Orc Quest; or, A Critical Examination of Agency Through in Interactive Fiction (Warcraft)
- Thread starter FractiousDay
- Start date
- Fantasy
- Location
- United Kingdom
So one thing I'm definitely not going to let you do is to just avoid conflict. Grok is indeed an Orc of the Burning Blade and the Horde, he has responsibilties which he can't go against (or at least without great difficulty). There isn't really an 'apolitical' group for a lot of this sort of thing.
For example I frankly find it ridiculous that the Blood Knights (post-Muru) or the Earthen Ring orc shaman, or the Tauren like Runetotem, were ok with Garrosh and Sylvannus and didn't just leave the Horde or something. Even the stuff with Dalaran or the Kirin Tor is very silly, and Blizz tend to have to bend over backwards to keep the Blood Elves in the Horde for example with 'oh Jaina went bad' etc rather than an actual examination of political events. There's arguments for them staying I suppose but these sorts of organisations aren't 'apolitical'.
In this quest, for example, the Argent Dawn has been strangled in it's crib by the resurgant Scarlet Crusade, who will be leading all the battles with the Scourge.
Having said that, I generally represent people as people rather than as agents of hardcoded factions always at war. You as a Horde person have been able to go over to the Alliance and say hi.
I suppose, if you wanted to, you can try and navigate as some sort of neutral party, but keep in mind that other people will have something to say about that.
- Location
- barking
that annoyed when it happened cause as I recall its never brought up again that the blood elves in dalaran helped garrosh and thats why jania decided to arrest them all (even if the vast majority were likely innocent which could of been used for development for jana and lothermar especially with him being uneasy with garrosh but instead its just them arguing about the purge being wrong/right) if I recall that plot line correctly
It's pretty funny how hard we've ended up aligned with the Legion despite our goals. We've saved our secretly Legion aligned clan from Thrall's judgment, and moved to support a secretly Legion controlled Scarlet Crusade in defeating the Scourge, one of the Legion's chief enemies. In doing so, we've strangled the uncorrupted Argent Dawn in it's crib, and we're slowly discrediting Thrall and shamanism in favor of Feldad and warlocks.
Defeating the Scourge still obviously isn't the wrong choice, but it's gonna be !!FUN!! when we realize this all in character
- Location
- United Kingdom
I also find this amusing. Even more so because even in character, the Dreadlords, among other Legion agents, may not be entirely aware that you're not actually 'on their side'. Varimathras for example might just be thinking 'oh cool another agent oh look a power source they brought how nice', or if you get to Alterac and meet the Argus Wake, then they'd be all 'oh look more legion agents cool we'll join up'.Defeating the Scourge still obviously isn't the wrong choice, but it's gonna be !!FUN!! when we realize this all in character
I thought more of an organization everyone had a stake, that's purpose is to deal with world ending events or other things that threaten everyone, so it would make sense that everyone would be invested in such an organization. So it more makes sense to have such an origination, kinda like a Guild for Saving the World.
- Location
- United Kingdom
Who defines that and who would have any interest in funding or supporting such a thing? The Alliance are responsible for fighting against world threatening threats (like those genocidal, alien invaders, the Horde lol), and so why would they fund an additional group to do that?
Similarly, see previously for the issues. Say you started such a group and some party caused some issue, either other parties might withdraw funding or the trust of your group might be sundered.
Again, it's a thing you could try but it would be very difficult considering Grok's history
Not really they're defensive pacts, the Alliance got started vs the trolls, then revived against the orcs, and now the scourge, while teh Horde was originalyl against the Ogres and then subsequently against the Draenei at Kil'jaeden's urging.
Kir the Wizard
The Sun King
- Location
- Ukraine
Personally, I like our current trend of taking up "rogue" Horde members and helping out the Alliance or Neutrals. Making people speak better of orcs one step at a time
(The "False Warchief" in question has proclaimed his rule earlier than Thrall himself, BTW, and the RPG even considered him not so much a random raid boss, but a faction vying for power inside the Horde, aligned with the Forsaken as the "Eastern Horde". Of course, it is doubtful how that relates to the actual lore of the video games, but it was a notable take at the very least)
Initiatives like that end up with assassins upon your ass... Orcish Warchiefs are touchy about such things.
(The "False Warchief" in question has proclaimed his rule earlier than Thrall himself, BTW, and the RPG even considered him not so much a random raid boss, but a faction vying for power inside the Horde, aligned with the Forsaken as the "Eastern Horde". Of course, it is doubtful how that relates to the actual lore of the video games, but it was a notable take at the very least)
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- Location
- United Kingdom
Indeed, I forgot to mention this too. It would be highly unlikely that the incumbent Warchief would tolerate another Orcish leader accumulating such power. You can't imagine Garrosh doing so for example. It would be too much of a threat to them.
I fear it can happen regardless because of Grok's success leaving him no choice but to go through with it.Personally, I like our current trend of taking up "rogue" Horde members and helping out the Alliance or Neutrals. Making people speak better of orcs one step at a time
Initiatives like that end up with assassins upon your ass... Orcish Warchiefs are touchy about such things.
(The "False Warchief" in question has proclaimed his rule earlier than Thrall himself, BTW, and the RPG even considered him not so much a random raid boss, but a faction vying for power inside the Horde, aligned with the Forsaken as the "Eastern Horde". Of course, it is doubtful how that relates to the actual lore of the video games, but it was a notable take at the very least)
- Location
- Texas
[x] Agree, commit to leading a team against the Military Quarter of Naxxramas
[X] Roll it out
No real thoughts on team composition, just take the boys and get in there.
[X] Roll it out
No real thoughts on team composition, just take the boys and get in there.
Kir the Wizard
The Sun King
- Location
- Ukraine
Even Garrosh tried to talk to Mor'ghor to attempt a peaceful stepping down from the claim on the title of Warchief (even though it seems a cultural thing for the Dragonmaw Clan specifically to use that title), and Thrall talked down older, more experienced chieftains like Grom (and, in earlier versions of canon, Kargath and Kilrogg) into recognizing him as the top hog. So the easiest path to not get shanked as a pretender Warchief is to not pretend to be a Warchief of some new Horde.
This is also why I argued that we should give our potential hires a choice between staying with us to smash deadniks, or going to Kalimdor to help out our main country. The latter does not benefit us (though may benefit Vark if he goes back into Horde politics, like he originally wanted to), but it will at least give a pause to Thrall's thinking regarding us. Are we sending loyalists to undermine him? Or are we simply still loyal to the Horde on some level and want to strengthen its main powerbase, or to make amends of some sort? Thrall doesn't really know Grok personally, and had way different experiences with what a family is, so he may simply lack understanding of Grok having good intentions, while also wanting to be loyal to his dad. Thrall's personal history is that of rebellion against father figures (Blackmoore and the structure of Durnholde Keep itself), with the additional caveat of humbling and subduing his mentor figures (Grom being the most egregious example). So for him, that time he floated around the idea of noble blademasters retaking leadership of the Burning Blade clan from the warlocks (without meticulously understanding the local bedbugs regarding what is a Blademaster either), he expected Grok to take that as a license to overthrow his Obvious Meany Feldad and align closely with the Goodguy Warchief. Since we haven't done so, he'd assume us to be pawn/spy/whatever... Actually, Grok's good-faith cluelessness/honesty regarding his feelings here may have been seen as the opposite by the scheming figures (both Thrall and Neeru), something like: "He can't be so simple... He must be planning something!"
I think Grok's success may also give Balnazzar the social credit to expand the Scarlet Crusade's arsenal by absorbing the forsaken after previous success to isolate them to tone down the zealous purges so as to retain necromancy but sanctioned under him to use against the lich king.
The Dread Citadel 3
- Location
- United Kingdom
The Dread Citadel 3
While you were at least content with the end result of Zaruk's mission, that was no reason not to discuss the matter, and without the old Warlock present.
Castillian's bandaged hands played over the elementium bracer on your wrist.
"You know it's quite fascinating. I've never examined such enchantments." he remarked, "I recognise the magic, or rather I recognise that it's an enchanted item, but I can't sense any traditional spellform, as I say," and his glowing gaze meets yours, "'fascinating'."
The undead mage touches the band repeatedly, on, off, on, off. "Elementium is like no other metal on Azeroth. I think what you have here is more than exists in the entire kingdom. In Dalaran, Silvermoon perhaps, there exists some, but it's all from trade with the Dark Irons before their fall."
"They summoned a powerful Elemental, I cannot believe it was Ragnaros himself though." you say, "Such an emergence would have destroyed the world."
Or at least you think so. If Forneus' rising broke the Barrens in two and cracked the mountains, what damage would an elemental of even greater ability do?
"As it was it almost broke the continent. The history of Elementals and their worshipers isn't my area of expertise, what I do know is that this metal comes from the Stonecore itself deep within the Plane of Earth, you say this was one of the ornaments of the actual Elemental?"
"Of Mzyrael, yes. She wore it upon her wrist, though she wore many other items too."
"Interesting that this was all that was left over."
You shake your head, "I severed her arm in the battle, when I began the binding Zaruk started manipulating it, I thought using the Fel but perhaps some other magic."
"You used your sword presumably? It is of that ore known among the Blackrock clan is it not?"
"My father claims it to be the bones of Grond, clearly our progenitor is stronger than the elementals of Azeroth." you say, and permit yourself a hint of pride.
"Yes well, to our questions then." Castillian remarks, "Firstly, from what I can see and my limited expertise, the binding is secure, if indeed you used such teachings that are known to your clan, I can't see a reason for it to break, and due to the inherent stability and strength of Elementium, nor would the actual bracer break. That's not the case with your Mightstone by the way, if you went up against a Silvermoon Spellbreaker they could shatter that fairly easily. But no, it seems strong to me, and the binding you used should allow you to call upon the Elemental with ease."
And indeed, you can feel it, though the anger of Myzrael is undimmed, you can feel the power you hold over the Earth now, and with a wave of your hand you play with a pebble, marvelling as you turn it to dust, then compress it back into a single shining crystal, barely the size of your fingernail.
"Impressive." Keldran says, the necrolyte leaning forward, "To be so well attuned in such a short time, it is fated then, perhaps, that this thing has occurred."
A scoff comes from the other figure in the room, and Kartha sneers, "I wouldn't trust fate where the Twilight's Hammer are involved. Madness and evil are all that clan's ever accomplished."
"They got us through the wardstones at Eversong." replied Keldran, old enough to have fought in such battles.
"They made a book out of skin." Kartha replies, the scorn still clear in her voice.
The crystal in your grasp cracks loudly, the diamond shattering back to dust, drawing the attention of the others back to you, "Zaruk played on my history, that much is clear." you say, and indeed it caused you shame to admit such a thing, "He knew… more than he should, I wager, about the events at Dreadmist. I know the Twilight's Hammer were always suspect, since the Pale Orcs-"
"What in the Light is a 'Pale Orc'?" muttered Castillian in confusion, but you ignored him.
"Crawled from their burrows following Cho'gall, but I was under the impression their clan was sundered, worse than the Bonechewers or the Thunderlords even. Is it not so, what do the Shattered Hand say?"
Kartha grimaced, "There are… whispers. I don't know much, I've never been on a mission against them, but it's said warriors, warriors of many races, bear a purple hammer symbol, different slightly perhaps than the original clan sigil, but similar enough to cause suspicion. There's a concentration north in Darkshore, and one in Ashenvale, on the coast. We don't have good information about it though, not like we have on the Legion's movements in Felwood for example. They follow the mad ramblings of their Canticle, that an apocalypse nears, that they should cause chaos and destruction to hasten it, but in truth they're little more than bandits, at least that's as far as we know. There are many threats in the world, and the Twilight's Hammer are of lesser importance to the leaders of my clan."
You nod, indeed that was as you understood it as well, from the few times your father had mentioned the matter anyway.
Had Zaruk merely meant to use you to sow discord, but then been surprised and overcome by Myzrael's power? Had he instead meant to take the power of the bound elementals for himself? Indeed, had he simply desired the freedom of the Elementals, as the old warlock had claimed when you questioned him before…
The later seemed unlikely, but he was certainly one to watch. He brought skill and power to your warband, but it would be unwise to give him too great a leash.
The discussion goes on a short period, but after a while ends and the others leave, your questions partially answered, and the security of Myzrael's binding, the most important issue, resolved for now.
Castillian though tarries at the door, "I cannot say more but... it would be well if you were to go to Sorrow Hill, at midnight tonight, and to not be seen while doing so."
And with that ominous remark, he leaves.
Varimathras wants a chat, discuss stuff that Grok might in character want to talk about.
While you were at least content with the end result of Zaruk's mission, that was no reason not to discuss the matter, and without the old Warlock present.
Castillian's bandaged hands played over the elementium bracer on your wrist.
"You know it's quite fascinating. I've never examined such enchantments." he remarked, "I recognise the magic, or rather I recognise that it's an enchanted item, but I can't sense any traditional spellform, as I say," and his glowing gaze meets yours, "'fascinating'."
The undead mage touches the band repeatedly, on, off, on, off. "Elementium is like no other metal on Azeroth. I think what you have here is more than exists in the entire kingdom. In Dalaran, Silvermoon perhaps, there exists some, but it's all from trade with the Dark Irons before their fall."
"They summoned a powerful Elemental, I cannot believe it was Ragnaros himself though." you say, "Such an emergence would have destroyed the world."
Or at least you think so. If Forneus' rising broke the Barrens in two and cracked the mountains, what damage would an elemental of even greater ability do?
"As it was it almost broke the continent. The history of Elementals and their worshipers isn't my area of expertise, what I do know is that this metal comes from the Stonecore itself deep within the Plane of Earth, you say this was one of the ornaments of the actual Elemental?"
"Of Mzyrael, yes. She wore it upon her wrist, though she wore many other items too."
"Interesting that this was all that was left over."
You shake your head, "I severed her arm in the battle, when I began the binding Zaruk started manipulating it, I thought using the Fel but perhaps some other magic."
"You used your sword presumably? It is of that ore known among the Blackrock clan is it not?"
"My father claims it to be the bones of Grond, clearly our progenitor is stronger than the elementals of Azeroth." you say, and permit yourself a hint of pride.
"Yes well, to our questions then." Castillian remarks, "Firstly, from what I can see and my limited expertise, the binding is secure, if indeed you used such teachings that are known to your clan, I can't see a reason for it to break, and due to the inherent stability and strength of Elementium, nor would the actual bracer break. That's not the case with your Mightstone by the way, if you went up against a Silvermoon Spellbreaker they could shatter that fairly easily. But no, it seems strong to me, and the binding you used should allow you to call upon the Elemental with ease."
And indeed, you can feel it, though the anger of Myzrael is undimmed, you can feel the power you hold over the Earth now, and with a wave of your hand you play with a pebble, marvelling as you turn it to dust, then compress it back into a single shining crystal, barely the size of your fingernail.
"Impressive." Keldran says, the necrolyte leaning forward, "To be so well attuned in such a short time, it is fated then, perhaps, that this thing has occurred."
A scoff comes from the other figure in the room, and Kartha sneers, "I wouldn't trust fate where the Twilight's Hammer are involved. Madness and evil are all that clan's ever accomplished."
"They got us through the wardstones at Eversong." replied Keldran, old enough to have fought in such battles.
"They made a book out of skin." Kartha replies, the scorn still clear in her voice.
The crystal in your grasp cracks loudly, the diamond shattering back to dust, drawing the attention of the others back to you, "Zaruk played on my history, that much is clear." you say, and indeed it caused you shame to admit such a thing, "He knew… more than he should, I wager, about the events at Dreadmist. I know the Twilight's Hammer were always suspect, since the Pale Orcs-"
"What in the Light is a 'Pale Orc'?" muttered Castillian in confusion, but you ignored him.
"Crawled from their burrows following Cho'gall, but I was under the impression their clan was sundered, worse than the Bonechewers or the Thunderlords even. Is it not so, what do the Shattered Hand say?"
Kartha grimaced, "There are… whispers. I don't know much, I've never been on a mission against them, but it's said warriors, warriors of many races, bear a purple hammer symbol, different slightly perhaps than the original clan sigil, but similar enough to cause suspicion. There's a concentration north in Darkshore, and one in Ashenvale, on the coast. We don't have good information about it though, not like we have on the Legion's movements in Felwood for example. They follow the mad ramblings of their Canticle, that an apocalypse nears, that they should cause chaos and destruction to hasten it, but in truth they're little more than bandits, at least that's as far as we know. There are many threats in the world, and the Twilight's Hammer are of lesser importance to the leaders of my clan."
You nod, indeed that was as you understood it as well, from the few times your father had mentioned the matter anyway.
Had Zaruk merely meant to use you to sow discord, but then been surprised and overcome by Myzrael's power? Had he instead meant to take the power of the bound elementals for himself? Indeed, had he simply desired the freedom of the Elementals, as the old warlock had claimed when you questioned him before…
The later seemed unlikely, but he was certainly one to watch. He brought skill and power to your warband, but it would be unwise to give him too great a leash.
The discussion goes on a short period, but after a while ends and the others leave, your questions partially answered, and the security of Myzrael's binding, the most important issue, resolved for now.
Castillian though tarries at the door, "I cannot say more but... it would be well if you were to go to Sorrow Hill, at midnight tonight, and to not be seen while doing so."
And with that ominous remark, he leaves.
Varimathras wants a chat, discuss stuff that Grok might in character want to talk about.
- Location
- barking
hey are you secretly a dreadlord and if yes can I kill you in front of the whole scarlet crusade to expose you and then go on and kill the lich please/j
- Location
- PA
Hrrrm…
I imagine the humans are…Not great with Elements, at least in terms of expertise. Sure, Water Elementals can be bound by mages for a time, but that's as far as humans go with poking into all that.
Varithras… Assuming of course he's going to basically be trying to get int Grok's head the whole time because of course he is?
Unfortunately the bigger beef is I can't think of anything in particular Grok might want to ask him that's worth attending this meeting beyond just showing up for the sake of being polite.
Once the battle of Naxxramus ends, ideally if we can confirm Jubei'Thos' death, it should at least enable us to figure out what to do next/enable us to move about without needing to…Ensure rumor of us does not spread easily…
I figure best thing to ask might be if he knows a place where Grok's warband might use as a Headquarters so things don't get awkward- your band is short on the 'peons' that would do the labor of farming, so settling down is…Easier said then done.
I imagine the humans are…Not great with Elements, at least in terms of expertise. Sure, Water Elementals can be bound by mages for a time, but that's as far as humans go with poking into all that.
Varithras… Assuming of course he's going to basically be trying to get int Grok's head the whole time because of course he is?
Unfortunately the bigger beef is I can't think of anything in particular Grok might want to ask him that's worth attending this meeting beyond just showing up for the sake of being polite.
Once the battle of Naxxramus ends, ideally if we can confirm Jubei'Thos' death, it should at least enable us to figure out what to do next/enable us to move about without needing to…Ensure rumor of us does not spread easily…
I figure best thing to ask might be if he knows a place where Grok's warband might use as a Headquarters so things don't get awkward- your band is short on the 'peons' that would do the labor of farming, so settling down is…Easier said then done.
- Location
- United Kingdom
So Castilian just works for varimathras he's not possessed or anything. There's 3 characters who are indeed possessed but none of them have been revealed to grok yet
So while they might not be great at some stuff, the human/elf tradition would actually be great at other stuff. They'd be exceptional at separating out the different elements because that's how you get arcane for example. Similarly they'd be very good at binding elementals as they do this very regularly
Apart from that though yea they're less good
Castilian's secret master huh?
He might have better insight on the Twilight's Hammer's true dealings too.
What Grok should get out of all this is that Azeroth is beset by many players who have their own goals for Azeroth besides a dreadlord's view on his own magic and others.
Oh but we do. This is a unique exposition for an exposition about the fel, the corruption of the orcs, Ner'Zhul and the scourge, his own current situation with the Forsaken and his current relationship with the Burning Legion from one who is quite open to talk about it with a silky voice.
He might have better insight on the Twilight's Hammer's true dealings too.
What Grok should get out of all this is that Azeroth is beset by many players who have their own goals for Azeroth besides a dreadlord's view on his own magic and others.
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General stuff like what are the major people and factions of the world and whats their various deals? Also talking about Spirits would be cool.
Varimathras... He is a spymaster now so the thing that He wants is the Crusade GTFO after Kel'thuzad defeat. After all if Scarlet Crusade will be victorious with few casualties then there is a bloodied army already very close to Horde cities, Forsaken and Blood elves are in danger and His ass is in danger too. Not really sure about Blood Elves. You can reason that Scourge isn't defeated yet but if fanatics wouldn't see them in close proximity then they most likely will attack the closest undead which also have a Dreadlord as spymaster, which are Forsakens.
So what Grok will want from Varimathas is some protection against the plague stuff I guess, more recruits and maybe some ways of retreat. Varimathas will claim that Crusade will backstab Grok and will present a 'proof' and propose to do something subtle only against Grok enemies of course!
Other that that I dunno.
So what Grok will want from Varimathas is some protection against the plague stuff I guess, more recruits and maybe some ways of retreat. Varimathas will claim that Crusade will backstab Grok and will present a 'proof' and propose to do something subtle only against Grok enemies of course!
Other that that I dunno.
Varimathas may be working together with Balnazzar in secret since despite Sylvanas's urging he didn't die.
I got another omake idea to do. Grok'mash becoming like Hakumen.
- Location
- United Kingdom
I mean where would they go? It's their land and they hold most of it now.
They're not just going to leave and let the forsaken go back to normal