THE GATHERING OF LAK

For too long, the Uruk of Lak have been scattered.

Since the last coop of the swamps in the land of Aevos, Lak has been wounded as a clan. Many Swampgoths have risen, and many have fallen. Until the last among them betrayed Laklul and fell as a Buurz, broken and forgotten.

Now I call upon you, Laks, and all faithful followers of Laklul.

Join us in the Horde.

Together we will build a new swamp within the Deadlands. There we shall pray to the Great Spirit of Laklul, and from rot and ruin we will rise again.

The clan must be reforged.
The swamp must return.

LUP’LAKLUL.

Blufrug’Lak

Brakaz’lak

Grunfrug’lak

LAKLUL’S CALL

From the hazy morning mist and amidst the incessant hum of insects and the intermittent croaks of amphibians, a lone Uruk trudges forward, approaching the encampment. Her skin, a deep blue like yours, is drenched from the murky swamp waters, and it’s clear she is exhausted. As she steps from the mud and low-lying waters onto the drier ground where your tent stands, she lets out an agonized moan before collapsing. Then you see the cause, a venomous swamp-borne snake has bitten her calf; its venom was already working to bring her demise.

Before losing consciousness, she utters a brief, urgent message, “The Swampgoth calls you to Lurak. Freygoth soon will fall. Lup’Laklul.”

As she succumbs to the snake’s venom, the weight of her words settles. The Lak Clan, with its rich spiritual traditions and deep connection to the swamp, calls upon you. Now is the time to prove your worth, defend the sacred swamps, and honor Laklul.

Clan Lak has returned to the lands of the Urukhai amidst the new Horde, and calls for those who remain in the distant swamps to make the arduous trek to the lands of the Rexkhanate for one reason: Freygoth's time would soon come to an end, and from her fall, Laklul would soon rise.
 

Swamp boogaloo: Swampgoth 5.0

                   The Worshippers of Laklul have been lost and stranded within the swamps and deserts without guidance. The past few Swampgoths have stranded our true task at hand, putting shadows along our paths and blocking ways of what our true purpose is, for once we will be guided too our eternal goal, and finally completing it.

                        “I will not stand for this anymore. I, Brakaz'Lak, the tongue of Laklul, will not allow abuse against my clan's name, and drug through the dirty waters of rotten lukz. We used to have great honor within Krug, from Shreck’lak to Murdok’Lak, our Swampgoth’s were full of achievements, uruks still cannot achieve some of the feats they have done. The last Swampgoths had abandoned us and left us in the dust. I shall bring glory back to our name, we will once more strike fear into the hearts of pinkies and twiggies. The realm of Laklul will be bountiful as we strive forward with new goals and unresolved quests finally achieved by us. I stand here, as a son and a devout worshiper of Laklul, I shall take the mantle of the sacred title of Swampgoth, and I will bring forth our clan to victory, too long have we been riddled with worms and FALSE TOALAKS. Our Toalaks will grow bigger than ever, the Spirit realm will once more feel the might of the Mighty Laklul, Lord of the Swamps, if I do not hear anything in 2 weeks tik, the title is mine."

LUP LAK’LUL!!!!!

Signed,

zon ub da zwampz agh head tayker ub twiggiez.

10th of the Grand Harvest, 147 S.A

Good brothers of the horde, it may come as a surprise that I, Grubnakh the elf, am able to now write so coherently. I come out now to the world that I am indeed literate. My life up until this fateful point has been controlled by various means of narcotics, I had been a complete and total addict. Now I have overcome my addiction, I wish to return the favor to the horde that has made me the elf that I am. Bear witness to my endless treasures that I had held so dear and spent so fruitlessly upon my drug fueled addiction. 

[!] A picture depicting the treasury in which Grubnakh holds his riches

I write this letter as a means of rebirth, and to bring rejuvenation to these seemingly now desolate clans of our great Iron Horde. The money provided from me serves to enrich the klompin n' flattin of our most proud orks, and as well to provide the much-needed infrastructure for the autonomy of these great clans. To the good clan of the kazin'kuls, from my treasury you shall receive a small loan of ten thousand minae. And to the good lak clan which has found itself barren, dry, and without leadership I give you myself so you may find yourselves once more under the leadership of a wise and ever-powerful ork.  And as well I shall endow the lak clan with a supplement of twenty thousand minae, so they may ever be fruitful in their future battles.  And to whichever uruk of no regard bears the title of swampgoth, know well this is not only a reward but challenge for your position, we shall klomp soon.

Signed, The Most-everwise and wealthy, Targoth Grubnakh the elf, Swampgoth of the lak clan.

Throm’ka clan Lak brethren!

I have noticed that our clan’s leader has been lacking on his part and
I will explain, he has shown himself less and less often, have not paid taxes
To the point we have almost lost our dear home, our sanctuary to an eviction.
Now, I do not disrespect Marosh’lak, yet I do want a better future for our clan and so
I have paid our tax and will continue to do so, I have also built shrines for Lak and
I want to keep the tradition or our great clan alive and well.
I have built San'Laklul the city of laks! for us to have a safe haven and
will not give that up so easily.

This is call for all of you to join me to restore the clan’s honour and a call
For Marosh’Lak to klomp me for the title of SwampGoth respectfully in the pit as I want a better future for this clan
and may Laklul guide us towards this goal.
Lup'Laklul Lup'krugmar

 

[An expertly written missive. It looks as if the Clan Chief got a new scribe...]

A new Swamp’Goth

To all those that may come across this missive 

Let it be known that the strongest shall rule Clan Lak. Upon hearing that my Clan Brother Dharg Lak wished to be Swamp’Goth, as well as myself, we fought an honour klomp. I beat him, and earnt the right to challenge the leader at the time; Murdok’Lak. I beat him, and have earned the title of Swampgoth, Wargoth of Lak. Let all know that my Clan does not deem our responsibilities to be second to anything. We will appease the spirits, no matter what we must do.

A further reminder to all that seem to have forgotten. Many years ago, when Iblees posed a threat to all descendents, it was not Mankind who defended the world. Nor the Elves. Whilst Malin played in his woods, Horen sung his songs and cowered behind his walls; whilst Urguan lay in his city, greedily counting his coins, Krug defended the world from Iblees. Let it be known that the world owes a great debt to Krug and his descendants, and we of Clan Lak will enforce tribute from any Human, Elf or Dwarf that do not already pay tribute to, or are not allied with, Krugmar - to be handed to the Rex.

The swamps awake.

SIGNED,

Swampgoth of Clan Lak, Marosh’Lak

MI DEMAND KLOMP

TU SWAMP’GOTH MURDOK'LAK; MI DEMAND LAT READ MIZZIVE!

Mi am blood-member of Lak Klan! Mi bruddah blah me dat chief gobbo is nub’hozh leadah! Tuu old! Is bad! We du nub klomp anymore, we du nub zakrafize tu dah spirits! We do not even demand tributes from stouties and pinkies anymore! Mi demand change! My bruddah Maash tell mi to be leader, and mi declare KLOMP DEMAND for POSITION OF KLAN LAK SWAMP’GOTH! Lat must accept or be branded koward! Lat too old to lead, klomp mi to prove mi wrong! Mi gathah mi bruddahs tuu demand lat klomp me, dey sign papah!

SIGNED,

MI, DAH TRUU SWAMP’GOTH, MAROSH’LAK

MI HONURBAL BLUD-BRUDDAH, MAASH’LAK

MI WIZE KLAN BRUDDAH, NAZGOUL'LAK

FOR HE LIES, IN THE SWAMP

[!] Where he entered life, is where he left it. [!]

 A death of an uruk followed right after the other. Such is the life of a son of Krug. Smoke kaktus in the morning, fight in the afternoon, and lay with your mate in the evening. But one day, Kor will stretch his hands and welcome an uruk into his domain. As such is death.

Bogdâg’Lak was a mighty uruk. A proud and strong one, a descendant of Shreck’Lak himself; however, he did not live to know of it. The uruk was keen and curious, learning of the world beyond the swamp, his knowledge stretching out to that of shamanism under the great Swampgoth, Murdok’Lak. He fought bravely, killing two druids and leaving a mark of Laklul on one. The word spread, and druids began to fear him, which made killing them more difficult. He had internal strife, searching for the so-called ‘magic orb'. An old artifact, once owned by the past rex, Willy of San’Velku. He found it along with his companion in a battle, Bjorn Mösu. Which he killed for the very orb, and hung him from the gates, skinned and marked. But not before, he fought the group of Redclyfians, one by one, as was their deal, though they had tricked him, which led to the events that resulted in the death of the blue one.

Along his travels, he met an elf who spoke of where these Redclyfinians live. He then scouted the area and returned a month later, just to find Adaranth, a close friend of Bjorn, watching the golden fields. The blue one watched them too, speaking to Adaranth of the orb they had taken, only to find it no longer in their possession. He was about ready to leave, however, when he was interrupted by the sound of someone on the rooftop above him. The plates cackled, and he saw Adaranth glance up with what seemed to be anticipation. It then striked him… He heard more footsteps behind him on the grass. It was another armored Redclyfian... The uruk sighed and knew that he was being ambushed, just when Adaranth said those words.

"You killed our cousin orc, do you think you will get away with it?"

When he heard those words, he knew what his faith would be. It was them, or him; a quite difficult position he set himself in... But he was proud and a berzerker of the clan Lak. He would not back down without a fight.

The fight was a great and close one; many blows happened, and a blasting potion or two made the atmosphere thicken. Plates crashed against plates, warhammer crashed against a warhammer, and bolts crashed against armor. A long battle it was, but the orc held his ground even though he was outnumbered... but he began to feel tired. And the Redclyfians did not stop gaining numbers; two more had joined behind them. It was then that the uruk decided this fight was lost. Something he had experienced the month before when he fought in some dark dungeons against great necromancers and undead. Some fights were already lost when they began.

The uruk decided to retreat; he fled; the Redclyfians chased after him, sending arrows and bolts behind him; the uruk rushed through the steppe just to reach a dense swamp. He felt a glint of hope there, or perhaps it was Laklul, accepting him into his domain of the swamp. He fled constantly, moving through the dense grass and the dark swamp. But he began to be struck... They had him surrounded, and the uruk lost the fight. He was then sent a final strike against Adaranth, and the Uruk died within the swamp, within the water. His body was left cold. One with the elements, one with the beasts of the swamp, one with Laklul.

LUP'LAKLUL

An URUK smoking a LAK made blunt.

____________________________________________________________________________________

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A young goblin sits in his smoke filled room, surrounded by various herbs and ingredients. In front of him lays several blunts, each of different sizes filled with various ingredients. This young scientist is obviously of the LAK clan, his deft blue hands rolling new combinations of blunts almost every minute. He takes a small vial of Toalak mucus, sealing each one to complete their creation, a grin spreading across his face. 

Whilst it may not be common knowledge, the members of the LAK clan have an almost religious relationship with drugs that is nearly unparalleled throughout all clans in the Orcish nation. Since the dawn of the LAK clan, the swamp has provided it's followers with a variety of intoxicating substances, like the famed Toalak Mucus, known for it's hallucinogenic properties, or 'Swamp Grazz', a name given to a unique strain of cannabis which grows only in the thick mud of the humid swamps in which the LAKS inhabit. It is tradition for members of the LAK clan to smoke in huge quantities during celebrations, and offer blunts made of these various ingredients to their patron spirit, LAK'LUL. 

The process of creating drugs can range from a humble goblin in the sewers to massive spiritual ceremonies, but these drugs are valued no matter how they're made. The creation of drugs is a sacred art, and certain recipes have been passed down since the originator of the Lak, SHREK'LAK. Finding someone who isn't a direct descendant of the LAK clan with knowledge of these recipes is extremely rare, as they're only shared with those who share an extreme bond to a member of the LAK clan.

Despite how significant these drugs are to the members of the LAK clan, they can not deny the monetary value that they hold to outsiders. Typically, drugs sold to other descendants aren't held in as high regards as ones created for spiritual purposes, and those which are created with ingredients found specifically in their swamps have exorbitant price tags. 

The same young goblin finds himself in the deserts of the south, selling hundreds of blunts throughout the course of two days. This goblin is Fribb'Lak, inventor of the 'Zwamp Ztikk' and 'Voodoo Ztikk', an entrepreneur and venturing businessman.

-

He pins a paper to a tall palm tree. "MI ZELL DAH BUB'HOZHEZT BLUNTZ IN ALL DI NATIUNZ. ZEND MI A BURD EHN SAN'VELKU, PEEP FOR FRIBB'LAK! AHM HARD TA MIZZ, AH BLUE GOBBO WIFF DAH 'HOZHEZT PURPLE HAT IN DE WURLD." (GIBBON#3625 or FRIBB'LAK IRP) 

LAK CLAN

“‘ERE WI GO!, ‘ERE WI GO!, ‘ERE WI GO!”

The Lak clan is a clan known for their devotion to the Spirit of the swamp, Laklul. The brute members of Clan Lak are identifiable due to their tough blue hide, a trait which is very rare to be seen outside of the clan. The Laks typically favour their clan hall to be located in the swamps and marshes around Krugmar.

HISTORY OF THE CLAN

CULTURE AND TRADITIONS

TRIALS: 

I.) The new blood of the clan, will have to prove his | her alliance to Laklul.  By sacrificing or creating something in his name, and offering it to his shrine. 

-If it is an item to be made, the craftsmen must venture to the depths of the swamp, and retrieve materials from there.

- If it is a sacrifice, then it must be something that is an enemy of Laklul and or an enemy to the swamp. 

II.) Once the new blood has proven allegiance to Laklul, they are baptized by the clan, downed in the marshy waters of the swamp, and painted in bright colours of, orange, cyan and or green. 

-Which they will keep on their skin, for a year. (1 IRL WEEK)

III.) To fulfill the completion of the trials, the Lak will have to ask a shaman to venture them into Laklul’s realm. Where they will speak to Laklul, and pledge allegiance to him, personally.

BLOODED TRIALS:

I.) The true-blood Lak will be given a tadpole of a toalak. Their job will be to name them, and raise them from childhood to adulthood, to form a bond which only death will break.

II.) To fulfill the completion of the trials, the Lak will have to ask a shaman to venture them into Laklul’s realm. Where they will speak to Laklul, and pledge allegiance to him, personally.

CLAN NORMS:

The WARGOTH of the clan, is referred to as SWAMPGOTH to stress the importance of LAKLUL and his blessing of the swamps, which the LAK clan reside within. LAKLUL, commonly shows himself as a large toad, though it's unknown why. He is said to bless LAK with TOALAK’s, the clan's specific beasts, which they use to ride within their swamps and sometimes even to battle. 

LAKs favor the swamp due to LAKLUL and his blessings, and if one is to reside within Krugmar, they would choose the swamp surrounding the city, if there would be no swamp, they would preferably choose an underground dwelling, where it would be damp and could be best constructed to form a swamp of sorts.

This is either done through Shamanism, or true hard work to create a new ecosystem.

LAKs are encouraged to preach spiritualism, LAKLUL in particular, to orcs and non orcs throughout the continent. Ofcourse, LAKLUL  is the clan’s patron but other spirits are greatly encouraged to be worshiped alongside him. Commonly chosen beside Laklul are the elemental spirits of water and earth, Akathro and Bregthar. 

A tradition of Krugmar, now rare though still left among a few clans, is the dislike and hatred for the half-spawn children of KRUG. A mix of both elves, dwarfs, humans, and orcs. No matter what happened to the other half, these half-breeds are disliked and spat upon by the LAK clan. Seen as mere dirt or swamp rats until proven different by their own eyes, half-breeds are monstrosities and a burden to the orcish kind.

SPORTS:

With the great swamp being the home of the LAKs, they had to adapt to the environment, their orcish games following in pursuit. And so, LAK games are a mix of both hunting, fighting and survivalist ideals. 

MUD WRESTLING, FISHING, CROCODILE HUNTING, FESTIVALS and BOAT RACES

SPIRITUAL CRUSADERS:

While not a core component of the clan, there were those within the clan who decided to take their dedication a step further than all others. These are LAKs who wish to fight to prove their dedication to the spirits and LAKLUL. To some they could be viewed as the enforcers for the shamans, using their might and strength against those who do not believe in the spirits. 

They are handpicked by the SWAMPGOTH and directly overseen by them. These are individuals with extensive knowledge of the spirits, and have devoted their lives to them and the task of spreading spiritualism. They spread the belief to those outside of the goi, resorting to force if they believe necessary. In their eyes, people who follow other religions which follow other deities are heathens, especially those of aspectist belief, as the aspects stole the power that LAKLUL deserves.

EXECUTION AND PUNISHMENT:

The LAK clan does not hold back their punishments, and traditionally, they do not hold back when one of theirs is disrespected. The traditional clan punishments are castration, severe beatings, breaking of bones, and overall torture methods. 

Clan Lak has never had their own execution method; however, one common rule was set in any execution. It was to be made to Laklul, and the organs left to spill would feed the local wildlife. It was believed that the blood of the opponent would flood the land and cause a swamp to emerge from underneath. A recent execution method, founded by Bogdâg’Lak, a berzerker of clan LAK, is a form of flaying.

 The victim of the execution would be skinned alive; this was so the victim could feel the pain and Laklul could view their suffering.

Then, the victim would have an incision cut horizontally, from one side of their stomach to the next. 

And lastly, the victim would be tied up, either using their own skin or tight rope vines made up of swamp-ish materials, and his or her organs would feed the swamp in the name of Laklul.

WEAPONS AND COMBAT:

LAKs live in a harsh environment, the swamp. Where most beasts could eat an orcish child in one bite. And so, they train from their childhood in the ways of survival. Through mud wrestling, spear hunting or fishing, and mental practices such as meditation, diving and holding their breath underneath the muddy waters, and sometimes even torture. The orcs are refined to handle the harsh ways of life, and they should be prepared to praise Laklul and make him stronger than he already is.

LAKs commonly like to use their strength to give power to Laklul or as punishment. Rotten meat is not eaten much in the swamps, and so LAKLUL’s commonly use blunted weapons, such as warhammers, clubs, maces, etcetera. To break the bones of the victim and cause them to still be alive, this would keep them unmoving, perhaps paralyzed, but the meat fresh and up for the taking. But for a swift death and a hunt, the LAK clan primarily uses spears, as they are both good for throwing and thrusting, a master tool for fishing and hunting.

CLAN HIERARCHY

ZWAMPGOTH

Wargoth (War-Lord) of the clan, has the responsibility to lead the will of Laklul.

CHIEFTAN

The second in command to the Swampgoth, will fill in if the Swampgoth is absent.

ELDER

Wise men, and loyal members of the clan. These swampfolk  are tasked with leadership when the time comes, and are tasked to keep the clan together.

BERZERKER

A proud and proven worshiper of Laklul. Ready to fight for the Clan, and in his name.

ZWAMP JEZTER

A new position in the clan, risen from the continent of Almaris, “Chester the Jester” Being the first, swamp jester of clan LAK after the saving of his life from a jest gone wrong.

ZWAMPFOLK

The members of the clan, which have been born or taken into the arms of Laklul. They hold no specific duties or responsibilites.

LUK

The lowest of the low, lower than the swamp rats the great Swampfolk of Lak feast on, these orcs or honoraries are banished from the clans, and are commonly made enemies. 

LUP'LAKLUL

SPIRIT OF THE SWAMPS

1st of Snow’s Maiden, 123 SE

I set out on my pilgrimage from the Iron Uzg to the swamps of the west near Vortice, a wild and untamed place which may hold many dangers. I seek to reflect on the nature of Laklul, the spirit of the swamps. His mark lies upon my forehead and hat with the blood of the Swampgoth, Murdok’Lak. May his blessing allow me to keep to my pilgrimage of three cactus days, as I have promised. I pray that I will understand Laklul’s vision at the end.

3rd of Snow’s Maiden

I have arrived at a suitable spot next to the large boggy lake. The camp I set up is humble, consisting only of what I could find nearby as I brought little with me. I am no stranger to survival since I have camped many times during my fishing trips, but I am no expert either. I wish not to take too much, as I do not want to upset Laklul. Once camp is set up I will begin searching for a food source. Yet do I dare try to fish within this divine swamp?

4th of Snow’s Maiden

I have spent some time thinking about whether I should take fish from the swamp’s waters. This has paid off as I have come to the following conclusion: I may take from the swamp as long as I give in return to the swamp. In this situation, I shall take the meat from the fish which I cook and eat. In return, I bury the bones and inedible parts into the bogged earth so that more flora may grow. I offer a prayer to Laklul, thanking him for allowing me to take from his domain. With all my bare needs in place, I may begin reflection.

21st of Snow’s Maiden

It is calming sitting here on my lonesome, hearing the chirping of insects and the ebbing of water. I have come to understand why the Laks have an appreciation for this environment.

11th of The First Seed
I see smoke on the horizon, past the willows in the blue skies above. I can tell it is far from where the swamp ends, but the source resides in the west. The wildlife seem to be fleeing from the smoke. I pray to Laklul for protection, but if whatever happens spreads to the swamp, I will take measures to defend myself and the swamp.

23rd of The First Seed
As I prepare to pack up to return to the Iron Uzg I dismantle my camp so that the land I slept is left better than it was before I arrived. However, I do leave a mark that I was there. I constructed a simple shrine to Laklul made of stone and a carved wooden Toalak. Before the shrine I buried the rest of the fish I had gathered during my pilgrimage. I offer my prayers and praises before I leave the shine behind me as I head home.

1st of The Grand Harvest

I have arrived back in the Iron Uzg with less than I have started with. I have learned many things during my pilgrimage to the swamp, growing an appreciation for the environment. I shall meet with the Swampgoth soon to discuss my reflections and possibly be considered as one of Laklul’s chosen.

FRIDAY 5PM EST, 7th OF APRIL

A CALL FROM THE SWAMP

The LAK klan has remained hidden, deep within the mud and the waters of the bog, for too long. However, now that the weather has changed, the LAK klan is on the rise once again. The blue orcs, descending from SHRECK’LAK  and the DOM klan, are gathering in numbers. And it is time for a swamp meeting. To gather our knowledge of our members, and to look forward to the future of the klan.

Our knowledge is only passed down through the descendants of our ancestors; we should change that and document our legends and tales atop dried bog cactus if need be. Claim the shacks of the swamp once more, and purge the world for Laklul. But that is a whole other matter, which we will speak of at the clan meeting. So I, Bogdâg’Lak, invite all the LAK brothers, or simply ANY Ork, to the swamp village, over the hills, behind the great old shaman city, and beyond the lake.

Drinks, kaktus, and all sorts of drugs will be handed out to any that arrive. Along with a KLOMP that will be held after, with a prize of 100 mina for the ultimate winner.

LUP'LAKLUL

SPIRIT OF THE SWAMPS