Lordaeron Turn 4
You smell the Scarlet encampment before you see it.
It's the smell of civilisation. Fire and leather, soap, tallow, animals and other things.
Then there's fires and hammers and boots. The fires are the first thing and you see plumes of smoke in the air as you approach, but soon enough you also hear the hammers and marching feet of an army.
"This reminds me of home." grins Sorek, walking beside you.
You know what he means.
Excepting that the warriors all around you are dressed differently, and occupying a different environment, the feel of the place is identical as the Valley of Honour.
Instead of Blackrock smiths there are human ones, men from Gilenas, Hillsbarad, Stromgarde, Lordaeron, even some from Kul Tiras with anchor badges. Instead of duelling aspirants under blademasters instead you see companies of warriors drilling under the direction of stern paladins.
Even more than this there are dwarves and elves, gnomes and even a few Forsaken, the undead wearing elaborate silver chains and white robes as they pass between the living. Beasts wander about, here a tattooed dwarf leading a mighty gryphon, there a company of knights passing on fine horses.
"So many, and of so many peoples!" you exclaim, having seen nothing like it, even in the most cosmopolitan districts of Orgrimmar.
"The Light is the bond between all things. Everything that is, everything that will be." Mirador says, leading his old horse as he walks beside you. "And in the Light we are one."
And you see that it is so.
All around you these diverse people from all nations have come together. While your own people were a united folk for the most part, here you saw an army of faith, and where faith dwelt, hope shone eternal.
Mirador is clearly known there, and your suspicions regarding his true identity are largely ignored when one paladin calls out 'Lord Tirion!' in greeting and salute.
Tirion Fordring.
You know the name, as do many in your warband.
For one thing, as before the names of famous human warriors are known among the orcs, and Tirion Fording had been a feared combatant and general in the First and Second Wars.
However he draws greater favour from your people for his fame as a friend to orcs. Fordring had protected Eitrigg, a well-respected Blackrock orc, now one of Thrall's advisors, from other humans and subsequently been exiled for it. Indeed, the story of Fordring had frequently been used by Thrall with other stories such as that of Jaina Proudmoore as example of honourable humans, stories to show the possibility of cooperation between the Alliance and Horde.
Fordring leads you into the camp and is admitted through each checkpoint without delay. The army is clearly strong and well organised, and you see tradespeople as well as warriors, with Sorek being particularly interested in a sort of wheeled forge the humans seem to have, perhaps for equipment maintenance on the move?
You leave the warband in the camp as Fordring escorts you toward a cluster of larger tents. You barely spare a thought about the safety of your warriors among so many potential enemies, simply because of the manner in which you've been received. While there's the occasional dark look, the Crusaders seem overwhelmingly interested rather than hostile, and you see a few curious points and murmured words.
You go to the largest tent, a magnificent red structure with a dozen banners of various styles set around it on staves. You recognise several, from the phoenix of the Quel'dorei to the eagle of Alterac.
"These are the colours of the dead." Fordring remarks with a gesture, "In this way we remember them, and look to the day when they'll fly strong once again."
"A worthy memorial." you reply diplomatically.
Fordring makes no further statement, and again is permitted entry into the tent without delay. You follow, finding yourself in an opulent, but martial setting, for while the structure is temporary the place is just as grand as the Warchief's throne room in Orgrimmar.
On one wall there are a dozen maps and you make out the details of some, scribbles and ribbons affixed to various locations. On the other wall there are stands of weapons and armour, each of exceptional quality and richness. And on the last wall you see a few personal items, an old bow, a painting of a grey-bearded man, a fine robe, and other things. But before it is your host, and you find Saiden Dathrohan sitting behind a light table piled with various papers.
Dathrohan is known to you as well, though for his victories against the Armani trolls rather than against the Horde.
"Brother." Dathrohan greets Fordring, and he rises, embracing the other paladin, who nods back.
"And Grok'mash of the Burning Blade." he raising his eyes to you once he's returned to his seat, switching into the Orcish tongue just as easily as Fordring had. Did all the paladins learn the language or was he using whatever power the Light granted such channelers?
Even sitting down the man seems to exude a sense of power, and like Fordring his eyes seem to shine unnaturally. While Fordring has a certain intensity, his power narrowly focused to the subject of his attention, Dathrohan seems to simply embody something greater, as if there's something more within him.
"I am." you reply simply.
"You have come to join our war."
"I have."
Dathrohan smiles. The expression isn't unpleasant, not necessarily, but again you sense something else behind the gesture. "We accept all who would stand with us, regardless of origin." he says, "And we welcome the hand the Horde extends in this matter, despite the past differences between our people."
The remark makes you slightly uncomfortable. It would be better, more convenient, if you were able to ignore the statement, but your honour demands you answer, "It is not the Horde that sends me." you say, "I came on my own initiative, and I was supported by my father, Neeru, chief of the Burning Blade."
And under the Grand Crusader's inquisition you tell your story, prompted along by subtle questions and piercing insight.
"I see." he finally says after you've told the tale of Forneus' march and the events after, "My brothers will be interested to hear it."
Did he have family? You look at Tirion standing to the side, no, no doubt he meant 'Brothers in the Light' or some similar turn of phrase. Even if there were no affection between the two men, such associations could only be good for the morale of the Crusade. After all, every person in the camp must have known someone who was lost to the Scourge, for Dathrohan to have established such a policy of a larger family was a shrewd one, and you thought perhaps one you might adopt to bring the newer clansfolk in your warband closer to you…
"My warriors are strong." you say next, "I've directed my band as seemed best to me, but this is your war, where are we needed? What evils of the Legion are there to be slain?"
"The Legion?" Fordring breaks in and you see confusion evident on his face. "The Burning Legion? There are no here, the Light would expose any such creature!"
You do not refer to Varimathras' presence not more than ten miles to the south, "The Scourge are the agents of the Burning Legion." you say, "That is who we've come to fight, the Legion enslaved my people and we know they work through many dark servants like the Scourge."
"Ah." Dathrohan exclaims. "Yes, it's true that once the demons controlled the activities of the Scourge, but they were a poor tool, as disobedient as the orcs once were."
So it seemed he knew your people as well as Fordring did.
"And like the orcs the Scourge slipped the Legion's leash, shortly after the glorious victory at Hyjal the masters of the Scourge rebelled and struck out on their own. I know of no connection between them now. Does this change your intentions?"
You think for a moment, but shake your head quickly, "No." you reply, "It is thought among my people that the Scourge remain a weapon of the Burning Legion. That they are a separate evil is meaningless, it is still a darkness to be banished. Besides, even learning that that weapon has been discarded doesn't ease my fear that it'll be taken up again. Would the Legion not seek to reassert control? They did to my own people, they tried at least…"
Dathrohan looks at you. "There may be much you do not know regarding these matters, and no doubt the departure of your people before the war against the Scourge means you're lacking in particular information if you don't know the place of Ner'zhul in all this."
"Ner'zhul!" you exclaim, taken aback, how did he fit into all this? As far as you know he'd been destroyed by his own magics and cast into the Twisting Nether twenty years ago or more.
Dathrohan nods, "I have little time to speak of history now. Suffice to say, there are more enemies than you might expect, and in more places than you might guess."
"But with faith in the Light, the Legion too will fall." Tirion says, voice stern and unyielding.
"Yes that is certainly so." Dathrohan replies lightly and with rather less zeal than the other paladin, "And let us pray that day comes swiftly. But to return to your previous question, that depends on your position. The orcs are a proud people and I don't expect you to take up our sigils despite the good omens of your clan's banner."
Indeed, you'd noticed the similarity as well and considered it fortunate. Fordring had told you somewhat of the Ashbringer, a magnificent sword once wielded by Alexandros Mograine, the once commander of the Crusade. That your banner was a similarly burning blade was a fine coincidence.
"I cannot accept such direct authority." you reply, "But nevertheless this is your kingdom."
"I understand." Dathrohan says, "We have many who've not joined our crusade, from the remnants of other kingdoms to mercenaries looking for pay. In any case, I gladly accept you as an ally, and I'll have this proclaimed to the camp. In the meantime I'll assign an equerry to brief you on the areas your warriors could make the greatest effect."
"Darion." Fordring says.
You assume it's a name rather than a word which you simply don't know, but Dathrohan switches into the human tongue to address his peer, "Very well, speak with Fairbanks, he's come to me twice regarding Renault, I won't tolerate a third."
Fordring winces but nods.
After a few more pleasantries you're dismissed and find yourself thinking that the meeting could have hardly gone any better! The leader of the crusade welcomed you and promised several things, and you stand outside the tent feeling optimistic yet eager for the road ahead.
You look up at the banners, noting that the 'L' of Lordaeron is missing from those of the fallen, perhaps given its good representation in red and blue among the soldiery, it brings a question to mind, "Where is the Scarlet Princess?"
"Safe, and secret." Fordring replies, or rather he does not, for his response is hardly informative, "Actually that brings something to mind, some advice if you'll hear it?"
"Of course, I'd be glad to." not only are you being courteous but you genuinely respect the man, he has a strength of character and a certain grace you've rarely seen.
"Many remember the orcs as invaders and conquerors." the paladin tells you, "I realise you've come here to fight, but I don't doubt you've also come here to build relations between our people. I know you fight for something greater than nation or people, and the Scourge threaten this world just as much as the Burning Legion do, but you must know others don't share that belief."
"I'm aware." you reply.
"Consider this your opportunity to make new impressions. For the people of Lordaeron, and many other nations, to reacquaint themselves with the honour and culture I know to be present in the orcs. For example, Lady Prestor and Lord Bolvar are due to arrive shortly as emissaries from Stormwind. That city was destroyed utterly in the wars, but perhaps you can show your worth to them now."
Those are names you don't recognise, but you thank the paladin for his advice. "I know my people have committed many wrongs." you reply, "If I can begin to right them in this war I will."
"Then Light be with you."
"And the Spirits with you."
You can do write ins for any category. You can also vote for actions individually rather than in plans, or you can vote in plans if you want. The normal policies apply including plans without reasoning being ignored. I've shuffled the geography of Tirasfal a bit but most stuff still applies. Ask me if unsure.
If there's an action which notes some unspecific element, this is where you're meant to indicate a preference or reasoning.
Choose 7 actions. At least 2 action have to be from your Warband, but you can take additional time to take more Warband actions if you decide to.
The Warband
These actions relate to the activities of your warband.
[ ] Agamand Mills
Though the west of Tirasfal is safer due to your actions than it might be, there's a large area of hill and plain to the north of the Soliden Farmstead. The Agamand Mills could be rapidly put into cultivation again but they'd have to be cleared of undead first. While the Mills aren't a true bastion of the Scourge, they are at least active there, and the undead in that area are directed rather than mindless.
[ ] Fields of Tears
From Dathrohan's words you know the Crusade will be expanding into the Plaugelands, a vast province which used to compost most of Lordaeron's kingdom. Currently the Crusade only control small pockets of land and rely on networks of couriers and caravans for communication and supply. Apparently the area just north of Anderhol is known to be particularly dangerous, full of farms and plague caldrons which corrupt the land. You cannot allow this.
[ ] Silverpine Forest
The woods to the south by comparison seem less malevolent than those here in Tirasfel Glades, journey there instead, perhaps survivors remain?
[ ] Training the Warband
There are a number of different competencies among your warriors, see if you might spread these among the others to increase the general level of skill of your band. Indicate if you want to train particular people or particular skills. This can include specialist training that might be offered.
[ ] Requisition
While you can train your warriors in particular things you already know, there are some things you have to get from elsewhere. Requisition supplies or personnel from the Crusade. The success of such requests will depend on your value to the Crusade. Write in what you want. This action represents the request and some basic integration into your force.
[ ] The North Coast
The Crusade receive extensive supplies from Kul Tiras, yet the supplies are frequently delayed by storms around the coast. Dathrohan has suggested clearing the north coast of Tirasfal to open another line of supply. Go there and kill anything that's not human and alive.
Lordaeron
These actions relate to specific areas around your current location.
[ ] Brill
The Scarlet Crusade surround the town of Brill, laying siege. It's only through the intercession of Inquisitor Fairbanks, the so called 'Apostle to the Forsaken', that the Crusade hasn't attacked. You've yet to meet this man but perhaps you should. Perhaps you can even help the situation somehow?
[ ] Strange Lights
There were reports from a few warriors of strange lights seen in the sky over Lake Lordemere. You don't know what this might be, but perhaps you should journey there and see what may be seen.
[ ] The Scarlet Monastery
One of the earliest bastions of the Scarlet Crusade, the great fortified cloister to the north has stood for years as a light in the darkness. Supposedly there's a large library there, perhaps you could learn more of the Crusade's history there.
[ ] Posture
Hold a conference of your officers to discuss your strategic posture over the next few months, or even years. You seek the knowledge of your peers and any suggestions they might have.
[ ] Diplomacy
Apparently a significant delegation of Kul Tirans and other notaries of the Alliance from the southern regions such as Stormwind is due to arrive soon, go and meet them. This is perhaps the best opportunity you have to make a good first impression.
Training
It's important for a warrior to keep themselves well trained at all times.
[ ] The Blade Reborn
Request a program of calisthenics from Sesk and Ishi. 2 actions due to intensity of workouts.
[ ] Tactics
You're good with a sword but you know there's more to victory than the ability to swing a weapon.
[ ] Stealth
The Shattered Hand are known to be a dishonourable lot, striking from the shadows and using poison and though you don't intend to adopt their methods you might at least learn them.
[ ] Scholarship
Make use of what resources you can to learn, particularly the papers you took from the Kul Tirans, as well as anything you can find around the camp.
[ ] Shadow Magic
While you don't expect to learn the necrolyte's arts immediately, you decide to speak to Keldran to understand more of what his magic actually is.
[ ] The Light
Consult Fordring regarding the Light. You currently perceive it as another of the Elements, just as you've essentially decided that Fordring is a shaman, but is this true?
[ ] Slayer
You know something of the undead and their different forms, but you could do with learning more. You've heard tell of one among the Crusade called Vishas, a man who apparently knows a great deal about the undead.
[ ] Arcane
The Darkspear had mages, but the traditions of Dalaran are far more advanced and better codified. Seek out a teacher among the mages of the Crusade.
Personal actions
These actions relate to activities you take for your own benefit, or to improve yourself.
[ ] Meditation
Sit in contemplation.
[ ] Speak with someone
While you speak with various people frequently, your conversations are often on practical subjects rather than a more social talk, take the time to talk to someone in more depth. Write in the person and any particular subjects you want to cover.
[ ] Many Blades
There's some tension between Sorek and the aspirants and the blademasters. You're not sure what but it would be best solved now rather that allowed to fester.
