Events of the 1st of Granite, 125As with every first day of the week, the Ogre capital of Purgeordered bustled with activity. Citizens were leaving their homes to attend the main event - the public executions of some of the most notorious criminals.
The fully gathered crowd was abuzz in anticipation for the Imperator's arrival. The Ogres chattered and spread various local rumors, when a booming shout silenced their activity.
Quiet down, you lot! The Imperator himself will soon grace you with his presence! Kneel as a show of respect! - the crier stepped down from the hill as the Imperator, a two-headed Ogre by the name of Agugris Sunkencombats, rode in on his prized Clefthoof mount. Behind him were several, heavily armored soldiers, dragging in nine prisoners in heavy chains.
The crowd collectively kneeled at the sight of the Imperator.
Hail, proud citizens of Agahrezlokk - he spoke.
I could see by your enthusiasm that you are eager to see the blood of these pathetic wretches spilled upon this ground.He paused - murmurs began to come from the crowd, before the royal crier silenced them once more.
Unfortunately, I will have to disappoint you. This time, things will be different - they shall be exiled to a far-away land, where they cannot trouble us no more, yet will still be an asset to us all. But fear not - we will resume the usual executions, eventually. For now, I must leave you - there are important matters to attend to.Confusion overtook the crowd, as the Imperator, his escort and the prisoners left for his private abode.
Later that day, the nine stood in front of the Imperator in his throne room.
All of you have commited severe crimes against our empire - under other circumstances, I would have your heads chopped off and your bodies fed to the beasts. - he spoke.
However, I have a task that you may be useful for. This could be your...redemption. Of course, its up to you whether you want to accept it or not - sooner or later I would find another batch willing to undertake it.One of the prisoners, a scarred, muscle-bound two-headed ogress, spoke up.
Well, what is it? Stop wasting our time.Agugris took out a simple map, and showed it to the ogress.
All I require of you is to travel to this area, set up an outpost, and begin mining operations. A trusted ally revealed to me that deep beneath the earth, at the coastline of this land, you will be able to find a divine metal of the Gods. I...we...cannot risk this sort of power falling into the wrong hands. All you will have to do is recover it.The ogress spat.
It would take us weeks to get there! The journey itself would kill us!Of course, I anticipated that. You will get an entourage of twenty of our warriors, as well as more than a few wagons with supplies. Should last you until then. I take it you'll accept under these conditions?The ogress mulled this over with her fellow prisoners. They were already sentenced to death - after all, this couldn't be any worse.
Fine. We accept.Then it is decided. You will leave at dawn.
The journey took the caravan more than three weeks. They trekked through untamed savannas and rolling hills, taking only momentary breaks to rest, and replenish their supplies.
The long line of wagons didn't go unnoticed by the local inhabitants, who the Ogres were unfamiliar with. While some would turn out to be allies, others were much more hostile to the concept of outsiders encroaching on their land; others yet had a far more darker purpose.
Less than a week before arrival, in the deep, heavily forested woodlands, the crew had stopped to rest as the sun was setting, as usual. One of the guards, hearing strange rustling and whispers coming from the nearby woods, alerted the entire caravan, waking them from their rest.
They're upon us! To arms!Gargantuan, thorny vines sprung from the earth, locking in the caravan and preventing escape. The human witches of the woods soon revealed themselves. Some were infested with what appeared to be a type of fungus - others yet were grotesque, mutated wretches, larger than even the ogres themselves. Accompanying them were horrible, fungal zombies, rabid dogs, oversized maggots and spiders. The dark seemed to grow even more oppressive as they closed in on the caravan.
The prisoners quickly formulated an escape plan. The two-headed ogress knocked out the jailer who kept the keys to their shackles - after freeing themselves, they quickly took their places in the foremost wagon and drove off, leaving the guards and witches behind.
5th of Slate.
Did we lose 'em, boss? - inquired a large, primal ogre.
Looks like it. Though, I have a feeling those crones will find us sooner or later. - replied the ogress, now the leader of the band.
Well, we best start digging. - a voice from the back of the wagon piped up.
We have pickaxes, and enough supplies to last us until winter. Can't hurt to carve out some living space.What, you propose we skulk below the earth like Dwarves?Looks like we don't have much of a choice. - the ogre pointed to some of the strange nearby flora.
There's something unsettling and unnatural about this place. I don't know about you, but I would feel much safer underground than standing in the open here.Well, you have a point. - the ogress chimed.
Alright boys, lets get to work!