Korak Banthai
Appearance
Korak is the fear of his tribe, standing at an impressive stature of roughly one meter. His fiery hair covers his head, and he boasts some of the only Goblin facial hair for leagues in the form of beautiful chops. Indeed, by that hair and the hair covering his arms and legs, you might mistake him for a Halfling. This thought is quickly put to rest by the structure of his face, truly of Goblin make.
He is, in fact, Half-Halfling. A fact neither he nor any surviving member of his clan knows. On the rare occasion someone has accused him of such, he has shot down the accuser violently, and with a rage only known to Orcs and Goblins.
Recently his habits have turned closer to his Halfling side, no doubt the years away from Bhathairk are mellowing him out on the front of his ancestry.
Recently his habits have turned closer to his Halfling side, no doubt the years away from Bhathairk are mellowing him out on the front of his ancestry.
For apparel, Korak is most often found with a sash about his waist, acting as both status marker and loin cloth. Stories (mostly his), tell of an Orcish champion he bested, and in doing so stole his cloak. Regardless of the story, it is made from fine silk and is eyed with jealousy by fellow clansfolk. When expecting battle, he will don a single vambrace and shoulder pad, leather lined with fur and covered with tiny plates of metal. Lastly, his favorite weapon is a sword he refers to as “Vak”. Vak is a single-edged except at the end, where the back has been made like a slight barb and sharpened.
Skills and Abilities
Cunning - Korak, while a vicious ankle-biter, is most capable with his mind. A quick wit and only the tiniest sliver of honor has made him dangerous. In his mind, if you’re fighting, anything goes. He will not hesitate to exploit an opening in his opponent’s defence, even if it is at their back.
Dexterity - Korak is, like many of his kind, freakishly agile. Only Elves and Halflings tend to match Goblins in that field, and even then, the bursts of speed that Goblins can achieve make them notoriously dangerous while anywhere near close quarters. Best killed at a distance.
Endurance - Goblins are not typically known for their durability, but since the days when he left the clan, he has made a name for himself as “tougher than an Orc”. Many an Orc has taken offence at this, and many an Orc has had it proven correct (with only a few notable exceptions).
Enthusiasm - When you can’t do it right, do it with enthusiasm. That might as well be Korak’s motto, as he frequently finds himself outclassed in size, strength, and skill. With a little endurance and can-do attitude, he often forces himself into a “winning” position.
Linguist - Of all his boasted talent as a combatant, perhaps his greatest skill is that of tongues. Having been the fly on the wall for many a conversation in Bhathairk, he has gathered to himself knowledge of the many languages that dot the world.
Gardening - Recently in preparation for his joining of the recent expedition, Korak went about learning some essential skills so as to make himself useful at every step of the venture. What he did not expect was for him to enjoy the practice of gardening; which in fact, he did. Now he looks forward to making his plants grow and to till the earth of the new land.
Sailing - In preparation for the venture across the sea that he was about to embark upon, Korak spent several weeks aboard a merchant vessel volunteering his time so as to learn the ropes of sailing. Korak once again proved a swift learner, and while he does not necessarily have the strength to operate every part of a vessel, he definitely has the knowledge to impart to others.
Personality
Korak is brash, bold, or in other words, reckless. When he sees an opportunity, he will not hesitate to take hold of it. While he does enjoy fighting as much as the next Goblin, one might argue more, his secret passion is smoking. When given the chance, he will sneak away to puff out rings over the walls at sunset. It is in this act he gets what he best describes as, “The feeling you get after sinking your blade in the last guy ad sitting on his head.” It’s a Goblin feeling called Yorak-exhad, or literally “Skull-sit”. He enjoys good company and drinks, and shares in an occasional song. His greatest dream is to one day be allowed the privilege of being a warlord’s “Hranza Shustor”, or “Pony Knight” in the trade tongue. Of course, he has already taught himself how to ride a pony, but the invitation is the highest honor.
Biography & Lore
Born to the esteemed Drandak’il tribe of the upper steppes, much of Korak’s early days were spent learning his lessons like all young Goblins: the hard way. His mother died during childbirth, so he was left to the care of the tribe as a whole. After being thrown off a small cliff by his less hairy cousins, being left in mud while the tribe moved on, and so on, he eventually wisened up. If he was going to do any better, he would have to prove himself worth it. He proceeded to reverse punishments on those who had tormented him, and soon he was not bothered as much. When he turned one, he was recognized as a full adult, almost a full year ahead of his peers.
It wasn’t long after his star began to rise that an Orc hunting party took to pestering the tribe in their annual rotations. He performed admirably, and garnered himself a reputation. Unfortunately, this reputation did not sit well with the chieftan, who saw him as a threat to his power in the tribe. Soon, Korak was banished. Officially an envoy to the great city of Bhathairk, everyone knew he was not to return. Now, for three years he has made his home in the dens beneath the city proper, constantly looking for a way to improve his prestige and skills.