Kuriak's Great Crusade

[Ephirith]

Chapter IV: Kuriak Brings Love and Happiness Back to Cabilis

In Cabilis, happiness is considered a form of deviant psychosis. An Iksar caught trying to learn how to laugh or smile is subject to exile to the Field of Bone, where they may expect each one of their bodily crevices to be inhabited by scorpions. Though love and friendship are not wholly foreign concepts to the Iksar, they express it in different ways, often through pain, terror, or conflict. Lizardman has no word for friendship, the closest approximation being 'cooperation toward an end'.

During his deployment, Kuriak had been exposed to excessive amounts of 'friendship', and 'kindness'. Passing druids imbued his flesh with protective thorns and soothed his scales with regenerative chloroplasts. The soldiers he cooperated with told delightful stories, and exhibited impractical selflessness. He was even contacted by the disembodied voice of an ogre heretic named Borf who sympathized with the Crusader cause and offered friendship; strangers gave Kuriak cake and ale, and they wished him good tidings as he departed to return to Cabilis.

After a perilous journey through the Dreadlands, weary and facing a moderate existential crisis, Kuriak approached the gates of Cabilis. There, he saw Trooper Mozo, whom he greeted kindly and respectfully, pleased to once again be among Iksar.

[You must be logged in to view images. Log in or Register.]

And as quickly as that, Kuriak's aura of sunshine and rainbows had been dissipated by the acrimonious vitriol of Iksar society. But for some reason, it felt good. The uncertainty in Kuriak's mind cleared, and he again felt a clarity of purpose. He had to go and see Xog.

On his way into the city, he passed a gathering of froglok slaves sheltered in the shade, trying to catch their breath between merciless floggings. Kuriak stood among them passively for a moment as they cringed in fear. Smile frogloks! They hesitated for several moments, until one of the frogloks beamed a smile. Kuriak then beat them savagely.

[You must be logged in to view images. Log in or Register.]

[You must be logged in to view images. Log in or Register.]

Glowing from the therapeutic maiming of slaves, it was time for Kuriak to go and see Arch Duke Xog to report on the results of his deployment to Faydwer.

Kuriak: Arch Duke Xog, it is an honor to again be in your presence.

Arch Duke Xog: Who are you?

Kuriak: I am Kuriak. My Lord, I have returned from Faydwer victorious. The Crushbone Orcs have been deprived of their slaves, and I had the honor of ending their lives myself. I have brought you this decorative gift basket containing the heads of various slaves with assorted fruits and candies.

Arch Duke Xog: Crushbone? Oh yes, that is right, I did send somebody. Good... good, well done. Kuriak, was it? I have your next assignment.

Arch Duke Xog: The Haggle Baron has granted a group of froglok slaves their freedom. Some time ago, he had agreed to let them buy their freedom if they could prove their worth and dedication to Iksar society. Apparently the group of frogloks worked tirelessly to aid Iksar orphans! They spread charity and good cheer throughout Cabilis!

Kuriak: How awful!

Arch Duke Xog: I know, Kuriak, I know, it's offensive. Now they are hiding deep in the Swamp of No Hope, spreading joy and cheer among exiled Iksar and other frogloks. They are attempting to organize a bake sale, with the proceeds going to crippled Iksar war veterans. Kuriak, this must be stopped. Go forth into the Swamp of No Hope and slay these frogloks. Do this, and you will advance in the Crusaders of Greenmist.

Kuriak: Yes, Arch Duke Xog, I will do this task with pleasure.

[You must be logged in to view images. Log in or Register.]