Now 22,500 orcs. The 7,500 Feldad gave us were hers.
Orc Quest; or, A Critical Examination of Agency Through in Interactive Fiction (Warcraft)
- Thread starter FractiousDay
- Start date
- Fantasy
Now 22,500 orcs. The 7,500 Feldad gave us were hers.
I actually wanna say more about the exchange. Just love how Grok didn't directly insult his dad either. When the guy's yapping Grok just says that he doesn't he have his oratory skills. It's Grok thing to do to say that his dad's skills at oratory is bad and not that he is getting tired of his ramblings. I had this image in my head of Grok being tired and uncomfortable from his trip and the general state of desolace and now he has to listen to his dad yapp away on magic all the while just nodding along because he doesn't want to disappoint him. Brilliant stuff day.
Didn't know about the orcs being hers actually. That's cool.
Didn't know about the orcs being hers actually. That's cool.
- Location
- barking
you know seeing the whole orcs are made for war thing the orcs believe kinda shows their toxic ideas cause like for example the content for the weak and their ideas of being better (which later lead to the whole orcish supremacy thing garrosh had going on the whole other races are weak and have no place in my horde) like they weren't anything special on dreanor really just one of the desendents of grond who was created, the only thing is they seem smarter then the other desendents of grond (ie the gron, the goren and most ogres cause some are very smart) their victory over the ogres was impressive but at the same time the ogres were not at the height of their power cause that was broken long ago same I think was true for the arraokra (also treachery cause some arraokra were outcasts and wanted revenge) so I think that the orcs are living in nostalgia not fact. the orcs are not made for some grand purpose they have power and situations that lead them to be able to accomlise what they want. not to sure on this but some thoughts I had
like the whole we were weak and frightened for so much of our history but see eventually we crushed these powers that were so above us clearly we are meant for greater (for example when they first crushed the ogre empires capital it ended the ogre empire so badly it never reunited its city states were still powerful and stronger then the orcs but it showed what they could do
like the whole we were weak and frightened for so much of our history but see eventually we crushed these powers that were so above us clearly we are meant for greater (for example when they first crushed the ogre empires capital it ended the ogre empire so badly it never reunited its city states were still powerful and stronger then the orcs but it showed what they could do
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MrRobot
In doubt there's always the Sun!
I mean it's a bit messy Orcs are naturally belligerant, inclined to martial might and general pursuit of power. Their society is still verry new and they still need to go past the point where streght of arms is the most valuable skill a orc can ever have.
If the quest go that far Gork will start to see it when the crafters become more prevalent on his horde.
If the quest go that far Gork will start to see it when the crafters become more prevalent on his horde.
- Location
- barking
that kind of happens when your on a planet where everything is stronger and trying to kill you, the drenai didn;t really fit in cause they weren't from such a world
MrRobot
In doubt there's always the Sun!
Yep, it's not really hard to understand where the Orcs are coming from. They are still not helping themselves but it's more because they don't even have a concept of what a better society is, Gork will more or less stumbling on it while trying to make an army to kill hell.
- Location
- barking
yeah the kindest to the orcs on drenor were the dreanai and well they mostly left the orcs alone and I feel part of the reason why the orcs were so quick to believe the lies kiljaden said was theirs no way the dreanai are as nice as they claim from the orcs pov of others (the ogres slavery, the arraokora hunting them ect) on their planet but thats more a thought of mine not sure if cannon ever shows that thought process
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Upgrade into the Legion eh? Suddenly my thoughts on taking their name isn't so farfetched when Feldad wants their power and authority.
Grok is aware the Horde has issues and has gotten pretty jaded so it isn't world shaking for him.
Grok has a pretty good academic understanding of the situation and can somewhat emphasize.
That actually makes a lot of sense, Grok is known for his Honor and showing that it's possible to be honorable and use Fel is great PR/
Grok really does love his dad.
That's really impressive honestly botht he taking over the Council and the way she learned magic.
He's been focused on survival and getting by.
His dad was pretty shitty to him and Grok has come to accept that and come to terms with it.
Grok already choose this a long time ago.
That's a good point most of the Warchiefs stumbled into their positions while Grok has actually gotten qualifications.
Grandpa Xerash is awesome and I'm looking forward to the grandson and grandfather bonding time.
And so it begins the rebellion against the Demons.
That's a lot of people.
Nice to see all the gains, Advance Persuasion is useful and it's nice to see the progress towards the other things.
- Location
- St. Petersburg
...
Huh. Didn't expect the scope of what is going on here. There go my hopes of ever seeing this quest to completion.
But it makes sense, given the ambitions of people involved. I did not think we'd come out of this trying to look like a Legion agent. I knew we look that way to an outside observer, but thought Grok was oblivious to it and would be rather insulted at the idea. He couldn't muster deceit to save his life, and now look at his impersonation skills!
Alas, this conversation didn't satisfy my immediate need for direction; instead it gave us a goal so big anything could be considered moving towards it. This is not made easier by the setting making everything the Legion's scheme, and by extension, making everything else a subvertion. Do whatever, it will benefit the Legion in the medium term, and anti-Legion in the long run.
So we are told to keep going and make it up as we go. At least we got the troops to back it up. I thought it was a major success to recruit 400 prisoners, and now it feels kinda silly to make a big deal out of it.
It's hard to wrap my mind around the idea the two Fireblades concocted. We can barely rule a minor kingdom! But then, I suppose, we should keep up the practice.
The things to do for the next turn would be... rescuing the Forsaken prisoners as Sylvanas and Fairbanks wanted, maybe looking at the demon situation at Tol Barad which has deteriorated to a precarious point. We need to finish the industry action, settle in our new arrivals, organize our orcish administration (we are direly in need of envoys and diplomats; Grok's been doing everything by himself so far), follow up on Kul Tiran invitation, and possibly get to know our new commanders/blademasters. Kartha is going to have her hands full looking for infiltrators and spies.
Huh. Didn't expect the scope of what is going on here. There go my hopes of ever seeing this quest to completion.
But it makes sense, given the ambitions of people involved. I did not think we'd come out of this trying to look like a Legion agent. I knew we look that way to an outside observer, but thought Grok was oblivious to it and would be rather insulted at the idea. He couldn't muster deceit to save his life, and now look at his impersonation skills!
Alas, this conversation didn't satisfy my immediate need for direction; instead it gave us a goal so big anything could be considered moving towards it. This is not made easier by the setting making everything the Legion's scheme, and by extension, making everything else a subvertion. Do whatever, it will benefit the Legion in the medium term, and anti-Legion in the long run.
So we are told to keep going and make it up as we go. At least we got the troops to back it up. I thought it was a major success to recruit 400 prisoners, and now it feels kinda silly to make a big deal out of it.
It's hard to wrap my mind around the idea the two Fireblades concocted. We can barely rule a minor kingdom! But then, I suppose, we should keep up the practice.
The things to do for the next turn would be... rescuing the Forsaken prisoners as Sylvanas and Fairbanks wanted, maybe looking at the demon situation at Tol Barad which has deteriorated to a precarious point. We need to finish the industry action, settle in our new arrivals, organize our orcish administration (we are direly in need of envoys and diplomats; Grok's been doing everything by himself so far), follow up on Kul Tiran invitation, and possibly get to know our new commanders/blademasters. Kartha is going to have her hands full looking for infiltrators and spies.
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I'm not sure if we can handle the domestics at this time. Those time limiteds are problem to handle.
Still when it comes to the scourge warfront we can delegate in the future that what commander decides to try, the warchief is flexible on the method.
Maybe Felgranddad knows a lot more about handling the demons.
I suppose the other thing Feldad is a proponent to studying the Fel is how the shamans of his time changed to being a warlock. Drek Thar being one of them before he switched back helped make him see the idea of shamans in a lower level though logically they are still useful.
It comes back to Gul Dan who proceeded to banish the elementals of Draenor with the cipher of damnation. Quite a spectacle that must be. Being witness to someone who besides subverting their ancestral worship before proceeding to bitch slap the wrath of their worship for turning away from them.
Still when it comes to the scourge warfront we can delegate in the future that what commander decides to try, the warchief is flexible on the method.
Maybe Felgranddad knows a lot more about handling the demons.
I suppose the other thing Feldad is a proponent to studying the Fel is how the shamans of his time changed to being a warlock. Drek Thar being one of them before he switched back helped make him see the idea of shamans in a lower level though logically they are still useful.
It comes back to Gul Dan who proceeded to banish the elementals of Draenor with the cipher of damnation. Quite a spectacle that must be. Being witness to someone who besides subverting their ancestral worship before proceeding to bitch slap the wrath of their worship for turning away from them.
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Kir the Wizard
The Sun King
- Location
- Ukraine
Yes, indeed. Well, with the Forsaken we intended to have 1 turn away anyway, so we should definitely engage next turn.
With land expanded westwards, we should also hopefully settle both orcs & humans where we can. Maybe also take the mage diplomacy action for a diplo attempt to save the Forsaken?
With industry and gunpowder failing we are ill-prepared for the Scourge campaign, but there is little choice but to join the fray, is there?
We can but it means leaving others to rot or leave them to see if the dice is on their side or not.
We have Gilnean artillery units at hand from the Gilneas campaign besides the fel orc reinforcements raring to go against undead.
Other than clarifying objectives and the situation, Grok has much needed reinforcements to bolster merc missions. Of the important ones it's the one with the scarlets and the demon prison because with the reinforcements there is now additional options towards subduing the demons which can include doing more Myzraels as a result of Grok's view of the fel or just have a talk. Talking has gotten him the allegiance of the Demonswords.
The scourge is far more simple. Many undead have been sent to hammer the Scarlets. The trolls under Zuljinn have also joined in but the Scarlets themselves have taken a battering. It's not good to let them out to dry despite what we truly know about Danrothan OOC. Them losing reverses the victory at Naxxramas so they must be assisted.
Thanks to the new reinforcements there is also the use of the fel as an option besides just the strength of fel orcs with the Demonswords. A worthwhile combo against an enemy that you don't have to allow much leniency to. The warlocks if they captured undead especially liches or necromancers could even sacrifice them under the circumstances and get away with it.
- Location
- St. Petersburg
...why?
I know what is there to be gained from tending to the Forsaken and suspect what might be the benefit of killing off runaway demons, or whatever the trouble with the prison is.
But what is happening that we must bail out Scarlets? The conflict won't see an end anytime soon, not in 1 turn, not in ten turns more. Next turn will bring in better rolls, and possibly better fortunes. I don't think it's so dire as to require our involvement. It's not decisive, and we already got more for our service than we can process.
On the other hand, if they pay us in what we are otherwise lacking, why not?
- Location
- United Kingdom
Couple of points:
1. I'm generally pretty flexible regarding actions, as per previous exmaple like the Saptha stuff in Razor Hill in the first arc, I'm fine with combining actions for efficiency if there's a credible argument from voters. Currently you have several actions relating to Dalaran and the Kirin Tor. If you were in Dalaran to sort out the Violet Hold then you wouldn't need to take an additional action to negotiate the release of the forsaken. You wouldn't go there, then come back then go again, that would be silly.
2. Happy with the reception of the chapter so glad most people seem to have enjoyed it.
3. I've updated several of the sidestory posts which deal with military strength, character sheet etc. I need to do the quest summary one and the deeds one still.
And now onto the replies
Re magic, lots of things are possible. Even if Grok has an academic understanding of the Fel, it's supposed to be sacrificial magic which is one reason he's never used it. I'm open to potentially him doing in future but you've also got an action to go learn about the light
Oh and of course he's also being mind controlled by a dragon and the Dark Horde being used as ablative armour to protect that dragonflight
There's a few Fireblades about, like Arnak, who is probably Grok's uncle or cousin.
Despite this though there's very few women involved. Grok so far doesn't really have a mother for exmaple.
I understand the frustration with the size of the task, but I did want to give some general direction to the narrative.
For the moment the scourge are the immediate threat, then you've got Rend and the confrontation with him looming after that. But for now, just 'tidying up' is fine as the task of this arc.
It also follows Grok's general thoughts at the start of this arc. He's managed a lot in terms of diplomacy, so if he capitalised on that, much the better.
You could certainly finish it in 10 turns, or less indeed. There are resurgent Scourge forces which need to be destroyed, and then you need to maybe go burn the Vrykul shipyards down in Howling Fjord. That would resolve the problem for now and allow Datheohan the time to prepare an expeditionary force. You can also negotiate for particular further rewards depending on what you'd like to do.
The situation generally is indeed much improved from before, but there's still stuff to be done and the Scourge have responded to the yours and Dathrohan's efforts with their own reactions
1. I'm generally pretty flexible regarding actions, as per previous exmaple like the Saptha stuff in Razor Hill in the first arc, I'm fine with combining actions for efficiency if there's a credible argument from voters. Currently you have several actions relating to Dalaran and the Kirin Tor. If you were in Dalaran to sort out the Violet Hold then you wouldn't need to take an additional action to negotiate the release of the forsaken. You wouldn't go there, then come back then go again, that would be silly.
2. Happy with the reception of the chapter so glad most people seem to have enjoyed it.
3. I've updated several of the sidestory posts which deal with military strength, character sheet etc. I need to do the quest summary one and the deeds one still.
And now onto the replies
Indeed I'm glad it came off as significant. There was a danger of it feeling a bit flat but cool that it wasn't.
Re magic, lots of things are possible. Even if Grok has an academic understanding of the Fel, it's supposed to be sacrificial magic which is one reason he's never used it. I'm open to potentially him doing in future but you've also got an action to go learn about the light
Tbh that's basically it, he's not a super complex guy in the comics.
I'm glad it was credible. I can understand why people have an issue sometimes just because of how I write stuff up, but I'll keep them in I expect.
I'll need to update it yea
They are indeed, so I'll probably need to roll to see if this provokes Rend in some way. Problem with him is also though that he's stuck doing garrison stuff and finds it difficult to project power meaningfully
Oh and of course he's also being mind controlled by a dragon and the Dark Horde being used as ablative armour to protect that dragonflight
Almost all the names characters are canon. Some of them are shifted about a bit or have slightly different names, but generally I draw from existing stuff or fit things in as necessary.
There's a few Fireblades about, like Arnak, who is probably Grok's uncle or cousin.
Despite this though there's very few women involved. Grok so far doesn't really have a mother for exmaple.
very much so, but so are the Dwarves for exmaple given that their religion stems from Titan worship and their connection to the Earthen. It's nostalgia, it's a cultural history based on the past, but…
it's also a state building project which certain cultural figures use to unite their people. If the Hordes earliest people can represent the orcs as having a shared cultural legend for example they can be more effective in their stuff
This is also a problem yes, they have relatively little time as a cohesive society rather than merely a series of disconnected tribes
While I find it amusing sometimes to write ignorant or unreliable narrators, for this which is basically Feldad reading a wiki page, it is indeed useful not to have grok exclaiming 'oh wow I didn't know that' every few paragraphs.
So while grok has always been aware that he needs to be a bit careful about such things, yes this is a circumstance where he's certainly finding it more difficult to honourably navigate. He's not going to go about winking at people and nudging them with his elbow, but yes he's certianly come to a more complex understanding of his situation.
If you need it, the main priorities currently are the Scourge and Rend externally, and managing the internal Alliance politics and the Alterac Horde's existence internally.
I understand the frustration with the size of the task, but I did want to give some general direction to the narrative.
For the moment the scourge are the immediate threat, then you've got Rend and the confrontation with him looming after that. But for now, just 'tidying up' is fine as the task of this arc.
It also follows Grok's general thoughts at the start of this arc. He's managed a lot in terms of diplomacy, so if he capitalised on that, much the better.
You could certainly finish it in 10 turns, or less indeed. There are resurgent Scourge forces which need to be destroyed, and then you need to maybe go burn the Vrykul shipyards down in Howling Fjord. That would resolve the problem for now and allow Datheohan the time to prepare an expeditionary force. You can also negotiate for particular further rewards depending on what you'd like to do.
The situation generally is indeed much improved from before, but there's still stuff to be done and the Scourge have responded to the yours and Dathrohan's efforts with their own reactions
The merc missions always leave rewards.
But I want to make sure Tirion and other reasonable to a degree members live and continue ways to usurp or sabotage Danrothan.
It will also smooth the way for building Alliance and paladin relations besides giving less ammo to the Scarlet bishop in Alterac.
Other than that it strengthens Feldad's excuses that his son is taking the Burning Blade reinforcements to deal with the Burning Legion traitor Ner Zhul. It is also an auspicious opportunity to win a major victory and be acclaimed a warchief.
- Location
- Cave
Mmm, yeah the more dire their situation becomes the more likely one of the good guys goes down doing some hero stuff.
And we'll be rewarded decently I'm sure, its a solid value proposition for other options to compete against.
I can only pray we'll start the blademaster build up. We've got enough seniors for a group of officers.
- Location
- United Kingdom
And some other points regarding previous info posts. Happily, in the post itself I mentioned:
On some of the points mentioned after the latest chapter, like this:
Regarding where the extra 20k Burning Blade Orcs came from, firstly, I perhaps just underestimated their size in the original numbers infopost, and secondly, yes they'll have been aggressively absorbing other clans and groups when they can. The cell system that Gul'dan started is quite effective for fooling people into thinking that the Burning Blade stuff is actually all approved by Thrall, and Thrall's been politically paralysed by Feldad. As such we might understand that I underestimated their size by a few thousand and also they've been trying to absorb others. The Burning Blade are the largest single organisation of the Shadow Council, they maintain the largest number of 'guys with swords' that might be needed at some point. They've been recruiting and pretending it's for the Horde, while socially engineering and indoctrinating their recruits.
'Hey you just got here from Orgrimmar here's some soup and stuff also why are you so afraid of the pitlord over there its fine everyone knows the Burning Blade is the demon clan, oh look over there there's some centaur lets go get the pitlord and kill them its fine dont worry about it, also btw the fel is great do you want some'
As for Ner'zhul, yea Feldad will be very aware of the specifics, he's interacted with dreadlords a bit so knows they hate the Scourge.
I emphasise this. It's more to give a vague idea about the sort of proportions you're dealing with, not necessarily exact numbers. In particular I want to emphasise the utter poverty of some clans vs others like the Blackrock who are massively dominant.
On some of the points mentioned after the latest chapter, like this:
Yes Grok is leading a significant force now. He's still outnumbered in raw numbers, but his forces are a lot more conentrated and he can actually them rather than having to maintain such a large number of garrison troops.
Regarding where the extra 20k Burning Blade Orcs came from, firstly, I perhaps just underestimated their size in the original numbers infopost, and secondly, yes they'll have been aggressively absorbing other clans and groups when they can. The cell system that Gul'dan started is quite effective for fooling people into thinking that the Burning Blade stuff is actually all approved by Thrall, and Thrall's been politically paralysed by Feldad. As such we might understand that I underestimated their size by a few thousand and also they've been trying to absorb others. The Burning Blade are the largest single organisation of the Shadow Council, they maintain the largest number of 'guys with swords' that might be needed at some point. They've been recruiting and pretending it's for the Horde, while socially engineering and indoctrinating their recruits.
'Hey you just got here from Orgrimmar here's some soup and stuff also why are you so afraid of the pitlord over there its fine everyone knows the Burning Blade is the demon clan, oh look over there there's some centaur lets go get the pitlord and kill them its fine dont worry about it, also btw the fel is great do you want some'
This is one thing I'm trying to improve in my writing here. I want to be able to consistently represent themes in my work so good that it's apparent.
Depends what you mean. Grok heard about it from Westwind/Mal'ganis, informed other individuals will know about the situation in other areas. For example, I'm sure Dalaran has send requests for assistance to the Scarlet Crusade, which Dathrohan has probably ignored because he's a dreadlord etc. Feldad would have advised on the respawn mechanics of demons and how if Grok kills them they'll just respawn. Given Feldad is trying to weaken the legion he would be suggesting that binding/imprisoning them would be the best thing to do, but killing them and having them respawn is still better than them escaping and wrecking stuff.
As for Ner'zhul, yea Feldad will be very aware of the specifics, he's interacted with dreadlords a bit so knows they hate the Scourge.
- Location
- St. Petersburg
Ah, I didn't realize we were so close to the goal. To me, the Scourge is a recurring problem with nigh infinite recovery potential. I don't know what could be done to render one of its commanders dead for good, and the dead are plentiful.
We kinda want the threat to be ever-present to justify the continued use of clan forces. But the other point stands; we made the Scourge our target of choice when we sailed to Lordaeron as an exile, so ending it (locally) would justify the end of the exile to many.
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I see fel usage in a different light now as a result of Grok meeting others that use it. Things got more complicated.
Feldad himself has been teaching his son even subtly to be more to put it worldly and more tolerant of dangerous magic.
I do think Grok would also get to learn more if he could have a heart to heart talk with both Thrall and Dal Rend. Both war chiefs and both with their flaws and strengths towards understanding the orcish future.
The talk with Thrall would be actually pretty great in the difficulties of leadership and also the matter of shamanism and reverence for the elements when last time Drek Thar made a deal with an ice elemental for blood sacrifices or something to that effect.
Grok above all prizes honour while he hates hypocrisy and duplicity.
I felt like Feldad could give comments on Grok's progress or possible Merc missions on standby that can be taken. I think he must've liked Grok owning a dragon. Something to be really proud of.
Did he have anything to say on the warlocks that claimed to be Burning Blade?
I suppose after Feldad's conversation was done he talked with Haorumush and other BB related characters and established the pecking order especially the warlocks who were at the portal.
Sesk if he talked to him must be like well done looking after my son. Continue like you did before.
While Ishi's death was like what a shame but my son lived which is what Ishi's purpose as a bodyguard served.
Then the warlock and the fel tauren was also similar. What a shame but they made sure my son lived.
He might be more suspicious of the twilight warlock but it's probably more of just advice for Grok to treat the newcomers carefully and not show weakness.
Then let's see for Ner Zhul. He probably said some interesting things on Ner Zhul who despite what happened has managed to do what Orgim failed to do with the alliance. From a failed revered shaman to some soul bound in armor and encased in ice.
Someone to compare the teacher to his apprentice Gul Dan.
Once they're temporarily beaten off then they can advance BB interests with Alterac as a springboard.
Grok and Feldad have already agreed to the plan. Feldad strengthens his position at Kalimdor while Grok does the same on the other side.
The scourge will come back again and again.
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Chimeraguard
We do deserve to exist.
Come to think of it, it seems like it's not that different from what Grok's been doing. Orcs who have few prospects in life otherwise (in Grok's case, IIRC there were a lot of petty Orc raider bands plus the various Lordaeron/Azeroth Orcs who were isolated from Thrall all the way over in Kalimdor, in the core Burning Blade's case, the mass of Clanless that are rapidly becoming the urban poor underclass of Ogrimmar) signing on with a warleader/Clan that's being greatly successful in the current environment.
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- Location
- St. Petersburg
I missed it at first, but when it said "Warlocks gained" it meant Nagaz and everyone else at the encampment, right? They claim allegiance to the Burning Blade, and we are a chief.
What were they up to all this time? Yes, I can see the demons and the camp, but I'd like a full update.
What were they up to all this time? Yes, I can see the demons and the camp, but I'd like a full update.
- Location
- United Kingdom
This is massively dependent on the specific objectives of the campaign. Currently, Dathrohan and the Crusade have done an admirable job militarily, diplomatically and strategically. All the nations of the Alliance, and even other powers like the Amani and the Orcs, are now largely on board with the Crusade's aims. The weight of almost the entire continent is pressing against the Scourge. Dathrohan in his assault on Anderhol and Naxxramas managed to significantly improve the strategic sitution and the supply lines of the Scourge. After taking Anderhol, and also Grok securing Arathi and Alterac, Dathrohan has imrpoved his interior lines, enabling much better supply from the Dwarves and Stormwind.
The Scourge's power in Lordaeron hasn't been broken by any means, but significant forces have been reduced in power. Many of the commanders in Naxxramas were killed, and many of the Scourge troops also killed when during various operatioons since. Some of those commanders have been patched back together, but this takes up resources each time, it's not easy or cheap, and it occupies the time of various personnel elsewhere.
The Crusade's advances were so significant that the Scourge have deployed stuff early. They had various monsters lying in wait, as well as the Vrykul preparing and waking up, and so on and so on. It's not quite 'Volksturm' levels of desperation, but these were forces the Scourge were hoping to use against other targets. They were preparing their operations, for example constructing other necropoli, fighting the War of the Spider against the Nerubians. Arthas was making his new Order of the Ebon Blade which has been significantly disrupted by Grok's attack on the Death Knight Quater. Now though they're spending those forces trying to reduce the Scarlets again, trying to build up their stocks of reserves to advance again, and also trying to restore their command and control network.
Dathrohan has been calling in favours and arranging plans. You'll see this a bit in the next chapter but Dathrohan is strengthening his international coalition and bringing in people from other kingdoms etc. He's preparing to throw the Scourge out, and then to make a move on Howling Fjord to start making his way into Northrend. This is a fairly credible strategy, and if he managed to get the Scourge out, overthrow their final bastions etc and resettle some of the land then he'd be able to probably keep the Scourge out for good. His plans are to use the Howling Fjord to overtake the Vrykul and then start to wear the Scourge in Northrend down. The Nathrezeim have a decent idea of what's going on in Northrend because they used to have bases up there when they were controlling the Scourge etc.
The Scourge do, in theory, have a very high ability to recover casualties and so on, yes, but that's only of certain troop types, and ones which the Crusade are very good at dealing with. They also need set up time as well as the ability to position their necromancers and reanimators. They lost Stratholme, Scholomance, Naxxramas, Anderhol and their other bastions where they had their R&D, logistics and command centres etc, and these are the things the Crusade has been targetting.
The forces currently are with Grok, unless he deigns to activate the portal again, which he could just not do if he didn't want to, it would be a significant logistical effort to ship all those orcs back across the sea.
It could be cool, but it would be fraught with risk from each of the three sides and therefore unlikely to happen
No doubt they did indeed discuss such things, if off screen. It was already a 10k long chapter, there was no real reason to write out 'oh huh yea weird you've got a dragon where did you get that' etc. But you may certainly imagine him making such remarks.
Nagaz, Flamescowl and Marez were all there, as well as Brolic and Redjaw the blademasters. All the rest of the named warlocks and blademasters are from Desolace (though they may have been in other places previously). I wrote out the named people because I wanted to be able to remember who they were in case I want to bring them up at another point. While I don't have every person named, I'd like to be able to call on people when I need to basically.
Saruk for example is a very old blademaster, Takata is a practical one used to working with warlocks, Rahjak is sort of Sesk mk2 but more active and can be used to provide drama, and Mankrik is a meme.
As for what the Argus Wake has been up to, basically they were trying to infiltrate the Alliance in Lordaeron, and were trying to control the area through the Syndicate. Grok dismantled that so they tried to pull their forces back in to join up with Perenolde, that didn't work and they finally tried to just make a run for it and get to the fortresses in the mountains. The syndicate remnants though deserted, leaving just the Argus Wake and their human wizards they'd been training. Knowing they couldn't do much with this they tried to play Grok and Haomarush off against eachother, that didn't work either and so they went over to the Demongate and tried to use some of the research they had planned like the Searing Collars on demons and the Fel animals. This sort of worked and they would have stayed there building up forces and trying to get the Legion to reinforce them, while maybe infiltrating Grok's warband with demon supporters, but that didn't really work as Grok confrotned them and reinforced his authority. So basically they tried a few differnet things are were quite adaptable, but were overwhelmed by circumstances.