It was the time of the first war. I Crotalusco son of Krem'lok a great warrior in the Bleeding Hollow Clan. Still young at this time training in the arts of warfare. We were camped near the edge of the Black Morass with about 20 other family units from our clan. Awaken early one morning by my father, the sun not yet peaking over the horizon. This was a happy day for me as my father and I were off to hunt game. I quietly gathered my things as to not wake my mother, twin sister Alaya and younger brother. If only had I known this was the last time I would see them alive.

After days of hunting we had all the game we could carry. Even then my father praised my connection with the natural world. My ability to track, find my way in the dark swamp somehow came easy to me. As my father put it " Your ability to sense your surroundings surpasses my own" I didnt understand it at this time but i knew where to find game, clean water, knew what trails were unsafe and which led no where. I dont know how I knew these things, I just knew.

Returning to camp, still far off I begin to smell smoke. Camp near by? my father asks, there are many orc encampments in the swamp. I explain that I feel this smoke is from large fires, much larger then for cooking. With that an expession appears on my fathers face, one i have not seen before now. Dropping the game ha had been carrying, He unsheathed his blade and ran in the direction of our encampment. Too young yet to grasp the situation I follow. As we neared camp the smell of fire grew stronger. It was then I realized the expression of my father. It was FEAR not for himself but for our family.

Reaching camp we found it ablaze. The bodies of our clansmen lay everywhere, the smell of blood heavy in the air. My father bellows a terrifying scream of anger as search for survivors to no avail. My mother Sindie lay dead from a gaping wound in her torso. My younger brother lay near her, trampled by what must have been human calvary. They had killed everyone, warriors, women and children. It appeared the warriors had fought bravely against what must have been unsurmountable odds. Yet one corpse was not to be found, that of my twin Alaya. We searched the surrounding swamp for hours for any sign of her escape. There was nothing, not a single track.

Two days we have traveled, after burning the remains of our encampment. My father not speaking the entire time. Grief fury and rage burn within him as I have never seen. We arrive at a large horde encampment. This however is not a of the Bleeding Hollow Clan. I then realize this is an encampment of the Blood Skull Clan. My mother had spoken of her clan often, yet this was my first time among them. They welcome us, offer some food which i readily accept. The rage within my father consuming his thoughts as we had not stopped to rest or eat. While i ate happily my father leaves me to speak with an older orc. This confused me, my father Krem'lok, the great warrior was obviously stronger then the old one.

After some time my father returns, the old one and a female at his side. This is Drakum and his mate Kimber, sister of your mother. My mother spoke of Kimber often as they had shared a special bond. Kimber and my mother Sindie were twins as were Alaya and myself. Father then explains to me that I will be staying with Drakum and Kimber. Glancing at him he responds harshly. You will mind me crotalusco, I leave in the morning to find Alaya. I must know you are safe, You will stay and continue your training untill I return with your sister. I agree reluctantly knowing my father planned more then just the search, the rage still burning in his eyes.

So begins my training under the elder shaman Drakum of the Blood Skull Clan. Despite the ban on shamanistic arts, Drakum had continued to teach those within the clan. My life as a Blood Skull Begins......
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