Goblin Lands 2 Diplomatic Event Week 19: Confessions of Glog of Or'Lur

[Narrator]

Deep in the heart of Tla’loc’al the meeting was held. From the four corners of the Goblin lands came representatives of many tribes. They came to hear a matter of upmost importance. One of their number had stolen from the K’iou.

Gorkaog eyed the assembled Greenfurs with confusion. He was blind like all Pit Mongrels. His Leyas sight worked fine and most of the auras around him were all aglow with strong emotions.

He beat his chest as he waited. Being allowed into Tlalocal even with an escort was a once in a lifetime opportunity for the Pit Mongrel.
Red furs were not usually allowed in. Gobbog had said, “Be tactical, learn the ins and outs.”
But Gorkaog frankly could not care less.

He was ordered by Ka Gor’Na to see the one who used Nightmare Lord forbidden relics was punished and he would see it done with the Ka Gor’na as his witness.

“I want to know why we here?” He asked.

Uruf, knight of the Bladed Sun, arrived at the meeting. He had witnessed the destruction at the Falling Star firsthand. He knew the Kiou would be howling for blood for blood once they found out.

When he heard the Red Fur, he knew an instigator was in their midst.
then again none except Glog knew what motivated the theft.

"As far as i understand it, we are here to hear the words of Glog of Or’Lur.
The invitation said he had news to share about his involvement with the Theft of the Teardrop Hammer.

But we dont know any specifics yet. When Glog is ready he will tell us. Until then we should discuss how to stop this from becomming a diplomatic incident with the Kiou.

With the Earther alliances crumbling and the Wild Giants attacking Olgog territory, we may not want to add more enemies to the list.

I also dont trust the Kiou to give an Olgog fair justice after losing so many of their people so we must proceed cautiously."

“Now you know whats going on.”

Shirley walked in, not happy with the situation. She was in the midst of a sexual binge after all the tension of the previous weeks. Now here she was, Glog showing them a hammer. With Earthers unhappy, with good reason, and now a stupid stupid stupid olgog screwing things up with the K’iou, her demeanor was about to get worse. Some gog were dumber than a a cru’ie burrowing its way into a stalker orgy.

When the red fur spoke, she looked at the red fur menacingly. She then nodded with respect to Uruf. It was for that reason alone she didn’t kill the red fur outright, as she felt the khaz’ga wrappings around her fists. She finally looked at Glog. “Speak up, ya stupid pup. The K’iou be knocking and I don’ wan’ to be fightin’ ‘em right about now. Yer actions destroyed much of their home and damn near killed my kin. I’m darn well tempted to rip yer head off myself, but then it won’t tell me wat made you do something so very very stupid and could mean the ruin o’ us all.”
Auf Lalyan showed up to the meeting. This was being kept from Lalder as all of this put his son at risk. And Lalder was under too much stress right now. Lalyan would hopefully work to solve this without Lalder needing to be made aware of it until after.

Auf Lalyan says “Its one thing to go where your not suppose to go. It another thing to touch what your not suppose too. But take, …” Lalyan was not happy about the mess this would bring. Especially since their tribe was just about to establish a trading relationship with the K’iou. And the fallout of the Earthers relations, they didn’t need more enemies.

Lalyan continues “I do hope Glog has a good way to makeup for this, for many are dead or cursed.” To herself, Lalyan thought “I do not wish to send a friend to die.”

“You want to know why I did it.” Glog growled angrily “I wish I had a reason. I remember going to the forge to try and barter with the K’iou, Then my body started changing and moving against what I was telling it. When I had the hammer in my hand I was again in control and tried to let it go but every attempt to detatch it was stopped as though the hammer was saying that I belong to it.”

[Narrator]

Shirley raised an eyebrow. “So wait, tha Lur Union sen’ two diff’ren folk ta trade with tha K’iou? Why not go together?” Shirley was pointing at Laylan and Glog.

Auf Lalyan responded "That is simple. We are not GUTS or a trade syndicate. In the Lur Union we come to each others Aid, work together, and agree to talk to resolve differences. Trade with anyone outside of the Lur Union has always happened outside of the Lur Union. And that is why I’m here. I do not want harm to come to Glob and his if possible.

But the results of what happened are terrible, so we need to figure out what happened. If anything can be resolved, and how to keep the K’iou from going to war over this.

Glog, do you still have this hammer? Can it be returned? If the item is truly cursed, that maybe enough of an answer. I was told it was a nightmare lord artifact."

Glog looked at Lalyan and said " Do you not see the third arm that is holding the hammer? I can not release it at all."

Shirley signed sadly. Lalder’s kin were so procedural.

“You folk arr so in yer heads, ya ignore wats in front’ o ya. It’s OK. I fergive ya.” She winked at Lalyan.

Her expression lost its softness when she looked back at Glog. She didn’t believe him. In Brez there was a saying, you only found trouble if you were looking for it. Granted, everyone’s looking for trouble in Brez, but it doesn’t make the saying any less true for her.

“So tha hammer called ya. Where’d ya find it and how’d ya get to it?”

“My body changed and crawled across the ceiling. As for where, I was able to catch a few words from the K’iou. One was ‘forbidden’ and another was ‘armor’,” said Glog.

Shirley raised an eyebrow. “Gog’s bodies don’ jus’ change unless they’re broken. How’d it happen?”

Shirley was losing patience. Each word out of Glog’s mouth sounded worse and worse to her.

Auf Lalyan says "Glog, were you in areas that you were suppose to be before or after the hammers affects. If any peace can be made from this, you need to be forthcoming of why you were where you were. And it can’t sound like an excuse.

I know others were in the Merchant center and didn’t see you. It is possible that they missed you. But those are the questions we need to answer."

Lalyan felt bad only a little about pushing Glog, but she had to know if he was lying and they had to know the truth before the K’iou got here.

An olgog dressed like a chooruvian guard walked into the assembly at that moment, and quickly sat down near the back. It was of course, Kharos of Ka’Rhug, well reputed leader of the Brezan fifteen. He noted that there were already several questions for Glog that were yet to be answered, so he held his tongue for the time being.

He had a great many things he needed to ask, especially since Glog’s actions had been the reason that he had to descend to the armory with his men to clean up the mess that resulted from the theft.

For now however, he bid his time, curious to hear how the elder would respond to the queries.

“As I said I was on my was TO the forge when what ever caused me to loose control happened. Wish that I could explain it better but I can’t,” muttered Glog, lost in thought.

Babi shook his head, “What you say not going to be good enough. Da Kiou will want more. Want us to give you to them so they can find a way to get da hammer back.” Babi looked to glog, “You good wit dat?”

Glog adressed Babi first " I know that they will seek my life. After what happened I am more willing to die."

To Shirley he said " I never said I heard voices, my body acted on its own. There was no creature just claws"

“Oh, right. That’s suppose’ to make it better?!?” The sarcasm dripped from every word. Shirley had seen Olgogs beaten to death for less in the streets of Brez. Theft was a crime punishable by death when she grew up…before Urog had gotten the new way going.

Kharos leaned forward after that question and addressed Glog.

“You know friend, you may already be aware of this, but you’ve created problems for a lot more people than just yourself. Even if your solution is to die for your own actions, that still leaves the rest of us in hot water with the K’iou. Not to mention the fact that simply letting yourself die for this is fatalistic and wasteful, and will probably negatively impact your entire tribe even more so.”

“I suggest that you take a different action, perhaps take steps to amend our relations with the K’iou, help them to see that you are a better gog than this, and in doing so, you’d be doing us all a favor.”

[Narrator]

Maggul had been quiet, listening as others of the council were attacking Glog and he had not enough answers to remedy the situation.

"If I may, what sort of ties would you or the Or’ Lur tribe have to the Teardrop Hammer?

You say it took control of you and forced you into these actions, but I have heard evidence of others being in the area.

I know that there were two Yagogi present even though they were warned against going, as well as members from the Herd of Lalder and the Gangs of Uf Mag’og. What makes you so special, why you versus another olgog? On top of that, there happened to be two trouble making bastards that had no qualms about sneaking into the Forbidden Armory. Why you, and not another intruder? So please, give us something better than the hammer made me do it. Did you meet with someone prior to going that might have been able to sway your thinking through mind control like used in the KGM, or even someone instilling a nightmare? I don’t want to sound like I am attacking you, but rather want to believe in the events that occurred.

We need a solid answer; even if it is just that you wanted it for yourself, because when the K’iou arrive we are all going to be paying dearly for this and truthfully I would rather not be paying for someone else’s mistake in judgment."

“I know very little about the hammer as I spent my life fighting and hunting.” Glog said. As he spoke those around saw his expression darkened and the the shadows near him bend as though they were trying to comfort him.

Maggul stood there expecting some grand story that would all make sense of the events that had played out before them.
What he received left him with a dumbfounded expression (what must be a pretty peculiar sight on the olgog’s muzzled face) only wanting more.

In exasperation, Maggul took a deep breathe, then taking a few more just to make sure he was nice and calm when he began speaking, “Okay, thank you for better explaining things.
So please correct me if I have this wrong, but you really have no explanation for why you decided to take a weapon sealed in a K’iou Forbidden Armory that you knew absolutely nothing about?
Is it that you are working for someone else and just never got all the information on the specifics of the job? I’m really hoping we can salvage something here, no need for another international incident.”

Auf Lalyan shook her head. This was starting to be depressing. She was going to miss her friend. But maybe something could still be done. She wasn’t sure, but hoped. Maybe they had to put their trust into the K’iou to resolve this.

She said "What makes this worst or better, I’m not sure yet, is that due to this theft, and in addition to the deaths and transformations of the K’iou, the K’iou lost their forbidden Armory as it flew away. So who ever took that during the chaos, doesn’t have the hammer, but they have anything else that was in there.

Right now there is no need of an incident between the Tribes and K’iou. An individual committed a crime and admitted to it. I see no reason not to hand Glog over to the K’iou. Maybe they can remove the hammer. Maybe they know about its abilities. I do hold hope that the K’iou know more about this hammers abilities than we do, and that they will take that into account. If the hammer called Glog, maybe that is his best defence.

But I fear we will have to leave that decision to the K’iou. Unless someone can come up with a better solution."

Glog looked as the back door to the meeting room was unlocked and forced open by a K’iou and several mercenaries.

“Welcome. You are of course aware that the front door is open.” his voice taking a cheerful tone for the first time, as he pointed to a bigger door on the other end of the room.

Hvalik the Opal entered the chamber listening to the discussion. When Glog smiled at him, Hvalik the Opal gave Glog a look that wilted the Olgog’s smile for a moment.

The K’iou turned to the Kul Gul Rapi tribals who had accompanied him.
“Seize the thief who bears the hammer.”

“Grim, Scout you have been in service to the Falosini for aeons.
Your eye witness testimony will be crucial here.”

Turning to Glog he said, “what is the meaning of this theft?”

Turning to the others he said, “explain why the Olgogs meet in secret to plot against the Falling Star?
Our investigation led us from The Homeforge to here.”

Auf Lalyan "There is no plot. And Obviously, this meeting is not very secret. " as Lalyan looked around to all there.

Auf Lalyan continued, "Glog who commit a crime wished to turn himself in, explain himself, and find to see if anything can be done to atone for his crime. Also, as he is holding a powerful artifact which he claims to have compelled him to steal it. Being that it grew a 3rd arm out of him just to hold it…

That being said, none of us have tried to take or examine this artifact yet. So we do not know what to make up his claim yet."

[Narrator]

Kharos was not surprised that Hvalik the K’iou was so thirsty for Glog’s blood, in fact, he would be too in his shoes. However, letting Glog die was not in the best interests of the Lur Union, and by relation, Ka’Rhug. The two legionaries stepped forward to defend the accused gog, standing in front of him protectively.

Kharos bowed deeply to the forgemaster, and introduced himself.

“You may remember me, noble forgemaster, for I was one of those who braved the deeps of the cursed armory with a company of gogs to clean up the mess that was made. You must forgive my weakness, but nonetheless I must confess I am quite hurt by your accusations of plotting against the homeforge that I fought hard to defend. I did not help save the homeforge from destruction just to be accused of such treachery.”

“I will vouch for Glog, not for his innocence, but for his character. To kill him for this crime, would accomplish nothing, and would only weaken us all. Surely we can figure out a way he can be of service to the Homeforge…perhaps to recover that massive armory of forbidden weapons that is now in danger? I appeal to your mercy and your grace on behalf of this gog, let us deal with the real problem at hand before we cripple ourselves further.”

Glog smiled, glad to have such allies. Opening the front door he said to one of the runners “You get chairs for our new guest, also some food for us all.” After the runner had set off Glog addressed the Forgemaster “Please join our talks so that we may solve this situation. If at the end you still want seek my death I shall come peacefully.”

If Yohai were capable of showing emotion, he would have sighed heavily, out his hands in his head, and groaned and the stupidity of K’iou, Falosini, and Olgog posturing.

Instead, he kept his usually blank expression through the mask he wore, betraying no emotion as he felt felt none. He would, however, need to make this quick. He had no patience for politics. They got in the way of everything. He was, indeed, a soldier through and through.

“I am Yohai Horosha, Akalus Ha’ku. I accompany the K’iou as a gesture of goodwill not only toward the Children of the Falosini but the Olgog tribes. I advise everyone present that lies will not be tolerated. My race is gifted with the ability to read thoughts, see the past, and find the truth of things. It will be easier for everyone present that you do not make me do so today. You all have been warned.”

Yohai took a step back, and waited for the proceedings to begin.

Many Olgogs had terrible memories of the Mind Spike Tribe, and hated all Uth as a result. Other looked at him as some sort of pariah.

Hvalik was growing concerned, the Kul Gul Rapi had said nothing yet and they were the law officers of the UtR.

He had tried being patient but instead of the truth he felt he was getting half-truths.

He looked over at Grim and Scout, “Honored Tunnel Rats, do you have any tricks learned from your time fighting the Krato that would help us get to the bottom of this?”

The bastards put up a finger each and then turned and began to whisper amongst themselves.

Hvalik looked over at Kharos and said, “Yes your tribe did serve in our defense. But i ask what could Glog do that would make up for the thousands dead and tens of thousands whose lives have been disrupted by his theft?”

Glog bowed his head low then said “I don’t know what could reverse it but I plan to seek the help of the thunder gods as their priest owe me a favor. After that I plan to hunt down the armory and either return it or destroy it so that no one is hurt by the weapons in there.”

Gorkaog scoffed and jeered at Glog.

"He say no plotting? Then ask him why of all the tribals of Orlur it was Glog who was sent.

Glog is mighty Tor’og. They are Strength of Death. You Kiou call them Assassins.

If its a trade deal why send an Assassin? Because it is no trade deal.

Green fur knows only great Assassin sneak past Kiou traps and guards.

If little trader sent then no way they could sneak into forbidden armory. But master assassin he sneak in easy?
Way too convenient.

Kiou no like Red Fur and Red Fur no like Kiou but all dont like Nightmare Lord.
Mutual enemy.

Greenfur that helps unleash Nightmare Lord no better than Nightmare Lord cultist.

How does breaking Armory now make up for crime?

It no make up for crime, Glog try and fool Kiou. He only offer to clean up mess Glog made not make any reparations.

You kiou do what you want. Ignore redfur. But kiou know Redfur does not lie here and now.

What of other Olgogs sent? They say trade? Ask them what types of Tradegogs they send?

Assassins to raid not tradesgogs.

Punishment must be severe or all Greenfur think they can steal from Kiou without consequence."

Hvalik the Opal hated that he agreed with the Pit Mongrel. They were little more than wardogs for the Quall, and therefore a hated enemy of the K’iou. He reminded himself the words of Dra’khan Greenbeard, “The Quall servants twist the truth. For them it is easier than lying.”

Glog looked st Gorkaog and said “Would you send a pup to to trade for a weapon they had never seen or to talk with outsiders who have a strong dislike for you. Others said your tribe was smart but you just choose without thinking, like earthers.”

[Narrator]

Shirley was at a loss. She had no idea how to salvage the situation. She wished Vektor was here. He was shrewd enough to get them through the mess that Glog created. Especially since the red fur was right, and she knew it in her bones. There was no way out of this, and she worried about the consequences. Especially once the Uthvelor were involved.

“There’s no plot against tha K’iou. If there were, so many of us wudn’t’ve gone down to help ya with tha mess. We wudn’t’ve bothered. And sadly, considerin’ who dun it, I’m not sure he be smart or willful 'nuff to do it.” She glowered at Glog, and then looked back at the K’iou. “His story is that he wuz taken o’er by sum bein’, or sumthin’, and had no memory of takin’ the weapon. True or not, tha’s his story. Be it good ‘nuff or not, I dunno. But what I do know is that someone under us dun ya wrong. He jus’ offered his life, an’ to help you track down the armory. It’s a start.”

She looked over at Glog, “Like it or not, the Red Fur ain’t wrong. It’s not jus’ about cleanin’ up da mess ya made, willful or not, you gotta do more.”

Gorkaog would remember the sneak theifs insult on this day of all days.

He snapped back, "Glog no have Aufs in his tribe? No wisegogs?
No one other than Assassin leader? What goods you bring to trade? You go empty handed then claim peaceful mission of trade?

I GORKAOG CHALLENGE YOUR STATEMENT. I think the Aufgogs of Tlalocal want to steal Olgog artifacts held by Kiou. They want back power hidden by Kiou. Glog no remember anything? No reason how artifact possess him?

Then Uthvelor should check lies. If Glog really left Tlalocal with intent to trade, his own memories will explain why no goods to trade.

Unless Glog wants explain here and now?"

Glog laughed at Gorkaog.
“I Will gladly submit to a test by Uth. And if not for this damned hammer I would challenge you to Rapi’Tor for the stupidity you have shown today.”

Babi bit his lip, it didn’t look good at all. He honestly didn’t understand Glog’s logic in leaving to trade without goods and understood Gorkoag’s anger at the possible lies.

“Its true dat it don’t look good. He offered his life but what happens when we kill him? Will da spirit in the hammer take over? Will he change to something worse than a gog with regrets?” Babi honestly didn’t know, but he knew that unnatural hammer was not going to let go without a fight.

Dreg spoke up at this point he figured he couldn’t make things any worse.
“I’d say if he’s lying is beside the point right now. We know what he did he admits what he did. Glog doesn’t deny he took the hammer and the results of his taking it aren’t changed one bit if he did it himself or if the hammer some how took control of him. Whatever the Uth might find out we’re left with the same problem. What should his punishment be?” He looked to Hvalik.

“You asked before what could he do to make up for it. I’d rather know what you want out of this? Is Glog’s death enough? Or if he can find and return the armory will your people be satisfied? If he can’t make reparations himself is there something you want from his tribe or the UTR as a whole?”

Ufor had, until now, kept her mouth shut. The Goblin King Urog was already represented here, so she hadn’t needed to speak up. It was easy for her to keep her mouth shut… She was shorter than everyone here. Even the tla’loc’alans were tall. Her garb marked her as a clanmember of the Falling Heavy Rock, members of the Great Northern Army. But she wasn’t here to help out Urog.

“There is no lesson in death, fellow Olgog. As the red fur so graciously pointed out on various occasions, lest we not get the point, the Or’Lur tribe sent a poor negotiator, was tempted by power for whatever reason, and made a mistake. Greater fools have made greater mistakes. But this one was costly. One that a simple apology won’t fix. Not for K’iou. Reparations won’t help either. That’s just currency, which isn’t enough either. Rights must be wronged and lessons learned. One that must be learned not merely by Glog but by our entire council.”

She turned to Glog. “The creature that escaped the Homeforge doesn’t appear to threaten the K’iou anymore. How is that helpful to them? How does going after it right your wrongs? What else are you willing to do? How far are you willing to go to prove that you are repentant for your actions?”

She turned to the rest of the council, “what about the rest of you? Are you willing to stand by him? The Lur Union? The tribal council?”

[Narrator]

Hvalik looked Dreg in the eye and said,

"What do I want out of this? I want my family not have been killed. I want my home tunnels not to have been collapsed. If it were up to me I’d simply pummel this Glog with me own hammer until i felt better. But its not my choice.

If Glog admits to this crime and has no good excuse for it, then I’ll bring him back to the Falling Star. Once there they will kill him and probably toss him into a Zela tomb so none can bring him back and his hammer canna do anymore damage.

That is, If he is lucky enough NOT to be captured by the Mag Daron. The Mag Daron are your kind, but would feed him to their young. Slowly. Over many, many months…

You ask what my people want. They want justice. Just as your people would want justice. But no punishment I’ve described will prevent my people from wanting more justice. There were reports of an Olgog plot to infiltrate our tunnels before Glog’s attack. They came from a very very reliable source.

You canna imagine our concern when at the same time we are told to beware an Olgog plot, this Glog enters our tunnels and steals from us. Even when Glog is dead in a tomb, the Falling Star will roar for Olgog blood. If you really want that not to happen, then you best prove that these attacks are not linked. And even a Pit Mongrel is smart enough to see that an assassin claiming to be on a trade mission with no trade goods so soon after warnings of a plot is suspicious indeed.

Without a sufficient explanation, you could march the entire tribe of Or’Lur into the fires of the Homeforge, and many will still consider the Olgogs suspect. And I would not think such an end justice…unless there really is a plot.

With respect to those who came to our aide, surely ye can see the problem here.

Glog you say let the Uthvelor test your memories. If that is the case, why don’t you just explain how ye planned on setting up trade without samples of what ye wanted to barter? Show us yer master skills as a tradesmen? Because you have the hands of a soldier and a killer, Glog, not the hands of a merchant.

As for the armory my people are handling the Armory on our own. I don’t see how the Thief of the Teardrop Hammer gaining access to more Forbidden weapons does any of us any good."

Maggul kept his own thought to himself, but knew that any judgment on Glog would be a judgment on all of the tribes and the olgog people. He hoped beyond hope that something was going for the olgog people.

“Evidence of Glog as warrior and assassin, does not help his case any, especially not having any wares to actually trade. But to counter that argument, the Yagogi had two tribals enter the homeforge regardless of the warning presented by Yagogi’al the Og’ab for the purpose of finding out about acquiring more zela. They did not bring anything with them but a thirst for what our tribe desires, and wishful thinking of regaining status. I can say this because they are barely considered fighters; truthfully you have one that has been maimed being punished for losing his zela battle blade, and with him accompanied his shell of a broken battered mate. Regardless that they were shamed, they are still part of our tribe and for that the Yagogi showed their strength to come to the aid of the homeforge.
With this being said, Gorkaog, where do you and your tribe take part in the events of this disaster? What’s your stake? Maybe with the great forgemaster, Hvalik the Opal here now, Glog can give his actual testimony of the events. We have the added benefit of the master Uth, Mr. Yohai Horosha that can check the validity of the statements, holding no barring towards the olgog or the k’iou. Hopefully with all those present, something falls in to place and we can then make sense of the events.”

Grim looked on, thinking to himself ‘maybe its time to speak up’.

Stepping forward, he lit a cigar. “Well, folks, one thing you might ask him is why if he was there to trade, that he walked thru the trade quarter and barely looked at any wares that were set out. instead he looked like some one with very poor training in field work trying to act casually before he snuck out? and he never even tryed to look like he was headed to either of the other sections of the Homeforge.”

“You ask why I had no goods to trade with me. Most of what my tribe has to offer has shadow or a way to carry it. So I took the one thing I thought they would like.” Glog said as he pointed to his earing. “Earings that translate spoken words. And as I told the others I was on my way there when I lost control of my body. I did not regain control until after the hammer was in my hands. As for why me being a soldier not a merchant, I was chosen because I use simple words while others like to talk in circles or had other task.”

[Narrator]

Gorkaog instantly disliked the Yagogi tribal who tried to turn it away from Glog and scapegoat him.

"Green Fur want from Kiou. They want your Zela and want your metal.

That why they all nice now. You Kiou say no metal bad Greenfur see how quick they ignore you Kiou. Glog say he sent because he use simple words? Then why he not go to many tents Kiou set up fot trade? Is tent of Falling Star here in Tla’loc’al? Why he not go there to ‘trade’?

They make trouble for Kiou. At least Red Fur honest. Red Fur serve Ka Gor’na. Ka Gor’na say to Red Fur make sure Nightmare Lord servant get punished. Stop all from working with Nightmare Lord.

Kiou hate Ka Gor and Ka Gor’na is way of world. But both Kiou and Ka Gor hate Nightmare Lord.
This Yagogi nomad is Red Fur stake. Nightmare Lord hammer hurt everyone no distinguish Red Fur from Green Fur."

Then to Glog he said, "you criminal and theif. You here because you did bad to Kiou and start war.
Then you challenge me to RapiTor? RapiTor for Gogs with honor.
Glog you have no honor and act like a pup with paw in the tasty treats who gets caught.

Still all Green fur want to protect you. Why because Green Fur stick with Green Fur. Green Fur dont care about reparations.

Instead Glog whine Im innocent Im innocent Hammer make me do it.

Well Greenfur Hammer made me do it, what is you offer to make things right?"

Babi sat forward. It was as if Glog and Gorkaog and friends missed the most important thing Hvalik said, “Honorable Hvalik, did your source know anyting of the tribes dat were schemin’ against da falling star?”

If it were true and such a plot was afoot in the UTR it could compromise everything. “Dat a grave matter, one da family will investigate.” Babi paused, “I know da trust be broken between our peoples but if there be others who planned to steal from da home forge I want dem brought to justice. Please tell us any ting you can without putting da source at risk.”

Babi would have liked to have that particular discussion in private, if tribes were accused in public they could destroy evidence before he could find it. At the same time it would be fuel for the fires if the Bruskti kept too many secrets, hid in too many shadows.

Auf Lalyan saw through the red furs challenge. It was just trying to put a divide between the tribes and the K’iou. Unfortunately Glog gave it a good opportunity.

Auf Lalyan says to Gorkaog "Stop being… Its obvious your trying to push the worst solution for Glog and his and not trying to find a solution. To find a way to help the K’iou and find a way for Glog to makeup for his crime, willing or not. Or even check if Glog was taken over by an artifact or not.

My tribe didn’t send an Auf to the K’iou to establish the trade deal either. We sent an Olgog who was comfortable dealing with other races, who had the best skills to do the deal. Maybe in Glog’s tribe that is him. There are more to Tor’og than just killing."

Then to the rest, Lalyan continued "Glog has offered to have the Uth to test whether he is telling the truth. I say were start there. I will summon an animal for this if you need.

Also Glog has said he will talk to the Thundergogs and ask for help. Again, if he has this favor, they could help the K’iou. My tribe called on Kincaid and the thundergods before, and they saved many Gogs

I say we start with the Yohai Horosha reading Glog. If Glog is lying, he’s the K’iou’s without question. If Glog is telling the truth, I think he should work to repay the K’iou. Glog should visit the Thundergods and make his request to help the K’iou. He’ll have to do more and this may take a long time and won’t be one act, but its a start.

Also, if the curse of the reavers can be broken and the K’iou agree, we will send Aufs to raise those killed that were not given final death. "

Gorkaog outright laughed in the Auf Lal’als face when he said find a solution.

"What solution? What solution? Glog criminal. Solution is PUNISH criminal.

If Glog was a Red Fur he already be dead. His whole tribe already be dead. Green fur no find solution when Red fur is a criminal.

Criminal is criminal. Me not here to help Criminal get away with Crime LIKE ALL YOU GREEN FUR.
Say again me here to see Gogs who work with Nightmare Lords is punished.

And me never stop from this goal."
Auf Lalyan says "So you would throw away the help of the Thundergods just to kill him? You would throw away any help that could be done?

I do not think he should get away with no punishment, but if there is anything that can be done to help the K’iou, that should be done first."

[Narrator]

Scout was somewhat confused again, "Here I though Glog had already offered his own life if the k’iou demanded it. Blood for blood, it doesn’t really actually solve matters at hand but if it makes the k’iou feel better then it’s definitely a start. If you really just want his head, maybe you could have him work to repair things first and then if it’s still not enough then you can take his head because then you at least got work out of him first. He’s already offered it, and it’s theirs if they want it but there should be some sort of repayment. Forgemaster Hvalik, I can of course resurrect any and all of your people that need be brought back, as well as any necessary healing. Glog’s task should be something grander, maybe something like granting you a replacement homeforge in their lands while your home is being rebuilt.

Well I happened to get trapped in the mess at the homeforge too, used Glinta’s tavern there as a hideout, lots of people did. People that valued their lives, who didn’t want to be turned into monsters, didn’t want to be attacked by monsters and didn’t want to be caught in the explosions. Say Grim refresh my memory, do you recall coming across any red furs while making our escape from the homeforge?"

Gorkaog agreed, "Yes Glog offer life.

It auf lalal tribals who put words in mouth. Never said Glog tribe not help fix problem.

Thundergods dont exist, silly Greenfur. They no real. You put hopes on imaginations.

Ka Gorna could help Kiou but Gorkaog know Kiou kill red furs and ka gor na if we try help so dont get all high and mighty Auf Lalal gog.

You all, bastards included, act like using Nightmare Lord artifact okay and fine. Not okay and fine.

Nightmare Lords and Kias must be killed and granted final death.

The Ka Gorna demand it AND Falosini demand it. Tell me wrong Scout bastard ?
Only one Kias may live Vir. And only one Nightmare Lord may live Bry.

All others are forfeit."

Kharos had heard enough. He was a soldier, not a diplomat. Point out a target and he’d vaporize it with a fireball, give him an axe and he’d slice a chimera in two, give him a javelin and he’d pin a paladin from a hundred yards, but this, this was one of the most unproductive methods of warfare he’d ever experienced. The pit mongrel was almost oblivious to what the goal of the meeting was, simply riling all the others up with radical claims and self righteous statements about his precious Ka Gor’na.

He rose slowly amidst the argument, and put his branded face inches from the pit mongrel’s.

“Listen here friend, and I’ll only say this once. I don’t know how you do things down in your lands, but here, amongst rational, civil peoples, we do not sentence others to death simply because you alone believe that you are correct in every aspect of the situation. The only way we will accomplish anything is if we can all accept that we will not agree on every part of what happened, and that the solution to this will not be as simple as just killing Glog and walking away.”

“We should refocus on what Hvalik wants for some part of recompense. Obviously this will have to be an effort made by more than one tribe, and will not be solved overnight. Already one has offered to provide healing to the Homeforge. I myself can speak for the fact that my tribe will send craftsgogs to repair some damage, and I am certain that others here could provide even more to aid the Homeforge.”

Leaning back, he said,

“What I am most curious about however, is why you are here. As you have said many times, your kind and the K’iou have not had the best of relations. So what care do you have for what happens to Glog? As Hvalik said, Glog and his whole tribe could be executed, and the Homeforge would still not find any solace. Clearly more must be given than just Glog’s life, so I ask you, what do you have vested in the outcome of this debate? How do you plan to help the grieving K’iou of the Homeforge?”

I also wonder at the fact that you so badly want him dead…dead so that he will have no more chance to right his mistakes, no chance to destroy the artifact alone, and work to fix the problems he created. You are being the voice of madness in this debate, you say that gogs who work with Nightmare Lords should be punished… but the only one who has said anything about working with Nightmare Lords is you. If you know something that we don’t about Glog, by all means, spit it out.

Kharos words caused Glog to think.
“I said I knew nothing about the hammer except what it has done in my hand. And no one else here mentioned Nightmare Lords. Yet time and agen you say that I serve those foul things. Now if these two things are put together that tells me that this is a Nightmare Lord crafted weapon. But no one here pointed that out until you started saying I work for them. So do please tell us what you know.”

As Glog spoke thoughts of a Quall plot started to form in his mind with only one missing piece. How had they controlled him? But really the quall had nothing to do with it. The hammer had a great fear of the Quall, a fear many Nightmare Lords had down to the bone after surviving the first Falosini Quall War. Quall were one of the few creatures that were defended from the power of a Nightmare lord, and the Teardrop Hammer was terrified of those fiery beings.

[Narrator]

Dead Warrior Id had to laugh. It wasn’t often that a Pit Mongrel could get anything right. She stepped forward. “Glog, your handlers in Unit 111 wanted me to let you know, you were off the reservation for this one. You have done good work for us in the past but this was too far.”

She turned to the K’iou, “I will skip the pleasantries, I realize the K’iou have no reason to trust a grey fur like me, but let me tell you a thing or two. My unit isn’t trusted, too new, mixed loyalties, so many accusations. I am merely a messenger for the other units.”

She turned and nodded to a few of the gogs present, she didn’t expect the nods to be returned. “I helped the Kul Gul Rapi and others in Bartsport, and I fought shoulder to shoulder with the gangs of Uf Mag’og to break the siege at Thomasville. It is good to see you all again.”

She turned back, “As messenger I have relayed messages to members of the key tribes in the UTR on behalf of the big red triple one, unit 927, 2354, Dominoe’s Daggers, and others. Let me tell you their black tendrils go deep into the fledgling government.”

Her eyes narrowed. “You are of course suspicious, why would I relate that too you? The reason is simple and petty, if the other units fail the North Star Battalion, Remis’s Raiders will rise and get the respect they deserve.” She winked at the K’iou, “It’s your call though, is what you see before you a working government of tribes, or a shadowy puppet show put on by the puppet masters serving Warmonger?”

“Though I will also make an offer, should you decide to execute Glog give his body to my unit. Ask the K’iou, a rogue nightmare lord roaming around is detrimental to my lord warmonger.” She shot a smile to the gathered tribes, “Plus let’s face it the Kiou will probably fail to contain his body the way they failed to protect the Hammer in the first place.”

Burke, an Earther Merc, walked in in the middle of the Warmonger’s Dead’s speech. he looked around at everyone’s faces, “Huh, well, timing is everything I suppose. I heard that this Glog fellow stole something from the Homeforge and caused a problem.
Is the tribe a bunch of Kleptomaniacs? Cause I recently saw someone from that tribe stealing stuff from a circus. I recorded it if anyone wants to see. Does Or’Lur translate to sticky fingers?
Oh, damn, I am talking in Earther, that is rude. I shall switch to Olgog. Ok, my Olgog is a but rough I am told.” Burke clears his throat then continues in horribly broken Olgog “Passionate, embrace of Gog embrace loved one of others. Or’Lur make semi sexy time with big tool of K’iou. Or’Lur also make sexy time with tool of Circus. I keep on smooth silky skin, eye vision of my big stick which I love long time. I share eye vision of big loving stick with all hot mommas in orgy room.”
Burke would then show the pictures of the Or’Lur tribe member stealing from the Circus. “For my eye vision, give me sweet love prize?”

Burke smiled to himself, and people told him he couldn’t learn Olgog in less then 2 weeks. Maybe they can’t, but Burke was just that awesome. He wondered what kind of reward he would get.

But the looks on the faces of the Olgogs said anything but reward.

Glog reached into his cloak, which hung from his chair. As he took hold of what ever it was he was reaching for Glog started to convulse. His shaking caused him to fall to the floor. As the others looked on those that could see leyas would watch as a battle of light and darkness took place inside Glog.
The battle seemed to end with neither the darkness nor the light winning, but rather the two mixing and existing as one but only for an instant as a phisical change also occurred. Glog’s once healthy green fur rapidly changed colors, going through every color and shade of fur that has ever been seen. Finally it stopped his fur taking on a mix of its former green color on his right half and his left half being a rare white color, as is see on Olgogs of the Glacial Wastes to the North.

All watched Glog’s strange transformation with confusion. His fur had changed and with it his features, but what hadn’t changed was the hammer attached to one side and the healing artifact held tightly in the other. Glog’s hand began to burn and smoke where it touched the opposing Healing Leyas of the cross while the power of the Teardrop Hammer flowed through his body. At the same time, lightning arced between cross and hammer until finally the healing cross shattered.

Glog had changed but the pain he had experienced had nearly killed him.

[Narrator]

Forgemaster Hvalik the Opal looked upon the assembled Olgogs with disgust. His confusion at Glog’s transformation caused him to overreact and believe much of what the Grey Furs had said.

The pictures of the theft caused him to doubt some of the good things he had heard earlier.

Hvalik was no great orator. He had grown up a miner, and gained reknown as a Greslarion in defense of the Falling Star. Only his last few centuries had been spent as a Forgemaster, and most of it took him outside the Falling Star protecting ambassadors.

His anger grew and smoke rolled off his shoulders. But not a word was said.

Hvalik the Opal was speechless.

Auf Lalyan says to the Forgemaster "The Gray fur lies I’m sure. They see a chance to wreak havoc and strike. This is not the first time they have come in with their lies. Our tribes have fought Unit 111 to the point we beat them out of our lands. At least in any detectable numbers. There maybe other Warmongers dead who still serve the warmonger that we don’t know, but if we have proof of them, we will do the same to them. And this one in front of me is most likely one of those who still serve. You cannot trust what she says as the doubt and conflict she is trying to instill is her goal.

Our enemies do strike to ruin try and ruin the good we have brought to the Olgog lands. And Glog just gives them more opportunity.

But Forgemaster, I feel we must get glog to Kincaid quickly. See if they can do anything. It is a chance to break the reaver curse.

If not, your pit of Zela is looking more and more like the answer. What do you say? Do we give a chance that the thundergods might intervene to help the K’iou and Glog? What ever you decide, we must act soon."

As Glog slowly came to he felt pain. it was unlike any pain he had felt before. As he regained his senses something felt off. Feeling with the hand that had had the Cross in it Glog felt the pieces of it. As he felt them tears started flowing from his closed eyes. ‘My vow must hold.’ he thought as he remembered the vow he had made on the same cross, after what had happened at Bartsport. ‘I cannot alow ignorance and fear dictate my life.’ And with that final thought Glog used what little strength he had to will the Fire Leyas to brand his flesh right above his heart. The first symbol was of a sun stabbed with swords and under that was a Cross, exactly like the one that had just been destroyed. With that final action Glog passed out.

Explosions rocked the cave, and leyas based flashbang crystals shattered as they bounced in seconds after along with a rolling fog.

The last thing Glog saw before his eyes closed were a pair of Mag Der’al standing over him. One said, “We must hurry, quickly gather the weapon.”

“The Mag Daron move close, we cannot let them gather the weapon before it is deployed,” agreed the other.

The Mag Der’al grabbed Glog’s body and fled under the cover of fog and shine. The only ones who saw them were Burke immutable Merc who caught a pic between flashes, Gorkaog and Id who was unaffected by the flashbangs.

Hvalik looked at those assembled, and pointed at the place where Glog’s body had been before the unexpected attack.

“What is the meaning of this?” asked the enraged K’iou.

Burke blinked a few times and shook his head. Damn, flashbangs hurt, real ones or these magic ones. “Well, that was unpleasant, well, I believe your multicolored friend was kidnapped. I caught a picture of it, i can show you.” Burke shows the picture to the K’iou. He would say it in Olgog but his head was ringing and he couldn’t concentrate enough.

A female olgog came charging in. She wore the traditional garb of the Rehsed Tribe.

“Please tell me I am not too late. Please tell me they did not take him.” Her voice taking on a pleading tone.

Burke turned to the new arrival. "You are not too late, they did not take him…is what I would say that if you were looking for this K’iou, but you are looking for the three armed dude with the hammer, then the answers will be the opposite. Sucks huh? 10 seconds ago, you would have been here to be blinded like the rest of us. Good times, pardon me, I need to vomit in that corner over there.”

The words that came out of her mouth cause several to blush and wonder, “How could anyone think about putting that there.”

Dreg blinked repeatedly.“Uh more importantly who took Glog? Who are you and how did you know someone was coming to take him?” Dreg asked the newly arrived female dressed like a Reshed. He really hoped she had some answers because at this rate they’d be at war before the day was out if something didn’t change.

“I am Urog’na, daughter of TlaHob, and…” she blushed before saying" And Glogs mate." she waited a moment for that to sink in before saying “As I was out looking for medals to trade for I over heard a few gogs whisper about plans by the Mag Der’al to capture Glog. One even said something about a mind spike and a hammer.”

[Narrator]

Shirley was rocked as they lights blocked her vision. Using Shapeshift leyas, she fixes her vision, correcting the light extremity. She then uses Leyas Sight and/or See tracks in order to get a sense of where they went. As she does, she says, “Look’e here. The meanin’ o’ this is simple. We’ve been had. The Mag Der’al er a bunch o’ anti-Earther haters. If they took Glog, it’s to use it against the Earthers, which’ll explain a lot.”

She looks over to the ForgeMaster, “We don’ have a lot of time to discuss this, but once we get to the bottom o’ this, tha Gang of the Uf Mag’og want to do right by the K’iou. Even if not much’o it is possible. I git me a few ideas, but not sure now is the time or the place… unless o’ course ya say it is.”

Scout looked over all the olgogs that were gathered to discuss the matter of stealing the Teardrop Hammer, but Hvalik the Opal’s concern was correct that there was a bigger matter that needed to be investigated. There was such a thing as the honor of thieves, but Glog and apparently his tribe were making things look bad for the entire United Tribes. Wow an entire tribe of bandits, so not a good idea, and not honor in that. Anyhow, Scout definitely had respect for the k’iou, heck his best buddy was a k’iou and for the most part they had done right even if he was supposedly forfeit. Forgemaster Hvalik the Opal was extremely gracious, he referred to both him and Grim as honored bastards, and that meant something in his book.

“Well I was really hoping that someone, any of the assembled noble goggies here would come forward to say something. But since no one actually want to speak up, Forgemaster Hvalik, I must confess that there was a plot to enter your homeforge and map out different sections. Not really sure who put the job out there, but i hear things, I’m good like that. I don’t fully know who took part in it, but I’m kinda convinced that any of the gogs offering to help you had some hand to play in it. The more they’re offering to help, the more that had a hand in things. Gorkaog, is actually right about a lot of things, thanks for the tip off about Vir and Bry, these are things I should look into. He can be pointing fingers because everyone else is looking to defend regardless that Glog’s story totally doesn’t add up and if you’re going to have the balls to steal something important, you better be able to cover yourself. You could just ask Zar’cos about that, right Yohai? Specifically, me and Grim saw a group of red furs setting explosives and collecting former k’iou reaver bodies into a cart. We actually used their scent to cover our tracks to escape. Either way green fur, red fur, grey fur or multicolored cursed fur doesn’t really make a difference, they have all in one way or another proven themselves untrustworthy. Sorry, but thems the breaks.”

Well crap Dreg said to himself in the silence following Scout’s confession. It was actually getting to be kind of amazing how FUBAR this whole thing had gotten. He looked around the room and for the first time really wondered if there was other olgog in the room he could trust. Well if something wasn’t done fast it wouldn’t matter anyway. They’d be stuck together in a war with the kiou.

"Hvalik, I don’t know if what Scout says is true but I have no reason to doubt him really. But I do know that my tribe didn’t send anyone to your homeforge. We have nothing to gain from this situation and stand to lose a lot of this comes to war. I don’t know who if anyone in this room may have plotted against you. But I know your best chance for answers is getting Glog back and finding the Mag der’al that took him. As soon as possible. "

Urog’na was pissed. Instead of even thinking of how to save Glog, or do anything of use they were all bickering about who was at fault or how to please the K’iou.

“Gogs of Der’al listen and listen well.” her voice dark with anger. “On this day you have shamed yourselves and your tribes. Glog and “the Auf” started this little group as the Lur Union in a hope that uniting the gogs would help make life better for everyone. Glog told me of what you have become with shame. May you find no peace for what you have done.”

Urog’na grabed Glogs cloak and the cross pieces that lay next to his chair "From this day forth let all know that Or’Lur shall do whatever it takes to see that this THING that we helped create is nothing but a pile of smoking ash and that your tribes are are scattered to the deserts "

With that she and any members of Or’Lur leave determined to find and save Glog.

[Narrator]

Kharos blinked in surprise in the venomous transformation of the reshedian olgog’s manner. Just a moment ago she had been as mild as a mal’ie, and the next she was brazenly insulting them? Even so, her words had some truth to them, yet he still felt they were a bit unjust. Nonetheless, he was eager to get back to adventuring the lands with his soldiers, and this cause seemed good as any.

“All right, c’mon you lot. Lets go find that idiot and get him back here before he razes any more capitols.” He said with a grin and a hint of humor.

He gestured to his band to follow him, and they set off at a jog to keep up with the Or’Lur tribals.

Auf Lalyan sighs, more confusion thinking all tribes are the same or even act always together. She thought it would be great if all the tribes worked together as much as outsiders thought they did.

Lalyan says in response to Scouts accusation and to the Forgemaster “In your claim that all were trying to map the Homeforge, you are incorrect. Not all were there for that purpose. I do not know of the request to map it out or who requested it. But I’m sure someone did make the request if you say it is so.

In this I can only speak for the Herd of Auf Lal’ al. Not the UtR, nor another tribe.Though the UtR never sanctioned or approved any attack or theft from the HomeForge. Though tribes can act independently like each of the colonies do. And there are no Red furs or Gray furs in the UtR right now, so I cannot speak for them at all.

My tribe’s Interest in the HomeForge was trade. Trade for diplomacy, Trade to survive. My tribe now gives away a majority of its traditional trade of Water and Food. We give away artifacts to create water. So in order for us to have items to trade for hides and other items we need, we need new trading partners. And we have 25 artificers to work with.

Last year we attempted to trade with the Dawn Spear. See if we could get into the Flying ship business. Of course that didn’t go well.

So this year we were trying to start trade with the HomeForge. Our Olgog came to the Market area with a Skimmer to pitch it as a mine cart. He didn’t leave the area until everything went crazy and he was attacked by reavers. He helped where he could. Then once able to leave, he finished the trade, and left for his own training elsewhere. I think near Simonsburg. This is what I know of my a tribes involvement at the HomeForge recently.”
Grim started chuckling. Looking at the Red Furred olgog, “Do you not get much in the way of news down this parts? The K’ias were granted readmission to the Peace of Falos, along with your precious Ka Gorna. So if you want them put down like animals, you must accept others wanting to kill your ‘gods’.”

Turning to the Forgemaster, “I heard about the plan to try and map the Homeforge. I really didn’t think any of the Olgogs would get past your guards. I figured as a professional in the field of security and item retrieval, that it would be a good chance to see who in the region thought they were up to my standards. And Glinta has some of the best drinks south of I’tash.”

Ufor smirked. It was her finally her chance to speak the truth before things got out of hand. Especially since she was the only one who knew the reason the Olgog were allowed to enter.

“My kinsman, Ferrou the K’iou, heard of the plot to infiltrate the K’iou homeforge. She heard it from a member of the Devotion of Krodnok. Deciding it was a bad idea that Greyfurs have plans to the HomeForge, she contacted Aori Steelsmile of Brez. Together they coordinated a plan to counteract the infiltration. My kinsmen, without telling anyone else at the time, beseached the great Goblin King Urog of the Great Northern Army to enlist the help of his councilgog to help in the deception. Ferrou didn’t tell anyone what her true intentions were. Help was asked for, but none came with us.”

“I cannot speak for the true intentions of anyone who entered the Forge other than my kinsman and the gang-member who joined her, Dreggz of the Gang of the Uf Mag’og. Glog, however, was never part of the picture and was not the threat we were trying to avoid. In fact, there was never any ‘effort’ in any of this. At least from the Olgog of the United Tribes of Der’al. Which is likely the larger problem at hand.”

She then looked over to the Forgemaster, “Ferrou, your kinsman, was trying to avoid needless death by setting a trap for the would-be infiltrators instead of allowing them to be ruthlessly killed in what she considered a prayer of an effort for a church to goad mercenaries into doing dirty work. She is sad that her intentions to save foolish Olgog from foolish plots were in vain, and caused her fellow K’iou so much pain. It will likely be the last time she shows this lot mercy.”. She finished her speech with sadness.

She looked at Yohai. She knew of Yohai. He was trustworthy. " If need be, search the memories of Aori Steelsmile. And of a gray fur known as Lotara, they will uncover at least the reasoning behind why Olgog were present in the HomeForge."

She paused, looked around, “I have nothing further to say of accusations and lies. Many of you are nothing more than pawns of the MagMag Gor, whether you wish to be or not. Enough sowing strife and wishing war.”

[Narrator]

Yohai was proud to step up and verify the information presented. Even turning to a nearby Olgog and asking for animals to assist in his delving into the memories of those involved.
But before the animals were handed to him, Forgemaster Hvalik the Opal was fuming enough that fire rolled off his shoulders.

“Lies lies lies, all lies,” grumbled Hvalik the Opal, "The only truth I see here is that Olgogs plotted against the Homeforge. You say they worked with the Dead only to map our homeforge, as if that makes it okay.
Then you say, you are sure Glog had nothing to do with this? I have never met you Ufor, and therefore your words are just as suspect as all these assembled.
I know of Grim and have heard his legend many times. He I believe about these plots. But they are still plots of Olgogs working with Warmonger’s Dead.
The lesson I have learned here is clear. The Olgogs of these lands are not the noble beings of my youth. They are unworthy of the friendship of the K’iou. Suffer your machinations alone…and let the Dead reap you for your betrayal of the living.

I will hunt down this Glog of Or’Lur and I will make sure he gives up all the conspirators who worked with him."

Hvalik marched off in anger.

He turned back to the Kul Gul Rapi enforcers, Scout and Grim, “We have much to do, and I am deputizing you into the Greslarion of the Homeforge. The Body of Glog of Or’Lur must be recovered immediately. I’m sorry Uth, you’re invited, but on me mother’s grave I’d never deputize a servant of the Fallen Sovereign. No disrespect of course, you can come with us.”

Hvalik opened the door, and as he did a flood of aides and tribal messengers rushed in past him. Each was yammering but soon the message was clear.
There had been attacks. Multiple attacks on multiple cities. Brez, Simonsburg, and the Tla’loc’al Trade Zone had all suffered attacks. There were painted messages saying, Down with the collaborators, death to the Earther oppressors. The Mag Der’al were taking credit, and the deathtoll had been very high. Healing efforts were on the way…but the trauma would last a lifetime.

[Narrator]

Epilogue

Glog’s body was carried across the city of Tla’loc’al to the deepest tunnels once ruled by the Ka Alliance. Now they were inhabited by refugees, ferals, and a small group of Mag Der’al.
Glog was placed down before a large tent lit by chill fire lights. From inside was carried a palanquin, at each of the corners stood a tall white furred Olgog.

On the raised platform sat a tiny greenfur Olgog of obvious Tla’loc’alan lineage. He was small enough to have predated the Goblin Genocide. His rhemy eyes dripped green mucus, and his lower lip curled back in disgust.

“This is the weapon?” asked the tiny old olgog in a gravely voice. On his lap was a Mag Der’al in its raw form. It sat like a pet, its slick surface being massaged by the tiny Olgog.

One of the Mag Der’al Olgogs who brought the body replied, “Yes, he stole the TearDrop Hammer. Soon he will release the ooze, and another city will destroy itself. We must choose a target.”

“WE? WE? We must do nothing of the sort,” grumped the tiny old olgog, and the mag der’al in his lap cowered. The tiny Olgog spat a wad of green flem into the fire and it crackled and hissed into a tiny green crystal.

“I…I will handle this matter,” said the tiny green Olgog, “My pet, you have done so well.
Last time we rose, so many of the family were killed. Then I watched more death and pain for my beloved Olgogs. Each time they trust the humans, they suffer. Now the Humans must suffer.
This time, they will not see us coming. But you must leave many for me.
Sweet breedable flesh, for a new age under the rule of Mag’ol Dol’og Onderal.”

He began to put the slick chin of the Mag Der’al in his lap. “I remember when I first made you. You were so special and pretty back then. We have both aged my friend. We have both aged. The Karovians think they invented their alchemy? They do not know about the Inquisitor labs, where we were taken at the beginning of the genocide. Where they made us do unspeakable things until we finally unlocked so many gifts for them. But you my sweet pet, you were a gift only for me.’

The Mag Der’al Olgogs seemed to purr as the creature in Onderal’s lap was being pet.

“How long until the Teardrop hammer activates again?” asked Onderal.

“We suspect it will be only days, days until the weapon is ready,” said the Mag Der’al Olgogs.

Suddenly Yohai blinked his eyes awake. He was once more inside the Tla’loc’alan chambers though most of the Olgogs had long left.

There was a plot afoot, but it did not seem like Glog was in on it. Glog’s actions seemed to be pure greed and desire for a powerful weapon. Over the past hour, Yohai had learned that Lalder had sent a VLAD agent Lurtor into the Homeforge, and kept the information from Auf Laylon purposely.

The Dead of Krodnok had called the Forbidden Armory to their side, to unleash its power on the Unit 111 in their efforts to claim the Tomb Factory of Holys. Yohai learned that Lalder had known that as well, and had Olgogs planning with the Dead of Krodnok for a full assault.

Yohai learned that many tribals had known of the plot against the Homeforge. And Yohai learned something deeply concerning about Ferrou the K’iou. All this information that could lead to all out war between the K’iou and the Olgogs? What would Yohai share?

[Narrator]

Rewards

Kul Gul Rapi, Scout, Grim gain the Badge of the Opal. This Badge always allows the user to access Falling Star Homeforge. It will also summon an Aegelis in combat (as the Summoning Leyas ability with 1 success.)

Lalder, Gangs of Uf Magog, Kolgol gain In Defense of a Brother. All UtR soldiers under the command of Auf Laylan, Shirley or Kharos will get a + 4 Bonus to Emotional Control fear tests while under their command.

The Ka Gor tribe gains Gorkaog Hated Unilaterally. Gorkaog’s charisma drops to 1 but his Intimidation skill raises to 8. His temper raises by +2 total.

Unit 7756 gains Id Sows the Seeds of Distrust. Id gain Profession (Spy) 6 skill and may now call in 10 Mercs from Domino’s Daggers (use Dead Jester kit from Border Wars Aftermath).

Burke the Merc gains an old and battered foot tall Cherub Mek found in a scrap heap on his way to Tla’loc’al. It is currently damaged and in need of repair, but can sit on his shoulder and act as a translator into Olgog, High Falos, Quall, Krato, Yyan, and five hundred different dialects of Earther languages.

Or’Lur gains Glog has been kidnapped. Glog is no longer playable by Or’Lur until he is rescued from the Mag Der’al. Glog has physically changes, but retains the curse of the Teardrop Hammer. His cross is destroyed, but he gains a brand across his chest over his heart. Or’Lur instead gain Tla’Hob’s daughter. Her memories restored by Moli Nial, she has taken over the Or’Lur in Glog’s place.
She is an F.S. 6 (Rehsedian Smith)

Yohai gains Respect of the Olgogs of Tla’loc’al. He may now enter and leave Tla’loc’al without fear of being attacked as an Uthvelor. He is also gifted a trio of pet Ravenous Kolgul with bone rings of resurrect around their necks. Yohai must name these pets. Yohai also gains secret knowledge about Derlur the Nomad (Narrator will PM this data to keep it secret). Yohai also learns of Alchemist Onderal, master of the Mag Der’al.

Urik’s Outcasts gets A Sticky Diplomatic situation. Dreg gains Charisma +1 and Emotional Control +1 and Profession Diplomat skill of 4.

Derlur the Nomad gains Ufor untrusted by the UtR, and the K’iou. Derlur also gains a full map of the Falling Star Homeforge and of Tla’loc’al.

All Olgog tribes except Urik’s Outcasts and Kul Gul Rapi gain K’iou Declare Hostilities!
The K’iou have cut off trade. They are rapidly escalating to a war footing but have not yet made any attacks.