Argatoria: Er’Sael Monks of the Shadow Temple Preview

Spellcrow geben wieder einen kleinen Vorgeschmack auf ihre bald erscheinende Ork-Armee.

MONKS OF THE SHADOW TEMPLE

In the Three Peaks Mountains, in a place of near-impossible access, stands a temple unlike any other Orc structure. It bears an unusual arched roof, towering ornate columns, and red-painted walls covered in murals depicting battling demons. This is the home of the Shadow Warriors – monk-assassins who have dedicated their lives to perfecting ambush combat.

Orcs are not naturally gifted for stealth and speed, but not every Orc is fortunate enough to be huge and muscular. A young Orc slave, whose build is smaller than that of his companions is not doomed to be a constant pushover. Should he be lucky – and show sufficient resolve – his fate may be forever changed.

Once a year, just before the Festival of Plunder, messengers depart from the Shadow Temple to search for new adepts in towns and villages across all of Ugruk-hor. They possess the authority to take any Orc slave, even against the will of his family, the village governor, or the city’s ruler. The chosen initiate, along with others selected, is brought to the Temple –which will either forge him into a Shadow Warrior, or never be heard from again.

Training and service in the Temple is lifelong, but the Orc apprentice does not merely earn great esteem in orcish society – as a monk-warrior, he is free. And though his life becomes one of constant discipline and martial study, the sense of brotherhood and the opportunity to travel on missions for the Temple ensure that few choose desertion. Those who do know well the fate that awaits them.

The Monks of the Shadow Temple, like the Temple itself, serve no city or clan. Anyone can ask for their support, which they may grant after consideration. Units of these warriors take part in wars and minor conflicts, and lone warriors often carry out secret quests in various parts of the world.

They are typically clad in black hooded cloaks. Beneath the cloak they wear garments in a colour denoting their level of experience. Their equipment includes daggers called Moonblades, as well as throwing knives and knuckle-dusters. When carrying out missions alone on behalf of the Temple, they may use any disguise and equipment necessary to ensure the success of their task.

Quelle: Spellcrow