Sardok
Sardok (
History
In the beginning, Sardok's upbringing was synonymous with that of any Orc residing in Bhathairk. He was raised to be be strong, but also to respect the peaceful nature of their stronghold. Moreover, his direct lineage made him an ideal candidate for maintaining his people's oral heritage via shamanism. Thus, Sardok walked within the intersection of two vastly different worlds.
On one hand, he was expected to abide by the peace and commerce promoted by the Council's leadership. On the other, he was expected to remember and honor the tales of Orckind's strength in battle. With each passing year, Sardok grew to favor his ancestral roots over what the stronghold represented. He yearned to taste the battles that were remembered in song. He hungered for his people to be more than mere merchants and craftsman.
And he was far from alone.
Enter Verok - an Orc woman several years his senior. She, too, had become disillusioned by the peaceful ways of Bhathairk and spoke to their generation of being more. She offered a chance to unite, not just the city, but all of Orckind through the old ways. And then, through their united dominance, they could shape the world as they saw fit. Sardok was far too young to see that this venture was doomed from the outset and quickly threw in his support.
Like all who desired blood over peace, the Council invited Verok's growing Warband to part ways with the Bhathairk. In doing so, they would either die to their ambitions or return, humbled. Verok, eager to prove the Council wrong, accepted this invitation and led her band north into what would be called the Fringewoods. This wooded expanse was largely untouched and was full of ruins, beasts, and literal monstrosities.
Soon, the Warband's fight for Orc unity turned into regular fights for survival. Over the coming months, their numbers would thin as they mastered their environment. Yet, as they seemingly shifted focus from Orc unity to taming the Fringewoods, many within the Warband grew anxious. Faith in Verok's leadership began to slip and dissenting voices began to rise. Sardok, however, remained ever loyal to Verok - for she had captured his young heart and bedded him. Because of this, he was more than willing to fight, bleed, and die should she wish it.
It was during a storming night in 361 that her wish was his command. Dissenting opinions grew hot over the campfire and blades were drawn. Verok's leadership of the Warband was directly challenged and a harsh line was drawn in the sand. Hot tempers led to a clash of steel and the host turned on itself. The battle was ferocious, but swift. In the end, the opposing voices saw their desired outcome: Verok's head was mounted on a pike. Her supporters, Sardok included, fled into the Fringewoods.
And without Verok acting as the glue to keep their cause together, what remained of the dissentors quickly tore each other apart. The Warband was nothing but a memory. For Sardok, the obvious decision would have been a humble return to Bhathairk. Yet, his shattered soul wanted nothing to do with the stronghold. Instead, he chose the solitude of the Fringewoods and there he quietly resided to the present.
On one hand, he was expected to abide by the peace and commerce promoted by the Council's leadership. On the other, he was expected to remember and honor the tales of Orckind's strength in battle. With each passing year, Sardok grew to favor his ancestral roots over what the stronghold represented. He yearned to taste the battles that were remembered in song. He hungered for his people to be more than mere merchants and craftsman.
And he was far from alone.
Enter Verok - an Orc woman several years his senior. She, too, had become disillusioned by the peaceful ways of Bhathairk and spoke to their generation of being more. She offered a chance to unite, not just the city, but all of Orckind through the old ways. And then, through their united dominance, they could shape the world as they saw fit. Sardok was far too young to see that this venture was doomed from the outset and quickly threw in his support.
Like all who desired blood over peace, the Council invited Verok's growing Warband to part ways with the Bhathairk. In doing so, they would either die to their ambitions or return, humbled. Verok, eager to prove the Council wrong, accepted this invitation and led her band north into what would be called the Fringewoods. This wooded expanse was largely untouched and was full of ruins, beasts, and literal monstrosities.
It was during a storming night in 361 that her wish was his command. Dissenting opinions grew hot over the campfire and blades were drawn. Verok's leadership of the Warband was directly challenged and a harsh line was drawn in the sand. Hot tempers led to a clash of steel and the host turned on itself. The battle was ferocious, but swift. In the end, the opposing voices saw their desired outcome: Verok's head was mounted on a pike. Her supporters, Sardok included, fled into the Fringewoods.
And without Verok acting as the glue to keep their cause together, what remained of the dissentors quickly tore each other apart. The Warband was nothing but a memory. For Sardok, the obvious decision would have been a humble return to Bhathairk. Yet, his shattered soul wanted nothing to do with the stronghold. Instead, he chose the solitude of the Fringewoods and there he quietly resided to the present.
Appearance
Compared to an adult human, Sardok is a towering individual. However, his stature is relatively average among Orcs. A lifetime of survival in the Fringewood has conditioned his frame to be strong and muscular. Moreover, his shaman heritage is represented as a number of crimson tattoos upon his sage complexion. Like most orcs, his tusks protrude from his bottom lip and his ears are adorned with numerous piercing. Notably, he prefers to keep his head clean shaven.
Skills and Abilities
From a particularly young age, Sardok had been selected to uphold his family's heritage as Shamans. Thus, he presently has an excellent understanding of the three Aspects of Orc Shamanism. To date, it is not uncommon for Sardok to have ancestral spirits within his proximity at all times - whether he has requested their presence or not.
Outside of his mystical prowess, Sardok is very much so a traditionally trained Orc. He is proficient in wielding bladed weapons, with a strong preference for swords and axes.
Outside of his mystical prowess, Sardok is very much so a traditionally trained Orc. He is proficient in wielding bladed weapons, with a strong preference for swords and axes.
Personality
During the age of his youth, Sardok was characterized by an impulsive mindset. Perhaps this was what led him to see the warlike history of his people as being more attractive than Bhathairk's peaceful present. Yet, since secluding himself in the Fringewood, Sardok's outlook on life has mellowed. He has learned to find satisfaction and even humor in the simplest things. Beyond this, he has learned to let go of mindless aggression and instead chooses to operate with understanding first. That is not to say that he has forgotten the way of fist and sword; for if his life is threatened, he has no hesitancy to shatter a skull.
