Further Adventures of Stone

One of Stone's trials was his growing temper. Blaze's spirit led him to fly into rages that threatened everyone around it.   The Warchief started Stones' barbarian training early to help him control his temper. It helped him somewhat, but he still had problems into adulthood.    He was trained as a shock trooper and a frontline warrior. As long as he only sees his enemies and not his allies, he is good until the battle ends. Hopefully, by this time he is too exhausted to fight. Using manufactured weapons of mostly metal also helps, but if he is fighting unarmed, his rage is rarely controllable.   In the early years after his transformation, were a time of learning about his new abilities. He almost lost himself to his animal side. Stone had to learn a balance between them. How to process his new state of being.   As part of his training, the Warchief and other elders sent him on many adventures/trials:      The Wilds: he was sent into the neighboring woods with only a small wooden club and his determination. He had to navigate through the rough underbrush with only animal trails. His job was to scout for a pack of wild boars, then either lead or drive them to the hunting party of the other young orcs.      The Hunt: their target was the leader of the pack as well as any others they killed in the progress, if they could capture some of the young even better. A few older orcs followed along, but only to save any of them from dying.            In their wandering, they passed Old Tusk's lair in a hidden clearing deep within the forest. When he was seen, Old Tusk charged Stone. As the boar charged, Stone, with a mix of fear and excitement, dodged the beast's attack and struck it with his club. The boar enraged, retaliated, but Stone encouraged by Blaze jumped on its back grappled the beast's neck, and bit down on its jugular, eventually tearing it out so it would bleed out. Then he delivered a decisive blow, taking it out.                As the battle raged, Stone spotted an enemy warrior aiming a deadly blow at the clan leader. Without hesitation, he leaped forward, shielding the leader and taking the blow himself. Some claim that they saw his badger spirit overlaying him as he fought. The wound was deep, but Stone's courage inspired his clanmates, who rallied and drove the invaders away.      For his courage and sacrifice, Stone was given an adult descriptive name of -Fist and is now named Stonefist. A feast was thrown where the defenders were honored and Stonefist was the warrior of honor.  He was gifted with many objects: weapons, armor, clothing, etc.   The Hall echoed with the sounds of celebration: the rhythmic pounding of drums, the hearty laughter of the tribe, and the sizzling of meat over the fire. It was adorned with animal skins and fresh greenery. The massive boar, Old Tusk was roasted to perfection, and was the centerpiece of the feast. The air was filled with the rich aroma of roasted meat, vegetables, and herbs.    Stonefist was proud of himself but still recovering from his injury. The spirit of the dire badger had increased his Strength and Constitution even more. He was seated at the high table, beside the chief. He was presented with many new gifts, symbols of gratitude and respect.

• A new greataxe, that was forged by the tribe's best blacksmith, the axe was larger and heavier than any he had wielded before. With a blade sharp enough to cleave through bone and steel.
• a cloak of wolf fur: a symbol of courage and protection, lined with soft cur and adorned with intricate bone carvings.
• a necklace of bear claws: a powerful talisman, believed to bring strength and ferocity.
• a war paint made from sacred herbs: paint said to enhance a warrior's strength and courage.
• a song of praise: the tribe's bards sang songs extolling Stonefist's bravery and valor. The song would be passed down through generations, ensuring his legacy.