The Making of Murdunk

The Making of Murdunk

Murdunk did not start his journey in life as any normal ogre. Even in his early years, his aptitude for handling the blade and besting his opponents was extraordinary. As was the way of ogres and most followers of the Warlord, Rallos Zek, the only true test was to put a warrior marked for greatness up against the best of them all -- for the ogres, this was Chief Dronuk Rockjaw.

Murdunk was the youngest challenger to face Dronuk and they met in the arena of the war council's hall on the top level of the city of Nokk. As their blades sliced through the air and the ring of countless parries rang out, it became clear to all, including Dronuk, that the younger warrior was allowing Dronuk to win -- a near fatal error.

Dronuk, displeased with Murdunk's mercy, raised his axe and with unmatched precision, cut the lobe from Murdunk's right ear. Dronuk bellowed that he would have Murdunk's head on a spike to stand in the great city of Nokk unless Murdunk showed his true force. And with that, Dronuk got his wish.

Murdunk lifted his crude greatsword with an effortless heave of his massive shoulders and brought it to Dronuk's neck at such speed that the chief was caught completely off guard -- a feat no one had accomplished. Dronuk's head was Murdunk's for the taking. Fully aware that to show any weakness now might surely mean Murdunk's death later, he quickly used the might of his forearms and wrists to swing back the great blade and with a mighty lunge at Dronuk he knocked the chief off his feet and knocked him unconscious with the hilt of his sword at his temple.

When Dronuk awoke, he did so with a great smile to see Murdunk kneeling before him. He stood quickly and with great pride and walked into the city with Murdunk. For some years, Murdunk was under the direct tutelage of the great chief. As soon as Murdunk was old enough, he went out to Ogre's Stomp in the moors near Nokk to complete his journey to becoming a true warrior and respected adult -- a ritual that lasts one night and day.

The day Murdunk returned from the moors, he was dubbed Warlord Murdunk, the commander of the mighty Rallosian Legions -- a most unexpected honor.