For an overview of Origins of Sin check out Mick Dagger’s 2024 Guide to Origins of Sin! For a review of the world’s wetness, check out Mick Dagger’s 2024 Guide to Origins of Sin: Aquatic Edition! Welcome, Sinners, to a moderately priced guide to the world of The Black Tusks of Origins of Sin, I’m our host Mick Dagger, your friendly neighbourhood Goblin. You might remember me from such spectacular successes like “Totally Legit Documents”* or “The Great Goblin Gasilica”. While it should go without saying, this is an OOC (out of character) guide with some IC (in character) flavour, it’s meant to be fun, silly and still informative. Please do not take it as in-character. * The ‘Totally’ Franchise offers no guarantees on any of its products or services. The name of a Franchise is no way an indication of quality of products or services. Much More Than a Grimy Surface The Black Tusks are one of the oldest guilds on Origins of Sin, but before Origins the Tusks have about a decade of history on various other sims. It doesn’t matter what race you are playing, anyone can join the Tusks if they agree to live by our means, in a more tribal way of life. We defy stereotypes at the same time as embracing them. You are just as likely to find a hulking and menacing orc ready to tear you apart, as you are to find a gentle soul that wants only to see you happy. On asking members of the tribe what is the one thing you wished someone had told you when you first approached the group, the one that stood out the most was… how approachable people are on an out of character level. Many of us play shitholes in character but we are definitely not those people in real life. When in doubt, drop a DM on your scene partner and check in. Welcome to the Tribe Anyone is welcome to enter the camp, but only members of the Tribe may venture into the caves where the Tribe makes its home. These tunnels and caverns have been painstakingly dug out by goblins and snaga alike. Most of these tunnels are “off screen” and house things like our elderly, the shoats (a term for our offspring), or mushroom or meat beetle farms. Any newcomer to camp will be met with the face-punching aroma of Orc musk and chicken feces, as well as a cacophony of sounds from a bustling camp. NPC goblins and orcs (as well as the other varied races that make up the Black Tusks) move about camp, avoiding blows, starting fights, betting on fights, or generally working on tasks that benefit the camp, such as tending The Pot or curing hides. Wise petitioners bring a gift for the Gorgun, the fat hearty tyrant that rules the Black Tusks with an iron fist. Many are surprised at the decorum expected of everyone, comparing it to the rituals observed in a gilded marble hall of an elven king. Instead of marble, the floor is covered in mud and instead of courtiers the camp is filled with unwashed bodies and roaming chickens. And yet the Gorgun has a herald (one who is very proud of his job) and if the rituals are not observed then someone may incur the wrath of our grotesque leader. Those who arrive hoping to join the Tusks are put to a test of combat to honour the Iron One. This fight allows us to teach new Tusks the ins and outs of HUD combat and to gauge their ability to ‘give good flop’, that is, when being struck or losing a fight, do they demonstrate appropriate theatrics to bolster their opponent. No one wants to do battle with someone who brushes off every strike as if it was nothing. We want to see the drama! The blood! The THEATRE. Winning the fight does not mean you are automatically accepted to the Tribe. Heed (social structure) Once you’ve joined the Tribe you are a grot. A nobody. A grot who causes trouble for outsiders will be disavowed. In truth the Gorgun probably doesn’t even know your name! But once you’ve proven yourself you can earn a pip, or level, in one of the Three Eyes of Mog (more on that later). Rank is very strictly enforced, a 1 pip must listen to a 2 pip, who must listen to a 3 pip. But just to add to the chaos there is also consideration on the Three Eyes. If the matter being commanded is related to Teef things, then a 2 pip Chorga cannot call rank on a 1 pip Teef… at least not on that particular topic. Fists can change the topic. The leaders of the Three Eyes are selected from the pool of 3 pips. Each Eye has one Hok, the leader, and two or more Bahs, their seconds. Attaining the rank of a 3 pip means you are someone important, the Gorgun probably knows your name and if you get into trouble outside the camp there is a chance the tribe will rally to support you. All Hoks answer to the Bahgun, or second in command of the Tribe, and literally everyone answers to the Gorgun, the ultimate leader. It is important to note that we do not give a shit about your titles outside of the Tribe. You could be the lord of all the realm or the high mucky muck of the great wallabaloo court. If you haven’t earned rank in the Tribe we don’t “see you”. The Three Eyes of Mog There is much confusion among outsiders (and, to be honest, among the Tribe) about what, or who, Mog is. Some say Mog is an Orc from ancient times. Some say Mog is a creed that dictates the actions of the tribe. Still others say Mog is a balance of deeds, like karma. And then there are drinks named for Mog, just to add to the confusion. The chaos is a feature, not a bug. Whatever it is, the tribal structure is based on it. The three “Eyes” of Mog are broken down into the following:
Outsiders/Relations The most predictable thing about the Tusks is that they’re unpredictable. Just when outsiders are starting to get an idea of how to handle them, things change. At the top of the chaos is the mercurial Gorgun, who is just as likely to invite strangers into the camp to share some Troita tea as he is to command the Chorga to attack! As a guild of Helheim one would think everything is summer roses and bloody hunts, but the reality is, in-character at least, that Helheim tolerates the Black Tusks more than embraces them. The Tusks offer military support (which is mostly effective if the monarch can rile them to fight in the right direction) and keeps the Forest mostly free of other brigands. In exchange the Black Tusks provide a reason to have a Royal Guard by frequently enacting shenanigans in Helheim proper. Totally win-win. Aside from Helheim, the Tusks have no official allies among other groups and factions, however, they are eager to fight and can be (mostly) relied on to show up and hit the correct things. The very next day they might attack the people they were assisting. No one has ever been able to pin down just how many Tusks reside in the forest (though the former Queen of Helheim did attempt a census) which makes attacking them outright a dicey proposition. This is a large contributor to why no one has tried to tame the Tusks. Common Terms
Regular Events While these are some of the events you can expect from the Black Tusks they are not the only events. Check with the sim calendar on the home page of the website for other events. The Meatgrindah: On the Third Thursday of every month we hold a combat event to honour the Iron One. People smash other people and the winner is awarded a title (Dawn Meatgrindah Champion or Dusk Meatgrindah Champion) and 1 silver coin. These take place at 11:30am SLT and 5:30pm SLT. Everyone is welcome to attend. Meatgrindah: the Gathering: When someone becomes a Meatgrindah champion they have a card made of them, like a baseball card. Recently a game has been developed using these cards. Black Tusk Monthly Movie: On the First Saturday of every month we meet in the discord movie channel to watch two 80’s (or earlier) classic films. Much fun and hilarity ensues. Everyone is welcome to attend. Rent-a-Tusk: If you need something done a Tusk will do it for you. For 5c you can hire a Tusk to deliver a message (either a note or with fists), walk your dog, fuck your wife, or weed your garden. Reach out to any Tusk to find out more. The Goblintown Bazaar: Now and then the goblins of the tribe block the road “accidentally” and divert traffic through the camp where people are then assaulted with sales pitch after sales pitch. It’s like a really aggressive IKEA. Everyone is welcome (and encouraged) to attend! Winter Wonderland (annual): Over the Winter Solstice individuals are invited to come to the Black Tusk camp to have their portrait painted while sitting on the Gorgun or the Hok’Jicho’s lap. Strangely, and totally unrelated, there is a rash of burglaries after this event. Everyone is welcome to attend. Annual Bath Day (annual): Around March, when the winter starts to thaw, the Snaga Whip riles the rest of the Snaga into cajoling the smelly Tusks into a bath. There are 5 tubs, one each for the Gorgun, Bahgun, and the three Hoks. These five get to bathe first. The water is not changed out. It is gross. And hilarious. Usually this event is restricted to the tribe. The Meatbeatles It wouldn't be a Mick Dagger's Guide without a shameless plug. Have you heard of Sincadere's singing sensation the Meatbeatles? (Not to be confused with meat beetles, the bugs). To date the Meatbeatles have released 8 albums of parody songs. Each "album" is a box with magical stones, one for each song, that plays the song when activated. The box lid bears some clever cover art. Meatbeatles songs are considered Ear Worms. When you sing or hum a Meatbeatles song feel free to pass along the notecard with the lyrics to people in the vicinity. If they choose to they will also get the song stuck in their head and inflict it on, or er, share it with others in turn. In Conclusion That’s all for this guide, folks. There is much more to the Tusks, but this will get you started. Come learn the rest in character. Venture into the forest at your peril, but do not be afraid to approach the Tusks from an OOC standpoint. We will RP with you and since RP in Origins of Sin is consent based you need only fear us if that’s the RP you seek. We can play your villain, your ally or your stalwart frenemy, so long as you let us know what you need from us.
Oh, and, if you need any other moderately priced services from the ‘Totally’ franchise, don’t hesitate to reach out to me… Mick Dagger… for literally anything you can pay coin for. Which is literally everything. Citizens of Helheim, Cerulean here with an update on the spreading Mists that have desecrated our forests, and the rising feeling of unrest that I am sure many of you have been battling with. Helheim has seen bleak times indeed, but now it appears as though the very worst threatens us from the inside. As a fellow, proud member of Helheim’s wondrous populace, I can sympathize with the extremities shown by our Crown in their preparations, and desire to keep us safe. As a Desnan, and as a being who idolizes freedom above all else? I am devastated by the tyrannical displays we have seen, and the utter callous disregard for our people that the Crown has allowed to pass. We now stand on the precipice of dignity, and are faced with a moral dilemma once more. What do we value more, the collective safety of our once noble city as a whole, or the freedoms we are owed from those who rule over us as the common man? The Red Mists have grown worse, there is no denying that. With all three great nations at a standstill, there has been no significant progress as to understanding what caused this most unholy phenomenon, or how we can work as a collective to stop it. Our fellows below ground have seldom been seen above the surface, the proud Empire above the clouds seldom descending from their celestial throne. We, the people of Helheim, are once again in the thick of it all. We cannot find refuge in the clouds, nor are we fortunate enough to find solace below the surface. We, Sincadere’s hardiest and most resolved of people, must endure where the other nations may flee. It is due to this fact that one can sympathize with the drastic measures Princess Tamina has taken in order to protect the city. Yet, it was in the recent destruction of the stature of our once proud king, that has left the people of Helheim in disarray. The former monarch, who’s bloodline was blessed by Mikhail, represented a time in Helheim’s history where it was a city for mankind. Many within Helheim’s walls remember a time where even I, a child of the Fae, would be looked upon with scrutiny. While the purging of xenophobia is something I, and many others, welcome; and yet I can understand how in recent days, there are those who regret ever opening the gates for those of different bloodlines. The Basilica, now subjected to the Crown's direct influence, was adamant in their warnings of a She-Devil sitting upon the throne. In recent days, we see more beings of nefarious lineages openly galavanting in our fair city, and what was once something I am sure many overlooked, has not become a sign of things to come. Will our proud city remain true to its former ideals, or will we see Helheim change into another Amartia? How long will it be before these ‘Emergency measures’ become the norm, and the common man be forced into manual labor at the Crown’s behest?
It does not stop there. Random searches, the appropriation of our resources. . . Elevating Counts and other nobles to be able to speak on the law as if they were Judge and Jury. Just how far will the Crown be permitted to extend its reach under the guise of ‘keeping us safe’? For how long will these policies remain enacted if we are to find a solution. Is this truly the will of a benevolent monarchy, or is this an opportunistic grab for power that Princess Tamina, and Queen Buulzibael go, before the last of our freedoms have been taken from us? Already, word of insurrection has spread from the docks as far as the Middle City, and while I will not openly support such radical decisions. . . I will not condemn them either. Trying times have reached us, and I fear things were simpler when our fears were one we as a people could rally against, but whom do we point the finger at when the enemy is no necrotic hurricane- but our very neighbors, and rulers? The mist itself has overtaken the forests, what was once limited to the outskirts of the Black Tusks now mostly deserted camp, as well as the Swamps between Helheim and the Cabbalan caverns, has now run rampant over the entirety of the woods. Nascentia is not spared in its conquest over the natural world. Helheim, in response to the threat of the mist, has resorted to the construction of a great wall. Further, weeks prior it ran amok over the woods in hopes to ‘stop’ the spread, but with the new laws passed in regards to trade goods, one such controlled by the Crown being lumber, one cannot call themselves astute without asking the questions: Is the Crown working to ‘fight’ the spread of the mist, or ‘capitalize’ on it? I, Cerulean of the Helheim Herald, member of the Basilica; cannot answer this question for you. . . You must find the answers for yourself, and may the Four guide you in doing so. In the year of our Gods, Sacred Be The Four, 2147. In the blessed infant first year of the Reign of Queen Buuzibael, Six Full Moons since the Great Generator Collapse. The cruel ice floes of the antecedent winter had broken apart enough to risk the stalwart hulls of the Helheim civil fleet. The brave men, women and creatures of Helheim Docks heard the clarion call to muster and three well armed whaling boats embarked upon a mission essential to the continuance of our great Kingdom. Despite my best protests, Her Majesty, Queen Buuzibael, deigned it fitting to be in attendance. Though this bolstered the determination of the whaling crews, inspired by her presence, it did leave her open to the risks of such dangerous endeavours. The Whale was a furious bull, bucking and battering the boats without mercy, broiling the waters pink with its thrashings, smashing oar and cracking bulwark in its vengeful rage. It is to my dismay to announce that Her Majesty was one of a number of crew that fell from their besieged barge into the freezing sea. It was only through sheer determination that the beast was finally slain - and none too soon - for any longer in such treacherous waters and we would have returned with three funerals to arrange. It is with thanks to the mercy of Dormia and the benevolence of Aidos that this was not to be the case.
As per the dictates of the Crown Princess, Field Marshal, High Admiral, Overseer of Labour, Patron of the Basilica, the blessed bounty will be accorded in the majority to the Crown. This is done with grace and gratitude to the staunch protection of Helheim throughout the cruel winter and the encroaching Red-Mist. This will mean the crew will receive smaller portions of the bounty than usual. Of course, I am sure they will join with the Engleton Family in praise of the Crown for its continued leadership in this most trying of times. May the Four Watch Over You all, Lord Ignatius Humphrey Engleton Engleton Caravans, Shipwrights & Trade Greetings again, honorable citizens of the Empire, and curious guests here to read on the reports of news from our airborne lands. I wish I only had happy news to report, but alas, in all things...there must be balance. First, the bad news...so that the good seems that much brighter.
--Concerning the Red Mists-- Information regarding this infectious red mist has been presented to myself by Varnal, the Minotaur. He is a citizen of Helheim, but also a professor within the CCOA, and I currently have no reason to believe that he has provided false information so far. Varnal provided to the Empire his research notes concerning the 'Red Mists' I held a meeting with the Grandmaster Tatsu of the Three Pillars and Hinami, Onmyodo of Soul of the Jade Oracle's office to discuss a plan regarding this mist and share the research provided to us. It was determined between us to conduct our own investigation and research to gather more information, and to begin preparations to test samples of this mist against our own magics and begin work on crafting a ritual that will work in cleansing infected areas. Currently, there is no known cure. Right now, it is ill advised to travel into lands that have been infected with this 'Red Mist' without protection. Seek out blessings from the air-kami if you must travel through the mists! Or other forms of protection. Do Not Go Unprotected! Currently, we do not believe the mists are a direct threat to the Empire itself due to our location in the skies. However, infected personal should be quarantined and the area around the ground portal watched more heavily. If you must travel to Helheim, it it is advised to find a method to fly rather than travel ground whenever possible. I recommend our people to reach out to Helheim for assistance and encourage their citizens to come to the Three Pillars to learn non-corrupt methods of warding and protection spells. --A Champion is Named-- A little over a month ago, the Emperor announced the return of the Trials of the Jade Champion to see who, among the Empire, was the one to personify the teachings of Bushido. One to be the shining example among us, and become the personal champion of the Emperor. That samurai is, the one, the only... Sasaki Musashi! Musashi completed all tasked laid out by the Trials of the Jade Championship, and was named Jade Champion by the Emperor. Perhaps soon.. in the future, there will be a battle of champions! |
EditorM. Noteworthy prefers to remain anonymous. You, dear reader, will never meet them. Categories
All
Archives
May 2024
|