Deep within the Grimfang Dominion, nestled in the northern reaches of the Barren Wasteland, lay the imposing domain of the Hobgoblin King.
The caverns here were not mere natural formations; they had been meticulously carved and fortified over countless generations by the hobgoblins. Massive stone archways, adorned with crude yet imposing carvings depicting historic battles, conquests, and the intricate hierarchy of hobgoblin society, marked the entrance to the king's domain.
Inside this labyrinthine network of tunnels and chambers, the air hung heavy with the scent of smoke from numerous braziers, casting flickering shadows that danced across the rough-hewn walls. Dimly lit by torches ensconced in iron brackets, the tunnels twisted and turned like the veins of some ancient, subterranean beast. Banners and trophies adorned the walls, celebrating past victories with displays of weapons, armor, and macabre souvenirs: bones, eyes, limbs, and even patches of skin taken from fallen foes.
At the heart of this underground stronghold lay the throne room of the Hobgoblin King. The ceiling soared high above a dais where a massive throne of jagged stone sat, its rough edges a stark contrast to the intricate carvings that adorned its arms and backrest.
Surrounding the throne in a semicircle were steps where lesser hobgoblin commanders and advisors stood, their demeanor a mix of deference and watchfulness. Dark tapestries, woven with scenes of glorious conquests and fierce battles, draped the walls, depicting the storied history and unyielding ambition of the hobgoblins.
The Hobgoblin King himself was a formidable figure, larger and more heavily armored than any of his subjects. A crown of twisted iron, adorned with the sharp teeth of vanquished enemies, rested upon his brow. His eyes burned with an intense intelligence and an unquenchable thirst for power as he surveyed his domain from his imposing seat. Flanking him were elite guards, their wicked weapons gleaming in the torchlight, a silent testament to their readiness to enforce the king's will.
Within the throne room, the atmosphere was charged with tension, yet permeated with a palpable reverence. Hobgoblin subjects and slaves alike bowed and kneeled before their ruler, their allegiance and fear intertwined in the presence of his commanding aura.
"Is Vrakka not responding yet?" the Hobgoblin King's voice echoed with authority, his gaze narrowing in impatience.
"No, my king. It appears Vrakka has ventured beyond her territory," replied a solemn advisor, bowing his head respectfully.
"Hmm . . . She must be toying with that Goliath I sent her," mused the king, his tone contemplative yet resolute. "Send another messenger to her, and to our commanders in the east and west."
Rising to his feet, the Hobgoblin King addressed his assembled council, "Our quest for dominion over the Barren Wasteland draws near. The lizardfolk, sand elves, dwarves, gnolls, and those pesky Goliaths will soon witness the full extent of our might! They have underestimated us for far too long!"
A thunderous roar of affirmation erupted from the gathered hobgoblins, their voices echoing through the depths of the caves and reverberating to the surface where thousands of their kin were engaged in various tasks and preparations.
With renewed fervor and purpose, the Grimfang Dominion stirred with anticipation, poised to unleash its strength upon the unforgiving wasteland and all who dared oppose their march to conquest.
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"Oh, the Goliath is already awake?" Rain exclaimed, hurrying to the area where the Goliath had been fast asleep.
The Goliath stirred and slowly opened his eyes. His all-white pupils were intimidating and eerie, and when he spoke, his voice was deep and slow. "W-what . . . what happened?"
"You're awake. Are you okay? How are you feeling?" Rain asked, standing cowardly behind Chi, ensuring that he was safe from the Goliath's reach.
The Goliath blinked, disoriented. He wanted to scratch his head but found his hands tied behind his back. "What the . . . What's going on?" His voice grew stronger, tinged with confusion and frustration.
The Goliath frowned and wiggled against his ropes. Chi and the others pointed their weapons at him, prompting the giant to pause, eyes narrowing in wary assessment.
"Uhm . . . You might be confused right now, but let me explain from the beginning," Rain started, trying to calm the situation. He explained what had happened to the Goliath, detailing the events that led to his capture.
The Goliath's confusion gradually subsided as Rain spoke, his memories slowly resurfacing. He sighed heavily. "Those rotten hobgoblins. I fell asleep, separated from the others, when they captured me. Else they wouldn't have been able to control me like a puppet."
Rain was surprised at the Goliath's calm demeanor. "Are you feeling alright?"
"Ah, I guess so. Can you untie me?" the Goliath asked, his tone more composed.
Chi was against the idea, but Hana intervened, her voice soothing. "It's alright. Though Goliaths are intimidating, they're gentle giants by nature. Just don't provoke them. They also mean what they say and they don't lie, as their tribe considers lying shameful."
"I . . . I see . . ." Rain said, making a mental note to study the different races more thoroughly when he got the chance.
"Chin and Chill, untie him," Rain instructed and then introduced himself. "By the way, my name is Rain. This is Chi, Chin, Chill, Chick, #4, Hana, and Pup."
The Goliath sat up after being released from the ropes. He rubbed his hands and stretched his back, relief evident in his movements. "My name is Thraigar, friend. Thank you for not killing me while I was asleep."
"Uhm . . . you're welcome?" Rain replied, noting Hana's earlier remarks. The Goliath seemed honest enough, though they appeared slow in their thinking and speech.
"Now that you're free, what are you going to do?" Rain asked, sensing the wariness of his troops toward Thraigar.
Thraigar rubbed his head and looked at the morning sky as if seeking answers there. "I don't know. I don't even know where I am."
Should you be worried then? Rain lamented at the Goliath's lack of danger.
"I heard that Goliaths reside far north from here," Hana interjected. "There are also other races apart from them up north. We were trying to map the area when we stumbled upon the hobgoblins' territory. It's said to be very dangerous in the northern part of the Barren Wasteland."
Thraigar nodded. "That's right. Apart from our race, there are lizardfolk, dwarves, sand elves, gnolls, and . . . something else."
"Something else?" Rain echoed, intrigued.
"Our elders forbade us to explore north where some ancient, powerful race lives," Thraigar explained, his voice tinged with reverence and fear. "I don't know what's further up north. No one knows."