Murok's Claw

Murok's Claw is both the entire tribe, and the core group of Orcs, and Uruk-Hai who serve the Uruk warlord Murok in Southern Cardolan. They are not under the sway of Sauron or other masters, and represent an independent orcish faction. They are mortal enemies of the Warlord, and will slay any trolls on sight. Muroks' Claw is both his officers, and personnal combat unit. The Claw holds sway over a number of orcs, and Uruk-Hai, and thier breeding pits are always active. Murok has been known to rent or sell the offspring of his lair to those wanting to quickly build a fierce army. Politically they are within the lands claimed by Girithlin, though they don't recognize any authority. They mainly raid into other Cardolani realms, as Girithlin wisely chose to buy them off with regular payments of food, produce, and livestock.

Murok's Claw, and thier followers, minions, and slaves make their lair in the abandoned ruin of an ancient Eriadoran temple complex, which local legends insist is haunted, but they are careful to avoid disturbing the nearby stone cairns, and barrows........

Murok's Claw

Murok-A large Uruk-Hai warrior(15th level)-Murok was born to a small lair of orcs in Arthedain. From birth he was groomed for leading the common orcs. After serving as both a gaurd, and warrior in the elite ranks of the tribe he was given his first Claw(or "Bukra") to command. They were out on a raid when forces of House Tarma exterminated their tribe, and they were suddenly alone. Pursued by Arthedan soldiers, Murok lead his Claw on a fighting withdrawal to the south. They lost many orcs, and picked up many along the way as well. Finally they crossed into Cardolan, where they ran afoul of the Warlord of Minhirriath. Murrock freed a large number of imps being held for the Warlords foul amusement, and from these he began building his confederation. After clearing an ancient Eriadoran temple, he made it their lair, and in an uncommonly insightful move, made a peace agrement with the local territorial lord, thus securing him from mannish interference. Murok fights with a flail, spear, or mace, wears chain armor, and has a magical war belt. He wears a copper crown as token of his lordship over the growing tribe.
Jargash-Orc Scout(11th level)-Jargash is Murok's chief scout, and assassin. He has served Murok longer than almost any of the others. Born to a small group of wondering orcs in Arthedain, Jargash's tribe was slain by Murok during the journey south. Murok kept the females, and imps, and Jargash was one of those who came of age under the Uruk's rule. In non critical situations Jargash tends to talk a lot, and ask the most inane or obvious questions. None-the-less he is an excellent liar, though he would never lie to his lord and master, and is very very quick. He can be counted on to do Murok's bidding, and fully support his lord in any matter. Jargash also is senior Warg trainer in the tribe, and oversees the Warg riders. He wears Rigid leather armor, and wields a morningstar, or nunchaku, though he is also an excellent hand with a dagger. His favorite posession is his thieves kit containing his lock and trap kits.
Vesia-Female Uruk-Hai Warrior(10th level)-Vesia is exceptionally strong for a female, but is also very agile with long arms, and nimble fingers. she was taken from another tribe in Murok's journey south, but as a female she was not allowed to become a warrior. Eventually, pursued by Arthedan forces, and fighting with other orcs along the way, Murok was running low on warriors, and began to arm the females. Vesia quickly proved herself, but did not join The Claw until Murok's two females were killed. She then ingratiated herself to the leader, becoming one of his females, and bodygaurds. she would like to be his exclusive concubine, but she isn't attractive even by orc standards, and there is other competition......................Vesia is skilled in the use of all weapons, though she fights mainly with her spear, or battle axe. she wears chain armor.
Sevia-Female Orc Mage(6th level)-Sevia was born to an orc tribe in Nurn. She was sent as slave and bedwarmer with a war party to Ithilien, but things didn't go as planned and they were driven north into Rohan(Calenardhon). Bad luck turned worse and the orcs were pursued across Rohan and into Dunland before being scattered or slain. Sevia was taken as a slave by a Dark Priest in Dunland, and her natural magical abilities began to manifest themselves. One night during an orc raid she fled from her master, crushing his skull first for revenge. she was captured by the orcs, and brought before Murok. Having lost his mages and preists, and being enamoured of her exquisite beauty, he took her in as one of his females. In addition to her magical abilities, Sevia is also a fair hand with her mace, and wears no armor, only the robes of a spell caster. She is used to being a slave, and owned, and shared, so she is not jealous of her lords other females.
Leegana-Female Half-Troll Animist(6th level)-Born in Angmar, and trained from birth as a Dark Preistess, Leegana was sent south with a war party into Rhudaur before th rise of the Kingdom. Driven into Arthedain, they were pursued by Rangers, and Soldiers, and eventually slain. Only Leegana escaped. She fled south, pursued by Arthedan soldiers, rangers, and eventualy elves. She hid anywhere she could, and lived on whatever she could find until she crossed into Cardolan. There she learned of Murok, still building his forces at the time, and she sought him out. He took her in as healer(having lost his healer), and as one of his females. When forced into combat she uses a two handed sword, and wears Rigid leather armor.
Torak-Orc Scout(6th lvel)-Torak is the youngest of Murok's personnal claw. He was one of their late acquisitions, and grew up primarily under Murock's rule. Being sneaky, having nimble fingers, and being an excellent tracker, he was given to Jargash when he came of age, and has become an accomplished scout. Torak hopes to succeed Jargash one day, but he is under no illusions about what would happen if he tried it now. He primarily fights with spear, or morning star, and wears rigid leather armor.

In addition to his own Claw, Murok is lord of a growing tribe of 240 Orc warriors(30 raw recruits, 100 veteran, 60 crack, 50 elite), 15 Uruk-Hai, 15 Half-Orcs, 3 apprentice animists, and 3 apprentice mages. Breeding females include 24 Uruks, 39 Common Orcs, and 37 non Orcs. There are currently 132 assorted imps(38 Uruk, 46 Orc, 48 1/2 Orc). The tribe keeps 43(16 dunlending, 18 rural men, 1 dunedain, 8 rivermen) male slaves for labor, mining, etc.

The Dead

Ragash-Orc Scout-Head burned to charred stump-Ragash was chosen to fill out Murock's own claw. He hopes to gain great fortune. If he lives he may eventually make an excellent scout. His tribe is quite loyal to Murok, and lords it over the newcommers.
Grumak-Half Orc Bard-Bone driven into brain-Grumak's tribe was conquered by Murok before any other. Grumak was elevated in status when another tribe was conquered. His mother was a slave, but he fits right in anyway, and loves to play the drums during attacks. He has been unable to learn any spells, but keeps trying, and belives that he has magical ability.
Livia-Female Uruk-Hai Warrior-Major Abdominal Wound,Bled Out-Livia was born to a small orc tribe in Arthedain. She was big, even for a Uruk, but the tribe would not let her have any status. she dominated the other imps, and forced her will upon the matrons. When she was almost an adult her tribe was conquered by Murock. She had no chance of being anything other than a toy, or breeder before, but Murock was different than most Orc lords. He allowed her to become a warrior, and gave her weapons from his own stock. Like Jargash she is fiercely loyal, though she is is somewhat jealous of Neelana, as the both desire Murock's affections. she enjoys pain quite a bit. A bit too much at times.
RagathORIGINAL-Half Orc Ranger-Left eye destroyed,bled out-Ragath is a slave tracker. He is only half orcish, the son of a captured slave. While very adept at trackng he is a poor fighter. However he is a good looter, and is saving up to either buy his freedom within the tribe or to escape. Because of his poor fighting abilities he was given to Murok for his first command. Ragath is kept on a chain leesh with a steel collar welded around his neck. (4/21/95)After over half of his claw was slain and he created his own hold Murock freed Ragath, and cut the collar off his neck)
NeelanaORIGINAL-Female Uruk Hai Animist-Brain Destroyed-Neelana is an ambitious female, a thing which is not liked in orc culture.It is liked even less in the dark preisthood. After blood was spilled in an attempt to kill her, and several acolytes died, she was removed from training, and given to Murock's newly formed claw. General opinion is that Murock has the two worst healers in the tribe. Neelana's opinion is he has the best. she has designs on starting her own coven, in, or out of the tribe.
GokORIGINAL-Troll Warrior-brain destroyed-Gok is a fairly rare female troll. she proved to resist too much to breed so she has been given to Murock as a war troll. She has been threatened with being left out in the daylight if she does not do well. Gok's name comes frm the last noise her victems make.
MakeshORIGINAL-Orc Animist-severed lower leg, bled out-Makesh is out of place. He is an orc animist with no spells. He was laughed out of the dark preisthood for his lack of magical ability. Reduced to common warrior status, he has been given to Murock. there are those in the tribe who hope he won't live.
GradashORIGINAL-Orc Warrior-brain destroyed-Gradash is a good warrior. He has learned well. Now that he is of age he has been given to Murok's claw, newly formed. Here he hopes to prove himself, and gain experience so that one day he may lead his own claw. His secret goal is to have his own private female.