In the previous chapter, the story ended with the betrayal of the Ragna tribe and the division it caused among the Orcs. This chapter follows the consequences of that conflict, the emergence of new enemies, and the struggles that shaped Orc history across Aden.
The Legacy of the Ragna Betrayal
After joining forces with several lower Orc tribes, the Ragna launched an assault on the Immortal Plateau. The attack ended in disaster, and the defeated leaders were buried far from honored Orc graves in a place that would later become known as the Tomb of Shame.
Over time, rumors spread of restless spirits haunting the burial grounds. Grave robbers led by Akkan disturbed the tombs, awakening the dead. To contain the growing threat, the Flame Lord ordered armed guards under Commander Koloba to protect the area. Eventually, the spirits of fallen bandits joined the ghosts of the disgraced Orc warriors.
The Ragna later convinced Goblin looters to desecrate additional ancient Orc graves. During the resulting chaos, members of the Tantus tribe were falsely accused of treason and executed. When their innocence was later discovered, the Flame Lord was consumed by regret and established annual memorial ceremonies to honor the unjustly condemned tribe.
The Ketra and Varka Conflict
While the kingdoms of Elmore and Aden fought devastating wars, both sides relied heavily on mercenaries.
The Varka Silenos were promised territory near Goddard in exchange for fighting alongside Elmore. Meanwhile, the Ketra Orcs believed those lands rightfully belonged to them and established their own camps nearby.
After the war, Varka hero Shadith foretold that his people's future lay near Goddard. Convinced by the prophecy, Chief Horus led the Varka to occupy the promised territory.
The Ketra refused to accept this outcome. Under the leadership of General Tyrr, they launched a campaign against the Varka. Tyrr favored direct combat and personally led warriors into battle, while the Varka strategist Mos relied on careful planning and tactical deception.
The two forces proved evenly matched. Tyrr's aggressive style often disrupted Mos's elaborate strategies, yet neither side could achieve a decisive advantage. Their rivalry became one of the defining conflicts of the region.
Spirits, Totems, and the Balance of Power
Seeking an advantage, Soul Guide Asefa summoned the Fire Spirit Nastron through sacred rituals. The spirit's immense power strengthened Ketra magic and transformed many warriors into fearsome beasts.
However, Nastron was uncontrollable. Consumed by destruction, the spirit threatened everything around it.
To counter this growing imbalance, Varka shaman Udan Mardui summoned the Water Spirit Ashutar. Although peaceful and unpredictable, Ashutar restored equilibrium between the two factions.
With both sides empowered by elemental spirits, the war settled into an uneasy stalemate that continues to influence adventurers visiting the region.
Peace with Humans
Years of internal conflicts weakened the Orc race. Unable to continue their campaigns of conquest, the Orcs eventually reached a lasting peace with humanity after Flame Lord Kakai defeated King Raul in honorable combat.
The Orcs respected Raul as both a skilled warrior and a capable diplomat. Following his death, they abandoned ambitions of large-scale invasions and remained largely within the Immortal Plateau.
The Plateau itself became the spiritual heart of Orc civilization, connected to the mainland through the Valley of Lords, an ancient mountain pass decorated with sacred carvings and tribal symbols.
The Return of Ancient Threats
Peace proved temporary.
The Maraku werewolves, led by the traitor Urutu Hamesh, began attacking Orc territories. Once allies of the Urutu tribe, the Maraku exploited Orc weakness and launched devastating raids.
At the same time, the evil spirit Kasha emerged and began corrupting wildlife. Infected creatures became violent before slowly dying from the curse.
One Orc would be forever changed by these events.
Farangka's Betrayal
Farangka, a young seer, secretly communicated with dark spirits in pursuit of power. Believing he could control Kasha's influence, he attempted to use the spirit's strength to seize authority over the Orcs.
His actions led to exile.
Banished from the Immortal Plateau, Farangka settled within the ruins of the ancient Orc capital. There he became a dark shaman and plotted revenge against those who cast him out.
The region eventually became known as the Lair of Evil.
Farangka allied himself with the exiled Ragna tribe and entered a pact with the spirit Pashika, gaining tremendous magical abilities. Using forbidden rituals, he summoned monstrous armies and prepared to invade the Plateau.
Later events further strengthened his forces when Kasha empowered both Farangka's creations and the spirits dwelling within the Tomb of Shame, creating a growing army of darkness.
The Turak Orc Ambitions
While Orcs and humans were distracted by other wars, the Turak Orcs attempted to establish a kingdom in Gludio, where their ancestors had been defeated centuries earlier.
Led by the ambitious Chief Burai, the Turak occupied fertile lands abandoned during wartime. Their ultimate goal was the creation of an independent Orc nation.
The tribe formed alliances with local Gnolls, but the partnership soon collapsed when evidence revealed that the Gnolls planned to betray the Orcs. Furious, Burai abandoned his attack on human settlements and declared war against his former allies.
The Stakato of Cruma Marshlands
The Cruma Marshlands were home to the Stakato, insect-like creatures originally created through ancient giant experiments.
Their society eventually split into rival factions.
In the south, Marsh Stakato Overlord Ramilo fell under the influence of the demon Rahha and began building an army in her name.
In the north, Queen Shyeed pursued her own dream of a vast Stakato empire. Known for her ruthless leadership, she showed little mercy to enemies, allies, or even members of her own brood.
The conflict between these factions transformed the marshlands into a dangerous battlefield.
The Breka and Timak Tribes
Other Orc tribes also dreamed of creating their own kingdoms.
The Breka tribe launched raids across human territories and even captured Giran for a time before royal forces drove them back. Internal disputes followed, leading to conspiracies against tribal leadership.
Among those involved was the talented dark magician Pa'agrio's disciple Poshu, who mastered powerful summoning magic and vowed revenge against those who betrayed him.
Elsewhere, the Timak tribe continued to embrace warfare above all else. Their warriors gathered under leaders obsessed with battle and conquest, while deserters and internal conflicts threatened unity within their ranks.
Awaiting the Prophecy
Although the Orcs of the Immortal Plateau no longer waged war against humanity, they never abandoned their belief that one day they would reclaim their former greatness.
The children of Pa'agrio remained fearless, standing ready for whatever future awaited them.
Yet an ancient prophecy spoke of an eternal winter that would one day descend upon the world.
According to the legends, the first signs of that coming age had already begun to appear.
