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Vadok Mal

Striza's Warband

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The eastern-most mountain of the Mirkwood Mountains, Vadok Mal was previously occupied by skilled artisans of dwarvish lineage.  Where these dwarves have disappeared to is a mystery to the entire area, though rumors abound.  The mountain itself is a jagged peak riddled with rough tunnels that spider web  their way through the entire area.  Set slightly apart from the Mirkwood Mountain Range it makes for an extremely good defensive position and place from which to launch raids into Central Mirkwood.  The Western Passage, which runs from north to south along the western foothills of Vadok Mal has long been known to be an extremely dangerous route for man, beast and orc.  It is normally avoided if at all possible.

Vadok Ushtarak Warband

One of many warbands within the dark woods of Mirkwood, Vadok Ushtarak claims Vadok Mal as its home and enjoys the benefits of this inherited fortification.  Leadership of the Warband has passed through many orcs over the years, most holding the position for less than five before being usurped by underlings or murdered in their sleep by assassins.  The forces of Dol Guldur are known to interfere from time to time, imposing their will upon the orcs of the Warband.

Striza (dead)

a thin-haired orc with a subtle underbite

Striza is the undisputed tribal leader of the Vadok Ushtarak and a seasoned warrior and tactician, having fended off dozens of claims to his leadership. Being one of the region’s most dominant captains for decades, many of the neighboring tribes both fear and respect him, knowing he will probably outlive them like he has the generations before. Rumors among the remaining Vadok Ushtarak veterans speak of Striza being in some way the Necromancer’s favorite, but no one really knows how or why. Considered relatively clever for an Orc, Striza is also calculating but merciless. 

Striza was killed in battle by his second, Kreezur Bloodhand, while attempting to unite the orc clans of Central Mirkwood.

Kreezur Bloodhand (dead)

a muscular, wide-eyed orc

Kreezur Bloodhand is seen by many as the young prodigy Orc that will one day soon replace Striza in his role as tribal leader, regardless of his age. Unlike Striza, Kreezur is aggressive, volatile, and impatient, letting all but Striza know that one day he’ll be the tribal leader for the Vadok Ushtarak. Kreezur earned his namesake thanks to the ritual he can be seen performing before battle, cutting his palm and imprinting the crimson hand on his scarred chest.

Kreezur was killed in his sleep by assassins that came up from the Underdeeps, his throat laid open wide.  The Warband revenged his death shortly after by clearing the deeps of the smaller cave orcs.

Zakur

a lank, scab-faced orc

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