new threat in the hills

[Anrilor]

the orc body of Mrathgar Urtak rests impaled on a makeshift spear out of wood with a letter written in three languages stuck to the the head of the ugly beast with an arrow between the eyes. it lies near the entrance into the Sharren hills from the Exigo camp.

first two, say the same thing in common and Elven "Beware! new orcish clan in the area!"

the third, using dwarven scrip is written in orcish "my arrows and eyes are everywhere tribe, beware of Zoe Orcbane,"

[Khalon]

Rafi and the orc were badly bloodied, Rafi flipped his scimitar in one hand as he watched the orc for his next move. The orc's spear thrusted at him once again as he narrowly deflected it with his shield before Rafi took the reach advantage to strike at the orc. It struck home as the scimitar pierced the orc's plate, spilling blood though the orc scarcely reacted to the pain. In fact it seemed to become more enraged by the pain and it thrust its spear again with great power at Rafi, impaling him halfway in the stomach. Rafi stood and looked down at the spear protruding from his stomach before keeling over on to his side in pain.

The half-orc, Rafi was travelling with, looked on and flinched with a tinge of guilt for not aiding Rafi against the orc. There was no doubt in the half-orc or his killer's mind that Rafi was dead.

Zoe, a half-elf archer would find Rafi, who had somehow survived though was very near death. Rafi was less a few posessions and coin, it seemed the orc had taken them. However, Zoe found it miraculous that goblins had not found him, otherwise Rafi would probably have been completely stripped of all posessions and eaten... Zoe did what she could before taking him to the Exigo expedition camp.

[thaelis]

Viridale threat

The explorers, who had been moments before walking along a quiet forest path, pulled up suddenly as a large Orc barreled out of the underbrush ahead of them. It stopped in the middle of the path, leaning over to catch its breath, clutching at several wounds steadily dripping blood from rents in it's armor.

As the thing looked up, its startled gaze met theirs, then seemingly angered, it let out a bellow and turned to flee.

"After it!" shouted Altherion, thinking it may be heading for reinforcements.

The chase was long and winding through the brush, despite the keen senses of the Druidess, Fade, aiding the pursuit. Eventually, catching sight of the Orc, the mage held out his palm and summoned a globe of crackling electrical energy. Unfortunately (or so he claimed later) a nearby treant chose that moment to move one of its roots in front of his foot, and he tripped, the globe going wild and sizzling through the air inches from another pursuer.

Eventually, the beast tired and was cornered and offered a final ultimatum.

"Drop you weapon and speak you purpose in these woods!" shouted one of the party.

It's only reply was a bestial roar as it charged at them, surprising them with it's speed. Unfortunately for the creature, it did not even make ten paces, as the Druidess turned gracefully and in one smooth motion sent an arrow flying to thud between its shoulder blades, ending it's life.

On inspection the tattoos on the body appeared markedly different to any of the local tribes.

[Anrilor]

With the Death of another orc in the Sharren hills, this time the body is placed on a spike again with another note.

Common: would seem the problem is growing, beware of orcs!

Elven: watch your backs cousins, they are more dangerous than they look.

Orcish: another of your clan taken by my hands, Zoe Orcbane

Zoe is beinging to suspect that some sort of new Orcish clan is forming somewhere near the Sharren hills. It is worrying because it means that the roads are not patrolled enough to keep an eye out for wandering small bands of orcs. and where are they comming from?