mmm, if we go by land it might be an idea to just transport along a diplomat from the crusade assuming there isn't an ambassador to the kingdom already.
And do we have anyone who could be considered a tracker? Since otherwise it might take a while to find these ogres?
Finding Ogres? That doesn't strike me as all that hard, given their size and noted stupidity. That said, I CAN see a Hunter being useful, but more for helping our dudes move through the wilderness at speed and getting to engage the ogres on our terms and not theirs.
mmm, if we go by land it might be an idea to just transport along a diplomat from the crusade assuming there isn't an ambassador to the kingdom already.
There'll be diplomatic contact for sure, if you were going by land yes you could potential escort someone, that would be fine. I (and therefore Dathrohan) could invent some reason to attatch a diplomat
Vokfon, Kartha and Vark between them have enough skill. You can have some others if you want to, like specific ones. Looking over teh character list I can use Huntsman Radley so that's cool.
Indeed they're notorious for leaving piles of excrement and rubbish around their homes and generally tearing up their enviroments. I suppose given they're basically elephants and elephants do that it's not unusual. You can also just ask people. 'hey where are the ogres' 'over there'
Yes that's fine, generally stuff the Crusade would have been willing to give. You won't be able to get heavy armour because the Crusade hasn't got any in orc sizes and lacks the capacity to produce some quickly.
Depends what you want. I'll firstly say that I'm disinclined toward a lot of magic items. Firstly because no one remembers them and I'm inclined to say that if you forget, Grok forgets he has them etc. You got a bloodstone amulet in the first few chapters and investigated it once, then just put it on and forgot about it and everyone was all 'woops tha tcould have gone really badly that was silly' once it was revealed by Feldad to indeed be bloodstone, so given that sort of lack of attention toward items, I don't really want to have to keep track of dozens of little gizmos for you.
Also, it's not really in Grok's character? There was a load of stuff I put in Akinos' mouth about 'cool swords are cool but the wielder is more important' etc. Unlike Vark, Grok's not a tinker or something who messes about with such things, he's hard speced into sword stuff.
I'm willing to entertain the idea but I'd have to be persuaded on it basically. Grok is willing to use stuff (bombs at the tower, griffon feather recently, etcetc), but it would depend what.
Meh. I'll also say that im more inclined toward the wow world being fairly low-magic. For example, what magical items did blackhand actually have? Even as warchief of the horde? I don't really want to have to represent everyone running about with dozens of magical bits of junk.it's a preference really, I find it keeps stuff more grounded
There's also the time line stuff so maybe later that can be a thing once the magical industries get started etc, but you would generally see frequent magic items at the top end of the scale.
You've got the mightstone for example, and the sword, both are pretty high end
I'm in favor of bringing along a small party of Crusade folks on the land route to keep things civil and help navigate any potential pitfalls with humans. Beyond that, there's nothing pressing to my mind that needs to be brought along on the journey. Will be good to cut loose away from the Scourge for a bit.
Wow, you're back! I found your old story about Vark and someone else in Middle Earth, but I understand that was a bit of a kid-level story, from so many years ago.
Catching up with Grok'mash... he can participate in an anime-style flying fight now, it's so cool; I wonder what would happen if he lost his sword hand like Jaime Lannister, but that's not a concern for now.
Why is this important for the Scarlet Crusade? Aren't they just asking you to clean the land of their future kingdom of "undesirables"? I wish we had a definite aim of recruiting those Orcs, but
There was a question of where the Orcs would go, but you'd consider that point in time. You were no diplomat, nor a schemer, but honour would see you through, it had so far after all.
Why is this important for the Scarlet Crusade? Aren't they just asking you to clean the land of their future kingdom of "undesirables"? I wish we had a definite aim of recruiting those Orcs, but
Supply lines. Its another potential route for them to bring in additional resources, which are very important given the crusade's current position. Its why Andorhal is a big victory strategically speaking.
As for definite aim of recruitment...yeah problem isn't that we don't want too (or at least I do) its that these orcs may not be interested. Either cause they're people who think they're still fighting the second war, got really depressed from Doomhammer dying or are warlocks.
Wow, you're back! I found your old story about Vark and someone else in Middle Earth, but I understand that was a bit of a kid-level story, from so many years ago.
Yep I think that was my first fic, after being introduced to fanfiction in general by Frostblood. There's a real dearth of good warcraft stories which aren't just smut of someone getting banged by a worgen. Or Sylvannus and Jaina pairing ones.
Why is this important for the Scarlet Crusade? Aren't they just asking you to clean the land of their future kingdom of "undesirables"? I wish we had a definite aim of recruiting those Orcs, but
So this is a mix of things wihch goes to a number of factors.
1. Lordaeron (that is the Crusade), hasn't got a lot of usable land currently. They've got the Plaguelands, which are hardly productive areas, and therefore they need imports over time.
2. There's no point securing the Plaguelands and getting really weak from fighting the Scourge if someone moves in and smashes their supply lines, as Wombat notes
3. The Orcs and Ogres from the Second War are occupying not necessarily prime farmland, but at least a decent area which could be put to productive use.
4. Dathrohan is a humano-centrist, and Balnazzar possessing him has to follow this political tradition to an extent, as such, wants to oppose the Draenorians
5. Balnazzar is a dreadlord, and would love to get the Legion's influence back among the Orcs
6. Broadly speaking, it's unwise to leave random enemy populations. The Orcs and Ogres threaten, implicitly or explicitly, the security of Stromgarde, of Lordaeron generally through their alliance with the Trolls, of the Dwarf trade routes up through Khaz Modan, and so on. Therefore for the long term security of the Crusade, something must be done.
7. Grok'mash is around, presenting a hitherto unavailable capacity, namely someone who can credibly talk to orcs. Balnazzar might have lots of paladins etc, but he has no orcs.
Balnazzar doesn't especially care what happens to them. If they're all killed, meh, doesn't matter much. If they're absorbed into the Crusade, great, sure, if they're just taxed and become a part of Stromgarde, that's fine too.
I would note, you can indeed recruit them. Balnazzar isn't an idiot, he's going to have possibly thousands of years of political experience, he knows you're probably not just going to murder all the orcs lol.
I find it interesting to write limited characters like this. I've deliberately not given some particualr options because fundemtnally you're not a diplomatic guy, you just don't think of that sort of stuff.
It'll be a mix. The Horde did an utterly bizarre march during Warcraft 2, I've been listening to Tides of War and it's insane the ground covered without any actual strategic goal being acheived. They sail to Southshore, march up through Amani lands to Quel'thalas, then across Alterac and attack Lordaeron's 'Capital City' (I hate it when people done give stuff names), and are defeated, retreating, and are defeated again, and then the Dark Portal is destroyed. Doomhammer is presented as a real idiot. He seems to want to try and lead the Alliance armies about and mess around, but just gets defeated in detail and denied all his goals.
Going back to my point though, Doomhammer seems to have shed clans either as a result of poor leadership or as a deliberate strategy to occupy the Alliance forces. There'll be the usual mix of people who liked the war, people who didn't, people who are part of organised forces and people who aren't. Appealing to them will require nuance, so you'll have to see what happens when you get there.
Yep I think that was my first fic, after being introduced to fanfiction in general by Frostblood. There's a real dearth of good warcraft stories which aren't just smut of someone getting banged by a worgen. Or Sylvannus and Jaina pairing ones.
I fear that's either reflective of the fandom or the setting. WoW lore is the sort of thing that requires a lot of beating to get into a more useable format I think.
I fear that's either reflective of the fandom or the setting. WoW lore is the sort of thing that requires a lot of beating to get into a more useable format I think.
It's no worse than Warhammer, for example. Or Harry Potter for that matter. Surely it's just a matter of writing limited stories? An author doesn't need to mess about with big cosmic things or big names, you could write a perfectly interesting work without that sort of thing. BUt yes, I get what you mean
It's no worse than Warhammer, for example. Or Harry Potter for that matter. Surely it's just a matter of writing limited stories? An author doesn't need to mess about with big cosmic things or big names, you could write a perfectly interesting work without that sort of thing. BUt yes, I get what you mean
The difference for Warhammer is that you're very much expected to pick and choose (at least that's how I see it.) Since it is such a mess.
No defence for Harry Pots the issues there are just far more deep seated.
Though its not so much that, often times the big or cosmic things ain't the issue (or at least not as big an issue), its the nitty gritty stuff and over all arching actions of the characters.
We can interact first either with the humans (Galen) or with no one/the trolls.
The world (and the Horde) has moved on from the Second War, but who knows if the local orcs realize it. Offering a new start in the warband seems nice, but how many would take it? They won't move out just because we say so.
In general, the Syndicate is a potential common enemy, and so are the Ogres...
I don't know, but I like being contrarian. And the idea of being stuck outside the Wall like Robb Stark outside the Twins doesn't appeal to me.
[X] Sea
We can interact first either with the humans (Galen) or with no one/the trolls.
The world (and the Horde) has moved on from the Second War, but who knows if the local orcs realize it. Offering a new start in the warband seems nice, but how many would take it? They won't move out just because we say so.
In general, the Syndicate is a potential common enemy, and so are the Ogres...
I don't know, but I like being contrarian. And the idea of being stuck outside the Wall like Robb Stark outside the Twins doesn't appeal to me.
[X] Sea
-[X] Request light armour and higher quality weapons for the aspirants and skirmishers
-[X] Request heavier armour for shield bearers and higher quality weapons
-[X] Let our named characters request supplementary gear to their preference
-[X] Request pack animals, camping gear, and hand tools to supplement existing Warband stocks
-[X] Request for troop mounts, ranged weaponry and ammunition (bows and arrows, javelins, etc)
- [X] Request local guides and pathfinders
- [X] Request available Maps of the area and the known location of notable groups in the area.
- [X] Request currency (gold)
- [X] Request some excess non-perishable foodstuff (for trade).
- [X] Request a small contingent of lightly mounted troops familiar with hit and run tactics to accompany the Warband.
- [X] Request the contingent of priests versed in healing and troops to guard them continue accompanying the Warband.
- [X] Request Tirion accompany the expedition to serve as the Crusades emissary to any human aligned factions the Warband come across.
Gold never hurts, especially for bribery. Food as well for trading/bribery gives us options.
The above list is of course contingent on availability, but if you don't ask you don't get it. So no harm in asking.
Healing troops to keep our people alive. Tirion because I enjoy his character and he'd make a pretty good diplomat considering his status. But ultimately I just want to see him and Grok bond some more.
Wiki indicates hit and run tactics tend to the effective against ogres (Warsong). Hence the request for mounts and ranged weaponry. We won't quite be the Mongol Horde but we can certainly try!
[X] Bring entire warband minus the "60 Lordaeron infantry, commanded by Carlin Redpath, with minor magical support"
-[X] request light armor and higher quality weapons (if available) for the the aspirants and skirmishers
-[X] request heavier armor for shield bearers and higher quality weapons (if available)
-[X] Let our named characters request supplementary gear to their preference
-[X] Request pack animals, camping gear, and hand tools to supplement existing warband stocks
Didn't actually see this before I closed the vote but yes, you can have that sort of thing. I'm going to deny certain things because of either Grok not think of them, or a lack of availability. For example, you can't have mounts because the Crusade don't have a load of orcish riding wolves available for example. Tirion is off doing something so you can't have him either, and you've already got some priests.
south reinforcements, poor, few available
BB reinforcements, 33, some received
others, deploy the fel tauren
Grok keeping cool, 75, fine.
Warband loses the Defenders of Darrowshire but gains some horsemen and Dak'mal, a warlock.
[X] Wall
The way south was open, and on you marched, through the passes of Alterac, into the Hilsbrad fields and orchards.
The country was pleasant enough, seemingly unaffected by the Scourge, yet you still saw burnt or destroyed villages as you passed, the marks of conflict and the Cycle of Hatred.
You thought it ironic that the same passes that once let the Horde into Lordaeron were the ones you now traversed, and you wondered how many of these villages had been destroyed by the Horde during the Second War. Did the people of them still linger? Watching from the shadows and trees? Or did they fear the Scourge or the Syndicate more?
You put the thoughts out of your mind as you walked on, just as you steadfastly ignored the ruins of Durnholde Keep in the distance as you approached Thoradin's Wall. That castle had been the centre of the internment camps' administration after the Horde's defeat and humiliation at Blackrock, and where once you might have explored it, now you have your duty to see to.
The Wall is before you, but Darion rides forward with a banner and you rapidly gain admittance, escorted alone into the great gatehouse, itself as large certainly as a castle, where the supposed ruler of Stromgarde waits.
"You have come," Galen Trollbane remarks, "and on the command of Dathrohan… Very well."
The Prince, for he surely cannot be a king when he rules barely a quarter of his kingdom, is a tall man, dressed in the finery of his station, but diminished, the extravagance of his doublet and cloak reduced when you behold his brooding look, his sullen arrogance and sunken, pale eyes.
"However, I will not support you in endeavours which seem to me to only strengthen my enemies, these bandits and rebels and renegades, and indeed I have half a mind not to even permit you entry. For all I know you intend to reinforce your kin in the east."
You don't so much frown as smirk, "Your wall is breached in many places." you reply, "I saw it on the road, not five miles north there's a gap large enough to march my warband though with ease."
Trollbane sneers, fingering a curved knife, "Yet in a hostile country, friendless and alone, you shall see how well you find yourself."
The hostility in the room is palpable. The humans had permitted you your sword, reasoning, perhaps, that a single Orc couldn't hope to triumph against the guards around the room. Perhaps they were right, but you trusted in the Fireblade, and the skill Akinos had imparted in you. You returned Trollbane's gaze coolly, unconcerned by the threat, though you feel the fire in your belly rise in challenge.
"I have come to aid the people of Lordaeron in war, is this how I am to be received?" you reply, "You cannot destroy my people, that much is plain, otherwise you would have done so already."
"You are received as a warrior of an enemy race, and one that once brought ruin to this land. Your alleged achievements, of which the Grand Crusade speaks so glowingly, are little to me, for we have seen little of the Scourge and more of your kind, more of bandits and monsters."
You had always been angry, as a child. You'd been small, and those at the Valley of Trials had known you'd been sent away from your own Clan because of it. You'd carried that frustration, that fire, within you from an early age, you'd called on it to grasp the Elements, to fuel your passion in speech to your father or to Thrall. It was an old companion and it rose again as Trollbane insulted your folk. But you were it's master, and you merely smiled: "A warrior I am, and a Blademaster. I carry the tradition of my Clan, it's triumphs and shames. I do not deny it, nor have I ever. My people are strong, and I need no words to prove my own strength. Battles I have fought, against foes twenty times my own command, and foes I have bested, whether chiefs or elementals, liches or death knights. I am a blade and the wielder, but who I strike will depend on you."
Trollane's eyes widen as you speak, and with a shout he draws a slender sword at his waist.
You had traded insults, and though you had little skill in truth in matters of diplomacy, surely the Prince comprehended his situation? He had goaded you, and you he, but he could not mean to duel you?
An attendant rushes to the Prince's side and urgently tugs at his sleeve but the Prince pulls himself away, "Stromgarde is my birthright! None can dispute my rule, not Perenolde's bandits, nor your stinking kind, and I will face you now for your insults, raise your sword!"
The courtiers draw back, though the guards draw their own weapons, looking to their captain behind the Prince.
Then the room darkens at once. You call upon the Fireblade's power, and all other fires bow to it as the blade blazes into life, illuminating your own features in a harsh light as the Stromic warriors jump back from the sudden magic.
You meet the Prince's eyes, and he thinks better of his plan. His sword falls to the floor and he flees immediately, submitting to his attendants and retreating, leaving you and the guards in quiet standoff.
Later, after you've finally been given the hospitality owed an emissary, you're given a more equitable proposal, conveyed by the Prince's seneschal due to some sudden illness of Trollbane which prevents him from appearing in person.
Galen Trollbane offers to support your warband during it's time in Arathi with various resources and personnel, subject to your own support in his military endeavours. Praising your victory at Anderhol, the seneschal offers first an attached company of Stromic warriors from the Prince's own knights to ensure your free passage within the Kingdom, 'if only' you will lead your warband against Stromgarde itself, reinforcing the section of the city still held by Trollbane's forces, and clearing those districts still held by the Syndicate, the Boulderfist Ogres and the Witherbark Trolls. After this, the seneschal promises unspecified further support in your general aims of dealing with the Orcs of Hammerfall. While the seneschal is apologetic and far more polite than Trollbane himself, he functionary states that the Prince can promise no particular aid if you do not accede to his request, citing unspecified commitments.
Do you accept the Stromic mission, in return for Trollbane's immediate aid and future promises?
[ ] Yes
[ ] No
Another binary choice, voting is open, ask me if unclear.
, but that's not a concern for now.
