The
Flaming Skulls
‘Komor hates us, but we will destroy
it’
A
Hero Band created by Russell
Cole
Web Adaptation by Nick Eden
| Note! This is a
fan contribution. The information may be contradicted by official
material. |
The Great Temple of Zorak Zoran in Redstone has always
attracted warriors from across Dagori Inkarth and has through history
been the base to a number of different warbands. In recent generations
with the balance of power shifting decisively to the fire worshipping
faction, the Flaming Skulls have become the recognized power within the
temple and are to all intents and purposes the outward face of the
religion in the region. The temple has always provided a home to
worshippers who have either chosen to or been forced to leave their own
clan and the warband is in effect a separate clan within the tribe.
Xixabog Gorehand, the current leader, is also the temple
leader and is treated with respect and nervousness by all, always being
consulted by the Council of Elders in discussions on defense of the
tribe. For a bloodthirsty psychopath he is also remarkably cunning in
politics, taking great pains to win the favor of Mistress Jarookiiish,
who some say is the real power within the council. He is also very
aware that his predecessor was consumed body and soul, by a demon soon
after rashly threatening her.
No one is sure of the warband’s plans, but it is clear
that there is increased communication between all the temples of the
land and Xixabog has in recent times been a regular visitor to the
Castle of Lead. With the hero wars coming there is no doubt that the
cult of Zorak Zoran will take the opportunity to deal destruction on
those who have opposed it in the past.
| Common
Names |
The Flaming
Skulls, Flaming Skulls Clan. |
| Form: |
A Zorak Zorani
warband. |
| Typical Homeland: |
Indigo Mountains
(Dagori Inkarth) |
| Cultural Context: |
Berserk warrior
fanatics representing the outward face of the Redstone Temple. |
| Ideology: |
‘Rage against
Komor and bring destruction to those who offend us’ |
| Look and Feel: |
Terrifying burn
scarred and fire wielding warriors of Zorak Zoran. Well organized in
military terms, but extremely unpredictable and dangerous. They do as
they wish including breaking Uz taboos such as the wielding of fire.
They generally respect the authority of the Great Mother even if not
always offering direct obedience. |
| Purpose: |
‘The hero wars
will provide the opportunity to destroy our enemies when they are at
their weakest’ |
| Headquarters: |
The Great Temple
of Zorak Zoran in the Redstone Caves. |
| Reactions: |
Feared by all, but
respected for their prowess in fighting the tribe’s foes. The Great
Mother distrusts them, but finds them to be useful in enforcing her
will and intimidating her adversaries. Relations with the tribe’s Karrg
run bands are difficult, with each mistrusting the other and
co-operation only occurring due to the influence of the Mighty Ones. |
Resources
| Leader: |
Xixabog Gorehand,
Deathlord of the Indigo Mountain tribe and a fierce, but cunning war
leader. He has a red right hand which he can use to crush spirits or to
throw balls of flame. In his presence lesser beings sometimes die of
fright, fires break out spontaneously and warriors become aggressive
and angry. |
| Renowned Members: |
Klarogog the
Cruel, Xixabog’s second in command and an experienced war leader.
Originally from the Krang clan of the Yolp Mountains, he spent many
years as a mercenary in human service and is knowledgeable in the
tactics of war.
Jaroget Bone Snatcher, who is a master of more
than six time six demons of Zorak Zoran. He commands a contingent of
skeletons and carries a lead pot from which he can summon Hellwolves or
other monsters of the underworld.
Hoogor Leadgut, who is able to eat anything
including iron and enjoys intimidation and extortion. His mace drips
venom and howls with rage as he wields it.
Hagtoz Bloodfang, a massive Uzdo who carries the
band’s flaming standard and is as deadly with his hands and tusks as
most are with mace and shield.
Toozgog Hellsoul, a fierce and mighty warrior who
is favoured by Mistress Jarookiiish and is often given leave to serve
her wishes. He collects the heads of light worshippers and carries a
mace of deepest black lead which is always hot to the touch.
|
| Membership: |
Core members
consist of around 80 Uzko warriors with around a score of purchased
Uzdo and some 150 or so Enlo scouts and skirmishers. The band can also
field a contingent of Zombies and Skeletons as well as numerous hell
spirits and demons. In times of war their numbers will be swelled by
Zorak Zorani from the surrounding region who will flock to the Redstone
temple with the promise of battle. |
| Other Contacts: |
The warband is
supported financially by the rich, but greatly disliked Argan Argar
worshipping Treetooth clan, who in return receive ‘protection’ against
those who could otherwise take advantage of their small numbers.
Tribute is also made by a number of other small clans, for whom similar
protection is provided.
Mistress Jarookiiish a Hag of Subere and one of
the mighty ones (an Uzuz) is an unofficial sponsor of the warband and
has often provided magical or demonic support, but in return expects
the use of their services.
Kaloharn Soothhand the tribal High Priestess of
Xiola Umbar is on good terms with the warband and is known to be a
follower of the Twin Shadows sub-cult, the knowledge of which she has
in the past shared with chosen devotees of the Redstone temple.
There is another, smaller group of Zorak Zoran
followers within the Redstone temple who disdain the use of fire and
instead concentrate on their Lord’s mastery over the demons of hell.
This group are sometimes friends and sometimes rivals of the Warband
depending on the relationship between the group’s respective leaders.
|
Organization
The Flaming Skulls are based at the Great Temple to Zorak Zoran in
Redstone and are always commanded by the most senior Deathlord
(Disciple) who is titled Lord of Death. Historically there have been
times when no Deathlord has been present in which case the most senior
Angry One (Devotee) takes command. The warband is split into companies
each of which will be commanded by a Captain of Death, there normally
being five or six of these at any one time.
The band has often been fielded alongside the Indigo
Mountain tribe’s other warbands, but are renown for ignoring orders and
doing as they wish if they feel that the Karrg bands are getting more
of the action.
Membership Keyword
| Membership
Requirements: |
Only followers of
Zorak Zoran are accepted and they will need to be initiated in the
Subcult of Amanstan. This requires acceptance by one of the sacred
chiefs of the cult and involves survival of an attack by a cult fire
spirit, an event that leaves physical and mental scars. |
| Skills taught: |
Warband Tactics,
See in Bright Light, Guerrilla Tactics, Frenzied Charge. |
| Typical
Personality Traits: |
Angry, Arrogant,
Terrifying, Hate Light Worshippers. |
| Magic: |
Members are all
followers of Zorak Zoran and of the Amanstan Subcult. |
Jagaroc (Guardian)
Jagaroc was a powerful wielder of fire magics and famous Deathlord
during the time of the EWF. When Redstone was stormed by Wyrms and
Dragonewts after a disagreement between the Queen and the Empire, he
strode to the tribe’s defense blasting and smashing the invaders with
fire and mace. In his final charge, he summoned fiery death so great
that his whole body became a flaming weapon and he incinerated all
around him whether friend or foe before himself being consumed. This
sacrifice provided valuable time for his people to escape to safety in
the depths of the caves. Later after the Dragonewts had left, his still
smoldering skull was recovered and honored by the surviving Zorak
Zorani who formed a warband with him as war spirit.
| Method: |
Manifestation |
| Form: |
Jagaroc’s
smoldering skull is mounted atop the warband’s standard which is
adorned with grisly trophies from defeated foes. The standard only
leaves the temple with Xixabog and then only if he heads to battle. |
| Communication: |
When Jagaroc
communicates with Xixabog, flames burst from his skull and warband
members feel fury coursing through their bodies. |
| Functions: |
Awareness
Function: Find Enemy
Blessing Function: Enhance Flame
Defense Function: Appear Unbeatable |
|
