The Grudgebearers

Dagorhir: Your Medieval Fantasy come True

3000-10-29T14:36:00.000-07:00

Aye lads & lassies.

'ave ye evar wanted to swing an axe? Wha' about a big axe?
An' how about not just swingin' away all willy nilly like? What iffin I told ya yer might get to swing it at an orc? er a troll? An' wot about a right LOT of 'em green-skinned boogers wit' all yer best warrior friends?

Sit a spell laddie, as wot I'ma bout to tell ye might get ye summut e'cited.

You right betcha can! So keep a readin' iffin yer interested in some good ol', safe, cheap, medieval entertainenment. 'les yer like me an' dunno what all 'em words come out to, den yer best buddy can read it to ye an' ye can just smile an' pertend yanno wot it says.
*--------*
Dagorhir is an unmatched medieval experience. It is a gigantic game of combat, with local events drawing anywhere from 10 to over 100 fully costumed fighters. Add to that the yearly events like Badon Hill and Ragnarok, which draw hundreds or (in the case of Ragnarok) well over 1000 participants, complete with shops, revels, and fighting.
Fighters take on the persona of any ancient or fantasy realm. Everything from Orcish marauders to the Roman Legion clash on the battlefield wielding a variety of weapons, shields, armor, and fantastic costumes.
Weapons are all made to be as safe as possible, while still looking like weapons of the era. They're lightweight, and made from PVC pipe, rubber cement, and foam. Each is then tested for safety before each day's worth of battles.
Dagorhir is cheap, easy, safe, and a lot of fun.
And don't forget Ragnarok, the annual week-long campout yielding over 1000 fighters!
Browse our site, and the Dagorhir national site.
You just may like what you see.
-Taltosh Murashkin

Backstory

2009-02-06T17:37:00.001-08:00

My story begins when I was out hunting with my mentor Laeyls, a Shadow-Warrior in our village. Laeyls crept forward and waved to me to come towards him. When I finally reached him he said, “Learn and always remember this, ‘where ever you tread, tread lightly. We are closer than you think and our weapons are sharp.” “And where did you learn this?” I asked. “it was taught to me by my mentor?” “why won’t you tell me who your mentor is?” “Because then I will have broken my vow and I would sooner let a Druchii live then break that a vow.” his eyes blurred with such fury as he said the name of our evil kin that he struck at the tree next to him with his sword. As he did this I saw a small movement behind him and took my bow of my back. Laeyls saw my movement and immediately turned around, almost eager for a fight. The shine of the sword made the boar we were hunting take off running through the trees. As Laeyls laughed at the sheer fact I was startled by the boar, I strung my bow. “lets see what the short bow of yours can do against that boar”, he said smiling. When we turned to go in the direction of the boar we heard another squeal and some splashing. “O, great he went across the river”, Laeyls said,” well lets hurry before he gets away.” As we got to the riverbank I recognized the river as one that my villages live on. “Laeyls, isn’t this the same river that runs by the village?” “Yes, yes it is Reanith and it also goes to the ocean. Now take your shot before it gets away!” “Alright.” as I aimed I heard foots step behind me and immediately turned around to see who this people were. It ended up to be some other Shadow-Warriors.. “Laeyls, we have seen a Black Ark off of the shore.” “WHAT?! Did you send word to the Phoenix King?” “Yes, we have.” “Alright then lets go and cut them off and I will send Reanith to warn the villagers.” “ Yes sir.” “Reanith you heard what you need to do now go.” “Where will you go?” I asked. “ we are going to give the Druchii I little surprise party. Now go and quick.” as I turned and started to run towards the village when an unnatural mist rolled in. I could hardly see 10 feet in front of me. When I got to the village out of wind, a guard came and asked what was wrong. I said that the Shadow-Warriors had spotted a Black Ark. He responded something like “ well that explains this mist” but I didn’t hear as I heard a rushing sound of bolts coming towards use. I dropped to the ground.. Instinct saved my nothing else, but the guard was not so lucky. I crawled through the gates and yelled at the top of my lungs “DRUCHII ARE HERE!” and almost at once all the doors of the village opened and the citizen soldiers were ready to fight. As I ran down the street trying to get away from the main gate I heard screams of death coming from behind me. As I turned to look hundreds of Druchii dressed in what seemed like a scaly cape. At the forefront of these men was one that was almost identical to the others but this one wore a golden helmet in the shape of a Kraken and had swords that were colored red. Then everything just cut loss as the village archers let loose the Druchii charged. I Let loose an arrow as I was pulled back. Startled I pulled my dagger out ready to strike but was relieved to see it was Laeyls. “ At least you got here before they did.” he said, “what happened? Where did your men go?” I asked, “When you went off running we came under attack by these men. I was the only to survive, I brought the fight here hoping you raised the alarm.” “But why?” “ well all of these villagers can put up a better defense than just one person. And we could win if they fight. But they won’t unless we go help them.” As we turned we saw that the village archers had retreated a few blocks to let the spearmen get in front.. “ Lets go Reanith. And remember they will kill you in a second if they can, so don’t let them. Also follow all of my orders today, Alright?” “Understood, lets go.” as we turned the corner we let loose our arrows in rapid succession, but naturally Laeyls did got more shoots down range. As the Druchii were dying from the arrows and the spearmen slowly were pushing them back. But then I saw a golden flash and then where 3 spearmen stood there now stood one wearing a golden helmet and welding red weapons. And through this hole poured the enemy encircling the spearmen and cutting the down with sheer hatred. Then some of the Druchii turned and started to run at Laeyls, the archers and me, with a cry for more blood. But what they failed to notice is that their hundreds was now cut to half of its original strength. As the archer poured volley after volley into the blood thirsty horde. Laeyls ran out of arrows and drew his sword and ran towards the Druchii. Some of the Archer followed him but others just took a few steps in front of me and continued to fire. The leader of the archers told me that they were to protect me when Laeyls was away. As Laeyls and the now less effective archers were in combat, the other archers were still pouring volley after volley in the enemy. But the archers with Laeyls were slowly dying one by one. When Laeyls saw that he had but only 10 men left he ordered a retreat. As the archers and him ran back the Druchii charged forward into yet another hail of arrows. But this time instead hesitating they continued and smashed into the line of archers. “RUN REANITH! GET OUT OF HERE! HEAD TOWARDS THE RIVER!” as I turned and ran I heard Laeyls behind. As we got closer to the river I noticed we were being followed. As we got to the river I turned around and saw the golden helmet warrior running at use.. Laeyls turned around and went to attack this new threat. As he turned one of the red blades found Laeyls’ heart killing him instantly. As I saw my mentor fall as a lifeless corpse I was thrown into a rage I have never experienced before. I ran at Laeyls killer with my dagger. I saw a red flash to my left and I jumped, again my instinct saving me. As I fell back to the ground I brought my dagger down and cut a slit on the golden helmet at the eye hole. But then the warrior picked me up and chucked me into the river. When I felt water touch my body I also felt my head streak a rock. In my last few seconds of consciousness I heard the warrior say, “ back to the black arc. For a new army is on the move and will be here shortly. Let the child go the sea will claim his life. I shall take this as my trophy.” I opened my eyes to see what I thought was going to be my last sight and I saw the now headless body of my mentor and I saw the back side of the golden helmeted warrior holding Laeyls head as a trophy. I blacked out after this sight and I awoke on a strange beach in some distant land. With the memory of my mentor and villagers killed by the golden helmet warrior. I vowed to kill this warrior along with any Druchii that dare to cross my path. Remembering that a Shadow-Warrior never breaks his vows even on to death.

RAGNAROK XXIII

2008-11-23T11:43:00.000-08:00

Azrael and Taltosh preparing for the battle to come.

aye, we look good from behind

Four horseman tourney(who needs armor?)

Taltosh's cash and prizes were the only casualty of our first battle

after a hard days fightin' there is nothing like a meal in the mudpit

We survived RAGNAROK!

We Are the Dead

2008-09-14T22:04:00.000-07:00

"How?" Azrael fell to his knees in disbelief. His right arm had been cut, one leg was sliced open and Taltosh had thrust his broken sword into the other in a desperate ploy. His wounds were not grave, he would live, but he could not fight any longer. Taltosh's left arm had been broken where the haft of Azrael's weapon had struck him, and he let it hang as he approached his former comrade. The wound on his side, barely scabbed over, had opened during the fight, and was bleeding profusely. "Do you hear that?" he asked, gesturing to the gathering of daemons and mutants, "they want me to kill you."
"They looked to me once, now they turn to you..."
"Do you understand now? Do you see that the truth is they don't want a hero? They just want a martyr."
"They would watch me die."
"They will not stand here by your side."
"What have I done?"
The blood from Taltosh's side had fallen and met the cracks on the altar. Azrael had long been bleeding, his blood forming small pools on the stone surface. The clouds in the sky grew still and angry. The monsters around them grew deathly silent. A roar like thunder and lightning rang out.

LET US SEE IF YOU WILL STAND BESIDE YOUR HERO.

The blood of innumerable sacrifices and victims gathered and mixed with the fresh blood that had been spilled. It crawled and splashed as it blackened and burned, it climbed and grabbed at the sky, spreading its oily claws toward the maelstrom. It consumed the light around it, hissing and growling, until the horrific mass had towered above the wounded warriors. With a final crack, a great daemon was born of the blackness. Its skin was black and cracked, with an orange glow behind it like magma. Its face was of a great, horned bull, and about its neck hung a great iron collar. Its leathery wings spread out and were torn from millenia of battle and bloodshed. In one hand, it gripped an axe as large as a great tree, and let out a mighty roar.

Blood.

The crowd had gathered there to watch him fall, to watch his hope destroyed. They watched them beat him, they watched them break him, they watched his last defensive ploy. It was now or never, nothing could be done to save him then. Above the choir of their collective cheers, arose his broken words.

"We are the dead."

Azrael wrenched the broken sword out of his leg, and grasped once more the handle of his glaive. He took to his feet. He could not feel the pain. The daemon could not grasp what drove him forward. Somehow, his rage was lost on the monster. He understood what he must do, and though his weapon grew heavier, he would not be stopped while he lived. With a mighty swing, he cleaved the tendon from behind the monster's foot, the baleful power of his own daemonic weapon preventing the supernatural healing of the beast from closing the wound. It's leg buckled, and in a thunderous crash it fell to its knees. Azrael continued, hacking until the limb had severed, and the blistering hot blood of the beast had spilled out. Taltosh raised his head, and looked through weary eyes. He saw a face he'd seen before. This was not the face of evil, it was the face of a hero, the face of a son, the face of a friend. This was the face of Azrael, redeemed, as he cut down the very creature that sought to control him. The daemon made a desperate grab at the wrathful hero, and was denied with a slash that severed the hand at the wrist. The behemoth cried out with a painful roaring screech, and Azrael drove his blade into it's belly. The monster fell backward, driven down by the awesome might of the hero's blood frenzy. He withdrew his blade and brought it down again and again as he made it's way toward the head of the monster. He leapt into the air as the beast brough its head forward, mouth agape as it tried desperately to rise. Azrael heaved his weapon into its mouth, blood pouring from his arm and legs, his body burned where the blood of the monster had fallen upon his skin. The beast was driven back down, it's screams choked out by the caustic blood pouring from its throat. It began to fade into smoke, but before much of the creature had vanished, it exploded in a cacophany of gore and mortal blood. "IS THIS THE BEST YOU'VE GOT? IS THIS YOUR GREATEST BEAST?" shouted the hero, as he stood at the edge of the altar, watching the panicked screams of the crowd as chaotic energies burst and destroyed their mortal forms. Their own champion defeated, they no longer had a tie to the energy that bound them to this world.
Before the last creature died, Azrael looked back at Taltosh. In a moment, he was at his side. Taltosh looked up, through strained eyes, and tried to speak. At first, nothing came. He was dying, there was no stopping that now. With the last of his strength, he summoned the words.
"If these people.............. tell this story........... to their children........... as they sleep............. maybe someday.................... they'll see a hero...................... is just a man............... who knows he is free.............."
Taltosh was dead. Azrael finally understood. The Grudgebearers carried their heroes, both of them, back the way they had come. The storm had gone, the ground was earth, the voices were silenced. When they had reached the bottom of the cliff, they stood only for a moment before the Kutriguri arrived from the West. Mounting up, placing their fallen hero on the back of a horse, they round around and to the top. There, they burned his body, leaving only his sword and a stone to mark his grave. Azrael turned to his comrades. He knew what he had done, and what must come next.
"My friends. I have been marked by Chaos. From this, there is no escape for me. But as I live, there is no evil that will stand. I will finish what was started."
The Grudgebearers had nothing to say.
"I must journey to the High Elf lands. They know much of this world that we do not, and they may be able to remove this curse from my shoulders. It is far, and I may die on the way, and I almost wish that I shall if it would save this world from the hate I carry in my veins."
Marius clapped him on the shoulder, "I could never let you go alone. You are my brother, and we are all your brothers. We will go with you, and if we must, we will die with you." Marius turned to the rest of them, who all nodded in agreement.
Azrael turned back to the valley from which they escaped. He let out a cry to the wind, as a warning and a tribute.
"WE ARE THE DEAD!"

The Stand

2008-03-12T03:30:00.000-07:00

A colossal stone circle, surrounded by eight boney spikes atop the giant stone steps. Above the gore-soaked earth he had trudged through for days. Taltosh hauled himself atop the first of these with the last of his strength. No sooner had he sighed his relief than he had fallen asleep, the first moment he'd had since they came here. A horde of men and beasts gathered far away from the structure, screaming creatures soared through the sky. Taltosh saw nothing, heard nothing. He dreamed the ink black dream on those cold, stone steps.

The Grudgebearers saw this gathering, and Azrael led them forward. "He must be there, he has to be there!" he roared as he took off running. Though uncertain, the Grudgebearers followed, perhaps to their doom. The clouds had begun to darken and swirl as the Dark Magic called out. Daemons had begun to gather, breaking out of their host bodies among the beasts and men. Winged, horned monstrosities and spiny, scythed horrors born out of a flash of lightning and an explosion of gore. An army of Chaos had gathered, they were certainly doomed.

Rise.

The voice called out to Taltosh, and he woke with a start at the scene around the circle. And yet, beyond the black sea of monsters, he could make out the four figures that were his comrades. "Madmen," he muttered, watching their apparent charge toward the edge of the horde. But there was no collision, no violent and outright slaughter of those few friends he had. The mass parted, as though for a king's procession, and his fellows came closer. But Taltosh could see something awry. Azrael's gaze was locked on him, unblinking, unflinching as he bore through the flailing creatures all about. This was not the warrior he had come here with. This was a man possessed. By what, he could plainly see. "What have you done..." he lamented, as Azrael reached the edge of the crowd and slowed to a walk.

"...the shadow, it covers your face."
"You will fight."
"I will not fight you."
"You have no choice."
"I stand beside you."
"I stand alone."
"This cannot be the only way."
"You will see. When this is through, mankind will fall."

Azrael charged forward, and Taltosh scrambled to climb to the top. He could hear through the howling and the screeching, the men and daemons chanting:

Destroy him.

When Taltosh reached the top, he knew then that he'd made a horrible mistake. He now stood atop an altar to the Dark Gods. Piles of skulls and ravaged corpses lay scattered across the basin, the enormous circle carved into the rock was filled with the blood of thousands of years of innumerable sacrifices made atop this altar. His fate had become clear, he was to die here on this spot or slay Azrael. There would be no escaping the sacrifice. Azrael climbed on top of the altar.

"Enough running!"
"We are the dead."
"You could have had this power. You have one last chance. Kneel, and serve my master."
"I would rather die on my feet than live on my knees."

DESTROY HIM

No man saw the blow. The light was blinding. The crash was deafening. The two stood feet apart.
Both in pain.

Only one fell...

Honors

2007-10-24T03:18:00.000-07:00

Honors are given to those Grudgebearers who concern themselves with the organization and progress of the unit and the betterment of their fellow fighters. Grudgebearers who show this kind of dedication will receive a token to mark it, as well as their own personal satisfaction. Anything that has an "or" option can be done for both options (and receive two separate Honors).
Armorer
+Craft five quality pieces of armor each as a gift for a fellow Grudgebearer (pairs of bracers and greaves count as a single piece per pair; should be dyed, tooled, etc.).
*Receive a badge bearing a helmet.
or
+Craft 5 quality shields, three 12-18" and two 24-36", to loan to newcomers. They must be a mix of strap and punch shields.
*Receive a badge bearing a shield.

Weaponsmith (This can be earned multiple times)
+ Craft one of each of these to donate to the weapon stock (they must be able to pass a weapons check): Rock, Dagger, Spear, Blue weapon, Red weapon, Glaive, 3 arrows, Flail, and Javelin
+ Craft one high quality weapon for 2 fellow Grudgebearers.
*Receive a badge bearing an anvil.

Caravaner
+Transport at least 3 other Grudgebearers to 6 Realm battles.
*Receive a badge bearing a wagon wheel.
or
+Organize the transportation of at least 3 of your fellow Grudgebearers to Ragnarok.
*Receive a badge bearing a wagon.

Tailor
+Craft 5 basic T-Tunics to loan to newcomers for a day's battle.
or
+Craft 5 pairs of fighting pants for the same purpose.
*You will be rewarded with a badge bearing a needle and thread.

Mentor(Must be at least a Warrior to pursue)
+ Spend 40 hours 1-on-1 or 1-on-2 training Recruits and Grunts in basic skills (weapon and shield-making, fighting, etc)
+ Donate a blue weapon to 5 Recruits.
*You will receive a badge bearing a sword.

Recruiter(This can be earned multiple times)
+Bring in 5 new members to the rank of Grunt.
[Bring one new Recruit to Ragnarok each year]
*You will receive a badge bearing a handshake.

Herald (This can be earned multiple times)
+Herald at 6 practices and events.
[Additional Honors earned at 18, 36, 60, and 90 practices]
*You will receive a badge bearing a yellow star.

The Tale of Marius

2007-10-03T03:16:00.000-07:00

Marius was born in Tilea and was abandoned by his mother into the canals. Fate brought this child to Bram von Hoff, a man hiding from past. Hoff saw this child as a sign of redemption of his past and took the child in as his own. Hoff trained the boy in everything that he would need to know to become a man. The summer of Marius’ eighteenth birthday Bram received a package, and when Bram opened the package Marius saw for the first time terror in his masters eyes. Marius looked into the box and saw a hand with a ring on it. Wondering how a simple token could startle his master, he asked Bram what it meant. Bram told him of his past, that he had been enslaved by a vampire named Frolaugh and that he had been forced to do deeds that no man would be proud of, and that one day Frolaugh’s castle was held under siege by the empire. The siege lasted for weeks as the empire fought the vampire’s legion of undead, but the empire broke through the castle walls, led by Staven Kambriech the empire forced themselves into the heart of the castle where Frolaugh and Bram waited. Kambriech entered the vampires chamber and saw Frolaugh sitting on his throne with Bram standing wearily by his side, Kambriech challenged the vampire and the vampire drew his sword and charged at Kambriech with supernatural speed Kambriech fought valiantly but could not get the upper hand and Frolaugh knocked the knight over, knowing that he could not stand by and watch another man fall to his masters hands Bram took his blade and slashed at his master, severing his hand, Kambriech saw this opportunity and drove his sword trough the vampires head. Frolaugh fell to dust and Kambriech picked up the ring of Frolaugh’s house that lay in the ash and took it for his own to remember the day he killed the vampire. So it seemed that the vampire had been brought back to life and sought vengeance for the betrayal of his servant. So Marius and Bram fled their home to seek refugee from the dark lord in Stirland. Midway through their journey Bram heard something in the distance and told Marius to hide in the bushes, Bram drew his sword and walked away from Marius as a monstrous cloud surrounded them and the winds began to howl through the trees. Marius saw the vampire come up behind Bram and as he tried to yell the vampire cast a transfixing gaze upon Marius that struck such fear in Marius that he could not speak a word. The vampire came upon Bram unflinching his gaze on Marius, and he thrust his sword into Bram, killing him instantly. The vampire smirked at Marius, transformed into his wolf form and disappeared into the forest. Marius ran to Bram’s lifeless body and wept because he did not save the closest man he ever had to a father but instead stood frozen and let him die. Filled with undying hatred he vowed to finish what Bram had started and slay Frolaugh for the life he had taken and the shame he had caused Marius.

Eight Days

2007-08-24T14:12:00.000-07:00

It had been eight days in the wastes and there was still no hope for rest or food. The grudge bearers hadn’t eaten since they left the kutriguri, their rations had been dropped during the skirmish with the hell beasts and the soil was so foul that it made all their rations inedible. Azrael was not a man to do much of anything on an empty stomach, but he had to keep up with his fellow grudgebearers; taltosh would not let them stop. Not that any one of them wanted to. although Azrael was almost too exhausted to walk, he knew that another encounter with the beasts would be his last, for he could no longer hold his great sword, so on they marched. There was no more laughing, no more excitement, just despair and sludge. While walking Azrael looked out to the east and saw what looked like the remains of a forest that had been charred by fire, and he looked to the west and saw a lonely tree. Azrael questioned the out of place tree and broke away from the group to inspect it. Once he got closer to the tree he saw that it was undersized and dying, as everything was in this place, but there was a small red fruit hanging off the only branch of the tree. Azrael looked at the fruit and without thinking plucked it from the tree and having his hunger overcome his common sense he ate the small fruit. It was the most delicious thing he had ever tasted. All his senses flared up, his skin began to tingle, he could smell every odor that the wastes had to offer, he heard Marius and the others yelling ”Azrael!”, so he turned around to look at them and the poison began to take its effect.

There Azrael fell

“The ground is pulling him in! Help me lift him!” Garagrim Shouted. They picked him up off the blood soaked earth, and realizing that they were not only in danger of the wild beasts that lived in the wastes but the land itself would consume them if they stopped. “Put him on my shield so we can get the hell out of here.” Ra’ Shalm said, “taltosh where should we… Taltosh? Where did he go?” “We don’t have time let’s just go into the forest, and get off this ground!” Marius shouted.

Azrael awoke under the light of the moon and stars, in the middle of a garden. Shaking the dizziness off he stood to his feet and tried to remember where he was and how he had gotten to this place. Where were his friends? Perhaps they had been taken by the spawn beasts, or perhaps they found something worse, Azrael knew that there was more to this wasteland, which was now a fertile labyrinth, than met the eye.

He picked up his sword and started trough the garden, the drain of the journey had started to dull his mind and it started to wander to memories of his past. He saw a small fountain in the garden, and it grew into the ocean that he once fished in with his grandfather, there he could see the both of them sailing in the breeze to their favorite spot, laughing and joking, this was the day that Azrael caught a swordfish almost as big as himself, and he pulled it out of the water. as he took out his knife to put an end to it, the fish turned into an empire soldier and Azrael was no longer in his boat but on the street by his old home. filled with rage, he took his knife and killed the soldier. “DIE!” he exclaimed. rattled, he realized he was still in the garden looking at the fountain. He shook off his memory and pushed through the garden

“Why wont he wake up!” Ra’shalm yelled “damn it, he just has to eat everything he sees doesn’t he, even if it’s in some horrible wasteland that doesn’t let anything grow! Damn fool!” “He needs rest,” Marius said, “but I don’t know how long we can stay up in these trees before something makes us come down.” “Well we shouldn’t be up hiding like cowards!” Ra’shalm said “we need to keep moving and find taltosh, where could he have gone?” “Quiet! I hear something,” Marius said. Garagrim listened carefully, “It's howling, must be more of those dogs! We can’t fight them in the trees, let’s get down!” Marius looked at grim “no! We must try to awaken Azrael”. So Marius began chanting lowly to reawaken Azrael, while Garagrim and Ra’shalm watched as the hounds gathered around them and waited at the bottom of the trees for their meal to come down.

Azrael came out of the garden and was surrounded by a field of lily’s. Then darkness began to shroud his mind, “I should have gone home with her, I could have saved her.” he said. “But you didn’t and what’s the point of feeling sad if you can’t change the past,” he told himself, “but since you can change the future what would you want to happen to the empire that did those things to lily?” “I would want disease and pestilence to wrack the empire so I could destroy itself and I would never have to hear of it again!” The voice in his mind scoffed, “coward.” “Who are you?” Azrael asked frantically as he realized he was not talking to himself. The voice ignored him. “Disease is the coward’s way of wanting people to die.” Azrael saw the truth in this, “the empire should experience the other end of the ‘pleasure’ those soldiers forced lily to experience.” the voice responded, “yes but what good is that if they do not die? there is only one way to get revenge.” “Death,” Azrael said, “I want to slaughter them, burn every city to the ground and crush their empire beneath my heel!” “Yes,” the voice said, “but how do you plan on destroying an entire nation when you cannot defeat my minions?” Azrael heard a howl and saw that he was surrounded by a mob of hell beasts and what looked like giant men with red flesh and horns. Azrael drew his sword and the voice spoke to him, “I can destroy you, my servants with rip you limb from limb and feed on you until there is nothing left.” Staring at the massive horde of beasts, Azrael said, "it could be worse.” the voice then said, “Or you can fight for me and I will grant you the power to slay giants and topple cities, just give yourself to me and you can have your revenge on the empire that ruined you.” As he heard this, Azrael saw a creature fly across the sky toward him, a beast over twice his size with red fiery eyes and giant bat-like wings, it landed and knelt before him. one of the horned men came up to the beast with a large halberd and cut the creature's head off . Azrael could see the essence of the monster leave its body and flow into the blade, the daemon-man presented Azrael with the essence-weapon.

Azrael put down his sword looked up to the sky and said, “give me your name, my lord”.

“We don’t have time to wait for him to awake, they are all waiting for us to come down and you know how I hate to disappoint.” Ra’ Shalm said as he unsheathed his sword”. “He’s Awake!” Marius yelled as the others looked to find Azrael bolt up and bellow a deafening roar that made the Grudgebearers recoil. When they looked back down the Beasts had all gone, but before they could question it Azrael took off running into the woods and the Grudgebearers ran after him trying to catch up but he was too fast and lost them in the dying forest. “Where the hell is that fool going?” Ra’shalm yelled to Marius. “how should I know? just try to keep up!” They found Azrael in a clearing in the forest, he was swinging a halberd that looked so menacing that it had to have been forged in the heart of hell itself. “Are you alright man?” Marius asked. “yes, I am fine my friend.” “Damn that’s a big weapon!” Ra’shalm said. Azrael laughed, he looked around, “where is taltosh?” “We don’t know he disappeared when we went back to get you” Garagrim said. “We must find him” Azrael said as he started to walk, “and I have much to share with you all”. Azrael’s lord spoke to him “beware of Taltosh. He can be your greatest ally or he can be your end. You must bring him to chaos, or destroy him.” “Either way,” Azrael whispered, “he will know true power”.

Taltosh Fails

2007-08-09T02:38:00.000-07:00

The fetid ground they walked upon seemed to expand forever. The cliffs they came down were now out of sight, though they knew they could never go back. All it was now was walking, forever forward, toward the swirling mass of clouds ahead. And all the while an incomprehensible muttering was in their ears. Chanting and rabbling, slowly driving them into madness.
Taltosh had wondered about these voices since they'd slain the beasts. He could feel that they were connected to the landscape somehow, but he wasn't sure. He pondered the soil he walked upon. It was firm, but slick and somehow rotten. He could hardly shake the notion that he was walking on blood. This disturbed and sickened Taltosh, and he looked to his comrades to remind himself that he was safe with them.
But they were gone, and Taltosh saw that he was no longer in the barren wasteland. He was surrounded now by trees, but the fact that they were alive came as no comfort to him. Their shape and color betrayed their nature; the sickly brown trunks, the black and bleeding leaves, the spikes and thorns bursting through every inch of bark. These trees were feeding on the dead earth, and they seemed as if they would lash out and devour Taltosh if only they could move. A light fog began to roll in and he knew he would have to find a way out quickly. Taltosh walked forward, minding his steps as he moved into the fog.
He began to tire. Exhaustion from what felt like days of travel through this horrible, filthy land and now this putrid forest without so much as a moment's rest was fast overcoming him, threatening to steal his consciousness from him and leave him lying vulnerable in this place. He hadn't noticed the approach of the nearly two dozen men who now surrounded him. Taltosh drew his swords and looked up at the warriors who had now encircled him. These men towered over him, fully armored in blackened plate bristling with spikes and grim, mangled trophies from those they'd slain. Each carried in one hand a sword any average man would strain to wield with two and a shield that covered nearly their entire mass. "Cowards," he growled, "you haven't the strength to come one at a time!" Taltosh looked hurriedly for a champion, a leader among them. He'd scarcely turned around when the shadow loomed over him. This man was a colossus, broad shouldered and taller even than an orc. Taltosh backed away from him and looked again. He stood over seven feet tall, his face and eyes hidden behind a skull-faced helm with an eight-pointed star emblazoned into the forehead. He carried no shield, but carried a massive spiked iron club in its place in addition to a giant, serrated sword. The champion took his stance, and Taltosh followed suit.
Taltosh rushed forward and stopped himself before the man's sword could sever his head. Such was the strength of the warrior that he could swing his massive sword with incredible ease. Taltosh stepped backward to avoid the return strike and hurried again as the massive club swung low for his legs. Taltosh stumbled and fell to the ground, rolling out of the way just as the warrior plunged his sword into the earth where he was. Taltosh put distance between himself and the champion who faced him. This was no mortal man, of that Taltosh was now certain. There was no time to wonder about the source of his power, the champion now charged furiously toward him. Taltosh couldn't rush back anymore, the warriors had formed a circle around the two, and he was nearing its edge. Taltosh had no choice but to charge back, rolling just to the outside of another sword strike. The man brought his club down toward Taltosh, who couldn't as much block as guide the massive thing away with both swords. Taltosh quickly thrust the tip of his sword between the joints in the man's arm harness, and pulled it out with a twist. The brute dropped his club and backed off. Taltosh had injured him, but the man did not cry out, did not seem to mind in the slightest. The champion now approached again, his sword held in front of him. He went for a chop at Taltosh's side, and when Taltosh put his swords out to block and step back, the man pulled his shot and lunged forward. Taltosh could barely move, the blade ripping it's way past his side, tearing his flesh and ribs. But the warrior was open, and Taltosh used this time to drive his sword straight into the warrior's belly, his own sharp steel punching through the warrior's heavy armor and chain. But a cold grasp now held both of Taltosh's hands, a second on his throat. The warrior squeezed his neck, and forced Taltosh to look him in the eye as he wrenched his hands to the side. Taltosh heard his sword snap at the blade, the tip still plunged into the stomach of the massive, iron man. The champion's one hand lifted Taltosh off his feet to level with the eyes of the champion. Taltosh saw nothing past the sockets in the helm- no malice, no rage, nothing but black emptiness. The champion spoke, his voice as low and grim as death:
"Why aren't you afraid?"
"Killing me is the worst you can do, it is what I seek."
"You are mistaken. If I kill you, your name can never be cleared."
"Why don't you kill me then, and end it? If I can't beat you, then I can't hope to defeat all of them."
"Because you are not a weakling. Our gods have watched you and your companions, they have favored all of you."
"Why? What have we done but wandered?"
"You made it down the cliff while our sorcerers tried to throw you from it. You slew Khorne's Flesh Hounds as though they were but common dogs. You have traveled for days without rest, on ground that consumes all but the blood of those who die upon it."
"I fought you and lost. Why do you not kill me?"
"You did not lose because you are not skilled. I have the favor and strength of the gods. I am a Champion of Chaos! No mortal like you could hope to defeat me. And you knew this! You knew this and you were not afraid to fight. You even tried to kill me!"
"My gods have chosen you to have their gifts. You will have the strength to overcome those who've wronged you. You will take back everything that is yours, and more. You will bring nations beneath your heel! All you need to do is accept."
"I would have everything back if I accepted, but I will never have my honor that way."
"Then you must die."
"No."
Taltosh drove his remaining sword upward into the space in the Champion's helm. The grip on his neck released, and Taltosh fell to the ground. His side was still bleeding and hurt, but he gathered up to his feet as fast as he could to face the warriors around him. They stood, watching the body of their former Champion melting into the ground- armor, bones, everything but the blood. A whispering could be heard over the air"
Let this one go. All will come to Chaos in time.
The warriors left Taltosh there in the woods. Alone again, he felt ill and near death. His strength had finally failed him, but the danger had passed for now. Taltosh could feel his body falling.
He would live this one more day. His side torn, his sword broken, his clothing putrid and soaked with blood.
Taltosh woke outside the forest, at the place where his footsteps appeared to have left those of his friends. He would follow the path, find them, and escape this place with them.
But there would be no escaping his decision to come here. His side had grown numb now, all except for a tingling where the sword tore him open. He looked to find it looking as though it were infected. The wound had indeed sealed, but blackened veins spread outward from it. He was curious to how much it looked like a star, though he didn't give it any more thought as he continued forward.

There is no escape from Chaos. It marks us all.

Onward to Death

2007-07-27T02:34:00.000-07:00

"Stop," commanded Vaida, his eyes scanning over the vast expanse in the valley below. Taltosh beckoned his companions forward to see what lay on the horizon.
What opened up before them was a wasteland, barren and fetid, a land not fit even for a vulture. The sky over it was black and massive, swirling in eldritch patterns unknown to any of the Grudgebearers. It pulled at the very core of their souls, pleaded for them to venture forth. "My friends, this is no place for men, not even the dead," Vaida advised them, "if you go, you will die, and I cannot lead my people into the same fate." Taltosh nodded, and looked to his companions. They too, heard that same faraway call. "Thank you for your hospitality, Vaida. We shall meet again."
The Grudgebearers began the dark journey down the cliff's face. They could all see the caravan leaving, but none regretted the choice. They had spent much time fighting with the Laffin' Skull, learning not only how to fight, but how to overcome a stronger opponent.
The climb down taxed them to exhaustion. All the while, gale winds came from below, as if to tear them from the cliff, heavy rains slicked their hand and footholds, and lightning lashed out at them, as if some dark hand were guiding it.
But they overcame it, their bodies collapsing at the base. The soil here was no better. It stuck to their skin and clothing, staining everything with a deep earthen red. It was slick and foul-smelling, like clotted blood and bile.
They stood, and marched forward. It was obvious to them that there would be no stopping to rest. Marius began to chant in his native language, hymns that he had learned to keep malevolent spirits and powers out of reach. Barely had he begun than a sharp, horrid howling could be heard from behind them.
But what? And how? From where just moments before the Grudgebearers had reached the bottom, now approached a pair of hounds. No beast so foul had ever been seen by any of these men, and each stood as tall as they. They bore their massive fangs, twice the span of a man's hand! The beasts charged, and with fiendish fury. Azrael swung his massive blade and made contact with one of the great beasts. He felt the creature being cleaved in two, and turned to face it again. But there was no blooded beast, nary a scratch on the massive creature he could have sworn had fallen! The other four Grudgebearers were having less luck with the other. The two of them pinned beneath their shields, it was all Ra'Shalm and Garagrim could do to keep the beast from biting their heads off. Marius drove his axe into the creature's spine, and it let out a shriek as it shuddered and died.
Staring the last beast in the eyes, Azrael waited for it to make a move. Azrael stomped once with his foot, and the beast, thinking he meant to attack, lunged forward at him. Azrael only moved, and brought his blade down on the nape of the creature's neck, severing it's head.
But the beasts did not just lay dead. Their bodies wracked, and foul smoke spewed from their wounds as they vanished in a thunderous crack. They looked to eachother, and only then could they begin to comprehend the danger they were in. The adrenaline faded from their bodies, they were all near fainting. They could not climb back up the cliff. They could not rest. They could only go forward.
They knew then that Vaida was right. This was no place for men. They now walked with evil.
This valley would be their tomb.

Darkness Falls

2007-07-26T03:38:00.000-07:00

It had been nearly a year of wandering. Of journeys to far off places, hoping to find more and stronger allies to their collective cause. As they sat around the fire, the five of them- Azrael, Marius, Garagrim, Taltosh, and Ra'Shalm- looked to his comrades and wondered, "Who are these men I travel with?" Surely, they had each known they were betrayed, or sought some sort of vengeance, but what happened? Time would have to tell, as darkness had fallen fast this night, and they were almost out of wood.

And what of this darkness? It had plagued them since they'd met. At first they had just been light clouds, too thin to really block any sunlight, but now they loomed overhead and blocked not only the sun during the day, but the moon and stars by night. They felt no fear, but were wary of each step they took, and closely watched the edges of the woods they'd pass.
On the Steppes, they had come upon a caravan of nomads. As the Grudgebearers approached, riders came to meet them. Their leader, a man named Vaida, introduced them as the Kutriguri, and openly offered the Grudgebearers their company in travel. Honored by his kind offer, they accepted. Yet as they walked that short distance back to the main body, Garagrim spotted something approaching quickly from the East. Barely had he turned to see than he knew what had come. "Orcs!" he shouted to his comrades, taking sword and shield in hand to meet the boar-mounted chargers. The rest of the Grudgebearers drew their blades and had barely taken their first steps to charge when Vaida stopped them. "Stand your ground, friends! These orcs travel with us as well." Garagrim had a most sour and displeased look, even for a dwarf. "There are many strong raiders on these roads, the promise of gold and meat is a bargain for the protection these orcs provide."
And strong they were. Hulking masses of muscle, decorated it all manner of skulls, pelts, and blades that looked as if they could cleave their massive boars in two. They were the Laffin' Skull, and though few in number, they stood taller than Vaida as he was mounted on his horse. "Who be deze boyz? Deyz not giffinks you trubblez, is dey Boss?" asked the largest among them, with a voice that shook the pit of the Grudgebearer's stomachs. "They are friends, Jalek, and they will be travelling with us." Each of the orcs looked down at them from atop their tusken steeds. Their eyes all settled on Garagrim, whose temper had nearly boiled over at the prospect of travelling with them. Jalek let out a low chuckle at the dwarf's expression, and patted a small spoon hung from his belt.

Weeks had passed travelling with Vaida and the Laffin' Skull. As they rode, Vaida turned to Taltosh. "The look in your eyes tells a lot about you, my friend. It was long ago that I, too, had sought revenge." Taltosh looked at Vaida. Here stood a man who, like himself, had sought retribution. A man who would soon be the Khan, leader of his people. Taltosh wondered what would become of himself after he had his revenge. Vaida looked to the sky ahead. "I will tell you, my friend, that something wicked lies ahead. I know not what, but I will tell you. Whatever happens, remember who you are."

Stories

2007-07-26T03:32:00.000-07:00

These are our collected stories as we've journeyed across the land. For the most part, they follow a series of events leading up to the present.

:-Darkness Falls-:
There is something evil ahead, but new allies offer friendship and safe travel.

:-Onward to Death-:
They were warned about entering the Chaos Wastes, but more than death awaits them here.

:-It Marks Us All-:
The stories of how the Grudgebearers who entered the Wastes were marked by Chaos.

+Taltosh Fails+
Taltosh finds himself alone against an impossible enemy.

+Eight Days+
In which Azrael is confronted by the Daemonic Legion.

+The Stand+
Azrael and Taltosh confront eachother before a host of the Daemonic Legion. The Grudgebearers watch helplessly.

+We Are the Dead+
A hero dies.

:-Men Who Die-:
The Grudgebearers walk once again on Empire soil. The land is troubled by the walking dead, hordes of Orcs, and barbarians.

The Grudgebearers

2007-07-18T20:00:00.000-07:00

The Grudgebearers progress as all-around fighters. These warriors value teamwork, oftentimes sharing equipment so that they can conquer larger tasks than a divided unit.

Retainer: Those members who are too young to participate in the full-contact combat as per the Dagorhir guidelines. However, they are still allowed to use ranged weapons from the sidelines at practice, and thus still participate (often in a crucial, deciding way) in battle. By the time they come of age, any requirements for ranks will be gifted to them as they would any normal fighter (so a Retainer may be given the title of Grunt and test for the title of Warrior if they have already met the previous requirements).

Recruit: Recruits are those who have fought with the Grudgebearers for less than 4 battles. They may wield single blue weapons and may carry a shield if one is available. They are not required to have garb.

Grunt: After their 4th battle and adopting a persona, Recruits are promoted to Grunts. They may still borrow equipment (single blue and shield), but no restrictions are placed if they bring their own. They are encouraged to have garb, and required to at least have basic garb at Realm practices.

Warrior: Warriors are the more veteran fighters. They are experienced, and they are encouraged to share their experience with newer members. Grunts are promoted to Warriors when they meet the following:
+ Attend one 10-person practice or Realm battle.
+ Write a background story for their persona (length does not matter, and help is always available in writing)
+They must meet the minimum Dagorhir garb requirements. (Tunic and breeches).
+ They must own enough equipment to fill both hands (a single 2-handed weapon, two 1-handed weapons, a shield counts for 1 hand, a bow must have 3 arrows to count for 1 hand; every extra 3 arrows counts for an extra hand.)
+Defeat two Grunts using any weapon combination. They each have a single blue weapon.

Champion: Champions are the leaders of the Grudgebearers. They concern themselves not just with excelling in combat, but with the organization and growth of the unit.
+ Attend any 6 events and Realm battles.
+ They must have garb to meet the Veteran garb example. (Expressive of their persona as an individual, not a rank and file). They are encouraged to wear garb at practices.
+ Earn 1 Honor.
+ Own enough equipment to fill their own hands and those of one other fighter.
+ Defeat 3 unarmored Fighters (blue and shield, polearm, archer/double blue). The tester may use any weapons and armor they own.
+ Defeat 3 unarmored Grunts wielding blue weapons. The tester may use a single blue weapon and any armor they own.

Hero: These fighters go above and beyond the normal duties of a Grudgebearers. They hone their fighting ability, they are very characterful, and they continually perform duties to better the unit as a whole.
+ 10 of any Realm battle and event (one of which must be a Ragnarok)
+ Wear great garb and display good characterization. (Look GOOD and act the part of your character). Garb must be worn to practices.
+ Earn 3 Honors.
+ Own at least one piece of armor that covers 2/3 of the protected area.
+ Defeat 3 unarmored Champions (two use any weapon and shield combination, the 3rd used a bow or polearm). You may use any equipment you own.
+ Defeat 6 unarmored Grunts (they wield single blue weapons). You may use any equipment you own.

Lord: The best of the best. The stuff of legends. They lead by example, and they are a prime example.
+ Attend 30 Realm battles and events (this must include 3 Ragnaroks)
+ Look awesome, sound REAL. Characterization and garb are absolutely necessary at practices.
+ Earn 5 Honors (at least 1 must be a Recruiter Honor)
+ Own at least 3 pieces of armor that cover 2/3 of the areas they are meant to protect.
+ Defeat 2 fully armored Heroes who wield anything they own. You may use any equipment you own.
+ Defeat a Unit of 1 Hero (anything they own), 1 Champion (any weapon and shield combo,1 piece of armor), 2 Warriors (any weapon and shield combo, no armor), and 4 Grunts (single blue weapons, no armor). You have a unit of 4 other fighters (of any rank below yours) equipped with any armor and shields they own, but using only the weapons you provide for them. You must survive this fight.

Non-Combatant Ranks
Sympathizer: Those who, while they do not fight, aid the Grudgebearers with what little they can offer.
+Earn 1 Honor.
Aide: These people assist in any way they can, sometimes doing more than they were asked to.
+Earn 3 Honors. One of these must be Heralding.
Patron: These are the people whom, without their assistance, the Grudgebearers would be at a severe loss.
+Earn 5 Honors.
Advocate: These people commonly go above and beyond for the Grudgebearers, doing more for them than anyone else will.
+Earn 8 Honors. One of these must be Tailoring.

Challenges

2007-07-06T01:57:00.000-07:00

These are challenges of martial skill. They are similar in nature to The Slayer Trials, but are meant to challenge a group of fighters instead of an individual.

Undead Horde
+Survive a Zombie attack for 5 minutes. Then, slay all remaining Zombies.
+10 fighters act as Zombies, armed with single blue weapons.
+Heralds will keep count, every 30 seconds, they will call "RISE!" at which all Zombies rise to fight again.
+Zombies walk slowly. Not walk fast, not speed walk, walk.
+Zombies are only slain by hits to the torso.
+3 fighters attempt this, using any equipment they own.
::You will be rewarded with a leather braid, holding a bone or skull.

Orcish Onslaught
+Survive 4 waves of Orcs. The 3rd wave is accompanied by a Troll. The final wave is accompanied by a Giant.
+Each wave consists of 5 Orcs. The first wave is single blue, the second is two blue, third red, and fourth blue and shield.
+Up to 5 fighters attempt this. Each armed with any weapons they own, and armor.
::Each will be rewarded with leather braid, with teeth strung in.

Slay the Dragon
+Slay 2 Dragon Guardsmen. They are fully armored with blue weapons, shields, and red sidearms.
+Slay a Dragon.
+Up to 4 fighters attempt this, using any melee weapons and other equipment they own.
::Each will be rewarded with a leather braid, bearing a large tooth on the bottom.

Banish the Daemons
+Slay 4 Fanatics. They are unarmored, with 2 flails each.
+Banish 6 Lesser Daemons and a Greater Daemon, following the same scenario for the Mastery.
+Slay 1 Summoner, while he is alive, he counts for the Summon scenario rule instead of the Greater Daemon.
+Up to 4 fighters attempt this. They use any equipment they own.
::Each will be rewarded with a leather braid, holding a Chaos Star.

Ra'Shalm

2007-06-27T09:15:00.000-07:00

Ra' Shalm hails from a remote farming village named Markeen. His mother passed away in childbirth, and his father, as most of the village, was a modest farmer. Ra' Shalm, like most boys his age, was raised to work on the farm. Not once did he leave Markeen until his 10th birthday, when his father took him on a trip to the oceanside capital city of Barin to trade wares and purchase supplies. Ra' Shalm at once fell in love with the rolling oceans and the majestic ships. While in Barin, Ra' Shalm was separated from his father. He searched the city high and low. When he found his father, it was in an alley with his father being mugged by three bandits. Seeing his father being mugged filled Ra' Shalm with a hot rage. Seeing his father's cart nearby, he rushed towards it to get the broadsword his father always carried with him. With broadsword in hand, Ra' Shalm charged the three bandits. What he lacked in experience, he made up for in sheer rage. He single-handedly slew the bandits, but not before himself receiving grievous injuries. Afterwards, he blacked out.
He awoke to find himself in an infirmary, with an officer of the Imperial Army sitting next to his bed. He was told his father had died as a result of injuries sustained in the mugging. The officer then went on to tell him that the Imperial Navy had an interest in his fighting abilities, as the bandits he had slain had been no ordinary crooks, but in fact deserters of the Army. Remembering the vast and beautiful oceans, Ra' Shalm quickly agreed to serve on the Navy. He attended the Naval Academy, where he was scorned as the "outsider." He graduated and was appointed a corporal, much to the dislike of the second in class, Randall, whom Ra' Shalm had repeatedly bested and humiliated in front of the other cadets. Ra' Shalm served loyally and rose through the ranks at a fast rate, eventually obtaining the rank of Lieutenant Commander. It was at this time that he discovered himself under the command of Randall, who had bribed, lied, and cheated his way into obtaining the rank of Supreme Admiral. Randall ordered Ra' Shalm to travel to a neighboring country and pick up some cargo the kingdom had bought. The trip to this country was uneventful, and Ra' Shalm's crew loaded the cargo, in the form of tightly sealed crates, and left. At the country border, the custom's patrol opened the crates to find loads of weapons. Ra' Shalm knew he had been tricked by Randall, and was arrested for weapon smuggling, a crime punishable by death. His crew was let go, as they weren't the targets of Randall's hate. While in prison, Ra' Shalm learned that Markeen had been destroyed, and that it was said that it had been destroyed by his command. Randall convinced the queen that Ra' Shalm didn't deserve a trial and should be executed the next day. That night, Ra' Shalm's crewman broke into the prison and helped Ra' Shalm escape. Ra' Shalm fled the city and later heard that all the men in his crew had been executed for helping him escape. He now roams the land, promising to himself that one day he would return to avenge his slain crewman, and to see Randall brought to justice.

Taltosh

2007-06-27T09:13:00.001-07:00

Taltosh is the second son of the proud Murashkin family of Kislev. His elder brother spent much of his time worrying about his inheritance, paranoid that Taltosh would have him killed and take it from him. When Taltosh joined the armies of Tzarina Katarin as a Captain in the campaign against the Horde of Archaon, his brother saw the perfect chance to ensure his own safety. He bribed Taltosh's Sergeants into mutiny, later framing Taltosh for their crimes. On the eve of his return home, Taltosh was arrested, found guilty, and sentenced to exile for those crimes. When he called out for his brother to speak for his good name, noone came. As he was escorted to the borders, a final message was brought to him by one of his former Sergeants. He told Taltosh that his brother was behind the mutiny, that he had bribed each soldier to commit their crimes, and was hoping for Taltosh to be executed.
Taltosh said to the man, "Tell each of them that I will send no man to kill them in the night, that their families will be safe, that they should not fear the dark. Then, tell them to make ready for my return, when I will make each of them admit their betrayal, and relieve them of their dishonor and their heads."

The Story of Azrael

2007-06-27T09:05:00.000-07:00

Off the coast of Lomen lived a husband and his wife. They were not a rich by any means for she was the daughter of a fisherman, and he had worked with her father since he was a young lad, but they were deeply in love and that’s all the two ever needed. The woman discovered she was due to bear the man’s child. They were most happy about the blessing that had been bestowed upon them. Whenever she would talk about their child she would call their it their “angel”, for it was truly a gift from God. But during child birth the mother died giving birth to their son. Heartbroken and furious he cursed the child for taking away his love and abandoned him after giving his son the name of what he was, his little angel of death, Azrael. The boy was taken in by his grandfather and raised as a fisherman just like his father. He had a happy childhood and in his adolescence met a girl named Lily, she was the most beautiful girl in the village. They fell in love and planned on getting married, starting a family and growing old together. But on the eve of his nineteenth birthday, a small Empire expeditionary force had come into port the night before and the soldiers had gone to the local taverns. While Lily was coming home from her grandfathers a couple of soldiers stopped her and harassed her, and although she tried to get around them they kept her, and when she told them off, in a drunken rage they threw her to the ground and beat her, Azrael happened to set for his home shortly after Lily and taking the same path he saw the soldiers beating her, in a blind fury he charged them and they tried to flee but Azrael was to fast, he jumped onto one and took out his knife and stabbed the man to death and then threw his dagger at the second soldier and got him in the back of the leg crippling the man and Azrael ran over to him, took his blade out of the soldiers leg and beat the man until he could not raise his arms anymore. He walked back to his love and saw her laying there dead. He carried her to his grandfather’s home and was then forced to leave his home because The Empire does not take the death of its own well, and Azrael would surely be crucified for killing two soldiers. So he fled his home, broken, alone, and with a grudge burning in his heart that could only be put out with death.

Members

2006-10-29T01:59:00.000-08:00

The Grudgebearers are a unit of the shamed. Fighting forever to regain their honor and pride, they have found peace only in knowing that they have other warriors willing to stand and fight beside them. Listed here are their names, ranks, masteries, and most important, their stories.
Like all things, epic stories come from humble beginnings. Not everyone has submitted a persona or biography yet.

Azrael the Champion
"Orcslayer"
:-Backstory-:
Honors:: Caravaneer

Taltosh the Warrior (released in death)
:-Backstory-:
Honors:: Recruiter

Ra' Shalm the Warrior
:-Backstory-:

Marius, "Wasichu" the Warrior
:-Backstory-:

Reanith the High Elf Warrior

:~Backstory~:

Garagrim the Dwarf Grunt

Frod the Night Goblin Grunt

Thoraxe the Grunt

Atellus the Grunt

Allison the Recruit

Dante the Recruit

Contact and Calendar

2006-10-29T01:57:00.000-08:00

If you have any questions, have a character name/bio to send in, or any other issues or whatnots, here's our email.

the.grudgebearers@gmail.com

include Dagorhir, Grudgebearers, or anything in your title that would signify your purpose.

Or show up in person to Central Park in Santa Clarita. http://maps.google.com/maps?li=d&hl=en&f=d&iwstate1=dir:to&daddr=27150+Bouquet+Canyon+Rd,+Santa+Clarita,+CA+91350+(Central+Park)&geocode=CSIAED8hbXn2FYZvDQIdi33v-A&iwloc=1&dq=central+park+santa+clarita&cid=14469012650381051166&ei=MBWWSYm2EI6KNsDSnakJ

January 2009
4th: Fight at central park 1:00 pm
10th: The Battle for Anduril's Ring! UCI @ 10 am
17th: Fight with Aggelgorod. Whittier downs 12-3 pm
24th: Fight at central park 1:00 pm
31st: TBA
February
7th: Fight with Aggelgorod. La Cresenta 12-3 pm
14th:Fight at central park 1:00 pm
21st: Fight with Aggelgorod. Whittier Downs 12-3 pm
28th:Fight at central park 1:00 pm

March
7th:Fight with Aggelgorod. Cresenta Valley Park 12-3 pm
14th: SNOW BATTLE!-Mt. pinos 12-4 pm
21st: Fight with Aggelgorod. Whittier Downs 12-3 pm
28th:Fight at central park 1:00 pm

April
18th: Fight at Central Park 1:00 pm

25th: Fight at Central Park 1:00 pm

May

TBA
June
7th: Pre-Rag equipment scramble! Building stuff! Location TBA
14th: Pre-Rag fight! Bouquet Park at noon!
21nd-27th: RAGNAROK XX VI We are driving this year! we plan on leaving on the 19th to get there by the 20th. Troll opens on the 20nd, and there will be some pickup battles. Day-long battles start the 21rd.

July
5th: Fight at Bouquet Park! 12pm onward.
6th (Sunday): Fight with Aggelgorod at La Crescenta Valley. 12pm-3pm.
12th: Fight at Bouquet Park! 12pm-onward.
19-20th: Overnight battle at Lake Casitas! 12pm Saturday until Dawn Sunday!
27th: Fight at Bouquet Park! 12pm-onward.

August
2nd: Fight with Aggelgorod at La Crescenta Valley. 12pm-3pm.
9th: Fight at Bouquet Park! 12pm-onward.
16-17th: Overnight battle at Lake Casitas! 12pm Saturday until Dawn Sunday!
23rd: Fight at Bouquet Park! 12pm-onward.
28-31: Conquest at the Black Gate! Loveland, Colorado. Hosted by Mordor.
30th: Fight at Bouquet Park! 12pm- onward.

September
6th: Fight at La Crescenta Valley! 12pm-3pm.
13th: Fight at Central Park! 1pm-onward.
20th: Fight at Whittier Downs! 12pm-3pm.
24-28th: Battle of Badon Hill! Somerset, PA. Hosted by the Aratari.
27th: Fight at Central Park! 1pm-onward.

October
4th: Fight at La Crescenta Valley! 12pm-3pm.
11th:Fight at Central Park! 1pm-onward.
18-19th: Overnight battle at Lake Casitas! 12pm Saturday to Dawn Sunday.
25th: Fight at Central Park! 1pm-onward.

November
1st: Fight at La Crescenta Valley! 12pm-3pm.
8th: Fight at Central Park! 1pm-onward.
15th: Fight at Central Park! 1pm-onward.
22nd: Fight at Whittier Downs! 12pm-3pm.
29th: Fight at Central Park! 1pm-onward.

December
6th: Fight at La Crescenta Valley! 12pm-3pm.
13th: Fight at Central Park! 1pm-onward.
20th: Fight at Whittier Downs! 12pm-3pm.
27th: No fight scheduled because of the holiday.
30th (Tuesday): Fight in Burbank for Mordraughk's 25th fighting anniversary. 7pm-930pm.

The Slayer Trials

2006-10-29T01:53:00.000-08:00

These tests are special, ranging up to the most extreme difficulty that may be taken once the fighter reaches the level of Warrior. This is the opportunity for an individual to show off the extent of their battle prowess. They must be taken in the order listed here, and fighters will be given special tokens or gifts upon completion. They may be attempted any number of times per practice until the opposition gets bored or the person attempting them is too tired to keep fighting.

Orcslayer
+Defeat 6 unarmored Orcs. Orcs wield short blue weapons (less than 24" long), they are led by a Black Orc armed with any size Blue weapon and shield.
+You may use as many weapons as you can carry, and a shield.
+You may not wear armor.
+The fight starts at a distance of 20 yards, that's 60 feet.
::The tester will receive a special icon in the form of their choosing (armor decoration, pendant, etc).

Trollslayer
+Defeat 2 Trolls. They are fully armored with two blue weapons. The herald will count 10 seconds and yell "Regenerate!", after which, any single limb lost by the troll is restored (their "armor" is not restored). Trolls cannot be slain by loss of limbs.
+You may wield any combination of blue weapons and either a shield or a red weapon.
+You may not wear armor.
::The tester will receive a special icon in the form of their choosing (armor decoration, pendant, etc)

Giantslayer
+Defeat 1 Giant. They are armed with 2 red weapons, which will count as red when wielded 1-handed, and will break shields in 1 strike if wielded 2-handed.
+A Giant's limbs are only removed by two solid hits from a blue weapon, or 1 from a red weapon. However, they still drop the weapon held in that hand after the first hit, or drop to the knee as appropriate (though they may pick up the weapon or stand up if the limb was not severed).
+If at any time the Giant grapples you with both hands or pins you beneath its body (even if it is dead), you are dead. Giants are terrifying creatures of amazing weight, strength, and appetite, assume that you have just been crushed, ripped limb from limb, or eaten as appropriate.
+You may wield any blue and/or red weapon and shield combination.
+You may not wear armor.
::The tester will receive a special icon in the form of their choosing (armor decoration, pendant, etc)

Dragonslayer
+Defeat 1 Dragon. Dragons are composed of 7 fighters. 1 is the heart, wielding a blue and a shield. 4 are the feet, armed with single blue weapons. 1 is the tail, armed with a red/green. The last is the firebreathing head, armed with a bow and arrows. These fighters are all joined together by a 10' length of rope connected to the heart.
+All parts of the dragon are invulnerable to arrow fire and daggers. Their skin is simply too tough. Javelins and spears still do normal damage.
+All parts of the dragon count as being fully armored.
+The head cannot be slain (Dragons are HUGE, assume the neck is simply out of reach), unless all 4 legs have been cut off. A hit to the arms or torso of the head from a yellow weapon removes it's ability to breathe fire.
+Slaying the heart slays the dragon instantly.
+If at any time the head of the dragon grapples and pins you to the ground, you are dead. Assume you have just been eaten. However, as long as you have not been pinned, you may still break free. Any strike landed on the head at this time will force it to release you, but will otherwise cause no damage.
+You will be armed with as many weapons as you can carry, and may use a shield.
+You may not wear armor.
+The fight starts at a distance of 20 yards.
::The tester will receive a special icon in the form of their choosing (armor decoration, pendant, etc)

Daemonslayer
+Defeat 6 Lesser Daemons and 1 Greater Daemon. The fight starts at a distance 20 yards away. The Daemons must charge you, and may not run away to buy time for Summoning.
+2 Lesser Daemons wield single blue weapons, 2 wield two blue weapons, and 2 wield red weapons.
+The Greater Daemon wields a red weapon and a large shield, observing the same rules as the giant. In addition, their shield requires 3 red hits to destroy.
+The Greater Daemon counts as being fully armored with a helm that protects from all ranged weapons. In addition, the armor will stop the first 2 hits from blue weapons, and the first hit from a red weapon (Yellow and green weapons still penetrate as normal).
+If at any time the Greater Daemon grapples you, you are dead. You've been burned to a crisp by his fiery aura, or crushed mercilessly, or both.
+Summoning: Every 30 seconds while the Greater Daemon is alive, the herald will call "Summon!". Two more Lesser Daemons armed with single blue weapons will join the fight.
+You may use any equipment you own, and a shield.
+You may not wear armor.
::You will receive a special icon to mark your achievement.

The Unit

2006-10-29T01:47:00.001-08:00

The Grudgebearers are a unit of mixed warriors. This means our fighters are encouraged to wield any weapon they like and fight with their own unique style, whether that's a sword and shield, a glaive, or even a constant switch of weapons.
We draw heavily from Warhammer for our themes and characterization. This means we cater to Dwarves, Elves, Orcs, and all manner of humans and other such humanoid beasties. Members are encouraged (not required) to create personae that fit the high fantasy setting of Warhammer. Of course, "real world" personae are allowed, you'll just be surrounded by Goblins and the like for some mysterious reason.
Each Grudgebearer is a warrior seeking to regain something they lost. Whether this was honor in a duel, a beard (Never ever shave a dwarf's beard), or an unforgiveable blow to their pride (an Orc that was beaten in the fight of his life), the Grudgebearer in question is fighting in the hope that they will be redeemed in life, and if not, then released from their shame in death (of course, this is AFTER taking as many foes with them as possible).

Rules we Fight By
+As Dagorhir does not allow melee blows to the head or neck, all people landing such a blow will do 10 pushups. This has to benefit of discouraging headshots while making our fighters stronger.
+Bruised kidneys suck. If someone has their back to you, don't wail on them. A simple "courtesy tap" while calling out the color of your weapon is widely accepted as a killing blow in ALL realms of Dagorhir.
+Similarly, if you see that combat is moving into a dangerous situation (onto a curb, sidewalk, huge pointy stick jutting out of the ground), simply pause your fighting and move to a safer spot. While the point is to "kill" your opponents, real injuries will prevent you from killing them in the next scenario.
+Archery is the most dangerous aspect of Dagorhir combat. For safety, we do not allow people to begin firing arrows until they have attended at least 3 practices or realm battles with us. The same restriction does NOT apply to javelins or rocks.

Non-combatants
While Dagorhir is primarily about fighting, there are many who are either too young to participate, or who would like to be a part of a group but not fight. We try our hardest to be all-inclusive, and non-combatants are still free to earn Honors as they wish. Any person with skill in garb-making, armouring, making weapons, and even cooking is a welcome addition to the unit, regardless of whether they fight or not.