actually that raises the question how do orc's generally see their female children cause the only example of a known orc having a female child cause most go the father/ son route, grom/garrosh, varok/darnosh, kil'rog/ jorin (and apprently kil'rog had 3 other children who died and like 2 grandchildren) the only father/daugther I can think of is the paragon of fatherhood himself blackhand the one who sent assassins to kill her after she ditched the horde and left with some ogres and aged up his kids (as well as everyone else who agreed) so they could fight sooner
Im not sure he necessarily would. Although he's very honourable, he's not what we would interpret as 'liberal', he doesn't really care about indiivdual freedoms for example, he's firmly in with classical orcish culture. For example, in narration previously, Grok was worried about getting exiled by his father, but he never really questions the inherent right of his father to do such a thing. As such, while perhaps Grok personally wouldn't want to kill a child, it would probably be slotted in with other stuff he's not comfortable with. After all, he sat around while the Forseaken were being exterminated.
Not parental bonds, communal. The nuclear family with strong parental authority and bonds between families is a relatively new invention, and highly geographically specific. You might look rather to, for example, an indian family who are big on community, but also big on honour killings
actually that raises the question how do orc's generally see their female children cause the only example of a known orc having a female child cause most go the father/ son route, grom/garrosh, varok/darnosh, kil'rog/ jorin (and apprently kil'rog had two other children who died and like 3 grandchildren) the only father/daugther I can think of is the paragon of fatherhood himself blackhand the one who sent assassins to kill her after she ditched the horde and left with some ogres and aged up his kids (as well as everyone else who agreed) so they could fight sooner
Draka and her parents, Garona too. Draka almost got exiled, her family had to live at the edge of teh frostwolf camp because she was weak or something, and Blackhand advised the Frostwolf chief (possibly Garad?) to just kill her I think, it's in a comic or something.
Garona is a halfbreed and apparently just lived at the edges of orc society for a bit before Gul'dan grabbed her.
I've remarked on it before, even if more female children are killed at birth because they're seen as less useful, more men will die in the constant battles orcs have. THere's evidence in game of gender divides, it's just not very apparent because Blizz don't care about it.
I do often wonder about people's perceptions of orcs tbh. 40k and warcraft, to my knowledge are really the only setting to have explored them in detail, rather htan just as mobs or evil monsters.
LotR is the original setting of course, but despite like 1 chapter which establishes that orcs have cultures, internal morality, desire position and status and so on, doesn't really go into it. Derivative LotR media goes into it a bit but always feels a bit like it's ignoring the setting's established points.
Meanwhile, 40k's orcs have never been very sensible, even the Waaagh stuff was always a bit silly IMO, though fantasy does better.
And then you have Warcraft, which I think goes furthest in having a differentiated culture, aesthetic and so on without being silly like in 40k for example.
actually that raises the question how do orc's generally see their female children cause the only example of a known orc having a female child cause most go the father/ son route, grom/garrosh, varok/darnosh, kil'rog/ jorin (and apprently kil'rog had 3 other children who died and like 2 grandchildren) the only father/daugther I can think of is the paragon of fatherhood himself blackhand the one who sent assassins to kill her after she ditched the horde and left with some ogres and aged up his kids (as well as everyone else who agreed) so they could fight sooner
This raise the overall role of females on orc society. I guess they are not oppressed per say but due their society being basically revolving around might makes right and they being singnificantly lower mass than the male orcs i think they just are not expect much uless they are born with insane magic powers...
Ironically Gorks sucess may also push females to try step up.
Im not sure he necessarily would. Although he's very honourable, he's not what we would interpret as 'liberal', he doesn't really care about indiivdual freedoms for example, he's firmly in with classical orcish culture. For example, in narration previously, Grok was worried about getting exiled by his father, but he never really questions the inherent right of his father to do such a thing. As such, while perhaps Grok personally wouldn't want to kill a child, it would probably be slotted in with other stuff he's not comfortable with. After all, he sat around while the Forseaken were being exterminated.
That's the interesting part, he doesn't need to actually do anything, it's just he does not hide the fact he was an weak orc the kind that probably wondered of he should been killed at birth.
And now he is one of the strongest warriors alive. That much is true. If an orc know his story the layer of "my weak chidren can never amount to anything, im doing them a favor" is removed because gork amounted for a lot, now adds the fact that food became less scarce and the decision is way harder.
Basically by existing and telling his history this makes the decision to not botter give the kid a chance way more controversial.
Im not saying that the kid wouldn't still be a semi pariah that would have to take way larger risk and be way more deligent if they ever want to amount to anything trough. It would still be rough but it would not be killed on birth rough.
Im not sure he necessarily would. Although he's very honourable, he's not what we would interpret as 'liberal', he doesn't really care about indiivdual freedoms for example, he's firmly in with classical orcish culture. For example, in narration previously, Grok was worried about getting exiled by his father, but he never really questions the inherent right of his father to do such a thing. As such, while perhaps Grok personally wouldn't want to kill a child, it would probably be slotted in with other stuff he's not comfortable with. After all, he sat around while the Forseaken were being exterminated.
Not parental bonds, communal. The nuclear family with strong parental authority and bonds between families is a relatively new invention, and highly geographically specific. You might look rather to, for example, an indian family who are big on community, but also big on honour killings
Draka and her parents, Garona too. Draka almost got exiled, her family had to live at the edge of teh frostwolf camp because she was weak or something, and Blackhand advised the Frostwolf chief (possibly Garad?) to just kill her I think, it's in a comic or something.
Garona is a halfbreed and apparently just lived at the edges of orc society for a bit before Gul'dan grabbed her.
I've remarked on it before, even if more female children are killed at birth because they're seen as less useful, more men will die in the constant battles orcs have. THere's evidence in game of gender divides, it's just not very apparent because Blizz don't care about it.
I do often wonder about people's perceptions of orcs tbh. 40k and warcraft, to my knowledge are really the only setting to have explored them in detail, rather htan just as mobs or evil monsters.
LotR is the original setting of course, but despite like 1 chapter which establishes that orcs have cultures, internal morality, desire position and status and so on, doesn't really go into it. Derivative LotR media goes into it a bit but always feels a bit like it's ignoring the setting's established points.
Meanwhile, 40k's orcs have never been very sensible, even the Waaagh stuff was always a bit silly IMO, though fantasy does better.
And then you have Warcraft, which I think goes furthest in having a differentiated culture, aesthetic and so on without being silly like in 40k for example.
Elder scrolls has some interesting takes on orcs aswell if your interested. Generally speaking orcs are more of stigmatised outsider group in that setting. Tolerated only because they live on the outskirts. It very interesting how different it is to other settings.
Arc 3
Constable I called the last section 'Alterac' so I can't just call this one it again and I'm not changing it
Welcome to Arc 4 everyone. This is the fourth location we're in, and this time you have a somewhat more complicated series of tasks and responsibilities to balance. First, to address a few points…
Notices
Having written and become rather tired of kingdom building stories and the amount of tracking they require, I'm going to attempt to keep this arc, and future ones, relatively close to Grok'mash's story, rather than a wider narrative about how Alterac is doing. The themes of this quest, and the driver of the narrative is Grok's actions and the competing influences which surround him, and I want to preserve this.
We'll go into that shortly, but first I wanted to address scheduling and some points around my writing. I write because I enjoy it, and also because I'm practicing the use of various narrative tools to develop my skills. I like writing, and I think I've reached a level now where I'd like to investigate it professionally. This has two effects on this quest, firstly in terms of schedule, as I'm planning to move to a slower schedule to leave me more time for other writing. I've got lots of ideas, with three specific ideas for actual books, and I'd like to have a go at that. Secondly, in a parallel path to traditional publishing, I'm going to be advertising crownfunding platforms more. I've not previously posted such ads, but I'd also like to build up that function as a support base and potentially open commissions, if people are interested.
To specifically note therefore, I do indeed have a patreon page, and a ko-fi one. Support is appreciated.
Now, to return to the quest-relevant things… As mentioned, while I don't want to go extensively into stats or kingdom building, I do appreciate that people want to be able to track things. As such, I'm going to be tracking 4 categories in this arc, which you can use to make decisions.
These categories are measured in levels of 1-7, with the 8-10 being beyond Alterac's reach at this time. Grok's responsibilities in this arc relate primarily to the military category, however you can obviously see how he might also be concerned with the economy to be able to pay soldiers. I'll track these in updates, but at present Alterac is barely at a '2' in all categories, partly because you killed their king!
1. Anarchy - The kingdom has no military or central government, and is in a state of complete chaos and lawlessness.
2. Weakness - The kingdom has a small, poorly trained and equipped military, unable to defend itself against external threats.
3. Vulnerable - The kingdom has a somewhat larger military, but is still vulnerable to attacks and invasion by stronger neighbouring kingdoms.
4. Militarized - The kingdom has a sizable military, but is heavily dependent on it for maintaining internal security and enforcing order.
5. Balanced - The kingdom has a well-trained and equipped military, able to defend itself against external threats, but not powerful enough to project its military might beyond its borders.
6. Dominant - The kingdom has a powerful military, capable of projecting its influence within its region and deterring external threats.
7. Regional power - The kingdom has a strong military and is considered a dominant power within its region, with significant influence over neighbouring kingdoms.
1. Isolated - The kingdom is diplomatically isolated and is not recognized as a legitimate political entity.
2. Weak - The kingdom has little political influence and is often overshadowed by other kingdoms in the region.
3. Neutral - The kingdom maintains a policy of neutrality and avoids involvement in regional conflicts.
4. Ally - The kingdom has established alliances with neighbouring kingdoms, allowing it to exert some political influence in the region.
5. Influential - The kingdom has significant political influence within its region, and is often consulted by neighbouring kingdoms on matters of regional importance.
6. Dominant - The kingdom exercises significant political control within its region, often using its influence to sway the decisions of neighbouring kingdoms.
7. Hegemonic - The kingdom has absolute political control over its region, and can dictate the policies and decisions of neighbouring kingdoms.
1. Dependent - The kingdom is heavily dependent on external aid and has no significant domestic industry.
2. Struggling - The kingdom has a weak economy, with high levels of poverty and unemployment.
3. Developing - The kingdom is making progress in developing its economy, with growing industries and a rising middle class.
4. Stable - The kingdom has a stable economy, with a strong domestic industry and a thriving middle class.
5. Prosperous - The kingdom has a highly developed economy, with a strong domestic industry and a high standard of living for its citizens.
6. Wealthy - The kingdom is one of the wealthiest in the region, with a thriving financial sector and a significant influence over regional trade.
7. Economic powerhouse - The kingdom is a major economic power, with a dominant role in the global economy and significant influence over world trade.
8.
1. Chaotic - The kingdom is in a state of complete chaos and lawlessness, with rampant crime and civil unrest.
2. Unstable - The kingdom is beset by frequent outbreaks of violence and civil unrest, with a weak and ineffective government.
3. Tenuous - The kingdom has a fragile stability, with frequent outbreaks of violence and civil unrest that threaten to spiral out of control.
4. Stable - The kingdom has a stable internal situation, with an effective government that is able to maintain law and order.
5. Cohesive - The kingdom has a highly cohesive society, with a strong sense of national identity and little internal conflict.
6. Harmonious - The kingdom has a harmonious society, with a strong sense of community and high levels of social cohesion
7. Loyal - The kingdom's people are united, strong in their unity, and loyal to their Queen, with aggression focused outwards.
Turns will occur over roughly a season each, with Grok being in Alterac for at least 2 years, meaning around 8 turns. Grok anticipates that after 2 years, Dathrohan will launch his offensive into Northrend, with Grok likely to be asked to join. Longer term missions will trigger mini-arcs, for example if you went on a diplomatic mission to Stormwind.
Grok has a number of responsibilities and commitments. Some are formal, such as the oath sworn as Constable of Alterac, others less so, such as Grok's suzerainty over the Demonsword Clan. I'm not going to explicitly state these. I'm also not going to give specific remarks to drive your planning, though as always I'm happy to engage on questions. This arc is indeed an opportunity to build up an Orcish kingdom if you want to, but it's also an opportunity to do others things, these will be up to you.
Geographical map for those wanting to orient themselves.
"I swear by the Light that I will be faithful and bear true allegiance to Her Grace, Katrana Prestor, Her Heirs and Successors, and that I will, as in duty bound, honestly and faithfully defend Her Grace's Person, Crown, and Kingdom against all enemies, and will do right by all manner of people after the laws and usages of this realm in my office as Constable of Alterac."
You retracted your hand from the libram and took a breath. You had spoken it all in a single exhale, and you wryly thought that it might have taxed you more than the duel against Haomarush.
The wording of the oath had been one of much debate. The priests had wanted you to swear on the Light, and seemed surprised that you would accept doing so. In the end though Archbishop Voss and Bishop Karlus administered the rite jointly, a concession which you took to demonstrate the attempt by the priests of Lordaeron to gain influence in Alterac. Karlus had smiled at you, but Voss looked stony, and departed soon after, sweeping out the ruined doors of the cathedral.
In truth, there were few buildings in the capital of Alterac which remained standing. The Ogres had made the city their squatting-ground, tearing many of the buildings apart for their own hovels. The walls were ruined, the gatehouses wrecked, and many of the larger structures strewn with filthy and offal from the Crushridge occupation.
Vark had rallied that folk now, talking them beyond the walls, keeping them well away where they couldn't cause mischief, leading them instead against the yetis of the mountains.
Karlus handed you a baton, the silver eagle of Alterac wrought upon its head.
"Her Grace, the Queen, accepts your feal- charge." Lord Gregor, the new Regent said, catching himself just in time.
You would not swear 'fealty' to Katrana Prestor, you were not a human or a noble of the realm, and you refused to bind yourself as such. You intended to take up your duties as Constable with all the willingness of any honourable warrior, but the human definitions had grated on you, and it had taken several days of consultation and messages back and forth between your camp, Karlus, several Alteraci scholars, and Lord Gregor, before you'd all agreed.
You would have command over all military matters in Alterac, you were the kingdom's highest general and master of ancillary matters like fortifications or supply. You stuck the baton into your belt and took your sword back from Sorek.
"That is done." Lord Gregor said, "Good, let us be about your business."
You nodded, following him out of the church, for there was indeed much to do.
You walked rapidly, followed by your retinues toward the keep on a small hill in the centre of the city. Unlike the palace of Lordaeron, Alterac's kings still ruled like those of Stromgarde, from a military structure, reliant on feudal knights and their attendants. That system had easily shaken off the bureaucracy of Lordaeron in the years following the Second War, returning to a fractious parliament of bandits under their outlaw king.
That king was dead now, and Katrana Prestor ruled Alterac. Or at least, she would if she were here.
Instead, Gregor Lescovar, a noble of Stormwind, had been sent in her stead as regent, and it was he with whom you treated now.
"This whole business is a mess." Lord Gregor said, his jowls shaking as he shook his head, rubbing his hands together vigorously as he stood near the fireplace of one of the sturdier rooms in the keep. "I think you have the better of it, but we shall see in time I suppose."
You said nothing. You'd yet to fully take Lord Gregor's measure, but he seemed competent. You'd asked Kalaran when the knight had returned along with Lescovar and his lackies, but Windblade had only shrugged.
"The nobles of Stormwind rule their lands in absence." the Black Dragon had said, "I've heard little of him, but a famous or exceptionally capable regent might overthrow their liege's rights, so perhaps that is the reason, Her Grace didn't see fit to include me in her decision."
"We've much to do, much to do indeed." Lescovar was continuing, still rubbing his hands together, slower now, as if in meditation. "The very structure of this kingdom is sundered. I don't fear swords, for I've no doubt yours and those of your clansmen will keep us in power here, but Alterac lies wounded, maimed perhaps. We must rebuild, we must bring back the nobles from their banditry. You and I shall work together, Fireblade, but we shall be as opposites, their fear must be for your sword, and their hope for my outstretched hand."
"Traitors are slain among my people." You offered.
"No doubt! But we can't slay the whole kingdom can we?"
You said nothing once more. Lescovar wouldn't be slaying anyone any time soon. You could see frost on his blade, it hadn't been oiled when he'd last put it away, or his squire, and the man seemed to wear the item more as an ornament rather than a weapon.
"No, we can't just kill everyone…" Lord Gregor laughed in good humour, "Besides, it's more complicated than that. Help from Stormwind and Lordaeron is available, but we can't rely on either."
"Not on Stormwind, where Lady Prestor is well known and respected?" you asked.
"'Her Grace'," Gregor emphasised the title, "is indeed greatly loved by the people but she also wed King Varian on the assumption that she was a Queen, or at least could be soon, and that that might bring security to Stormwind in turn. If Alterac is seen to rely overmuch on Stormwind's aid, little will go well for us. Who would you respect more, a comrade in need or a beggar on the street?"
There were no beggars in Orcish society, you could have noted, but there was no need.
"And of course the less said about Dathrohan the better. 'Scarlet Princess' indeed! Pah! Already Stromgarde is little more than a colony of Lordaeron, no! Say rather a colony of the Scarlet Crusade!"
"The warriors of the Scarlet Crusade are honourable and valiant." you replied sharply. "It is they who have safeguarded the Alliance from the Scourge these past years, and I will not suffer them to be insulted by one who has never faced the undead."
Lescovar had frozen at your tone. He relaxed in a deliberate show, "Perhaps I have… misspoken." he tried, "And if so, I crave your forgiveness. You are right of course, while Stormwind has its own problems, our views are perhaps somewhat limited."
It was a measly apology, but you nodded for him to continue.
"There are many matters which we must attend to, and already I've send messengers to see to certain matters. You met with Dathrohan recently did you not? What were your thoughts on him?"
You had indeed spoken with the Grand Crusader as he travelled the mountain road toward Khaz Modan, supposedly in search of trade agreements with the Dwarves for munitions and heavier artillery. "He made remarks about his endeavours," you explained, "but I think primarily he intends to mount and expedition to Northrend soon. Whether he intends to lead it himself I don't know, but I think a sortie at least would be necessary, which in time may lead to a greater effort against the Lich King."
"Hm." said Lescovar, "That doesn't change much, but I'll have to consider it further. In the meantime though, here is what I shall do: First, I must reestablish the Crown's authority in Alterac, and for that I need you to hunt down the last remnants of the Syndicate. Bring them to justice, but bring as many of their leaders back to me alive as you can. I need to reestablish authority over the smaller settlements in the mountains, and I need the army for that."
Alterac's 'army' was little more than a ragged collection of bandits. You'd cut through them easily after all, and in the aftermath of your campaign Kalaran and the mysterious assassin, Fahrad, had cleared up the remainers to marshal them into a single force, supposedly under the command of the rightful Queen.
"I'm sure you don't trust them against their own kind." Lescovar continued, "So I'd like your orcs to take on any of the remaining rebel strongholds. I've already heard that one of the pass forts has closed its gates. Exactly what they intend to accomplish is beyond me, but we shall see. Meanwhile though, there are the trolls to worry about, but I'll leave that to you. In essence, I need you to support my efforts to actually get this kingdom back on its feet. How you do that is up to you, you have the skill clearly, and I have little experience of military matters, but I'd still hear your intentions before we continue. It would be well too if you might speak more regarding your orcs, for as I understand you hold suzerainty over them, yet not command?"
Grok'mash, as both a warleader of the Orcs, and in his capacity as Constable, commands significant forces in Alterac. These presently comprise:
Burning Blade Warband, 600 Orcs
Demonsword Clan, 3000 Orcs
Boulderfist Ogres, 300 Ogres
Alterac Army, 2000 Alterai soldiers
Choose 4:
Actions can be from either the Alterac section, comprising your official duties, or the personal section. Write ins are always permitted, subject to approval. Voting to open on the morning of the 24th.
Alterac Actions:
[ ] Supervise the Army of Alterac
Set about rebuilding the Army of Alterac, using what stores remain from the old Kingdom to reequip a force consistently, as well as setting captains and commanders over the former bandits, and weeding out any further traitors.
[ ] Warlocks
Nagaz and his comrades alleged the support of more than a hundred sorcerers. You denied them when they offered aid, and you suspect they may get up to no good if they remain in the kingdom unsupervised.
[ ] Diplomatic Mission
While you could send emissaries, it may prove a sensible option to visit one of the Alliance capitals yourself on a number of purposes, including the negotiation of aid, or simply to make positive diplomatic contact. For example, your master, Akinos, had visited Stormwind several times on diplomatic missions. Indicate briefly where you want to go, with what intentions.
[ ] Mercenaries
One thing Alterac has in abundance are Orcs, and Orcs are good at fighting. There is a need for warriors in several areas, notably Gilneas, and in return you might gain much for Alterac. Indicate briefly where you want to go, with what intentions.
[ ] Seek Magical Aid
One thing you're quite clear about is the lack of magical support in your warband, and the wider Alteraci military. Seek aid from the Kirin Tor, as well as attempting to form a cohort of Shaman within your Orcish warband.
[ ] Trolls
The Winteraxe Trolls have harassed Alliance convoys for years, and will no doubt continue to do so. Lead a punitive expedition to discourage them.
[ ] Seize Resources
You will be in need of resources for either your warband or the military in future, and you can already see Lescovar making things awkward for you. Better to seize mines and smithies now, rather than have to negotiate with him for them later.
[ ] Clear the Roads
Lord Gregor has spoken of a need to keep the kingdom quiet while he sees to his own affairs. Disperse your warband and protect the convoys moving through the kingdom.
[ ] Remnants
Though there are few of them, there remain a few fortified strongholds of the Syndicate which might prove a nuisance. Destroy them.
Personal Actions:
[ ] Survey the Demonsword
You've yet to visit the strongholds of the Demonsword Clan, seek them out.
[ ] Training
While you've grown considerable in the last few months, there is always more to do, and you should now seek out Sesk, or perhaps Haomarush for advice and training, either in the blade or in interactions with the Spirits.
[ ] Spiritual Advice
Tirion had bade you not speak to anyone about the Light, but clearly the situation had become more pressing following your duel with Haomarush. The paladin is often abroad on secret missions, but you might seek our Fairbanks instead.
Ok thought: See if we can get the humans and trolls playing nice so the shaman can provide magical support that's a bit more in line with what w rebuilding nation needs, especially in azeroth.
Ok thought: See if we can get the humans and trolls playing nice so the shaman can provide magical support that's a bit more in line with what w rebuilding nation needs, especially in azeroth.
The histories of trolls vs everyone else on Azeroth is steep. The Trolls in the Horde are kind of the most outlier of outliers.
The human hatred towards trolls and vice versa is no laughing matter and we have more important and less volatile things to do than try wrangling trolls when we already carry the problem of Being ORCS.
I think supervising the army, selling mercs to help gilneas, maybe take a trip to kul'trus, deal with the warlocks and clear the roads to me are the ones I want but we can only have 4 so will need to drop 1
The histories of trolls vs everyone else on Azeroth is steep. The Trolls in the Horde are kind of the most outlier of outliers.
The human hatred towards trolls and vice versa is no laughing matter and we have more important and less volatile things to do than try wrangling trolls when we already carry the problem of Being ORCS.
Hmm, definitely need to check the Demonswords, but we also need a target to unleash them on sooner rather than later. Probably not so bad to wait a turn on that if we're investigating them, but I wouldn't want to wait two turns.
Still, one of Trolls, Remnants, or Mercenary Work would probably help give the Demonswords a target, and hitting either the Trolls or Remnants would also help secure the roads simply because it'll mean less potential raiders alive to hit the various convoys.
Gotta take control of our gilded cage, this could be part of that.
[ ] Warlocks
Nagaz and his comrades alleged the support of more than a hundred sorcerers. You denied them when they offered aid, and you suspect they may get up to no good if they remain in the kingdom unsupervised.
[ ] Survey the Demonsword
You've yet to visit the strongholds of the Demonsword Clan, seek them out.
I'd like to take one of these, just to be safe.
[ ] Clear the Roads
Lord Gregor has spoken of a need to keep the kingdom quiet while he sees to his own affairs. Disperse your warband and protect the convoys moving through the kingdom.
[ ] Remnants
Though there are few of them, there remain a few fortified strongholds of the Syndicate which might prove a nuisance. Destroy them.
[ ] Supervise the Army of Alterac
Set about rebuilding the Army of Alterac, using what stores remain from the old Kingdom to reequip a force consistently, as well as setting captains and commanders over the former bandits, and weeding out any further traitors.
Take one of these three to do our duty to Alterac.
[ ] Diplomatic Mission
While you could send emissaries, it may prove a sensible option to visit one of the Alliance capitals yourself on a number of purposes, including the negotiation of aid, or simply to make positive diplomatic contact. For example, your master, Akinos, had visited Stormwind several times on diplomatic missions. Indicate briefly where you want to go, with what intentions.
[ ] Mercenaries
One thing Alterac has in abundance are Orcs, and Orcs are good at fighting. There is a need for warriors in several areas, notably Gilneas, and in return you might gain much for Alterac. Indicate briefly where you want to go, with what intentions.
One of these two, to start reaching out to other nations.
[ ] Training
While you've grown considerable in the last few months, there is always more to do, and you should now seek out Sesk, or perhaps Haomarush for advice and training, either in the blade or in interactions with the Spirits.
[ ] Spiritual Advice
Tirion had bade you not speak to anyone about the Light, but clearly the situation had become more pressing following your duel with Haomarush. The paladin is often abroad on secret missions, but you might seek our Fairbanks instead.
You probably should focus internally for this turn.
4 options so:
[ ] Warlocks
Nagaz and his comrades alleged the support of more than a hundred sorcerers. You denied them when they offered aid, and you suspect they may get up to no good if they remain in the kingdom unsupervised.
[ ] Clear the Roads
Lord Gregor has spoken of a need to keep the kingdom quiet while he sees to his own affairs. Disperse your warband and protect the convoys moving through the kingdom.
[ ] Remnants
Though there are few of them, there remain a few fortified strongholds of the Syndicate which might prove a nuisance. Destroy them.
[ ] Survey the Demonsword
You've yet to visit the strongholds of the Demonsword Clan, seek them out.
Looks like there's already some culture clash but all parties seem to be mature and dealing with it the best they can.
Okay we should try and consolidate power first and foremost.
[X] Plan Consolidate Power [X] Supervise the Army of Alterac [X] Warlocks [X] Seize Resources
[X] Survey the Demonsword
This gets the military in order as well as securing the resources needed to keep the military going, which is vital to keeping in power. We just recruited the Demonsword Clan so visiting them and keeping that in order is important. Also get the Warlocks to go away before they cause complications and bad PR is pretty important.
I'm not sure on seizing resources if it makes the regent unhappy but it's one of those things under consideration when applying the conditions for martial law.
Looks like there's already some culture clash but all parties seem to be mature and dealing with it the best they can.
Okay we should try and consolidate power first and foremost.
[X] Plan Consolidate Power [X] Supervise the Army of Alterac [X] Warlocks [X] Seize Resources
[X] Survey the Demonsword
This gets the military in order as well as securing the resources needed to keep the military going, which is vital to keeping in power. We just recruited the Demonsword Clan so visiting them and keeping that in order is important. Also get the Warlocks to go away before they cause complications and bad PR is pretty important.
I mostly like this, but maybe we should build up or acquire a little in-house magical expertise this turn and then go after the warlocks next turn? As insurance/a counterweight if looking threatening doesn't work. I agree that getting the army's shit together and seizing critical industries ASAP is important either way though.
[]Plan Keepin' an eye on things.
[] Plan Consolidate Power is the same as this plan, didn't realize.
I'm thinking about something like this. Tie up loose ends, secure our position a bit with supplies, do our duty to the Army of Alterac. I think I could be convinced into swapping Warlocks for something else, probably Remnants or Mercenaries, but I'll make a separate plan if I do that.
Edit: Like this
[]Plan Doing stuff for the region. [] Remnants
[] Survey the Demonsword [] Seize Resources
[] Supervise the Army of Alterac
Remnants and straightening up the army will be a balm to our seizing of goods. But there's an argument that straightening up the army mighty weaken our control a bit.
I'm not sure on seizing resources if it makes the regent unhappy but it's one of those things under consideration when applying the conditions for martial law.
I mostly like this, but maybe we should build up or acquire a little in-house magical expertise this turn and then go after the warlocks next turn? As insurance/a counterweight if looking threatening doesn't work. I agree that getting the army's shit together and seizing critical industries ASAP is important either way though.
True establishing magic expertise is important but it's something that's additive to the army. So I'd prefer to do it next turn and also train Grok's magic as well to get narrative weight.
True establishing magic expertise is important but it's something that's additive to the army. So I'd prefer to do it next turn and also train Grok's magic as well to get narrative weight.
I rather get the warlocks ASAP for the first turn lest they go renegade. Grok may not need them for the blademaster but he might as well use them for Alterac's management with how the Burning Blade manages the Fel officially under Thrall's initial directives.
It's essentially a power struggle between the existing Alteraci nobles, the Regency administration under Lescovar, and Grok's military bureaucracy. The nobles want to keep their feifs and rents, and increase them by taking them off other nobles. Lescovar wants to increase the power of the royal offices and build the kingdom up, so would rather appoint officers to monitor the productivity of mines etc. Grok meanwhile wants to funnel industry toward the military and wider military affairs, and recognises the need to ensure the military is strong enough to actually do stuff.
These aren't necessarily mutually exclusive, but some are clearly more exclusive an others. For example, we can see that the different imperetives are a result of different societal ideas. Structurally, the Alliance seems to be moving from Feudalism to a form of early Parliamentarianism with the Stormwind House of Nobles etc. Comparably, Grok is coming from a perspective of Blackhand's 'nation under arms' structure.
I would vote for these regardless of whatever else is chosen: [] Warlocks
[] Survey the Demonsword
Cleaning house is imperative.
Other things to pick from: [ ] Supervise the Army of Alterac
Should probably delegate policing the kingdom to them. Orcs are shock troops; we need a lighter hand to keep the order.
[ ] Seize Resources
I am not very clear on logistics of supplying thousands of orcs (and a hundred of ogres). It's best we ensure less problems on that front.
[ ] Clear the Roads
This is what I hoped the Army of Alterac would do. But we don't have them yet, and banditry is on the rise. Might be worth considering.
These are 'nice to have': [ ] Diplomatic Mission
[ ] Mercenaries
[ ] Trolls
But any diplomatic envoys will have to wait until next turn while we stabilize internally.
mmm. I wish there was an option to hash out a proper plan with Lescovar.
Like we know his general objectives, so what I mean is more specifically he tells us what he (claims) his plans are and we tell him what our plans are, that way we can optimise our resources.
For example right now my preference would be to use this season to get affairs in order, so supervise the army, deal with the warlocks, gather resources and survey the demonsword.
Then use this as a base to go for clearing the roads, remnants and generally ensuring we have the logistical heft to hold Alterac.
Which most people seem to agree with, I just don't want to step on the toes of
Yeah. My thinking is that Grok and Lescovar could be a pretty decent good cop bad cop routine. Grok comes in all threatening to take their mines etc. permanently, Lescovar interceeds on the nobles behalf that it will only be a temporary seizure, but if you could please sign this contract to ensure that the crown has a bigger stake in your operations that would be swell. Maybe with a deal on the side between the two to ensure that the army gets proper funding.
As you said Orcs are shock troops, but the banditry problem won't be gone if we lack the logistical tail to enforce order. Getting the army back up to speed, gathering resources and then launching a strike feels like the best way to do it. Orcs go first, clean through the bandits, the human army comes in after to solidify control. Ol one two punch.
