Shogrush

Shogrush Chak, the Lich Emperor, the Thorn of Vecna was an infamous necromancer and warrior who ushered in one of the darkest periods in all of history. He is responsible for hundreds of years of darkness, all issued by one mortal being. He ruled over the Material Plane with an iron fist, and tactically conquered the known realm with his armies of devils, demons, and aberrations.

Early Life

Born in the year 330 ADW, Shogrush Chak saw early on the mistreatment that was inflicted upon the Orcs by both the Dwarves and Elves. From an early age, he grew to hate the Elves and Dwarves, and anyone in the realm who scoffed at the idea that Orcs and other beasts could be civilized. This mistreatment stemmed from the previous conflict, where the previous Orcish leader, Baroness Roga attempted to conquer beyond the border shared between the Orcs and the Dwarves. Her ideas of conquest failed miserably, but left a trail of carnage as she and her armies retreated. Wanting revenge, the Dwarves and Elves decided to inflict Contaminated Isolation upon the Orcs.

Contaminated Isolation

Following the events of the previous conflict, the Elves and Dwarves occupied the Orcish land of Duzgredar, assuming control of all aspects of life. When Shogrush reached 20 years of age, he saw just how cruel the oppressors were. Nestled into every business, occupation of responsibility, and within council members of Orcish lineage, was a Dwarven or Elvish loyalist, dedicated to sabotaging any and all attempts for organization. This was part of the occupiers' plan, Contaminated Isolation, treating the Orcs as a disease, and isolating them wherever they can, making life difficult. As a young Orc whose society depends on the youth to forge a new destiny, it was utterly impossible to do anything.

Wild yet Tame

Realizing that he could only live in poverty and failure due to his horrendous overlords, Shogrush eventually fled the Orcish cities and ventured into the woods, seeking the Wild Orcs. Finding them was no issue, but speaking to them was. The Wild Orcs were complete isolationists, refusing to integrate into society. Shogrush saw this and respected their dedication to nature and survival. Overtime, he became accepted as one of them. Eventually, Shogrush earned the respect of many of these tribes, showing his natural prowess over magic and martial skill. This impressed the Wild Orcs, so much so that they granted Shogrush an honorary warrior title. Shogrush realized the respect and value that the Wild Orcs had built over generations of isolation, and took that to heart.

Deciding to return to society when he reached 30 years old, he did so with several Wild Orc leaders who would accompany him on his grand Orcish journey. It is said that, in all parts of Orcish culture, one must embark on a grand and epic journey that brings inspiration and change to you or others. Shogrush would eventually do all of these things.

Dark Powers

Shogrush had proven himself as a powerful mage and warrior, combining both feats into one. Any who challenged him, expecting a warrior, fought a tactical mage. Any who expected a mage, fought a mage slayer. He was incredibly powerful and intelligent, which stemmed from his exploration into the Wild Orc's teachings of dark abilities. Considered "dark" by society, Shogrush thought nothing of it and mastered them over time. Many of these Wild Orcs worshipped ancient Orcish gods, and a Lich God named Vecna. Drawing power from this Death God, Shogrush quickly became a powerful necromancer.

The Beginning of Change

Returning to his home, he saw that, in his absence, nothing had changed. He had secretly hoped that other more impressive leaders and figures would fight for something. However, in this moment he realized that if you want something, you must take it yourself. He gathered all of the leaders he knew and respected, and told them his ideas of a unified people, including the Wild Orcs, and modeling society after them in their honor. Most scoffed at him, but one individual, Lazgrul Chak, was inspired by Shogrush's dedication to his people. From that day forward, Lazgrul would become a pivotal part of his council and support.

Another pivotal figure who joined this council was named Arch Keltan, a leader of another growing empire. He was a human, but a beast at heart. He ruled over the growing Beast Clade Dominion, but was seen by Shogrush as potential competition.

His council of warriors, spellcasters, and politicians was formed in 368 ADW. They would not have their first instance of action until two months later, where they organized mobs and riots to fight back against the Elves and Dwarves, who did not believe this feat was even possible. The oppressors were defeated easily, and this defeat gave Shogrush and his followers enough ammunition to keep going, chasing these guards and arrogant knights across Duzgredar.

In 370 ADW, most of Duzgredar had been returned to the hands of the Orcs. The Elves and Dwarves were planning to retaliate, not wanting to lose to the Orcs and beasts. Arch Keltan proved himself to the court that at the beginning of the year by striking the Elves and Dwarves, forcing them to reevaluate their ability to continue their retaliatory hatred. Arch Keltan then returned to his home to establish his kingdom. This opened an opportunity for Shogrush to strike.

Betrayal and Brutality

Planning a massive army to strike the heart of the military might of both the Elves and Dwarves, Shogrush rose the dead of his enemies, bringing them back to their home. As Shogrush charged with his army of undead and loyalist Orcs, his council appeared with their armies, on the side of the Elves and Dwarves. Shogrush carved a path through all the armies, but had to retreat in defeat due to the betrayal. Shogrush, not giving up, returned during the night alone, made a deal with Vecna for power, and rose all the thousands of dead, using them to invade the city they were sieging. Floating in the sky as the Grand Lich, Shogrush forever changed that day.

From that day forward, Shogrush only trusted Lazgrul and accomplished most feats himself. He rose the traitorous council members from the dead and turned them into the lowest of the undead ranks to follow him around.