11-19-2016, 01:46 AM
Player Info
Player Name: James Coxen
Experience with Warcraft: Played through Warcraft III and Frozen Throne, and played WoW for a few years. Also a reasonably interested fan of the lore and world.
Experience with D&D 5e: Quite a bit of experience. Played a few campaigns in 5E and am currently running one as well.
Physical Traits
Name: Arthak Saurfang of the Blackrock Clan
Alias(es): Traitorson, Cowardspawn.
Campaign Team: Horde
Gender: Male
Race: Greenskin Orc
Alignment: Lawful Neutral, though given time and exposure to people with strong morals he is liable to change to Lawful or Neutral Good.
Place of Birth: Draenor, specifically the mountains of Gorgrond.
Class: Samurai Fighter, may eventually multiclass into Craftsman, Shogun, or some sort of Kensai-type thing depending on story events.
Age: 24
Height: 6 feet 8 inches
Weight: 278 pounds
Eyes: Pale Blue
Hair: Black hair, worn long and shaggy with the sides and back of his head shaved. Before battle he tends to slick it back with boar fat or tie it into a war-braid so that none of his hair falls into his face.
Skin: A dark, greenish grey.
Other Notable Features: Arthak has battle-scars crisscrossing his body, mementos of previous battles. He also has tattoos covering his back, chest, and arms depicting the known deeds of his father, mother, and uncle.
Personality Traits
Virtues: My honor. Whatever Gul’Dan and his ilk say, there is a proper way for a warrior to conduct themselves. A true warrior seeks out worthy opponents to test his skill; he doesn’t slaughter those who cannot raise a blade to preserve their own lives. A warrior has respect for his enemies, even as he strikes them down. A warrior’s strength lies in his honor, not in his bloodlust. Many of my people have forgotten this. I have not.
(As detailed above, Arthak has a strong sense of and belief in honor. But his honor is a system of ethics that would seem out of place in most of Azeroth. It’s brutal, violent, and possessed of little mercy or tenderness. To raise a blade against an opponent, to kill him personally, and to collect trophies from his corpse is a sign of respect. To not seek the end of a foe is an insult; mercy the equivalent of saying “You are nothing.” In the case of Arthak, honorable does not mean good. His contempt for the slaughter of civilians is not based on a desire to avoid unnecessary deaths, or for concern for the civilians. He objects to slaughter as a display of weakness.)
(If one were to go looking for traditional goodness in Arthak it would be found in his sense of loyalty. A warrior serves their people and their leader. And for those who have proven themselves to be friends or who have otherwise earned his affection, such as his uncle and cousin and the Frostwolves, there is nothing he will not do. Once a person has earned his loyalty, they have it, and it will take quite a lot to shake it.)
Flaws: Insults to my lineage, my beliefs, or to my clan will not go unanswered. I will stay my anger if the situation calls for it, but once the time for unity is passed I will have…words.
(Arthak at this point believes that his main problem is his temper. But given time and the chance to gain prestige and authority, he’s going to find himself truly challenged by the allure of ambition. Once he gets a taste of conquest, of real power, his faith in honor will be truly tested for the first time.)
Hopes: There are many things I would wish for the future. I would see my people regain some of what we have lost since the coming of the Legion. While the demons have brought us strength, we have lost our old ways. Our religion, our codes, any sense of identity we once had that extended beyond the field of slaughter. I would see those returned to us. And…I would see my father’s name be recovered from the shadow of dishonor.
(Arthak hopes more than anything to live to see the Horde returned to the old ways, regaining the culture and beliefs that have been lost in the years since the Burning Legion’s coming. Most importantly he wants to see the traditional code of honor reinstated, though he would also love to see shamanism and the arts return.
He also hopes to avenge himself and those he has come to care about against those who have wronged them. This list includes Rend and Maim, Garrosh, Gul’dan, and Warchief Blackhand himself, as well as whoever was responsible for the murders of Durotan and Draka of the Frostwolves. Though he would be pleased to see these individuals brought low by most means, he would ideally love to be directly responsible.
Finally, Arthak dreams of one day achieving a rank of prominence in the Horde, both so that he can help return it to its former glory, and out of his own sense of ambition and desire to prove himself.)
Fears: I fear of losing myself to the bloodrage. My mind is something I value as keenly as I do my blade. To lose one would deprive the other of its value. Beyond myself, I fear for what my people will become come the day Draenor is empty of any foes. What will the Legion send us to slaughter then?
(Arthak is terrified of losing control of himself in any capacity. He mostly considers this in the context of the bloodrage, but it would also apply to any mind-controlling magics. Anyone who used such spells on him would quickly earn themselves a determined, patient, and very angry foe. Likewise, he fears that one day he may die and be dishonored as his father was, or worse forsake honor by choice. He would rather die than fall so low as to become like Gul’dan or the Burning Blade.)
Open or Closed-Minded? - To survive in the current times, I have learned to make my peace with those whose opinions differ from my own. I may dislike what many of my fellows profess to belief, but I can understand that the only person I can hold to my beliefs, to my standards is myself. There is no sense in trying to master others unless I can master myself.
(Arthak has very, very strong opinions about most things, especially when it comes to how a member of the Horde should act. That being said, he has learned through hard experience that voicing those opinions is usually pointless and liable to work against him. Thus, he keeps his thoughts to himself and hopes to use the example he sets with his actions to do what his words cannot.)
Conscientious or Spontaneous? - War requires both planning and instinct. A warrior who throws himself into the fray without a thought will find surely find himself spitted upon their spears. But a warrior who is unable to seize opportunities when they present themselves or who cannot make a choice when time is short will likewise meet death. I strive for a balance of the two, though I will admit that I do favor my intuition when all else fails.
(Again, Arthak has come to know well how impulsive decisions can lead to horrible mistakes. When possible he prefers to consider the best course of action before doing anything. But if there isn’t time to make plans, he will go with his gut and hope for the best. In his mind, a poor decision is better than indecision, especially in combat.)
Extroverted or Introverted? - I keep to myself. Between the stigma of my father’s memory and my philosophical differences with most of my kind, I have come to be comfortable in my solitude.
(Arthak doesn’t have many friends. ‘Nuff said.)
Agreeable or Disagreeable? - I wish things were different but…I have learned the hard way that it is best to stand apart from others.
(Yup, still not many friends.)
Confident or Neurotic? - I know who and what I am.
(When he was younger, Arthak was far less secure in himself, and more susceptible to the taunts and derision of others. He attempted to escape his own insecurities through bravado and defiance, and ended up just making things worse. Thankfully, the years he spent with the Frostwolves did a lot to give Arthak a sense of himself and of his place in the world. A lot of maturation and introspection has left him willing to both admit his past mistakes while still holding to the beliefs that inspired them. At this point in his life, self-esteem is not something he has many problems with.)
Social Traits
Backstory: The name Saurfang bears a complicated history in the eyes of the Horde. On the one hand, Varok Saurfang is second-in-command to Warchief Blackhand and there are few orcs held in higher esteem, with a seemingly endless series of triumphs attributed to him. But on the other hand, are the rarely spoken names Broxigar and Samuro.
Only a few in the Horde know precisely what happened to cause Broxigar the Red’s name to be cast into shame. And of those few, amongst them his brother, even fewer are willing to speak of it. All that is known to most is that Broxigar died as a coward and a traitor to the Horde. All his previous glories were stripped from him, and a clear message was spread throughout the Horde that the matter was not to be pried into or uncovered.
But despite this, Broxigar retains a small legacy in his only child Arthak. The product of his relationship with Tlanth of the Burning Blade, an honored warrior and blademaster. Sadly, she died in childbirth, depriving Arthak of both his parents and leaving him in the care of his maternal grandfather Samuro.
He only spent a few years, his earliest, in the custody of the venerable blademaster. When the young orc was only twelve years old, his grandfather became embroiled in an internal struggle within the Burning Blade. The warlord of the clan at the time, Dharl was one of the most passionate supporters of the Legion. Believing that the power of the Legion would be the key to the Burning Blade’s future, Dharl wished to transform the entire clan into fel orcs, to gorge on the demon blood until there was no going back.
Samuro was wary of the change, and argued against it. Though he was a respected elder of the clan, his voice was most certainly within the minority. Seeing no other option, Samuro and his second Lantressor challenged the warlord and his bodyguards for the future of the clan. Despite being outnumbered, Arthak’s grandfather came out victorious, personally ending Dharl’s reign.
Unfortunately, Dharl’s death sat poorly with the leadership of the Horde, and so when his daughter Azuka Bladefury came forward desiring to seize control before Samuro could strengthen his grip, Blackhand was more than happy to lend aid. Both Samuro and Lantressor were still recovering from the battle with Dharl, and were again outnumbered. Without any other options, the two fled. So, hasty was their retreat that Arthak was left behind.
His future darkened now by two shadows, Arthak would have been killed out of hand but for his uncle Varok. Unwilling to see his kin slain for the actions of others, the honored warrior interceded, claiming Arthak as his own, to be reared as his own. Though the Warchief and Bladefury had their complaints, neither were willing to antagonize Varok over such a small issue.
Raised alongside Varok’s birthson, Dranosh, Arthak had a childhood characterized by the contrast between his father and uncles’ reputations. Because of Varok’s status, Arthak grew up with regular exposure to the leadership of the Horde including Grom Hellscream, Gul’Dan, and even Warchief Blackhand himself. His playmates grew up were the children of those very individuals, most notably Garrosh Hellscream, who become his closest friend and something of an elder brother, second only to his cousin Dranosh. Varok himself took pains to see his nephew raised as a proper orc, acting as an unforgiving but benevolent father figure.
But his father and grandfather’s dishonor cast a pall over the orc’s youth despite his uncle’s best efforts. Those very paragons who so frequently played a part in his life did nothing to hide their distaste for his presence, at best ignoring him and at worst mocking the memory of his father and grandfather. The same treatment extended also to their children, especially Rend and Maim Blackhand who took pleasure in tormenting the younger, weaker orc.
The only succor from the taunting and bullying came from his few friends, and from his uncle who comforted Arthak with stories of his father. Though he never spoke of Broxigar’s death, or of anything of his life after the Burning Legion came, the portrait he painted instilled Arthak with a deep pride in his parentage. He found comfort in the idea of an era free of the Burning Legion, of warlocks and of demon blood, things he came to associate with his tormentors. He drank in the old ways of honor that pervaded Varok’s stories.
At some point during this period, Arthak became quietly certain that his father had been unjustly slain and dishonored. Somehow, for some reason Broxigar must have taken issue with the direction his people were heading, and spoken or acted against it, just as Samuro had. For that he had been killed, and his legacy defamed.
Taking this conviction, Arthak dedicated himself to defying rather than hiding from the slanderous charges levelled against his parents. In honor of his mother, he trained with the sword, developing his own style as he was unable to find any members of the Burning Blade willing to teach him. It was around this time that he started to learn the art of blacksmithing from the masters of the Blackrock clan. Given the traditional orcish fondness for the axe, it was the only way he was likely to gain access to blades to train with.
He also quietly, but firmly spoke for the old ways of honor, in the process ruffling many feathers both in his clan and in the Horde. And in an act of youthful rebellion that would have gotten him killed but for his uncle’s intervention, Arthak had his body covered in tattoos commemorating the deeds of his mother, father, and grandfather.
These actions further isolated him from his peers and only aggravated the ill feeling expressed by the Legion loyalists that surrounded him. But this was something he had expected and made peace with. What he hadn’t expected was Garrosh’s reaction. Unwilling to follow his friend into disgrace, and eager to earn his own father’s respect, Garrosh began to join Rend and Maim as the banes of Arthak’s existence. Stunned by the betrayal, Arthak’s rebellious behavior only grew more pronounced.
Coming to the limits of his ability to protect his nephew, Varok sent Arthak away to the distant Frostwolf clan to live for a time. He hoped that the distance from the center of Horde command would provide some time to ease tempers and perhaps that the Frostwolves would be able to rein Arthak in some. Calling in a favor owed him by the Frostwolves’ chieftain Durotan, Varok was able to make sure that his nephew would be cared for while he was away, being taken into the chieftain’s home.
The Frostwolves were a godsend for Arthak. Hewing closer to the old ways than any other clan, they were the closest he would come to what his people once were. The hardship and constant fight for survival served to strengthen the young orc, who continued to zealously pursue mastery of the blade. He also continued his education in the way of the forge, poring his anger and bitterness into honing his craftsmanship.
Still, the sting of Garrosh’s betrayal led Arthak to attempt to kep a distance from the Frostwolves. These efforts were curtailed by Durotan, who opened his home to the young orc and provided him with freedom to breath and respect he hadn’t known from anyone outside his uncle and cousin, and by Draka, Durotan’s wife, who he grew very attached to, the only maternal figure he’d ever gotten the chance to know. Draka did her best to try and lighten Arthak’s mood. And finally their son Go’el became a friend, something Arthak was not expecting or ready for so quickly after Garrosh.
The years he spent with the Frostwolves were the happiest of his life. He was not coddled or treated as an outsider, rather he was treated more or less like an equal member of the clan, something Arthak had never known with the Blackrock. Sadly, those happy times were cut horribly short when both Durotan and Draka were assassinated.
Devastated by the loss of two individuals he’d come to see as family, the trauma was only compounded when Arthak was called back to his birth clan by Ogrim Doomhammer himself. Rumors had quickly spread in the aftermath of the murders implicating Arthak, and Doomhammer was determined to have justice for his old friend.
Were it not for Go’el’s adamant denial of Arthak’s guilt, he would have met his end in a mok’gorah with Doomhammer himself. Trusting that Durotan’s son would not lie, especially not to protect his parents’ murderer, Doomhammer relented and called for an investigation into the assassination of Durotan and Draka. Warchief Blackhand refused, and so was challenged by an enraged Doomhammer, resulting in the legendary orc’s death.
Once everything settled down, Blackhand turned his anger over the entire fiasco on to Go’el, demanding a show of loyalty as repayment for the death of his right hand. The new chief of the Frostwolves was forced to drink of the demon blood, as were a few volunteers from within his clan.
These events left an indelible impact on Arthak. The cool respect he had once held for the Warchief was replaced by rage. Again, the people closest to him had been taken away and Blackhand’s refusal to investigate spoke to complicity and had cost yet another great warrior his life. And to make it all the worse, Go’el, who had proven himself a true friend, doing what Garrosh had refused to do, had been punished for it, punished in a way that would not just mark him for the rest of his life, but those of his children, a permanent blemish on Durotan and Draka’s legacy.
Reentering his uncle’s household, Arthak was changed. No longer did he throw his beliefs in the face of his peers. He still kept himself apart from others, only exiting his shell when in the presence of either his uncle or cousin. But where before his anger had been out to display for all to say, now he nursed it, and the list of those who would one day come to know its intensity. The only thing that stirred any further resentment at the young orc was his crafting of a lok’vadnod in honor of Durotan and Draka, dedicated to their memory and to the honor of the Frostwolves. But in the grand scheme of things, this paled in comparison to his previous actions.
Despite the change in his demeanor, the memory of his past transgressions still haunted him. Though he did remarkably well in his rite of passage, and despite the patronage of his uncle, Arthak found few in the Horde willing to give him a chance to prove himself.
With no other recourse, he resigned himself to being just another blacksmith, at least for the time being. The years of work with both his birth-clan and the Frostwolves had fostered in him a great skill with smithing, and his own, never-ending work on his own blades made him one of the best weapon smiths in the clan. For the first time in his life, he had something that earned him something other than derision from his peers. Other orcs fought amongst one another for the chance to wield one of his blades. He felt pride for something done by his own hands for the first time. It did little to quell his bitterness, but it was at least something.
Using the small amount of personal influence his work gave him, and supported quietly by his uncle and not-so quietly by his cousin, Arthak has begun to push for an opportunity to show what he is capable of with a blade in his hands rather than coming out of his forge.
Secrets: Beyond his general distaste for what the Horde has become, Arthak gone further, risking a death sentence in chasing his people’s culture before the Burning Legion’s intervention. Most specifically, he has pursued what remnants of the old shamanistic faith remain. So far, his search has only extended as far as a few short, careful conversations with Drek’Thar of the Frostwolves, who despite having long ago forsaken the elementals for the Legion’s demon magic, still has a few ties to the old ways. Arthak has avoided speaking with others about his interest, even hiding it from his uncle, for fear of implicating him should the secret be uncovered.
Similarly, Arthak is fascinated by the cultures of Draenor’s other species. He doesn’t feel any kinship with them, nor pity for their respective fates. Rather he sees the potential value in understanding ones enemies, and in learning what they have to offer. Given the opportunity he would be eager to learn the languages and arts, martial and otherwise of other races. Given how things stand on Draenor, he keeps this interest quiet, knowing that it would attract yet more negative attention his way.
But perhaps more than anything else, what could very well damn Arthak is his desire to uncover who killed Durotan and Draka, as well as those who were complicit in their deaths. He already has a list of those he suspects of involvement, and should he gain an opportunity to uncover proof, he would jump at it. And once has proof, he intends to see everyone who had a hand in their deaths brought to justice, preferably by his or Go’el’s hands. Beyond just his own personal feelings, he feels it is owed to both Go’el and to the memory of his friend’s parents.
Misc.
· Given his isolation and personal drive towards self-control, Arthak is not nearly the drinker other orcs are. He has not been truly drunk since the earliest days with the Frostwolves, and since then his drinking has never amounted to more than a single ale after a particularly good or bad day. Instead, he is an inveterate smoker, and has in fact made deals with whoever can provide him with the best tobacco, promising them access to his smithing skills in exchange for the best of their crops. It is rare to see Arthak without a hand-rolled cigarette between his teeth.
· One of the things that, depending on the orc, either infuriates, impresses, or amuses them about Arthak is his tendency to handicap himself in battle. When fighting an opponent he does not believe to be a truly worthy opponent, Arthak will frequently fight with his blades sheathed, literally beating his foes into submission. This is motivated by his own code of honor, though he has also used it as a way of making a point or insulting an enemy such as with his duels with members of the Burning blade. Even when his blades are exposed, he tends to fight one-handed, holding back his full strength. The rare occasions where he fights with steel showing and both hands on his sword are a true pleasure for him, a true test of his skills.
· Despite aspiring to become a Blademaster like his mother and grandfather, Arthak has not chosen a specific blade to be “his.” For whatever reason, he has not yet made or discovered a weapon which he feels a strong enough connection to. He looks forward to the day he finally meets the blade that will truly be his, and in the meantime makes use of a wide variety of blades, all of which he makes himself.
Relations:
· Varok Saurfang: The closest thing to a father Arthak has ever known. Arthak loves Varok deeply, and was once very close with his uncle. But now he keeps his distance, both to spare his uncle the damage to his reputation, and out of a certain bitterness for Varok’s refusal to provide details as to his father’s fate. He knows that he would have been killed years ago if it weren’t for the esteem in which his uncle was held, and he is keenly, painfully aware of how much he benefits from that protection to this day. Arthak hates this, knowing that every time his uncle must come to his rescue both of them are made to look weak. But he cannot see a way to both live up to his beliefs and avoid complicating his uncle’s life.
· Dranosh Saurfang: Arthak’s cousin, brother and closest friend. He idolizes Dranosh, who has in Arthak’s eyes, done a far better job of balancing honor and the realities of the Horde. Dranosh is very much a rising star, making his mark in a way that is reminiscent of his father while also establishing his own legend. As children, it was often Dranosh who came to Arthak’s rescue when Rend and Maim’s abuse became too much, and as it he rises in stature, it has become more and more likely that it will be Dranosh who comes to the rescue again by giving his younger cousin a chance to prove himself in combat. As with Varok, Arthak is split between gratitude for what his cousin has done for him and frustration at the fact that he is forced to rely on him.
· Go’el, Son of Durotan: Arthak’s only other friend, Go’el took an active interest in the younger orc while he was staying with the Frostwolves. Though Arthak tried to keep a distance from others, he was unable and ultimately unwilling to turn aside the Frostwolf’s overtures. Still, Arthak always felt uncomfortable with Go’el, worried that he would end up betrayed again. Those doubts fell away in the aftermath of Durotan and Draka’s murder, where it was Go’el’s testimony as to his character that spared Arthak an inglorious death. Now Arthak both dearly misses his friend, his brother, who is now preoccupied with the running of his clan, and feels deeply indebted to him. He would do anything for Go’el were it asked of him.
· Garrosh Hellscream: The reason why Arthak has shut himself off from everyone but his cousin and uncle. While Arthak looked up to Dranosh, he felt on more equal footing with Garrosh. In some way, he felt that his friend perhaps understood better than most the forces that drove him. Just as Arthak was desperate to vindicate his father’s memory, Garrosh was driven to try and escape his father’s shadow. Their mutual uncertainty regarding their place in the Horde created a strong, Arthak thought unbreakable bond between them. But during Arthak’s adolescence, when he was most brazen regarding his opinions, Garrosh split away from him. Joining with Rend and Maim, Garrosh became an active participant in their abuse. Arthak was and is certain that this betrayal was a way to earn Grom’s favor. Since his return, Arthak has done his best to keep a distance from his former friend. It is simply easier that way.
· Grom Hellscream: The Chief of the Warsong clan sees Arthak as an untested child; he has the potential to become something greater, but he must survive to reach that potential and thus far all he has done is antagonize those who are both tested and far stronger than him. So for the most part, Grom does not think much of the young Saurfang. Arthak in turn looks to Grom as one of the greatest examples of what a warrior should be, even in the face of him being the first to drink the demon blood. Arthak is determined to one day earn the older orc’s respect, both out of an honest desire for it, and because a small, petty part of him would know much Grom’s approval means to his son…
· Rend and Maim Blackhand: There are none who Arthak hates as much as these two. Since he was a child he was the subject of beatings and jibes at the hands of the Warchief’s sons. Though they have been too busy to waste time on him since his return, Arthak knows that they have not forgotten him. Should the day come where his life becomes forfeit, it will no doubt be Rend and Maim who come to collect.
· Warchief Blackhand: Once long ago, Arthak held a certain respect for the Warchief. Despite knowing that Blackhand must have played some role in the tragedy that befell his father and his grandfather, Arthak was more inclined to lay most of the blame at the feet of Gul’dan and his ilk. Whatever his personal feelings, the code of honor that Arthak believed in called for a warrior to serve his warchief to the bitter end. But that fragile sense of loyalty was shattered when Blackhand refused to investigate the murder of Durotan and Draka, and when he forced their son Go’el to drink of the demon blood for saving Arthak’s life. In Arthak’s mind, Blackhand’s unwillingness to do well by his warriors disqualifies him as a leader. Should the day come where the Warchief is removed, preferably fatally from his position, Arthak will be smiling. Especially if he is the one responsible.
· Jubei’Thos: In his youth, Arthak hoped to have Jubei’Thos, the only Blademaster of the Blackrock clan and one of the Warchief’s bodyguards, as an ally. Once, long ago the old warrior had been a friend of sorts to Arthak’s mother, Tlanth of the Burning Blade. Sadly, such hopes were in vain, as whatever respect Jubei’Thos had for Tlanth did not extend to her son. Arthak’s request to be trained in the fighting arts of his mother were rebuffed with laughter. The humiliation was but one of many from his youth, but Arthak has not forgotten it.
· Samuro: Arthak’s grandfather, who is still sought after as a traitor to the Burning Legion and to the Horde. His name is just as reviled as Broxigar the Red’s, and he is the most sought after enemy of the Burning Blade. As could be expected, other than rumors very little has been seen or heard of the once respected blademaster. As for Arthak, he has mixed feelings regarding his grandfather. On the one hand, there is little doubt that he and his grandfather share similar reservations about the direction the Horde has gone down. But some part of him cannot help but feel hurt after being left behind following the regime change in the Burning Blade clan. Should the day come where Arthak comes face to face with his grandfather, he is not sure what he will say.
· Durotan: The late chieftain of the Frostwolves, and Go’el’s father. Though far too busy to spend too much time with his guest, Durotan did everything he could to make Arthak feel welcome, treating him as just another young orc rather than as a troublemaker foisted upon him by Varok. Arthak was deeply grateful for the normalcy Durotan’s example allowed him while he lived with the Frostwolves, and he grew to greatly respect the chieftain, both for his prowess as a warrior and hunter, and for his close adherence to the old ways of honor. In the years following his murder, Arthak has come to see Durotan as the exemplar of a chieftain, just as he holds his father as the exemplar of a warrior.
· Draka: The life-mate of Durotan and one of the Frostwolves mightiest warriors. In many ways, Draka became the mother that Arthak never got a chance to have, though she took pains not to try and replace his true mother. She taught Arthak how to skin a kill the Frostwolf way, and she frequently teased him for his grim demeanor, managing to get a few, rare smiles out of the young orc. But most importantly, she quietly encouraged the friendship between Arthak and her son. Arthak felt her death even more strongly than he did Durotan’s, and he still misses her.
· Drek’Thar: Arthak only spoke a few times with the elder seer of the Frostwolves, but those few conversations had a profound effect. His one attempt to ask the former shaman about the old ways turned instead into a discussion of his father, and of where the line between honor and wisdom lay and the consequences of failing to tread that line. The talk led Arthak to consider his youthful acts of rebellion, their consequences, and whether they were truly worth it. This self-reflection led Arthak to change his tactics upon his return to the Blackrock. He now sees the line that exists between honor and wisdom and the consequences that come from failing to tread that line. And he remembers well who he has to thank for that awareness.
· The Burning Blade: The Burning Blade has come to loathe his mother’s clan more than perhaps anything. They’re complete submission to the Legion is to Arthak a constant slap in the face, an insult to his mother’s memory. The skills that he has been honing his entire life originate in the clan, but now the blademasters of the clan are nothing but fel orc berserkers. Demon blood maddened monsters. Seeing an opportunity to make a point regarding the demon blood, and to even the score between himself and the clan, Arthak has taken to challenging and defeating members of the clan. He has had some success with this campaign, taking down several of the clan’s younger warriors by beating them unconscious with his sheathed blade. The act of sparing their lives only adds to the insult, and to his point. He has yet to challenge any of the true blademasters of the clan yet, knowing that at this point he does not stand a chance against them in single combat.
· The Shattered Hand (and Kargath Bladefist): Though he is yet unaware of it, Arthak has many “admirers” amongst the unstable ranks of the Shattered Hand Clan. The youg orc’s campaign of humiliation against the Burning Blade has endeared him to Bladefist and his warriors, who can appreciate someone crazy enough to intentionally piss of the fel-orc clan. That being said, their appreciation amounts to little more than a morbid interest in what Arthak will do next, and which of the many people he’s angered will be the one to kill him.
Inspiration
· Ragnar Lodbrock (Vikings)
· Bill the Butcher (Gangs of New York)
· Archer (Fate/stay night)
· Rider (Fate/Zero)
· Gaius Marcius Coriolanus (Coriolanus)
· Miyamoto Musashi (RL)
· Alexander the Great (RL)
· Genghis Khan (RL)
· Conan the Cimmerian (The books, not the movie)
· The Emperor’s Wrath (SWOTR)
· Afro (Afro Samurai)
Player Name: James Coxen
Experience with Warcraft: Played through Warcraft III and Frozen Throne, and played WoW for a few years. Also a reasonably interested fan of the lore and world.
Experience with D&D 5e: Quite a bit of experience. Played a few campaigns in 5E and am currently running one as well.
Physical Traits
Name: Arthak Saurfang of the Blackrock Clan
Alias(es): Traitorson, Cowardspawn.
Campaign Team: Horde
Gender: Male
Race: Greenskin Orc
Alignment: Lawful Neutral, though given time and exposure to people with strong morals he is liable to change to Lawful or Neutral Good.
Place of Birth: Draenor, specifically the mountains of Gorgrond.
Class: Samurai Fighter, may eventually multiclass into Craftsman, Shogun, or some sort of Kensai-type thing depending on story events.
Age: 24
Height: 6 feet 8 inches
Weight: 278 pounds
Eyes: Pale Blue
Hair: Black hair, worn long and shaggy with the sides and back of his head shaved. Before battle he tends to slick it back with boar fat or tie it into a war-braid so that none of his hair falls into his face.
Skin: A dark, greenish grey.
Other Notable Features: Arthak has battle-scars crisscrossing his body, mementos of previous battles. He also has tattoos covering his back, chest, and arms depicting the known deeds of his father, mother, and uncle.
Personality Traits
Virtues: My honor. Whatever Gul’Dan and his ilk say, there is a proper way for a warrior to conduct themselves. A true warrior seeks out worthy opponents to test his skill; he doesn’t slaughter those who cannot raise a blade to preserve their own lives. A warrior has respect for his enemies, even as he strikes them down. A warrior’s strength lies in his honor, not in his bloodlust. Many of my people have forgotten this. I have not.
(As detailed above, Arthak has a strong sense of and belief in honor. But his honor is a system of ethics that would seem out of place in most of Azeroth. It’s brutal, violent, and possessed of little mercy or tenderness. To raise a blade against an opponent, to kill him personally, and to collect trophies from his corpse is a sign of respect. To not seek the end of a foe is an insult; mercy the equivalent of saying “You are nothing.” In the case of Arthak, honorable does not mean good. His contempt for the slaughter of civilians is not based on a desire to avoid unnecessary deaths, or for concern for the civilians. He objects to slaughter as a display of weakness.)
(If one were to go looking for traditional goodness in Arthak it would be found in his sense of loyalty. A warrior serves their people and their leader. And for those who have proven themselves to be friends or who have otherwise earned his affection, such as his uncle and cousin and the Frostwolves, there is nothing he will not do. Once a person has earned his loyalty, they have it, and it will take quite a lot to shake it.)
Flaws: Insults to my lineage, my beliefs, or to my clan will not go unanswered. I will stay my anger if the situation calls for it, but once the time for unity is passed I will have…words.
(Arthak at this point believes that his main problem is his temper. But given time and the chance to gain prestige and authority, he’s going to find himself truly challenged by the allure of ambition. Once he gets a taste of conquest, of real power, his faith in honor will be truly tested for the first time.)
Hopes: There are many things I would wish for the future. I would see my people regain some of what we have lost since the coming of the Legion. While the demons have brought us strength, we have lost our old ways. Our religion, our codes, any sense of identity we once had that extended beyond the field of slaughter. I would see those returned to us. And…I would see my father’s name be recovered from the shadow of dishonor.
(Arthak hopes more than anything to live to see the Horde returned to the old ways, regaining the culture and beliefs that have been lost in the years since the Burning Legion’s coming. Most importantly he wants to see the traditional code of honor reinstated, though he would also love to see shamanism and the arts return.
He also hopes to avenge himself and those he has come to care about against those who have wronged them. This list includes Rend and Maim, Garrosh, Gul’dan, and Warchief Blackhand himself, as well as whoever was responsible for the murders of Durotan and Draka of the Frostwolves. Though he would be pleased to see these individuals brought low by most means, he would ideally love to be directly responsible.
Finally, Arthak dreams of one day achieving a rank of prominence in the Horde, both so that he can help return it to its former glory, and out of his own sense of ambition and desire to prove himself.)
Fears: I fear of losing myself to the bloodrage. My mind is something I value as keenly as I do my blade. To lose one would deprive the other of its value. Beyond myself, I fear for what my people will become come the day Draenor is empty of any foes. What will the Legion send us to slaughter then?
(Arthak is terrified of losing control of himself in any capacity. He mostly considers this in the context of the bloodrage, but it would also apply to any mind-controlling magics. Anyone who used such spells on him would quickly earn themselves a determined, patient, and very angry foe. Likewise, he fears that one day he may die and be dishonored as his father was, or worse forsake honor by choice. He would rather die than fall so low as to become like Gul’dan or the Burning Blade.)
Open or Closed-Minded? - To survive in the current times, I have learned to make my peace with those whose opinions differ from my own. I may dislike what many of my fellows profess to belief, but I can understand that the only person I can hold to my beliefs, to my standards is myself. There is no sense in trying to master others unless I can master myself.
(Arthak has very, very strong opinions about most things, especially when it comes to how a member of the Horde should act. That being said, he has learned through hard experience that voicing those opinions is usually pointless and liable to work against him. Thus, he keeps his thoughts to himself and hopes to use the example he sets with his actions to do what his words cannot.)
Conscientious or Spontaneous? - War requires both planning and instinct. A warrior who throws himself into the fray without a thought will find surely find himself spitted upon their spears. But a warrior who is unable to seize opportunities when they present themselves or who cannot make a choice when time is short will likewise meet death. I strive for a balance of the two, though I will admit that I do favor my intuition when all else fails.
(Again, Arthak has come to know well how impulsive decisions can lead to horrible mistakes. When possible he prefers to consider the best course of action before doing anything. But if there isn’t time to make plans, he will go with his gut and hope for the best. In his mind, a poor decision is better than indecision, especially in combat.)
Extroverted or Introverted? - I keep to myself. Between the stigma of my father’s memory and my philosophical differences with most of my kind, I have come to be comfortable in my solitude.
(Arthak doesn’t have many friends. ‘Nuff said.)
Agreeable or Disagreeable? - I wish things were different but…I have learned the hard way that it is best to stand apart from others.
(Yup, still not many friends.)
Confident or Neurotic? - I know who and what I am.
(When he was younger, Arthak was far less secure in himself, and more susceptible to the taunts and derision of others. He attempted to escape his own insecurities through bravado and defiance, and ended up just making things worse. Thankfully, the years he spent with the Frostwolves did a lot to give Arthak a sense of himself and of his place in the world. A lot of maturation and introspection has left him willing to both admit his past mistakes while still holding to the beliefs that inspired them. At this point in his life, self-esteem is not something he has many problems with.)
Social Traits
Backstory: The name Saurfang bears a complicated history in the eyes of the Horde. On the one hand, Varok Saurfang is second-in-command to Warchief Blackhand and there are few orcs held in higher esteem, with a seemingly endless series of triumphs attributed to him. But on the other hand, are the rarely spoken names Broxigar and Samuro.
Only a few in the Horde know precisely what happened to cause Broxigar the Red’s name to be cast into shame. And of those few, amongst them his brother, even fewer are willing to speak of it. All that is known to most is that Broxigar died as a coward and a traitor to the Horde. All his previous glories were stripped from him, and a clear message was spread throughout the Horde that the matter was not to be pried into or uncovered.
But despite this, Broxigar retains a small legacy in his only child Arthak. The product of his relationship with Tlanth of the Burning Blade, an honored warrior and blademaster. Sadly, she died in childbirth, depriving Arthak of both his parents and leaving him in the care of his maternal grandfather Samuro.
He only spent a few years, his earliest, in the custody of the venerable blademaster. When the young orc was only twelve years old, his grandfather became embroiled in an internal struggle within the Burning Blade. The warlord of the clan at the time, Dharl was one of the most passionate supporters of the Legion. Believing that the power of the Legion would be the key to the Burning Blade’s future, Dharl wished to transform the entire clan into fel orcs, to gorge on the demon blood until there was no going back.
Samuro was wary of the change, and argued against it. Though he was a respected elder of the clan, his voice was most certainly within the minority. Seeing no other option, Samuro and his second Lantressor challenged the warlord and his bodyguards for the future of the clan. Despite being outnumbered, Arthak’s grandfather came out victorious, personally ending Dharl’s reign.
Unfortunately, Dharl’s death sat poorly with the leadership of the Horde, and so when his daughter Azuka Bladefury came forward desiring to seize control before Samuro could strengthen his grip, Blackhand was more than happy to lend aid. Both Samuro and Lantressor were still recovering from the battle with Dharl, and were again outnumbered. Without any other options, the two fled. So, hasty was their retreat that Arthak was left behind.
His future darkened now by two shadows, Arthak would have been killed out of hand but for his uncle Varok. Unwilling to see his kin slain for the actions of others, the honored warrior interceded, claiming Arthak as his own, to be reared as his own. Though the Warchief and Bladefury had their complaints, neither were willing to antagonize Varok over such a small issue.
Raised alongside Varok’s birthson, Dranosh, Arthak had a childhood characterized by the contrast between his father and uncles’ reputations. Because of Varok’s status, Arthak grew up with regular exposure to the leadership of the Horde including Grom Hellscream, Gul’Dan, and even Warchief Blackhand himself. His playmates grew up were the children of those very individuals, most notably Garrosh Hellscream, who become his closest friend and something of an elder brother, second only to his cousin Dranosh. Varok himself took pains to see his nephew raised as a proper orc, acting as an unforgiving but benevolent father figure.
But his father and grandfather’s dishonor cast a pall over the orc’s youth despite his uncle’s best efforts. Those very paragons who so frequently played a part in his life did nothing to hide their distaste for his presence, at best ignoring him and at worst mocking the memory of his father and grandfather. The same treatment extended also to their children, especially Rend and Maim Blackhand who took pleasure in tormenting the younger, weaker orc.
The only succor from the taunting and bullying came from his few friends, and from his uncle who comforted Arthak with stories of his father. Though he never spoke of Broxigar’s death, or of anything of his life after the Burning Legion came, the portrait he painted instilled Arthak with a deep pride in his parentage. He found comfort in the idea of an era free of the Burning Legion, of warlocks and of demon blood, things he came to associate with his tormentors. He drank in the old ways of honor that pervaded Varok’s stories.
At some point during this period, Arthak became quietly certain that his father had been unjustly slain and dishonored. Somehow, for some reason Broxigar must have taken issue with the direction his people were heading, and spoken or acted against it, just as Samuro had. For that he had been killed, and his legacy defamed.
Taking this conviction, Arthak dedicated himself to defying rather than hiding from the slanderous charges levelled against his parents. In honor of his mother, he trained with the sword, developing his own style as he was unable to find any members of the Burning Blade willing to teach him. It was around this time that he started to learn the art of blacksmithing from the masters of the Blackrock clan. Given the traditional orcish fondness for the axe, it was the only way he was likely to gain access to blades to train with.
He also quietly, but firmly spoke for the old ways of honor, in the process ruffling many feathers both in his clan and in the Horde. And in an act of youthful rebellion that would have gotten him killed but for his uncle’s intervention, Arthak had his body covered in tattoos commemorating the deeds of his mother, father, and grandfather.
These actions further isolated him from his peers and only aggravated the ill feeling expressed by the Legion loyalists that surrounded him. But this was something he had expected and made peace with. What he hadn’t expected was Garrosh’s reaction. Unwilling to follow his friend into disgrace, and eager to earn his own father’s respect, Garrosh began to join Rend and Maim as the banes of Arthak’s existence. Stunned by the betrayal, Arthak’s rebellious behavior only grew more pronounced.
Coming to the limits of his ability to protect his nephew, Varok sent Arthak away to the distant Frostwolf clan to live for a time. He hoped that the distance from the center of Horde command would provide some time to ease tempers and perhaps that the Frostwolves would be able to rein Arthak in some. Calling in a favor owed him by the Frostwolves’ chieftain Durotan, Varok was able to make sure that his nephew would be cared for while he was away, being taken into the chieftain’s home.
The Frostwolves were a godsend for Arthak. Hewing closer to the old ways than any other clan, they were the closest he would come to what his people once were. The hardship and constant fight for survival served to strengthen the young orc, who continued to zealously pursue mastery of the blade. He also continued his education in the way of the forge, poring his anger and bitterness into honing his craftsmanship.
Still, the sting of Garrosh’s betrayal led Arthak to attempt to kep a distance from the Frostwolves. These efforts were curtailed by Durotan, who opened his home to the young orc and provided him with freedom to breath and respect he hadn’t known from anyone outside his uncle and cousin, and by Draka, Durotan’s wife, who he grew very attached to, the only maternal figure he’d ever gotten the chance to know. Draka did her best to try and lighten Arthak’s mood. And finally their son Go’el became a friend, something Arthak was not expecting or ready for so quickly after Garrosh.
The years he spent with the Frostwolves were the happiest of his life. He was not coddled or treated as an outsider, rather he was treated more or less like an equal member of the clan, something Arthak had never known with the Blackrock. Sadly, those happy times were cut horribly short when both Durotan and Draka were assassinated.
Devastated by the loss of two individuals he’d come to see as family, the trauma was only compounded when Arthak was called back to his birth clan by Ogrim Doomhammer himself. Rumors had quickly spread in the aftermath of the murders implicating Arthak, and Doomhammer was determined to have justice for his old friend.
Were it not for Go’el’s adamant denial of Arthak’s guilt, he would have met his end in a mok’gorah with Doomhammer himself. Trusting that Durotan’s son would not lie, especially not to protect his parents’ murderer, Doomhammer relented and called for an investigation into the assassination of Durotan and Draka. Warchief Blackhand refused, and so was challenged by an enraged Doomhammer, resulting in the legendary orc’s death.
Once everything settled down, Blackhand turned his anger over the entire fiasco on to Go’el, demanding a show of loyalty as repayment for the death of his right hand. The new chief of the Frostwolves was forced to drink of the demon blood, as were a few volunteers from within his clan.
These events left an indelible impact on Arthak. The cool respect he had once held for the Warchief was replaced by rage. Again, the people closest to him had been taken away and Blackhand’s refusal to investigate spoke to complicity and had cost yet another great warrior his life. And to make it all the worse, Go’el, who had proven himself a true friend, doing what Garrosh had refused to do, had been punished for it, punished in a way that would not just mark him for the rest of his life, but those of his children, a permanent blemish on Durotan and Draka’s legacy.
Reentering his uncle’s household, Arthak was changed. No longer did he throw his beliefs in the face of his peers. He still kept himself apart from others, only exiting his shell when in the presence of either his uncle or cousin. But where before his anger had been out to display for all to say, now he nursed it, and the list of those who would one day come to know its intensity. The only thing that stirred any further resentment at the young orc was his crafting of a lok’vadnod in honor of Durotan and Draka, dedicated to their memory and to the honor of the Frostwolves. But in the grand scheme of things, this paled in comparison to his previous actions.
Despite the change in his demeanor, the memory of his past transgressions still haunted him. Though he did remarkably well in his rite of passage, and despite the patronage of his uncle, Arthak found few in the Horde willing to give him a chance to prove himself.
With no other recourse, he resigned himself to being just another blacksmith, at least for the time being. The years of work with both his birth-clan and the Frostwolves had fostered in him a great skill with smithing, and his own, never-ending work on his own blades made him one of the best weapon smiths in the clan. For the first time in his life, he had something that earned him something other than derision from his peers. Other orcs fought amongst one another for the chance to wield one of his blades. He felt pride for something done by his own hands for the first time. It did little to quell his bitterness, but it was at least something.
Using the small amount of personal influence his work gave him, and supported quietly by his uncle and not-so quietly by his cousin, Arthak has begun to push for an opportunity to show what he is capable of with a blade in his hands rather than coming out of his forge.
Secrets: Beyond his general distaste for what the Horde has become, Arthak gone further, risking a death sentence in chasing his people’s culture before the Burning Legion’s intervention. Most specifically, he has pursued what remnants of the old shamanistic faith remain. So far, his search has only extended as far as a few short, careful conversations with Drek’Thar of the Frostwolves, who despite having long ago forsaken the elementals for the Legion’s demon magic, still has a few ties to the old ways. Arthak has avoided speaking with others about his interest, even hiding it from his uncle, for fear of implicating him should the secret be uncovered.
Similarly, Arthak is fascinated by the cultures of Draenor’s other species. He doesn’t feel any kinship with them, nor pity for their respective fates. Rather he sees the potential value in understanding ones enemies, and in learning what they have to offer. Given the opportunity he would be eager to learn the languages and arts, martial and otherwise of other races. Given how things stand on Draenor, he keeps this interest quiet, knowing that it would attract yet more negative attention his way.
But perhaps more than anything else, what could very well damn Arthak is his desire to uncover who killed Durotan and Draka, as well as those who were complicit in their deaths. He already has a list of those he suspects of involvement, and should he gain an opportunity to uncover proof, he would jump at it. And once has proof, he intends to see everyone who had a hand in their deaths brought to justice, preferably by his or Go’el’s hands. Beyond just his own personal feelings, he feels it is owed to both Go’el and to the memory of his friend’s parents.
Misc.
· Given his isolation and personal drive towards self-control, Arthak is not nearly the drinker other orcs are. He has not been truly drunk since the earliest days with the Frostwolves, and since then his drinking has never amounted to more than a single ale after a particularly good or bad day. Instead, he is an inveterate smoker, and has in fact made deals with whoever can provide him with the best tobacco, promising them access to his smithing skills in exchange for the best of their crops. It is rare to see Arthak without a hand-rolled cigarette between his teeth.
· One of the things that, depending on the orc, either infuriates, impresses, or amuses them about Arthak is his tendency to handicap himself in battle. When fighting an opponent he does not believe to be a truly worthy opponent, Arthak will frequently fight with his blades sheathed, literally beating his foes into submission. This is motivated by his own code of honor, though he has also used it as a way of making a point or insulting an enemy such as with his duels with members of the Burning blade. Even when his blades are exposed, he tends to fight one-handed, holding back his full strength. The rare occasions where he fights with steel showing and both hands on his sword are a true pleasure for him, a true test of his skills.
· Despite aspiring to become a Blademaster like his mother and grandfather, Arthak has not chosen a specific blade to be “his.” For whatever reason, he has not yet made or discovered a weapon which he feels a strong enough connection to. He looks forward to the day he finally meets the blade that will truly be his, and in the meantime makes use of a wide variety of blades, all of which he makes himself.
Relations:
· Varok Saurfang: The closest thing to a father Arthak has ever known. Arthak loves Varok deeply, and was once very close with his uncle. But now he keeps his distance, both to spare his uncle the damage to his reputation, and out of a certain bitterness for Varok’s refusal to provide details as to his father’s fate. He knows that he would have been killed years ago if it weren’t for the esteem in which his uncle was held, and he is keenly, painfully aware of how much he benefits from that protection to this day. Arthak hates this, knowing that every time his uncle must come to his rescue both of them are made to look weak. But he cannot see a way to both live up to his beliefs and avoid complicating his uncle’s life.
· Dranosh Saurfang: Arthak’s cousin, brother and closest friend. He idolizes Dranosh, who has in Arthak’s eyes, done a far better job of balancing honor and the realities of the Horde. Dranosh is very much a rising star, making his mark in a way that is reminiscent of his father while also establishing his own legend. As children, it was often Dranosh who came to Arthak’s rescue when Rend and Maim’s abuse became too much, and as it he rises in stature, it has become more and more likely that it will be Dranosh who comes to the rescue again by giving his younger cousin a chance to prove himself in combat. As with Varok, Arthak is split between gratitude for what his cousin has done for him and frustration at the fact that he is forced to rely on him.
· Go’el, Son of Durotan: Arthak’s only other friend, Go’el took an active interest in the younger orc while he was staying with the Frostwolves. Though Arthak tried to keep a distance from others, he was unable and ultimately unwilling to turn aside the Frostwolf’s overtures. Still, Arthak always felt uncomfortable with Go’el, worried that he would end up betrayed again. Those doubts fell away in the aftermath of Durotan and Draka’s murder, where it was Go’el’s testimony as to his character that spared Arthak an inglorious death. Now Arthak both dearly misses his friend, his brother, who is now preoccupied with the running of his clan, and feels deeply indebted to him. He would do anything for Go’el were it asked of him.
· Garrosh Hellscream: The reason why Arthak has shut himself off from everyone but his cousin and uncle. While Arthak looked up to Dranosh, he felt on more equal footing with Garrosh. In some way, he felt that his friend perhaps understood better than most the forces that drove him. Just as Arthak was desperate to vindicate his father’s memory, Garrosh was driven to try and escape his father’s shadow. Their mutual uncertainty regarding their place in the Horde created a strong, Arthak thought unbreakable bond between them. But during Arthak’s adolescence, when he was most brazen regarding his opinions, Garrosh split away from him. Joining with Rend and Maim, Garrosh became an active participant in their abuse. Arthak was and is certain that this betrayal was a way to earn Grom’s favor. Since his return, Arthak has done his best to keep a distance from his former friend. It is simply easier that way.
· Grom Hellscream: The Chief of the Warsong clan sees Arthak as an untested child; he has the potential to become something greater, but he must survive to reach that potential and thus far all he has done is antagonize those who are both tested and far stronger than him. So for the most part, Grom does not think much of the young Saurfang. Arthak in turn looks to Grom as one of the greatest examples of what a warrior should be, even in the face of him being the first to drink the demon blood. Arthak is determined to one day earn the older orc’s respect, both out of an honest desire for it, and because a small, petty part of him would know much Grom’s approval means to his son…
· Rend and Maim Blackhand: There are none who Arthak hates as much as these two. Since he was a child he was the subject of beatings and jibes at the hands of the Warchief’s sons. Though they have been too busy to waste time on him since his return, Arthak knows that they have not forgotten him. Should the day come where his life becomes forfeit, it will no doubt be Rend and Maim who come to collect.
· Warchief Blackhand: Once long ago, Arthak held a certain respect for the Warchief. Despite knowing that Blackhand must have played some role in the tragedy that befell his father and his grandfather, Arthak was more inclined to lay most of the blame at the feet of Gul’dan and his ilk. Whatever his personal feelings, the code of honor that Arthak believed in called for a warrior to serve his warchief to the bitter end. But that fragile sense of loyalty was shattered when Blackhand refused to investigate the murder of Durotan and Draka, and when he forced their son Go’el to drink of the demon blood for saving Arthak’s life. In Arthak’s mind, Blackhand’s unwillingness to do well by his warriors disqualifies him as a leader. Should the day come where the Warchief is removed, preferably fatally from his position, Arthak will be smiling. Especially if he is the one responsible.
· Jubei’Thos: In his youth, Arthak hoped to have Jubei’Thos, the only Blademaster of the Blackrock clan and one of the Warchief’s bodyguards, as an ally. Once, long ago the old warrior had been a friend of sorts to Arthak’s mother, Tlanth of the Burning Blade. Sadly, such hopes were in vain, as whatever respect Jubei’Thos had for Tlanth did not extend to her son. Arthak’s request to be trained in the fighting arts of his mother were rebuffed with laughter. The humiliation was but one of many from his youth, but Arthak has not forgotten it.
· Samuro: Arthak’s grandfather, who is still sought after as a traitor to the Burning Legion and to the Horde. His name is just as reviled as Broxigar the Red’s, and he is the most sought after enemy of the Burning Blade. As could be expected, other than rumors very little has been seen or heard of the once respected blademaster. As for Arthak, he has mixed feelings regarding his grandfather. On the one hand, there is little doubt that he and his grandfather share similar reservations about the direction the Horde has gone down. But some part of him cannot help but feel hurt after being left behind following the regime change in the Burning Blade clan. Should the day come where Arthak comes face to face with his grandfather, he is not sure what he will say.
· Durotan: The late chieftain of the Frostwolves, and Go’el’s father. Though far too busy to spend too much time with his guest, Durotan did everything he could to make Arthak feel welcome, treating him as just another young orc rather than as a troublemaker foisted upon him by Varok. Arthak was deeply grateful for the normalcy Durotan’s example allowed him while he lived with the Frostwolves, and he grew to greatly respect the chieftain, both for his prowess as a warrior and hunter, and for his close adherence to the old ways of honor. In the years following his murder, Arthak has come to see Durotan as the exemplar of a chieftain, just as he holds his father as the exemplar of a warrior.
· Draka: The life-mate of Durotan and one of the Frostwolves mightiest warriors. In many ways, Draka became the mother that Arthak never got a chance to have, though she took pains not to try and replace his true mother. She taught Arthak how to skin a kill the Frostwolf way, and she frequently teased him for his grim demeanor, managing to get a few, rare smiles out of the young orc. But most importantly, she quietly encouraged the friendship between Arthak and her son. Arthak felt her death even more strongly than he did Durotan’s, and he still misses her.
· Drek’Thar: Arthak only spoke a few times with the elder seer of the Frostwolves, but those few conversations had a profound effect. His one attempt to ask the former shaman about the old ways turned instead into a discussion of his father, and of where the line between honor and wisdom lay and the consequences of failing to tread that line. The talk led Arthak to consider his youthful acts of rebellion, their consequences, and whether they were truly worth it. This self-reflection led Arthak to change his tactics upon his return to the Blackrock. He now sees the line that exists between honor and wisdom and the consequences that come from failing to tread that line. And he remembers well who he has to thank for that awareness.
· The Burning Blade: The Burning Blade has come to loathe his mother’s clan more than perhaps anything. They’re complete submission to the Legion is to Arthak a constant slap in the face, an insult to his mother’s memory. The skills that he has been honing his entire life originate in the clan, but now the blademasters of the clan are nothing but fel orc berserkers. Demon blood maddened monsters. Seeing an opportunity to make a point regarding the demon blood, and to even the score between himself and the clan, Arthak has taken to challenging and defeating members of the clan. He has had some success with this campaign, taking down several of the clan’s younger warriors by beating them unconscious with his sheathed blade. The act of sparing their lives only adds to the insult, and to his point. He has yet to challenge any of the true blademasters of the clan yet, knowing that at this point he does not stand a chance against them in single combat.
· The Shattered Hand (and Kargath Bladefist): Though he is yet unaware of it, Arthak has many “admirers” amongst the unstable ranks of the Shattered Hand Clan. The youg orc’s campaign of humiliation against the Burning Blade has endeared him to Bladefist and his warriors, who can appreciate someone crazy enough to intentionally piss of the fel-orc clan. That being said, their appreciation amounts to little more than a morbid interest in what Arthak will do next, and which of the many people he’s angered will be the one to kill him.
Inspiration
· Ragnar Lodbrock (Vikings)
· Bill the Butcher (Gangs of New York)
· Archer (Fate/stay night)
· Rider (Fate/Zero)
· Gaius Marcius Coriolanus (Coriolanus)
· Miyamoto Musashi (RL)
· Alexander the Great (RL)
· Genghis Khan (RL)
· Conan the Cimmerian (The books, not the movie)
· The Emperor’s Wrath (SWOTR)
· Afro (Afro Samurai)