough here to talk to. "Ghashobazog?" he says, nudging him
slightly with his elbow "Is that tribe that uruk who made us Thrakburzum
was talking about last night? Are we Ghashobazog? Me
cofused.
Long distance to Durbmog: Huzghash really can't spell tonight
[Durbmog(#29406)]
"You, Hammerer, and you, brave Laerecht, shall bear
witness, and when called upon shall tell the King about Huzghash's
self-incrimination," Durbmog rumbles. Jabbing a finger towards Huzghash,
he inquires in a great bass, as though the question were rhetorical, "Can
he pray in good conscience when he said that he sought to dishonor Hykhert's
name for his cause?"
A moment's pause. "The
Flame made you Boss of Ghashobazog, Laerecht? In person, or is this a figure of
speech?"
Huzghash waits in penitent silence, his head held proudly
high.
[Gazburg(#29717)] Bursting into the temple with all the razz
and all the jazz of a seasoned veteran, Gazburg's movements are made in weary
silence and he speaks no words nor makes any other sounds of the throat. He
pauses in the berth of a tunnel, eyes staring, sweeping the temple with
indiscriminant ferocity. There. He moves toward Durbmog, arms swinging
carelessly at his sides and legs turning like pistons as they drive him toward
the Warlord.
[Laerecht(#23460)] Slowly turning his topknotted head toward
the Warlord, Laerecht continues in the same booming voice.
"The Flame has spoken through a vision! A
vision during battle with the infedels of the west..
/It/ has opened the once closed confines of the Gashobazog halls to me alone!
The loyal C'zakh has born witness of this. Those loyal to the Gashobazog of old
have already begun the revival. Name yourselves your the true loyalties you
bear!"
Arms lowering slowly, the dazed,
self-proclaimed Boss stares consternedly at Durbmog, and then upon the rest
gathered each in turn.
[Durbmog(#29406)]
"Do not forget procedure, the chain of command that
the Flame has instituted," Durbmog warns, gesturing with a razor-sharp
claw. "While I admire the Ghashobazog, it is the King to whom you must
turn for final confirmation of your mandate, Laerecht!"
A pause. "Now, tell me: do
you bear witness to this, Laerecht? Witness you the Morghash Chieftain
confessing his treason to the King, confessing and recanting a confession to
disrespect for Hykhert and disregard for his will?"
Gartogg looks at Zimbacht, "Have no clue whats a happenin" and he tugs on
Huzghash's chains to make sure they are secure. "Me follow whoever gives me stuff ta fight with, an things to
fight against!"
Huzghash allows a smirk to reappear, "I am certain
he will, Warlord. As will all present when their time comes.
Your tribes greatest rival has been removed."
Huzgash returns to silence, his eyes looking towards the doorway.
[Laerecht(#23460)] In a somewhat calmer tone, the massive,
robe-clad Laerecht rumbles again even as he strides toward Durbmog and captive.
"The chain of command has not been
forgotten, Warlord. The Flame has granted me the burden of reformation, and
gladly do I taken upon these shoulders. Even now do I
prepare for meditation before I stand before the Gothshaka."
Flicking his eyes to the chained Huzghash, the Boss points a meaty finger
downward accusingly. "And the Morgahsh Talashakh?
Though surprised am I to hear and admit, I /do/ bear witness to his deeds this
day. An unfortunate thing to confess and recant."
[Gazburg(#29717)] "Well see here now Warlord,"
Gazburg breaks in, his voice rattling and cracking like falling boulders,
"If this lad here can go an declare himself boss of those extinct gas
bags, by the Flame then, I'm chieftain of the Valnul, which I aint." He
inclines his head toward Durbmog, "Spare the King some trouble and kill
this gas bag, what sense is there in creating another contestant for the
Thrakburzum anyways?" The elder snickers almost insanely and his cruel,
festering eyes turn upon Laerecht upon whom they sit, they burn.
[Zimbacht(#31819)] Zimbacht nods
to Gartogg "That is smart plan. You smart, despite strange way you
think!"
[C'zakh(#30504)] "Aye, the renewed Boss speaks truely!"
booms C'zakh, flanged mace still brandished, which he gestures about violently
and drastically, though his tone calms somewhat noticeably, like his new
Master's, and his crimson eyes come to a rest upon Huzghash, though a heated
glare is paid to Gazburg. His tone now turns quieter and more
slow, almost vehement as he hisses, "The Ghashobazog /have/
returned....the time has come for a change. The Balrog himself ripped open the
entrance to the commons....what greater sign could there be? The time is /now/."
[Durbmog(#29406)]
"Deeply unfortunate," Durbmog declares, brow
furrowed. "I am indeed disheartened that Huzghash has compelled me to take
these actions. But, as we all have heard, he has confessed."
A pause, as Durbmog glances at Huzghash. "You accuse
me of misconduct? You are a prisoner awaiting trial for self-confessed high
treason to the King, Huzghash. Say what you will, and heap the evidence against
you higher!"
He looks now to Gazburg. "The King keeps his own
counsel on such matters," the Uruk-Hai rumbles. "His will shall be
done. Laerecht does wisely, seeking to meditate before going to the King of
Moria in contrition and humility. He will doubtless ask meekly and request of
the King with full and modest humility. The King shall choose as the King shall
choose; but Laerecht shows the proper deference to great King Horvak. I
presume." A meaningful glance at C'zakh, then Laerecht.
Huzghash again merely allows a smirk to crack his wearied
lips. "Shall we to my cell now? I grow weary of this."
[Laerecht(#23460)] A single nod dips the topknot atop
Laerecht's cranium as he acquiesces to Durbmog's discourse while staring
Gazburg directly in the eyes.
"The Warlord speaks the truth." A
deeply subdued growl curdles the monster's throat before he continues.
"And I pity the uruk that gainsays the Flame's vision."
Turning abruptly,
the huge, self-proclaimed Boss sinks to his knees at the foot of a nearby icon,
the robes at his back billowing before him as he turns to prayer.
Another bursting
proclomation issues from the lowered Laerecht. "Let all who bear witness
know that the time is indeed now! Be you loyal to the Gashobazog,
remain by my side in vigil until the Gothshaka arrives!"
And with that, the kneeling giant slowly
clasps both hands before him, his eyes already closing as his body and mind
prepare for the long wait.
[Gazburg(#29717)] "What spewed forth from the pit that
the gasbags called home eh? Thrugu's!" Gazburg
grows a little irrate now, "A curse upon the gasbags, may they never rise
again, the bring only plague to Moria." His glare
remains fixed upon Laerecht, its intensity overflowing the red pools that were
its confines. "Warlord, dispatch this blashpemer now, or must I? The King
has worries greater than this gasbag of lies, worries like the Flame."
[Durbmog(#29406)]
Durbmog's brow furrows. "Silence,
self-avowed traitor. You are in no position to be ordering the King's
servant. All your arrogant conduct shall be reported to the King; you show no
penitence!"
He spins his head towards Gazburg. "Let the King judge for himself!" he snaps. "Your concern for
his welfare is commendable -- you deserve citation for your loyalty to the
Gothshaka and concern for his worries -- but Laerecht will await the King's
decision."
[Gazburg(#29717)] "This fool will never meet the
Gothshaka, Warlord," Gazburg contests further, turning his eyes now to
Durbmog, "If you will not do the deed required, I shall, but not now, no,
not now. He will live in fear, fear of my wrath, my axe." He snorts and
inclines his head to the Warlord oh so slightly.
[Durbmog(#29406)]
"Do not hinder the Gothshaka's judgement,"
Durbmog rumbles, frowning. "Declare vendetta if you wish -- seek duels by
all means, so that the strong can prosper as the Demon wills -- but do not
obstruct the King's judgement!"
Gartogg looks to Zimbacht, "See any Eye Uruks?
Haven't killed one in awhile...." and he glances around at all the
gathered Orcs, inspecting each for a sign of affiliation with the Eye.
Gazburg snorts again and begins to filter his way out of
the
C'zakh nods mutely, his eyes blazing as they glower at
Gazburg with unrivaled hatred...but he blinks, and turns away from the 'Old Hand's'
endless spew of insults. He lets out a harsh chuckle as he hears Gazburg adress
the Warlord so flippantly. He turns aside, and, kneeling beside his new
loyalty, bows his head slowly, baring the top of his red-tattooed cranium to
the altar before him, his lipless mouth drawn tightly together in a silent
prayer.
[Zimbacht(#31819)] "Me no see any eye uruks."
replies Zimbacht slowly, still trying to take him all that's going on around
him "Doubt any eye uruks would come into temple of the flame. Eye is
afraid of Flame. Flame is more powerful than eye." He pauses, and turns to
face where Laerecht is kneeling in prayer "Though that uruk say that there
"great boon" for member of his tribe which does not exist yet. Maybe
great boon is chance to kill eye uruks? He say loyal go kneel with him. Me consider it..."
[Laerecht(#23460)] Low murmers are all that escape the lips
of the now pious Laerecht. A meager gathering of snaga huddle about the alter as their numbers are ebb and swell with the
changing of the work shifts in the Gashobazog Commons. Laerecht prays and
waits.
[Durbmog(#29406)]
Left hand extending to take Huzghash's chains, Durbmog
proceeds to move to lead the Morghash Chieftain upwards, ever-closer to the
Jails. At intervals he rumbles, "Bear witness! Huzghash has confessed to
disloyalty and disregard for the King, disrespect and disregard for Hykhert and
his orders! Bear witness! He shall be tried by the King!"
Huzghash follows dutifully after the Warlord, chains
clattering along the ground. Huzghash's head is held high, his eyes defiant and
glaring on his march to the jail cells. Clomp. Clomp. The
Guard moves ever on, feet pounding in response to the Warlords movements.