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.

The Chronicle of Gromok Hergom, Volume I

I ink these words for fear that my once proud and mighty Ogres will forget the events I have seen in my long life. I am known at the time of this inking as Elder Gromok, but I was once a soldier of little renown and status in the mighty Rallosian Legions under the command of Warlord Murdunk.

I was not raised to be an Elder of my fellow Ogres. My training was that of a soldier and I concerned myself only with the arts of warfare. It is with reluctance that I now bear the mantle of Elder and the cause of that reluctance is the same reason that I ink this tale.

I was stationed at the Fortress of Krithgor when the ogre magi first opened the portals to the Planes of Power. Plans were quickly laid and orders sent to our fortresses and troops in all corners of Tunaria. A large invasion force of ogres, giants, orcs, and goblins gathered at the newly opened planar portals. At the time I felt disappointed that my orders were to remain at Fortress Krithgor. That disappointment quickly turned to anger when I learned that the invasion failed, and although Warlord Murdunk survived our losses were great.

Some time passed before news reached the Fortress of Krithgor that a second invasion was being orchestrated. Rumors circled like hungry buzzards over a field of carnage concerning the plans for this second invasion. It was even said that Rallos Zek was to lead the campaign with Warlord Murdunk and the most renowned champions of the giants, orcs, and goblins by his side. Once again my orders were to remain at the home front to defend the women, children, and elderly citizens of the Rallosian Empire.

It was not long after the invasion forces of the Rallosian Legions once again passed through the portals to the Planes of Power that the home front too became a place of battle, slaughter, and glory. Mortal disciples of deities opposed to The Warlord, Rallos Zek, attacked the citizens and fortresses of the Rallosian Empire on Tunaria. Our enemies fought valiantly, and the resulting battles were the most glorious I was ever to behold. My weapons and armor were stained with the blood of our foes, and our children and elders kept safe within our impenetrable strongholds.

Messengers passing through the Fortress of Krithgor spoke of the victories of the legion units led by Rallos Zek, Warlord Murdunk, and the Generals Tallon and Vallon. It was said that the Rathe Council, the twelve rulers of the Plane of Earth had been captured and forced to Norrath where they were being executed by Murdunk and his Generals. Mountains burst from the earth where the gods fell and that the dying tears of the fallen gods formed a cold, deep lake between the newly risen mountain peaks.