Chapter One "AWAKENING"

  Grotbag Ironclaw awoke, suddenly from the Sleep of Dark Ages. Years spent on the battlefield, accompanying the most wretched, murderous darkness in all the universe, ensured he made not a single movement as he opened an eye, to observe his surroundings. What he saw brought joy to his soul. He had been called back from the dead to do battle, to slaughter, pillage and destroy. There could be no other reason that he was once again breathing in a mortal world. He was in a dark chamber and around him stood members of his Elite Sithekian Gnome Guard. It had been countless ages since he had inhabited the body of a Under Gnome. For a millenia, or more he had walked from one world to the next in one Elven form or another. Now, it appeared, he was once again draped in his originial mortal form.

  Opening his senses, sending his corporeal form abroad, he found this landscape was as no other he had ever encountered. It was different...altered. He found many entities awakening, as he, in these lands. Foe and friend alike. Some near, others distant. With a stunning jolt, he was thrown back into his material form. Screaming with rage and anger, slavering from his jowls, teeth gnashing he rose in the chamber, howling. He had sensed the presence of arch-enemies that he, desired above all else, to possess their devastated forms, for all eternity.

  Seeing the extent of his rage, even his Elite Guard cowered. But one among them, his long time ambassador on many worlds, Tzam, walked forward. A millenia ago they had walked the caverns of the UnderDark, together, as mortals. Since, they had walked the darkest places in all the known worlds, slaughtering the Minions of Light, drinking the blood of their victims, feasting on their innards.

  For a brief moment, Grotbag thought to himself, that where he had grown more depraved down through the ages, Tzam had grown more......diplomatic?  

Chapter Two "TZAM"

  "Well, it seems you have awakened, and discovered, your nemesis from the last world, on this one," said Tzam. "I see that being in our native form has not improved your psychosis? Well nevermind that, I have lived with that for over 3 eons now." Laughing he said, "It is good to see you old friend. Now calm yourself, it is much to soon for you to go beserk, and I need to fill you in on the happening

  "Aye," growled Grotbag, calming from the jibes of his comrade, "you too. I presume that you have once again gotten here ahead of me, have everything in order, and our kingdom is growing even now. Our armies begin to gather, scouts visit our enemies camps' already, and my magical chamber is prepared? You did not forget my brothel this time, did you Tzam?"

  "Everything is as usual, sire. And, No, I did not forget your brothel. You may be excited to learn that we have secured several Orc regions already and have several caravans of their females en route here, for your brothel. I thought that wouldl be particularly pleasing to you. But be warned, our nemesis' are far from our grasp right now, and there our many new and unknown dangers in front of us. I am afraid for now, the slaves I bring, must needs satiate your appetite. You may also find it interesting to note that currently our brothers Kel'Dakar and Gorbaal, are squaring off against those you seek.

  "Ahh...very good Tzam, as ever you lead the way and prepare well, that I can slaughter." Clasping his old friend and comrade around the shoulder he

Chapter Three "FORTIFICATION"

  Grotbag, sat on his favorite throne, made from the bones of the enemies he had slaughtered. One hand held his chin, while his elbow rested on his knee giving him to look intensely interested Tzam's latest gift of slaves that were performing. His other hand held his cup, full of the famous Kel'Dakarian brew, still untouched, as anyone would see, had they been allowed close enough. He had moved his throne room here to his brothel, where he could think and plan. Of course, diversions were always close at hand, when he needed stimulation to get a fresh perspective on any situation that might arise. In truth, currently, he was deep in thought.

  Grotbag was busy, going over current building and battle plans. The conquest of several new Caverns were requiring the concerted efforts of all his and Tzam's resources to fortify. His scouts had uncovered entrances to at least 3 more caverns earlier this day, as well. These too, would need to be conquered and fortified. His armies advanced, forts we being built and if the latest reports coudl be believed he would make contact with his closest battle brother the great Lord Aeneas, within the next month. Things were moving incredibly fast on this strange world.

Chapter Four "PATIENCE"

  In reveiwing the status of his realm, he was quite pleased. He had already discovered and awakened some of his past generals - they were already claiming lands in his names, with his advance scouts. With Tzam's aid, the Inn's and Tavern's which helped keep the Moral of his servants boosted, already stood, and prospered. His first act had been to erect a great Temple where his people would worship him as a God. Even now, work was commencing on a Inventor's Workshop, where he could employee the greatest minds, and put them to work constructing all kinds of foul machines with which to slaughter his enemies. Ultimately, he discovered in his ponderances.....everything was proceeding as necessary, and he was in a period in which nothing else could be done, but to wait....and seek, diversions.

Grotbag Ironclaw, joins No One on this world, except his battlebrother, Lord Aeneas. Let the strongest reign and the weak live in suffering and pain, as slaves.