In the far reaches of Jor-Karroc, to the east, where the lands bear the name Jundland, there lay a humble village of rough-hewn stone and makeshift canvas. Its existence revolved around a modest pool, a sanctuary for weary merchants traversing the arid stretches of stone and sand. On no known map did this hamlet find its place, yet those who chanced upon it called it by various names—Little Pool, Oasis, Swapping Pool.

This settlement, surviving on the sustenance of transient traders, became a haven where commerce could flourish, and merchants could pause, exchanging wares amid the inhospitable terrain. This practice, however, incurred the wrath of the Jundland Orcs, a distinct breed from their western kin. To these Orcs, no gathering of men was conceivable without a trove of riches at its core.

In the still of the night, the Orcs, guided by their Shamans known as "Jammers," set the darkness ablaze. The eerie echoes of their peculiar instruments struck terror into the hearts of merchants congregated in the small hollow. The Orc assault was swift and merciless; cargo was pillaged, and many lives were claimed in its wake.

Yet, the Orcs did not achieve total victory. The guards of the Merchants managed to slay some and capture others. Among the captives was Shargra, a female Orc raider. The captive Orcs bore the brunt of the villagers' anger, but Shagra, unyielding, defied them, taunting and mocking their very manhood.

One merchant, Bucen, sought to prove her wrong, but in attempting to mate with her, he found himself overpowered. A consequence of this ill-fated union was the birth of a child—a half-Orc. Despising this hybrid, the villagers, in their revulsion, named it Creature, Thing. Attempts were made to end its life, even severing the infant's head from its body. Astonishingly, after three days, the child cried out, alive in the shallow ditch they had cast it into. Witnessing this eerie resilience, the villagers once more sought to end its life, only to find it miraculously whole again three days later.

In fear, Bucen decided to take the child to the Temple of Grand Faith, hoping the priests could make sense of this enigmatic Creature Thing. Accompanied by his servant, the Orc woman Shagra, and a dozen guards, Bucen set out into the desolate Jundland Wastes.

Fate, however, had different plans for them. Another band of Jundland Orcs descended upon them as they camped for the night. This group, known as Shattaga-ha, claimed Bucen, Shagra, and the half-Orc child. Shattaga-ha's chief, Koll, claimed Shagra as his prize and found amusement in Bucen, using him for sport. Shattaga-ha's Shaman perceived a mark on the infant's head—a coiled Wyrm—and deemed it a sign. He spoke to Koll, "Koll, listen well! This female child is a sign! The time is changing. The Dark One from the underground will rise again." This revelation struck fear into Koll, for the Dark God was their master, a cruel one. Nonetheless, Koll proclaimed, "Gather the warriors, gather the drivers, gather the dakka lads! I, Koll, was the chief who interpreted this sign. I, Koll, am told I will be the biggest chief, Shattaga-ha will be the biggest band! We will receive the most Shug from the Master. I, Koll, fear not his coming; I am glad! When she is grown, I will take her as mine. It is a sign!"

And so, Creature Thing was raised by the Shattaga-ha, learning their ways. Despite being a half-Orc, she displayed an unexpected comeliness, drawing the advances of many Orc males. However, having learned from her mother, Shagra, she grew strong and powerful, becoming a formidable fighter. Soon, the Orc males feared her, and she was given the Nameday name Rak'Skarn which in their rough tongue meant Sunstrider, for the sun did not weaken her, and she harbored no fear of it as they did.

Koll's renown expanded, and other bands submitted to his leadership. Yet, one band, Chang-rag, sought to seize the symbol of his power—the marked girl Rak'Skarn. The ensuing battle raged through the night, for Koll, suspecting treachery, had posted a vigilant watch. As dawn approached, the fighting ceased, and Koll emerged victorious. However, Bucen had managed to escape in the chaos, leaving Koll amused. He sent two sand sleds after him, saying, "Harass this man, make him squeal! And when he tires, bring him back!" Rak'Skarn was sent with one cart, as she was of age to earn her first bright stripes—Orcs' measure of battle experience. Fortune favored Bucen this time, as a troupe of myrmidon guards from Hrogaa encountered the carts and won the battle. Bucen claimed Rak'Skarn, whom he still called Creature Thing, as his property and offered the myrmidon payment to escort him and his slave to his family home in Zahir.

Once there, he subjected the half-Orc to mistreatment, venting his wrath upon her. The city's men tormented her, and she developed a bitter hatred as she grew into womanhood. One evening, she broke free of her bonds, launching into a berserk rage, slaying the servants and guards, and fleeing.

Creature Thing journeyed aimlessly, moving west along the sapphire river, the expansive water body that nearly bisected the continent. As she traveled, she delved deeper into Orc lore and the perception of Orcs by men. Consumed by self-loathing, she sought a way to purge the Orc part within her, attributing all her misdeeds to it.

Thus, she arrived in Voldaryn, lured by the promise of a man who claimed to grant her wishes.

Therein she fell afoul of… but no. For the passage of those events has been wrenched from history, altered by divine power itself. In the place of these lost events, she finds herself unaccountably pressed into service of the Party of the Rat Paladin, until she can save his life. As she looked back anger welled up within her, convinced that someone had bewitched her. However, amongst their number was one called then Stump, who was Jorrak. Who was a Orc of the orclands of unaccountable and unusual demeanor, for no love of war and killing had her, but rather did he take to flowers and the living things of the world. In him she saw hope that he might too overcome her hated Orc half and make a life of goodness for herself.

But she could not rid herself of her Orcish nature, and found herself being cruel to him, goading and baiting him. Though he bore the abuse rather than retaliating. Such did he bear it, that he ignored her advances made as they were in the manner of her people.

In the fullness of time the party left Voldaryn, and passed south, taking her with them, much to her discomfort. Rapidly events worked against them, she knew not why, but within her a sense of dread grew. The one called Stump, who she accounted ignorant and small, bore new powers, called Ju-Ju amongst her people, his indifference to her now seeming the imperious manner of a Witch doctor, or Jammer. As they fell below the world into the Night Below, the feelings of weakness and isolation grew within her, and she found herself afraid. In her uncertainty her strength failed her, and a pack of Drow defeated her, and cleaved her right hand from her body. A loss greater than it initially seemed, for amongst her people, the right hand was said to contain goodness and skill, and indeed she saw, as her own hand was parted from her, her hope of the future she wanted depart as well.