Goru'kar and the Sisters

Goru'kar and the Sisters

Long ago, before Solusek Ro, the Prince of Flame, raised the lands along the Serpent River in an envious rage aimed at Tunare's prospering elves, Rallos Zek's giants were gaining a foothold in the northern timberlands of Tunaria between the dragons' Nest and the inhospitable low icelands.

Families of giants divided themselves into a great many Houses as they built the foundation for a great Fortress of Krithgor in the wooded hills. House D'Toldan boasted that they were a family of giants who were great masters of the spirits and the supreme shamans. All but one supported the progress of the Rallosian Empire as it began to grow, however. His name was Goru'kar D'Toldan.

Goru'kar lived with his brethren in the Krithgor within the House D'Toldan Quarter and was chagrined by the ever increasing population of orcs, goblins, and then ogres who moved into the fortress. The ogres in their arrogance even attempted to exert some control over the giants as Warlord Murdunk claimed command of the empire's legions. Though most joined forces in the name of Rallos Zek and the growing empire, Goru'kar was disgusted. He decided he would much rather live alone than intermingle with the inferior races of his god.

Goru'kar traveled south for some time until he found a weald of willow trees that provided the giant modest shelter from the rain and wind at a wide bend in the Serpent River. It was lush, quiet and perfect for his studies and shamanistic arts. He built himself a home and had little trouble luring animals for food and companionship. For a long time he ignored the elves that would often be seen tracking prey in his domain . . . until he noticed his food stores were being depleted and then even his daily meals.

He soon discovered that a small band of female Elddar elves were living nearby, surviving on his food which they stole when he went to hunt. Goru'kar would not tolerate their thievery, not that he would have given them food if they asked! And so the great giant set to work, using his mortar and pestle over many days to blend a magic powder.

When it was ready, he sprinkled the powder over crates of his freshest meats. It smelled of a wonderful spice that carried swiftly on the evening breeze. He then went to sleep, knowing that the next morning would bring him great joy and justice.

As the sun rose the next day, shrill screams filled the forest and Goru'kar turned a mischievous smirk. Four screaming creatures came running into the surly giant's camp. With bewilderment in their twisted faces, they asked if he was responsible for their plight.

Goru'kar simply roared with laughter at them and threatened to do worse if they did not leave.

He was quite pleased to see that his magic turned the beautiful elves into horrible winged hags -- a fitting punishment for behaving like vultures, he hought. And so, in shame and terror, the elves ran and hid in the cliffs to the far west on the edge of the barren Unkempt Wood where no one would find them. Over time, the twisted elves grew uglier and gave offspring that also carried their same fate. Together they became known as the Blackfeather harpies . . . still scavengers to this day.