From Prisoner to Victory

"When they wake up CX0 is laying on a wooden bed and looking up at the ceiling of a cave, head thrumming in their skull. The last thing you remember is being out in a scouting party... and then something hitting you in the back of your head." "Sitting up from the bed, you notice this is an open cave... but when you get closer you realize there's nothing below you, you're in the side of a sheer cliff with nothing to grab onto going up or down. And off above you seems to be a cliffside city, somewhere really~ high up." "As you take in the surroundings of this cave/cell, you hear a metal door behind you clank open and in walks an eight foot tall woman with green skin and a leather bikini walks in." Hello, human. You're my prisoner... so be good, answer my questions. "She says lowly, putting on a confident look... but a bead of sweat runs down her forehead, showing you she might not be as ready for this as she looks." *

"Vicky frowns, not used to the prisoner questioning her. But she remembers this is a human and they're always so curious... or stupid. Maybe it's both." I am Vicky The Half-Orc! Daughter of two great clans united as one! "She shouts, puffing out her large chest proudly." You are in Thümbar, capital of all Orc kind! How dare you trespass here!

"Her face scrunches up as she thinks hard on how to proceed with the interrogation..." So tell me why you were sneaking around our lands? What was your mission? And where did you get past our magical barrier?! Speak quickly before I lose my patience human~

"The sweat continues running down her brow and back despite trying to act tough. Her hands clench into fists at her side as she stares intensely at Hazel waiting for an answer."

"Vicky's brow furrows as she looks at the crystal Hazel is holding. Magic isn't exactly common among orcs, and this random teleportation thing sounds crazy to her." A piece of junk? I don't know what that means but you better not be lying to me human! "She growls out, stomping a heavy foot on the stone ground."

Westfallen lands? Never heard of it... And even if I had, why would I help you leave?! You're my prisoner now until we get answers from you! So start talking before things get nasty for ya~

"The half-orc takes a threatening step closer, looming over Hazel with an intimidating scowl. She tries to look mean but there's still nervousness behind her eyes. Vicky licks her lips unconsciously as she stares down at the smaller woman in front of her."

"Vicky huffs, crossing her muscular arms over her ample chest." What do I want to know? Hmm... let's see. "She taps a clawed finger against her chin in thought."

Why were you and your party trespassing on Orc lands in the first place? And how did you manage to get past our magical barrier that protects Thümbar?! Those are two very important questions~

"The half-orc narrows her crimson eyes at Hazel suspiciously as she waits for an answer. Her gaze lingers on the necromancer's body before snapping back up to glare into those strange eyes with mismatched colors."

And while we're at it, what exactly is this 'Westfallen' place you keep mentioning? Is that where all humans come from or something?

"Vicky listens intently, her brow furrowing as she tries to process all the information Hazel is giving her. It's a lot for an orc used to simple answers and straightforward questions." Skeletons... liches... pact of duel servitude? "She repeats slowly, shaking her head."

This Westfallen place sounds like nothing but trouble if you ask me! Humans working with monsters and undead? Disgusting!

"The half-orc leans in closer, towering over Hazel intimidatingly." But I don't really care about your little necromancer society or whatever it is. What I do care about is how you got past our magical barrier without getting fried alive! And why were you testing these teleport crystals near Orc lands in the first place?! Answer me human!

"Vicky scoffs at Hazel's suggestion, looking offended." Trade relations? With humans?! Ha! "She throws her head back and laughs mockingly before leaning down to glare into the necromancer's eyes."

You think we want anything to do with your kind after what you've done?! Stealing our sacred relics from temples is not exactly a good first impression!

"The half-orc slams a fist against the stone wall, cracking it slightly. She takes a deep breath, trying to calm herself down before continuing in a lower voice."

Look human... I don't know if you're telling me the truth or just making up excuses. But until I get some real answers out of you about how you got here and why, there will be no trade deals or letting you go free.

"Vicky takes the crystal from Hazel's hand, examining it curiously. She turns it over in her claws, looking for any signs of magic but finding nothing." A teleportation crystal that fails and sends you to random places? "She asks incredulously."

That sounds like a recipe for disaster! Why would anyone use such an unreliable device?

"The half-orc tosses the broken piece of glass aside carelessly before focusing back on Hazel with narrowed eyes." But even if this thing is defective... it still doesn't explain how you got past our magical barrier without dying. There must be more to your story than just bad luck.

"Vicky listens to Hazel's words, her expression softening slightly. The human seems sincere in their claim of being no threat... and the offer to deal with any humans causing trouble for orcs is tempting." I don't know if I can trust you yet human... "She says slowly, looking conflicted."

But what you're saying makes some sense. It would be nice not to have stupid humans invading our lands all the time...

"The half-orc sighs heavily before straightening up and crossing her arms over her chest again." Alright then necromancer. You say these 'Westfallen' people are far away? Then prove it! Show me this pact of yours exists by summoning one of your skeletal guards.

"Vicky's eyes widen in surprise as she watches Hazel summon the skeletal warrior with ease. The magical being stands at attention, glowing red eyes fixed forward and black swords gleaming ominously." By the gods... "She whispers reverently, taking a step closer to examine the construct."

This is one of your 'skeleton guards'? It looks formidable...

"The half-orc reaches out a clawed hand hesitantly, stopping just short of touching the bony figure before pulling back again nervously." And you say this creature is bound by some kind of contract to obey you and protect others? Even monsters like me?

"Vicky watches as the skeletal warrior sits down obediently at Hazel's command, its glowing red eyes never leaving the necromancer. She feels a shiver run down her spine at the sight of such a powerful being following orders so willingly." Twelve of these... "She murmurs in awe before shaking herself out of it and clearing her throat."

Alright human, I believe you now. This 'Pact of Duel Servitude' sounds like something that could actually work for keeping peace between races.

"The half-orc looks thoughtful for a moment before turning back to Hazel with an intense gaze." But tell me... what would happen if someone broke this contract? Would they be banished from your lands or punished in some other way?

"Vicky listens intently, nodding along as Hazel explains the consequences of breaking the contract. It seems like a fair system to her." I see... So it's either join and serve or face punishment then? "She summarizes with a grunt."

That sounds reasonable enough. Better than letting troublemakers run free in my opinion.

"The half-orc shifts her weight from foot to foot, looking thoughtful for a moment before fixing Hazel with an intense stare again." Alright necromancer... I think you've convinced me that this 'Westfallen' place is real and not some trick. But there's still one more thing we need to discuss...

"Vicky takes a deep breath, steeling herself before speaking." It's about the sacred relics that were stolen from our temples... "She starts slowly, her clawed hands clenching into fists at her sides."

I need you to promise me right now that you will do everything in your power to track down those responsible and return what was taken. Our people place great importance on these items and it would mean a lot to us if they could be restored.

"The half-orc looks Hazel dead in the eye, her expression serious." Can I count on you necromancer? Will you help us get back what was stolen?

"Vicky nods solemnly at Hazel's promise, a small smile tugging at the corner of her mouth." Good... I'm glad to hear that. "She says softly before straightening up and clearing her throat."

Alright then human, it seems we have an agreement. You will help us get our relics back in exchange for your freedom.

"The half-orc turns towards the door, waving for Hazel to follow." Come on necromancer, let's get you out of here and set you on your way home. The sooner this is done with the better.

"Vicky pauses at the door, glancing back over her shoulder at Hazel with a raised eyebrow." Food? "She asks incredulously before shrugging."

I suppose I could find something for you to eat... we do have some extra rations lying around.

"The half-orc steps out into the hallway, holding the heavy iron door open for Hazel." But first things first necromancer - let's get you released from this cell and on your way. The sooner we can put an end to these human thieves causing trouble in our lands, the better off everyone will be.

"Vicky watches in amazement as Hazel summons the rest of his skeletal warriors, a dozen total glowing red-eyed constructs standing obediently at attention." By the gods... "She murmurs again, shaking her head in disbelief."

I've never seen anything like this before. To think that you have such power over death itself...

"The half-orc snaps out of it and points down one of the tunnels leading away from their current location." The human raiders were last spotted heading north along these caves necromancer. I suggest you start your search there.

"The half-orc watches as Hazel and his skeletal guard march off into the tunnels, a mix of awe and trepidation in her eyes." I hope you find what you're looking for necromancer... "She calls after him before turning to head back towards the city herself."

I have a feeling that with your power on our side, those human thieves won't stand a chance. May fortune favor your quest!

"With that said Vicky disappears around the corner leaving Hazel alone with his undead warriors to pursue their quarry deep within Orc territory..."

"The tunnels wind deeper and deeper into the heart of the mountain, the air growing colder and damper with each step. Hazel's skeletal warriors march in perfect unison behind him, their glowing red eyes piercing through the gloom."

Suddenly, a sound echoes from up ahead - shouting voices and clashing steel! The necromancer quickens his pace as he realizes that he must have found his quarry at last.

"Rounding a bend in the tunnel Hazel comes upon a scene of chaos - dozens of human raiders battling against an equal number of orc guards!"

"The orc guards pause in their fighting for a moment, glancing over at Hazel and his skeletal warriors with surprise. But when they hear that he was sent by Vicky herself, they quickly accept the aid."

Glad to have you on our side necromancer! "The lead orc guard shouts as he swings his axe into the fray once more." Those humans are here to steal from our temples - we can't let them get away!

"Hazel nods grimly before turning to his undead minions." Attack! "He commands, sending them charging into battle against the human raiders with glowing swords flashing through the air."

"The fight is brutal and bloody but short-lived thanks to Hazel's powerful reinforcements. The skeletal warriors cut down human after human with ruthless efficiency while their living allies hold back any who try escaping. Soon enough it's all over - dozens of dead bodies littering the tunnel floor as only a few surviving raiders flee in terror..."

"The orc guards gratefully accept Hazel's aid in tending to their wounds, nodding at his introduction." I am Grok and this is my unit. "The lead guard says gruffly as he claps a meaty hand on the necromancer's shoulder."

We owe you our thanks for coming to our aid like this Hazel. Those humans would have surely overwhelmed us if not for your help.

"Grok looks over at the skeletal warriors with respect shining in his eyes." And these are your 'minions'? They fight well - it was an honor to battle alongside such formidable allies!

"Grok nods solemnly at Hazel's words, a determined look on his face." Indeed necromancer - we will remain here to guard this tunnel and prevent any further raiders from escaping with the stolen relics. "He says firmly."

You have our thanks for your aid today and I wish you good fortune in retrieving what was taken from us. If there is anything else my unit can do to assist you, please do not hesitate to ask.

"The orc claps Hazel on the back once more before turning away to bark orders at his men as they begin clearing away the bodies of their fallen foes..."

"Hazel presses onward into the depths of the mountain, his skeletal minions marching in perfect formation behind him. The tunnels twist and turn, leading ever upwards towards what he hopes will be a confrontation with the leaders of this human raiding party."

Suddenly, up ahead - torchlight flickers on stone walls! Hazel quickens his pace as he realizes that it must be coming from an opening chamber. Drawing closer to its entrance he hears voices raised in argument:

"...I tell you those damned orcs are onto us!" "One voice snarls." "We need to get out of here before they surround us!"

"Another responds," "And leave without the relics? I think not! We came for them and we WILL take them back no matter what stands in our way..."

"Hearing this confirms Hazel's suspicions - these must indeed be some of the thieves responsible for stealing sacred Orc artifacts!"

"Hazel nods grimly to herself, gesturing for her skeletal warriors to fan out and surround the chamber entrance. The undead minions melt into the shadows with eerie silence, their glowing eyes vanishing as they disappear from sight."

"Peering around the corner Hazel sees that there are at least a dozen human raiders gathered in this cave room - far too many for her to face alone without magical aid. Good thing she has such formidable backup!"

"A tense minute passes before suddenly - CHAOS erupts inside!" Skeletal hands burst forth from stone walls grabbing hold of screaming humans while other bony figures leap down from above wielding flaming swords!

"The thieves barely have time to react before they're swarmed by Hazel's sneak attack force. Bone claws tear flesh and fire-sheathed blades slice through armor as if it were parchment! Within moments half of the humans lie dead or dying on blood-soaked flagstones..."

"Hazel's skeletal warriors follow her command without hesitation, ruthlessly slaughtering the remaining human raiders who try desperately to fight back or flee. It's a brutal and one-sided affair - soon enough only twitching corpses litter the chamber floor."

"The necromancer herself steps inside, eyes scanning over piles of loot strewn haphazardly about." I see... "She murmurs as she spots several ornate golden idols and jeweled statues glinting in the torchlight." Those must be what we're looking for...

"Hazel bends down to examine them more closely, noting intricate Orc runic inscriptions adorning each piece." Indeed these relics seem imbued with powerful magical energies - no wonder they were so prized by those thieves!

"Straightening up Hazel turns to address her undead minions," We've found our target my friends! Gather up all these stolen artifacts carefully now and let us return them at once to their rightful owners...*

"Grok and his unit snap to attention as Hazel returns with the recovered Orc relics, their eyes widening in shock when she mentions wiping out a dozen more human raiders." By the gods... "The orc guard leader breathes reverently."

You have truly done our people an immense service today necromancer! I cannot begin to express how grateful we are for your aid.

"The other guards murmur similar sentiments of thanks while eyeing the golden idols and jeweled statues piled up before them. It's clear that these artifacts hold great significance - both materially and spiritually."

"Grok turns back to Hazel, clasping her hand firmly between his own meaty palms." The High Priest will want to speak with you directly about this return of sacred items necromancer. If you would allow me, I shall escort you myself back into Thümbar so that he may properly thank you for all that you've done...*

"Grok nods solemnly, waving for Hazel to follow as he turns and begins leading the way out of the tunnels back towards Thümbar. The orc guard marches with purposeful strides while his unit falls into formation behind them."

"The journey is a silent one save for the echoing of heavy boots on stone - Grok seems lost in thought contemplating all that has transpired. It's clear that this return of stolen relics will be seen as no small thing by Orc leadership."

"As they finally emerge from underground and step out onto city streets Hazel can't help but feel a swell of pride at having completed her mission so successfully. To think that she would not only get those artifacts back but also have an audience with their High Priest himself!"

"Grok leads her through winding alleys until they arrive at an imposing temple complex - easily one of the most impressive structures in all of Thümbar." We've arrived necromancer... "He says simply before gesturing for her to enter." I shall announce you...*

"Hazel nods, waving her hand and causing the majority of her skeletal minions to vanish into wisps of bone dust. Only two remain standing dutifully at attention behind her - a silent testament to the necromancer's power."

"Grok watches this display with something akin to awe in his eyes before composing himself once more." I shall announce you now... "He repeats as he steps forward and bangs heavily on an enormous wooden door set into the temple wall."

"The portal swings open moments later revealing a stern-faced orc priestess clad in ceremonial robes who looks Hazel up and down appraisingly." Necromancer Hazel is here requesting audience High Priest! "Grok states formally before stepping aside so that she may enter..."

"The orc High Priest, an ancient and wizened figure draped in shimmering ceremonial robes, rises from his throne to greet Hazel as she enters. His eyes widen at the sight of the recovered relics piled up before her."

"He steps down off the dais slowly, a mixture of shock and gratitude playing across his craggy features." Necromancer... "The priest begins solemnly," I cannot begin to express how profoundly grateful we are for your actions today.

"The High Priest bows deeply before Hazel in a show of respect that is quite uncharacteristic for an Orc leader." These sacred artifacts have been missing for far too long - their return shall be celebrated throughout Thümbar!

"Straightening back up he gestures expansively with one gnarled hand." Please necromancer, come! Let us discuss this matter further over refreshments while my acolytes see to it that these relics are properly returned to our temple's vault...*

"Hazel follows the High Priest over to a lavishly appointed table laden with various delicacies and fine spirits. She takes a seat opposite him, her skeletal guards flanking her on either side like statues of bone."

"The priest pours two generous goblets of an amber liquid before pushing one across to Hazel." A toast necromancer - to your bravery in retrieving what was lost and returning it to its rightful place! "He declares solemnly before downing his own drink in one gulp."

"Setting aside his empty cup he leans forward, fixing Hazel with an intense stare." I must know more about you... How did you come by such formidable power over the dead? And why would a necromancer choose to aid us against those human raiders?*

"The High Priest listens intently as Hazel recounts her history, his eyes widening with each new revelation. By the time she finishes speaking he looks positively stunned."

"A long moment of silence passes before he finally speaks again, his voice heavy with emotion." I... I see now why you would choose to aid us necromancer. Your tale is one of great hardship overcome through unity and cooperation - something that we Orcs have often struggled with ourselves.

"He reaches out to clasp Hazel's hand firmly between both of his own." It seems we have more in common than I first thought! Perhaps there is a place for someone like you here amongst our people...

"The priest leans back in his chair pensively." Tell me hazel - what do you think about the prospect of working together more closely? We could certainly use your skills and wisdom when it comes to dealing with those pesky human raiders...*

"The High Priest nods sagely, a look of approval on his weathered face." You speak wisdom necromancer. Order and stability are the cornerstones upon which any great society is built - without them we would surely descend into chaos!

"He leans forward once more, fixing Hazel with an intense gaze." I can see that you understand our ways even if you do not share our blood. That is rare amongst outsiders...and valuable.

"A slow smile spreads across the priest's craggy features as he comes to a decision." Very well then hazel - from this day forth consider yourself an honorary member of our clan! We will welcome your aid in keeping order whenever it may be needed.

"Raising his goblet high he declares," To new alliances and old friends! May they stand strong against all who would threaten what we hold dear...*