Skogul

Skogul grew up in an environment in which strength reigned supreme. Although in terms of size she was far from the ideal Orc standards, she dreamed of achieving glory on the battlefield just like any other Orcish youngling. Trained in hand-to-hand combat by her brother Darxag, Skogul gained a reputation for using deadly chokeholds against her adversaries, but her rise to prominence came at her brother's expense. During Darxag's coming-of-age ceremony, Skogul unexpectedly challenged her brother to unarmed combat to find out who of them both was the better combatant. To the surprise of everyone, Skogul came out on top and earned her brother's dagger as a token of victory.

With Kurrata's plans to conquer Tamaris in motion, the Orcs launched the traditional Crucible of Courage trial to select the most skilled Orcs for war. Encouraged by her brother, Skogul competed in the trial and dominated her opponents with her unique fighting skills, earning great respect among Wilderburg's warriors and securing a place for herself in the upcoming war. Her exceptional display left a positive impression on Kurrata's son, Dattara, who personally selected her to lead the Orcish axemen in their assault across Tamaris.

As the Battle of the Hexwood raged on, Skogul found herself facing the first opponent able to threaten her position, Sir Baldor, the Great General of the North. Old and experienced, Sir Baldor defended the Human Kingdom's northern border and led Skogul's army deep into the mountains. Using guerrilla tactics, the Humans dealt a crippling blow to Skogul's axemen and decimated their greater numbers with a series of quick and deadly attacks. Facing annihilation, Skogul used herself as bait in a risky plan to draw the elusive Humans out of the mountains and clear the way for the rest of the Orcish army to enter Human territory. In 1174, the arrival of Elven reinforcements into Human territory turned the tide of war. Skogul received the order to retreat, but was captured by the Human army.

After the war, Skogul was released by the Humans as part of the peace treaty. For Skogul, this was a humiliating loss. Blaming Dattara for Kurrata's death and the Orcish defeat, Skogul felt that Orcish honor and their warrior spirit had been shattered. With a small group of loyal axemen, Skogul decided to leave Tamaris for Belleron, where she formed the Bloodblade Brotherhood, seeking to restore their lost honor. Belleron taught Skogul harsh lessons, as she had to adapt to the unforgiving climate and terrain of the new continent, learning new skills in order to ensure the newly formed Brotherhood's survival. Compared to the impulses of her youth, Skogul grew to become a real leader on and off the battlefield.